Welcome February (Almanac 2026)
Dates and seasonal ideas to bring you closer to Nature in February
WELCOME FEBRUARY
During February, the days are getting longer by over 2 minutes a day, and from 20 February we will be enjoying an extra 3 minutes of sunlight each day. This increase continues steadily so that by February's end, our days will be two hours longer.
Now is the best time to enjoy the peak of the Winter season and perhaps even the first signs of Spring with tiny buds peaking out from the frosty ground. As the month progresses, if you look closely, you might find the green tips of Snowdrops, Crocuses and Daffodils starting to peak out from the ground, bringing the promise of a fresh new season.
Walking through ancient woods or deep into the forest, you will find large Bracket fungi fruits growing on the largest trees in steps updwards; clusters of mushrooms sprouting from tree trunks; crusts and jellies spread out on dead branches and fallen logs; striking Jelly Ears in bright transparent orange with a velvet-like soft skin shaped like ears.
In hedgerows and field edges, February brings the first new shoots of Cow Parsley, Nettles and Hazel Catkins, otherwise known as Lambs Tails in readiness for the lambing season which runs through February, March and April, depending on the region and the breed. Snowdrops appear in their full glory towards the end of the month with golden Calendines splashed across fieds with colourful Crocuses and golden Daffodils on banks and borders. Other wildflowers start making an appearance in an array of buds including Primroses, Sweet Violets and Ox Eye Daisies.
As we continue to
help our feathered friends with wild bird food and fresh water, now is the time to venture out to find Badgers trails in the fields. Listen out for Voles and Fieldmice scurrying through the long grass, and look out for Toads, Slow-Worms and Grass Snakes who live unobtrusively in hidden corners. At night, as the sky darkens, step outside to gaze at the stars under the light of the Full Snow Moon.
Moon phases
- Sunday 1 February - FULL SNOW MOON in Leo
- Tuesday 17 February - NEW WORM MOON in Aquarius
Sunrise and sunset (Devon, British Isles)
- Sunday 1 February - Sunrise (7.50 am) - Sunset (5.06 pm)
- Saturday 28 February - Sunrise (7.01 am) - Sunset (5.54 pm)
Zodiac Signs
- Aquarius - January 20 to February 18
- Pisces - February 19 to 20 March
February's flower - Violets
There are two hundred species of flower in the Violet family, the scented Sweet Violet being the most common with deep green heart-shaped leaves. Violets are known for their delicate beauty and fragrance
These pretty purple flowers are forever linked with the month of romance through the Roses are red, violets are blue' which dates back to Edmund Spenser's 1590 nursery rhyme, The Faerie Queene.
They have been used to make perfume throughout history and were used to create early household deodorants in medieval Britain. Sweet violets are edible and are often added to salads or candied to decorate cakes, ice creams and desserts.
February's birthstone - Amethyst
February’s birthstone is the exquisitely romantic and instantly recognisable Amethyst crystal stone which was once considered to be as precious as Ruby. It was believed to protect the wearer from negative energies and harm. Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, believed the Anethyst could prevent intoxication.
Medieval soldiers wore Amethyst amulets to keep them safe in battles and during the Renaissance stones were often fashioned into the shape of a bear as another protective charm.
Amethyst is a multidimensional purple quartz gemstone that offers a range of energetic properties. It creates a protective bubble to maintain a clear space for mental clarity and physical vibrancy. It brings calmness, spiritual awareness and purification by connecting the Third Eye to the Crown Chakra. This enhances intuition, facilitates deep meditation or sleep, relieves stress and protects against negativity.
February's Folklore
- When the cat lies in the Sun in February, she will creep behind the stove in March.
- Of all the months of the year, curse a fair February.
- If it thunders in February, it will frost in April.
- If February give much snow, fine Summer it doth foreshow.
February's Quote
Every February, when the days grow long enough, the Sun brings hope for new beginnings.
Louise Hay
I hope you enjoy making the most of Nature through February for your good health, happiness and wellbeing. I look forward to seeing you here for the next Almanac on 1 March 2026.
Sue Cartwright
Spiral Leaf
Thank you for sharing!
for you, for me and for Mother Nature
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