The problem with bird watching is that you cannot always see them. Last Saturday The Wild Watch taught us to use our ears instead, with a range of different sound-based activities for children. A violin played us the tunes of owls, wood pigeons, doves , cuckoos and warblers, and we drew the pattern of the notes. We sang our own versions of birdsong in a choir and then took what we had learned into the outside world. A soundscape opened up for us whilst sitting in the churchy

The General and I dipped into Fishpond Wood this week after dropping the children off at school. A walk in here is always a treat for both of us, with the sound of birdsong and wind in the branches. The carpet of bluebells at this time of year is an extra special treat. There has been a sustained battle between Man and Rhododendrun for a few years now. The latter seems to have given up the ghost and we are rewarded by more wildlife sightings. Increased space between the nativ

If you have ever wondered what 96 meters of unplanted hedgerow looks like, now is your chance to find out. 22 Elders, 10 Honeysuckle, 10 Crabapples and numerous Blackthorn and Hawthorn lined up against the barn this month ready make edible wildlife homes. It's all part of the plan to increase the numbers of birds and insects at River View Pateley. It has the added benefit of providing raw materials for jam, jelly, cordial, wine and perhaps even gin (though I doubt we'll be br