Hopeful signs

Although we are still in the depths of winter in the UK, there are hopeful signs everywhere in nature. 

Snowdrops are out everywhere and daffodils are coming out. Nights are getting lighter and the birds are singing.

Of all the seasons I like spring best of all, but I like this time of year as it is filled with anticipation.

Village quiet corner - NOT amateur radio

This is a quiet corner of our village with a fine display of snowdrops. To me, snowdrops are a promise of better days ahead.

It can only get better - NOT amateur radio

This morning, we went for a walk at nearby Anglesey Abbey. In addition to the first snowdrops we also saw some daffodils out.

Not long now - NOT amateur radio

We are in the depths of winter and, in this part of the UK, we have not had any snow yet. Despite this, snowdrops, aconites and hellebores are coming out. I have even seen a few daffodils in flower. 

Spring is just around the corner.

First signs? - NOT amateur radio

First we have snowdrops and aconites, then daffodils. Mind you, we have to get through winter first. 

There are already signs of new life.

In the snowdrops - NOT amateur radio

My wife yesterday at Hare Park, near Cambridge. There were snowdrops out, but no daffodils. I think the snowdrops will be better next week.

Reflections - NOT amateur radio

Every year we go to Hare Park, Chippenham, Cambs, UK to see the snowdrops. Maybe we were a little early this time, but there seemed fewer snowdrops around. 

It still looks great though. This is a photo of the lake.

Promises - NOT amateur radio

There are tentative signs of spring around the corner. Yes, we have the worst of winter ahead, but the days are getting longer and snowdrops and daffodils are beginning to appear. Another few weeks and they will be widespread.

Spring coming? - NOT amateur radio

We went for a walk at nearby Anglesey Abbey yesterday. Most of the snowdrops are on the verge of coming out and some daffodils are out. In a few weeks most will be out.  

Spring and hope are around the corner.

Hare Park Chippenham - NOT amateur radio

 

This is another view of Hare Park, Chippenham, near Cambridge last week. 

This is definitely the best snowdrop display in the area.

Snowdrops - NOT amateur radio

 

We saw plenty of snowdrops this morning. They are a sure sign of hope for better days ahead. 

According to the UK Met Office spring starts March 1st which is only a few weeks away.

Snowdrops - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows the snowdrops coming out in our village. They are starting to appear now.

Snowdrops - NOT amateur radio

Today was rather dull. We went for a 2.3 mile walk around the village. On the way we spotted these snowdrops fully out.

Although we have seen some nearly out, this was the first time we'd seen any fully out this winter. In a few weeks' time they will be everywhere, closely followed by daffodils.

Snowdrops - NOT amateur radio

A few days ago we went for a walk at Anglesey Abbey. Much to our surprise, the snowdrops were only just on the point of coming out. Snowdrops are a January/ February flower really. Usually we see snowdops then daffodils.

Nearly - NOT amateur radio

This morning we went to Anglesey Abbey hoping to see some early snowdrops and daffodils.

There were a few snowdrops out (not many) and one daffodil about to come out: it had dropped and needs a few more days.

Snowdrops - NOT amateur radio

These were at Anglesey Abbey, near Cambridge a few days ago. Another month and there will be snowdrops everywhere!

First snowdrops - NOT amateur radio

As mentioned yesterday, we saw our first snowdrops this winter at nearby Anglesey Abbey yesterday. Another month and there will be carpets of them.

Late winter flowers - NOT amateur radio

This winter things are very late. Snowdrops are now appearing and I have only just seen a few daffodils out. At a guess I'd say we are 6 weeks behind last year.

This is a view of a quiet lane in our village. This cottage dates from the 1700s at a guess.

As yet, we have had no snow this winter; a few flurries, but nothing that has settled. In the past we could expect a week of snow on the ground. These days snow is rare here. It is definitely wetter and milder.

Spring hints - NOT amateur radio

Already there are signs of spring.

Yes, we are still in the depths of winter, but snowdrops are well out and there are now plenty of aconites, although very few daffodils yet; in a few weeks these will be out too. This is a quiet lane in our village, taken on a walk this afternoon.

Already the evenings are drawing in an hour later. Still winter, but hopeful signs.

Signs of springtime

My wife Lis with the snowdrops and aconites

Today my wife and I went for a walk to a quiet spot not far from here where we go every year about this time. At last there are signs of spring in the air with masses of white snowdrops and yellow aconite flowers. Winter is nearly done.