Voice Magazines - Sutton-in-Ashfield and Huthwaite Edition - May 2024

SUTTON • HUTHWAITE

WORLDBEE DAY

20THMAY ‘24

11 EDITIONS, READ BY OVER 152,000 RESIDENTS

Struggling with your feet?

We offer routine foot care and HCPC registered specialist Podiatry services

ROUTINE FOOT CARE

NAIL CARE

CALLUS & CORNS

VERRUCAE

Specialist Podiatry Services

FUNGAL NAIL TESTING & TREATMENT

DIABETIC FOOT REVIEW

COSMETIC PODIATRY, INCLUDING ME

PEDICURES AND NAIL RECONSTRUCT

FOOT PAIN ASSESSMENT & TREATMENT PLANNING INC. ORTHOTICS, EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION AND MLS LASER THERAPY

SURGICAL PODIATRY

NAIL SURGERY

VERRUCA NEEDLING

PODTOX HYPERHIDROSIS TREATMENT

CURACORN TREATMENT FOR STUBBORN

CORNS AND FAT PAD ATROPHY

Sports massage describes a clinical massage, that is different to a typical relaxation massage, rather than a massage for sportspeople.

We’ve partnered with Jen @ Active Release who provides sports massage therapy from our premises at Ashfield Therapy Centre. Jen uses a variety of techniques to help reduce inflammation, improve range of motion and help you reach your goals....whether they’re sporty or not!

If you’re interested in a sports massage, call our Reception team on 01623 723 328 to book in.

We are based at:

BUZZ… WHY WE NEED BEES

Bees—we all know they are under threat, don’t we?

But why are they so important, and what can be done to mitigate the danger they are in?

At the heart of their importance lies their role as pollinators. This seemingly simple act is crucial for the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. In fact, it’s estimated that one-third of the world’s food crops depend on pollinators like bees. Without them, many of the foods we rely on for sustenance would cease to exist or become prohibitively expensive.

Beyond agriculture, bees play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity. By pollinating a diverse range of plants, they contribute to the reproduction of countless species, thereby supporting entire ecosystems. From wildflowers to trees, bees ensure the survival of plant communities that provide habitat and sustenance for a myriad of other organisms, from insects to birds to mammals…to us humans!

Bees are also indicators of environmental health. Their presence and abundance can serve as a barometer for the overall well-being of ecosystems. Declines in bee populations may signal broader ecological imbalances, such as habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. As such, protecting bees and their habitats is not only crucial for their survival but also for the health and resilience of entire ecosystems.

In addition to their ecological significance, bees also have profound cultural and economic importance. For centuries, humans have benefited from the products of bees, including honey, beeswax, and propolis. Beekeeping, or apiculture, remains an important livelihood for many people around the world, providing income, sustenance, and even therapeutic benefits.

Despite their immense value, bees face many threats to their survival. Habitat loss, pesticide

exposure, disease, climate change, and invasive species all take their toll on bee populations. The widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides has been implicated in the decline of bee populations worldwide, leading to calls for greater regulation and alternative pest management strategies.

Fortunately, there is growing recognition of the need to protect bees and support their populations. Efforts to conserve and restore bee habitats, reduce pesticide use, and promote beefriendly practices are underway in many parts of the world. From urban beekeeping initiatives to pollinator-friendly gardening campaigns, individuals, communities, and governments are taking action to safeguard bees and their vital ecosystem services.

As individuals, we can help by:

• planting a diverse set of native plants, which flower at different times of the year

• buying raw honey from local farmers

• buying products from sustainable agricultural practices

• avoiding pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in our gardens

• protecting wild bee colonies when possible

• sponsoring a hive

• making a bee water fountain by leaving a water bowl outside

• helping to sustain forest ecosystems

• raising awareness around us by sharing this information within our communities and networks

GO ON, HELP SAVE THE BEES – THE WORLD WOULD BE A VERY DIFFERENT PLACE WITHOUT THEM!

ENTERPRISING ASHFIELD

Nottingham Trent University continue to deliver the Enterprising Ashfield project to businesses, residents and employees within the Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Sutton-in-Ashfield Towns Fund area.

FREE COURSES

£1,000 BUSINESS START-UP GRANT

£1,500 BUSINESS GROWTH GRANT

£2,500 GRADUATE TALENT GRANT

FREE EXPERT BUSINESS SUPPORT

FREE APPRENTICESHIP ADVICE

Contact us to book an appointment with one of our Business Advisers and visit our website to find out more, including full list of courses available

enterprisingashfield@ntu.ac.uk

ntu.ac.uk/enterprisingashfield

NTU are delivering Enterprising Ashfield as part of the Ashfield District Council's successful Government Towns Fund bid.

9 3x3 blocks

1 simple rule: Use all the numbers 1-9, with no duplicates allowed, in any row, column, or block. These puzzles are devised by the brilliant Professor Rebus. For more of his puzzles visit www.pitcherwits.co.uk

We are proud to have offered our services to the area for over 20 years building up our reputation by offering a high service at affordable, honest and reasonable prices to both residential and commercial customers. Many of our customers are return customers or gained through ‘word of mouth’ and we welcome this loyalty. 24 HOURS 7 DAYS A WEEK

• Family run independent business since 1947

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ivanbramleyfd@gmail.com

All Around the Shire

RUB A DUB DUB

Which soap do you remember from your childhood? There were many brands to choose from in the 1960s and 70s like Lux or Camay Beauty soaps where the model on the television advert demonstrated how to use the soap by rubbing in circular movements blobs of lather on her cheeks. My granny was not impressed when I tried this method and she told me to go back and wash the whole of my face.

During WW2, soap was rationed as the fat and glycerine from it was needed to make explosives and for other military uses.

From 1942, four coupons were given each month, and each coupon was worth 4oz hard soap, 3oz toilet soap, half an ounce of liquid soap, 6oz soft soap, 3oz soap flakes or 6oz soap powder. Shaving soap was never rationed but became scarce as did the other types.

Soap operas from radio (1930s) and TV (1950s) were so called because they were sponsored by soap manufacturers.

Washing powders like Oxydol and Rinso had to perform more than one household task. The wartime Rinso packet had instructions for how to use for laundry and dishwashing.

Knight’s Castille, Palmolive, Pears, Fairy, Sunlight, Imperial leather, Carbolic, Lifebuoy, Coal tar, Pit Head Bath soap if your father was a miner, were the types I grew up with. To imagine my parents and grandparents having to go without what we regard as basic cleaning products and five inches of water in your bath for the whole family a week, makes me glad I didn’t have to live through those times.

Janet and Paul Barrass are All Around the Shire. Find us on or email: oldfield512@btinternet.com for more information.

a L E S

Heritage

HANDS ON HERITAGE DAY

FREE Mansfield Central Library

10am – 2pm / Saturday 18 May

HANDS ON HERITAGE DAY RETURNS TO MANSFIELD LIBRARY THIS MAY.

Bringing a variety of fun and free activities from heritage groups and organisations from across the county. Come along and meet costumed characters, play archaeologist for the day, or try your hand at traditional circus skills! Visitors can also explore pop-up museums and mining heritage, discover more about local and family history, browse the books for sale, and get hands-on with fun crafts and activities for all the family!

We’ll have live music throughout the day and Mrs B’s café will be open for refreshments on the mezzanine floor.

CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES

Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do and it’s usually simple, cost effective and gives you the peace of mind that a really important job is ticked off your list.

Our Specialist team can help:

Create your Will to ensure your personal wishes and plans are in place

Give advice about the benefits of making a Will

Provide legal advice on your individual situation

Give you peace of mind for you and your family

Simply call us for advice or to arrange a FREE appointment to suit you by phone, video call, in person at our offices, at your home, or in a care or medical setting

We tailor services to your personal needs: personal care, medication, companionship, meals, shopping, outing, exercise and domestic duties. All care is person-centred and reviewed to suit changing needs.

RAF Stirling Memorial

Just a goal-kick away from the throng of heavy traffic where the A611 Derby Road and the A608 Mansfield Road converge at the island opposite Sherwood Business Park Annesley, sits a monument that may not receive the prominence it truly deserves.

It may be well known to locals, walkers like me, and the employees in this part of the world. However, it’s certainly concealed from the sight of the thousands of people who hurtle past in their vehicles every single day.

The RAF Stirling Memorial in memory of the crew of Stirling Bomber Serial EH 988 which crashed near this site on 14th January 1945. Those that perished were:

67707 Squadron Leader S.L.Cockbain

D.F.C aged 28

1587047 Flight Sergeant E.C.Barton aged 21

2204311 Sergeant J.Littlemore aged 19

1651299 Sergeant K.Harris aged 22

1874899 Flight Sergeant T.A.Ball aged 20

The Memorial Plaque reads:

“This four-engined bomber was on a flight from RAF Winthorpe to Northern Ireland when it suffered a loss of power, first from one engine, and then from two. The pilot struggled to control the aircraft and attempted to reach RAF Hucknall. As the machine became increasingly unmanageable, he had no option but to attempt a forced landing in the fields. Unfortunately, however, the aircraft continued to

lose height rapidly as it made a wide turn over this area. It flew in an easterly direction near the site of this Memorial and crashed into the ridge just to the east of here.”

Average age of the crew, 22 years. It continues,

“After information about this crash had been researched and published, it was decided to form the Stirling Memorial Group consisting of the organisations named below for the placing of a memorial on this site. The inscribed Memorial Stone was unveiled by Group Captain R.Cook B Tech RAF and dedicated by RAFA Chaplain the Rev Jeremy Fletcher on 16th September 1998 in the presence of surviving relatives, RAF veterans, comrades from other Arms of Service, and members of the Public.”

If you happen to be in this part of Nottinghamshire, then this Memorial Stone and site are worth a few minutes of your time.

And like countless others who paid the supreme sacrifice so that we might enjoy our freedom today, old age and time was something never afforded to this brave young aircraft crew.

Words by Roger West

£745

Slimming World Recipe Fish Pie

Method:

1. Heat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/ gas 6.

2. Cook the potatoes in a large saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain, return to the pan and mash well. Leave to cool then stir in the quark, season to taste and set aside.

3. While the potatoes are cooking, put the leeks and 2 tbsp water in a nonstick saucepan over a medium-high heat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally, then tip into a large ovenproof dish.

4. At the same time, cook the eggs in another saucepan of boiling water over a high heat for 9 minutes or until just hard-boiled. Cool under cold running water, peel, halve and add to the leeks.

For

This fish pie is packed full of delicious ingredients; fish, prawns, eggs, leeks in a creamy sauce, all topped with fluffy mash. Yum!

5. Pour the milk into a non-stick saucepan and bring to a simmer over a medium heat. Add the white fish, reduce the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the fish to the ovenproof dish, along with the prawns, herbs and lemon juice.

6. Strain the milk into a clean pan and put it over a high heat. Mix the cornflour with a little cold water and add to the milk. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Pour the thickened sauce over everything in the dish, season lightly and gently mix it all together.

7. Spoon the mashed potatoes on top, making a pretty pattern with a fork if you’re feeling creative, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is lightly browned. Serve with your favourite Speed vegetables.

Serves: 6

Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1kg floury potatoes, such as King Edward or Maris Piper, roughly chopped

• 4 tbsp plain quark

• 2 large leeks, sliced

• 4 eggs

• 250ml skimmed milk

• 600g skinless and boneless white fish fillets, cut into bite-size chunks

• 200g cooked and peeled king or tiger prawns, tails removed

• ½ small pack fresh dill, chopped

• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 level tbsp cornflour

Syns per serving: 1

Sometimes, when good people come together at the right time, great things can happen.

This month we heard from Nicole, who, alongside Jenn, run Slimming World groups on Tuesdays at the Mansfield Hosiery Mill Sports and Social Club. They told us about the incredible success they have had since January. As of the 20th March, they have collectively lost a simply staggering 1835.5lbs, which equates to a whopping 131 Stone!!

Impressive statistics are one thing but more importantly behind these numbers are real people and real lives that have improved,

as the members have become happier and healthier versions of themselves.

Nicole wanted to let us know, as they put part of this success down to the power of advertising in bringing 91 new members to their groups. Here at the Voice we love a success story and we are so pleased for Nicole, Jenn and all their members! We know how hard this journey can be, so a massive congratulations go out to the groups and their dedication. Well done everyone!

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Flake’ s Favourites

Re-walking

Rafa’s Rambles

Well, it finally feels as if Spring has arrived and with it a bit of drier and warmer weather. So, it’s the perfect time to dig out this gem. It really is a lovely walk, with beautiful views and scenery. There is a nice varierty of terrain as the walk leaves from Calver, along the River Derwent to Froggatt and then as far up as Grindleford, before heading back through Froggatt Woods and along the river to return to Calver.

6-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM CALVER TO FROGGATT ALONG THE RIVER DERWENT

A mid-length walk which should take you and your dog around 2½-3 hours to complete. The walk is mostly on trails and paths but there are a few short stretches of road so please take care. Please wear appropriate footwear and as always, please follow the countryside code.

START: CALVER MILL GALLERY, BRIDGE COTTAGE, CALVER. DERBYS. S32 3XA

1. Facing the gallery take the single-track tarmac road to the left signposted for ‘Calver Mill’. After some distance ignore the gate to the right into Calver Mill and continue straight ahead passing a sign on a stone post for ‘Stocking Farm’.

2. Just prior to reaching some farm buildings follow the road around to the right. After, turn immediately left and pass through a small wooden gate adjacent to a large wooden gate and continue to cross an open field.

3. Upon reaching a river on your right continue ahead keeping the river close on your right. After a short distance pass through a small wooden gate adjacent to a large metal gate. Now continue along a footpath with the river on your right.

4. Pass 2 bungalows on your left, then after a short distance you will reach a road. Cross the road to pass through a gap and then continue along a footpath with the river on your right.

5. After a short distance cross over a footbridge and then continue with the river on your right for some distance, passing through three more wooden gates.

6. Eventually pass through a wooden gate onto a road. Turn right to cross over the river and after a very short distance turn left at a T junction along a road called ‘Hollow Gate’. Continue ahead until the road bends sharp right and uphill. At this point continue straight ahead along a road and a footpath signposted for ‘Grindleford Bridge’.

7. The road turns into a lane with a dry-stone wall on both sides, then into a footpath. Shortly after this pass through a gap adjacent to a large metal gate, into a field, and continue with a dry-stone wall on your right. When the dry-stone wall on your right comes to an end bear slightly to the right following an arrow on a marker post, to continue to cross an open field.

8. Pass through a gap and then continue with a dry-stone wall on your left for some distance before passing through another gap to cross an open field. Pass through another gap to follow a signpost for ‘Froggatt Wood’.

9. Continue along a footpath through woodland and crossing several streams. Pass through a gap and then continue with a stone wall on your left. Then pass through a small wooden gate adjacent to a large wooden gate and cross an open field going downhill.

10. At the bottom of the hill bear slightly left to cross over a stream and continue ahead to pass a telegraph pole on your right. Cross an open field and at the far side pass through a wooden gate and onto a road. Turn right along the road for a very short distance and then turn right along a lane and signposted footpath.

11. After some distance follow the lane sharp right and after a very short distance pass a marker post on your right. Ignore the path to the left and continue straight ahead to cross over a stream. After a very short distance pass through a small wooden gate just off to your right and enter a field.

12. Cross the field towards a marker post. At the marker post turn left signposted as ‘The Wellington Boot Route’. Pass through a large gap in a wall pass by two marker posts on your right.

13. You will begin to enter some trees. Pass two more marker posts on your left and continue along a wooden walkway to pass through a wooden gate and uphill through the trees until you reach a drystone wall in front of you. Bear slightly right and continue with the wall on your left, ignore a gate on the left and contine.Then, following an arrow on a marker post on your right, pass through a large gap in the wall on your left.

14. Continue straight ahead, now, with the wall on your right. After some distance cross over a stream on your left and then continue ahead to cross over a walkway/bridge. Immediately after

the bridge pass through a large gap in a wall directly in front of you.

15. Still amongst trees follow the arrow on a marker post on your left to continue ahead. At a marker post with an arrow pointing to the left follow the arrow on a path of laid flag stones.

16. Cross over some stepping stones over a fast running stream, then continue to cross over two more streams. Pass a marker post on your right, then cross over another stream. Continue gently uphill for some distance, eventually the path continues with a wall on your right. Pass through a small wooden gate adjacent to a large wooden gate onto a road.

17. Turn right, then shortly after passing ‘Moorlands Farm Bed & Breakfast’ on your right, turn left along a road called ‘Malthouse Lane’. Continue along ‘Malthouse Lane’ for some distance and then at the far end of the road follow it sharp around to the right and downhill.

18. At a T-junction turn left. Continue ahead, ignoring a road on your right and then look out for a small wooden gate on your right. Pass, through to continue along a footpath with a river on your right. Cross over a footbridge and then continue with the river on your right.

19. Continue for some distance and then at a split in the path take the right split, reaching some steps up to a road. Cross the road, pass through a gap and then continue along a footpath with the river on your right. After some distance climb up some steps, cross over a footbridge and then continue with the river on your right.

20. After some distance cross a wooden footbridge, climb some steps and continue with the river on your right. Further on pass through a small wooden gate along the path.

21. Pass through the wooden gate onto a road. Turn right and continue for some distance, reaching a junction. Turn right along a road and cross over the river to return to ‘Calver Mill Gallery’

This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.

Froggat Wood

BOOK REVIEW

WAKENHYRST - MICHELLE PAVER

There’s nothing like a bit of gothic thriller for immersing yourself in another world and author Michelle Paver has a great talent for suspense and menace.

Her other gothic novels, Dark Matter and Thin Air, were bestsellers and Wakenhyrst, the most recent book, is another treat for fans of creepy, gripping and spooky tales.

It’s an engrossing clever story, atmospheric and dark, centred around Maud, a young girl who grows up in a

grand house on the edge of the Fens. Her mother dies in childbirth and her life is ruled by her despotic father who she adores – until she starts to find out about his secrets.

Paver builds tension brilliantly. Maud is a superb brave heroine, her father a perfect villain. Religion, superstition –and a clever narrative around the place of women in Edwardian times. What’s not to love?

Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures.

Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing!

The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.

Across

6 Cut the picture of the harvest (4)

7 Noisiest part of after-dinner speech (3)

8 Abundantly alcoholic? (4)

14 Sky pilot gives up posy for Scotswear (4)

15 Hit, from hot-air propellor (3)

16 Opposed to the freeze of the car? (4)

Down

3 Bland and quiet Diva? Unlikely! (5)

4 She’s into ballerina diagnostics (5)

12 Tiger-eye? Get away, somehow it’s a nest! (5)

Across

1 Left Vienna to become the last item (5,5)

9 Download a version of wild arboretum? (8)

11 Bit of monochrome shading can be hard to pin down (4,4)

17 Beef, Duke? (10) Down

1 We make lifelong attempts to be in blue state (7,3)

2 Why a car crashed into an architectural feature (7)

5 “Founded a nation, did I? That’s just as well!” (2,8)

10 Losing fluid because of broken linkage (7)

Down: 1 Proposition, 2 T b a, 3 Gas, 4 Non-adhesive, 6 Go to sea, 7 Not here, 8 Engrave, 14 Rev, 15 Sit.

Across: 1 Patrol wagon, 5 Agonies, 9 Omit, 10 Gird, 11 Other, 12 Iris, 13 Ache, 14 Rameses, 16 Naval battle.

13 A vial, snapped open for help (5) ANSWERS

MODERN FAMILIES

Families — we all have them. Be they the ones we are born into, or the ones we create with other like-minded souls during our lifetime.

So important are families to us that the United Nations even has a designated day set aside, 15 May each year is The International Day of Families. A day that (allegedly) “provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families”.

Very grandiose.

But there is an important message behind this statement, namely that families ARE important to the wellbeing and economic success of a nation.

When birth rates slow down, as they are doing, women around the globe are more likely to join the labour market – thus increasing not only their prosperity, but the prosperity of their nation. On the other hand, smaller families are less likely to cope with care obligations – looking after older family members, for example.

There’s never a win-win, is there? Back to families…

In some parts of the world, several generations live under one roof. Caring for older relatives is a given, and it would be unheard of to place a loved one in a care facility – unless for medical reasons.

Now, unless the caring is split amongst family members, there is the distinct possibility that

the burden will fall unfairly on one family member. Possibly taking that person out of the paid workforce and restricting their economic opportunities.

Without being sexist (or should I be saying “genderist” these days?) that person is more likely than not to be a woman who may already have lost out on the career and pension ladder by taking time out to bear and raise children.

Of course, that person may be perfectly happy for the burden of care to fall on their shoulders, but what if they aren’t? What if they become a seething pot of resentment? How comfortable would family life be in that situation?

The solution, of course, is for families to refocus to reflect the 21st century. It is no longer a given that a family comprises a mother, father, and children, so our ideas about family life should no longer be predicated on that “nuclear family”.

If mum wants to be a stay at home mum and can afford to…great!

If dad wants to be the one at home with the kids…amazing!

Two mums? Two dads? Cool, so what?

One parent family? Kudos to them for coping single-handedly!

As long as love, care, and respect are present in a family setup, it really doesn’t matter what a family looks like…does it?

HERITAGE SKILLS HEDGELAYING

Laying hedges is just one of the techniques which can be used to manage hedgerows. Other techniques include trimming and coppicing. Coppicing involves cutting stems off at ground level to encourage the hedge to regenerate. Left unmanaged a hedgerow will continue to grow upwards and outwards and will eventually become a line of trees.

Where farmers keep cattle or sheep a good hedge is essential – although barbed wire fences can easily be erected they do not provide shelter like a hedge. Hedges are important for our wildlife, environmental, heritage and scenic value. A well-managed hedgerow is thick and bushy, an impenetrable barrier to sheep and cattle and a haven for wildlife.

Cattle will lean against a hedge and make gaps whilst sheep push through the base, hedgelaying prevents this. Cut stems are bent over at an angle, secured with stakes and in some styles binders along the top, so creating a living, stock-proof barrier. Hedgelaying is the only hedgerow maintenance

method currently available which promotes regrowth from ground level and which will ensure the health and longevity of the hedgerow. Once a hedge has been laid regular trimming will keep it in good order for up to 50 years when it may be appropriate to lay the hedge again.

Regional styles

There are different styles of hedgelaying across parts of the UK. Each style has been developed over many years to cope with the climate of the area, different farming practices and the type of trees and shrubs that grow in the hedge.

There are more than thirty styles recorded in the UK plus others in France, Germany and Holland. Each year the National Championship tests the skills of hedgelayers on eight of the main styles in current use.

The ones you are likely to see in the Sheffield Lakeland Landscape area are the Derbyshire and Yorkshire styles.

Please get in touch if you have any community history projects in your area, we might be able to help!

landscaping large building projects.

NATURE NOTES FROM THE PEAK DISTRICT

AS SPRING ARRIVES THE GARDEN BIRDS STILL COME

From autumn into late winter the garden visiting birds have grown in numbers and diversity. Then, a few weeks ago as the first warmth seemed to arrive, many of the birds reduced. Night-time temperatures make a big difference because if it is very cold then small birds burn up body fat. This needs to be replenished the following day and as a matter of urgency – if they don’t refuel then small birds die. Indeed, this is why our garden feeders become so important in wintertime. However, a couple of cooler nights brought the numbers back up and whilst the titmice (blue, great, and coal tits) have never got back to the highs of a couple of months ago, the finches in particular have been doing very well. Usually, a winter visitor I think the siskins may be stopping to breed locally, with several still on my feeders at any one time. They are joined by greenfinches, bullfinches, chaffinches, and goldfinches, all of which will, it seems, breed in or around the garden.

Jackdaws have returned to nest in a neighbour’s chimney stack, and the local carrion crows have a nest and territory in a nearby woodland. Both species are coming to the garden to feast on the hanging fat-balls. Also in the wood, a chiffchaff started singing in late March almost like somebody just threw a switch and the song ‘chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff’ started up. This is not to be confused with the bi-syllabic, repeated ‘seesaw’ of the local great tits. Another loud and insistent call is that of the nuthatches that hold territory and occasionally come to the feeders. At this time of year, the repeated ‘chwit-chwit’ and the loud, ‘kee-kee-kee’ are

very distinctive. Much of the bird activity is now settled on establishing a breeding territory whilst attracting and protecting a suitable mate. But levels of activity will carry on growing as summer-breeding migrants pour in from April onwards. As always, the period from May to August promises to be a very busy time for the songbirds of the Peak District!

Along with new arrivals from the south, many of our winter birds will have departed northwards to their own breeding grounds. This may be the far north of Britain or else back into northern Europe or even Iceland. This is a time of great change, and for birds such as the starling for instance, our winter population includes gatherings of hundreds of thousands or even up to a million birds. Some of these breed locally but many head back across Europe for the summer. In Russia for instance, the return of the starling is viewed as a harbinger of springtime, very much as we await the coming of the swallow back from Africa. Even our population of winter blackbirds mixes those which reside here and breed locally, and a big influx of continental birds from across the North Sea. Of course, once all this movement is settled and the birds have bred, then it will all start over again for the next winter period.

JACKDAW

MALE BULLFINCH

MALE SISKIN

CARRION CROW

BLUE TIT

Gardener’s Calendar

Top Tip:

May is such a brilliant time in the garden. Time to plant out, sow for later in the summer, take cuttings to give you more plants for free. It can’t get any better than this.

It’s also a good time to prune forsythia to keep a bright bushy shape and plenty of blossom next year.

Tender plants which have been started off indoors can be hardened off now – take them outside during the day and bring under cover at night for a few days then they won’t be shocked into slower growth. You also need to be careful with baskets and containers. They can be planted up as soon as it feels like the frosts are over but have a couple of rolls of fleece handy if it feels like it’s going to be a cold night. If you’ve got seedlings growing in rows or pots thin them out once they’ve got a couple of proper leaves (ie not the little leaves that emerge as they start to grow). This way they’re less likely to suffer from fungus and they have a better chance of flourishing if they’re not having to fight for space.

Watch out for bright red lily beetles. They can attack fritillaries as well as lilies and will very quickly decimate your plants.

You can keep on sowing bright summer annuals in beds – they’ll give you bright colour around the end of July and August when bare patches start to show.

Feed your daffs and tulips with a liquid fertiliser now to encourage a good strong display next year.

THE LITTLE RED HEN HOUSE NORTHUMBERLAND

STUNNING HOLIDAY COTTAGE IN WARKWORTH, NORTHUMBERLAND

✽ 2 spacious en-suite bedrooms

✽ A fully enclosed garden

✽ 2 small to medium dogs welcome (3 upon request)

✽ Fully equipped kitchen, including an American style fridge freezer

✽ Perfect for exploring the stunning Northumbrian Heritage Coastline

✽ Close to a range of dog friendly pubs, cafes and restaurants in stunning Warkworth

✽ We have fast fibre Wi-Fi and smart TV’s

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Treat yourself to a luxury break at the 4* Gold Award winning Little Red Hen House. An elegant and cosy holiday home just a 7 minute drive from award-winning and dog-friendly Warkworth beach. www.coquetcottages.co.uk