Voice Magazines - Broadmeadows, South Normanton, Blackwell, Newton & Hilcote Edition – February 2026
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Hello Readers,
At the time of writing, our angry orange acquaintance over the pond hasn’t colonised us yet, but he is on track with his world domination plans! We’ll all be calling it a ‘Sidewalk’ rather than a ‘Pavement’ in no time!! I am obviously joking before anybody writes in, but times are certainly strange. Still, it doesn’t do to dwell on such misery and negativity, there is plenty of that doing the rounds at the moment, so back to more important issues…. we are currently debating the size of the Wagon Wheels in the office this week! Specifically, we love a jammy Wagon Wheel but we were a little outraged about the size these days. Alas, it probably does me a favour as I somewhat vainly try and shed the Christmas chub, but this is besides the point. Anyway, in other news, did everyone enjoy a bit of bird twitching? We clocked quite a few Finches, a couple of Robins, some Tits and a fair few Wood Pigeons.
I know you’re only supposed to record the number you see at any one time but I still couldn’t tell you if there are 64 sparrows visiting our garden or if it’s the same 3 on rotation, who kept popping back to see whether I’d topped up the feeder?!
We’ve also published our Christmas comp winners in this edition as usual. Thankyou so much for entering and well done to the winners who bypassed our sneaky red herring and saw straight through the fact that Rockin’ Robin was not in fact, a Christmas song. Sarah loved bob bob bobbing around and delivering the goodies like Buddy the Elf! And I believe our winners were super excited to have won. So, we’ll do another giveaway in late Spring, so keep your eyes peeled because we’re lining up some cracking gifts again….it isn’t far away now!
Happy Reading,
Emily x
Funtastic February 2026
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s certainly one of the busiest.
This month, our front covers celebrate everything that makes February special — from national events and cultural celebrations to local festivals and simple moments of joy. With 11 editions, each cover highlights a different theme, while together they showcase the variety and vibrancy that February brings to our communities.
ALFRETON EDITION Food lovers will spot PANCAKE DAY (17TH FEB) featured on the cover. A long-standing tradition that brings families together, it’s a day of fun, indulgence and friendly competition — who can flip the best pancake?
BAKEWELL EDITON CHINESE NEW YEAR (17TH FEB TIL 3RD MAR), welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse. Marked by colour, symbolism and hope for the year ahead, it represents renewal, energy and ambition — themes that resonate well beyond the celebrations themselves.
BROADMEADOWS EDITION Derby hosts the UK GHOST STORY FESTIVAL (FROM 27TH FEB), offering a fascinating mix of folklore, history and storytelling. Perfect for long winter evenings, it taps into our love of mystery and the supernatural.
CLAY CROSS EDITION Local culture shines with the CHESTERFIELD WINTER BEER FESTIVAL (6TH & 7TH FEB), a popular event bringing people together to enjoy craft ales, good company and a lively atmosphere — a true winter highlight.
DARLEY DALE EDITION Music fans can look forward to THE BRIT AWARDS (28TH FEB), celebrating British musical talent and creativity. It’s a night that reflects the diversity and influence of UK music, both past and present.
HUTHWAITE & SUTTON EDITION Sport features strongly this month, beginning with the WINTER OLYMPICS (6TH TIL 22ND FEB). Athletes from across the world come together to demonstrate dedication, resilience and excellence, providing inspiration and drama during the colder weeks.
KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD EDITION NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY (20TH FEB) reminds us of the comfort, loyalty and happiness our pets bring into our lives every day.
MATLOCK EDITION Friendship is celebrated with GALENTINE’S DAY (13TH FEB), recognising the importance of strong bonds between friends and the joy of supporting one another.
RIPLEY EDITION Kindness is celebrated with RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY (17TH FEB), a reminder that small gestures can make a big difference. From helping a neighbour to offering a smile, this day highlights the power of compassion within our communities.
SELSTON EDITION Love takes centre stage with VALENTINE’S DAY, CELEBRATED on 14TH FEB. Whether romantic, platonic or self-love, Valentine’s is a reminder to pause and appreciate the people who matter most, making it a perfect symbol of connection and warmth during winter.
SWANWICK EDITION Rugby returns with the SIX NATIONS (STARTS ON 5TH FEB), uniting fans across the UK in friendly rivalry and national pride as teams battle it out on the pitch.
Together, these 11 covers tell the story of February - a month full of celebration, connection and community spirit, proving that even the coldest weeks can be rich with warmth and meaning UK Ghos t Sto ry Festival Derby in person eventfrom 27thFeb
Carnaby Street fashions, Mary Quant, the miniskirt, the ladies hair fashionista Vidal Sassoon, flower power, the sexual liberation movement, make love not war slogans, swinging London, the icon that still is the E-type Jaguar, the Football World Cup that was the Jules Rimet Trophy, eventually won by the men’s England football team which did indeed “come home” to roost in 1966: well for four years at least.
But what about the music scene, yes indeed, the music scene, Sandie Shaw, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Gerry Marsden, Billy Fury, The Applejacks, Lulu, The Honeycombs, Freddie and the Dreamers, The Kinks, The Beach Boys, Cliff Richards and the Shadows, the king himself, Mr Elvis Presley, the list is endless, and with it, the Motown sound from Detroit was coming across the pond fast and furious from the US of A.
Many lads across the UK dreamt of emulating their heroes and becoming famous by forming their own bands, or groups, as they were called then. Two such determined South Normanton wannabee guitarists at that time were Ron Smart, and his friend from Ripley Technical School, John Brown.
Ron takes up the story,
“I had my very first guitar around my tenth birthday, an old Spanish type, very poor quality, but what the heck, I couldn’t play it anyway. What I could do though was sling the strap around my neck and bash down on the
strings in front of my bedroom mirror. I suppose it must have been an early form of “air guitar.”
Ron took up guitar lessons over the next 18 months and upgraded to a second-hand F hole Hohner guitar bought buy his willing and patient parents. Hank Marvin was Ron’s hero and listening to the number one song Apache, he was determined and disciplined enough to give it his best shot.
“I really wanted an electric guitar,” continued Ron. “One of those with a solid body. Mum and dad arranged for me to join in with my cousin Cyril Martin, (later to become Martin Vee and the Pacifics) who had friends in a skiffle group at Crich.
These skiffle guys were selling off a white solid body “Tuxedo” guitar. Only a single pick-up but it had a volume and a tone control. This was the real deal. Dad agreed to pay a fiver, so I came home that Friday night with my first electric guitar.”
Ron’s close pal from school, John Brown, was another local guitarist who also had a fascination with The Shadows music style. John learned to play along with Ron, and over time they managed to pick out the melody and chords to several of the current swathe of schmaltzy pop songs.
The two lads were on their way.
To be continued…
Ron Smart
John Brown
John Brown with his treasured red Hofner Verithin guitar
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HERITAGE TRUST
WHEN THE CIRCUS CAME TO TOWN
Over Christmas I was looking into the history of the Welfare Ground and came across a previous article on Lord George Sanger’s visit there.
Lord George and his brother Lord John Sanger classed themselves as Royalty in the Circus World, having performed in front of Queen Victoria and other European Heads of State during their careers as Showmen.
On looking into the history of Circus in Alfreton I found that not only were the Sanger brother’s regular visitors but so were those of Sir Robert Fossett, Pinder Brothers, The Royal Italian Circus, F. Ginnett’s Prince of Wales Hippodrome and Circus together with Bronco Bill’s Wild West Show.
Many of these visits between the late 1880’s and 1921 took place on the Recreation Ground, Alfreton. Today we think of the Watchorn or the Welfare but of course this was well before their time. So where was the Recreation Ground? Research led me to Skinners Hill Field which is in the area of modern-day Tesco. The field, owned by the Palmer-Morewood family, had been leased from them by the local council and was a natural venue for travelling shows.
Two Circus visits caught my attention, one on the 12th of May 1900 by Lord John Sanger and his Circus, it was reported that “notwithstanding the very unpropitious weather, the Circus attracted a large number of people, into the town, and we say that a circus has never done better than the one under notice. The performance was good and the winning of the goblet by George Davis, of Derby County, for defeating the elephant in the football contest by two goals to one, was a very popular
event, and created fun.” (George. A former Alfreton Town player later went on to play for England!).
An account of a visit to Alfreton by Lord George Sanger in October 1891 tells of the experience of his circus in a huge storm. Forewarned of the storm on Tuesday, 13th October, the tent-builders availed themselves of the help of hundreds of willing hands of town and country people, and, by the driving of extra stakes and pulling on to ropes, the vast, unwieldy big top was finally made secure against the high winds. During the performances that afternoon, however, a terrific hurricane struck the canvas walls, in which some 500 or 600 spectators were sheltered. The lions and tigers’ cages, the band carriage, and three other wagons which were rushed from the circus instantly overturned and women, children, and men panic-stricken, adding to the terror by shouting that the lions were loose! Meanwhile the vast canvas was rolling with its lifting poles in the gale, in a way that rendered approach dangerous, Finally the men succeeded in harnessing the elephants in the driving rain and attaching them to the quarters of the tent, which they thus hauled one by one on to safer ground. On the following night the storm raged so fiercely that the elephant tent was blown over the top of houses close by. The elephants, breaking loose, wandered about at will. They were found the following morning in a cornfield five miles away. Sadly, the account doesn’t tell us where!
& FRI at Market Place, South Normanton EVERY MON, WEDS & THURS at Kingsmill Hospital From 6am til 2:30pm
Market Place, South Normanton
Slimming World Recipe Chicken Supreme
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/ fan 180°C/gas 6.
2. Put the asparagus and peppers in a non-stick roasting tin. Spray with 1 cal cooking spray and roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
3. At the same time, spray a medium non-stick frying pan with 1 cal cooking spray and put it over a low-medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 5 minutes, or until lightly browned.
This spin on the french classic is full of flavour and perfect for a special evening in.
4. Add the chicken, bacon and mushrooms and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.
5. While the chicken’s cooking, put the quark, stock, mustard powder and a little seasoning in a large bowl. Mix really well to get a thick sauce.
6. Add the sauce to the chicken mixture, stir really well and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve with a third of a plate of the roasted veg.
• Bunch of asparagus, woody ends snapped off
• 1 red and 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts, thickly sliced
• 4 back bacon rashers, visible fat removed, roughly chopped
• 300g button mushrooms, cut in half
• 100g plain quark
• 100ml hot chicken stock
• 1 tsp mustard powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
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A TRUE GENT
Dave affected so many people with his quick and dark humour, infinite kindness and abundance of generosity, so much so the sheer volume of members of the community that either lined the streets or attended the Crematorium, speaks louder than anything I can write.
Dave’s wonderful family are a real testament to his legacy and I know that they will continue his example in his honour, in the Post Office, right in the heart of the South Normanton community. South
Larger than life doesn’t really cover it but I’m sure we all have a story or two to tell about Dave. I’ve been going in that Post Office pretty much at least once a week for over a decade and there hasn’t been a single time when I have left that shop without a big smile on my chops because Dave has had us all in stitches with some story or shenanigans of some sort!
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We have been established for over 40 years and are still going strong. Helping the Community. Giving our elderly members support, live entertainment, quizzes, guest talks, bingo and much more.
We meet at the Post Mill Centre every, Tuesday 1pm - 3.30pm. Free tea, coffee, biscuits and cakes at every session.
Free raffle every last Tuesday of the month.
Please come and join us, Men and Women are both welcome. Pop in, first session is free!
Contact Joyce - 07922 829 708
The Post Mill Centre. Market Street, South Normanton, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 2EJ
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AMBER VALLEY RUGBY CLUB
BANTER, BRAGGING RIGHTS, AND BIG CLUB SPIRIT
Amber Valley RUFC recently hosted the annual rugby clash against Riddings Cricket Club - a fixture that always promises great spirit, plenty of laughs, and more than a few post-match refreshments.
While the day is full of friendly banter, let’s be
creating a brilliant “one big family” feel both on and off the pitch — exactly what rugby is all about.
YOUR HEALTH. YOUR HAPPINESS. YOUR FUTURE
I am a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming Health & Wellbeing coach. My clinical background combined with the application of established NLP methodologies empowers clients to make sustainable changes that enhance emotional and physical wellbeing.
Transformation does not need to be difficult or lengthy, please get in touch for a no obligation chat.
Appointments are available in person and online, with weekday, evenings and weekend availability.
Don’t forget
A dogs Day out
This walk last featured in the magazines about 5 years ago and it’s one we frequently take Flakey on. The Trails are great for winter walking and present a number of opportunities to let him off-lead.
As well as the trails there is a great variety of scenery, not least the views from the ‘Miner’, which is the highest point in Nottinghamshire.
6-MILE CIRCULAR WALK FROM BRIERLEY FOREST PARK
A moderate and varied walk for you and your dog. The route should take around 3 hours. The route has a couple of decent inclines and there are stiles to cross. There are a few stretches of road so take care. The weather will have impaired the terrain, so a good pair of boots are always advised. And as always, follow the Countryside Code.
START: Brierley Forest Park Visitor Centre, Skegby Road, Huthwaite, NG17 2PL.
1. Begin in the car park. Facing the visitors centre exit the car park on the right, passing through a kissing gate and continue straight along the path. Continue to pass a picnic area and pond on your right.
2. Continue straight ignoring all other paths for some distance. Eventually you come to a junction of several paths, bear left, signposted for ‘Silverhill Trial’.
3. Continue along the trail passing a golf course on your left. Near the end of the golf course, you reach a cross roads of footpaths with a kissing gate on either side of the trail. Turn right, to enter a field. Continue along the fenced off path across the field to the far side to enter the trees through a gap and continue across a wooden footbridge into another field.
4. Cross the field diagonally right and at the far side cross a stile adjacent to a telegraph pole into another field. Keep on the path, diagonally across the field to cross a stile and a bridge into another field.
5. Take a slight diagonal left to cross the field, heading for a gap in the fence on the left-hand perimeter of this field. Pass through the gap and uphill onto the Silverhill Trail.
6. Turn right, signposted for ‘Teversal’. Pass over a road bridge and then an old station platform on your right. Continue until reaching a signpost on your right. Bear right and then turn left following the signs for ‘The Miner’ and ‘Highest Point’.
7. Keep straight ahead until you cross a road bridge, then bear left, following the signs for ‘The Miner’ and ‘Highest Point’.
8. Continue along this trail, passing a pond on your right and onto a T-junction with a large ‘Silverhill Wood’ sign on your right. Turn right here and continue winding gently uphill along the trail for approx.1 mile. At a fork in the path, bear left uphill. Pass through a large wooden gate and shortly after turn right to climb some steps to ‘The Miner’.
9. At the top of the steps bear left, keeping ‘The Miner’ monument on your right and continue downhill along a footpath to re-join the trail. Continue downhill, through a wooden chicane, a metal width restrictor and onto a road.
10. Turn left along the road to a T-junction. Turn right along the main road and then after a short distance take the signposted footpath on your left. Pass by a metal gate and cross 2 stiles to
go through a kissing gate and turn right onto the Silverhill Trail, signposted for Tibshelf.
11. Continue straight to pass over a cross road of footpaths. Then after some distance cross over a bridge and shortly after take a path off to the left. Follow the path as it bends left to join with another path and follow the signs for ‘Brierley Forest Park’.
12. Continue until reaching a crossroads of footpaths (the same as in point 3) and turn right, passing through a metal gate and onto a footpath through a golf course.
13. Continue uphill and at the top continue with a hedge on either side until reaching a some signposts before turning left along a footpath signposted ‘Frackley’.
14. Continue straight for some distance. Ignoring a path bearing left, carry on to pass ‘Hole No. 2’ on your left and then through a wooden gate. Immediately after a gate the path splits, bear left and continue straight until reaching a crossroads of footpaths with a signpost on your right. Follow the sign to return to Brierley Forest Visitors Centre and then back round to the car park.
This walk is for illustrative purposes only. Voice Magazines Ltd takes no responsibility for anyone who chooses to follow this route and encourages all walkers to obey all byelaws and signs and to respect the area they are walking in, ensuring they pick up all dog mess and obey the countryside code at all times.
Competition Winners
We ran the most fabulous competition in December with amazing support from local companies and bumper entries from local residents. One of the challenges was to spot all the Christmas songs illustrated in the picture – and we did warn you there would be a red herring! Many of you correctly noticed that “Rockin’ Robin” sneaked in, despite not actually being a Christmas song at all. We wanted to share the pics of the happy winners to show that we didn’t just run off with the gifts ourselves (although we wanted to!!), and also to remind you all… “you’ve got to be in it to win it!!
All Around the Shire
CHIP PANS
We all grew up with one of these in the kitchen. Ours was in use on several days of the week and was always sat on one of the back burners of the hob when not in use.
My mum made great chips. With salt and vinegar, there was nothing better for tea. She would lift them from the fat in the wire basket, give a little shake and then tumble them onto the plate. In my younger childhood, she used lard and I used to love watching it melt away to a liquid on the heat, revealing the cremated crumbs at the bottom of the pan from food fried for previous teas and suppers. When cold, the wire basket would be set into the lard like twigs in ice.
The greatest joy would be when my parents had a Vesta Chow Mein and deep fried the crispy noodles in the hot fat. It was like magic watching them puff up in the pan.
The 1990s saw the end of an era. The fire brigade came to fit smoke detectors in the house and gave us a free deep
fat frier in exchange for taking away the old chip pan. The firemen ceremonially removed it from the kitchen as though it were radioactive.
As I remember, I can almost smell the hot fat bubbling as the chips cooked to a perfect golden colour. Frozen oven chips just don’t give the same satisfaction.
MIKE’S MUSINGS
London Prices??
A few years ago, we had a self-employed business woman as a neighbour. She was a single woman, estranged from her husband. We never knew why (& didn’t like to ask) but as she was a very attractive lady and clearly very good at her job, we just assumed that with many nights away as a result of success in her chosen career, they’d simply drifted apart.
NB – not that it matters a jot, we subsequently found that he was a moderately successful footballer with one of our local clubs. Discretion prevents me from saying more!
She’d told us once of a series of business meetings she’d attended in the capital. Arranged at short notice, her usual central London hotel was fully booked, but alternative accommodation for the two nights (Tue/ Wed) in Mayfair was found.
With her business concluded over two hectic days, she rose early on the Thursday morning, and went to Reception to check out as she had to catch the 08.15 train back to Derby.
There she was presented with a bill for £424.00. Now that seems steep today, never mind back in the late 1990’s and she was distinctly unhappy and responded, “I’m not paying this. I want to see the manager?”
The receptionist, stalled for a bit before eventually putting a call through to her boss. “Mr Fortescue, I’m sorry, but one resident wants her bill explaining. Can you come down please?”
Two minutes later, a very smartly dressed chap arrived, and with what appeared to be a public-school accent asked “What appears to be the problem Madam?”
“Madam, our breakfasts are the best in the West End”
“I wouldn’t know, I never have breakfast”
“Did you enjoy the meals exclusively created for guests by our Cordon Bleu chef in the rooftop restaurant?”
“Unfortunately, no, I met clients for a working evening meal.”
“They were however, on offer. What about our deluxe swimming pool?”
“I’d no time for swimming.”
“Again, that facility was available. Did you enjoy the live entertainment on your two nights stay?”
“Sorry, as I said, I was out on both nights.”
“That’s a shame Madam, as these shows are available only to paying guests.
Our then neighbour, in measured tones, said that whilst she’d been unable to enjoy these additional features, a nightly rate of £212.00 was still extortionate. She accepted however, that she’d have no option but to smile and pay up. Explaining that she’d forgotten to bring her credit card, she asked if a cheque would suffice. “No problem, Madam,” said Mr Fortescue.
The cheque, quickly written out was handed over and she collected her bag and turned to leave. The manager, looking perplexed, shouted, “……. but this is only for £50.00 Madam.”
“Well,” came the reply, “I’ve knocked a fair bit off for letting you spend two nights with me.”
“Madam, you know that’s not true” he spluttered.
“Maybe not”, she replied, “but I was available!”
Hearing her concerns the following conversation
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EVIL IN HIGH PLACES BY RORY CLEMENTS
This is a twisty and compelling historical thriller set in Germany on the cusp of World War II. The world’s athletes, the media, and visitors from across the globe have gathered for the start of the Winter Olympics in Bavaria.
The powerful Nazi government intends this to be a triumph. Its propaganda machine is in overdrive, temporarily hiding its anti-Jewish signs and behaviour, for nothing can be allowed to besmirch Adolf Hitler’s ascendancy.
And when a movie star, who happens to be the mistress of Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s propaganda minister is murdered, this must also be kept hidden from the world.
This book cleverly mixes real figures and events with fiction. But it doesn’t shy from the sometimes savage reality of life under the Nazi regime. Often these kinds of stories are told from the perspective of a foreign spy who goes in to save the day. But this novel is far more interestingly and subtly told from the voice of a German policeman, albeit one who is profoundly distrustful of his government.
It’s very fast paced, atmospheric and well researched and a fascinating look at deep political corruption. Evil in High Places, in fact.
Guess the words and Fill in the crossword !
Across
1 Athletic? Casting my eye over it (9)
Pitcherwits® are crossword puzzles where some of the clues are in pictures.
Sound easy? It’s not called “Pit-your-wits” for nothing! The mixture of cryptic and picture clues, combined with Professor Rebus’ unique sense of humour, will keep you entertained for hours.
Across
5 That woman needs some therapy! (3)
6 Bit of compassion for donkey, please (3)
10 Nice index in your earpiece! (3)
11 Arched overhang at final mistake (7)
12 Produce eggs in action replay (3)
16 Trip to have gone out from (3)
17 With a nod back to University type (3)
Down
2 Romulus and Remus, twins having obligation (4)
3 Bargain event place in Cheshire? (4)
8 Heated, he put it back (3,2)
14 Stringed instrument with money in it, say (4)
15 Spot a quiet, slow leak (4)
7 Restarted the match while at loggerheads with her twin (5,2) 13 DIY, suckers? (7)
GARDENERS CALENDAR
If there’s a patch of milder weather in February it can be a good time for getting things into the ground early, with the usual caveats not to plant in waterlogged or frozen ground.
Fruiting bushes and plants such as raspberries and blackcurrants and strawberries can be planted in the ground now. Give strawberries some good manure and don’t plant too deep – the crown of the plant should be level with the soil, not beneath it.
If you didn’t get round to putting alliums or late spring favourite bulbs such as lilies or anemones in last autumn there is still time to do it though they will flower a little later. Soak anemone bulbs well before planting.
Plants tolerating an early start in the soil include hardy geraniums and Japanese anemones. Both are happy in light shade.
Cut back last season’s long stems of sedums which are starting to show buds. This avoids the buds being damaged or constrained as they grow.
Cornus, also known as dogwood, are those bushes which provide brightly coloured vibrant winter stems. If you cut them back almost to ground level once they have done their job this winter, it gives you much more chance of producing really good colour next year.
IS SPRING ON ITS WAY?
Mild autumn conditions were followed by a swift downturn in the weather through December and into January with deep frosts and heavy snowfalls. However, despite the spells of cold, wintry weather, there were signs of the seasons changing and even of Spring on its way. Hazel catkins are some of the earliest signs of Spring arriving especially in places such as along the Monsal Trail around Hassop, and in the nearby Derbyshire Dales. Some summertime flowers persisted into late December, with garden roses suddenly reappearing, and wildflowers like Red Campion, Common Hogweed, Cow Parsley, Herb Robert and Ox-eye Daisy all still to be found blooming in the Peak’s countryside. Indeed, in woodlands, parks, and gardens, birdlife has also been showing signs of change with first territorial songs given by Mistle Thrushes hidden in the highest branches of tall trees. Loud and melodious these birds sound rather like a Blackbird’s song but less sweet and not so inventive. Also in early December, there were bursts of song from Great Tits and then more recently Blue Tits too, as the Robins change subtly back from their slightly harsh winter song to a sweeter sound of springtime. Tawny Owls, active in local woods since late November, are now well into their breeding season and increasingly vocal. Great Spotted Woodpeckers can be heard with their repeated, high-pitched, ‘chik-chik-chik’ calls delivered from the tree-tops along with their territorial drumming on favoured trunks. On rivers such as the Derbyshire Derwent, the Mallard ducks have already paired up and in some cases have young broods already on the go, and the parent birds are anxiously
trying to keep the ducklings safe from harm. Not all will be successful. Moorhens and Coots are becoming more actively territorial with aggressive encounters increasingly frequent. Exotic Mandarin Ducks are seeking out suitable nest-sites often in tree-holes, and Little Grebes are back on their breeding areas and establishing territories. Another early bird that sings during February and March to establish its riverside territories, is the Dipper or as it used to be known, the Water Ousel.
In gardens around the region, early signs of Spring on its way were to be seen in late December with the first Snowdrops just pushing through. Now, with the weather noticeably milder, carpets of brilliantwhite Snowdrops are joined by the bright yellows and purples of the ubiquitous Crocuses, and early honeybees and hoverflies are drawn to their rich supplies of nectar. Interestingly, the ever-increasing carpets of Snowdrops, in both gardens and the wider countryside, are welcomed and, in some places, have become major tourist attractions for visitors to heritage houses and the like. That Snowdrops are not native but a European import, probably from medieval times, is conveniently overlooked and we treasure them despite this. Our views on the merits and perils of nonnative and so-called ‘alien’ species are surprisingly subjective! Early-season daffodils are also appearing and, in some cases, followed by the rather uncommon Wild Daffodils such as in woodlands around Matlock and the Cromford Canal.
Professor Ian D. Rotherham, researcher, writer, broadcaster on wildlife and environmental issues is contactable on ianonthewildside@ukeconet.org. Follow his website www.ukeconet.org, blog www.ianswalkonthewildside.wordpress.com/ & Twitter @IanThewildside Bluesky @ianthewildside.bsky.social
