There’s so much wildlife to see around Ilfracombe, North Devon.

At the moment the foxgloves are just coming into flower up Hillsborough . . .

While conkers are already forming on the horse chestnut trees near the swimming pool . . .

While nearby a starling hopped around on the grass . . .

Over at Bicclescombe Park, a collection of goldfish and other fish have mysteriously appeared in the boating lake. From what I have been told they are not supposed to be there and may be someone’s unwanted fish from a pond . . .

It’s been a glorious spring this year, but I don’t think anything provides as big a lift as the arrival of ducklings.

This morning, in Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe in North Devon, I heard ducks squabbling down in the East Wilder Brook as it passes under a small bridge. I looked over the fence and saw a mother duck and her fleet of ducklings. Unfortunately, there were three male ducks trying to mate with her, explaining the noise as she fought them off.

Some blurred photos, taken with zoom lens while hanging over a fence with two spaniels on leads . . .

One of the park-keepers said they were born on Sunday. I counted 12. Before I could take any more photos, they swam under the bridge.

Meanwhile, back on the duck pond, this pair were doing some serious courting and a bit more when they weren’t being interrupted by other jealous suitors . . .

Expect more ducklings!

I have to take my camera because there is something new every day.

This morning I saw bluebells flowering in Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe, North Devon . . .

The magnolias are also blooming too in a variety of colours . . .

It’s a wonderful spring for blossom. All the trees are heavy with petals . . .

All we need now are lots of ducklings on the pond!

Well, on camera, anyway.

This pigeon landed in a tree in Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe, North Devon, looking very pleased with himself. He had a twig or something similar in his beak, possibly nesting material.

He seemed to think he could not be seen, but I had my camera . . .

I think he spotted me and didn’t look very pleased . . .

. . . but he was up in the tree and I was on the ground where no one could reach him.

I took his photo, thanked him, then walked on.

What a bright, sunny morning and so clear!

The daffodils in Bicclescombe Park just get better each day and I couldn’t resist taking a few close-up photos.

There’s nothing more full of life to bring us cheer!

Thinking of the residents of Cockermouth in Cumbria and hoping that they can return to normal life as soon as possible after the floods, it struck me how powerful water is.

Even the East Wilder Brook that runs through Bicclescombe Park in Ilfracombe is swollen.

It changes from still pool to torrent with no warning . . .

. . . and although not very deep has the power to drag along anything in its way.

It commands my respect.

I took my camera with me yesterday to record what a beautiful, tranquil spot this is, even when it’s cold and grey.

The East Wilder Brook running through Bicclescombe Park

The East Wilder Brook runs through the park down a number of miniature waterfalls.

The duck pond in Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe

The boating lake, where the model boat club members sail their vessels on a Sunday morning, looked particularly serene.

The tree-lined model boat lake in Bicclescombe Park

And the tree-lined avenue between the boating lake and tennis courts was still relatively leafy for this time of year.

Tree-lined avenue in Bicclescombe Park

There are reminders everywhere of our milder, seaside climate and even the sheltered hydrangeas are still in bloom.

The milder climate of Ilfracombe in evidence at Bicclescombe Park

In warmer months you can enjoy afternoon tea at the old water mill, which still operates.

The water mill tea rooms at Bicclescombe Park, Ilfracombe

It’s no surprise that Bicclescombe Park has been awarded a Green Flag. All in all, it’s a lovely park to visit.

If you know Ilfracombe, you may know Bicclescombe Park, a delightfully peaceful haven hidden towards the Score Valley. With a mix of well-maintained lawns and flower beds, an old corn mill (now housing tea rooms) and millstreams, tennis courts, a boating lake, duck pond and children’s play area, it’s a lovely place for a relaxing walk in all weathers. The gardeners do a magnificent job keeping the park immaculate and there is a user group chaired by the council’s park department.

This morning as I walked through the park, I noticed that one of the wooden benches had been dumped in the boating lake. It’s half-term so not surprising if bored youngsters get up to mischief. But it’s not just harmless pranks: the damage is serious.

Up on the highest level of the park is a wooden shelter with a thatched roof. Youngsters often shelter in here at night when they have nowhere else to go (who minds this?), but why do they have to damage it by pulling wooden panels off it and sometimes burning them? At the moment it seems they have been damaging the thatch and, to stop this, an ugly fence with a steel grille is being erected at one side to prevent access to the roof.

In recent years a brand new concrete all-weather tennis table was wrecked by vandals within weeks of being installed, while young trees are often damaged.

I don’t think there’s any excuse for this behaviour. I didn’t understand mindless vandalism when I was a teenager and I don’t understand it now. I can understand people being bored, angry, frustrated and in need of stimulation and encouragement, but not wrecking the good things that are provided.

The authorities don’t seem to bothered, focusing instead on painting yellow lines on the lovely stone steps in case someone falls down them, erecting intrusive barriers to reduce the numbers of people drowning in the stream (I’m not aware of any), and putting up half a dozen maps of what is a very small park in which it would be quite a challenge to get lost.

The council uses cotton wool when the youngsters want challenge, excitement, adventure and stimulation.  

I feel angry at the damage and angry at those who do it, although I understand there are problems which cause this. I was lucky enough never to have to spend my time on the streets at night when a teenager and I believe no one should have to do this, but it’s not always the case. Providing facilities for bored youths is not necessarily an easy answer, having seen brand new, purpose-built play and sports areas in other towns wrecked by vandals with weeks of opening. No, the problems are more deep-rooted, which is a shame because it’s sad to think of these nocturnal battles during the daylight enjoyment of Bicclescombe Park when it is a delight for families, the elderly, children, dog-walkers, model boat enthusiasts, tennis players and others.

Should it put anyone off going there? Definitely not. It’s as safe as anywhere, especially in the daylight, and I’d recommend Bicclescombe Park to anyone, even bored youngsters, as long as they respect it.