A transformation is underway at The Bumpy – spring has arrived and nature has moved up a gear to meet it head on. The first blossom (Cherry Plum) appeared in early March, soon to be followed by Blackthorn, Viburnum and Wild Cherry. Hawthorn is expected to join the show anytime soon. Meanwhile, at ground level, a tremendous display of Snowdrops was replaced by a more modest sprinkling of the white variety of our native Sweet Violets, a few sunshine-yellow Lesser Celandines and numerous tangles of trailing, purple Ground Ivy.
A recent survey of the meadow area confirmed that most, if not all, the wildflower plug plants added last spring have survived (the Cowslips are in flower as I write), with Yellow Rattle, Doves Foot Cranesbill, Garlic Mustard and many more germinating now.
Whatever time of day you visit The Bumpy at present, you will be greeted by bird song. Blackcaps and Chiffchaffs have returned from their winter holidays in warmer climes, and join the choir of resident Blackbirds, Robins and Wrens. At dawn and dusk, the triumphal notes of a Song Thrush ring out from one of the tallest trees, usually an Ash or Elm. Blue Tits and Great Tits are busy nestbuilding and rearing their first broods of chicks, whilst the Rooks overhead and the House Sparrows in the brambles add to the joyful cacophony of sound.
Meanwhile, the comings and goings of the Bumpy Badgers are being recorded by the trail camera. There have so far been no sightings of youngsters, but we remain hopeful.
Members of the Bumpy Volunteer Group (BVG) have been very active during the winter and early spring months, planting Wild Garlic and native Bluebells behind St. Peter’s, together with a further selection of wildflower plugs on the bank below the meadow. The area next to the pond has been further enhanced with additional trees and shrubs, rambling native Honeysuckle and Old Man’s Beard and a new bench, hand-made from the wood of trees that had to be felled in The Bumpy for safety reasons. The pond plants are doing well, and birds and small mammals drink from the pond throughout the year.
The BVG will be holding an open day at The Bumpy, as part of the Uttlesford Big Green Festival, on 13th June. Tea, coffee and homemade cakes will, of course, be available, together with information, activities, and The Bumpy’s very own flora and fauna. Do drop in for a chat and to see what is going on in your local nature reserve.
Sue Huggett