I think May can be described as having been a benign month. Damp, but not too wet, cool, but without any severe frosts. Not the sunniest May, but nor was it too dour.

The weather seems to have suited the nature reserve – the trees, after a slow start, are spurting away; There has been blossom on the wild Cherry, rowan and bird Cherry, incredible for trees just coming into their third season; The “plantations” are starting to look like “woodlands”!
In the arboretum a few of the birch trees are beginning to show a hint of colour in their stems. This is just a teaser for the dazzling show they will put on in years to come.

With the lockdown hopefully behind us, we are moving forward with the memorial plaques on the benches and sponsorship of the trees. Please contact a committee member if you would like to register interest.

There has been widespread support for the proposal to create an orchard on the Kipp. This would be in recognition, and by way of thanks to all those who supported the community through the COVID crisis. Most likely, we will plant the fruit trees just beyond the metal kissing gate. We are still in the planning stage, so comments and suggestions would be welcome.

As we move in to blazing June (I am writing this on 1st June and it is seriously hot) we say goodbye to this year’s wonderful display of bluebells. Hog House Hill has been particularly impressive with the bluebells in the leading role, supported by stitchwort, the fading wood sorrel and wood anemones, and the occasional splash of primula.

I notice the bluebells have already made tentative first steps into the new woodland. Progress will be slow – it may take several decades to cover the whole wood, but the soft shade of the native trees will create an inviting habitat.

Mike Riding