Hello,
It’s me again with an update on life at Stock Hill. In the grounds everything is bursting into life. Wild Crocus, Daffodils, Hellebores (Christmas Roses), Wild Primroses, Scillas, Snowdrops,  and the Aconites, which are almost over, have all made a colourful appearance on nature's verdant stage, heralding the onset of spring. Even the bluebells are blooming, which is a good sign of better weather to come. The wildlife seems to sense the season is changing too.  The birds are considering suitable partners and searching out their nesting sites, while the Badgers and squirrels are both digging for England and the lawns are being thoroughly excavated, much to our displeasure! But as we’re wildlife friendly we have to accept these ‘little’ foibles!
We have been very lucky to see the Kingfisher flying over the lake again and a truly beautiful female pheasant strutting around the gardens – of course she is being fed! Her mate has shown up for his share too. We were getting worried that we hadn’t seen or heard any of the woodpeckers, but recently some tentative tapping has been taking place signalling their presence. Our honey bees and bumble bees are really enjoying the wild crocuses (see top picture). They have also been woken by the warm spring sunshine and hopefully will do well this year.  

As I mentioned last time the Chives were beginning to show fresh green shoots - now we are actually picking them for use in the kitchen.

We completed the making our stock of Stock Hill marmalade at the end of January. It’s now ready for the traditional Stock Hill English Breakfasts in the year ahead.

Regards,

Lorna