Bluebells

Not a great year for bluebells, dry and hot followed by heavy downpours. However, Hampshire has some of the best woods for seeing them and magnificent carpets can be found in some of our larger beech woodlands. The combination of new green beech leaves and lilac blue is a special spring sight; a natural magic unique to England.

Bluebell Wood

Blackthorn blossom

A walk through ancient hedgerows and farmland in the sunshine on Monday gave great views of the blackthorn, now in flower. Blackthorn is a thorny shrub from the rose family. It bursts into life in March and April, when sprays of bright white flowers appear en masse, Blackthorn has flowers before the leaves open out, unlike hawthorn, which has leaves and then flowers together, a key distinguishing feature in Spring-time.

Blackthorn Blossom

Great Crested Newts

By late February and into April, newts are becoming active and begin breeding in our ponds. I went on an organised survey with licensed professionals in search of the rather spectacular great crested newt. Luckily the temperature and conditions were just right and using torchlight we were lucky enough to see several male and female great crested newts, getting a clear view of their crests and distinctive tail flashes. They really are fantastic creatures, beautifully patterned and a good sign of a healthy pond.