At St John the Baptist Churchyard in Adel the daffodils are in full bloom.
The church is one of the best examples of Norman architecture in Britain, built 1150-1170. The grounds of the churchyard are maintained to encourage wildlife and are involved in the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts Living Churchyard Project. It really is worth a visit, another must see is the nearby Yorkgate garden, a unique, beautifully designed one acre garden which re-opened this weekend. 
During our visit there were Robin, Wren, Chaffinch, Long Tail Tit, Pheasant, Blackbird, Great Tit, Magpie, Nuthatch, Blue Tit, Goldfinch. We spotted only one butterfly while we were there, a Small Tortoiseshell, although it was around tea time so not so surprising. A couple of years ago we spotted our first ever Green Hairstreak on a wilting daffodil in the churchyard in April 2010.
Thats some flower display!
ReplyDeleteI love that last shot of the singled-out backlit daffodil.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful display of daffodils and lovely photos. The Living Churchyards Project is a wonderful idea. I've recently managed to get hold of a second hand copy of a great book on wildlife in churchyards by Francesca Greenoak called "Wildlife in the Churchyard" which is fascinating. All the best Caroline
ReplyDeleteIts pretty isn't it, it really does transform with the seasons, I must make an effort to capture this as the year progresses, Linda
ReplyDeleteHello Rob, thanks very much, the golden centred daffodil really stood out for me & I liked the odd abstract nature of the trees and gravestones in the background. Thanks for stopping by,Linda
Hello Caroline, thanks for your kind comments, its hard to beat a good second hand book, it sounds wonderful.
There is another nearby church, St Chad's in Headingley, that have a strong interest in nature conservation. Although not a church goer myself I certainly do appreciate the wonderful environments that these places provide for wildlife and the benefit to the local communities that have access to the churchyards. Best wishes & enjoy your new book, Linda
Hope those daffs didn't get engulfed in snow.
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