Late Spring

Two photographs taken from more or less the same spot illustrating this year's late spring. The first photo was taken on 18th April 2010. Looking through my library I found the second photograph which was taken on 18th April 2007 - quite a difference!!! Looking through other blogs it seems that in this particular locality we are trailing by upto two weeks. For instance whilst other bloggers are showing bluebells there is no sign of any flower buds, never mind actual flowers. Three days of glorious warm sunshine and today we are back to square one with cloud and a very chilly wind. Better days to come hopefully!!!

Near disaster!! wildlife pond.

About ten days ago there was evidence (hoof prints and droppings) that we had an overnight visit from a pair of muntjac but there was no apparent damage to plants, shrubs or trees. However about that time I was blaming our army of resident rabbits for grazing the young growth of the dwarf bullrushes. Several days after the visit and coinciding with strong blustery winds I noticed that the water level was falling but could not see or find any reason why. A 'hands and knees' eaxamination eventually revealed a hole (concealed by foliage) adjacent to the grazed bullrushes and at long last my brain clicked into gear!! I have carried out a patch job and topped up the water level and I am now closely monitoring the situation with fingers crossed that there is no further damage lower down which at present could be hidden by silt in the bottom.
I am pleased to say that in the brief earlier sunshine I counted twelve newts - now it is a matter of waiting to see what has happened to dragonfly nymphs and other aquatic life.