Freezing mornings and beautiful days. The park is surely at its winter best. On Sunday the swings were packed with families enjoying the cold outside.

The birds have raised the volume a notch and are about to set their nests, while the first bulbs are getting ready to burst forth in colour. Spring will soon be upon us.

With nest boxes in mind – I am pleased to report a new initiative related to the ‘Wildwood’ Development adjacent to Dibden Lane allotments. There is a plan for a range of nature engagement activities this year, starting with ‘Boxing Clever’ on Tuesday 17 February from 9am to 12noon, assembling nesting boxes and bird feeders, then positioning them with a tree ranger. Booking essential go here for more details.

I am also pleased to report that the pollution problem in the stagnant stream by the footbridge has been dealt with. There were some rogue drainage systems and they have been put right.

There have been some truly beautiful dawns over the winter. Here is a pic taken early January.

I look forward to seeing you all as we emerge from hibernation!