Country diary: Frogspawn returns to the pond I built with my father | Claire Stares

Langstone, Hampshire: A glistening raft of jelly is a promising sign of a frog resurgence after newts dominated for a decadeI register the arrival of spring through small, dependable signs in my garden: queen buff-tailed bumblebees wobbling through purple crocuses in search of nectar; the pungent scent of wild garlic; bluetits prospecting the nest box below my bedroom window; and the wren's cascading song heralding the start of the breeding season.Frogspawn used to be one of these markers, but not for many years. Then, 10 days ago, glancing more from habit than expectation, I saw it - a glistening raft moored against the water forget-me-nots. After such a long absence, it felt quietly momentous. Continue reading...