No allotment visit for me so far this week as a) it's half-term, and b) the weather up until today (when I am stuck at home awaiting a delivery) has been somewhat snowy. On Monday I took the children on a lovely local walk around Conishead Priory. We went with the intention of finding some snowdrops, which we did!
All of the snowdrops we spotted were of the same variety, which I believe is Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno', or more commonly, the double snowdrop. However, I am not certain, as these have yellow markings which is quite rare according to the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. We also spotted lots of daffodils, which were close to flowering. I would guess that the spring-like temperatures forecast for the next few days may help them along.
I also spotted this little fella hibernating in the knot of a tree. He is an orange ladybird (Halyzia 16-guttata). This species of ladybird used to be quite rare and was considered to be an indicator of ancient woodland until 1987. However it has now become quite established across Britain. I have to admit that I had never seen one before.
Below left is Conishead Priory. A beautiful building built in the gothic revival style. Conishead has a really interesting history dating back to the twelfth century. Since 1976 it has been home to the Manjushri Kadampa Buddhist community. In the late 1990's they built Kadampa World Peace Temple (below right) in the grounds of the priory.
Yesterday it snowed a lot. I took my eldest boy sledging. It was very beautiful, but by mid-afternoon had turned to a very unpleasant slush! Roll on Spring :)
