he sun is shining, the last of the snow is melting, barnacle geese are flying around and birds are singing across the merse. What a beautiful day! Far too nice to spend it indoors. 

We have a busy Easter school holidays planned, starting with an Easter Scavenger Hunt on Sunday from 11-4. Drop in to the Visitor Centre to pick up a challenge sheet. Then there are family activities on Wednesdays and Fridays and guided walks too, check out the events page to find out more! The visitor centre is open as normal between 10-5 over the Easter weekend.

Recent sightings from Thursday 28th March: 1018 barnacle geese, 382 oystercatcher, 82 ringed plover, 86 curlew, 32 golden plover, 26 dunlin, 41 shelduck, 42 wigeon, 55 teal, 12 redshank, woodcock, snipe, gadwall, mallard, shoveler and lapwing. The feeding station has been busy too with the cold weather, goldfinch and many other small birds have been visiting.

I can also announce that thanks to everybody's efforts for the sponsored walk we raised just over £920 for the reserve which will really help our conservation efforts for the barnacle geese, natterjack toads and much more! Thanks to National Science and Engineering Week as well for their support.

Finally, watch Countryfile on Sunday evening, 31st March, to find out more about our