The days are getting lighter now by more than a minute each day and the thrushes know about it, calling out their territories in the early morning. We can also see evidence of new growth as the humble cow parsley stretches out its new green leaves.

Our orchard group continued work on the new wildlife garden near the village hall right up to December 23rd and it is now looking great with its own dead hedge, compost heap, pond, frog shelter, bird table and lots of bulbs in the ground waiting for Spring.

With winter well and truly set in, we thought it might be good to run a few meetings on a wildlife/nature theme. We are looking at something on nature and art, another on gardening for wildlife and a third on making a local nature action plan. More details to follow shortly.

Meantime let me leave you with this blackbird, who just wanted you to know that he was enjoying rustling among the leaves this morning. Best wishes for a great year to come.