The first returning summer migrant was a chiffchaff singing in the meadow on 30^th March and there were small tortoiseshells on the wing locally with frogs croaking in the full meanders on the same day. Plenty of Buzzards were gliding and enjoying thermals around this time, too, following the cold windy weather preceding.

The Meadow Open Day will be on Sunday 18^th May. A gazebo will provide shelter from the sun (or rain) and wardens will be on hand to show off some of the flora and flora along with captured exhibits. We’ll be there from 11 till 4.

The spring sees the meadow at its best and it’s a great place for a family picnic; a walk down provides exercise, saves the carbon involved in driving up to Derbyshire and introduces the kids to the meadows delights: Don’t forget the pond net and jam-jar!