Spring has Spring - Mar 24, 2022

Spring has Sprung

Throughout the UK we are experiencing dry warmer conditions which is welcomed after a succession of storms in the winter period.

I heard the first chiffchaff yesterday, curlews are calling and skylarks are singing on high. Banks of celandines and other Spring flowers are seen in the woods and hedgerows.

We all feel uplifted when Spring arrives and we can “get on” with the many tasks which will help our wildlife thrive and take advantage of longer days, as they arrive to breed and nest, and as the trees and plants burst into leaf and flower.

For gamekeepers, stalkers and ghillies there are many challenges as we consider the season ahead. For the uplands, heather burning and the ability to carry out necessary and essential work continues to be curtailed to an extent, for the upland deer managers trepidation at a continued perception of deer as vermin, and for the lowland keepers, dismay at a new challenge with avian flu rife in France which is severely limiting eggs and chicks imported for the 22/23 season.

We know what you are going through, hope that for the lowland keepers a way can see through to limit days, source stock elsewhere and carry on encouraging wildstock where possible.

For those who are concerned for their future, or any other issue please don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a range of resources to help, to listen and to consider practical ways in which to problem solve. Having someone alongside can be helpful, in confidence and for as long as required.

We are with you all the way.

Helen