It 's a sunny day here in Radipole and spring has definitely arrived.The reed beds are now alive with the chirping of the cetties and sedge warblers while pochard, gadwall and shelducks are paddling about in front of the Discovery Centre. Today we had two welcome visitors, a redshank on the island and two common terns. There have been sightings of a family of swans, five cygnets in all and a coot family with two chicks. The swallows, house and sand martins have all arrived to spend the summer with us. I've even heard the elusive Bearded Tits today but unfortunately did not see them. A few butterflies were around today mainly cabbage whites and red admirals.
The hedgerows around Radipole are also becoming ablaze with colour. Outside the Discovery Centre and lining the car park are Alexanders, the first of the umbellifer family to flower.
The Cow Parsley is also coming into flower, May being the peak month. The Cow Parsley is accompanied by the white and purple flowers of the Common Comfrey.
The cuckoo flower is dotted about on the damper parts of the reserve. This plant is well know for being the fool plant for the orange tip butterfly. The buttercup family is also coming into flower. The Lesser Celandine with its bright yellow flowers and heart shaped leaves are to be found along the damp paths. The much larger Marsh Marigold is at it's best at this time of year adding a welcome yellow splash to the hedgerow. Yellow irises are also coming into flower.
If you look closely you can see the small purple flowers of the Ground Ivy bordering the paths adding a purple hue among the green leaves and hedgerow cranesbill. The trees are also bursting forth with the white blossom. Some of the hawthorn trees are densely packed with white flowers making the branches look like they are covered in snow.
Just off the reserve near the kingfisher gate is a mini meadow of flax flowers and common cornsalad.
For information on recent sightings of birds and the events on this coming Bank Holiday, please contact the Discovery Centre on 01305 778313.