A small haven amongst the gloom

In these grim times we are being reminded that being in touch with nature is good for us, mentally and physically. Although we are meant to drastically limit our social contacts, and in many cases avoid as far as can be achieved meeting anyone outside our household, we are also advised that a walk in the countryside can be beneficial. With spring properly under way our enforced inactivity provides a good reason to take a stroll across The Common: the chances of coinciding with many other people are slim, and there’s plenty of space for the necessary distance between people if you do happen to meet someone. Please remember to follow the social distancing rules and keep at least 2 metres apart from people outside your own household!

This season is always the best time to appreciate The Common, as it returns to life after a pretty dreary and unusually wet winter. Just today I have seen two hares having a run around (admittedly not on The Common, but in a nearby field), and a rather sluggish Common Lizard (which is better than a shrewish slug) basking on the boardwalk. The vegetation is in overdrive, with Lesser Celandines particularly lovely, and the birdsong is building up day by day. Already the first summer migrants are here: several Chiffchaffs can be heard calling in more of their friends, whilst the resident birds such as Wren, Robin and Song Thrush are in full voice. Despite it all, there is still joy to be had from a lark’s song cascading from a clear blue sky.

Evidence of all this activity can be seen on the whiteboard at the information point at the Lower Street end of the boardwalk. After a couple of months where not much was added, it is filling up again nicely. Recent bird sightings on The Common and nearby include Red Kite, Marsh Harriers seen from Long Lane, Buzzards, Sparrowhawks and Barn Owls. And that’s just the predators! Other notable recently spotted birds are Grey Wagtails, 20 Redwings perhaps on their way to breed in Scandinavia, and a singing Marsh Tit. No doubt plant sightings will soon be added, as they burst into flower, as the Snake’s Head Fritillary has just done.

Without a full description, the sighting of a Dragon might need to be taken with a substantial pinch of salt however!

The recent work to cut the reedbed nearest the Lower Street car park opened up a wonderful view across the site, made even better by the clearing of vegetation hiding The Beck. It will of course grow up again during the year, but it’s well worth admiring before it does.

It is at least fortunate that the cutting programme had finished for the time being, before Norfolk Wildlife Trust wisely decided that all their volunteering activities should cease. Our next work involving groups of people would normally be the Himalayan Balsam control, which last year happened on and off from May to August. It currently seems unlikely that the shackles will be off by May, but no doubt more will emerge on this topic as the Spring turns into Summer.

It won't be long before it looks like this again. So, enjoy The Common responsibly if you are able to, and keep safe and well.