Ethereal...

I just about managed a day of fieldwork, though it was quite painful at times, especially when I tripped and jarred my back yet again. I never realised how distracting pain is - I found it hard to focus on what needed to be done, but in the end Alex and I achieved our objectives for the day. I'm supposed to be going back tomorrow, but just at the moment I'm wondering whether this would really be wise...

The woods are looking beautful at the moment - the unfurling leaves seem impossibly bright, each sporting a slightly different shade of vivid green. Bluebells and dog's mercury were the dominant species in our site, but we found a single plant of herb Paris, as well as patches of sanicle, pignut and many oxlips, though quite a few of the latter seemed to have crossed with their much les refined primrose cousins.

Alex drove about half way back, which was really welcome. The roads were fairly quiet and he whizzed along at just under 60mph. Even the couple of roundabouts didn't phase him! I'm quite looking forward to the day when I don't always have to drive back from my sites!!