I was looking out the window and spotted a small animal running along the bottom of the fence. At first I thought it was a rat, I would have been pleased if it was because we used to have a rat come and clear up all the spillage under the bird feeders but since it died I've had to go out and clear it all up. But no it wasn't a rat it was a Weasel (Mustela nivalis).
We're lucky enough to have them living on the reserve, possibly on Left Battery (part of the Fort defences) and we get to occasionally glimpse them as they dive in and out of rabbit holes or run between the protection of the bramble bushes whilst hunting. Weasels are surprisingly small seeing as they can kill an adult rabbit and drag it back to their nest for their young to eat. They are up to 24cm from nose to tail tip, an easier visual is they could fit in a pencil case. They mainly eat small rodents and are active year round. They are prey for hawks, owls, foxes, cats and mink.
Another visitor, one I'll see every day till spring is a Robin (Erithacus rubecula). It flits between the highest branches of the elder and broom, and up to the pots calling out and staking its claim to its winter territory. The habitats on the reserve here are no good for Robins to try and rear young, I think they prefer woodland and urban gardens for that but they come here for winter. It may even be the same one from last winter, though who knows as they all look the same!