Thursday 30th April

All good, a few visitors, no litter, lovely weather. 

Wednesday 29th April

 The new signage looks great - so much better!

Met a couple of WCC staff studying  the new Durngate board one was aware of the sewage pipe from Harestock on the reserve and he asked how they could visit the sanctuary area. Suggested they look on the Trust website under events to see if any guided walks planned - wasn't sure of any dates Sam?

Cleared lots of twigs and small branches from the path at the southern end. Sadly large amount of litter by the Durngate bench along with the blue bag of bedding.

sunshine is continuing

 cool, but bright day.
Noisy sedge warblers, geese in evidence who were happy with food offering. Water low. That's not snow or frost, it's willow down in 1st pic. 5 walkers including one I met on the Mass Bike Ride Saturday. Little litter apart from Durngate bench. Snipped a couple of low branches. The one near the new signs at North Walls bridge is still attached and will need a saw but it's passable and manageable. I'll see what I can do but no promises.

Pics came out in reverse order for some reason.

Sunday 26th April

Busy with lots of walkers and one ridiculous runner.

Baby moorhens in the pond!

A man with lots of radio equipment doing Parks on the Air: radio enthusiasts set up temporary stations in designated parks, enjoying the harmony of nature while making contacts with other radio enthusiasts.

Some violent duck sex on the boardwalk.  Two members of the public told me that the female was hurt.  When I went back she was looking a bit bedraggled and sleeping.  I texted it in to Fi.

A man way off the path in the undergrowth.  I asked him to move back onto the path.  I explained he was in a protected area.  He gave me a lecture claiming he had a right to roam and paths were very controlling.  Righto!

Champagne cork, wire and foil on the pond path, which has now gone through my washing machine.

Sleeping stuff still at Durngate.

Lovely new signs, which I can confirm are very visible.

Saturday 25th April

Beautiful new signage - bravo.  Lots of litter around the Durngate bench, where the bedding is still stacked. I rang the Trinity bell, hoping to ask if they had any idea whose it was, and if so whether I could leave it with them, but nobody was around. 

Thursday 23rd April - all OK

Quiet, one runner, a few folks. Noisy Sedge Warblers at the north end opposite Rugby Club Meadow. Minimal litter. Sleeping bag and some bags of possessions neatly stacked behind entrance bench - I left them there as it looks like someone’s coming back for them.

Wednesday 22nd April

 Lots of people strolling round enjoying the spring sunshine. A young roe deer in the undergrowth near the stream dipping area causing much interest! Several orange tip butterflies on the wing.

Looking forward to seeing the new signage - hope the old broken one at Barton Meadows will be replaced as well!