Wakelam's Wildlife: Snowdrops, harbingers of spring

  • Published
  • By Judith Wakelam
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  I will admit to being a bit of a Galanthophile -- In other words I collect snowdrops. The Latin name for the snowdrop is Galanthus Nivalis hence Galanthophile!

It's at this time of the year, as the snow disappears, that these delicate little white and green flowers poke their heads above the soil - snowdrops are among the first flowers of the year to appear and one of the earliest signs that spring could be on the way. This winter has been particularly cold and with more snow than we have seen for several years the snowdrops are going to be a little later than usual putting in an appearance but, I promise you they are well worth waiting for.

Some have already just about popped their heads out in my own garden. With so many different cultivated varieties available nowadays, they will flower for several weeks. Some varieties flower very early, some later, so having a selection of varieties prolongs the flowering season.

The original wild snowdrop, with its nodding single flower has three green-tinged petals and a delicate scent. Today, there are many different cultivated varieties having both single and double petals.

Snowdrops are not native to Britain but originate from Europe, where they are widespread, their range stretching from the eastern Mediterranean to Turkey as far as Russia. It's well documented that British soldiers returning from the Crimean war (1853 to 1856) were so taken by the snowdrop that they brought bulbs home with them.

Snowdrop bulbs are best planted in clumps, not singly, as each bulb produces a single flower but, once established the clumps will increase and spread year after year, eventually producing a white carpet of flowers. Snowdrops are sometimes known by the alternative name of milk flower.

The best way to see carpets of snowdrops is to visit one of the many parks and gardens that offer snowdrop walks at this time of the year. The closest one to RAF Mildenhall is Chippenham Park, on the edge of this pretty village of the same name. Here, for a small entry fee you can enjoy a walk through the woodland and gardens and admire the snowdrops. The village of Chippenham, originally built to house the park estate workers, has for many years been in the hands of the Tharp family after which the village pub the "Tharp Arms" is still named and whose family crest appears on the pub sign.

Just outside Bury St. Edmunds, in the village of Horringer, is Ickworth House and park with its unusual Rotunda building. The gardens and acres of parkland at Ickworth is another place to enjoy a snowdrop walk. Now in the hands of The National Trust, Ickworth was for centuries the family seat of past Marquesses of Bristol.

Many stately homes are open for snowdrop walks in late January and February. Anglesey Abbey, once the home of Lord Fairhaven but also now in the hands of The National Trust, is situated between Newmarket and Cambridge, approximately 15 miles from RAF Mildenhall. Every year its woodland produces a wonderful display of snowdrops and bright yellow winter aconites; another harbinger of spring! Visitors come from far and wide to see the many varieties of snowdrops Anglesey Abbey has.

Snowdrop walk dates and times should be appearing in the local press anytime now, or you can find information on the Internet.

So why not take a walk in the fresh air, enjoy the snowdrops and with luck tire the children out. Some places allow you to walk your dog but not all, so check beforehand. Watch the local press or contact www.nationaltrust.org.