In the pinewoods of Abernethy Forest, Scotland, the colours are slowly shifting, with birches turning spring green and larch roses blossoming pink. The pair of pied wagtails have returned to a neighbour's shed, and peewits are back on the marshes, though fewer in number. Two pairs of crows maraud their territory. Siskins have returned in numbers, huge skeins of geese fly north, and swallows and housemartins are back earlier than usual, though still just passing through.
Spring Awakens Amidst Wildfire Concerns
Over the River Spey, an osprey has been spotted, here once more to breed, along with sand martins swirling around the banks. Daffodils are in full bloom, alongside celandine and wood anemones. A morning frost coated the field in white, shimmering before dissolving in an arc as the early sun rose above the trees, reminding us to hold off planting tender kale and peas until May.
The author has worried about red squirrels due to increased pine marten sightings, but one was seen scrambling around a granny pine. The air is filled with sounds of great spotted woodpeckers, mistle thrushes, and willow warblers. Soon, summer visitors like cuckoos, swifts, redstarts, and tree pipits will join the chorus. Spring never fails to feel hopeful, offering a balm amidst world events.
New Bylaw Targets Wildfire Prevention
This time of year encourages mindfulness when entering pinewoods. The annual Lek It Be campaign aims to disturb capercaillies during their lek. From 1 April, a new bylaw banning barbecues and campfires has come into effect. This spring feels dry, like last year, and a wildfire north of Aviemore has already devastated 600 square metres of moorland and pinewoods. Last year's fire on Dava Moor engulfed 11,000 hectares, killing thousands of animals and birds.
A recent Scottish government wildfire strategic action plan reported 241 wildfires last year, the largest number in recent memory, warning that climate change is creating conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread more easily. The new bylaw has broad support, and the author welcomes it, having seen up close what a stray spark can do.
