April 2012

It rained so much that April actually shrank this year. Fortunately, Mondays were exempt from the general weather pattern of rain and a general cold, which necessitated winter layers. Patrols continued.

 Lambs a plenty, and throughout the month you could witness new born on a weekly basis. As the month progresses, the fattening early lambs grow in confidence as they delay their mother seeking bleats. Very young ones stray not far, leap with abandon as they realise their legs might actually help them defy gravity, albeit momentarily. Their energy never fails to bring a smile.

But towards the month end, the sound of running water could be heard around the Parkland as the Serpentine, as full as its aged walls could retain, found overflows. A small cataract flowed into the eastern Parkland. The gound all over was sodden. The Serpentine, built to recreate a river, gave that sense, as a southerly breeze rippled the water giving the feeling of a gently flowing stream, enough certainly to attract a little grebe. 

Away from the water, and not an easy thing to do this month, the bluebells are here. A little later but no less blue as they line the path in Broomroyd wood.

May has begun, but only seems to remain, cloudy cool and damp.