Wild flowers

[Mr Mike]

Not exactly a flower, but sort of, fruiting bodies on a lichen. Near Greengill Hush, Nenthead

 

[Lankyman]

Out today and it's quite windy but getting more summery. This crab apple was in full bloom. Last year it was loaded with fruit like the wild damsons nearby and carpeted the path. It was a 'mast year' - like a coordinated conspiracy by the trees apparently to overwhelm their enemies.

Along by the canal the shaded bits of woodland are full of wild garlic but it will be shrivelling up before long. There was a steep bank full of the stuff.

Even more red campion out now

 

[Cantclimbtom]

Lovely photo Lankyman!
But posting so many photos of *white* flowers?
You're going to have to redress the balance by posting more Red ones before we start questioning your username

 

[Lankyman]

But posting so many photos of *white* flowers?
You're going to have to redress the balance by posting more Red ones before we start questioning your username

In my defence the apple blossom had a definite pink hue - I blame the cheap Chinese phone camera!

 

[langcliffe]

In my defence the apple blossom had a definite pink hue - I blame the cheap Chinese phone camera!

Definitely a pink hue! It's rather beautiful.

 

[Lankyman]

Another one from yesterday - ivy-leaved toadflax (love the name!). It was sprouting in several places from the gaps in the stonework of a canal bridge. It's a lovely little wild flower but I know from experience that it can try to take over.

 

[Fulk]

Well, the last few days have been good for seeing wild flowers in all their glory, but on several walks recently I've found it quite depressing that in spite of the abundance of flowers, I've seen very few insects – no bees, just a few butterflies, and not much else.

 

[Lankyman]

Well, the last few days have been good for seeing wild flowers in all their glory, but on several walks recently I've found it quite depressing that in spite of the abundance of flowers, I've seen very few insects – no bees, just a few butterflies, and not much else.

I haven't been observant enough over the years to decide this for myself. I think people like Butterfly Conservation and the RSPB have been saying for a long time that insect numbers and the creatures that rely on them for food have been in decline over much of our countryside. I've always avoided gardening (it rates slightly above DIY and decorating as my least favourite activity) but I have decided to put plants in tubs around the place to try and attract a bit more insect life. The birds will then enjoy eating them ...

 

[pwhole]

 

[pwhole]

 

[bagpuss]

Well, the last few days have been good for seeing wild flowers in all their glory, but on several walks recently I've found it quite depressing that in spite of the abundance of flowers, I've seen very few insects – no bees, just a few butterflies, and not much else.

We've seen a good variety down south, lots of bee, beetles and insects, some butterflies but still a bit early for loads.

 

[bagpuss]

Garlic taking over from bluebells

First time I've noticed cowslip in a local field

 

[Pegasus]

Back to Oxenber - followed by chippie tea in Settle with friends - a perfect evening

 

[Mr Mike]

Horse chestnut at Rivington.

 

[bagpuss]

Around Burrington Combe, Mendip today

Early Purple Orchid

Bluebell and Greater Stichwort

Wild strawberry

Mouse Ear

Cowslip

 

[Mr Dinwiddy]

This is herb Paris. Photo taken today in a limestone wood on the edge of Morecambe Bay

 

[Lankyman]

This is herb Paris. Photo taken today in a limestone wood on the edge of Morecambe BayView attachment 25981

I've walked through many limestone woods on the edge of Morecambe Bay and never knowingly seen this.

 

[bagpuss]

I've walked through many limestone woods on the edge of Morecambe Bay and never knowingly seen this.

They've also got some in Longwood on Mendip

 

[bagpuss]

Visited Nyland Hill on the Somerset levels today, it previously would have been an island amongst flooded marshes. Saw some familiar wild flowers but also a few I've had to look up, feel free to correct if I've got any wrong!

Common Storks Bill

Birds Foot Trefoil

Spotted Medic

Dog Rose

Cut-leaved Crane's-bill

Scarlet Pimpernel, not yet fully open

Mouse Ear Hawkweed

Hop Trefoil

Lesser Trefoil

 

[Lankyman]

Visited Nyland Hill on the Somerset levels today, it previously would have been an island amongst flooded marshes. Saw some familiar wild flowers but also a few I've had to look up, feel free to correct if I've got any wrong!

Common Storks Bill
View attachment 25985
Birds Foot Trefoil
View attachment 25986
Spotted Medic
View attachment 25987
Dog Rose
View attachment 25988
Cut-leaved Crane's-bill
View attachment 25989
Scarlet Pimpernel, not yet fully open
View attachment 25991
Mouse Ear Hawkweed
View attachment 25992
Hop Trefoil
View attachment 25993
Lesser Trefoil
View attachment 25994

It just shows how much more advanced the season is further south. I don't think any of those flowers are about in northern Lancs right now? In fact, we seem to have gone back into reverse - it's been bloody cold today after temperatures in the twenties centigrade recently.