Of all the seasons, Spring is the one whose progression is most clearly marked by events in the natural world. Starting with snowdrops pushing through frozen earth, primroses then appear, wild daffodils in fields and woods, and now bluebells are colouring the verges of country lanes blue. Insects gradually put in an appearance: the recent warm spell has been brilliant for early butterflies with orange-tips laying eggs on the ladies smock and even some fritillary sightings being reported. The sound of birdsong builds as chiff-chaffs, blackcaps and willow warblers return and add their voices to those of the birds that stay with us all winter as they establish territories, find mates and start nest building.
One event that always marks the progression through the early months of the year is the annual annexation of my letterbox. There are two advantages to having a wall mounted letterbox: one prosaic and practical; one that gladdens the heart. The practical advantage is from a heat loss point of view – even if it is draught-proofed, cutting a hole in your front door about 25cm by 3cm does let in a lot of cold air. The gladdening of the heart comes from the fact that at this time of year, great tits regard my wall mounted letterbox as prime real estate, the perfect place to raise a growing family. They are now sitting on the eggs and occasionally tail feathers can be seen through the slot for letters as Mum (or Dad) settles down for a session of brooding. In a few weeks, once the chicks have hatched, we can hear them cheeping through the wall. And while they are in occupation, a bucket serves very well as a receptacle for any letters that the postie has to deliver.
If the better weather is inspiring you to your own home improvements, the Building Sense page of the HGN website has a wealth of resources, information and recordings of past webinars. If it is the garden that is calling you over the Easter weekend, think about taking part in NoMow May and helping the wildlife in your garden this Spring.
Rachel
HGN Administrator
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