A market town in Cambridgeshire, known for its lively group of geese, is set to produce a calendar in 2026 dedicated to these birds. The flock, consisting of around 20 domestic white geese, has been a familiar sight in March for over ten years. They often wander through shopping areas and have been seen using zebra crossings.

A Facebook group called the Geese Of March has gained over 3,000 members, although not all residents appreciate the geese. Some complain about the mess they leave behind. Chrissie Fadipe is organizing the calendar project and aims to feature photos taken by locals as part of a competition running until mid-September. The goal is to sell 800 calendars at £5 each to raise £4,000 for two local animal charities.

While some residents enjoy watching the geese and find them entertaining—like Kevin McCourt who appreciates their use of zebra crossings—others express frustration. Brenda Smith feels there are too many geese and finds their droppings problematic on newly paved streets. In contrast, Kerry Howard believes the joy they bring to children outweighs any mess they create.

The British Trust for Ornithology noted that many birds are intelligent enough to recognize safe crossing points like zebra crossings. This community-driven initiative highlights both affection for these animals and differing opinions on their presence in town life.

Original article

The article does provide some actionable information for readers interested in the geese of March and the calendar project. It informs readers about the upcoming calendar dedicated to the town's geese, which is an initiative organized by Chrissie Fadipe. The article also mentions a competition for locals to submit photos, with a deadline of mid-September, and the goal of raising funds for animal charities. This information is useful for those who want to participate and support the cause.

However, the article lacks educational depth when it comes to the geese themselves. While it mentions the presence of the geese and their behavior, such as using zebra crossings, it does not delve into the reasons behind their behavior or provide any scientific insights. The article could have benefited from a deeper exploration of the geese's habits and their intelligence, as noted by the British Trust for Ornithology, to educate readers further.

In terms of personal relevance, the article does touch on the differing opinions of residents regarding the geese. Some find them entertaining and enjoyable, while others are frustrated by the mess they leave behind. This aspect of the article highlights how the geese impact the daily lives of residents and their perceptions of the town. It is a relevant topic for locals and those interested in community initiatives.

While the article does not explicitly state any public service function, it does bring attention to a community-driven project that aims to raise funds for local animal charities. This initiative can be seen as a form of public service, as it benefits the local animal welfare sector.

The advice and steps provided in the article are practical and clear. Readers are informed about the calendar project, the photo competition, and the fundraising goal. These are simple and achievable actions for those who wish to get involved.

The long-term impact of the article is somewhat limited. While the calendar project and fundraising efforts have the potential to create a lasting positive effect on local animal charities, the article itself does not delve into the long-term benefits or plans for the funds raised. It could have provided more information on how the money will be utilized and the potential impact on the community over time.

Emotionally, the article does not have a significant impact. It presents a light-hearted story about the town's geese and the calendar initiative, but it does not evoke strong emotions or provide any psychological guidance. The article remains factual and does not aim to influence readers' emotions in any particular way.

In terms of clickbait or sensationalized language, the article does not employ such tactics. It presents the story in a straightforward manner, without using dramatic or exaggerated language to grab attention.

The article could have been improved by including more educational content about the geese and their behavior, perhaps by incorporating scientific insights or expert opinions. Additionally, providing more details about the calendar project, such as the specific charities involved and the long-term goals for the funds, would have added depth and relevance to the story.

Overall, the article provides a light and entertaining read about a unique community initiative. It offers some actionable steps for participation and highlights the differing perspectives of residents. However, it lacks educational depth and a strong long-term focus, and could have benefited from more practical advice and a deeper exploration of the topic.

The focus on the geese and their presence in the town of March, Cambridgeshire, reveals a community divided in its opinions and priorities. While the geese bring joy and entertainment to some, especially children, others face practical challenges and frustrations. This division highlights a potential threat to the unity and strength of the local community.

The proposed calendar project, organized by Chrissie Fadipe, aims to raise funds for animal charities, which is a noble cause. However, it also serves as a symbol of the community's differing values and priorities. Some residents, like Kevin McCourt, appreciate the geese's unique behavior and find it entertaining, while others, like Brenda Smith, are more concerned about the practical issues of goose droppings and the impact on newly paved streets. This contrast in perspectives could lead to a breakdown in community trust and understanding.

The presence of the geese and the subsequent debate also bring to light the issue of stewardship of the land. The British Trust for Ornithology's observation about birds recognizing safe crossing points is an interesting insight, but it also raises questions about the impact of human activities on wildlife behavior. This could potentially lead to a discussion about the community's role in managing and caring for the local environment, which is essential for the survival and well-being of both humans and animals.

The impact of the geese on the community's daily life also extends to the protection and care of children and elders. While Kerry Howard believes the joy the geese bring to children outweighs any mess, this perspective may not be shared by all. Some families may feel the need to protect their children from the mess and potential health hazards, which could lead to further divisions and a breakdown of community support for one another.

The survival and continuity of the community depend on the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully, uphold clear personal duties, and maintain a sense of responsibility towards one another. If the community fails to address these issues and find common ground, it could lead to a fracture in kinship bonds, a neglect of family duties, and a potential decline in birth rates as families feel less supported and more divided.

The consequences of unchecked division and neglect of community responsibilities are clear: a weakened community fabric, a potential decline in birth rates, and a diminished ability to care for the vulnerable and protect the land. It is essential for the community to find ways to bridge these differences, uphold their duties to one another, and ensure the survival and prosperity of their clan.

In conclusion, the geese of March serve as a symbol of the community's challenges and potential strengths. By addressing these issues head-on, the community can strengthen its bonds, protect its most vulnerable members, and ensure the continuity and survival of their people and their land.

"The flock, consisting of around 20 domestic white geese, has been a familiar sight in March for over ten years."

This sentence uses a passive voice construction, "has been a familiar sight," which downplays the role of the geese and presents them as a passive presence in the town. It suggests that the geese are simply there, without acknowledging their active and lively nature as described later in the text. This passive construction also shifts focus away from the geese's agency and impact on the town.

"They often wander through shopping areas and have been seen using zebra crossings."

Here, the use of the word "wander" presents the geese's movements as aimless and random, potentially portraying them as a nuisance or an obstacle to daily life. This word choice may evoke a negative image of the geese disrupting normal activities, especially in shopping areas.

"Chrissie Fadipe is organizing the calendar project and aims to feature photos taken by locals as part of a competition running until mid-September."

The text highlights Chrissie Fadipe's role as the organizer of the calendar project, giving her a prominent position and potentially elevating her status within the community. This focus on an individual's initiative can create a sense of personal responsibility and leadership, which may influence how readers perceive the project and its impact.

"The goal is to sell 800 calendars at £5 each to raise £4,000 for two local animal charities."

By stating the specific goal of raising money for animal charities, the text frames the calendar project as a charitable endeavor. This framing can evoke emotions of generosity and support for a good cause, potentially influencing readers' perceptions and encouraging a positive view of the project and its organizers.

"While some residents enjoy watching the geese and find them entertaining—like Kevin McCourt who appreciates their use of zebra crossings—others express frustration."

The text presents a balanced view by acknowledging that some residents enjoy the geese while others find them frustrating. However, by using the phrase "like Kevin McCourt," it singles out one individual's positive opinion, potentially giving more weight to this perspective and creating an impression of widespread support for the geese.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily centered around the presence of the geese in the market town of March. These emotions are expressed through the reactions and opinions of the residents, which the writer skillfully weaves into the narrative to guide the reader's response.

Happiness and Amusement: The text conveys a sense of joy and lightheartedness, especially through the actions of the geese. Their lively presence, wandering through shopping areas and using zebra crossings, is described in a way that evokes a smile. Kevin McCourt's appreciation for their use of zebra crossings adds a touch of humor and lightheartedness to the narrative. This emotion serves to create a positive association with the geese, making them seem endearing and entertaining.

Frustration and Displeasure: On the other hand, there is a contrasting emotion of frustration and annoyance expressed by some residents. Brenda Smith's complaint about the geese's droppings on newly paved streets highlights a sense of irritation and dissatisfaction. This emotion is a natural reaction to a perceived nuisance and serves to create a more complex picture of the geese's impact on the community.

Affection and Empathy: The initiative to create a calendar dedicated to the geese and the goal of raising funds for local animal charities evoke a sense of affection and empathy. Chrissie Fadipe's organization of the calendar project and the aim to feature photos taken by locals showcase a community's care and support for these birds. This emotion builds a positive sentiment towards the geese and the residents' efforts, encouraging a sense of unity and goodwill.

The writer skillfully employs emotional language to guide the reader's reaction and shape their opinion. By focusing on the geese's entertaining behaviors and the community's affection for them, the writer creates a positive association, almost like a charming quirk of the town. However, by also including the contrasting opinions of residents who find the geese a nuisance, the writer presents a more balanced view, acknowledging the potential challenges and frustrations.

The use of personal stories, such as Kevin McCourt's appreciation for the geese's use of zebra crossings, adds a human element to the narrative, making it more relatable and engaging. The writer also employs repetition, emphasizing the geese's presence and their impact on the community, which serves to reinforce the emotional impact and guide the reader's focus.

Overall, the emotional language and persuasive techniques used in the text aim to create a sense of sympathy and understanding for the geese and the residents' differing opinions. It inspires a thoughtful consideration of the community's relationship with these birds and the potential for a harmonious coexistence. By evoking a range of emotions, the writer effectively guides the reader's reaction and shapes their perspective on this unique town feature.