Swans & Ladybirds Dear Secret Gardeners We are seeing so many changes happening in and around the woods at the moment entrancing the children and arousing curiosity. Warm sunshine this week, even getting the sun cream out, but tailing off into Friday as we saw some cold winds returning, nevertheless we certainly enjoyed the brief warmth and shedding of layers on Tuesday and Wednesday. We have been hearing and seeing some comical acrobatics this week in the park as the lapwings return, flying in the fields, twisting and turning and plummeting to the earth. A group of about 20 swans flying in a “V” overhead, gleaming white in the sunlight was spotted on Monday. Tuesday was a ladybird day, appearing with the sunshine; Hamish. Jamie, Finlay and Frankie all found ladybird. On Wednesday we spotted a couple of bumblebees flying around searching for some flowers to recharge them after their long sleep. On Wednesday we also found the first larch flower on the path behind the yurt this week – a beautiful mix of bright pink and green lying solitary on the path. Often there is an abundance of larch flowers appear at the cooking tree so we will watch out for those over the coming weeks. The Thursday children spotted a Red squirrel at the Moon Den this week. It is lovely to see that they are still present in the woods. On Friday the children noticed bluebell shoots appearing in the woods beside the track, on the walk down to the park. So many flowers and creatures emerging this week, promising of spring truly arriving. On Wednesday the children helped with the Willow prep for our tunnel that is to be planted at the parents workshop on Sunday. We dug two small trenches for the willow and loosened the soils so that we are prepared for the job. Thank you to Emma and Mairi for getting the willow to us all the way from Angus. We have also received some hazel to continue with our horseshoe seat at the garden – the hazel is robust and will help us to build the seat up a bit higher and make it a more solid structure. A work in progress. Letham Woods The woods were recently sold and Cathy has spoken with the new owner Alex Walker to ensure that he’s happy with the presence of the Secret Garden and all the happenings that this brings. Alex is now on our mailing list and will hopefully join us with his family for celebrations and adventures. Concerned about our red squirrel population Alex is happy for us to connect with the Red Squirrel group to discuss the sightings of grey squirrels in the woods. Library Van Library Tuesday – please could Buzzards bring their books back this week so that all books are in the library bag for the Red Squirrels library visit the following week. Goodbyes We say a farewell to Isaac and his family who are moving off to Cambridge next week – Isaac has been with us since January of last yea. We are most appreciative of the handy binoculars and more baskets for the children to use which we received as a parting gift . We wish Isaac and his family the very best on their new venture. Many thanks too, to the Blacks for our lovely gifts for the garden – an array of bird feeders and a feeding station complete with some yummy nuts and seeds. The children will enjoy watching the birds visiting the feeders we are sure. Parents workshop We are holding the parents workshop this Sunday in the woods from 2 – 4pm. Just a reminder to bring a snack and a drink for your children if you are coming along. Also please bring appropriate footwear and clothing for yourselves and the children – we are still experiencing colder spells and the wind has been present for the latter half of the week bringing chills and a need for warmth and layers in the woods. There is very little room to park up the lane so if everybody could park in the village that would be much appreciated. Perhaps the sun will shine on Sunday! Please meet at the yurt, where the children will play for the afternoon. Philosophical Thinking Carmen and Cathy enjoyed observing Morag’s session of philosophical thinking on Thursday. Morag always tells a story and then asks a question to be considered. The story was about Angus the cat and his 2 pals Jake and Jack who were rabbits. They were wearing clothes and playing football and then headed off to Angus’ “home” for freshly made chocolate chip cookies! The question to the children was ‘Are the animals real or imaginary?’ and then each child said what they thought and offered an explanation of why they thought this. A wonderful discussion unfolded, each child having their own unique way of thinking, everyone being encouraged to share if they wished. We look forward to Morag’s next visit for another topic to think deeply on! Rocks We have been witnessing a bit of rock throwing over the past couple of weeks, and it has sparked a bit of intrigue as to where this has come from – wondering if any films or cartoons at home may involve rocks being hurled around or something similar? Cathy is hoping to get a small geology rock hammer for these moments to help to bring some safety and calm around the activity. We are very aware of the dangers around rock throwing and are carefully monitoring such play. Earth hour Earth hour is due to be happening soon – Sat 29th March at 08:30pm. Everyone is encouraged to turn all their electricity off for an hour, saving energy but also so we can see the skies properly. Maybe we could do an en masse Secret Garden switch off? Earth hour is a great way to do something for the planet and to honour the wonderful things we receive from our Earth. earthhour.wwf.org.uk Earth Day Earth Day is happening on Tuesday 22nd April; a full day to consider our marvellous planet. We’d like to suggest that screens (tv, computer, phones, ipads etc) could be put away for 24 hours giving us all an opportunity to consider what’s the best thing we can do for the Earth on this day? . . . and then do it! Let us know what you’re planning to do and how successful your thoughts and actions are and we’ll collate and share. We’ll let you know what we’re planning to do in the woods. earthday.org Staff rota on email, please note Cathy is off w/c 24th March, Carmen on Fri 28th March. Happy Weekend from us all.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 14:37:22 +0000
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