Spring is coming and we are starting a new venture with this blog.

This blog is for all of our Ownashare owners to share, please feel free to use this format,to tell us all about your, funny tales or experiences and also, informative articles, recipes and features.

If you wish to contribute with any articles with a waterways theme, please contact either Jeff or Linda.

Our aim is to update this a minimum of a monthly basis with topical articles, waterways events you would like your friends to know about or a trip you have taken, canal side events, or services you would recommend.

With the first signs of spring we have started the blog off with a Nature theme.

After one of the coldest winters in 30 years those early signs of spring are really welcome.

With the coming of those spring flowers, it always brings out the canal planning guides and reading about the spring cruise, one of the best ways to chase away those winter blues.

What should we be looking for on the cut in March?

March is the time for activity in our hedgerows, with blackbirds, robins and sparrows busy building their nests.  You might start to hear the songs of the Chiffchaffs and Warblers who will be arriving from their winter home in Africa.

The birds of Prey are ever present in our skies and make for a wonderful sight.

Watch out for sleepy Hedgehogs waking from their winter hibernation and Frogs that are just emerging and preparing for mating.

Badgers can often be seen at night in the cuttings along the side of the towpath, watch out for signs of their sets in the banks. Why not try mooring nearby and quietly watching from the boat.

Bees and butterflies are starting to be seen on sunny days, look out for the Peacocks and small Tortoiseshells and in the urban hedgerows where the Buddleia grow often Speckled Woods can be spotted.

Our ever present Water boatman can become more noticeable with the warming days.

The most noticeable birds for us all, on the water,are obviously the Coots, Moorhens Ducks, Grebe, Swans and Herons  who will be busy nest building and if we are lucky we may see very early young.

Let us know your first sightings