Whilst one swallow may not a summer make, the constant trickle that is passing through Radipole almost daily now are certainly a hint that it is on its way, a hint reinforced by the numerous other summer visitors, such as wheatears, terns and warblers a plenty, that are dotted around the reserves.

At the moment we are seeing small numbers but, in a week or two, that trickle will turn into a flood and, what is now two or three dozen birds a day will turn into ten times that number.

One particular species that is high on our mid right now is the sand martin. With warmer days just around the corner and the anticipation of the mass arrival of this, the swallow’s near cousin, construction of our artificial sand martin wall is now underway.

The first of its kind in Dorset, the wall, which is visible from north hide, will be completed in the next 2 or 3 weeks, in time for the arrival of the bulk of these wonderful brown and white birds and, with 60 holes, they will have plenty of homes to chose from.

We will also install remote cameras, allowing us to capture the whole amazing life story, from nest building, through egg laying and hatching right up to the first flight of the young, and we hope to be able to show these images on the television in the visitor centre so you can watch the spectacle unfold before your eye whilst you are doing the shopping.

If you can’t wait for summer, why not bring the family down over Easter and join in our range of events and activities from today until April 18, designed to get children out and about and enjoying the first signs of Spring, from courting birds to fluttering butterflies.

Among the highlights is a Fun Day with a wild treasure hunt around the reserve on Monday April 5, with great prizes for everyone who enters. It’s on from 10am to 3pm.

And on Wednesday April 14, staff are running a Bird Bingo day from 10am to 3pm. The game is to spot items around the reserve and mark them off on a colourful card to see who can get a full house! Families can also hire special backpacks any day throughout the holidays.

These contain binoculars, bird ID information cards, bug jars and other tools to help youngsters explore the wonders of spring on the reserve.