Hazel catkin braving the snow
Out walking along our avenue yesterday I noticed many of the hazel trees have released their catkins. To me, this is always the first sign of spring. It’s amazing to think that in this freezing, snowy weather, beneath the surface the soil is beginning to stir. The trees are the first to notice, and they let us know that amongst all the doom and gloom talk, – spring will arrive again this year. Nothing short of miraculous.
Hare tracks criss-crossing in the snow
And another sign of spring is the behavior of the hares. There are about six hares living around the house and ‘home field’. They’ve been chasing one another and generally displaying the joys of spring. Look at their tracks criss-crossing in the snow.
Hare nibbling the buds on beech sapling
As much as I love to see these wild and free animals, – they play havoc with the trees. Here is a hare right outside the sitting room window helping itself to a few of the little buds on my beech trees. Our attitude here is to protect the trees where necessary with tubes or chicken wire. Where it is not practical to do that we just allow the hares to do their bit of damage. Plant plenty and a variety of species. A few losses are worth it to see these extraordinary creatures up close.
Oak tree at the edge of the frozen lake
What a wonder snow is and how it transforms the landscape. The trees show yet another side of their glory when they are coated in white.
No related posts.
Good to see the beauty of the snow in your woodlands and recognise the miracle of renewal with spring. Weather is a powerful force. In my own woodland, conserved under the Native Woodland Scheme, the river that was so high a fortnight ago has breached the bank and inundated a stand of mainly alder. The river has since retreated, the alder are of course well able to cope but it will happen again and gradually encroach. It is now a debate whether to reinforce the bank or let nature continue this erosion.
Martin
Thanks for this Martin. I feel sure the alder will only help with whatever option you decide on. Plus they will give you a bit of firewood here and there along the way.
Jan
I have to admit I am jealous reading about you having your own woodland . I guess I should have bought some land years ago and planted it myself. What a pleasure it must be to watch your own little woodland come to life .
I,LL keep pretending that the woodland at Garadice is all mine and I,ll just put up with all those strangers who visit it.
Enjoy the Spring.
Eunan.
Garadice is your woodland. Everywhere I notice your work