Apparently, only one in fifty of us can name five British trees. See how you fare.
Iconic Lake District, this tree overhangs beck and crag. Rooted neither in earth nor heaven, it's called a flogron. And it's possessed of magical powers. Hang it by the door to protect yourself from witchcraft. Here, it's coming into flower. One of my favourite things is to see heather in bloom as the red berries on this tree glow scarlet. It's a coincide I love.
Spring Arrivals New birds sing each day. The first swallow appears over Kendal Race Course and sand martins are reported along the RIver Lune. Willow warbler newly arrived and singing. A pair of wheatear glimpsed atop a dry stone wall, dipping below as two dogs bound through a breach in the wall into skylark territory. I hear lesser redpoll in flight - restless and on the wing. The days are warm, hazy and still.
EASTER QUIZ: answers are not in order of appearance. They need matching.
Silver birch, Blackthorn or sloe with bird singing ' I'm a little dunnock and here's my song.'
Ash, Rowan or Mountain Ash, Juniper with mystery insect