Springing into life

Harry McGrath, Berkophile and director of environmental adventure company Hamba Africa, enjoys watching the signs of spring, whether here or abroad.

Every year as the northern hemisphere blossoms into spring, we get to witness one of the most profound, powerful and optimistic natural displays exemplified by plants and animals alike.

The display of urgency, of plans and preparation being made for what’s to come.

From the moment winter’s grip loosens, the natural world wakes up to the fact that the year has started… and every moment is one worth making the most of.

There’s bees racing to find the scant first flowers that have dared poke their head out of the soil, so they can replenish their honey pots to give the colony a boost. And birds that have flown across the world in a bid to reach their destination as soon as possible, because they know it will give their chicks the best chance to face the inevitable challenges when it’s their turn to fly the nest.

Frank Herbert, author of the acclaimed Dune (and passionate ecologist) wrote: ‘A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct.’

Here at Hamba Africa we share that sentiment. From January into spring, this is the time of year we prepare and plan for the arrival of our own migrants, the volunteers and ethical travellers who apply to join us and our season of wildlife, research and veterinary projects in South Africa.

Similarly, just like the animal and plant inhabitants of Hertfordshire, we humans begin to harmonise our plans and preparations, for the arrival of spring and the promise of summer.

No doubt many of you reading this will be planning your exciting adventures abroad; some of you, with young ‘chicks’ of your own at home, will be busy encouraging them to broaden their education, and take those tentative first solo flights into the world during school or university study trips.

If you feel your fledgling baby birds (or yourself) would appreciate talking to those who have navigated the complex route of international study placements, grants and funding, or visas, travel logistics and research projects, our friendly team can be contacted via our website at www.hambaafrica.co.uk or by emailing info@hambaafrica.co.uk. We would gladly take them under our wing.

Photo: The Willow Warbler migrates from Africa to the UK in spring