Things are looking up! For the first time in ages I got out into the garden today. This has not been possible for some time because of a combination of the weather and medical prohibitions. I am not out of the wood yet on either of those counts, but it was possible to size up the situation, and take stock of all of those jobs which need doing following the winter.
One of these is the re-arrangement of the wood store. The last of the old wood had to be brought into the house, making room in a dry place for a fresh season’s logs. As it happens, some time ago I made a little “den” underneath the wood shed which I hoped might be used by the hedgehogs. This is the spot where I have been putting out food for them, to get them through the winter, although I have never actually seen one in my “hog hotel”.
It struck me that the straw in the shelter was looking a bit scruffy, and I wondered whether it was so grotty that it might need changing. Putting my hand inside, to see whether it was still dry, I felt a sharp pricking, and pulled my hand out in surprise. Closer and more cautious inspection showed me that I do actually have a tenant …. large, fat, and fast asleep. All of my efforts, it seems, have been worthwhile.