There is no doubt that for conservationists this time of year begins to show the fruits of past labours, though the results may not always be entirely satisfactory.

Now is a time of monitoring for positive results. Will kingfishers use the artificial nest site? Will orchid numbers increase again and might water voles return?

Such issues may seem trivial to the great majority, but they are the benchmarks of the health and well-being of our local environment and are, therefore, of significance.

Those walking in the vicinity of Friars Meadow and the Cornard riverside during March will have seen tree surgeons felling cricket bat willows on the privately-owned Lady's Island.

Although there was no warning of the impending work, it was carried out at a suitable time of year. All willows approaching maturity were felled because of the logistical difficulties involved in leaving the slightly smaller ones behind for felling in a year or two. The trunks were floated across the river and removed on the Essex bank. New saplings have already replaced each tree that was felled and within a few years the island will appear well wooded once more.

With the approach of better weather and the new grazing season, the charity's Volunteer Rangers will be more in evidence.

As part of the scheme a new information board has been placed near the Floodgates Pool. This shows a number of bylaws which, if observed, will avoid any problems on the Sudbury Common Lands.

Notices at each point of entry will refer to this board so that anyone can go and look at them. It is not practical, on grounds of space and cost, to erect similar boards at each of the 12 official entry points to the Sudbury Common Lands.

Through the spring, members of Suffolk Fire Service will be carrying out a series of water rescue exercises in the river on the Sudbury Common Lands. There will be various scenarios with some involving live "casualties".

The Trustees see this training as useful, as the meadows are frequented by a lot of people. Every year sees one or two individuals in need of some kind of assistance, so fire service training in this environment is logical and valuable.

The Sudbury Common Lands Charity has a marvellous band of enthusiastic volunteers who carry out an enormous amount of conservation and management work throughout the year.

The results benefit the wildlife of the riverside and all those who use the meadows. The volunteer team requires a range of good hand tools to carry out this vital work. Babergh District Council has made a 50 per cent contribution towards the cost of these tools.

The charity has been selected by Waitrose as one of its "charities of the month" for April.

It is wonderful that a large, national company like Waitrose supports small charities in this way. So if you are shopping there, why not consider popping your green token in the Sudbury Common Lands "pot", for a greener riverside environment?