At present life consists of two things for me - working and walking, in that order. At the moment, working is full time, with little space for anything more than an 'if-I-don't-get-out-I-will-explode' march round the village fields. Last Sunday though, we woke to the first blue skies and sun we'd seen for days, so without stopping for breakfast, we hastened over to one of our favourite walks, to look for signs of Spring.
There are new shoots appearing - not yet on the trees, but certainly in crop fields. We walked across to a lovely farm, the footpath following along the almost purple hogged hedgerow.
First it basked in almost warm sunshine, then dark clouds rolled over and it merged into the landscape like a camouflaged animal. 
So I stalked it, getting closer... 
...and closer... 
Walking round the estate we could sense a stirring - birds jousting with songs, sticky horse chestnut buds swelling, catkins and snowdrops trembling in the chilly breeze. And two large, bronzed hares galloping across a field towards cover. 
While the sun was out, it made one hope that maybe the year is on the turn at last. 
In a few weeks time, these rich winter neutrals will have transformed to gauzy greens and saffrons. 
I am sure of it. 
There are new shoots appearing - not yet on the trees, but certainly in crop fields. We walked across to a lovely farm, the footpath following along the almost purple hogged hedgerow.
First it basked in almost warm sunshine, then dark clouds rolled over and it merged into the landscape like a camouflaged animal. 
So I stalked it, getting closer... 
...and closer... 
Walking round the estate we could sense a stirring - birds jousting with songs, sticky horse chestnut buds swelling, catkins and snowdrops trembling in the chilly breeze. And two large, bronzed hares galloping across a field towards cover. 
While the sun was out, it made one hope that maybe the year is on the turn at last. 
In a few weeks time, these rich winter neutrals will have transformed to gauzy greens and saffrons. 
I am sure of it. 
Further reading on this estate
British History online fascinating in-depth reading on the estate, it's long history and the surrounding villages which belong to it, including the farm I have shown here.
A discussion on development and repair of the grade one listed estate house - (not shown here)
English Heritage report on the estate house (with picture)
British History online fascinating in-depth reading on the estate, it's long history and the surrounding villages which belong to it, including the farm I have shown here.
A discussion on development and repair of the grade one listed estate house - (not shown here)
English Heritage report on the estate house (with picture)
