Signs of spring are well and truly emerging with newly planted trees coming into leaf, blackthorn and cherry blossom appearing and the first butterflies emerging. We recently walked the Common with official butterfly recorder Ian Cunningham, who has designed a second transect for a new recorder to observe and record butterflies. Of the 28 species found on the Common, commas are amongst the first to emerge.

Our birders Barbara and Nick led two walks as the nesting season begins. Among the many highlights were the nuthatch nest, a kestrel and a red kite flying over. 15 volunteers are meanwhile helping type up Peter White’s 300 page hand written book manuscript to be published later this year. This will be a huge addition to the information about the Common’s birds, gathered from Peter’s lifetime of observations.

One of our regular Monday litter picks focussed on clearing the new butterfly transect. And we’ve been supporting the MAC’s campaign to improve compliance with dog related bylaws - especially dogs on leads around the lake at this critical time for new hatchlings.

Our heritage group continues to be busy and Ros Page hosted a packed session about author and poet Thomas Hardy who lived by the Common in 1878-1881. There’s a heritage themed event every month. Take a look at our calendar.