It has been disappointing to hear about anti-social behaviour in the park and elsewhere recently. For me the most devastating part of it all is the sense of helplessness. Gangs of young people are intimidating and if you intervene, even in the most respectful and gentle way,  you risk becoming part of their ‘game’. The mercy of it all is that they grow up and eventually they move onto other things.

The good news, of course, is that Spring is well and truly with us. Our trees are still in their winter coats, but new life is emerging everywhere and one of the most healing things to do is surely to pay attention to nature. As the trees reach out in the bright blue sky, so we can look up and enjoy the gifts around us.

That looks like a sizeable nest, (near Langley)  I wonder who is making it?

Have you noticed how the stream is naturally cutting out its path. On a different scale it could be a great gorge!

For those who would like to help with the orchard this year, I am now putting together some dates for the year. We try to do just two hours a month on a Saturday morning starting at 10am. The tasks this year are likely to include making a shallow wet area, a new herb garden and a special wildlife area. I hope that sounds interesting .All ages and levels of fitness very welcome. Provisional dates are

Apr 1, May 20, July 1, Aug 5, Sept 2, Oct 7

It would be very good if you could join us, even just for one or two sessions.