Editor’s Letter: March

March always feels like Derbyshire’s slowly waking up. The mornings are still slow to rouse, the air still holding onto winter’s chill, but there’s a quiet stirring now—of bulbs nudging through soil, of birds testing out their spring songs, and of us, perhaps, daring to believe in lighter days ahead. Of course, at the end of this month, we’ll see the clocks spring forward - a slight injustice that we’ll lose an hour of precious sleep, on Mother’s Day of all days - but that extra hour of daylight more than makes up for it.

Out in the hedgerows, catkins dangle like tiny golden caterpillars, and the first lambs are appearing in the fields, all knobbly knees and curious glances. There’s mud, of course—always mud—but it feels somehow more hopeful now, doesn’t it? A sign that the land is waking up, ready for the season to come.

This month, we’ll be foraging for wild garlic and digging up some early rhubarb. We’ll also be taking a walk around Lathkill Dale and soaking up the beautiful scenery.

Whether you’re reading this tucked up by the fire or with the back door open to the sound of blackbirds, I hope this months stories bring a little of the county’s quiet magic into your day.

Here’s to lengthening light, muddy boots, and the promise of spring.

Warmest wishes,
Olivia