Nature Notes: Let It Snow

‘The weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful and since we have no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!’ 

I’m not sure about you, but since I am keeping travel to a minimum due to COVID, I don’t mind if it snows! I much prefer it to the endless rain, especially when everything is sodden and the dog drags all the mud indoors. Christmas has been and gone, but a couple of inches of snow would be a pleasure to see, and in Cornwall the snow does not seem to last that long. To get a good dumping of snow we need much colder air coming down the country to meet all that rain, rather than the mild air that our usual south westerly wind brings. Combined with the very little sun that we get at this time of year, this cold air could drive down temperatures enough for all that rain to turn to snow. 

I know it hardly ever snows in Cornwall but what was considered rare is now becoming more likely as our weather patterns become ever more erratic and unpredictable. 20 years ago I impulsively bought a beautiful wooden sled with steel runners and it is one of the best investments I have ever made. It’s scandinavian, holds two people and folds up! It hangs somewhere handy in the shed just in case we have unexpected weather. Luckily I have three long steep hills near me to choose from for sledging. There is nothing that makes you feel more alive than sledding downhill with the wind and ice in your face – and occasionally falling off!

When it snows in the woods near us, each of the leaves on the evergreens have a crisp white topping of snow. It is as if mother nature has taken care to perfectly outline each individual leaf and the green of the holly leaves stand out against it. The snow that makes it through the canopy of trees is only a light sprinkle and the grey flat snow sky lends a particular light to the scenery and deadens the sounds – which makes it feel all the more magical.

Of course snow and freezing temperatures can be difficult for wildlife so I have stocked up on nuts, birdseed, suet balls and extra water containers just in case. Also, if we do get ice and snow I will make sure that all the upturned lids and saucers I have in the garden for animals to use have fresh water. Once all that is done in the morning, it’s time to get back to the cottage and light the fire! Staying indoors as much as possible does not seem like such a chore when you can look out of the window at such beautiful scenery.