Blackford Snowdrops

by Jeff Bevan · 30th January 2023

Church of St Michael – Blackford, South Somerset, UK. ID JB_8663

Blackford is a common village name in Somerset, so I need to begin by saying that this post is about the Blackford in South Somerset which is not far from Sparkford.

Snowdrops – Blackford, South Somerset, UK. ID _JB_8696

Snowdrops

Snowdrops, like most plants that have bulb roots, spread slowly in clumps across the habitat. For snowdrops this is typically woodland, where they flower early before the canopy of leaves takes all the light. Being introduced into the UK they are mainly found slowly spreading out from where they were planted. This was predominantly in the gardens of large houses and churches.

Snowdrops – Blackford, South Somerset, UK. ID JB_8689

Blackford has a beautiful church which is part of the Camelot group of parishes. The church ground has an open aspect and get lots of winter sunshine. The snowdrops here are some of the earliest to appear in Somerset.

But this year snowdrops have arrived very late. As much as two to three weeks later than normal.

After several recent visits to check on progress, today was the first time it was worth getting the camera out. There were just enough open flowers to get some pictures.