Confusing Climate

With the early and prolific berries – Holly, Hawthorn etc – seen in early Autumn, I felt it was Mother Natures’ way of providing food for our birds through another long hard Winter but the pre Xmas snow and ice soon disappeared with a mild snap following and not too many berries remaining.

The changing climate has also affected many wild and cultivated plant species as mentioned on a recent Radio 4 gardening program and a friend of mine has Honeysuckle in flower earlier than ever known in the past.  It will be interesting to note any change to Exmoor’s ‘Snowdrop Spectacular’ generally at it’s best the first 3 weeks of February, signalling the start of a new season.  Visitors head to Wheddon Cross on the eastern side of Exmoor, 5 miles from Exford, to see one of England’s finest displays of the diminutive white bloom – the Snowdrop.  The road leading to ‘Snowdrop Valley’ where the flowers carpet the banks of the River Avill, is closed to the general public but a park-and-ride scheme from the centre of Wheddon Cross operates at this time.  Alternatively, a 20 minute walk from the village on a special way-marked route will take you there.  For more details visit wheddoncross.org.uk.

It’s concerning that the mild winter might reflect on bird migration and breeding.  Fieldfares and Redwings who come to us from Scandinavia for the Winter are generally seen and heard daily by myself but have been difficult to find and photograph just now.  They are very smart birds and flock together making contact calls on the wing as they move around the fields and hedges.

The good news regarding the mild weather is that a group of us were able to travel down to The Exmoor White Horse Inn recently in sunshine with dry roads, for a wonderful Christmas lunch.  Joining in the festivities the warm and friendly staff always make it a special day and I can personally recommend the 4 day Xmas break with regular visitors booking Xmas 2012 far in advance knowing what a very well organised and full program it offers.

Sherryl Woods………………..16 January 2012

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