Rain falls across a damp and sodden park. I can hear the solemn tunes of Blackbird singing above the pitter-patter of splashing raindrops. Knowing the muddy pinch points of gateways around the Meadows, I opt for a stroll down to Sunnydale, following Lighthouse Road on the way down.
Volunteers have been working along this section of the entrance road, which is lined on the western-side by two dry stone walls; a lower one to the front, and a higher one to the back. The middle section measures just 2m wide and is filled with overstood ornamental plantings, probably remnants of the Victoria era.
The evergreen Japanese Spindle shrubs and grown into tall and unruly trees. Most of their early orange-pink berries have gone over and now bright green leaves sprout above the reach of Roe Deer.
Below, a display fresh Wild Madder shoots poke up through a thicket of Privet and Blackthorn. Also standing out amongst the scrub, clutches of Stinking Iris pods reveal cheerful orange berries. More occasional are the stands of Viburnum, but not to be missed, for its multitude of white flower clusters.
I turn right at Solent Road where a few Primroses guide me into the woodland and the scent of Wild Garlic. Here the ground is also springing into life; logs covered in Turkey-tail Fungus succumb to a carpet of Cuckoo-pint and Winter Heliotrope.
The intensity of bird song builds towards the Aviaries, with tunes from Robin and Great Tit carrying melodically through the trees. Celandine dominates the central glade, though Herb Robert, Ground Elder, and Comfrey have all established their own swathes nearby.
Its not long until the canopy will be filled with leaves once again. Buds have burst open on Sycamore, Hazel, and Horse Chestnut, but as usual the Ash snoozes its alarm clock and waits until much later in Spring.