The change has arrived. Winter has itself begun to enter a state of hibernation and Spring, with daffodils and snowdrops in her hair, has marched back into view, tickling all the plants and creatures back into life. This is undoubtedly my favourite time of year, even more so than summer. There has been an energy building over the last few weeks. Little yellow buds are starting to appear on our Forsythia - soon it will burst into a yellow inferno - and the air is filled with a multitude of new bird songs, as the search for a mate and suitable nesting site begins.
Many people complain about the weather in Blighty but everything is relative and I like the climate here. I recently had a car delivered from a dealership in Scotland. The service was excellent and the courier, so to speak, drove 8 hours to deliver my purchase. We chatted as I took him to the train station, ready to catch his flight home. The weather was warm, the sun shining and the sky blue. He hadn't been further south than Stoke before and commented that he had never in his life seen weather so nice in February. Just goes to show how much the weather varies between the north and south of this fair island.
My family have several Eastern European friends and they always comment on the nice mild climate in Southern England and also the greenery and beauty. I feel the same way and being outside really brings that home. I recently went on a 15 mile hike along the Darrent Valley path and only strolls like this can highlight the wonder of this land.
Soon I will be heading back to the nature reserve near my brother's house and we will attempt to catch and photograph some native reptiles. I will also lead him to the amazing grass snake den we discovered off the beaten track last year. If it yields the same bounty as 2011 then we will definitely have located a hot spot.
Todd and Leo are really enjoying being outside more and can't wait for this season's exploring. I feel exactly the same. Watch this spot!
