Short Walk in Northcliffe 30th March
I can access Northcliffe woods from the top of my road and this was my exercise site today. Tree roots, stones and a gentle incline are the only hazards. Even the wooden steps down into Northcliffe were dry this morning. These replaced large boulders I used to scramble up more years ago than I care to remember. I took the left option along the top edge of the wood. Flowers were limited to one small patch of wood rush; a surprising find in view of the dryness in this area.
Trees and their breaking buds became my target. Elder has progressed most, sycamore had some small palmate leaves although most were still folded, while silver birch buds were breaking and oak buds were visibly swollen. The hawthorn hedge near the wall separating wood from golf course was well in leaf. Here is my "bread and cheese" should provisions run low although I could not detect the reputed nutty taste in my sample. The rasps, pudding later, had plenty of leaves too. Over the wall the groundsman mowed the greens .
Looking down into the wood flowers were on a willow and a cherry. Perhaps when I forage for Ramsons down there I will check the species.
Few birds were seen or heard. It was a good time to look at the weird and wonderful shapes that trees present and also to watch the antics of grey squirrels. What a pity those furry bundles are such pests.
In the garden, fritillaries are in bloom. My list of wild plants in flower is now 26.
Alice