Just a few volunteers on site today, checking on the growth of the wildflowers in the meadow. The showery conditions are suiting the new plants. Really pleased to note that the pasture grass is becoming less dominant - particularly in the areas where mowing and scything has been happening. We cleared the bee bank of weeds to encourage the bird’s foot trefoil to take hold, started on an amphibian wall near the pond and spread more mulch around the woodland trees.

The larch bench had a coat of oil applied - it’s a popular place for walkers to rest at the top of the hill. We’re always pleased to see visitors keeping their dogs on leads and under close control during the nesting season. Hares and ground-nesting birds are sighted regularly and need support.

Tadpoles are very numerous in the pond - no legs visible, but it won’t be long until they change. Also in residence are Great Diving Beetle larvae and Red water fleas - Daphnia. Other invertebrate species, as observed by Richard Matthewman, are listed on the Nature Notes page. Do take a look!