Perhaps this is the benefit of the first spring blossoms allowing me a more positive few of the winter, however, this time has offered a gentle and chilly reminder of the need to rest and change in order to allow new growth. Although I did spend my lunch break in the sun watching a gold crest enjoy our newly made brash pile, so take me with a pinch of salt as I may be full of unhealthy amounts of spring optimism!
We have been incredibly busy with winter work, which all had to be wrapped up by the start of March, before the birds started to make their nests. Between Bert, Eowyn and Daragh our storm policies have been triggered time after time this winter which has meant a lot of walking and checking for damage. Between annual safety checks on trees and these reactive checks, we have had a lot to squeeze in as March races towards us. Although, our final days felling in the warm sunshine felt like a different world to those mid December. It is a bit scary to think that next year I will be the one behind the chainsaw, not just watching on from afar.
We also have to finish our scrub clearance, where some of the work we planned is to support specific species, whilst others is to protect whole habitats. Adders are a big consideration where they are known to be present, early in the Spring the males come out to bask in the sun to warm up after hibernation. To make sure they have enough sun but also shelter to feel safe, we have been carving out croissant-like shapes into the scrub which hopefully they will enjoy! Interestingly in the early spring they don't stray far from their hibernation sites, called the hibernaculum, so if you do spot an adder it's likely sleeping nearby. These sites are crucial to their survival and need to be connected to wider habitats and other adder populations so their numbers can grow. I was lucky enough to be shown my first (and my second, third, fourth and fifth) Adder down at Holincote in Exmoor. If you look carefully toward the bottom middle of the photo you can spot him too. Seeing how small they are has made me realise my fear was probably misplaced, and I am more excited than ever to try and survey them (if I can find them that is).
The start of March has been wonderful, seeing the fruits of our labours begin as wild garlic is growing where bramble once was, birds are nesting and reptiles are sunning themselves in the scrub edges! I am really looking forward to getting the cattle back out over the coming weeks, and seeing more goat kids and lambs in the fields. More dauntingly, I am looking forward to working on my botany, which feels an incredibly overwhelming lifelong ventureā¦