February Journal : Early Signs of Spring

2nd February

We celebrated World Wetland Day by publishing a blog which takes a deep dive (pun intended) into why wetlands are such important and endangered habitats. We look at our marvellous wetlands here at Elmore and the life they hold.

3rd February

Our followers on Instagram voted for us to monitor a nest using the trail cameras. I set the camera up and left it for a week…and only got one clip of a Wren. Fortunately, I had foreseen this and had also set up a camera at the runner up location which after this is will now call the rodent tree as within the space of 24 hours it was visited by a rat, mouse and a vole. These can be tricky to tell these apart, but when seen side by side the rat is obviously larger. The mouse has a longer pointier face, with a tail as long as its body. They tend to be narrow and lithe, while the vole is much chunkier and thicker set with a short face and tail. Perhaps this is not as exciting as the weasel that was previously filmed at this tree, but that is likely due to the season.

4th February

There are still plenty of forgeable foods to be found even in February. In a small woodland growing from some dead wood is a curious jelly textured mushroom called Wood Ear or Jelly Ear, and honestly, they really do look like human ears! Sounds appetising! 

7th February -

Towards the back of the wild swimming lake is a beautiful willow leaning out over the water. Its branches hang down to create a sheltered lagoon of still water between it and the bank. If you were able to swim into this private part of the lake, or perhaps carefully navigate a canoe through the weeping bows, you would find it quite and secluded. It is only private from humans though. Down the steep bank that joins the water, are obvious signs that something is coming and going. One night in the pouring rain, we film, on the trail camera, an otter sliding down the bank, gracefully entering the water and swimming into the black lake. He is likely visiting us from the very nearby River Severn and appears to be an occasional guest at Elmore. Capturing his visits is a true honour and adds yet more magic to this natural pool.

8th February

Snowdrops are in full bloom providing decorated corners of mystical intrigue across every corner of the land.  They are fascinating plants with many unusual properties for instance; their sap contains natural antifreeze that stop crystals forming. They generate their own heat allowing the plant to thaw frozen soil and snow to grow. Somewhat randomly they also contain a naturally occurring substance which is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. The Victorians where so superstitious about snowdrops that they thought it bad luck to bring them inside. It turns out that today, the 8^{th of} February is National Snowdrop Day!

12th February

I am astonished and delighted to find buds are appearing in the hedgerows. Some of them are even blossoming! Obvious signs of spring should be a little while off, but these and the daffodils are slowly emerging, splashing the darker hues of winter with light and colour. Sunset has receding past 5pm. Is spring starting to stretch and wake up?

17th February

The overflow ditch that runs out of the wild swimming pond is high with crystal clear water. Leaves line its floor, but when you stay still you can see movements beneath the leaves. Frogs blend in with uncanny resemblance to these leaves. Their sudden prevalence could indicate that it is the start of the spawning season which tends to start in early spring. Soon frogspawn will cover these channels.

20th February

Elmore estate sits snuggled into the crook of a meander of the River Severn. Even at around 20 miles inland the river is still heavily tidal. The ceaseless rainfall combined with a high tide caused the river to burst its banks and for river water to spread out over the fields on the far bank, but some flooded an orchard on this side. This is a natural part of life on the farmland across the Severn Vale.

21st February

The morning is bright with actual blue sky, an all but forgotten sight since the start of the year. It is a reward for our selfless volunteers who are again planting native tree in the thorny scrub that has started to spread out from the once manicured hedge lines.

24th February

The wetlands are a hive of activity at sunset bringing some lovely sightings of a Gadwall, White Wagtail and for the first time in years, a Ringed Plover. This is a beautiful wading bird easily identified by the ringed feather pattern around their necks and we are glad to see their return.

27th February

Red Kites circle above crying out to one another, while below a gaggle of Canada Geese, Mallards and Swans jokey for space on the scrapes. Lapwings and Snipe watch the melee from the water’s edge. Huge clouds of Goldfinch and Siskins billow between trees feeding on the now flowering catkins. Spring is starting to appear by degrees and with it the birds bring bustling activity. Change is afoot.