Sunshine At Last!

What a difference the weather can make! The reserve is awash with colour as many wildflowers are at their best during this month. Yellow Iris (also known as Flag Iris or Water Flag) is growing on the lakeside close to the hides adding a welcome splash of brightness!

Staff and volunteers could enjoy getting on with some outdoor tasks without waterproofs for a change. Chaff (waste from Combine Harvesters) was sieved before it was added to large bird feeders. Whilst sifting through the stems and seeds many snail shells were discovered. Nicola had fun identifying which species they were; Three Banded and Seven Banded seemed to be top of the list.

The ground was cleared around the bases of the large wooden hoppers and they were repaired where necessary too. The sieved seeds were then added; these are especially good for finches such as Chaffinch and Bullfinch.

Volunteers also helped with maintaining the aquariums in the classroom, providing fresh water for the ponies, installing new signs, fixing tools, reparing footpaths and strimming. As always, this help is much appreciated.

A little less busy, Lark and Taurus made the most of the dry weather by basking in the warm sunshine and watching the world go by. It's a tough life!