Last winter caused havoc in the garden with the loss of several significant shrubs and trees, most have been in the garden for many years. Amazingly some did recover and we are hoping that that this winter remains mild to give the replacements a better chance to get established.

At least 15 different species of birds are frequent visitors to the garden. We have noticed a decline in some, the goldfinches and long tailed tits are favourites and they are quite infrequent now.  All is not harmony at the feeders where there is a clear 'pecking order'.  We saw two greater spotted woodpeckers having a fight and feathers flew when a robin wasn't happy with a greenfinch.