Judges Kathleen Unsworth and Dave Marsden had a formidable task in selecting winning images from the 47 entries, as so many were worthy of prizes. The Junior prize was won by Erin Neesham of Holme, who found a colourful subject named "Fungus on Dead Wood". Senior first place went to Tom Dale of Holme with "Cinnabar Moth Caterpillar" illustrating nature at work in consuming a ragwort plant. In second place was John Wright of Holme with "Colour Woodland" showing the rich greenery of the wooded limestone pavement. Third place was awarded to John Jackson of Burton with his "Autumn Beauty", a Red Admiral butterfly amidst the bracken, one of the most striking of the 25 species of butterflies recorded in the reserve. The quality and variety of photos was a great credit to participants and very pleasing to the organisers from the Home and District Photographic Society and the Reserve Management Committee. A competition album can be viewed in the photo gallery. More photos will be added as copies are received.

A good entry has been received for the LNR 10th Anniversary Photo Competition. Photographs will be on display at the Holme and District Photographic Society's exhibition in Burton Memorial Hall on October 15th and 16th. The transect count for this year indicated fewer butterflies than last year, but better numbers than average. Details will be posted later.

The flight period for large fritillaries is coming to an end, but a High Brown Fritillary was identified last Friday, for the first time this year. The count for High Brown and Dark Green fritillaries has been below average and much lower than last year, but this has been the case across South Cumbria, possibly owing to poor weather during the egg-laying season last July. The late summer hatch of Speckled Wood is evident as they dart around the dappled woodland showing off their creamy-yellow patches on a chocolate background. Their numbers will increase until they fade away at the end of September. Look out too for slowworm on the paths.

In conjunction with Holme and District Photographic Society a competition is to be held for photos taken on this reserve during the summer of 2011.

An introductory walk will be held at the reserve on Sunday 5th June starting at 2.00pm. Entry details will be posted on this website later. There will be prizes for winners and runners-up of Senior and Junior (under 15yrs) categories.

During May many songbirds can be heard including the shy Blackcap and the more common Willow Warbler. Can you tell the difference?

The Small Pearl-bordered butterfly has emerged. In sunshine it stands out against the green foliage with it's bright orange upper wings and silver patches and pearl margins on it's underwings. New photos of this locally common, but nationally in decline, butterfly can be seen in the photo gallery.

Small copper, dingy skipper, orange tip, small heath, speckled wood, peacock, green-veined white and large white have also been seen here this month. 

As spring flowers emerge and birds seek nesting places, some shrubs and trees are in full flower. One of these is Mezereon (Daphne mezereum). A single plant, about 1 metre tall, can be spotted a few yards directly ahead of the entrance to the reserve, after leaving the plantation. It is easily found in mid-March with it's purple flowers and attractive perfume. Soon it will merge into the background as it's leaves grow. Is it a native plant or a garden escapee?