Another sign of spring

Whilst we on our Lambs Green walk on a very wet Saturday, our spirits were lifted when we heard a skylark singing above us.  It was a male, displaying, setting out its stall for the breeding season.  Although still widespread, the skylark has declined by 75% in farmland in recent years.  It is thought that the change from spring-sown crops to those sown in the autumn, which become too tall and dense by the time skylarks ready to nest; and the loss of winter stubbles which were a valuable food source.