11. Rural Reading - signpost routes to the river

I had a friend who lives in rural Australia to stay for a few days.

12. Rural Reading - new arrivals for a change in season

The last few days of sunny weather bring a fitting end to the summer. It has been wonderful to get out in the crisp early morning when the air is clear and fresh, and then to go out in the heat of the day which is warm and pleasant.

13. Rural Reading - species slowly killing off river

I was lucky enough to be asked to help with a bit of vermin control along a river near Reading last weekend.

14. Rural Reading: Mushroom hunting with my iPhone

One of the spectacular events of the autumn is the appearance of toadstools or mushrooms.

15. Rural Reading: Ivy cushions move to darker days

Now the days are shorter than the nights we are definitely heading towards autumn, and everything about summer is fading fast.

16. Rural Reading: Jays are natures' tree planters

I have never been entirely convinced that tree planting is a good idea.

17. Rural Reading: Fishing for a glimpse of wildlife

It looks like we are in for a good weekend – if the weather forecasters are to be believed.

18. Rural Reading: Kingfisher flashes past my river spot

I recently promised myself a fishing trip to spend a few hours sitting by the river watching the water flow by.

19. Rural Reading: American crayfish make a tasty dish

20. Rural Reading: Unusual sights and saving a lost swan

I had a most amazing day out today. I awoke in the dark with the wind whistling through the leaves of the silver birch tree outside my bedroom window.