Yesterday morning, I was up with the lark again, and coincidentally, during my walk, as the sun broke free from the horizon, I heard my first larks of 2025. All around, optimistic birdsong heralded the impending change of season, only interrupted by the hum of chainsaws, I assume, coppicing the ancient woodland in Valley Wood. During the Civil War, a battle was fought near here, and in times past, the woods hid the activities of smugglers, receiving and distributing their contraband around the district. These days, Valley Wood, much reduced in size over the last two decades, is barely dense enough to conceal a golf ball.

Passing Great Comp, where I hear fantastic things are afoot this year, shafts of golden light punched through the trees, bushes and other plantlife while up on Beechin Wood Lane, the old water tower built by Rear Admiral Riley is regaining its ‘crown’. It would be wonderful if the original weathervane could be reinstated, as it has been part of the landscape for almost 120 years. Platt Woods looked resplendent from both above and at ground level, with the latter being a chance to see new buds forming on many deciduous trees.

Catkins and cats, snowdrops and sunshine, this is Platt at the start of the third week in February 2025.