Nature Blog by Jenny Bourne

A bitterly cold ‘Arctic blast’ to herald in the New Year with -5C overnight temperatures in the London area and no luck trying to dig up parsnips for supper:

Cards written and sent, mistletoe and greenery wreath up on the front door, mince pies made, gifts wrapped…

‘The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown’…and we’re bringing in the evergreens for the festive season – holly, ivy and mistletoe as well as the firs…

This kestrel has obviously decided to have a go at some late watering! Alistair spotted a photo op last Sunday; we think it may be one of the juvenile kestrels that fledged last year and is now regularly seen around the site.

Hampton Wick’s Remembrance ceremony will start at 11.00 this Sunday, with a parade starting from The Forester’s Arms leading to the War Memorial where St John’s Church’s Jerry Field will lead the service.