Well the rain and wind has been back today but yesterday I had sunlit walk on what the weather report said was one of the warmest early April days in 80 years.
Nothing like a wander through an ancient woodland or along a nature trail looking for signs of life, wildflowers and wild things. At this time of year Primroses and Lesser Celandine are out and the Bluebells and Wild Garlic are just rising ready for May days.
On my walk I spotted Dandelions and Daisies and one Red Campion - The collage below shows some of the flora I spotted:
- Herb Robert
- Dog Violet
- Primroses
- Lesser Celandine
- Ramsons
- Dogs Mercury
- Greater Stitchwart
- Alexander
- Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage.
The 'ancient, soon to be no more' trees have taken a battering in the past few years but that hasn't deterred the birds and the many different calls and response bring joy to the heart. I always feel Spring/Summer is on the way when I hear the Chiff Chaff.
There were a number of bees buzzing around and I spotted the first Brimstone, three Speckled Wood butterflies and a Peacock which seems to love basking in the sun on the same bit of path every year. I just caught sight of one of the Speckled Wood landing on the stump of a recently felled tree.
I miss the overhanging branches of the old trees on either side of wooded valley.
Proud as a Peacock Butterfly basking in the April sunshine - Photo © Pat Adams
For the record. Early arrival of one of the first Swallows having a well-earned break after that long trip from Africa before the nest building begins > View Short on my YouTube Channel
"Wednesday, 8 April 2026, was an exceptionally warm day in the UK, marking the hottest day of the year so far and one of the warmest early April days in 80 years".(google)
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All photos/articles copyright Pat Adams (All Rights Reserved)
