Violet?

Things took a turn for the worse over the weekend, so not much was had by way of walking. However, with a new week, we have the prospects of things warming up again, so after today's enforced lethargy (having to wait in for a parcel delivery is never much fun), I thought I'd post a few pics from last week.
On our way to Straw's Bridge, we walked past a large gathering of Violets.

Judging by the colour, they seem to be misnamed, but these Sweet Violets (Viola odorata) can be either 'violet' or white in colour.

Violets were mentioned frequently by Homer and Virgil. They were used by the Athenians 'to moderate anger,' to procure sleep and 'to comfort and strengthen the heart.'

The Romans also made a wine from the flowers of the Sweet Violet and throughout history, people have made syrups and perfumes from them. The blue flowered varieties, readily impart their colour to any liquids used in the making of scents.  All very useful stuff!

Spring Flowers

Two more signs of spring caught our eye this morning.  As we walked through John Wood at the far end of Mapperley Reservoir, a single patch of Primroses were enjoying the sunshine.

Always a spring favourite, these didn't disappoint.

Close by, a small group of Narcissi were flowering bravely by the path.

Not a wild species this, but no less welcome a sight.

Closer to home and another clump of Narcissi were found growing beside the footpath. A different variety and a different colour, they looked lovely against the blue sky.

Spring Lambs

It was a joy to see some delightful little spring lambs this morning.
In one of the fields used by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust to graze a small flock of Jacob sheep, several of the ewes had lambs gambolling around them.

Most were black, but a few had the brown and white patterning of their mothers. One little black lamb was busy nibbling the grass nearby.

Suddenly, looking up, he found that his mother had walked off and left him alone in the middle of the field.

No matter, a quick call from mum and off he went to catch up with the rest of the family. Safe again with mum.

Spring has sprung for sure.

Sunshine

Once more, we set out for a walk in glorious sunshine this morning. Heading out along the Nutbrook Trail, the Coltsfoot flowers were opening their blooms and turning them towards the sun.

These little plants, normally start to show some colour around the middle of March, but this year, they are a few weeks late.

In the wooded areas, Dog's Mercury is also flowering, although their flowers are somewhat less 'showy' than the Coltsfoot. But, the bright green of the new foliage makes up for the lack of floral colour.

Each individual flower is almost triangular in shape and hard. They always remind me of  small grains of bulgur wheat.

Along Slack Lane, the Gorse flowers were showing more colour as we headed for home.

Wind in the Willows

It's fair to say that things have calmed down a lot over the last few days. Following what seemed to be a prolonged period of high winds and too much rain, we got out and about this morning for a shortish walk to Straw's Bridge, taking in Pewit Carr. At Straw's Bridge, I was struck by the appearance of some wonderful Willow flowers.

Even though it was dull and very overcast, the yellow of the stamens on these flowers seemed to glow in the gloom.

This was the only Willow we saw in flower. Things are still lagging a bit behind this year.

Further signs of Spring were seen close to 'Swan Lake'. As we were heading away from the lake towards Pewit Carr, a couple of Cowslip plants caught our eye.

In other parts, where we know they grow every year, they were still keeping very tightly budded. But here, they seemed to be fed up with waiting and were flowering despite the weather.

Perhaps Spring has sprung after all..!

Blackthorn

Commonly known as Sloes, the Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), is a member of the Plum family, native to the British Isles. At this time of year it is also one of the most colourful in the hedgerows.

Things have been a little tardy this year, but the Blackthorns were doing their best this morning, despite the very stiff breeze.

The wind was a bit of a nuisance, not just to us, but to the Blackthorns too as the confetti-like petals were being ripped from the branches.

Still, it seems there are plenty more to come.

Drizzle

No walk this morning because of a light and infuriating drizzle. It's all rather annoying after the few lovely days we've had. So instead, a few more pictures from those sunnier days, starting with the sight of frog spawn appearing in the puddles around Straw's Bridge.

The old Nutbrook Canal where the Pike was lurking a couple of days ago, was looking a bit green and murky as we stood on the bridge - even with the sun glinting on the water. No sign of the Water Voles yet this year.

Across the farmland of Shipley Park, with the sun shining and the hedgerows starting to bloom, it was the perfect opportunity for a couple of panorama pictures.

The blue sky and fluffy clouds made it look almost summery - almost!