07 Apr 2025: Spring has sprung (a leak)

The Pond is empty! With the recent long period of dry sunny weather, nearly all the open water in the Pond has disappeared, even earlier than in previous years.

This frog seems to be hiding in the water-cress, waiting for rain. We are hoping that, as in previous years, lots of pond creatures have found refuge in our deep tubs dotted around the pond area. These tubs are marked with sticks, some of which are visible in the photo above. (Note: you can click on a photo to enlarge it.)

The sunny weather has brought out many spring butterflies: several Speckled Woods (photo), and two or three Brimstones and Orange-tips.

There are large expanses of bluebell leaves, but with only a few flowering stems in evidence. We are hoping that there are more flowers waiting to appear if we get some rain. The snowdrops and wild daffodils have finished, but there are at present swathes of Celandines and a few Wild Garlic (photo) to be seen.