Times are pretty challenging at the moment. We can be forgiven for being downbeat as the country wrestles with the cost of living, the war in Ukraine, the fallout from the Coronavirus pandemic and Brexit amongst other things.

Despite the ups and downs of the weather this summer, there is plenty happening on our reserves.

It seems a good time to reflect on our progress at Denby Delf. The reserve is in fine condition and we have got on top of the management to ensure that the meadows are full of flowers and the heathland and scrub areas are managed to maximise their diversity.

We managed to complete some re-fencing last year. In the roadside meadow we fenced off the main access drive so that we could introduce cattle grazing after the hay crop is taken in July.

We installed a kissing gate to retain access for the public right of way which follows the northern boundary. Some native cattle (Redpolls) enjoyed the re-growth of the grassland after hay-cutting.

In the middle meadow we have re-routed the footpath to the old quarry to exclude people and dogs from the meadow itself so that the wildlife can live undisturbed. We have been really pleased at the positive response from visitors who agree with the approach and in fact prefer the new routes.

On the public footpath which runs north through the little valley woodland, we were concerned about the increasingly muddy and slippery nature of the path and began footpath repairs to ensure a safer route. A good section has been completed though more remains to be done.

We are pleased to welcome visitors who enjoy the landscape and wildlife of the Delf and not only come for a walk but find it a place of inspiration, such as the photographers who come and patiently wait to catch that special moment.

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Unfortunately we also had some sadder news about the Barn Owls, although it has provided us with interesting information. A young bird which was ringed on 21 June 2021 was found sick or wounded by the RSPCA in Monyash, Derbyshire 109 days later on 4 October 2021 – a distance of 39 kilometres to the south, showing that our young birds can disperse quite a distance from their natal area.