So I managed to get out for a walk just after lunch...

Although it was overcast, it was a good day for walking, and immediately I started I was amazed at the bird song that seemed to erupt around me! Spring was still very much in evidence; the elderflower had only just started to open and as I had hoped, the paths were surrounded by Cow Parsley. There was a lot of Red Campion and some variety of Buttercup which clashed with the Bluebells that were still very much in force in some of the areas. The fragrance was overwhelmed by the Ransomes, most past their best, but the garlic smell pungent.

I walked through the woods through towards the footbridge and kissing gate, where I came across a group of four middle aged men who were disappearing and reappearing from the hedgerows. They were from the Moss Valley Wildlife Group, searching out all the Himalayan Balsam. I spent a very pleasant 20 minutes or so with them, learning some new plant names, finding out some more of the history of the place, learning what conservation effort was going on in the area. The sheer number of wildflowers around, including Yellow Pimpernell, Pignut, Yellow Archangel, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Bugle, many others, was astounding. I wish more people would notice what is there all around them...

However I had to get back home, so hurried back, getting caught in a big downpour in the process. I ended up drenched having only got my fleece with me, but it was exhilarating to be part of it, rather than crackling Gore Tex as I rushed.