7 nature stories that happened this week

1) Did you 'hear' about the discovery they made with owls? 

Unlike humans who can expect to lose 30dB of sensitivity by the age of 65, new research has found that barn owls don't lose their hearing as they get older. The scientists involved hope that by studying the owls' incredible ability to repair their inner ears as they age, they might be able to find new treatments for human hearing problems.

2) BBC Inside Out London got up close and personal with a rare bat

Conservationists based in the capital are using tagging technology and thermal imaging cameras to try to preserve the future of the barbastrelle bat.

3) Seal stuck in beach toy recovering well from its injuries

Last week we brought you a story about a grey seal which had become trapped in a beach toy on a popular stretch of coastline in Norfolk. The animal was rescued by Friends of Horsey Seals and taken to RSPB East Winch. We're happy to report that although it will take her many months to fully recover, the mammal is recovering well after undergoing a life saving procedure. A reminder to make sure you leave only footprints at the seaside.

4) Northampton based artists leaves his mark on autumn

Aasen Stephenson carves beautiful pieces of art into fallen leaves. He says that sycamore leaves make for the best creations, especially when pressed between the leaves of a magazine (pardon the pun). His creations are beautiful and have even caught the eye of some serious design talent; Aasen was recently commissioned to produce 28 of the original designs for British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.

He's even done an Autumnwatch one. Thanks Aasen, we're flattered!

5) Record your sightings of red admirals

A huge citizen science project records sightings of these migratory butterflies from the Arctic Circle to the tip of Italy, and they need your help. The butterflies leave the UK at this time of year, heading to warmer southern climates (who can blame them!), but some are still hanging on and if you see one the project wants to know. It's easy to take part; simply download an App and register your sightings from there. It comes as Butterfly Conservation prepare to release of the results of this year's Big Butterfly Count early next week.

6) Your goldfinch garden record 

And while you are out and about searching for butterflies - why not see if you can beat the 15 goldfinches that the BTO recorded in one garden this week? The organisation counted the birds as part of its Garden Bird Watch, and says that is recording generally high numbers of the species so far this September... so what's your record?

7) Autumn is 'officially' here

Today is the Autumn Equinox - the day when day and night are of equal length, and what a start to the season it was. At Autumnwatch HQ in Bristol we were treated to a gloriously clear sky, crisp air and some brilliantly crunchy leaves on the pavement. It means longer nights and shorter days are ahead, but also the return of Autumnwatch - more on that in the coming weeks!