Stag Beetles

Lisa, I have seen them in my back garden a few times over the the past fifteen years or so. Like you, I am always pleased to see Stag Beetles and was surprised to read just now how scarce they are becoming. Do you have a log pile in your garden? I only ask as they feed on decaying wood.

No, I don't. My dog started barking at an empty plant pot and when I investigated I found the male stag beetle. I'm surprised it didn't nip the dog's nose as he was getting that close to it. I found the female stag beetle a couple of days later under a planter I have hanging on the fence. It could be thanks to my neighbour though who doesn't garden and has left his garden totally to nature and wildlife!

Well, the non gardening neighbour has certainly brought the wildlife in ... :o)

that is fantastic. I have log piles but no really interesting beetles yet.

We have a small 'Best Front Garden' competition in Bracknell for which I am one of the judges. Three of our garden entries have reported seeing stag beetles this year so it must be a good year for them

Lucky you, they are more or less confined to the southern part of England, so however many log piles I might leave in North Norfolk - I probably won't see one! Shame.
https://ptes.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/SoBSB_2018.pdf

Nor surprised you are excited - so would I be. I have only ever seen one, on Exmoor.

Okay I'm a wuss and have always admitted it, if I saw one I'd run a mile, would never wish them any harm but I'm relieved they're not here.. How big are they, I tried reading up but it insists on showing me the photo's so I've left it for now, I'll find a page without the pics...

I'm glad you saw the stag beetles again. I've never seen one myself but hope to one day ... maybe !