ISN'T it lovely!The spring sunshine and warmth has really brought nature in to its own and all around Ipswich this early arrival of new life is being welcomed.

ISN'T it lovely!

The spring sunshine and warmth has really brought nature in to its own and all around Ipswich this early arrival of new life is being welcomed.

While the human element of the community is making the most of weather in its own way, animal and plant life is also making hay while the sun shines.

In Christchurch Park wildlife forgets it is in the town centre and the grey squirrel population is very much in evidence.

These tame creatures – who are so bold they are frequently seen in the streets – are busying themselves already gathering the nuts that the rhyme has them doing in May.

The jay, a bird that is always a pleasure to spot, has been sighted hopping and bopping with carefree abandon.

All around the blossom on trees, wild flowers in the ground and all creatures great and small have come out to play.

The sun has had its hat on for a good few days and heralded an early start to a spring that followed a relatively mild winter.

March, that can so easily come in like a lion and bring bitterly cold winds and snow, was mild as a lamb throughout and gave mother nature a guiding hand to get things growing.

The above normal daytime temperatures have easily coped with the few overnight frosts with the consequence that everything in the garden – and Christchurch Park – is rosy.