What a wet April we have had! Spring is literally water coming out of the ground - certainly in my garden. But nature cannot wait for ever, and as various species begin to flourish there are more walks and events arranged to look at them.

Also May is a good month for AGMs and Poole RSPB have theirs at Upton Community Centre on Thurs 11th May, 7.30. There are also two evening bird boat trips along the cliffs to Swanage and beyond. These trips allow you to see nesting colonies occasionally Puffins if you are lucky. Dates are 6th May and 10th June, 7.00 pm from yellow kiosk on the Quay. Details from Brownsea Island Ferries tel 01929 462383.

The Dorset Countryside Book is now published, price £2.50. I bought mine in Broadstone Library, but details from 01305 224258 if you cannot find a copy. Profits from the sales go to support the Countryside Service. It has 51 events listed for May - something for everyone!

Friends of Broadstone Local Nature Reserve will be having a leisurely look round with the Warden on Sunday 21st starting 10.00am Fontmell Road entrance.

DWT have events all across the County, but the only one in the vicinity is on Tuesday 16th at Lytchett Matravers Primary School, when Warden Andy Fale is giving an illustrated talk. 8.45pm start.

If you cannot manage to join a group and get to organised walks or talks, there is so much attractive countryside round Broadstone, just start walking. As you walk you will find particular interest in flowers or birds or butterflies or ...., and these days there are super field guides on almost every possible topic, and all backed by information on the Internet.

Dudley Hull

See the Broadstone Environment main page for information on this organisation.

Say you saw it on "Broadstone NET"