Liz and Rob's garden

Coreus marginatus - Dock Bug

 Coreus marginatus

Coreus marginatus is a herbivorous species of true bug in the family Coreidae. It is commonly known as the dock bug as it feeds on the leaves and seeds of docks and sorrels. It is a medium-sized speckled brown insect, between 13 and 15 mm long as an adult, with a broad abdomen. It occurs throughout Europe, Asia and northern Africa. It is often found in dense vegetation, such as hedgerows and wasteland.  I found the specimen on dried Sorrel at Lark Farm.

Lark Farm Cambridge

We went in search of insects after it had rained yesterday. The ground was hard and cracked but some insects appeared.  Normally, there are spiders at this time of year and an abundance of webs.  I noticed a bee that had just flown into a web but no spider was in residence so we rescued it and it flew away.

 

Battersea Development part 2

As I walked back over Chelsea Bridge to Sloane square I noticed a blue plaque noting the house where Jerome K Jerome wrote "Three Men in a Boat". There were some interesting buildings and sculptures near Chelsea Barracks. 

The Battersea Power staton is soon to be open this Autumn with exclusive shops and restaurants.  A final date has not been given for the opening. There will be a spectacular viewing platform. Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station is set to be a one-of-a-kind chimney lift experience, taking you to the top of the North West chimney for unrivalled 360-degree views of London’s skyline and a truly unique perspective back down onto the historic landmark.

Set to become one of the most exciting viewing platforms in the capital, with views that include both the Shard and London Eye, the glass chimney lift will hold up to 20 visitors and be available to the public as well as for private events. I am sure one will have to pay for the privilege.

Before venturing into Lift 109, visitors will also be able to experience a state-of-the-art immersive exhibition in Turbine Hall A, which celebrates the Grade II listed building’s history and cultural influence.

Battersea Power Station was built in two stages and only started with two chimneys in 1935, before getting the additional two chimneys 20 years later in 1955.

In 1940, RAF pilots use the plumes of white vapour from the chimneys to guide them home in the mist. The Luftwaffe also used the plumes for navigation, which might explain why the Power Station avoided extensive bombing during World War II.

In 1977, an inflatable pink pig floating between the two southern chimneys appeared on the front cover of Pink Floyd’s album, Animals. The inflatable pig was tethered to one of the southern chimneys but lost its moorings and rose to the flight path of Heathrow Airport. Police helicopters tracked its course until it finally landed off the coast of Kent.

Battersea Develpment

Battersea Power station.  The iconic Grade II listed building and surrounding area is being brought back to life as one of the most exciting and innovative mixed use neighbourhoods in the world - a place for locals, tourists and residents to enjoy a unique blend of restaurants, shops, parks and cultural space.