Living Churchyard: March

Hey everyone! I hope that you are looking forward to the new month of March and the start of spring!

The early moments of spring are so beautiful as we look around at how the weather is slowly changing, as are the wildlife and nature around us. We often don’t notice this precious time and let it go by without even realising it is here but it is one of the most amazing times of the year.

Here are a few things you can expect to see when you next visit the church grounds. I hope you enjoy reading! Best wishes, Chiara xx

Bumblebees

Britain is home to 24 types of bumblebee, the first two species to appear in March are Bombus terrestris and Bombus lucorum. Terrestris is our largest bee species, and queens are an orange shade around the abdomen, when compared to lucorum’s more yellow stripes.

The ones coming out in March will be queen bees, who have slept underground or in bug hotels over the winter months. If you find a grounded bee during this time, it is likely to have been knocked down by a rain shower, and needs to get warm. If you’re feeling kind, pick her up on a piece of card and move her somewhere warm and preferably sunny.

Wood Anemones

Known as a “primitive flower”, having only sepals in its flower instead of petals, the wood anemone is a member of the buttercup family. Year-round the plant lies unobserved, having no foliage and resembling a root, until late February, when it bursts into a delicate white flower, with a yellow centre.

Muntjac deer

Muntjac can be found throughout the year in the churchyard. They can also breed throughout the year unlike other species of deer. Look out for fawns and deer grazing on the fungi and shrubs found easily on the grounds.

Frogs

In March frogs emerge from hibernation and it doesn’t take much water for them to thrive. Carefully checkout the damper parts of the churchyard and where puddles are made after rainfall

Daffodils

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Daffodils bloom from March to late April and form part of the narcissus family of which there are different varieties. Bumblebees are especially attracted to pollinate these beautiful flowers. You will find different varieties in the churchyard. Enjoy!