This is probably going to be a curse - sorry … but in the UK you will have noticed that it has been unseasonably dry of late. March was the driest in England and Wales since 1961 - where there has been just 25% of expected volume

Back to the rain - now it is the second week of April and there has still been nothing. This might seem like a blessing for those with small people to entertain over the Easter holidays, but for wildlife it is beginning to be a concern.

My ask - and this where the rain gods will chuckle mightily, to get some extra water out for the wildlife that shares your space.

My pond is in its ludicrous phase of water marigold frenzy - but there is, for the adventurous, water to be found. And I keep a bowl with a large stone in it topped up on the side as well. There is also a shallow dish on the ground - despite not seeing a hedgehog in my garden for probably ten years now. Though I did hear a shout of glee (on our cul de sac WhatsApp group) from a neighbour who say one last week … so maybe …

Can you manage to do something similar? I have heard that the bumbling bumblebees are suffering because reduced water means flower produce less nectar - any experts able to clarify that?

Actually, here is an expert ... There is a truly lovely book, One Garden Against the World, by Kate Bradbury, that I recommend to you all - and in which she writes beautifully about her tiny garden and the wildlife which floods in to benefit from all her work. Much of that work centres on water - and there is real tension as her butts run dry and she has to decide between flowers and pond … oh, and she has hedgehogs so I am biased. If you would like to help Kate a bit - yes, buying the book is great, but she is in the running for a competition that is decided by public vote … have a look here and think about voting for one of the best books I have read in ages. I love the way she talks about the bumble and solitary bees that visit!

And talking of bees, I got sent a glorious picture book by Kathy Urban and Sally Garland called Kind Little Hands. It is a very sweet and heartwarming tale of how kind little hands can make a whole lot of difference. Perfect to be read (and re-read) to those who also enjoy rich illustrations to get absorbed into.

A few other bits and pieces - I am heading to Maidstone next week - on the 17th April, where I am talking to the local RSPB group about Cull of the Wild - come along and say hi!

There is still The Hedgehog Street Arts And Crafts Competition to enter.

And I have just written a piece (behind a paywall) all about the scents we can find in our garden - I wish it was all free, but if you are interested - you can subscribe and get a fresh bouquet of writing from 30 different contributors every day of the year!