The Weeping Willow by the Lake, weeps.  The sunshine’s and the bitterly cold easterly winds have dropped. Sadly those winds have caused some damage.  For me one of my ‘iconic’ trees, a Silver Birch, one I pass just about everyday is down.  It was distinctive, I have photographed it in every kind of weather and every season… and it has graced these pages on many occasion.  Daft to be attached to a tree and then just a humble Silver Birch…. but for me it was very special…

The positive is that part is still standing, different but I guess still special.

It is of course spring  and at this time of year is when trees get their summer coats of new leaves.  It adds weight to the tree and those leafy heads act like sails in the wind, so I guess they become more vulnerable.  Last week I shared the Country Rhyme about the race between the Oak and Ash. The Oak won.

There are also a good number of Mature Beech trees in our woods and surrounds.  But as you can see compared with its neighbouring Oak this giant Beech has a long way to go to welcome in spring…

The Beech may well have no leaves but it can still show off its majestic skeleton…

Bluebells are still the current woodland stars….  no woodland walk would be complete without enjoying another day in their short lives.  So here is todays Bluebell fix!

As the woods get darker, the Bluebell start to die back and fade…best enjoy them whilst we can.

Spring does move forward with increasing pace.  It will soon be May.  May is the season for Rhododendron and Azealia. But is a front runner to the Rhododendron season is one bush that has burst into bloom with its big blousy flower heads…

Spring doesn’t have a lockdown and move on at a pace…enjoy

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

22nd April

(C) David Oakes 2020