WHAT a lovely surprise to find a clump of snowdrops in my garden this morning, a sure sign that spring is on the way.

So how disappointing on the same day to see a woman with a very large green plastic shopping bag, bending over and, I'm assuming, in the process of removing clumps of the same flowers, growing wild in the wood on the Monmouth to Clearwell road.

Chances are I would not have noticed her but for the large dog running around her feet, so it seems she had no problem with anyone seeing her.

Is this not the chance for everyone to spot the carpet of white, a sign that at last winter's on the way out?

Or is it OK for selfish people, who probably have the money to purchase snowdrops growing in pots, to just help themselves. Let's hope the said person sees this and will return the flowers so everyone can enjoy them!

– M. Davis, Lydney.