The most noticeable feature this Autumn, has been the reluctance of Winter to appear. Until this last week, the trees in my garden have been in full splendour, but suddenly in just three days, I have a mountain of leaves to shift, and some tall twiggy trees.

Butterflies kept going for a long time too. The last I saw, was a red admiral on the golf course on 21st Nov. More global warming, and we will have Christmas butterflies.

Looking at events, you can either watch birds or destroy unwanted vegetation. The only local walk is on Canford Heath 0n 9th Dec (2.00 pm, Gravel Hill lay-by), and birds can be wooed with RSPB (9th Dec, 9.30, Studland), National Trust (12th Dec, 10.30, Studland), Dorset Bird Club (15th, 884788 for details), Durlston Country Park (16th,10.30, Durlston).

Bird Boats until 6th Jan.

If you are keen on hacking, English Nature's Green Team (01929 557450), Dorset Countryside Volunteers(671435) or Friends of Upton Heath ( DWT) are working away, but The Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve have an enforced break, since our Countryside Warden has joined the National Trust in North Dorset. We have an annual meeting on 15th Jan, and back to work in February.

So at the end of a year that started with so much wet weather, and finished with a really splendid Autumn, all I can add are some very warm Christmas Wishes, and a green New Year.

Dudley Hull
For Broadstone.net

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