Preparations continue for the arrival of spring, which includes catching up with all the estate work on site, from hanging gates to repairing rails. This is a constant job and we rely heavily on both local and residential volunteers to ensure that the reserves are safe for the arrival of the grazing animals. The wildfowl, particularly the Canada geese and wigeon have provided excellent grazing pressure through the winter, to the degree that I have never seen before. As you look across south from Station Road many of the fields appear slightly yellowish and are so short it looks as though we have used a garden mower – which is great to see. With the change in the weather and the increase in temperatures to maintain this short turf we will soon be thinking of the cows returning as the grass and rush will put on a spurt of growth. Early grazing is a good way to try and reduce the vigour of the rush although an unpalatable species, at this time of year it is probably at its most tasty and the animals are always pleased to get out from their winter housing. Whilst the wigeon have done an excellent job, it is always nice to see the cows return, the reserve looks so bare without them.