The sound of birdsong fills the spring air at St Michael’s with robins, wrens and the occasional nuthatch with its cheerful low pitched-notes.

Unfortunately, since the recent opening of a well-known fast food outlet close by, litter has increased on the churchyard steps and, to address this ongoing problem, litter picks are organised regularly. Despite this, the carpet of wildflowers is blooming with early bluebells, forget-me-nots and lesser celandines (William Wordsworth’s favourite flower).  In addition, we have gathered logs and twigs into a pile by a quiet and shady spot, hopefully to attract beetles and other insects as an inviting home.

But not all the action is on the ground.  Overhead, two sparrowhawks were mobbed by a mistle thrush this morning as it boldly defended its territory. Furthermore, the brilliant owl boxes are now up in the trees thank to the efforts of local volunteers.