Walking with Jack: April 2015

April has been fairly benign, with mild days, some frosty nights, but nothing too severe. Walking is now a pleasure as tracks and footpaths are now dry and firm underfoot. Fortunately, the damage caused by joyriders has to a certain extent been naturally repaired, as walkers and riders have blurred and smoothed the ruts, although the most severe damage remains.

The emergence of the young leaves of trees has been rapid and provided an amazing pallet of all shades of green. First to appear were the leaves of Silver Birch, soon followed by Hawthorn, and Beech. Even Oak leaves have emerged, ahead of Ash! A local Aspen tree seems reluctant to come into leaf, although this provides an opportunity to distinguish the catkins, which are pinkie red.

Spring flowers have particularly enjoyed the benign weather. Primrose leaves have been developing all winter, and have been in flower since early February in some sheltered spots. Wood Anemone are very shy, and are reluctant to emerge, when suddenly a delicate tracery of bronze foliage appears, and the white bell shaped hanging flowers show. In full sun the flowers fully open and lift their heads and become star shaped. The Cuckoo Flower or Ladies Smock are frothy pink in ditches and dikes; and of course the very special vivid blue of Bluebells provide so much pleasure, and on warm sunny days release an amazing perfume. Violets also have responded to the gentle weather, and are quite profuse in particularly protected spots. Ground Ivy is in flower, along with Cowslips and Bugle.

Birds have also been enjoying the mild weather. The Chiffchaff is amongst the earliest migratory visitors, its distinctive call was heard in a clearing in the forest in early April. Willow Warblers are common in the hedgerows, along with the Song Thrush which has been heard singing throughout the winter from the same tree. Wrens are not so shy at this busy time, as they sing their lovely sweet song. Siskins can also be seen amongst the conifers along with Long Tailed Tits. A flash of vivid green gives away the presence of the Green Woodpecker.

A copse of mixed coniferous and deciduous trees which has been left undisturbed, has attracted two types of raptors. A pair of Kestrels have been spotted amongst the trees, as has a pair of Buzzards. Two jays have also settled on nesting in the copse.

~~Unfortunately during our walks with Jack, we have sadly not yet heard the Cuckoo,~~ although it has been heard in Rolvenden.

The Dawn Chorus with Cuckoo

Other signs of Spring include the busy activity of wood ants on their mountainous heap, and the sighting of Brimstone and Orange Tip butterflies.