Male Palmate Newt

With the breeding season finished this teensy little fellow (size, main identification tip) has lost most of his crest and the spur on his tail, and his toes are no longer webbed. His job now is to fatten up on worms for a couple of months before he settles under a rock wrapped in leaf litter for the winter. He's simply adorable.

An early drive down to Bacup today for a Heartstart Train the Trainers course, very relaxed and well within my comfort zone, but still good to pass with flying colours. Even better that the Tutor has enquired about me teaching Outdoor First Aid to his Pre-Service course young adults, proof that if you give your best then the universe often (but not always) gives back.