Unfortunately, birches are continually trying to take over the wood. They can be the the most graceful trees, particularly the silver variety. So we often feel miserable about removing the larger ones, especially if they are a good shape. As you may know, that given time, the fast-growing birch will outstrip other trees and then , in their time, are overtaken by "high forest" though the passage of the years.

But to return to the ride. We also had to get out some chestnut stakes to make some permanent markers through the wood for guided walks. The first this season is for our Sussex Wildlife Trust members on Sunday, May 7 at 2.30pm. I mention this because although the walk is for members particularly, everyone is welcome to come and enjoy.

By the time we got back to work on the ride, the weather was a delight and we we able to make make more progress and get our jerseys off for a change. My dog Rosie also dozed happily in the sunshine, with a small log for a pillow. And, nothing could have been better than to spy a busy brimstone butterfly. Our first of the season. When they appear we know that spring has arrived, probably more cold and wet to come - but SPRING.

A week or two back I spent a day at a Trust conference, and one of the statistics made me think. Of 100 per cent. of wildlife "counts" across Sussex, 65 per cent. were of birds, while just 0.5 per cent. were of mammals. So the "twitchers" have it! Personally, I like to take wildlife as a rounded ecological whole, but trying to know the whole lot - birds, mammals, insects, flowers, reptiles, amphibians, fish, fungi, grasses, trees and all those mosses and lichens - could send you round the bend…So I try to take a relaxed view and just enjoy being part of it all!

John Hall © 2000