Into the swing of Spring with BBOWT Chilterns Group

April sees the return of many migrant birds to our local reserves. They tend to burst into full song when they arrive, choose mates and set up their territories so this is a good time to listen out for them. At Weston Turville Reservoir in particular we can with care get close to the reedbed action with reed and sedge warblers plus the resident water rails and reed buntings. Blackcaps will be very active in the scrubby areas. Please be very careful to keep dogs under control on a short lead at this time of the year. There are various apps for mobile phones or you can go online with the RSPB to hear and identify bird song. The spring also sees the return of the litter scourge so if you’d like to help keep things under control please contact the litter patrol organiser Susanna Allford on susannawtr@outlook.com to hear how you can help.

BBOWT arranges small group walks and field trips in spring and summer so please look at bbowt.org.uk/events to see what’s coming up and to book a place. They start on Saturday 15 April at Dancersend Reserve. You’ll also find details of activities for adults and children organised by the Learning Team at College Lake where the reserve and visitor centre cafe and shop are open daily except for Mondays (unless they are bank holidays).

Finally, in April we prepare for the first of our Plant Markets which raise essential funds for the Wildlife Trust. The spring sale will be on Sunday 14 May at College Lake so this is the time to pot up and label some offcuts of your favourite perennials and to think about preparing to supply some home made produce. Queries to John Catton on richard.catton1@ntlworld.com please.
richardbirch60@yahoo.com
BBOWT Chilterns Group, Supporting and promoting The Wildlife Trust locally