I have recently been away in Scotland and West Sussex.

For me, the absolute highlight was at the West Sussex Wildlife Trust HQ, where I heard this very loud, very beautiful birdsong that I did not recognise. On enquiry, I was told it was a nightingale, one of three on site. It must be at least 50 years since I last really heard one, and I may well never hear another, as these birds have virtually disappeared from Dorset.

Whilst there, there seemed to be lots of cuckoos around, and even more surprising the were many cuckoos in the parts of Scotland I visited. Again on Sunday, there were at least two very vociferous birds at Badbury Rings. It set me wondering why I never seem to hear a cuckoo in Broadstone. Any Ideas??

We may be short on cuckoos, but there seems to be a glut of herons this year. I have seen them very often this year, both on the ground and flying over, and all my friends that have garden ponds are grumbling about missing fish. Are there more herons, or are they getting more confident in their approach to people?

Another growing population are the deer. They are certainly moving further into the village in their quest for roses, and have often been seen marching down the road looking for the next free meal. As a protected species, culling is a very limited option, and the only certain preventive measure is a high (2 metre) fence and gate, or a fierce dog. Neither very attractive.

As for local activity, there is very little. BoP are taking a stroll round Upton Country Park, looking at all the different varieties of oak, and that's about it. Lots of interesting walks further afield, butterflies, flowers, birds, bats and more. Green link is a mine of information.

It is also the start of the nightjar season, with late evening walks at Arne, Christchurch and Avon Heath. The Friends of Broadstone heath will also be visiting Corfe hills early next month, in the search for this elusive and interesting summer visitor.

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