How far behind?

[SitkaSpruce]

Just been to the woods today, the larch are just coming out and found the first wood sorrel flower this year. From photos I know the trees were fully out last year by 22nd April so they don't seem to far behind but the countryside locally and my garden are about a month behind. How far behind is the season near you?

[Bearwood]

I'd say we're about a month behind here in Derbyshire (or South Derbyshire at least). Larch have been coming on for a couple of weeks, and the Cherry are just about to begin their first blossom.

[Rankinswood]

Hi,

I found some "phenological" photographic evidence on the Oxfordshire Woodland Group's forum at :-

http://oxfordshirewoodlandgroup.co.uk/f ... topic&t=77

that provides visual indication on just how far spring is behind this year (2013).

It remains to be seen just how quickly nature will catch up and get back on track.

Rankinswood

[Bearwood]

That's quite a stark contrast between those two snaps. I think I may have to begin monitoring mine more closely for comparison purposes, not that I can do much to change the seasons though :/

[The Barrowers]

It seems to change so rapidly even by a few miles or altitude. Since we bought a wood we are so more conscience of the surroundings, just not good at recording and comparing

B and T

[docsquid]

We still have daffodils, which have just gone past their best. Normally at this stage at the end of March, so we are about a month behind. Similarly with the bluebells and lesser celandine yet to bloom properly. The trees are also late - the ash normally comes into leaf in early May, but oak is usually earlier. They are both coming out together. I think things are catching up, and the meadows are now starting to show growth. No hawthorn blossom and blackthorn about a month late, just in flower now. Part of our wood is in a frost hollow, so behind the rest.

[Andy M]

If the oak before the ash,
Then we’ll only have a splash.
If the ash before the oak,
Then we’ll surely have a soak!

.............so what does it mean when they are together?

[Bearwood]

A typhoon?

It's so messed up this year anything could happen. Maybe even more snow!!

[Bulworthy Project]

Last year we were making nettle wine in early march. This year our first batch was at the end of april. Hopefully we'll make up for lost time

[The Barrowers]

Just got back from wood for 4 day

Bluebells about 1 week behind
Crabapples just a shade of pink in blooms
Every thing else catching up rapidly
Orchids out with Wood Sorrel and Ladies Smock/Cuckoo Flower and other ancient woodland indicators about but no Herb Paris
Cuckoo Pint / Lords and Ladies Foliage coming through
Lots of Birds

Lots of piece and quiet and some work

B and T