Well, after Storm Dave overnight, I wasn't too sure what I would find at the Home Reserve today? After spending a good few hours at the local stables removing the remnants of two roofs, then rebuilding and straightening and refitting the metal roof sheets ... it was with some trepidation I set off onto the Reserve later this afternoon...

I need not have worried; every section of the boundary fence was intact, and thanks to last years' prep works no further trees had fallen onto the fence.

Indeed, of those trees which have fallen, all were expected and can safely be left where they have fallen, to rot down and provide food for a myriad of insects and grubs, and homes for the smaller mammals ... and possibly shelter for our own tawny owlets when they leave the safety of their nests. Therer are some tit nesting boxes down, none will be in use yet, and hopefully the weather tomorrow will be kind enough for me to refit them into the trees - if anyone has any nestboxes to spare...we really could do with approx another 10-14 boxes.

The photo accompanying this report is the sea of new growth on the reserve floor; wild bluebells in the foreground, and wild garlic as far as the eye can see.

Many thanks to you all for your support.

Nigel