Spring Fever.

I have just returned from a few days attempted r’n’r in my native Kernow and was pleasantly surprised by the verdant explosion of plant life that had hurried skywards in my absence. Cow parsley, comfrey and marsh marigold all flowering and a vast host of other botanical gems waiting in the wings for their chance to shine. The diversity of plant life that make up the verges of the reserves are a great source of pride and require very careful management to enable them to flourish while maintaining the paths as clear thoroughfares.

Sadly I was also confronted by a far less welcoming return to work in the aftermath of a wanton spree of destruction left by someone who I could easily find one hundred phrases to describe, but perhaps not in this forum.

Just part of the trail of devastation - one can only imagine the deep sense of satisfaction derived by the perpetrators.

A hammer frenzy had accounted for four ‘snap frame’ interpretation panels, part of the post and rail fence over the culverts on Buddleia Loop, a recently re-painted timber directional sign and the frame in which it once sat. Graffiti was daubed on the newly painted viewing shelter boards and several other items damaged. What naughty little monkeys...

Rectifying the above will cost Anne and I days that we can ill afford at this time with verge management rushing up, cattle imminent and a list of jobs as long as our collective arms… but rectify we will. We are in the process of arranging a meeting with the police to try and get Radipole better protected in the evenings but in the meantime we ask of you to phone the police immediately (01305 222222) if you see anything untoward.

Returning to the positivity that began this post, it was lovely to return in spite of the above, to see spring rushing merrily along. Garganey on North Pool, kingfishers feeding young, swifts wheeling, screaming and scything above and marsh harriers ruling the roost. Dragonflies immerging and butterflies flitting hither and thither amidst the spring flora... and multitudes more besides. With all this to savour it would be wrong to dwell on the piteous actions of a few who wouldn’t recognise beauty if it slapped them in the chops and for that, (to say the least) they are to be pitied.

The drake garganey - hard to stay upset for long with this dashing chap on our patch.

 Photo taken by our very own Luke.