Cambridge Botanic Gardens 1

Botanic Gardens in Cambridge are at their best as regards spring flowers at the moment and looked extra good in the morning sunshine after overnight rain. I was using an old film camera 50 mm lens which gives very soft backgrounds for some of the shots and the modern 90mm macro for the rest.

Early Spring at Cambridge Botanic Gardens

 The Snowdrops, Aconites, Hellebores and even Daffodils are in bloom in the University Botanic Gardens in Cambridge - unusually early.

Garden Project April 2025

 With the last 2 weeks' warm and sunny weather, the garden has suddenly come to life. Thanks to all the hard work done by friends from Paxton Pits Volunteers over the last 3 weeks, I am able to enjoy the flowers and insects. 

Spring Markers 2025

 As today is officially (according to some!) the first day of Spring, I did my usual recording of what is in flower. There seem less species around - perhaps as a result of the very dry summer. Violets and celandine are two species that have declined and are certainly woodland 'cool/wet' species. The Kingcups, Comfrey and Ground Ivy are not yet showing buds. (2024 comparison Ann Miles Blog: Spring Markers 2024)

 Many thanks to Ann, Mike, Carina and Stephen for coming over from Paxton to clear some of last year's dead stalks and leaves from the garden  and give the pond its annual rake out. Frustrating to have to watch but I certainly don't want to end up delaying my recovery from surgery.

First Breeding Bird Survey of 2024

Yesterday was my first Breeding Bird Survey for 2024 in Hardwick Woods on a cool misty but relatively bright morning starting at the required half hour after sunrise (yes I waited till the clocks went forward!). This Dunnock typifies the 'soft' light conditions. The wood is currently closed to the public and will be for the foreseeable future - this is to protect the habitat. Even with the closure people have been tramping through especially off the main tracks which are knee deep in mud in places - this is resulting in damage to the environment.  The spring flowers are mostly in bloom with the bluebells just starting. Most of images were taken looking into the wood from the Bridleway; The Oxlips were through the fence in the new enclosure which I helped coppice this year - the plants are thriving in the open canopy and away from munching deer.