The green shoots of Snowdrops are popping up out of the ground. In a few weeks they will be nodding their creamy white heads in the breeze and hopefully sunshine.
There is something magical about the first Snowdrops especially after these damp dark days of winter.
Snowdrops are not native wild flowers, they are native to Eastern Europe and were first found naturalised in Britain in 1770.
It is thought Snowdrops were first introduced to Britain by the Romans but some records suggest they were brought over in the 16th Century. Their popularity increased after the Crimean War (1853- 1856) when soldiers were so enchanted with these harbingers of Spring they brought them back to Britain with them.
There are lots of places that have organised Snowdrop walks or places where there are carpets of them, I will tell you of three here:
Millichope Park 19th February 2pm until 5pm
Dudmaston Estate February 5th, 6th, 12th,and 13th, noon until 4pm
Stanton Lacy Churchyard is known for its carpet of Snowdrops, well worth a visit.
