Blackthorn winter

It is always breath-takingly beautiful but so often it is accompanied by rough weather - bitterly cold at times and yesterday with driving snow sweeping across the fields. The sheep with their lambs were running to seek shelter. The Blackthorn Winter had arrived yet again.

It was a local farmer, John Sevenoaks, who told me that this cold rough weather often occurring in April when the new lambs are turned into the fields, is known in these parts as the Blackthorn Winter. It doesn't usually last long but it can be treacherous. And yet, before too long, we shall be listening out for the cuckoo!