I think there might be light at the end of the tunnel! After the cold, snowy start to the year it seems that we've been on tenterhooks ever since bracing ourselves for more to come. But there are positive signs.
Snowdrops are appearing and I heard my first skylark on Valentine's Day. That was better than a bunch of roses!
I for one will be getting out in my garden with a vengeance as soon as possible this month. The ground is thawed and I'd like to plant some more trees.
I've got some rowans which are wonderful for providing both Autumn colour and lots of food for birds with those glorious red berries.
The birdsong is already picking up and I'm seeing ravens flying overhead with nesting material.
Robins, blue tits and great tits are already vieing for territory, catkins have appeared in the hedgerows and woodpeckers are beginning to hammer again in the woods…
See what I mean about the end of winter being in sight?!
Despite the thaw there is still a lot of activity on my bird feeders as birds stock up for the frenetic breeding season.
Now is the time to dust off any nest boxes you've been meaning to put up and clean out your existing ones so they're ready. Last year I seemed to have a garden full of nuthatch fledglings and would often have ten or more of these delightful little birds around the feeders at one time.
This is a great time of year to be out and about as there is so much activity going in in the natural world.
Sometimes on days when I seemed to be chained to a computer or worrying about something or other I find a blast of fresh air in the company of my dogs and a soundtrack of wonderful birdsong is the best therapy ever!
And I know I'm not alone; when I meet people at RSPB reserves or just out walking near my home we all agree how important it is to have access to open spaces and to nature.
And it is this that is at the heart of the RSPB's new campaign. In the run up to the forthcoming election, and in the months thereafter, the RSPB is asking people to sign a pledge to demonstrate their support for wildlife, to try and put it on the political agenda, to make sure it is protected for future generations.
You can play your part by taking a moment to sign the letter at
www.rspb.org.uk/letter.
Huge thanks and see you next month
Kate
