Spring is a process. The first signs begin way back in February, they gather pace in March and by mid April its in full swing. A few days of warm( 25C) sunny weather has encouraged the leaves to unfold on many trees, cheery and apple blossom is everywhere, as are foregetmenots and bluebells. The lilly's are beginning to emerge from the bottom of the pond and the fish are rising. I even saw the large carp at the surface today. The weeping willows are now full of leaf and the pussy willow is full of seeds. There is also much happening in the woods. There is a rich carpet of ground cover including wild garlic and bluebells and even the ash are beginning to take on a tinge of green. Here are just a few of the more advanced signs of spring.
I have now tided up the edge of the west side of the lake and I am pleased with the results. I have planted several clumps of 'copper grass' where there were barren areas in the grasses and sedges. I planted several ferns near the big old fern donated by my son by the weeping willow.
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I decided I would cut the grass in the paddock. I half did it last year but the brambles have grown so much in the part that I didn't cut that they are in danger of taking over unless I do something fairly radical. So for about 5 or 6 hours under the hot sun I trundled backwards and forwards. Skirting round small bushes which I will take out later. I'm very conscious that I am destroying lots of habitats but in the long term it is better for the health of the field. As I was cutting a large fox came into the field and started perusing the stubble. He looked very healthy and he wasn't a bit bothered by me on the noisy tractor. He seemed curious, cautious and confident and he let me film him.
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