David

Most of the bluebells I’ve seen haven’t been very impressive this year. The best were in the woods at Pendeford Mill Nature Reserve, on its open day.

Peacock butterfly with ragged wings eating from a dandelion in Barley Field.

Snake’s head fritillary, one of several growing in the grassy area by the path approaching Berry Brook at Northycote Farm.

Remains of the flowers were still clinging to the ripening seed heads of some of these coltsfoots.

Recently-arrived swallows at Northycote Farm.

They were resting on the telegraph wires which cross the farmyard, and occasionally heading off to hunt insects.

Flowers beginning to open on an ash tree. There are leaf buds on the ends of the twigs.