... but two seen at the end of our lane last night confirm that spring is well and truly here.

As the weather has been so warm, and consequently lots of insects are about, I assumed that the swallows would appear earlier than usual. But of course, swallows are unable to use the internet, so back home in Africa they probably didn't know!

Yesterday afternoon, I went for a walk in the wood just down the hill from our house. Even though it was raining, a magical experience.

Beech trees just coming into exquisite leaf, the scent of bluebells (and the pong of ramsons - wild garlic), and absolutely wonderful birdsong in the still, damp air: thrushes, robins, blackbirds, and others I couldn't identify. Add that to the soft damp earth underfoot for a sensory feast, which this little photo just doesn't convey.

The woodland floor is a real treat just now: a carpet of bluebells, primroses, wild anemone, uncurling ferns and speedwell, all dotted with tiny seedling trees waiting for their chance in the sun.

... we're in for a splash; ash before oak, we're in for a soak". Thus goes the country saying, which refers to the order in which the oak and ash trees come into leaf. Spot on this year: today was the first (rather mingy) rain we have had for weeks, and the oaks are all well into leaf, but the ash is still at the fat black bud stage.

It's that exuberant time of the year when the leaves are starting to show on the trees: one or two beeches are starting to unfurl their lime-green taffeta bunting, and the hawthorn in the hedgerows is covered in juicy green frills – called "bread-and-cheese" in former times and said to be good in salads. I'll let you know...

[Update] - your intrepid reporter has taste-tested some new leaves, with very disappointing results. Hawthorn just tastes of green leaves - the sort of thing that would have Jeremy Clarkson pulling a face! Field maple, hazel and blackthorn are bitterly unpalatable, and bullace (wild plum) has a very strong almond flavour - so is probably laced with cyanide. I spat it out, dear reader! Stick to lettuce.

Much to my surprise and amazement, a pair of house sparrows have taken up residence in the garden. In my childhood, "spadgers" were commonplace garden birds and of little interest - but much rarer today. This is the first time I have seen any since we moved here 22 years ago. Their cheerful Cockney chatter is music to my ears.

Of such small pleasures, a happy life is made!