Moss spores seize the day under bare trees

Wolsingham, Weardale With brighter light, mosses can reproduce - with structures of exquisite functional beauty

Today was the worst kind of winter day; short, sunless and cold. It took a real effort of will to leave home and walk muddy footpaths under drizzly skies, but I was glad that I did.

Everywhere there were signs of vigorous, bright green, new growth in the woodlands beside the river bank.