I walked out to a couple of Bluebell woods yesterday. The woodland floor was a shimmering sea of violet-blue. They flowered early this year and will wane soon. I understand why the Japanese practice 'shinrin-yoku' which translates as 'forest bathing'.

 I could have gone sun bathing as well; the temperature was more like flaming June than late April. I was pleased to see a good many butterflies where the footpaths ran next to hedgerows. I spotted half a dozen of our common butterfly species, especially Peacocks.

 Last year's cold damp spring was a disaster for butterflies and insects generally. That will have had a knock-on effect so the warm dry weather we're having thus far is most welcome.