Critical Meltdown?

Has the thaw arrived in time for some of our feathered friends and other wildlife (such as mice upon which so many depend)?

Its hard to believe how quickly the deep snow in my garden has disappeared. I'd forgotten that christmas tree was out there to be honest! Of course, its not all over and there is a fair bit of snow in some places. I noticed that alder seed was scattered widely across the car park at work, which must come as a boost for many seed eaters. And to see the beach at Cullercoats coated with snow after just two hours indoors (it was naked beforehand) is a stark reminder that the icy grip has probably just been loosened and not removed. 

Surprisingly though, there has been very little activity in the garden during this hard spell. I guess it must totally depend on where birds go and what they find. I have spent a fortune on many exotic feeders and types of food but find that the left over cheese and bits of turkey skin remain the favourite. Birds don't appear to like cranberry sauce, they appear to hate roulade, rice crackers and doritos. It was worth the experiment although this may also be why I have nowt coming in?

Highlight of the day for me was the magpie that flew backwards and forwards throughout the first staff meeting of the year, providing an alternative view and restocking my reserves of fortitude. This bird must have had a plan, but was acting totally ramdomly, flying between patches of snow.



Interesting afternoon spent in the company of a range of sea users, from anglers and fishermen, to conservationists and researchers. This was the first of a series of meetings to discuss and agree Marine Conservation Zones as part of the recently approved Marine Bill. I am sure this will be a challenge, especially with so many disperate viewpoints to satisfy but its essential that we all find a way to protect the finite marine resource upon which so much hinges - not just food stocks for us and biodiversity, but coastal defence, energy production and of course, carbon capture.


More details available at http://www.netgainmcz.org/