This year Spring came early and the bluebells have advanced to almost their full height already by mid-April. The larger patches of bluebells are stunning.
Up in the trees the leaves are in various states of progress. Generally the younger trees are in a more advanced state than the older trees which are concentrating on flowers rather than leaves. The next two pictures of Sycamore will show this very well.
Looking upwards we see that some of the Beech trees are slow to come into leaf ..........
..whereas the Hawthorn and Birch are well advanced. The overall impression is of a golden-green light striking the woodland floor.The highest accolade this month goes to the Wild Cherry (perhaps shared equally with the Bluebell).
At ground level the plants are making best use of the light before the leaves close the canopy. The Snowdrops are almost over and all that remains are the long slender leaves lying flat on the ground.
Daffodils have begun to fade out too but, here and there, their yellow heads can still be seen.
Dog's Mercury is now rampant and the 'Stinging' Nettle is beginning to take hold on the woodland edges.
Two rather special plants, members of the Lily family, are the Solomon's Seal and the Martagon Lily.
Adding colour to the edge of a path is the first Wood Violet of the season ........
.. and in the darker, damper patches of vegetation shines the Wood Anemone.A plant to watch over the coming months is the Wild Arum. This plant has several other English names: Cuckoo Pint and Lords and Ladies to name but two.
