The blackthorn bushes at the edge of Barley Field in the Smestow Valley LNR were at very different stages when this picture was taken at the end of March. The bushes at the top of the ridge, like this one, had their flowers completely out. Those lower down the slope were barely even budding.
Successive stages in the unfolding of hawthorn leaves from the bud. The pictures are of different twigs in the same hedge, and were taken within a few seconds of one another.
Large patches of last year’s growth of rosebay willowherb could still be found on rough ground locally late in March.
Blossom from some kind of fruit tree.
This ladybird seemed just to be taking a rest in the morning sunlight.
This heron was on a tree beside the Shropshire Union canal, apparently surveying the field beyond. It was disturbed by a boat coming from the other direction before I could get any closer.
