February - Month of Snow and Snowdrops .... oh and frogs!

February is nearly over and spring is most definitely well on its way.   Before we move on to March I thought it important to put down on this blog just how cold February has been here, even in the south west.

I really wanted there to be some snow this winter.   I had hoped to take some kind of iconic photo for each month of the year and I had planned on February's being snowy!   I was somewhat defeated however, although the temperature was certainly low enough, it combined itself with dry weather and so we had hard frosts, the kind that are difficult to clear from your wind screen early in the morning.

In the event I dragged my husband off to search for snow on high ground.   And the highest ground around here is Dunkery Beacon.   If you can't find snow there, you are unlikely to find it anywhere in West Somerset.

We set off with a flask and cookies, parked in the little lay-by up on the moor and slipped our way up to the Beacon.

The well trodden smooth stones were incredibly slippery in the freezing conditions.

Almost lunar in appearance, the moor was deserted apart from a few hardy locals.

We found this little family shivering in the lay-by :-)

February highlights in West Somerset have to include Snowdrop Valley.   Hidden away for the rest of the year, the owners of this quiet valley allow access to the public, free of charge, so that everyone can enjoy the snowdrops.   Its not for the faint hearted, although shuttle buses do run from the car park for a limited period if you are unable to walk.   Check the website for Information.  Walking shoes or boots are completely necessary, I once saw someone totally unprepared in open toed sandals!    And it can be muddy too so most families were prepared with their children in wellies, or being carried in slings.

The snowdrops are worth the effort.

It one of the more beautiful events of February.

We mustn't forget the frogs!   Our little wildlife pond has been overflowing with frogs and spawn.  Frogs are not particularly fussy about a mate.  In fact they often choose another male, and certainly are not monogamous.    We have removed some of the spawn to a small aquarium for now, to give it some protection, in previous years the herons have cleared it from the pond.