Well February has been and gone, I try to catch up with the memories of the sights and songs that I have experienced throughout the month, but February seemed to start and finish so quickly. Having said that, there were loads crammed into this short month. The first real blossom of the year, with its distinctive white spray of colour, was the Blackthorn. It is the first food of the Bees, in search of the fresh pollen. The willow is also a reliable pollen producer with the seasonal “Pussy Willow”. It was always a favourite to give to Mum, at this time of the year, as a first bunch for Easter. The dawn chorus is in full swing now with the courtship of the birds frantic to gain a mate. Bird boxes, are now being checked out by these prospective occupiers, in readiness of their new broods. A good sign that bird boxes are, or have been used, are the enlarged entry holes into these bird houses. It could be to personalise the box or maybe the hole was not big enough, I think it is a personal statement to the rest of the birds, to say this is my house keep out. The days are much longer now, it being still light till 5 o’clock, nature seems to sense the lighter days by the increase in growth, buds starting to swell, blossom on the increase, these are all signs that the dormant period of the plants and trees is about over. Tree planting from the nursery is now on hold again till November when the big sleep arrives again for the plants. Now is the celebration of new growth, new beginnings and a new start. Daffodils are a welcome sight now that we are approaching Easter. Their variety of yellow and white shades, are sure to brighten up any wood or garden area. Willow work on the Lumley Burn is progressing well, with the start of the work to support and prevent further erosion of the foot bridge across the Burn to Fence Houses, near the old Bowling Green at New Lambton. The Burn width, I was reliably informed is about double the width due to erosion of the bank sides, this will be an ongoing project of planting, directly into the sides with trees to prevent further damage, for many years to come. A pair of swans has now settled into the new pond development, near to this area of activity. Various geese have yet to venture into the water; they seem more content to graze the grasses around the area. Birds and animals soon colonise areas given the right incentives of habitat. Looking forward to eventful things for March. Ken.