The white blossom on the blackthorn hedges is particularly stunning this year but, when it comes out in such abundance, it is usually with a bit of a ‘sting in the tail’.

It is not known as a ‘blackthorn winter’ for nothing as it is invariably accompanied by cold spring weather, and frosts at night.

This year has been no exception, and despite the sun doing its best, there has been a distinct chill in the air on many occasions over the last few weeks.

Having said that, spring is definitely on the way. The ongoing rain has been hugely beneficial and has almost made up for the serious drought that we experienced last year.

The crops in the fields look really good, and the grass is lush and green. It is lovely to see the cowslips poking above the grass along the ditch sides, and everywhere there are little wildflowers appearing – some of them so small that you need to look carefully as you walk so as not to miss them.

READ MORE: Anne-Marie Hamilton writes about life on the farm

The dawn chorus is approaching its full glory (which occurs in May) as the birds sing lustily to attract a mate.

For me, it is one of the most beautiful sounds of spring, and one that I look forward to hearing every year.

Although we are spoilt with birdsong in the countryside, I have been thrilled to find that you can also hear it in urban areas too, in the early hours of the morning, before the rumble of traffic takes over.

The longer days seem to have brought out the local wildlife on the farm. Two squirrels have been providing excellent entertainment in the orchard for several days now.

As I was walking along one of the farm tracks last week, I saw what, at first, I thought was a large hare in one of the fields up ahead. As I got closer, I realised that it was a muntjac.

They are incredibly shy animals, and I was very surprised that this one noticed me as I came towards it but, instead of quietly melting away, stood its ground and watched me intently as I moved nearer.

For a few seconds, it was as though there were just the two of us in the world, before he darted away. It was a magical moment which I will treasure.