At last the sallow or ‘pussy’ willow at the top of the lane is in flower, finally indicating that spring is here. It has been joined by the lesser celandine (related to the buttercup) and the first common horsetails are beginning to peek through the grass. The first bumblebee of the season appeared on Saturday. Housemartins have been spotted but no swallows or swifts yet... Interestingly the (cultivated) cherry trees are in blossom in the town half a mile away but the one is a neighbour’s garden is yet to flower.