Nettles have grown to great heights beneath the pretty Mayflower blossom, and will soon be brimming with Caterpillars where Red Admiral, Peacock, and Small Tortoiseshell have laid eggs. This explosion of life will be matched by many bird’s chicks, such as the Blue Tits on our nestcam in the Castle – with each chick being fed around 100 caterpillars per day.
The sound of Skylarks dominate the soundscape above the Meadows, as the males sing whilst flying higher and higher into sky. Closer to the ground, a Kestrel hovers motionlessly , it’s eyes scouring the ground for breakfast.
Bracken and Hogweed have sprung up between the Yellow Meadow ant hills. Twisting Tufted Vetch leaves clamber up through the grasses, whilst emerging spikes of Hay Rattle leaves poke directly upwards. Colour can be found in the light blue flowers of Pale Flax, and the occasional patch of Bluebells stand in their prime.
A brilliant display of flower clusters adorn the Wayfaring trees, whilst similar clusters are just beginning to form on the Elder, with each of the tiny white flowers are still enclosed within their outer green sepals.
On the far side of the park, I meet the 12 new Hereford Calves which lie next to their mums. They snooze in the warmth of the morning sunshine between yet more Buttercups and Red Clover. A couple Swallows dart past.
In distance I can see Roe Deer doe grazing amongst a small flock of scavenging Crows.
On my walk back towards the office, I enjoy listening to the repetitive chirping from Chiffchaffs and the song from a Great Tit. Once again, I spot a Kestrel hovering in the sky above, where four Magpies and a Woodpigeon pass overhead. Early Purple Orchids are dotted throughout the sward.