Although it is raining hard as I write this, the past week or so has seen some glorious warm and sunny weather.

Whilst doing the ironing just over a week ago I witnessed the House Martins arrive and fly down to the muddy puddle that is almost always outside our cottage.  A Red Kite was seen above the farm yesterday and sightings are becoming quite a regular occurrence now.  Have seen only one more Lapwing on the arable fields between Hopton Heath and Leintwardine.  Look out for the Siskins down in the bottom of Obley and if you are out on an evening walk the calls of the resident Tawny Owls are incessant!

Over the bank holiday I managed to take some good pictures of the spring colours emerging – what wonderful contrasts and tones – I particularly like the new Sycamore leaf in the hedge companioned with the Celandines.

The banks are dappled with Violets and the fresh new shoots of the Hawthorn are out (apparently good in a salad).   The Bluebells are almost out – they will be a little late this year I think.
 
Gardening around the cabin has started in earnest and I have noticed that the growth is far more vigorous than last year.  The challenge is to maintain the beautiful wild meadow character but also provide a usable and practical area.  That is why, this year, we have decided to mow areas and paths through the long grass to enable greater access.

Not actually on 23rd April but about a week later I found this patch of St George’s mushrooms on the verge when walking up to the cabin from the bottom of Obley.  They are supposed to be very good to eat (I admit I have not tried this species) but please make sure you are absolutely sure on your identification, as there are some fungi with white gills that are deadly poisonous.