The most apparent thing this month was the curious combination of winter and spring - sprinter perhaps? Maybe climate change will bring more of these seasonal combos.
The trees are still bare.
The view up the Bybrook Valley is resolutely remaining much the same as it has for previous months this year. You could be forgiven for thinking that I am reusing the same old photo.
Thankfully there are signs of new life.
The woodland floor is carpeted with wild garlic or ramsons, and thanks to our handy Onya bags, we picked a bagful for our supper. It's virtually impossible for any foraging foul-ups on this one - the smell of garlic wafts through the air where it is growing, and if you're still not sure, breaking a leaf will release a garlicky aroma.
Primroses are growing.
The daffodils are out.
The trees are still bare.
The view up the Bybrook Valley is resolutely remaining much the same as it has for previous months this year. You could be forgiven for thinking that I am reusing the same old photo.
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The Bybrook Valley, 7 April 2013. |
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March 2013 |
February 2013 |
January 2013 |
Thankfully there are signs of new life.
The woodland floor is carpeted with wild garlic or ramsons, and thanks to our handy Onya bags, we picked a bagful for our supper. It's virtually impossible for any foraging foul-ups on this one - the smell of garlic wafts through the air where it is growing, and if you're still not sure, breaking a leaf will release a garlicky aroma.
Primroses are growing.
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Son's favourite 'lying on the ground' style of photography. |
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My more traditional style... |
And the birds are singing. We saw a willow warbler and a dipper flying down the river. I was especially pleased to see the willow warbler as I had only just read here that although the cold weather may result in a spectacular late spring, it may also have resulted in many summer migrants, including willow warblers, perishing on arrival here in the UK.
Best of all, it was finally warm enough to linger. Warm enough for playing Pooh Sticks.
Warm enough for some members of the party to have an extended paddling session.
And warm enough to sit by the river for a cup of tea and a piece of Simnel cake.
"...and when tired at last, he sat on the bank, while the river still chattered on to him, a babbling procession of the best stories in the world, sent from the heart of the earth to be told at last to the insatiable sea." (Mole sitting by the river in The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame).
Best of all, it was finally warm enough to linger. Warm enough for playing Pooh Sticks.
Warm enough for some members of the party to have an extended paddling session.
And warm enough to sit by the river for a cup of tea and a piece of Simnel cake.
"...and when tired at last, he sat on the bank, while the river still chattered on to him, a babbling procession of the best stories in the world, sent from the heart of the earth to be told at last to the insatiable sea." (Mole sitting by the river in The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame).
Great post! I also mentioned walking through my local woods and foraging for wild garlic in my blog this week as well Isnt it nice to b seeing signs of Spring at last. :o)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely good to feel spring is here at last!
DeleteI was wondering the other day when we would see your comparison walk again. I haven't played Pooh sticks for a long time. Time to visit a creek.
ReplyDeletePooh sticks has a timeless appeal!
DeleteThat sounds like a lovely day. What did you do with the wild garlic?
ReplyDeleteSauted it for a light supper with large mushrooms grilled with goats cheese, and some white beans.
DeleteThat field of wild garlic looks awesome :)
ReplyDeleteLovely to see some green at last. Just looking at the photos I can almost smell the garlicky smell.
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