In Like a Lion...

March is living up to its reputation, the first few days being cold, wet and windy, with rivers high and dirty. But now, despite a grey day, signs of spring are everywhere. Hazel catkins are bursting, classic lamb's tails swaying in the breeze, and spring flowers, including the rare parasitic Purple Toothwort, growing on the roots of alder and willow. There was even a fish rising in the tail of Black Doctor pool on the Lyd, although not much of a hatch of fly was seen.

There are rumours of salmon down on the lowest beats, trout fishing opens this weekend, midges are bringing trout to the surface on the lake - where the rooks are building high in the trees. Oh to be in England.