Spring has finally arrived and the Farndale daffodil bus is returning to the North York Moors National Park. Farndale’s wild daffodils look set to begin blooming in time for the start of the popular daffodil shuttle bus which begins a four week run on Sunday 27 March. Rangers from the North York Moors National Park Authority have been visiting the picturesque dale to … [Read more...] about Farndale daffodil bus returns
Plants
Female Hazel Flower
We are all familiar with the male catkins of the Hazel but be on the lookout for the less obvious bright pink female flower. Catkins are the long pendant like clusters of yellow/green flowers which hang like earrings from the bare branches of the Common Hazel (Coylus Avellana). The female flowers of the Hazel are much harder to see, being enclosed in a tiny brown bud … [Read more...] about Female Hazel Flower
Snowdrop, crocus and daffodil – signs of spring
Following the dark nights and the freezing conditions of the UK winter, the first signs of spring are starting to appear in our hedgerows and gardens. Birds herald the arrival of the new season from the bare branches of trees, whilst lower down at ground level and poking through the cold damp earth soon will be the snowdrop, crocus and daffodil. Snowdrop Standing … [Read more...] about Snowdrop, crocus and daffodil – signs of spring
Gorse smells of coconut
The ever present bright yellow flowers of Gorse may seem fairly insignificant but the smell can whisk you away to a tropical paradise. Gorse ( Ulex europaeus ) can be found growing along motorway embankments, colonising scrub and hillside and is a common shrub in many UK hedgerows. Although the plant is meant to flower from midwinter to June, our generally milder … [Read more...] about Gorse smells of coconut
First signs of Spring in Cumbria
Looking out into the garden this afternoon we can see the first signs of spring. After all the cold icy weather the first shoots and flowers are starting to appear indicating the winter will soon be behind us. … [Read more...] about First signs of Spring in Cumbria