April 2012

Over the last six weeks thousands of visitors have been to see the amazing display of daffodils around Warley Place.  Both the east and west meadow daffodil fields have been spectacular this year adding to the traditional breathtaking daffodil bank.  Volunteer guides were kept busy with some visiting groups that booked walks whilst other visitors preferred the self guided tour. 

 

Although this part of the country is officially in a drought the weather was not 'wall to wall' sunshine and the first weekend was very wet.  However it brightened up and Mothering Sunday proved to be a very popular time to visit.

 

Because of the strangeness of the weather conditions there have been some unusual flowering combinations.  At the beginning of March there were snowdrops and daffodils together and by the end of the month bluebells were pushing up between the daffodils on the drive. 

 

With the coming of April we can start to appreciate the delicate spring green on the trees starting with my favourite Swedish Birch viewed from the car park and heading off up the drive to find flowering rhododendrons, the camellia in the walled garden and flowering cherry near the road.  The volunteers have cleared some of the invasive plants from the edge of south pond.  Do lean on the new gate near the pond to admire their work and see the beautiful Kingcup or Marsh Marigold on the pond margins.  All around the reserve new flowers are coming through.  Stop on the path below the Wingnut tree and count the snakes head Fritillaries (there are some purple and some white).  It may take a minute or two to get them in view but once you have seen one I am sure you will spot more.

 

The Natural History Museum film unit visited the reserve one day to make a five minute YouTube film which you may wish to see.  Please don't follow them into the fields as the paths are there for everyone's safety.  Warning: unexploded bombs have been found in the field!  The link is shown on the last page of this website.

 

After Easter life on the reserve will be quieter for the next few months but there is still plenty to see.  Do come and visit when you can.

 

If when you get home you realise you have lost something on the reserve just ring John Cannell (01277 217236) or Fiona Agassiz (01277 230436).  A number of items have been handed in and we keep them safe for you.