'This really has been a wet and windy couple of months.' That's what we said last year at about this time. What a difference – so far. After a slightly uncertain start the weekends have been great and the coming one (including Mothering Sunday) promises to be the warmest yet.
Snowdrops and crocuses have put on a good show, and the daffodils are at their peak, although apart from late flowering varieties they will start going over now. The purple toothwort is coming out early too, so visitors in April will be able to see it from the bridge or from the path leading to the south hide. There is plenty of colour around in the next few months, with the bluebells, foxgloves and rhododendrons to name just three of the plants that regularly put on a great display.
Our current project is for a new information room to replace the old house wc/cloakroom, which does get rather damp. We have applied for planning permission to erect a wooden structure with an open front overlooking the walled garden, so it will also act as a shelter with a great view.
We have noticed at the open weekends so far this year that a number of visitors are wandering off the paths. We do ask the public to stay on them for their own safety as well as for the protection of the flowers. Also we'd like to thank those dog owners who are no doubt very responsible and would keep their pets on a lead, but who are not allowed to bring them on the reserve. The great majority of such owners understand and leave their dogs in the car or come back later without them. The problem we have is that the few irresponsible owners spoil it for the rest, and we want to protect the wildlife and the flowers – and we don't want to have to clear up their dogs' mess, either.
We also appreciate visitors forbearance with the car parking arrangements. The car park is adequate for most of the year, but during warm spring weekends it is too small and some visitors end up having to use the overflow car park which the cricket club kindly let us use at this time of the year.
If you'd like to know a bit more about Warley Place
John C
