Seven up!

Some of this years cygnets on the Broadwater

Dad leading the family of 7

Last week was spent with the Wildlife trust on some good old Himalayan Balsam bashing on the river Coln at Whittington court, Andoversford and Owdeswell court. Last years efforts had proved effective in these locations apart from some isolated clumps. At the end of the session though we discovered at Owdeswell court a significant area of the invasive plant which would have to be dealt with in a later session.

Hottest day of the year for me at Sherborne wednesday and my first contact with this years Broadwater swan family.  The afternoon was spent on an unusual task of ditch creation, fortunately with Mike using the digger attachment to the tractor. James and I had the job of soil removal using the 4x4 + tipping trailer to deposit the one and half ton loads in a secluded area near Northfield barns.  Managed to squeeze in a quick visit to the Broadwater on one of the 'runs' to try and catch a glimpse of the resident mute swans. Fortunately the swan family were down at the Broadwater weir with seven healthy cygnets being guided by their parents {increase from 3 last year}.

More good news on the wildlife front at Sherborne with a Red kite pair rearing 3 young which should soon be fledging. Also in the Cleeve reserve area plenty of 'blues' to be seen along with some 'Duke of Burgandies' plus a rare sighting for me of a cuckoo!