The festive season is long passed, the fresh motivations that accompany the New Year may be fading, and we are all waiting. For something. For a glimpse. For clues. For indications that nature’s cycle is continuing and she is bringing us renewal: reanimating our trees and hedgerows, warming those nascent buds, and increasing the light available through the day to aid growth, so our environment can unleash the sounds, smells and colours of a bright, new season.
But we’re not quite there yet.
So, as we start to say goodbye to winter - with thanks for its crucial role in the tree planting cycle - here are some Team Tree Council observations to help us all feel we really are on the cusp of spring.
The classic Cherry Plum blossom, here in Reading, always cheers. Cherry plum produces fruit and the abundance of early flowers this year could suggest good jam making in autumn
Scarlet Cap fungi - one of the unexpected joys of a late winter woodland, Here, in Hampshire, it is growing on snapped willow, alder and willow twigs. This image also captures the very rare Golden Cup, thriving here on the decomposing wood of a downy birch
One of the very first indications of spring is the delicate snowdrop. Although they can look quite similar, there are hundreds of varieties. Their bright white flower brings fresh contrast against the dark greens and browns of soon-to-pass winter
It’s always interesting to see which trees come into bud first, and can often depend on the microclimate of their location. It’s amazing that even as far north as Redcar in Teesside, the hawthorn is taking its first tentative steps into spring
Magnolia, one of the most beautiful flowering trees, is gearing up to leave a cold and wet West London behind for brighter days
This delicate, bright hazel flower, in Derbyshire, will transform into the coveted hazel nut if pollinated
Stunning pink elm flowers are starting to appear, captured here on the south coast of England. They are easy to miss so make sure you keep your eyes peeled!
Even winter growth, like this moss on yew trees in the Midlands, can look beautiful in warming late winter and early spring sun
The furry catkins of male grey poplars hide beautiful red antlers, which produce the pollen. Gorgeous to look at up close -captured here in southern England - with a welcome splash of colour
The late winter/early spring sun setting over emerging daffodils in Liverpool’s Sefton Park. Always such a welcome sight after the cold months. Keep an eye out for the coveted native wild daffodil, with its two tone trumpet
Share your images of the approaching new season by connecting with The Tree Council’s social channels @thetreecouncil and @thetreecouncil.
What lovely photos! I saw my first butterfly of the year when the weather turned warmer briely last week, a Brimstone. A good reminder that spring is on the way now the grey wet days have returned.
What lovely photos! I saw my first butterfly of the year when the weather turned warmer briely last week, a Brimstone. A good reminder that spring is on the way now the grey wet days have returned.