Beset by Christmas Cheer and many visiting grandchildren, ideas for January got washed away. Apologies.

Normally one would look forward to February for the first Spring flowers and the thoughts of Spring, but this year lots of flowers and other wildlife seem to be starting early. The number of people I have talked to, who burst out "Do you know, we have got an xxxxxx in flower, and they don't normally come out for another month".

It is not just flowers though, as one or two reports of early nesting birds and a sprinkling of butterflies have also been reported. One friend of mine reported his broccoli was being devoured by caterpillars.On the bird scene, we seem to have had our normal quota of winter migrants, and recently there have been a few waxwings in the area. A most attractive bird to see.

I am very short of practical events this month, as my two main sources of dates were both due to start in February, and neither has arrived yet. The only local event I know is on 8th Feb. When Friends of Broadstone Nature Reserve are planning a bit more heath clearance. This is the first time they have tried a midweek meeting.(10.00 Fontmell Road entrance). Their next Sunday meet is on March 6th. There is a bird walk at Durlston on 6th Feb, and Poole RSPB will have their regular Thursday talk (Wildlife of Botswana) at Upton Community Centre 10th Feb, 7.30 P.M. There is also a Brownsea and Bird boat on 20th Feb.

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

Prepared for Broadstone.net by
dudley.hull

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

Say you saw it on "Broadstone NET"