Spring is definitely arriving here in West Dorset. The weather over the last few weeks has, on the whole, been warm and sometimes distinctly unseasonal. I’m not complainng. Being able to get out and work in the garden, walk in the beautiful countryside or just sit and enjoy the warmth has helped ease the transition from full time work to almost retirement. It also makes me very thankful I’m not cooped up in a tower block or similar during these awful times of lockdown. My heart goes out to people in that position, it must be very hard to cope with such confinement.
As I said, spring is springing, a wonderful time of year, full of hope and promise. I knew it was on its way when I had to move the lawn mower and other valuables from the garage to the shed! A few years ago, I had a moments inattention and WHAM!, there they were, making a takeover bid for the roof space of the garage. A pair of swallows spotted that I had left the door open and zoomed in making a nest high up in the roof.
As a lover of wildlife, what could I do but welcome them and grant them unfettered access to my garage? I should point out that the “garage” is an old building that apparently used to be The Reading Room. I’m not sure exactly how it was used but I don’t imagine the light was too good in there. The roof is high with all the rafters exposed and that is where the swallows build their nest. It is a long time since there was a car in there! In order to allow the swallows access, we have to leave the side door open and move everything of value to a secure shed. A bit of a pain but worth it as every year they raise one and sometimes two broods. They can be somewhat ungrateful though as, should you go out there in the evening, you will get told off in the strongest possible terms!
Last year we added a pond to the garden with the hope of attracting more wildlife. The winter was a bit quiet although, once the pond was full, the pond skaters and water boat men found it within days. We have added some plants and some solid structures which have attracted all sorts of besties. Then, a couple of weeks ago, our son Thomas was using a net to clear some leaves and had a major surprise when he scooped up a couple of Smooth Newts, both of which looked full of eggs. This was a major surprise as there was no indication of their presence. As we live close to the River Frome I guess I shouldn’t be surprised but it always amazes me how these creatures know when there is somewhere new to go. We have also since seen a frog. This is such a pleasure as we always try to encourage the wildlife into the garden and it’s good to know that our plans are working.
More updates soon….
Pete's Blog. Dorset and Beyond 