Everything seems so strange these days, but I am sure that many of us have found comfort in the park. I am heartened by the birds calling out the coming Spring, even though the ground is so wet and the air cold.

I hope you like our new noticeboard. I hope it will mean that people understand more about what is going on in the orchard and why we do what we do. They may also feel more confident to take the fruit. The orchard has never been tidier, after some serious brushcutting in the autumn. We have also managed to do a little pruning despite the lockdown, so we are well set up for the new growing season.

Since we are all spending so much time at home these days I thought you might be interested in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch which is taking place over the weekend of Jan 29-31st. The survey just takes an hour and it doesn’t matter if you don’t see anything! They have decided to focus on gardens this year, because of the lockdown and I know that some of you have been enjoying the birds from your windows. The Woodpecker has already been seen!

Talking of Woodpeckers, I was delighted to hear a ‘Zoom talk’ at Bristol Naturalists Society recently by Ben MacDonald, who has been studying wildlife associated with some ancient orchards in Herefordshire. He was thrilled to find the rare Lesser Spotted Woodpecker in one of these orchards. (Ours is the Greater Spotted variety) and talked about developing orchards for wildlife. If you like books you may be interested in his book Orchard – A Year in England’s Eden.

Best wishes, especially to those working with the sick, keep safe.