Rain at last. Hopefully it will reduce the risk of heath fires, which have erupted at school holiday time yet again. Most appear to have been started deliberately, and frequently endanger property as well as destroying lots of precious environment. Almost everything and everyone must be glad to get back to normal again.

Those species that are happy with the sun have fared well, and certainly the butterflies and reptiles have been much in evidence this year.

Of special note was the presence of a smooth snake in the Local Nature Reserve, the first seen for several years. I also found a pair of mallard on one of the small pools, but no sign of a nest.

Birds are coming in, and there was a house martin down West Way this last week. Martins have a hard time round here, as they like to nest in the pointed eaves on new housing estates, but after a year or two the occupiers in general get fed up with the mess they cause, and take steps to drive the martins away. Once gone, the birds do not seem to come back for more.

Lots of butterflies too. They obviously wintered well, and now there are lots of reports of migrants coming across the channel. Could be a good year.

The Greenlink Guide has lots of guided walks and events.

It seems the season for dawn chorus walks, so for you early risers most of the featured organisations have a trip.

Lots of local walks too, looking for other targets. Turbary Common has three events, on 5th, 8th and 25th (Tel 269240), and BoP are walking round Canford Heath (25th at 2.00PM, Gravel Hill lay-by).

Friends of Upton Heath are having a 're-launch' at Upton Country Park (1st, 7.30PM). This could be combined with BoP plans for the Pinesprings Local Nature Reserve. HCT are also in action, Ferndown (3rd), St Catherine's Hill (10th) and Dunyeats Hill (31st).

Still some conservation tasks going on, (mainly DWT) but the nesting season is with us, and no more large clearing jobs.

Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve will be searching the Reserve for fauna in general, (11th May At 10.00 AM by the bridge), and RSPB are conducting a sparrow watch between 3rd and 11th May. 0870 601 0215. Where have all the sparrows gone??

Useful numbers :-

Other useful wildlife web sites for wildlife news in this area are:

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

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

http://www.dorsetbutterflies.com

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