Sunday 2 March 2003 I expected crocus, somewhere I have a memory of woodland with yellow crocus but it was not here. I even looked for the characteristic clumps of spiky leaves but alas, maybe someone reading this page can tell me where I saw the spring crocus in woodland?

Anyway it is my birthday and only a year until 50 so this will be a special year for me, after this old age looms and a constant battle against getting there. The gates held a surprise as the old Bridgend hall, derelict for many years is being torn down. There is a rumour that there is to be a parking space there but I know of no official confirmation of this. The hall is opposite the gates and parking at the moment is around the cattle grid opposite the gates.

Without the crocus that are in my mind there is a kind of gap where the snowdrops are beginning to fade and the daffodils are just coming. An occasional flash of yellow shows that the daffodils will be in full bloom in a couple of weeks but now you can just see the clumps of leaves below an old willow.

This old willow in a clearing is a favourite tree of mine, here it is still bare of leaves so you can see the leprous growth of pale green hairy lichens. Under it the clumps of daffodils will soon be taking advantage of the lack of leaves to get their growth. You will see it later as it develops into visit normal state.

You are never far for life and death in these woods, today I crossed over the river on the wooden bridge which borders on a farmer’s field, lying just by the fence the sad remains of one of last year’s lambs has been picked clean. The sheep will be lambing soon on the island and already the grass is growing and the sheep are in the field not 100 yards from where I am standing.

Further along the River Sorn there is a stand of beech trees, still bare of leaves they cast shadows in the late afternoon sunlight over the river.

As you walk along the Sorn there are signs of old buildings which were presumably a mill for a series of weirs run up the length of the river. Now these make interesting contrasts between still water and lively, in the pools brown trout can be seen too, a delight for this year’s fly fishers. Later in the year the World Fly Fishing Competition will be coming to Islay to enjoy the good fishing in these Estate rivers though I have no idea whether the Sorn will be involved.

Next week – weather willing I plan to visit the graveyard and the octagonal tower.

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