Country diary: This cauldron of industry now seethes with wildlife

Derwenthaugh Park, Winlaton Mill, Gateshead: Damselflies, orchids and thumbnail-sized toadlets are just the start of the delights at this country parkOverheard, while eavesdropping on a family argument, on the bridge over the river Derwent: "It's a dragonfly." "No, it's a damselfly." "It's amazing!"They were bewitched by the exquisite bug-eyed, emerald green, needle-bodied insect with gauzy wings, which had settled on a willow leaf near the parapet. A female banded demoiselle damselfly, but what do niceties of nomenclature matter compared with their sheer delight at its balletic aerial performance, snatching flies in midair? Continue reading...