Sweet violet

After an early morning trolley dash to replenish the rather sparse cupboards, I spent the rest of the day at Old Sulehay Nature Reserve with a group of photographers, all of whom contribute images to the local Wildlife Trust for use in publicity and presentations. It was an interesting group, with varying experience and equipment. Early sunshine was welcome, but the day soon clouded over and a stiff breeze developed. Fortunately the rain held off until we got back to the cars!

The photoshoot had been planned to coincide with the first flush of spring flowers, but these were very few and far between thanks to the cold weather. A sheltered hedgerow had quite a few sweet violets Viola odorata. This species has various colour forms - typically they are deep purple, but in some localities there are many plants bearing white flowers. This soft and delicately veined mauve variety is more unusual, but I think it's particularly pretty.