Legless!

Not us!

We rescued this slow worm this morning. I've never seen one before. Rich spotted it as we drove to see if botanist Margaret was around. Sadly she wasn't but in case she was still doing her morning walks, we drove a mile down the road and happened across this fella, seemingly stuck on the curbside. Hazards on, we jumped out, stopped a car from driving over him, took a quick photo and popped him up into the grass - where he shot off like lightning! Nice to see he was OK.

I didn't know it was different but Rich spotted its stubby tail where it looks like it's lost it previously.

This and a later stoat were our wildlife finds after having an early morning walk to High Force and seeing birds chasing off a tawny owl through the pine trees.

Very exciting!