A trip to Brockodale YWT reserve today yielded a flock of around 20 yellowhammers in the fields adjacent to the car park, the first lesser celandine by the river and primrose in flower on the south bank of the woods. Stinking helibore (Helleborus foetidus) all in flower too.

Pauline also noted two pairs of goosander at Chantry Bridge plus the return of the regular mute swans (cob Y127, pen Y567). A hedgehog in Pauline’s garden last night suggests that the weather is milder and spring is on the way.