Spring has Sprung

pan · Veteran Member

Spring has Sprung

Jeremy · Veteran Member

Hi Pat, I've just got back to Houston this afternoon after a mini break out in west Texas. The main port of call was the Big Bend National Park which is a combination of desert and Mountain ranges, a really great place to go to. The views were spectacular, but I think the thing that will stay with me most is the lovely smell of the desert, as most of the flowering plants are out at this time of the year.

So what are you others up to? Do tell!

angel · Veteran Member

For me - Spring is the time to get back in our beautiful river and clean out the rubbish that has accumulated - everything from traffic cones to beer cans to shopping trolleys! The daffodils are out along the banks, the ducks are doing what all wildlife do in spring and it won't be long before there are lots of tiny ducklings darting about. The swans are poised elegantly and if you are really lucky, they may perform the ritualistic mating routine which is so beautiful to watch. They mirror each others movements and entwine their necks - it is the most fantastic ballet. If you go to Avebury at Spring Equinox - there are people in robes wandering about, ceremonies happening and tourists meandering through the stone circles catching the atmosphere of this magical place. I LOVE Spring!! I love Marlborough - and Marlborough in the Spring blows my mind away!

Jeremy · Veteran Member

I remember from a few years ago, being near Mildenhall and being nearly deafened by the sound of lambs!

pan · Veteran Member

Hi Angel, that is a commendable job you are going to do. Is it a group that cleans out the river?I rememeber when I was back 5 years ago there were a few things in the river at that time and couldn't believe how people could do that and spoil it for others. Some people just don't appreciate the beauty around them. Keep up the good work. I am coming over this year also, so will have to check it out. How much of the river do you clean out, that would be a big undertaking from say cow bridge to stoney bridge?

Regards Pat

angel · Veteran Member

Hi Pat

I belong to a local group who protect the River (check the website www.riverkennet.org) but have always been involved in rubbish clearance. I simply hate litter and rubbish of any kind!! In fact I'm paranoid about it! I really believe though, that rubbish attracts rubbish, so the more you clean up the longer it seems to stay clean. Like you, I can't understand the people who throw rubbish in the river - or anywhere else for that matter. My main aim is to keep the stretch from Treacle Bolly to Stonebride Lane clear - ie the central bit of Marlborough. The worst days for rubbish going in are Friday and Saturday nights - get drunk, chuck things in river that go splosh - oh ha ha ha - very funny! The other place that attracts mountains of the stuff is The Priory Garden - where certain kids from a certain school picnic and leave their rubbish everywhere. The elderly folk who live in sheltered accommodation overlooking the garden get really upset. Never mind, I think there may be a bit of law changing soon which will make it easier to nick these kids! Thanks for the interest - hope you enjoy your stay here.

Angel