There is green everywhere in the woods, that’s true, but there’s a point in the year where I crave something fresh and new.

Winter would definitely be a darker time without the yew, holly, ivy and the bramble leaves which seem to keep going indefinitely despite pretending to be a deciduous plant. Today that’s not enough and I go in search of new tree growth.

Bluebell leaves are making their presence felt in the older parts of the wood and the cow parsley is abundant now in the meadow clearing.

Stopping to listen to the tentative whistles of a song thrush, I see what I’m looking for. Elder shoots are out and proud – in fresh new tree green.

Elder’s too common to be valued by most people and the leaves and stems are poisonous, containing cyanide-inducing compounds.  But I love the scent of this new growth, a subtle hint of future flowers and berries.