Daylight is increasing, temperatures and sap rising, and amphibious activity abounds ….

frog images courtesy of Eoin Daly

and Spring as seen from the Shady Place

a welcome return for green shoots and a blue sky

It has been mentioned that this page is a bit out of sync with the seasons, and so here’s a view shot in September, but this was September 1992 – our formal open day. Star guest David Bellamy has his back to the camera though …..

but just to show that things have been happening, our resident pair of woodpecker busy earlier this year …

Springtime is coming!

With an obvious eye for a view, Soonu Dilke sent us this photo of the Mere (with the willow basket sculpture on the opposite bank) taken on a sunny afternoon in March…

Many thanks Soonu, we look forward to more of your photos in the future.

a misty, moisty morning view, recently provided by one of our members

the best time to appreciate the aesthetics of our shed?

 It’s that time of year.

A heron on sentry duty in the willow tree, looking for a snack in or on the water below. Duckling and fish as likely targets.

….and a fox lurking in the undergrowth, probably heading for nearby back gardens

The flooding of a year ago is practically forgotten.

A clear, cold and still morning on site to do a bit of general tidying and a few sightings in the process, all seen on the mere within 15 minutes or so;

………… a kingfisher enjoying the sunshine

a tufted duck …….

the ubiquitous mallard showing his colours …….

……………………..  and is that a little grebe? ….

Spring is almost sprung!

Big garden birdwatch!

Little egret and water rail seen behind the ageing willow.

Don’t believe me?

Here’s the water rail at least ….

An elusive creature, more easily spotted in winter.

This is the first time I’ve managed to get a shot of one.

(and not with a telephone!)

The site has just about recovered from the deluge.

Here are a couple of close encounters during recent site clearance activity:

the larva of a cinnabar moth feeding on ragwort

        ringlet butterfly during a brief rest in flight

     a skipper basking in the sun

And this was all under water a few months ago!

a valiant attempt to divert the river !

which is now running into the drainage channel and flowing backwards to the site