Today, February 27th, the day began with big wet snowflakes, but by afternoon all was sunny again. The work party in Paradise, led by Vic Smith (city ecologist), were doing great things – a very large spring-clean / litter-pick removed not only the visible and obvious, but delved into bushes, toured the woodland in the centre and came away with lots of bags of cans, bottles, rubbish and old sleeping bags. The main task, however, was to plant up the area beside the new back fence (you will have noticed the ugly old one has been replaced by new green plastic mesh). Beside it, there is now a new hedge of mixed native shrubs: field maple, sloe, guelder rose and hazel, which will bulk up and provide cover for birds. Finally, Vic restored the low willow fence protecting the butterbur beside the river. Many thanks to the volunteers for their help on a cold morning.
In spite of the cold, lots of birds were singing. I counted wren, great tit, blue tit, robin, dunnock, song thrush and also green woodpecker some way off. Blackbirds have not really got going yet, but there were several about. The butterbur should emerge soon – the flowers always ahead of the leaves. Hazel catkins are full grown and showering pollen and the pussy willow buds are bursting.
It’s still very wet underfoot, not surprisingly, but after the last few months, the pond is full – let’s hope it will last the summer this year.
Remember our next talk is Conservation of the British Landscape, by ecologist Sam Sinclair, on Wednesday, 25 March, 6-8pm in the Social Club.
Friends of Paradise Nature Reserve 
As you say, many thanks to Vic, Simon and all the volunteers. Has Paradise ever been more beautiful?