The heavy rainfall sent me straight for cover in the Bird Hide this morning, though not one bird could be seen. Despite best efforts from the Blackthorn blossoms and fresh Willow leaves, it felt like a distinctly drab winters morning as I looked out across the pond. A stark contrast to the sunny Easter weekend which saw 1000+ people visiting the park and Castle each day.
Feeling brave whilst clad head to toe in waterproofs, I set off towards the Meadows on the lookout for Spring flowers. Visibility is very poor – roughly <100m as I couldn’t see the hedge on the far side of South Field. Though I did see some Jackdaws, Woodpigeons and heard a Gull from the grey above.
In Saxon Field, I traipse through the puddles and countless empty shells from Garden and Brown-lipped Snails. To find Cowslips, Dog Violets, Daisies with pink-tipped petals, and my first Early Spider Orchid of the year – standing at barely 2 inches tall.
I loop back down through Taskers, Smithfield and into the Woods at Sunnydale; now covered in white Daffodils. The stream is in full flow, with water runoff cascading down the slopes. It meanders below the Cherry Laurel; both in flower and fruit. Fresh fronds are unfurling upon the Male Fern at the bridge, and the first yellow flowers have appeared on the Mahonia.
My eyes follow the twisting and turning dry stone walls as I make my way back to the office. It’s impressive to see how many different plants have managed to root and find a home for themselves in the gaps between the stones. I count Wood Dock, Dandelion, Ivy, Herb Robert, Lords and Ladies, Pennywort, Goosegrass, and Hairy Bittercress – all across just one small section near the Egyptian Seat.