Sat 7th June

A unexpectedly dry start to the day with a litter pick; saw a lovely comma despite the cloud cover. 

Cheese and chilli festival at the recreation park today which meant it was quite busy in the reserve, lots of people asking for directions. 

Got a lot done down red hole stream and Barton carrier paths.

The torrential rain started around 2ish, so tucked the strimmer back in the truck and cleared some branches.

A very busy board today, lots has been added. 

As the spot had previously been claimed by a swan family, today it was greylag territory!

Unfortunately quite a few cyclists I had to speak to but all were understanding and dismounted. 

Friday 6th June

No one around this morning, most likely due to the weather. There are a couple of low hanging branches that somewhat block the footpath at one end of the boardwalk (heading to the entrance). Its manageable to walk through though. Other than that, all ok.

Thursday 5th June

All clear, two runners and a gentleman from Eastleigh who came especially for the rain. Had a nice chat and he thanked us for looking after the reserve, it provides him with a lot a peace and calm. 

Wednesday 4th June

 Lovely fresh morning. Had a chat with a few people enjoying the reserve - a photographer trying to snap a photo of the cygnet , a chap who was just discovering the usefulness of the Merlin app on his phone as he identified a Cetti's warbler and a couple visiting from Shropshire close to where we have just been on holiday! Suggested tomorrow they could walk out to St Catherine's Hill.

The yellow flag iris looking splendid in the sunshine! Not much litter though decided not to disturb a chap fast asleep on the Durngate bench clutching a wine bottle to pick up the litter there!!

Anne and Tim

post half term

 bit more litter but not massively so. Couple of regular runners are back. 2 swans but no cygnets in Swimming Pool Meadow. Nice day. Waiting for rain. Some of the channels are as dry as I've seen them. Pond is low, lots of bird footprints in the dry(ish) mud.

Sun 1st June

Mike and I fixed the boardwalk bodge this morning with a new rail to support the boards.

Proceeded to get the strimmer going and trimmed along swift lake and red hole stream paths.

Also saw this gorgeous scarlet tiger moth which I added to the now June species board. 

Plenty of lovely people enjoying the site today. Did stop a group of cyclists who were bombing it down the path from the boardwalk. They were understanding and I watched them walk their bikes to the entrance.

Sunday 1st May

What a difference some rain makes,  everything is green and tall!

A few walkers and one runner.  Some litter

Haven't bumped into Joey yet but heard the strimmer going when I was flailing about in RCM.