We are pleased to announce the arrival of 12 baby Mallard chicks.  Mum has been sat on her nest just behind our pond for several weeks now, only leaving it briefly to feed.  The chicks were marched out of the nest at about 09.30 this morning but had to head back quickly to avoid a hailstone shower.  They've just emerged again now and are feasting away on mashed up duck pellets.  Lets hope they survive tonight's temperatures - forecast to be just above freezing.      

Sheer weight of bank holiday traffic prevented Mark and I from getting very far today.  At least we kept Good Friday holy by visiting a cemetery in Lytham.