Weekend Update
Posted by KaySquirrel on May 28th, 2006
Yesterday, we went to Brighton. Thanks to an overcast sky, it wasn’t very crowded at all. The rain held off, though, and we were able to stroll around without getting soaked!
Today, we decided to pick up a pasta salad from Morrison’s and have lunch in Prestwood Nature Reserve’s picnic area. We spotted a lovely red bug who was kind enough to pose for a few pictures!
Apparently it’s a cardinal beetle — so pretty!
The best part of the day was when I met a slow worm!!! It was about 20 - 25 cm long, and pale beige with no markings, like the one in this picture. They’re not snakes, but legless lizards! They have eyelids, although unfortunately I wasn’t quite close enough to see if it winked at me or anything.. Contrary to its name, this one moved pretty fast — I didn’t have time to snap a photo before it he disappeared back below the undergrowth. 
They’re a protected species, and not seen very often, so I was really lucky to have happened across one! 
Slow Worm Crossing ;)