It is now just February, and already the first signs of Spring are with us.

Lots of primroses to be seen, and lots of other flowers, not always from this country. Gorse though always seems to have some in flower.

A little warmth back in the sun, and remember we are already five weeks past the shortest day.

Not much to see in terms of plant and animal life, but certainly the birds are still active, and with all the leaves off the trees, are much easier to see than in, say, two months time.

Still by far the best to see, are the winter migrants, and without going down to the harbour, an excellent place to visit is Hatchpond, down by the Nuffield Estate. Not in Broadstone I know, but only half a mile away. On a recent trip, I saw flocks of widgeon, several teal, a little grebe, cormorants, mute swans, mallard, tufted duck, as well as all the local moorhens and coots that are full-time residents. Did not see the crested grebes, but am assured they are still there.

Plenty of tasks in the area, with Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve in action again on (9th Mar. At 10.00 AM Fontmell Road entrance)

Regular tasks on Upton Heath with DWT.

Dorset Conservation Volunteers are not too far away, with tasks at Worgret Heath, 8/9 Feb, and Huntick Farm (Lytchett Matravers) on 23rd Feb.

RSPB Birdboat round the harbour on 9th Feb, and a special trip to Wareham on 23rd Feb. Interesting birds still around at Durlston (EDCC) and Studland (NT). Next month should see the vanguard of the Summer Migrants.

Butterfly people are beginning to wake up after their hibernation, still mainly work days, and away to the north and west of Dorset. For local information the East Dorset report is on 7th March at St Catherine's Church Hall, Wimborne, 7.30 PM.

Useful numbers for activities :-

A couple of other useful wildlife web sites for wildlife news in this area are:

http://www.greenlink.co.uk/

http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset

You may also be interested to keep an eye on the development of the Dorset Biodiversity Strategy, to be launched in February 2003. The breadth and progress of this initiative may be viewed at http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/Text/projects/biodiversity.html

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dudley.hull

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