You know when spring has arrived at Strumpshaw Fen.
First there’s the colours: white snowdrops sprinkled along the trails, golden reedbeds shimmering in the sunlight, and the first tiny green leaves unfurling in the woodland.
Then there’s the courtship displays: great crested grebes shaking their elegant plumes, marsh harriers dancing above the reeds; and swans slowly raising and dropping their heads in synchrony.
But best of all are the sounds: drrrrr, drrrrr, woodpeckers drumming in the trees; kee-aar, kee-aar, gulls squabbling and jostling for space; and the indescribable songs bursting from every bush and tree.
If you’ve never been to Strumpshaw in springtime: get your skates (or walking boots) on!