Welcome February (Almanac 2024)

Sue Cartwright • 31 January 2024

A summary of things to watch out for and enjoy in Nature through February

Welcome February (Almanac 2024) by Sue Cartwright, Spiral Leaf

At the beginning of February our thoughts turn to incrementally longer days and shorter nights as we start to walk away from the Winter season towards the flourishing of Spring. It's a time to think about the preparations we want to make leading up to the most energetic, vibrant and exciting time of the year.

February brings an extra day this year being a Leap Year which was once believed to be a lucky omen. This is why the 29th of February itself is an especially important day when anything started on this day to be certain of success.

February brings the first new shoots of Cow Parsley, Nettles and Hazel Catkins or 'Lambs Tails'. Snowdrops appear in full glory towards the end of the month as golden Calendines, colourful Crocuses and Daffodils start powering their way up towards the light in readiness for Spring.

As we continue to help our feathered friends survive the colder days with wild bird food and fresh water, we can venture out to find the telltale trails of Badgers in the fields with Voles and Fieldmice scurrying through the long grass as toads, slow-worms and grass snakes live unobtrusively in hidden corners. At night, as the skies darken, we can step out to gaze at the stars under the light of the Snow Moon.

You can find gardening tips. vegetables, herbs, fruits and nuts in season, and things to forage, in my Almanac for February (2023).

Poem for the month

Read or listen to my first poem - Welcome February - a celebration of the new Leap Year, the beginnings of new life leading up to Spring.

Recipe for the month

Try my recipe for Turbo Boost Turkey Tail Tea - a natural herbal tea supporting longevity and health used for centuries by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A powerful cleanser and boost for repair system function to help fight infections. Turkey Tail supports the health of underactive or overactive repair systems (or immunity).

Dates for Moon phases

New Snow Moon - Friday 9 February

Full Snow Moon - Saturday 24 February

Times for Sunrise & Sunset (Devon)

First Dawn - 7.51 am

First Sunset - 5.05 pm

Last Dawn - 7.00 am

Last Sunset - 5.55 pm

Lamb's Tails

Badgers

Visual odyssey across continents

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Nettles

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Snowdrops

Breathtaking colors of our planet

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Things to watch out for and do in February

Tree Planting

This is a great time of year to wrap up well in windsheeter and wellies to to lay down some tree roots.

This is the best time (and cheapest) time to buy a deciduous tree or a deciduous fruit tree as a bare-root plant which can be planted between November and March when they are dormant. Native trees and shrubs are ideal for wildlife and can provide food, nest space and shelter for years to come.

Other woody plants to bed in during this month are Camellias to flower in time for Valentine’s Day and bare root Roses which can be planted from November to April in a sunny position for spectacular Summer blooms, fragrance and colour.

Pond Gazing

If you have a pond in your garden or know where to find one, look out for a stretch of warmer days on the long-range weather forecast. Short spells of warm weather are enough to stir Frogs and Toads into breeding action. You should be able to see ripples as they dive away on your approach, accompanied by excitable croaking.

As they gather to breed following their Winter hibernation, you will see the pond margins suddenly billowing with spawn as a result of exuberant mating activity the night before.

Early Morning Walk

As light dawns a little earlier every day, why not make a date to rise before dawn? It's fun to go for a walk while the rest of the world is still sleeping.

There is nothing like stepping out into the quietness of early morning with only you and the birds to experience the dawn of a new day. Capture the rising mists before they start to dissipate after sunrise as the ground starts to warm, and breathe in the cool air to freshen your lungs and energise your body for the day ahead.

Forest Bathing

The term Forest Bathing or Shinrin Yoku involves opening all your senses to experience the woodland environment, ecosystem and trees. It's about having a 'shower in the greenery' as a perfect antidote to combat the stress of working long hours, commuting, working in competitive environments and being deprived of natural environment. It is especially beneficial for those who live and work in towns and cities.

Wild Foraging

Shoots are starting to appear and as soon as they get started they will grow quickly. Look out for things like Dandelion Flowers, Nettles which are rich in minerals iron and vitamins A and D, Sweet Violets to crystallise or infuse in custard puddings or Wild Garlic Leaves to add to soups, sauces, omelettes, salads and sandwiches.

Chickweed is an overlooked but underrated wild plant with cleansing and healing properties, packed full of vitamins and minerals. The tender leaves are great for salads with lemon and olive oil dressing or blend into homemade pesto. The tiny white, edible flowers make a pretty salad garnish.

Nature Journaling

Start a Nature Journal (or Field Study Book) and take it with you on your next walk in Nature on a fine day. Having somewhere to capture thoughts and observations about the location and things you have noticed along your way. It's a great way to record your discoveries along with simple sketches, leaf rubbings, poems, pressings and lists.

Writing, sketching, collecting and drawing in a Nature Journal is a great way to bring your attention closer to the natural evironment around you through the seasons. It helps you to focus, relax the mind and inspire creativity.

I hope you feel inspired to spend lots of time in Nature this month and look forward to seeing you for my next Almanac on 1 March 2024.

Sue Cartwright

Spiral Leaf