We have loved Spring!! So many daffodils arrived unexpected and joyful, our plum tree is in blossom and multicoloured poses of primroses are nestled in the grassy banks around the garden. All the birds are extra noisy trying to impress – the bluetits are coupling up and checking out their nesting options. Although one pair of bluetits have had a second viewing around my newest nest box placed in the holly I suspect they have exchanged on a ‘des res’ in the ivy. I’ve been on the look out for nests and have found two wrens, three sparrows, a black birds, pigeons and magpies, all these are around the farm garden, veggie patch or in the eves of the farm house. I have been advised to destroy the magpie nest as they predate the smaller birds. This goes against my live and let live morals, but it would be good to see the magpie’s nemesis the eagle owl reintroduced to this country and return the balance a bit. If you are interested in rewilding and bring back lost species which used to roam the UK (eg pelican, lynx or elephants?!) you must read Rebirding by Benedict Macdonald and Feral by George Monbiot, both are ruthless in their description of mans impact on the natural word and how we have lost sight of the abundance of nature which there once was, and most importantly how to return it.
We spotted our first bee on the 25th February, and a few days later rescued another with a honey and water mix as he emerged looking a bit sorry for himself. With the pre-easter warm spell we have a host of miner bees drilling into the crumbling cob at the end of the garage. It is quite a swarm.
We were very excited to see the first swallows on 29th March, they were flying over our farm to the east, and now I can’t wait to welcome back our swallows into their home of the garage rafters to rest and raise their young.
A few days ago we experienced the lowest tide we’ll have all year so I walked down to see the expanse of rock and sand. Greencliff Rock was on display (in the photo above with the waves breaking on it) and the beach looked huge. In some of the rock pools were these fabulous glistening strawberry anemones.
Our big news is that we have started our regeneration with tree planting!! We are in the proud procession of about 325 goat willow and 25 alder from Andy Bell at The North Devon Biosphere, thank you!! The trees are just whips but we hope they will grow well as our Boatlake field is the perfect setting – the ground is damp most of the year and it is protected from the wind. We are planting along the small stream at the edge of our boundary and into the field, continuing the narrow tree corridor which is already there. The willows bloom in spring with catkins providing nectar and pollen, grow up quite scrubby which the birds love and the insects are keen too. Also as the sheep grazing is reduced the grass will have more structure to it which the mice and voles and consequently the kestrels will enjoy. Many thanks also to the local volunteers Phil, Phil and Noel who helped plant trees at a tremendous pace earlier this week, and showed me how the professionals do it! More photos to follow next month x
Your monthly posts keep getting better and better. The garden hedgerows look a picture. A wonderful spring surprise for you. Cant wait to come and see it all again.
Great to know all the birds are thriving but beware the magpies – they wreak havoc with the small ones even in our garden so I would certainly get rid of their eggs. Our Kenmore friends saw their first 2 magpies ever in Argyll!
Maybe the swallows were heading up there.
Well done with the planting with all your local friends helping. I saw the Countryfile programme where the expert planter was putting them in at a terrific rate and I thought of you all.
Hope to see you soon
Jimmy
Wonderful. We planted a load of willow (I think) whips a couple of years ago at the boat club and it amazing to see how they have come on this Spring.