A Step Back into Winter

On arrival at work the snow was about 3 inches deep, but even then it had started to thaw, with massive clumps of snow falling from the conifers as we walked the Green Route to ensure there were no wind felled trees from yesterday.

Even with the cold wintery weather we still had the moth trap out, and the time setting it up yesterday evening was not wasted. The haul from the trap is very much dictated by wind, wet and temperature so it was not surprising that we only had 8 moths: We actually felt the numbers were high considering the conditions; Common Quaker, Hebrew Character and this lovely Shoulder Stripe

Tracks of rabbits, pheasants and a fox showed clearly in the snow as we walked around the reserve

The snow was fairly sparse under the conifers, but it was like rain under the canopy as the thaw picked up.

The Wetland looked cold and uninviting but held a vision of mystic; 

The route above Risedale Beck was dusted with snow giving a fresh look.

The site was not totally devoid of Spring, with female Larch flowers, also know as Larch Roses,

...and the blossom of Blackthorn

On leaving the reserve this evening rain had been falling for most of the afternoon and was still falling, we had recorded 32mm since midnight.