This wasp is grazing on the a fence. It is chewing off the surface of the wood to make paper for it's nest. This is a very noisy process. It moves backwards as it works leaving a trail of darker wood.
It's not Common Wasp, which has broader yellow markings at the front of the thorax, and my best guess is Median Wasp, Dolichovespula media, but as you say it would be helpful to see the face (and side of thorax) as well.
Median Wasp arrived in Britain in 1980 and has spread widely.
not Common Wasp
It's not Common Wasp, which has broader yellow markings at the front of the thorax, and my best guess is Median Wasp, Dolichovespula media, but as you say it would be helpful to see the face (and side of thorax) as well.
Median Wasp arrived in Britain in 1980 and has spread widely.
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Open University - Biodiversity Observatory