Eranthis Hyemalis - Aconites, and Galanthus nivalis - Snowdrops.
New life has begun again which not only gladdens the heart but also delights the eye.
Crocus tommasinianus - early Spring crocus
So far, in this corner of the world, Winter has been benevolent. No snow, or ice, and very little rain. Some chilly, frosty mornings, but countless days of wonderful bright winter sunshine and blue skies.
It is too lovely to be inside, so time for a February walk around our hilltop aerie to see how Spring is shaping up on our escarpment - all of the jobs needing attention back at home can wait.
Looking across the Severn Vale and over the mighty R. Severn towards Wales. On a clear day it is possible to see far more of the distant Welsh landscape, especially Sugar Loaf, a mountain that provides a spectacular backdrop to the quaint old market town of Abergavenny. 
At the end of April 500 cattle will be returned to The Common where they roam freely until November. The land here has never been ploughed, it has relied solely on grazing cattle for hundreds of years, who feed on its grasses and flowers, and in return supply nutrients to the soil.
The Common is particularly known for its flora and fauna. An SSSI, and designated a European Special Area of Conservation for its flora and
fauna, in paricular its flowers, herbs and invertebrates. It is the most
extensive area of semi-natural dry limestone grassland surviving in the
Cotswolds. During Summer it is possible to see a number of species of orchid - Early Purple, Fragrant, Pyramidal, Common and Spotted. Bee, Musk and Frog Orchids grow here too but they are not easy to find unless you know the Common well.
Time to return back home and enjoy a welcome cup of coffee, and may be, even a little treat.
