Arrival of Spring

Although Winter isn't officially over, now that the strong winds associated with the recent named storms have eased, there is a definite feeling of Spring in the air. Earlier in the week, Andrew Gillings captured this photo of a beautiful Hare posing on the boardwalk.

Today, the first frog of the year was observed outside the Field Centre. Overhead, Buzzards soared high on thermals and a pair of calling Kestrels flew overhead as the volunteers were enjoying an outdoor lunch.

Off site at Marne, small nest boxes were cleaned out and damaged ones were replaced ahead of the bird breeding season.

Birdsong could be heard all the way around and it won't be long before the Great Tits and Blue Tits begin to build their nests.

One of the woodlands had a carpet of Snowdrops and Winter Aconite.

Back at the reserve, it is the usual race against time to complete any outstanding habitat work before the wildlife swings into action. Ash that was felled for safety reasons was tidied into log piles and brash was burned on a bonfire.

It was hard work dragging branches and piling up heavy logs. At the end of the day, a well earned break involved cooking pancakes on the bonfire ash. 

It was a case of trial and error and the results improved with each attempt!

As always, our sincere thanks to everyone who has helped out so far this week.

Finally, we are hoping to assist the Catterick Garrison Beavers Scout Group who are organising care packages for Ukraine refugees and are asking for secific items:

Bandages

Aniseptic spray

Hygiene products

Sanitary products

Hand towels

Boiled Sweets

If you would like to donate any of the above then please bring them into the Field Centre and leave them in the kitchen.