Nesting swan

It is good to see the swans busy building a nest at this time of the year. Previously their nest has been on the small island in the middle of the pond but the water is a little higher now and that island is a lot smaller as a result. This year their nest is on the North side of the pond in amongst the reeds,


The nest looks almost finished and the pen is adding the final touches to it by bringing some of the smaller lengths of reed closer to her.

Meadlands Nursery mural

Broughton Avenue is significantly enlivened by this mural on the front of Meadlands Nursery School.

Avenue Lodge in bloom

Avenue Lodge (which sits by the entrance to Great South Avenue as it leaves Ham Common for Ham House) is one of the many houses locally that look majestic all year round but which are even better in Spring when they provide an architectural backdrop to masses of blossom.

Colourful duck

Ham Pond is not very big as village ponds go but it attracts a fair variety of birds including several of these colourful ducks.

Ormeley Lodge in bloom

For most of the year the hedge either side of the front gate to Ormeley Lodge looks a tangled mess but it justifies its existence when it blooms like this.

Meadlands mural

Meadlands School in Broughton Avenue is a rather boring building but look carefully at the side of the school and you will discover this vibrant mural of St George slaying a dragon.

Bricks and blossom

The pink blossom is gorgeous by itself but I love the way that it contrasts with the dark brick of Langham House and the way that there are just enough gaps in the blossom for the grandeur of the house to peep through.

Swan on Ham Pond

This swan looks majestic as it patrols Ham Pond, swimming forcefully back and forth and occasionally leaping into action to chase away a bird that has done something to annoy it.

Daffodils on the common

They are past their best now but for a few days the swathe of daffodils on the north side of Ham Common have provided a welcome burst of colour.