To start this exciting month at Brockholes Nature Reserve, a resplendent redshank was seen wading amongst the water on Meadow Lake. This marvellously elegant wading bird was spotted posing across the reserve, with its crimson red legs radiating in the spring sunshine for all to see. Moreover, providing a further splash of colour, two great crested grebes were observed upon the waters of number one pit, performing their enchanting mating ritual, to the delight of our many resident bird watchers. With their dazzling red eyes and orange crest of feathers, these charming birds really are a sight to behold.

Furthermore, with spring bursting into life with unimaginable rapidity, the reserve has quickly become awash with colour. From budding cowslip to lesser celandine with its eminent bright yellow complexion. The reserve is overrun with fascinating plant life, such as wood anemone which was seen sprouting amongst the undergrowth of Boilton wood. With its muted purple colour, beautifully offset against the dark woodland floor. As a result of the abundance of new plant life, rather marvellously we have also had our first sightings of spring butterflies. With the peacock butterfly and its vibrant colouration being a particularly enchanting observation.

Finally, we were also overjoyed to welcome the unbelievably cute Uma the calf into the world this month. Which brought a much needed ray of joy to our staff and many visitors. Uma can now be observed bounding around the reserve as she familiarises herself with her new surroundings.