March feels like a long month. As the cold recedes, local wildlife appears in the outdoors once again. A sniff of the wind, a look in the hedgerows, then a forage for some land on which to apply for planning permission. It’s nature’s way. The way it has always been.
The middle of the month is an important time for local farmers. They wait until the rains come, usually around the 17th, then drive through the viillage pulling trailers filled with rain soaked local people, some wearing outsized green hats. It’a a good way of giving their tractor engines a bit of a run before the summer comes. And its nature’s way of spreading her bounty around. A few days later most local people have colds. The pharmacy does a roaring trade.
A few days later in March are signs of radical changes in the habits of local wildlife. Many of the inhabitants begin new call and response cycles.
“Did you watch the cricket?” It’s a sound possibly never heard in these parts. But where once this would have resulted in a fight for territory or honour, now it will be met with a warm response. Several of the males with come together in a huddle and display their knowledge of batting averages and second round points permutations. This is evolution on a rapid scale. Is it climate change? Has the water been contaminated? Maybe. But the spread of genetically modified satellite TV cannot be ruled out.
