Coltsfoot is an unusual plant that is best seen in March in grassy patches close to the river. Although it looks a bit like a type of dandelion, it is in fact a fleabane, and is easily recognisable because it has no leaves and a slightly purple stem.

March is the month of awakening. Early buds break open throughout the Crane Valley, revealing succulent leaflets and the first splashes of floral colour. Bird song returns to fill the air.

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Anita and Keith Martin (borsuk) > The unmistakeable hoof-like buds of Ash are common and easily identifiable over the winter. In March the Ash trees are still bare of leaves.

Anita and Keith Martin (borsuk) > Coltsfoot is an unusual plant that is best seen in March in grassy patches close to the river. Although it looks a bit like a type of dandelion, it is in fact a fleabane, and is easily recognisable because it has no leaves and a slightly purple stem.

Anita and Keith Martin (borsuk) > Early buds on the magnificent Crack Willow that stands in Crane Park to the west of Mill Road. This giant claims to be one of the "Great Trees of London" although that is far from obvious from this particular angle!

Anita and Keith Martin (borsuk) > If you look down at your feet anywhere in Crane Park you will see the beginning of the fiercely competitive race for domination of the understorey. Ready, steady, March... and Cow Parsely takes an early lead...

Anita and Keith Martin (borsuk) > The tight buds of a fruit tree (probably an apple) begin to crack open in March, just behind the fresh leaf growth.

Anita and Keith Martin (borsuk) > The first leaves of spring are fascinating to study up close but sometimes very hard to identify. This wonderful new growth remains unidentified.

Anita and Keith Martin (borsuk) > March is a wonderful month for fresh blossom. Here a Wild Cherry on Crane Park Island starts to bud and put on its springtime show.

Anita and Keith Martin (borsuk) > The hardiest birds, such as this male Blackbird, have survived the winter and are now setting up territories in the Crane Valley.

Coltsfoot is an unusual plant that is best seen in March in grassy patches close to the river. Although it looks a bit like a type of dandelion, it is in fact a fleabane, and is easily recognisable because it has no leaves and a slightly purple stem.