The dull, grey and colourless months of Winter are slowly drawing to a close, We can finally start to think about that welcome summer warmth. The glories of Springtime are some of the first signs that the new year is beginning to awaken. What are the telltale signs that show the new season of spring is finally here?
The first thing that you’ll notice is the appearance of our native woodland flowers. The earliest sign of springtime on its way is the glory of the snowdrops. Appearing earlier and earlier due to climate change, the first glimpses of these striking white flowers herald the first flush of the season’s change.
Hot on the heels of the snowdrops has to be the appearance of bluebells. These make a colourful carpet of our woodland areas and this hardy and beautiful plant is a welcome burst of colour. A woodland walk is made that much more special by their presence.
Another great Spring favourite is the Daffodil. A welcome source of early pollen for bees, the Daffodil is synonymous with the Patron Saint of Wales, David. David’s day is the first of March, the start of the meteorological spring, and just as it celebrates Wales, it also seems to celebrate the promise of spring.
Lambs in the field, frolicking in the midday sun, is a source of great joy and amusement. These animals seem to embody the fun and sense of newness that this time of year brings to us all. They are not alone. All over the land, calves are being born, along with fowls and duckings. All the potential and the sense of anticipation that the Spring brings is captured in the farmyard.
In our religious festivals, Easter is a big celebration. It shows the sense of rebirth and hopes now that the dark days of winter are well behind us. A more modern and less natural approach is the appearance of Easter eggs and garden furniture starting to make an appearance on our supermarket shelves.
Finally, there is no greater sight than the sound coming of the incoming Swallow and House Martin. These plucky little birds have come all the way from Morocco and the African North Coast. They enjoy nothing better than skimming the tops of fields and lawns picking up bugs and insects for a good feed.