Gordon Waterhouse, of Hedgegrove, Sorley Cross, Kingsbridge, writes: Bryan Ashby and I want to thank all the many friends who have attended our natural history classes. We have decided to retire after seventeen years. Kingsbridge Community College asked us if we would start the classes in 1997. They have covered the Kingsbridge estuary, the rivers Avon and Dart, the coast, Slapton Ley, Andrew's Wood, wildlife ­gardens, especially those of Bryan and Jane and of Wolfgang and Frances Link, and the Isles of Scilly. Most of these themes had been revisited around four times by 2014. We owe much to Chris Pierce, who has been a great teacher and help to Bryan and myself. He has shared his skills in hide photography and joined us in some of the classes, showing his remarkable slides, including surprise items from around the world. The staff at Harbour House, and before that at Tresillian, have given us much friendly support. My own debt to Bryan and Jane Ashby is enormous. Bryan's friendship, his wonderful ­photography and wise advice have been a major influence on Barbara and myself. Bryan and I have tried to pass on our love of natural ­history. Our students, all young at heart, have given us back so much in return. We are really grateful to you all and hope to continue to meet you at the monthly meetings of the Kingsbridge Natural History Society at Charleton. As our hero George Montagu wrote: 'Every link in the great chain of nature is important.'