Rangers

April 2013

Well hello again to all my readers.

This month seems as if I should have been back in hibernation, with all the inclement weather we are getting. It is very difficult indeed to get started with all our busy schedules as we don’t seem to know what the weather is doing. But as you are all too aware May is soon approaching, I am hoping to be able to take my winter wardrobe off and get the summer clothes out for a long overdue airing. It does seem to have taken a long time for summer to get here.

With all this in mind however the bluebells in Salterns Copse and most of the British woodlands seem to have relished the long cold wet snap. I think we are in for a bumper crop this season. I would recommend a wander through there when you have the chance.

April has been quite busy for me and Keith. The Friends group has been out in force with us working very hard indeed. We had a foot path resurfacing task on Gothic Barn near Fishbourne. We also did Itchenor and Nutbourne footpaths too. Keith and I popped along yesterday to check on their condition and we were very impressed at the level of quality and I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who attended these events. We also had a couple of days on Pilsey litter picking. We had a good number of the friends team attend the events and I think on both of the days we had amassed over 20 bin bags of rubbish. I would like to say a huge thank you to all of you who regularly support us.

Chichester Conservation Volunteers also had a day at Fishbourne meadows to remove hemlock waterdropwort which is a very invasive plant. I am giving big thank you to the team who gave up their Sunday to do this.

Keep your eyes and ears peeled as we start to warm up, the birds seem particularly active and recently I have seen a Hobby, Bullfinches, Swallows, House Martins, Marsh Harriers and a Raven over Eames farm which was my highlight of the month. Unfortunately the Ospreys have not been seen yet but I am ever hopeful.  The bright yellow Brimstone male butterflies are emerging along with the Peacock and Red Admirals too. So please remember if you see anything unusual or different and your not too sure please tell us about it.

So it seems like its all systems go and so must I.

Well hopefully see you whilst I’m out and about.

Regards

Georgie.