Early Spring Flowers thrive in the sun

March has generally been a warm month with plenty of sun although nights have been cold under clear skies.

By 11th March, the first Dandelions were flowering and the first of this months spectacular Blackthorn blossom was flowering too. By 24th March, with most trees just showing leaf buds, the woodland floor was bright and sunny, encouraging Wood anemone to flower. On sunny verges and banks Lesser Celandine was flowering profusely mixed with Wood Anemone in places. It is especially good to see both species appearing in new places along the riverside. With Wood anemone - an indicator of ancient woodland-  this means that the plant roots have probably been there for hundreds of years as the roots spread exceptionally slowly. 

WOOD ANEMONE flowering under a tree on the river bank

Unlike the Wood anemone, Lesser Celandine roots spread and the tubers break off and spread the plant all along the riverside and ditches. As with the Wood anemone, the flowers only open in the bright light of the sun on banks and the woodland floor.

LESSER CELANDINE under trees with a mix of bramble, nettle and others.

The morning of our Meet on 31st March was however overcast but the day gradually brightened up.

There was a cold easterly wind too but chiffchaffs and wrens sang loudly.  It was a day to remember as the first common whitethroats were heard singing on the bank…. They've arrived - it must certainly be spring!