IS it my imagination or are wild flowers and blossom trees blooming more profusely this spring?

Or perhaps it is due to our heightened awareness of all the vibrant colours following a grey, dull winter?

In any case, magnificent magnolia, assorted pink and white ornamental blossom trees, 'pussy' willow (pictured) and forsythia, are essential sources of nectar and pollen for early bees. Then there is the fresh vivid green of streamside weeping willows and next to flower are cherry plum and blackthorn.

Nature Notes: I miss the call of the cuckoo

Spring flowers include daffodils, crocus, alkanet, primrose, celandine and the much maligned but nectar-rich dandelions, essential for spring butterflies to feed on. Blossom on trees is ephemeral and easily whisked away in the slightest breeze, especially noticeable this year being the large flowers of magnolia.

Blackthorn (sloe) often blooms in March and if it appears in a period of east winds, a cold spring was traditionally known as a 'blackthorn winter'. However, the temperatures in March were mostly above average so insects took advantage by feasting from the massed white flowers.

Nature Notes: It's mating season for frogs and toads

Pussy or goat willow catkins are sometimes used to decorate churches on Palm Sunday. Female catkins are less spectacular and grow on separate trees to male catkins.

Soon we will welcome bluebells, Britain's favourite wild flower as it carpets woodlands in spectacular fashion.