Join us as we delve into the fascinating contrasts of February, a month that bridges the harshest days of winter with the first whispers of spring. Discover how the Anglo-Saxons celebrated Solmonath, the sun month, and learn why Londoners eagerly anticipate the lengthening days. From the beauty of snow-covered landscapes to the vibrant bird activity along the Thames, February is a month of transformation and resilience.
Don't miss out on this captivating exploration of nature's rhythms and the subtle signs of spring's approach. Return on February 1st to read the full article and embrace the changing seasons with us!
Article
Traditionally, February is regarded as the nadir of winter. It can often start off stormy and then, as it progresses, there may be calm periods with long cold spells. For the Anglo-Saxons it was Solmonath or the sun month. The days lengthen rapidly, this being noticed more at the end of the day through the longer twilights. All Londoners applaud this change in day length which is as much as two and a quarter hours over the whole month. This all triggers a much anticipated surge of plant growth. Consequently, in twenty-eight days, February can give us some of the worst days of winter as well as some of the first days of spring.
“February fill dyke
Be it black be it white
But if it be white
It’s better to like”
This well-known verse refers to February being a wet month, which it is not particularly. It is the lack of warmth which results in water remaining on the ground that makes London clay heavier and more sticky to walk on. The countryside is largely colourless compared with most of the rest of the year. However, there is much bird activity, making reservoirs, lakes and the Thames estuary all good places to visit.
The river is now full of gulls and wild ducks again. Parks are also good locations to see a little more colour, as the few plants in flower tend to be grown there especially for that purpose. Arboreta and other tree collections in parks and gardens are also oases exhibiting a wide range of colours, especially in their barks, buds and branches.
Wild crocuses were more common in February in the past due to Lammas lands. These were fields which were closed to any grazing on Candlemas i.e. February 2nd and not re-opened until midsummer when their hay would be cut. This meant that species such as wild crocuses got time to develop their seed and lay down new bulbs for the next year. As the practice died out, so sadly did the crocuses.
Snow, although the most devastating, is also undoubtedly the most beautiful meteorological event of the year. St. Dorothea’s Day, February 6th, traditionally has the heaviest snowfall. The landscape becomes oddly silent when it is covered in deep snow and tree shadows particularly noticeable. It is worth sparing a thought for the large number of birds that die in such conditions and the many animals that are unable to feed themselves on such a bare landscape.
Although February is described as the cruellest month of the year, by the end of the month buds will be opening and more bulbs and even trees will have come into flower. The rate of change this month is largely governed by the amount of cold and light. Recently, warmer winters have meant that February is often showing signs of spring much earlier than in past years. Yet a severe winter might still hold everything back for up to two or even three weeks.
