Posted in nature

Keeping Socially Distant but Still Close to Nature

This week has been surreal as lock down brings a change to life. Thankfully nature still continues to progress through Spring. Since the Vernal equinox arrived last weekend the weather warmed up and the sun shone daily. Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) and Speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) butterflies are flitting around now, joining Seven-spot ladybirds (Coccinellaseptempunctata) and Buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) that already emerged.
I have been viewing nature from my flat as much as possible. Seeing the leaves unfurl on the Rowan (Sorbus) tree outside as well as the Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), which visit the tree each day, has been lovely. However to get exercise and improve my mental health I have also gone for a few local walks (while observing social distancing measures). It is important for me to be amongst nature and feel the air around me to remain happy. During these lock down walks I have noticed plants both bloom and begin to wake up including;

Berberis darwinii
Viburnum
Persian speedwell (Veronica persica)
Hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta)
Greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea)
Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)
Cowslip (Primula veris)
Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Wild cherry (Prunus avium)
European larch (Larix decidua). The deep pink female flower, also referred to as a Larch rose, can be seen on the branch.
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)