Parkgate in the Spring Spring

Spring is here! Well, actually it depends on whether you consider it meteorologically, astronomically or by looking at what’s happening in your blooming garden. Either way, it is a joyous and fascinating time.

For me it is the vernal equinoctial spring tide that most clearly says spring has sprung. For the curious, spring here means ‘leap’, not the season, and spring tides happen throughout the year shortly after every full and new moon. The spring spring occurs during or near the vernal equinox when the sun, the moon and the earth’s equator align to produce higher spring tides and lower neap tides than usual. Of course, the same is true of the autumnal equinoctial spring tide.

Well, that’s the science out of the way. The significance of this time for me is no doubt due to the fact that we live on a peninsula and are surrounded by tidal water on three sides. But one place near us is particularly noteworthy and each year I endeavour to experience Parkgate in the spring spring - meteorological and astronomical conditions permitting. This year did not let us down.

Parkgate was once a thriving port but the accumulation of silt and canalisation of the river Dee has led to a gradual receding of the tidal limits. All is not lost, however, as the remaining salt marshes provide safe haven for a dazzling array of wildlife. Until, that is, the spring spring tide flushes the little critters out. Rodents run for their lives, birds of prey circle with intent, waterfowl and waders murmurate in confusion and the crowds watch in awe as the drama unfolds at Parkgate in the spring spring. Briefly it feels like a thriving Victorian seaside resort once more, for an hour or two at least - meteorological and astronomical conditions permitting.