Snowdrops herald the coming of spring. Although not an indigenous plant they have been here for hundreds of years and proliferate in woodlands and churchyards as well as gardens.

We are lucky to have so many near us and traditionally have used this time of year to visit known snowdrop locations and enjoy them – often amongst aconites and other flowers that emerge in colder times.

Some of our local commons have an abundance of these lovely flowers and hedgerows where people have discarded garden soil and the snowdrops amongst it have colonised the area.

The snowdrops at St Botoplhs at Swyncombe are legendary and people flock form far afield to enjoy the spectacle and indulge in tea and cake.
The funds raised for this lovely old church are substantial and keep the building maintained.

Dunsden is another church where they are gradually building up the carpet of snowdrops and combine their flowering with a Wilfred Owen Day.
Wilfred Owen was lay assistant to the then vicar from 2011-2013. The Owen in Dunsden organisation https://owenindunsden.org/
has a lot of information and developed a Wilfred Owen trail in the area which is well worth doing.
They have recently commisioned a stained glass window. They collaborated in a competition with the Glaziers company and the winner was Natasha
Redfern who is about to start creating this beautiful window for installation by November 2023.
Loddon Brewery has opened a Tap Room and farm shop which are within walking distance and well worth a visit https://loddonbrewery.com/tapyard/

Greys Court National Trust has snowdrops and lots of other flowering bulbs later in the season, Northend Common and Turville Heath are other local sites and you can visit the wonderful barn cafe – a no car cafe for refreshments but need to book https://www.thebarnatturvilleheath.com/

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