Wild flowers

[Lankyman]

In recent years I've come to realise that I regard a fine display of wild flowers in much the same way as a fine display of formations underground. Here are some snowdrops a week or so ago on a track near Kirkby Lonsdale. In one part, the track is occupied by a running stream (with tufa deposits) so it's a bit like caving.

 

[Pitlamp]

Check out Cuddy Gill Pot No.1 (Ribblehead) around late May or early June. It's usually an absolute riot of wild flowers. Although 8 m deep the large pot hole is a simple walk down entrance, so easily viewed in surface gear if out for a stroll.

 

[langcliffe]

Lost Pot and BPOW are normally pretty impressive.

 

[Lankyman]

Yes, potholes are often like oases of flowering plants for the obvious reason they're away from nibbling teeth. I like to visit certain locations at the same time of the year just to see the flowers. There are some fantastic combinations of early purple orchids and cowslips to be seen together on the limestone benches above Twisleton Scars. In May/June it's bluebell time and some of the gills and rivers draining off Bowland are fantastic. I always associate the Dales with the smell of wild thyme which is often underfoot when walking on limestone.

 

[hyweldavies]

 

[bagpuss]

Some nice ones on a limestone hillfort this afternoon. I enjoy the micro detail of flowers as much as I do within formations.

 

[Lankyman]

View attachment 25336
View attachment 25337
View attachment 25338
Some nice ones on a limestone hillfort this afternoon. I enjoy the micro detail of flowers as much as I do within formations.

I've not spotted any violets yet and just the very occasional primrose. Possibly these things appear a bit later round here. It was cold again in Lancashire today but it might be warmer next week - looks like we're due a few sunny days in a row! I'm in the Lakes for a few days then - whoopee!

 

[tim.rose2]

Taken a couple of years ago...
Ashmore woods in Dorset.

 

[kay]

Just inside the wall round Great Douk is good in late summer for the scabious. I don’t know whether it’s still there, but the stream bank just outside the cave entrance was where I used to be able to find Town Hall Clock, named for its flowers set into a cube, like the 4 faces of a Town Hall clock.

 

[bagpuss]

I've not spotted any violets yet and just the very occasional primrose. Possibly these things appear a bit later round here. It was cold again in Lancashire today but it might be warmer next week - looks like we're due a few sunny days in a row! I'm in the Lakes for a few days then - whoopee!

We are near to Mendip so pretty far South. Primroses have been out for a while now. A great time to be in the lakes as spring is starting.

 

[Mr Dinwiddy]

The whole of the Ease Gill gorge is now free of sheep. From County pot right down to Leck Beck Head. This is mossy saxifrage in bloom with clumps of scaly male fern. It is of course a summer photo rather than one from February.

 

[Lankyman]

Just inside the wall round Great Douk is good in late summer for the scabious. I don’t know whether it’s still there, but the stream bank just outside the cave entrance was where I used to be able to find Town Hall Clock, named for its flowers set into a cube, like the 4 faces of a Town Hall clock.

I know scabious but had to look up Town Hall Clock - I'll have to keep an eye out for it!

 

[Lankyman]

View attachment 25341
The whole of the Ease Gill gorge is now free of sheep. From County pot right down to Leck Beck Head. This is mossy saxifrage in bloom with clumps of scaly male fern. It is of course a summer photo rather than one from February.

That's interesting. Why have the sheep been excluded?

 

[Fulk]

I used to see town hall clock quite often in Dentdale but I haven't spotted it for ages . . . maybe I'll go looking for it at Great Douk.
Meanwhile, here's a bluebell seen near Kirkby Lonsdale:

 

[Fulk]

And a bee orchid in the Morecambe Bay karst:

 

[Lankyman]

And a bee orchid in the Morecambe Bay karst:

I think I've seen that one. Have you seen the lady's slipper orchid in the same area? I think it still clings on despite being targeted a few years ago by the numpties.

 

[langcliffe]

Have you seen the lady's slipper orchid in the same area? I think it still clings on despite being targeted a few years ago by the numpties.

It's an immigrant!

https://www.independent.co.uk/voice...eat-secret-of-20thcentury-botany-1965607.html

The one near Grassington was, I believe, the sole surviving native plant, and has been used by Kew for re-populating appropriate places. I was told by someone who lived at Middle House Farm near Malhan, that 70 years ago they were relatively common.

 

[Fulk]

My late father-in-law was an eminent botanist and as a special privilege he was taken one day to see the Grassington specimen that, as langcliffe says, was believed to be the only remaining specimen from what used to be quite a large population.

However, when they arrived at the secret location, which was surrounded by fencing, they encountered a headless flower and a sheep munching contentedly alongside.

 

[Slug]

Ah, John and Wild Willy, a great live act. I'll show this post to Sally next time I see her....

 

[langcliffe]

My late father-in-law was an eminent botanist and as a special privilege he was taken one day to see the Grassington specimen that, as langcliffe says, was believed to be the only remaining specimen from what used to be quite a large population.

However, when they arrived at the secret location, which was surrounded by fencing, they encountered a headless flower and a sheep munching contentedly alongside.

It survived the experience. During the flowering season, and just before, it is wardened by volunteers who camp next to it.

Here's one from a group I encountered in Chartreuse. I think they're a bit gaudy for my taste.