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Our Volunteers took part in a Willow Weaving Workshop under the expert guidance of Emma Parkins, community artist and willow sculptor. Volunteers made wigwams for the Walled Garden to support climbing beans and sweetpeas. They also made willow hurdles/garden edgings. The weather was reasonably kind and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and were justifiably proud of their creations. More details of Willow and Natural Art by Emma can be found at www.junkymonkey.co.uk (under galleries-willow).
 Climbing beans support in progress  Small wigwam in progress  A willow hurdle Bird Watching for Beginners - Walk Highlights from February and March 2017Sunday 19th February was a bright light morning, so the four people on the second of these new bird walks had very clear views of the birds in the park. Within the first few minutes, everyone saw a lovely Treecreeper fly across, and do what Treecreepers do – creep up the trunk. And then after a while, drop down to the next tree, and start creeping up again. Most of the usual suspects were around and upward looking vigilance spotted three smart Greylag Geese flying over, followed by a meandering Buzzard. Nothing different on the feeder station near the ha-ha, so we progressed to the rowing boat kiosk for a good view down the lake, and set about clarifying the difference between Coots and Moorhens (“Bald as a Coot” for the black Coots with the white helmet!). David pointed out three Goosanders, including one handsome male, and just about located a Grey Heron tucked in on an island. Walking along the muddy waters edge was rewarded by there being fewer members of the public, and so more birds, with twittering Long Tailed Tits all around. But the jewel of the walk was seeing a single Little Egret on the North Island. Sunday 19th March was not the best day for birdwatching but the promised walk still took place. It was a somewhat windy day, and the birds were doing what most sensible people would do… Hunker down and keep warm! Three people came for the walk, and a fast flying Sparrowhawk was a good start. After waiting for some animated canine friends to move away, David put some seed on the empty bird table at the feeding station. That attracted a Blue and a Great tit (and the same action near the duck pond quickly attracted a Nuthatch). For perseverance, we awarded the Blue tit the “Bird of the Day” award!! A circuit of the main pond found nothing other than the usual suspects, but we know that by the time of the next walk (10.30am Sunday 16th April…Easter Sunday), the summer visitors should be more conspicuous, so well worth joining that walk. Links to pictures of the birds mentioned: Treecreeper Greylag goose Buzzard Coot Moorhen Little Egret Goosander Sparrowhawk Long-tailed tit Blue tit Great tit Nuthatch Grey heron This wintery weather may be getting you down but take a look at how beautiful the park is looking this Autumn. Don't let the cold put you off, get your coat and wellies on and come for a walk in this special landscape.
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