Patches of Blackthorn were in flower in the north western corner of South Field. Supposedly the blossom emerges before the leaves, thus this process must draw upon stored energy reserve. However, I believe that a few plants were exhibiting both leaves and blossom. Blades of Chervil when torn gave a scent of chive.
At Hay Rake Quarry two clumps of Cotoneaster held a flush of fresh leaves and more Violets had appeared in flower. Chaffinches rang out their calls whilst it was a male Great Tit that appeared chattering beside water trough 500! Small tussocks of Tor Grass added colour.
Johnston Meadow showed a healthy flush of fresh grass ready to provide cover for ground nesting birds and small mammals. The pond in Eight Acres unfortunately had a less health flush of Common Reed. Water levels were low and much moss had crept in. Thus, some aquatic vegetation clearance and a top up of water would be beneficial. I saw two Skylarks “hovering” and singing over Eight Acres. Rangers and volunteers have been busy cutting back field edges. Please remember to keep yourself (and any dogs) to the waymarked or cut path to prevent disturbance of these ground nesting birds.
My inspection of the Hereford Cattle suggested they have seldom ventured out field forty thanks to the water supply laid on for the thirty Sheep. As the water troughs in quarry field remained unvisited the flowering Primroses had avoided grazing and trampling.
I was not surprised to finally see a Buzzard taking a rest where it perched in an Elder above the western boundary of field one.
Upon a stone stile a Snail that could comfortably sit on one side had a very prominent edge to its spiral. More investigations were required!
The flush of Grape Hyacinths in the car park verges provided a flush of colour. Still there are Wild Cabbage flowers in the Upper Gully in flower when their season is supposed to be May to August!