Even though we have had some rain recently, the water tables around here remain very low. Ponds that should be ponds are muddy holes. It has, however, allowed us to do scrub clearance around the bird sanctuary pond. Here, the bird ringers continue to have a good year, so the bramble bashing, scratches etc. are… Read More

The seasons are changing fast and early, but not the temperature. I ate my first ripe blackberry in July this year and have a container of them in the freezer. The apples have been coming off the trees, even the russet in the garden thinks it’s time to drop its load. Trees are under stress… Read More

The outside temperature gauge is saying 29.8 degrees C as I write this. The grass is brown and yet as I look at the Buddleia in the front garden, there are more butterflies and bees than I have ever seen on it. I do wonder if plants are making more nectar than normal to attract… Read More

Read on for lots of positive wildlife news! After a hot week last week, the temperature has cooled considerably. This morning was a cool 7 degrees centigrade when we walked down to the Visitor Centre to meet up with the other volunteers to divide up and go the 9 Breeding Bird routes. Everybody seemed full… Read More

This time of the year on the reserve is all about migration, emerging from hibernation, or in the case of many insects a pupa or larva. It’s always an exciting time to see the first of the year. The chiffchaffs are in the full song and the blackcaps and the newly arrived willow warblers are… Read More