Park News April 2018

Despite the cold weather the ‘pussy willow’ has forged its way ahead, leaves are breaking on the newly planted trees and bird song has increased. Rabbits have been a nuisance, stripping bark from tree trunks.

On the private lake next to the Park, 2 herons have nested. The cormorants have continued to perch in the trees there and a small flock of Greylag geese was grazing on the lakeside.

Great spotted woodpeckers were seen drumming recently – by the icehouse. Green woodpeckers have been around regularly on the North side of the Park.

In the woodland by the newly cleared ponds, a Marsh Tit is often seen feeding but BEWARE – the water is deep. Frogs have spawned.

Coal tits, Blue tits, Great tits and Long tailed tits feed near the Car Park.

Deer have made a VERY clear path across the Park in the newly planted woods just East of the icehouse. Badgers left trails in the snow and their fur has been collected off the pathways.

Primroses, Dandelions and Daisies are already flowering in the Park and we will soon see an influx of summer visitors. Listen for the Chiffchaff. Last year Swallows and House Martins arrived for the summer from the start of April.

Skylarks have been seen and heard so we now ask you all :-

PLEASE NOW KEEP DOGS ON LEADS in the signed areas to help secure the nesting sites

April 2nd – some cowslips are flowering

THANK YOU to all dog owners that clear up after their pets!

That is keeping the site SAFE FOR CHILDREN and ensures the site continues to be suitable for use by the whole community.

Visit our revamped Ladybelt Country Park Facebook page showing event diary and nature news. Let us know what you think or what you see.