It is wonderful to feel spring in the air once again. The forsythia has burst into a fiery, yellow haze along the right side of our garden - preceded of course by snowdrops and daffodils, which always lift the spirit no matter how cold the ambient temperature.
The Earth, tilted on its axis, travels around the Sun and it is now our northern hemisphere's turn to receive the lion's share of photons. As temperatures rise and the incredibly sensitive plant species respond to the subtle environmental changes, it is obvious the animals are also responding. A quick walk around the block reveals, to those paying attention, many more bird species tweeting in the trees and bushes. Flipping over a log or stone yields more insects and bugs than even a month ago - Nature is awakening from her winter slumber.
The Horniman Museum held an outdoor walk during half term and we raced to join the action. There were very limited places and it is good we arrived early. From the rough bark of cherry trees to the wonder of pond dipping, our guide led the children on a magical journey through nature. Logs were flipped, bushes explored and giant puffball fungi whacked! - the latter ejecting billions of spores in a visually stunning display that excited most of the children.
The finale was a bit of classic pond dipping and our little team (Todd's best friend Alex and family friends Lucy and Lauren) produced the best haul. Others crowded around our tub of delights, which included a Water boatman, Dragonfly nymphs and Smooth newts - all identified by my son with no prompting whatsoever. That's my boy!
We will visit a variety of ponds several times this spring and summer. I am sure we will witness many fascinating creatures and lose ourselves in the wonder of nature. Every time i take my children on a trip like this, i am back in time - still experiencing the same excitement and wondering what creatures will rise from the deep to greet us.
