Sunday 18th May

 Race for Life on in the park.

A few walkers, lots of runners.  Had a chat with  some: two were very polite and gracious and then went on to barge past a walker ahead of me.  Another wanted to negotiate the advice (in favour of runners).  Apparently slowing down scares people.  I did suggest that she should let people know she is approaching/passing.

A cuckoo, corroborated by Merlin.

The pond looks a bit gunky.  Someone has left a tie by the memorial.  Not sure if it is connected.

LOST: Nikon binocular lens cap.  Has pink clip.  If found, please leave in No Man's Land (not public area).

Saturday 17th May

Sad to find a large paper Boots bag full of used drug paraphernalia including spoons on the glade, and lots more spilled about. No needles found.

Otherwise a lovely morning, with flag Irises and Guelder Rose both out. Ragged Robin also in flower but couldn't get a picture. 

Love the paintings on the Dungate board!

Friday 16th May

Only a couple of people on site this morning and no obvious litter. Lots of birds busy looking for food and flying past with beaks full of insects.

Thursday 15th May

Fairly quiet and clean except for the aftermath of beery picnics at first bench and between the noticeboard and the river. No maintenance issues.

Wednesday 14th May

 Very quiet. A lone swan snoozing in the shade on the river bank.  Yellow flag iris and purple  comfrey adding a good splash of colour. 

A small amount of litter. I cleaned the sightings board but sadly forgot to bring some chalk to put on May sightings - perhaps someone else could oblige!

Quite a bit of cut reed floating in the pond - either fallen in from yesterday's heavy rain or pushed in. An empty cigarette packet is floating in the middle but too far out to reach.

Sunday 11th May

A few people, mostly runners.  I saw one couple walk ahead of me across the park from Hyde and then start running as soon as they entered the reserve.

Roe deer in SPM.

Guelder rose blooming.

Thursday 8th May - mostly covered by staff today

Met Sam showing a new seasonal warden around, so cut the visit short. Nice to see most of the Hawthorne and Blackthorn whips in the swimming pool barrier area now showing leaf.