May has brought a spectacular blooming to the woods, orchards and hedgerows. Apple trees have been dense pink Pavlova confections; and horse chestnuts seem to be decked with the votive candles of a whole year’s religious observances. Above all the hawthorns are snow-laden with blossom, the fresh green leaves of first growth obscured by dense bunches of flowers. Why such abundance this year? Perhaps the consequence of a hard winter followed by a late, wet spring. Whatever the reason, it’s an omen of a fruitful autumn: good news for apple eaters, conker players and haw-eating migrant birds.
Photo: Rampton Woods, Cambs, May 2018