Back in February I was worried that the new domes would not have enough water. I was planning on getting a watering team together. Then the heavens opened and the rain went on and on and on. Which brings me to the good news of course, all the willow has sprouted and the domes are looking very much alive.

The downside is that our work to make Green lane passable has been overcome by the wet. Well hey, with luck it will soon improve. The Friends have been busy as usual. We have a new bog garden in the orchard and we have done some work on the old painted stones garden, which had fallen into disuse. Check it out with its new willow fan and willow woven fence.

Also great news for those who love listening to the birds but are frustrated by the need to recognise their songs. There is a free app called the Merlin Bird app which you can put on Sound ID as you walk around and it tells you which bird is calling and gives you a nice picture and some info. I have been using it this week and it is amazing.

Finally, I am pleased to announce a new competition running up to our festival this year on July 1st. It is called I live here and it is an invitation to draw something from nature in the local area and tell us about it on a page of A4, all freehand. The competition is open to all ages. More details here