Snowdrops

Take a stroll beside Etal Castle to see the abundance of snowdrops that bloom in the nearby copse. You’ll also find snowdrops on Etal’s riverside walk and on walks around Ford Village, the eagle-eyed might spot some early primroses too. Snowdrop walks will not be signposted this year, but please enjoy exploring unaided.

Lone Flower, hemmed in with snows and white as they
But hardier far, once more I see thee bend
Thy forehead, as if fearful to offend,
Like an unbidden guest. Though day by day,
Storms, sallying from the mountain-tops, waylay
The rising sun, and on the plains descend;
Yet art thou welcome, welcome as a friend
Whose zeal outruns his promise! Blue-eyed May
Shall soon behold this border thickly set
With bright jonquils, their odours lavishing
On the soft west-wind and his frolic peers;
Nor will I then thy modest grace forget,
Chaste Snowdrop, venturous harbinger of Spring,
And pensive monitor of fleeting years!

William Wordsworth, To A Snowdrop, 1819

Please take care when following woodland paths on Ford & Etal Estates. Storm Arwen brought down a huge number of trees and damaged others. The forestry department has been working hard to clear the storm damage for the last 15 months, but it is a huge and ongoing task.