February: A Monthly Muse

Whether you're blessing the salmon or hurling the silver ball, there's plenty to celebrate in February according to this brilliant folklore year calendar.

One that's easy for everyone to enjoy is, of course, pancake day (or Shrove Tuesday to give it its proper name), our favourite way to eat pancakes is with a squeeze of lemon and a spoon of crunchy sugar. But a savoury option, such as simple ham & cheese, goes down well in our house. Looking for a fancier sweet option? These honey buttered apple crepes are a great choice.

To walk off all those pancakes, snowdrops are now well in bloom across the UK and can be seen widely - they especially like woodland habitats. You'll notice various varieties, none of which are originally native to the UK but today they are widely regarded as a sign winter is drawing to a close. Traditionally seeing a single snowdrop was considered bad luck and they were never to be bought inside the home... Want more facts? Here you go.

If you are out and about for a walk, keep your eyes open and if you see anything interesting then it might be worth recording on the Woodland Trust's 'Nature Calendar'.