Happy Easter - Mar 28, 2024

Easter is early this year isn’t it – holidays for most schools and an opportunity to join in daily jobs – lambing, calving, helping out collecting eggs, or getting out and about checking what is about on the hill and heather burning if there is a slight chance.

March is usually one of our favourite months – Spring is here and returning waders and song birds are a harbinger of longer days and warmer weather. However, we seem to be stuck in this one day wet and the next even wetter though there are glimmers of sunshine here and there. It is frustrating for many who wish to prepare crops, get on the land or in the woods and even more for the moorland keepers desperate to fit in that window of heather/muir burn.

It is also a short window in time for many organisations to fit in the all important meetings socials gatherings and updating on important legislation. These take a long time to plan, organise and carry out successfully and we applaud everyone who takes part and attends. It is an effort to turn out when you are busy and family time is at a premium. It is a huge effort for the organisations and we are no exception – on our second week of the Roadshow having travelled down to Wiltshire last week.

I must admit having to cancel the next two events was a really difficult decision, not only disappointing for the few who had booked but the speakers too! If we have got it wrong in terms of the timing, day or evening – let us know please. We know that the topics are pertinent and incredibly useful – these are issues we deal with on a daily basis. However, we also know some of you might not get time off, are behind with your work or can’t commit till the last minute.

We have several of these roadshows around the country – so please let us know what you think – we are a charity and with limited resources so if we would be better served organising online perhaps – tell us.

Thank you very much. The sun will shine, the curlews are back and whilst there are many challenges out there don’t forget to stop and stand and just enjoy your surroundings from time to time. It is precious and so are you!

Best wishes and a Very Happy Easter to you all !

Helen