As Imbolc arrives, the South West begins its slow, shimmering shift toward spring. Out on the land — even with Somerset still holding the memory of floodwater — there’s a quiet magic in the air: snowdrops nodding beside stone walls, skylarks testing their voices, and the soft click of a prism finding its laser again. Surveying at this time of year becomes an act of listening, of noticing the earth’s first whisper of renewal.

What really happens when you’re surveying rural Somerset? From curious cows and hidden bogs to tractors that appear out of nowhere, life as a land surveyor isn’t always as straightforward as it looks. In this light‑hearted yet practical blog, Phil shares the unexpected challenges of working across Somerset’s farms, fields and footpaths — along with essential safety tips for landowners preparing their sites.