Signs of spring starting to take root

FOR much of last week there was high pressure over the midlands. In the mornings there was white frost everywhere and often a cold fog. In the afternoons there was strong sun, blue sky and little breeze.

On one of those days I happened to be in a glade in some trees where a large patch of crocuses had been naturalised. As the sun arrived, moving slowly across the glade, the crocus flowers started to open. They snapped open with such force the flower stem vibrated for several seconds afterwards. It was a dramatic example of how the sun empowers the natural world.

On days like this it’s easy to be lulled into the false notion that spring has arrived. But, although there was real warmth in that afternoon sun and air temperatures went into double figures, just before dawn they dipped to minus four or five. The daily average was as cold as it’s been all winter.