Tower and Town, April 2025 (view the full edition)On Arrivals And New BeginningsApril is a spectacular month in the wildlife calendar - you never quite know what you might encounter, whether you're exploring the Downs, wandering through the forest, or down by the river. Once the warmer weather and southerly winds set in, the spring migration is in full swing. Migrants are drawn up from the far south and use the winds to guide them back to their breeding locations. Some travel thousands of miles from where they have spent the winter months in warmer climes. I have always wondered how they manage to find their way back to exactly the same tree, bush, or nesting site year after year. Do they follow the direction of the sun or stars or specific physical landmarks in the landscape like the river valley or ancient Roman byways?
West Woods towards the end of April is also a magical place to see wildlife. A breath-taking sea of bluebells blankets the forest floor beneath the bright lime-green canopy of Beech trees. Orange Tip butterflies flutter along the hedgerows, their delicate wings catching the sunlight as they seek out Garlic Mustard and Cuckooflower plants to lay their eggs. With the warmer weather, down by the river, another fascinating creature emerges - the Water Vole. Often heard before it is seen, with a characteristic 'plop' as it dives into the water, it feeds on the lush vegetation in the river like Stream Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus). Water Voles need to eat up to 80% of their own body weight every day. With their populations under pressure in recent years from predation, it's always a delight to spot one in the Kennet or Og. April is a time of new beginnings. Whether it's the return of a long-distance migrant, the scent of flowering bluebells filling the air, or the quiet presence of a Water Vole along the riverbank, this time of year is a reminder of nature's resilience and beauty.
|
I believe the ancient landscape around us here in Marlborough is certainly a signpost for migrating birds. We are very lucky to see a good number of species return to breed or pass through: Ring Ouzels, Spotted flycatchers, Yellow wagtails, Willow warblers, Whinchats, Blackcaps, Chiffchaffs, Swallows and Whitethroats are just a few. One particularly special arrival is the Cuckoo, whose distinctive call you can hear echoing along the river valley near Minal. For me, his call (only the male calls 'cuckoo') marks the true arrival of spring.
One of my favourite bird species that arrives back in April and breeds locally in the forest and up on the downs is the Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus). About the size of a Robin, it can be easily identified by its bright orange tail, which flashes as it flies. If you miss that flash of colour, look out for its tail quivering constantly when it's settled. Around the middle of April, usually about the same date every year, I can be sure to spot the same breeding male marking his arrival by singing his scratchy, fluted song, sat on the top of his favourite Hawthorn.
Helen Llewelyn