Nature in Ardent has been amazing this week as the first snows hit the high peaks. A rare black woodpecker visited the trees next to the Ardent bubble, a pair of dippers were busy in the river. No Golden Eagles spotted above Chavache but they will be there. All three species are good environmental signs: the black woodpecker needs the ancient mature forest of the Ardent valley, the dippers clean flowing water, and the eagles wild spaces. Ardent is truly blessed with the best lift in the valley and its wonderful natural setting.