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ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, WASPERTON
A SANCTUARY FOR WILDLIFE

Updated April 2025

There are generally some warm
days at the end of March or
beginning of April which bring
the blackthorn into bloom, and
which are followed by a cold
period called the 'Blackthorn Winter'

Beware of the Blackthorn Winter
"Tis always cold when the blackthorn
is in bloom and it normally shows in March

These are famous weather sayings. The blackthorn flowers on average at the end of March and into April. The first maxim relates to a warm spell in late March and early April. The test period was from 27th March to early April. Average figures of 53% for 3 or more consecutive warm days. Similar conditions were applied for 6th to the 12th April, for  a cold spell falling after a warm 27th March to the 5th April only 31% was shown.

Usually April experiences a cold stormy period in the middle of the month, (10th to the 15th) with the annual  maximum of northerlies. A similar weather type is repeated  from the 23rd to the 26th. But:

April showers bring summer flowers., 

It's amazing how things have caught up this Spring with the mild weather in February, but then the cold few mornings in early March, I bet you have noticed. On the 7th March, in the Churchyard, I found the following flowers all out together: snowdrop, winter aconite (just finishing),wild crocus, daffodil, selfheal, celandine, violet, and primrose. I think the latter is the cross with the primula; the true primrose will come later. I must say I can't remember seeing them all out together in the Churchyard for ages. Except I think last year flowers were very early.

Keeping an eye on the bird boxes, no sign of nesting activity yet, but my visits are short and infrequent. I do hope we get some residents. Last year it was just a couple of blue tits. Again nothing in the hedgehog box. Don't even think about the owl  box. It's probably too close to the Church building. But at the time of fitting, it was the only suitable tree that would take it.

The bats are out of hibernation just these last few days I think. But they still prefer under the Church tiles. No sign of our lovely bat boxes being used. We do try. 

In spite of the forecast, I do hope we get one or two warm days  this month; the sun is higher in the sky now. Here's hoping we will have to take our coats off when mowing the grass in the Churchyard soon. Fingers crossed. Thanks again for your support, always good to see you.

Mike Porter
01926 624909

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