Blogs are like buses.. there's none for ages and then they all come along at once! Anyway, just realised we have a few things to tell you about so here we go:
First and foremost.. Next Saturday (16th April) is our Big Spring Funday! The day runs from 10 am - 4 pm and there will be plenty to see and do including: Learn about nature, have a go at our trails and wildlife hunts, grab a net for pond dipping, try your hand at our games, make a things, see birds being ringed, paint a picture, plant some flowers, eat some cake, make a badge, and get your face painted! There is also art, photography, bird ringing information, South East Herts Bee group with beekeeping equipment, honey and candle rolling, a tombola, moth trapping, a giant golden egg hunt, candyfloss and ice cream! We hope you'll all join in and support us.
In addition to all this, the 1st April saw the opening of our seasonal trail! Just along from the Ashby hide, you can take a new, usually secret, pathway through to the kingfisher hide.. this goes along the river and you might get some nice views of ducks and swans along here. The trail will be open for all on Saturday.
As well as that we've had some great sightings lately, including Black-tailed godwit, Avocet, Grasshopper warbler, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Willow warbler, Little ringed plover, Marsh Harrier and our first Swallows today! Mating is occurring all over the reserve, and both the kingfishers and kestrels look set to begin incubating eggs. It's an absolutely great time to visit!
For the rest of the Easter holidays, there is still another Minibeast Monday to take part in on Monday, and a couple of bookable Bird Safari sessions on Tuesday, as well as pond dipping for the rest of the week. If you are thinking of visiting, now is the time!
Finally, we have added one more date for the Photography Workshop with Tom Mason this month. If you were one of the unlucky ones who couldn't get a place on this Sunday's session, please get in touch about Saturday the 30th April where we are running one more, and there are still a few places available. First come, first served!
See everybody soon!
Debs