We began the weekend with excitement and anticipation, as none of us had ever visited St Anns Allotments (STAA) before. Our exploration of the site began with a warm welcome from Sarah, who works passionately for STAA. Guided by Sarah, we start our adventure around the 70+ acres of allotments. I begin to feel completely immersed as we navigate the site - with the never-ending symphony of birds calling, and the soothing sound of rustling leaves. The winding paths and boundless stretch of verdant hedgerow makes me feel as if I am in the Labyrinth - only we are much more likely to encounter a song thrush or bullfinch than meet the Goblin King. There were also drooping blooms of snow drops scattered across the site, creating a beautiful and delicate carpet. They reminded me that even though the world is currently lying dormant and cold, there are brighter skies imminent.  

On the agenda at the allotments is a journey around the meticulously managed "Oliver’s" Heritage Garden and a visit to the Urban Nature area - both of which were an oasis of wildlife, even on a foggy Saturday in February. The heritage garden transported me back to the 19th Century, when residents would stroll around the site, as a retreat, to escape the confines of an industrial and built-up city - or what could be called a ‘concrete cocoon’. We were given the task of looking for species and some key features of "Oliver’s" garden, all of these being a sign of spring. One of these was the herald of spring, Hazel catkins - they could be spotted from distance, their golden and yellow hue contrasting the muted pallet of a misty mid-winter morning.  

Accompanied by the knowledgeable Sarah, we then ventured into the Urban Nature project, which was the huge size of 10 plots - all dedicated to and teeming with rich biodiversity. We got to witness firsthand how supporting and enabling communities to volunteer in the natural world can benefit both their own well-being and happiness, but also the health of ecosystems and a wealth of native species. It would be thrilling to revisit the allotments in the late spring or summer, when they are bursting with life. This area was where we felt the most immersed, forgetting that we were only a 10 minute drive away from the hustle and bustle of Nottingham City Centre.

Over a camp fire, and some toasty marshmallows, we discussed with Sarah what makes a youth group - so that St Anns Allotments could set up one of their very own. We shared stories of how we joined, what caused us to get involved, and why we love being involved. We concluded that being able to foster, and cultivate, our connections with others and the natural world was an important factor to all of us. We rounded off the trip by suggesting possible events and activities that could be run on site, such as wildlife photography workshops, a badger watch, or even a late night bat walk along the trees and hedgerows.  

However, our adventure does not end here - as the following day we took off for a long trip to Stud Farm. This was a very early departure for us - but well worth it for the opportunities, experience, and knowledge gained. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the legend Andy, as well as the lovely Ann and Kate - all members of Birklands Bird Ringing Group, who do excellent work in monitoring the birds of Sherwood Forest. Our first activity of the day was to watch, learn about, and get involved with bird ringing. As many of us had never experienced or knew very little about bird ringing, Andy and the team took the time to explain and walk us through the process - and it was fascinating to be able to witness the delicate process of bird ringing. After extracting each bird from the mist net, vital information, such as the species, health and age, was recorded - before delicately attaching a tiny ring to his or her leg. Each bird ringed helps researchers to unravel the mysteries of bird migration, their behaviour and population dynamics; contributing to a greater understanding of species both locally and globally, which can inform conservation efforts. One of my favourite birds monitored was the long-tailed tit - their pale pastel colouring a delight to see in winter, when deciduous trees have lost their branches. Also caught were a number of blue tits, great tits and coal tits.  

The woodland on Stud Farm was alive with nature and nestled in the embrace of the countryside. Much brighter than the day before, the sun trickled through the woodland canopy - shining light on features, such as the pond, that help host such an array of birds for us to monitor. Dotted throughout are bird feeders, and each one is a hub of avian activity - with vibrant birds, such as the blue tit and long tailed tit, gathering for a feast - these are also strategically placed so that birds can be caught in the mist net for ringing. Despite its beauty, Andy explained to us that the woodland may not have long left, due to it consisting of mainly ash and oak; which are currently in decline. After a morning of excitement, from being able to watch bird ringing, we rolled up our sleeves, put on our gloves and got to work with some habitat management. Personally, I find hands-on conservation work a very special experience, as I get to harness a connection with the natural world - and make a significant impact to the resilience and health of such a precious ecosystem. Our main task was to tackle some brash, and process some already cut pines - for the creation of a dead hedge. These can also be called habitat hedges, and are a way of mimicking the natural layers of vegetation found in woodlands - they create shelter, food sources, and nesting sites for a wealth of flora and fauna. To do this we intertwined and added logs, branches, and twigs, each layer adding stability, so that there is no need for fence posts to hold it up.  

We followed up dead-hedging with the creation of a bug hotel - through the upcycling of some old wooden pallets. Creating a bug hotel is a simple, but efficient, way of providing habitat for the unsung heroes of the natural world; insects. We began by stacking the wooden pallets to create rows of compartments, then stuffing these with materials - such as old bricks, branches, straw, hollow stems, and rocks. Whilst creating the dead-hedge, we accidentally stumbled upon a Queen European hornet - and it caused quite the panic! However, we managed to return her to the dead wood hollow that she came from, so she could resume her hibernation undisturbed.  

Our work at Stud Farm then came to a delicious conclusion, with some pancakes! If you ever find yourself wanting to broaden your connections with the natural world, then I would recommend seeking out opportunities with local groups - such as St Anns Allotments, Birklands Bird Ringing Group, or our very own Keeping It Wild. Not only will you play a vital role in protecting and preserving our ecosystems, but you will also cultivate connections with passionate individuals, sharing the same dedications.