Spring 2013 was very cold and very late but this year we are enjoying plenty of early sunshine. Butterflies such as Small Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Comma have been emerging from hibernation along with queen bumblebees. In the ponds, Smooth Newts are already active and plenty of Frog spawn has been laid. Barring a sudden change in the weather, it can only be a matter of days before the first summer migrant Chiffchaffs or Sand Martins appear. As ever, we welcome any interesting wildlife reports.

Early-flowering red campion in the Copse