Who needs fine weather to enjoy a nature reserve?

The weather forecast promised a day indoors watching rugby and football on the TV - heavy rain, possible snow, cold wind! Yep, definitely a day to keep warm indoors.

But a phone call from a mother organising her son's birthday party changed my plans. We had already spoken about using our den building area as a way of getting a group of 9 year olds to burn up excess energy and we would also throw in the use of our large tent. I was not expecting the party to go aheaad but the birthday boy was adamant he was up for it!

So off I went to the reserve in 4 layers of clothing to protect me from the elements. The birthday party was already in full swing and amidst the driving rain and cold wind I could hear the sound of excited screaming coming from the den building wood - well someone was enjoying themselves!

After setting up my  work bench under the tent I helped the party invitees make their own next box from the kits I had brought along. What great fun this was despite cold fingers and runny noses. Everyone did a great job on the boxes, fuelled by hot dogs cooked on portable grills. Typical British weather was not going to dampen their enjoyment.

Nest boxes built, they all set off on a treasure hunt around the play meadow, clambering on the tree, running up and down the mysterious mound and generally make the most of the open space.

My job done, I set off to check on our cows who live in our southern meadow. Checking is normally part of the Volunteer Wardens duties but I thought I would have a walk to see our Old English Longhorns even though the weather remained cold and wet.

Reaching the meadow gate I put a few cattle nuts in a tin and shook it to see what reaction I would have from the cows. They were not in sight at first but a few shakes and rattles later they appeared in sight almost jogging towards me. Within a few minutes I had them eating out of my hand and I was genuinely thrilled at this experience - for the first time in my life I was hand feeding these huge beasts - just brilliant.

Who needs  good weather?