The last day of April.  The coldest, driest and sunniest on record (at least in our part of the world).  The sun shone again, so off to Shipley Woods to see if Spring has really arrived.

Since our last visit 2 weeks ago, when the Beech trees were bare, they are now coming into full leaf.  Their ‘spring’ green leaves starting to form a thick woodland canopy.  It is a place of long shadows and intense spotlights of sunshine…… and that unique woodland aroma of spring. The perfect day and just right for a gentle potter.

The woodland Daffodil of the last visit have now all but vanished.  Instead the Bluebells have started to make their presence felt.  Not the full blue carpet yet, but not that far off.  They have to be quick,  once the woodland canopy casts it shadow, they will also vanish till next spring…. such a short life.

One surprise was the first sighting, this season, of a Rhododendron Bloom…..  OK. only small blooms – but the first of the season.

As we headed for home, passed the gate and started to glimpse the meadows beyond where the sun shone even brighter..

It is May tomorrow.  Spring is here….  but the sun on the meadows seem to say that summer will not be far behind

A green and pleasant land…. that’s Derbyshire

Goodbye April… hello May….. but do…

Please Remember ….

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

30th April

(C) David Oakes 2021