Spring is sprung.......hot days have brought everything forward this spring - trees are into leaf, butterflies are on the wing and early spring flowers are blooming. It's the time of the year when it's hard to keep up with the changes in the wood as every day brings something new, something different to look at and enjoy. The Silver Birches have been leafing up for a couple of weeks now into their fresh pale green foliage, ahead of the oaks and Sweet Chestnut. The oaks are not far behind now after their early flush of flower with the Sweet Chestnut the latest of all.  

The first Bluebells are flowering although it will be a week or so before their displays at its best; they are joining the Primroses along our top ride and our small but delightful band of Early Purple Orchids (we have a very small number and most years the rabbits chew the flowers off ). This week I have seen several species of butterfly - Brimstone, Speckled Wood, Orange Tip, Comma, Peacock and Red Admiral - and even my first Grass Snake of 2019, just a young one, probably a year old from last summer fresh out of hibernation, warming itself up under one of my tin sheets.

Its also the time to put away the chainsaw and take time instead watching the season unfold (and it's only April)...thank goodness !


one of our few Early Purple Orchids


The first Bluebells, always a challenge to photograph and get the colour correct


A Green Woodpecker prospecting for a nest site

I always think Bluebells look best with shade behind them


A Speckled Wood butterfly resting, as their name suggests they are a common woodland species.
 Monday 22nd April

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