I thought I would share some of the essence of the Park. Spring is well underway with the warmer and longer days having brought forth much growth and activity among our local residents. Squirrels have been busy dancing around the tree tops as they perform their annual mating rituals whilst the bluebells slowly bring on that magical carpet of blooms across the woodland floor.
The air has been filled with the wonderful tones and variations of bird song, each so unique and distinct. I don’t know if it has been the relative quietness, due to our inactions this year but seems that the bird song is far more audible than previous years. I have even managed to sneak up on the Park’s deer, close enough to photograph. During the winter months we made some further improvements to the Park as a whole by: tackling the bramble in the Bluebell Wood along with some remedial tree work, removing tree protection and pruning many of the young trees in the Diamond Jubilee Wood as they mature, installing a new bird feeding station to the Woodland Meadow along with the introduction of yellow rattle and daffodils. It is our intention to keep improving our habitats, with sympathetic and careful management as to increase the overall biodiversity of the Park.

Last year we had great success in having our first clutch of owlets; the barn owl’s will hopefully return this year to breed again. The hedgehogs we released are presumably doing well as I haven’t caught sight of them since but there is plenty of evidence around the Cedar Hall, from their nocturnal feeding habits. The skylark’s song is as beautiful as ever, I usual patrol the Park each morning and love being serenaded along the way which always makes me smile reminding me of many a walk around Norfolk, in years gone by.

Each year I eagerly await the first blossom as this used to be a true sign to me, that warmer days are ahead. As a child I longed for winter to be over, so when the blackthorn suddenly lit up in our hedgerows and countryside it lifted my spirits as the yearly renewal of life begins.

Lastly, I wanted to share something special; Mother’s day came around again this year and like with many of you I was unable to visit. Thoughts came to mind of how I could bring some happiness and life to my Mum (Patricia), during these difficult times. After some deliberation and finding some timber in my garage I had the idea of making a birdbox. Well this ended up being ‘the gift that kept giving’ not only did I have fun making it, I was able to deliver it to my Mum’s doorstep. She was so grateful and within a week a busy pair of blue tit’s had taken up residence.

I thought that with children at home and bearing in mind the time of year that a big push on bird box making, may inspire many of you to create some extra life in your own garden or indeed for another family member. Below are a few links to designs which will help you select and construct a suitable box for your local resident birds. Bird box camera’s are also available online, these can be fitted into your box allowing you an insight into the goings on. I hope many of you will take up this opportunity, please share pictures of your box and nesting as the year progresses.

1) https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/activities/build-a-birdbox/
2) http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/nest_box/
3) https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/give-nature-a-home-in-your-garden/garden-activities/createasparrowstreet/
4) https://www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/barn-owl-nestboxes/
5) https://www.bristolswifts.co.uk/swift-nest-box-design/

Please take care and research the best location for your boxes, avoid strong sunshine, setting at the correct height and direction.

Happy building and lets bring some much needed life into our lives.