Sunday 14th: Valentine’s day is the perfect day to find out a little more about the love life of our local wildlife with some intriguing sound recordings from the secretive Bittern and nocturnal Nightjars.
Woodpigeon: Ray Kennedy (rspb-images.com)
Interestingly, some of our male garden birds including Chaffinches and Robins display their brightest plumage at this time of the year to attract a female ready for the mating season in spring. If you'd like to share some love in your garden this valentines day, you might like to make a bird cake as a special treat for your garden birds or perhaps put up a bird box as February and March is the time many birds start looking for suitable nesting sites.
Maybe instead of buying a bunch of beautiful red roses, you’d like to consider planting a shrub or climbing new rose in the garden that will benefit wildlife. David Austen list their varieties of bee friendly roses, many of which are in stock as bare roots and ready to plant out at this time of year in time for the spring. A bare root of course doesn't look anywhere near as beautiful as luscious red blooms! - but unlike a bunch in a vase, the flowers on the plant outside will just keep on giving to you and the pollinators for weeks on end through summer.
The February show the love campaign is all about taking action on climate change. You can take part by creating your own green heart, voicing your views on social media and contacting your local mp to push for change. The RSPB are one of the 130 supporting members of the Climate Coalition and there is lots of inspiration online with action packs, downloadable posters and cards to send to your mp.
The Suffolk Wildlife trust offer their suggestions for the five most wildly romantic things to do this valentines day; all involving appreciating the great outdoors.
If you’d prefer to stay warm and cosy inside through this cold snap, perhaps enjoy the wildlife special episode of "Love your Garden" on ITV hub. and start getting inspired for the warmer seasons ahead.
However you choose to love your garden and wildlife, we all wish you a very happy valentine’s day from the Flatford Wildlife team.
The Flatford Wildlife Garden is now closed for the rest of the winter season. Details of re-opening in Spring 2021 will be posted on this blog and the Flatford Wildlife Garden Website.