From inside the community Of course now you are reading these notes it is early February and we tip toe into another year of nature. We will listen out for the frogs croaking, a sure sign of imminent spawn in the pond. We will spot the birds beginning to pair up and starting to gather material to build a safe nest for their new offspring. Spring bulbs will be announcing themselves as they pop up through flowerbed soil. Signs of green will appear signalling new growth, to replace the leaves in the trees I raked up earlier. Early colour may come with crocus, cyclamen and primrose flowers to brighten what can be a dreary month. In these notes I often refer to the importance of biodiversity, both in terms of nature’s survival and in the benefits brought to our own lives. I am pleased to say that I, and others, were recently invited by Colchester Council to contribute to a ‘planning guidance’ document they are producing on the consideration to be given to biodiversity in the development arena. A positive step forward to begin a new year. Pete Hewitt 18
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