We had extra helpers from Essex & Suffolk Water and had one day with torrential rain showers. However this will help the young trees to establish, much better than too dry. There are lots of exciting birds around at the moment on the nature reserve and reservoir. The Dartford warbler has been seen on the reserve fairly regularly, Smew, Goosander, Black-necked grebe and Slavonian grebe out on the water. The Great white egret is still around as well. Winter is a lovely time to come and have a walk around the nature reserve and visit some of the hides overlooking the reservoir, and seeing what you might spot as the days get colder.