Spring

Spring is a time for renewal, welcoming back old friends that disappeared over winter, reminding us of the circular nature of existence. The warblers have arrived and are singing from the treetops. The swallows and martins too have started to make an appearance in our skies. The blossom is out on our trees and hedges, and the wildflowers are putting on a show in our fields and verges and the Millennium Green is no exception. Spring is happening everywhere you look, especially in the newly created copse between Smite Lane, the willow arch and the main green. The thinning of the trees has been completed, the area cleared and some wildflower plants and seeds have been funded, sourced and nurtured. It’s a joy to see the plants returning from their winter dormancy and the seeds germinating and creating an impressive carpet of foliage. The flowers are currently scarce but promising with primrose, cowslip, bluebell, stitchwort, red campion, wild garlic, sweet woodruff and cow parsley – to name but a few. The various leaf shapes, textures and shades of green hint at the show to follow. The flowers will provide nectar for the bees and insects, these in turn will provide food for birds and mammals, and these will be hunted by larger predators and their young. Next time you’re in The Millennium Green make some time to stop and look, listen to the birds, smell the blossom and flowers, feel the wind and sun on your skin and the textures of the plants and trees. Immerse yourself in the wild world on our doorstep and feel part of something special.