The making of a mini-beast hotel

Crocus flowering in the undergrowth

Looking forward to summer and the variety of colour on the wildlife banking

Long tailed little birds

Trimming and thinning out grasses on the wildlife friendly banking area

Helping to maintain the wild area; trimming and thinning out various grasses to allow more space and more light which will help the wildflowers to establish. The majority of the work in this area is conducted with care not to disturb the surface and is usually undertaken outside of the time when the common lizards and slow worms are active (generally March – October) which  helps to reduce the risk of accidental injury as they are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. 

Making sure to also avoid the crocus which are beginning to flower

Signs that spring is on its way

Ive not seen the wood mice for some time now. Hopefully they are still around and just hiding in another area of the site

It would be great to see the hedgehogs on the site again this year

A wildlife rich environment benefits both physical and mental health.

"Evidence shows that a thriving, wildlife-rich environment benefits both physical and mental health. People with nature on their doorstep are more active, mentally resilient and have better all-round health. Every day, we are working to bring wildlife to more people, and more people to wildlife. Get involved and make socialising, volunteering and exercise in natural places central to your daily life". Source The Wildlife Trust website.

I have to agree as I have and still do enjoy my time in the natural environment generally and value being involved with the wilder side of the Green Heart Den, looking after the wildlife area, watching and  taking photos of the variety of species on the site. I find it very therapeutic and good for my physical and mental well being 

Will this be another good growing season with a bumper harvest ?

That time the rabbits were rescued from a delivery of golden gravel

And it had a happy ending. After we contacted the RSPCA a local animal shelter collected them and looked after them until they were successfully released back into the wild.