If you go down to the lake today you’re sure of a big surprise. Well not that big but there have been some changes. DCC have been doing a bit of spring cleaning. They’ve cleared away some of the older trees and pollarded others which has really opened the lake up. They have left some of the fallen trees in the water so as not to disrupt this type of habitat. They’ve also cleared some of the scrub from the side of the Nutbrook. All in all should make the site good in the summer. Plans are afoot to clear the island in the autumn and possibly dredge the lake. Samples have been taken of the leaf litter and if it’s OK it will be pumped onto the meadow across the Nutbrook.

Swans are still on the nest. There are a few Canada Geese around but not as many as in recent weeks. There’s also a lack of Mallards, which is a bit odd? Whether the tree felling has disturbed them only time will tell. A lonesome Cormorant was briefly on the water joined by a couple of Coot and a Moorhen. Had a report from a lady a giant pike had been dragging Coots and Moorhens to a grisly death. She also said it had had a go at the geese too. Must be a big fish! I think we’re gonna need a bigger boat No pike fishing allowed so might be a bit of a concern once the eggs start hatching. Other sightings this morning included Wrens calling from the tops of trees, GS Woodpeckers chasing each other around, Blue, Great, Long Tailed Tits, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Blackbird, Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Robin, lots of Water Vole droppings and flowers on the Garlic Mustard.