Derek's Diary

As an introduction – I was raised and educated in Polegate and Bexhill Grammar.

My mother told me that from when I was 6 month's old she used to push me in a pram from Polegate to Hampden Park to see the Ducks – 80 years later I’m still looking at the Ducks – currently without a pram. I have been an active member of Friends committees until last year.

I have always lived and worked in this area and the “Park” has mainly been a centre of life. Some people know me from when my late wife, Joan and I ran the RSPB Members Group and were involved with Bichon Frise Rescue. Tiny and Casper are my current companions.

I had my first camera when I was 7 years old and have never been without one – I'm still trying for a perfect photo 😊

Current cameras - OM1 mk2 (was Olympus) - Sony A7rv and the usual question – “What is the best camera?” - the smart answer is the one you have with you.

I have a very long memory for faces but virtually no memory for names so forgive me if I just say “Hello” if you say “hello Derek”.

March 2026

In football they talk about a match of two halves but March in the park has seen four seasons – fog, rain, sleet and some sun. Yes it is England!

At the beginning of the month Heron Chicks could be heard but not seen, partly due to the glorious blossom.

Egyptian Geese Erica and Ernie produced six Goslings – one went almost immediately, probably a Crow and a week or so later another one went. By the end of the month the four remaining Goslings looked very healthy.

The Swan started sitting on the nest and the male was still chasing the remaining Cygnet who realised that if he was being prevented from getting back in the lake, he could just fly over them. I say “he” with no proof. He is so comfortable with people that “he” sat on the path just watching a group of regular walkers who were watching the Adult Swans in the lake.

The usual display of Daffodils along the back path started on about the 10th.

The pathway by the Decoy Drive lawn had more flowers than usual probably due to all the rain – Tulips, Narcissus, Glory of the Snow. Multiple Robins singing on the new fencing there and several Dunnock on the ground.

Heron chicks started to be visible as the blossom faded and for the first time ever. Four Herons started building nests in the Willow Tree hanging over the end of the island. Usually they just take sticks from it.