UNSEASONABLY mild weather this autumn and winter has pushed the herons in Verulamium Park, St Albans, into early spring-like behaviour.

They began repairing their nests in December – only to have to repair them again following the high winds in early January.

And while it is not clear yet how many nests will be used, the RSPB is about to begin its annual heron watch in the park.

From Wednesday, February 15, until April 15, the RSPB viewpoint opposite the herons’ island will be manned by enthusiastic staff and volunteers from 10am until 4pm Wednesdays to Saturdays.

There will be telescopes for close-up views of the herons and other wildlife on the lake as well as activities for families.

In 2011 there were 65 other species spotted around the park for the duration of the project including great crested grebes, shoveler, little egret, grey wagtail and an oystercatcher.

For information about visiting the viewpoint or becoming one of this year’s volunteers contact RSPB’s Date with Nature project officer Stephanie Morren on stephanie.morren@rspb.org.uk or 01767 680541.