Wildlife...

One of Harlow's best features in the sheer amount of open spaces around us, it was one of the major points in the original plans for the new town, and has been strictly adhered to since. Obviously we all know about the wildlife reserve at Parndon Wood, but were you aware that the town also has several other Local Wildlife reserves, and lots of smaller areas, designated as "Local Wildlife Areas"? These are in part tended by a team of volunteers called the Harlow Conservation Volunteers, who cheerfully give up their Sundays to manage these areas - you can find out more about them on their WEBSITE. They are a cheerful bunch who happily turn out in all weathers to get wet clearing streams, get scratched half to death by blackthorn, and drink lots of tea. I think the tea may be a deciding factor...

There is a lot of wildlife to be seen around the town if you stop and look for it. When I stepped outside this morning, the first thing I heard was a Woodpecker - a real indicator that spring is making its presence felt. We also have Treecreepers locally, as well as the more common birds like Blue, Great & Long Tailed tits, Redwings, Sparrows, Blackbirds and Robins of course, Wrens, Collared Doves, Chaffinches....the list could go on! Of course nearly every area of woodland has the squirrels running around - and then there are the Muntjac deer over towards Rye Hill...be cautious approaching Hastingwood roundabout late at night - I've seen the deer crossing the road to get to the green area in the middle!