The blossoms have raced ahead of Mother Nature’s annual clock this spring (on this side of the world). The bluebells and daffodils are done now after brilliant displays throughout April.

The pollen count is on overdose, and lots of people are sneezing and wheezing with London’s Plane trees spreading their fluffy clouds of joy.

When we can find the time, a friend and I walk through the Chantries, a beautiful wooded area outside Guildford. At this time of year, swathes of shimmering bluebells, drowsy heads looking to the earth, rest under the dappled light of the trees.

BDW