Seems ages since writing the last snippets with the summer break but plenty to mention this month. Lots of new arrivals on the farm over the past couple of months. Firstly on the first of June last year the Shelducks had 9 ducklings, which was a first for the farm.

Although it was dull and overcast there were loads of birds feeding on, around or above the lake. Feeding on or in the water were Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Mute swans, Tufted duck, Mallard and Coots. Feeding around the lake were Oyster catchers, Little Ringed Plovers, Ringed Plover, Lapwings and Geese. All 3 species of Wagtails, Pied, Grey and Yellow, were all seen catching beak-fulls of insects for their young. 

Lots of wildlife activity at the moment especially bird life. Most of the Summer visitors are with us now. I haven't heard a Cuckoo in the village yet but heard and see one at Maulden Heath. Loads of Swallows and House and Sand Martins seen feeding on insects over the lake on the farm. 

Welcome along to Spring! Yellow daffodils have broken free and rapeseed floods the fields with their sweet aroma and vibrant yellow colour. Spring has finally arrived and you can look forward to fresh mornings and warmer evenings.

Farm Update! March 9th, and apart from it being a touch windy it's a beautiful bright Spring day. I've just got back from the farm and at last I've got some good pictures of a Chinese Water deer, you can even see its tusks!

I'm sure the usual farmland bird species all had a good breeding season as I saw good numbers singing, holding territory, carrying nesting material or food for young. These include Yellowhammers, Reed buntings, Meadow pipits, Linnets and Skylarks.

For me, the dipper is one of those frustrating birds which, although the species does occur in Wiltshire at the very eastern edge of its range, I have only ever seen it in other parts of the UK.

It is a case of finishing what one has started – once you start feeding the birds, especially with live food during the breeding season, they come to rely on it and so it must continue come what may

Since the last snippet there has been lots of wildlife activity. Last year the Shelducks attempted nesting in a quite exposed badger sett but they must have been disturbed so failed to breed