On 6th December (in between lockdowns), I met friends at Coed-y-Dinas Reserve, Welshpool, and we enjoyed a super walk in watery light along the Monty Canal to Berriew. 

We had great fun trying out my new Mammal Mapper app (Mammal Society) on my mobile phone and recorded mole hills and grey squirrels, plus otter spraint under virtually every canal bridge.

Despite it being a first attempt with the app we managed to master the basics and it was a very simple matter to send records off to the Mammal Society. Do give it a try if you have a smartphone; you'll realise how scarce rabbits are right now. 

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a category for spotting Iolo Williams running in his shorts on the towpath, but he was a fine specimen! Excellent close views of herons and red kites were also a bonus. 

For more information and to download the Mammal Mapper app, visit www.mammal.org.uk/volunteering/mammal-mapper