When we decided to transform our garden from a narrow band of patchy grass, three dying shrubs and a crumbling asbestos garage, we had three aims; privacy, a sun-drenched, scented patio to enjoy an evening drink on a hot summer's evening and a wildlife mecca.

The first two have been achieved - but the third aim remains elusive. Oh sure, we get birds visiting, a fox uses it as a short cut, the local badger peers wistfully through the gate at night - but our plan centred on a little pond. We envisaged frogs and newts and dragonflies.

We got a large drinking bowl for a thirsty dog.

So today, when a damselfly was spotted hovering above the pond, we were pretty excited. Until it stuck two fingers up at our little pond and decided it would rather perch on the bench between us. It might even have been brazenly trying to cadge some wine and a peanut. Maybe it thought my wine glass was the pond! Fearing for its safety, having seen my ruthless treatment of a fly that tried the same malarky, the OH tried to persuade it to move along. It reluctantly agreed; and perched on my book, until, having apparently got a sneaky look at the ending, it cleared off.

But, such is the perfection of this summer, we were gifted another wildlife moment before I fell flat on my face, a victim of too much sun and my fiercely defended glass of wine. A rustling sound announced a blackbird. He perched on the pebble we had obliging placed by the pond; we quietly preened ourselves on providing a haven from thirst. Alas, he couldn't reach the water level, depleted by Dog's post walk drink. He hopped on to a lily pad. Took a grateful swig of water. Gave a little bow in our direction. Then pounced.

The little beggar has only worked out how to thieve our water snails! The only sign of life in our cherished wildlife pool! (Apart from duckweed). He then battered the snail, thrush-like, and took off.

Good riddance too. Snails have rights too - unless they live in the veg patch.