Springtime

I awoke this morning to the sun streaming in through the shutters and sweet sound of birdsong. And thankfully, before the persistent hum of traffic began.

I took the opportunity of an early start to photograph the stunning field of rapeseed nearby.

I am fortunate to live within walking distance of the city of Worcester but also on the doorstep of the beautiful Worcestershire and Herefordshire countryside.

I beat the traffic, workers and school run, and took a leisurely stroll with the smell of morning dew and yesterday's freshly cut grass filling the air.

I found my spot, squeezed through a hedge and startled a particularly plump cock pheasant enjoying the early morning, basking in the hue of the glorious golden rape.

And there it was! Endless rows of planted sunshine. Always a feast for the eyes, and the soul.

This time of year brings so much with it: new beginnings, lighter mornings, longer evenings and the hedgerows full of frantic activity as the garden birds nest and orange beaked blackbirds feast on the berries outside my kitchen window. I watch them at breakfast, an easy distraction. I could happily watch them all day.

I love the changing English landscape too, vast swathes of yellow which can simply take your breath away. I like nothing more than a drive through rural Herefordshire on a warm April day to witness the changing of the seasons and the effect on our beautiful countryside.

Thankfully too, the last few years have seen a huge surge in artisanal British cold pressed rapeseed oils. Farmers' markets and food festivals have dedicated stalls and its growth is marked.

My favourite is the locally produced Croome Classics (no additives or preservatives) which adds a lovely earthy mellow taste. I especially enjoy it with asparagus, again, grown locally in the vale of Evesham (Of course!)