foteb.org.uk | Friends of the Emm Brook

Click on the link to send in your sightings info@foteb.org.uk to help us monitor Emm Brook wildlife.This type of ‘citizen science’ allows us to get a clearer picture of what is happening along the Emm.

For previous months sightings see Archive

The "Area Seen" refers to the 11 sections that the Brook has been split into for monitoring purposes (see Wildlife page under Monitoring ).

For what you can expect to see on the Emm this month, click here November

All sightings unless stated are from personal observations by Eddie Napper.

Click on any picture to see a larger image

November 2026
What is this life if full of care , we have no time to stand and stare.
Leisure - W. H. Davies.

Birds

06/11/26 Seen at Skinner Drive Balancing Pond by Paul O'Neill were 2 male Teal first time seen at this site, a male Stonechat and a male and 2 female Reed Bunting.

02/11/26 At the Dinton Activity Centre in Area 10 were 29 Fieldfare heading NNW by Fraser Cottington.

01/1126 In the Area 10 Car park field 25 Fieldfare were seen heading West by Fraser Cottington.

Insects

07/11/26 Its probably about time that the moth trap was put in the shed for the winter,however it was out overnight on 06/11/26 and checked this morning . The catch was 6 moth's of 5 species. Highlights were a Sprawler Asteroscopus sphinx and a Figure of Eight Diloba caeruleocephala . The English name comes from the creamy markings on the forewing, one or both of which can resemble the figure 8. With 2 new moth species added ,the total for 2026 is 283 species.Following inspection and recording/photographing anything caught was released.

01/11/26 Despite decidedly unpromising chilly conditions,the moth trap was out overnight on 31/10/26 and checked this morning . The catch was 8 moth's of 4 species.It was another cooler night with no highlights With no new moth species added ,the total for 2026 is still 281 species.Following inspection and recording/photographing anything caught was released.

Plants/ Trees

07/11/26 Autumn is definetly in full swing with early morning mists and the leaves changing colour and falling along the Emm Brook.

Spiders

Fungi/ Lichen

Do not eat any fungi that have not been properly identified , some are DEADLY when ingested .

07/11/26 In Area 5 a Field Mushroom Agaricus campestris was found in a grassed area during the litter pick.

Reptiles

Fish

Mammals/Amphibians

05/11/26 In Area 10 a Field Vole Microtus agrestis also known as the Short tailed Vole was seen and photographed by Grant Evans. With a population of 75 million, the field vole is one of the UK's most common mammals.