THE idea of flowers blooming in early spring is something of an error. In the deep midwinter many flowers are in bloom. Soon after the snow I was told of flowers in bloom around the Brungerley footpath.

Already in bloom is butterbur but in this area the butterbur is not the usual species. The pink variety is common whilst the white butterbur is rare and botanists from many miles away travel to see it. Butterburs grow close to river banks and this is the best place to seek out this rarity.

Also in bloom at the moment are coltsfoot, which also grows early in the year. Like the butterbur the flowers of the coltsfoot appear long before the leaves. Coltsfoot gets its name from the shape of the leaves and butterbur's huge leaves were once used to wrap butter in the days before the invention of greaseproof paper.

I expected to find lesser celandine but what was a surprise was the sight of very healthy looking primroses.

Join up to save habitats

ALL local naturalist groups have regular lectures but they also organise field trips. These result in important sightings. These days such records are being co-ordinated and are already providing valuable information which may help conserve valuable habitat. Anyone interested in natural history should join their nearest naturalist group. Details can be obtained from your local library.

It's spring, the foxes say so

FEBRUARY is the month when foxes breed. It takes about seven weeks for young foxes to develop from egg to birth. Vixens scream to claim territory and a mate.

Up to four cubs are born and they become independent during the summer. It is a good idea for the fox to breed early so that the young learn to fend for themselves during the warm days of summer when the living is easy.

I saw and heard foxes early on a frosty morning near West Bradford, and just as it got light I saw a pair of grey squirrels chasing each other. This is a courtship ritual and proves that squirrels do not hibernate. It also shows that squirrels, like foxes, have a breeding season which peaks in February whatever the state of the weather.