March has bought with it the first welcome signs that warmer weather is on its way. We’ve seen blue tits beginning to nest is some of our nest boxes and the rangers have even spotted a smooth snake and slow worms out of hibernation. The pond by the Visitor Centre is teeming with smooth and palmate newts. The male palmates are showing off their distinctive ‘gloved’ back feet ready for the breeding season. Brimstone butterflies have also made an appearance. These beautiful yellowy-green butterflies are often the first butterflies out and about in spring so they are a very welcome sight that promises spring is on its way. We are so excited to see the heathland waking up after a long winter and look forward to welcoming even more of our fantastic wildlife over the coming months!
Another very welcome addition to the park has been our new trampoline in our play area! This popular piece of equipment has been welcomed back with open arms after the old one became unfunctional. Since its installation it has been in almost constant use by some very happy little bouncers!
We have been very lucky this month to have the help of some wonderful volunteers from the Sheiling College and Ringwood and District Round Table group who, along with our regular volunteers, have done a fantastic job helping out around the park tidying up after the winter. We greatly appreciate the time they have given up for us and their hard work. It makes such a difference!
Lastly, we have welcomed two adorable newborn calves to the park this month. Our British White Cattle graze the heathland, helping to conserve this precious habitat. Many of our cows are currently pregnant and so we hope to be welcoming more little ones over the coming months