Spider

Starting out on our walk this morning, we immediately came across a nasty-looking Spider in the hedgerow opposite our house.

It turned out to be a particularly striking example of a Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis).  According to the British Arachnological Society (yes, there really is such a thing), "The distinctive silken tents of this spider can be found in great profusion on grassy banks and road verges." The female spider builds her tent to release her spiderlings in having carried her egg sac around with her until the youngsters hatch.  Hence, the name 'Nursery Web' Spider.

Still a nasty-looking critter though!