Winter

December – February

Winter is a quieter time in the natural world but there is still plenty to see.

In the hedgerows near the church and hall you will see berries on Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Holly and Dog Rose.

You can also spot Hazel catkins growing, starting short and tightly gathered, and becoming longer and more frilly as time goes on.

One of the first signs that spring is on its way are the Snowdrops. You’ll always find some lovely clumps of these along the wall of the church graveyard down towards the old Methodist Chapel.

Look out for moss growing on the church wall with little flame like sporophytes sprouting at this time of year.

During the winter you’re likely to see Gorse flowering along the side of the stream as you go up the hill in the village.

You may also spot some lichen and fungi on trees and hedges.

If you’re missing the green of other seasons, a visit to Black Covert will refresh you, with the many mossy branches and trunks of the trees by the riverside.

By February you will see the signs of spring around the village: Crocuses, Daisies, Hazel and Willow catkins, as well as leaves emerging on some plants.