We planted some plants that will be beneficial to pollinators into the new flower bed at Balloo Wetland: Oxeye daisy, Common knapweed, Teasel and Meadow crane's-bill – four native plants that would look good in any herbaceous border and provide a source of nectar from June to October. Knapweed and teasel will also provide seed for birds later in the year too.

We also planted rosemary which, when flowering, is a magnet for bees, as are many of the Mediterranean herbs we use for cooking. Lastly, we planted a Geum – we do have native Geums, but this one is a garden cultivar. – a sterile hybrid that produces masses of nectar-rich flowers, but will not set seed, and goes on flowering for months, if deadheaded.

We will continue to fill this bed with beneficial plants, as and when we can get our hands on some, and if you have any plants that you are dividing or growing from seed this year, and would like to donate to us, we would love to hear from you ~ Ryan Bradley, Nature Reserves Officer

Slievenacloy has started to wake up now, with spring flowers such as primroses on the field banks and skylarks in full song overhead. 

I heard the first common snipe giving its distinctive chipping song last week, and the summer migrants are back in the bushes with lots of Chiffchaff and Willow warblers singing. Hopefully, this week, we will see the swallows and house martins arriving in decent numbers and cuckoos won't be far behind.

Our team had a good workout at Bog Meadows while installing new water troughs in the fields, getting ready for our cows coming back on site in May. We've kept the old troughs and will repurpose them as mini wildlife ponds and planters in our outdoor education area to let nature in. Want to let nature into your garden? Find out more and get your FREE 'Let Nature In' Guide  ~ Deborah McLaughlin, Bog Meadows Community Engagement Officer