Actually, they were two-inch common lizards which will grow to about five inches (6.5cm.) later. We found them living inside a heavy old wooden seat on the heather path. We were delighted to know that they are still thriving - we hadn't seen them for some time.
The lizard family was the climax to a glorious fortnight of scented purple heather vista as August slipped in September. Again, as in previous years, it was pleasing to know that three months weeding was behind us. Again the bees were humming happily. Most were bumblebees - because of the disease problems which bee-keepers have experienced in the past few years. Again, the dragonflies were "hawking" and again, the long-suffering digger wasps were rebuilding their burrows. They will live right in the way of the walkers!
Now, rather later than last year, we have turned our attention mowing the rides and footpaths. This will help the grass cope with the brambles and, over the years, will lead to better spring flowers. But, as always, when one has to co-operate with nature, there is work to be done. We must rake cuttings off the ride because, unlike our gardens, wild flowers dislike nutrients - in this case the cuttings.
The green team are a bit thin on the ground at the moment due to holidays and a gradual decline in numbers over the past year. Over the past six years 30 people have said they would join the team. At present I can count on three, one hobbler and one part-time. Some of those who have stayed for some time have been really interested and had gone on to greater things in the environment business.
Finally, I was involved in digging out some foundations recently with spade and fork. Somebody said he had never worked so hard in years because so much was mechanised today. Which got me thinking about the green team who still work for 90 per cent of their time with hand tools and must be among of the fittest people in the country. So I suppose people must be mad to work for us!
Even so, some mad fool might like to help us - it is not always heavy work. At least come the see the reserve. Look for our sign in Fiygrove Road, half-a-mile from the centre of Cross-in-Hand.
John Hall © 2002