Top Twelve Orchid Days Out

3–Hampshire in May

LOCATION: North-east Hampshire, East Sussex.

SPECIES: Sword-leaved and White Helleborine (plus hybrids) Fly orchid including Ochroleuca form, Bird’s-nest orchid, Burnt orchid, plus if you take the extra trip, Greater Tongue and Loose-Flowered orchids.

DIFFICULTY/TIME: Easy walking in woodland at Chappett’s copse, some uphill at Noar Hill, and typical downland walking at Martin Down. Allow a full day as there is much to enjoy at all three sites. Wakehurst Place is easy walking.

WHEN: Third week in May

The reserves of Chappett’s copse and Noar Hill are famous amongst orchid hunters, as each has the largest population in the UK of one of the species -in the case of Chappett’s copse Sword-leaved Helleborine and Noar Hill, Musk orchid- but you will be too early for the latter on this visit.

Starting at Chappett’s copse will bring you a big injection of orchid satisfaction and even if you have already seen Sword-leaved Helleborine at another site in the UK, you will be unprepared for the sheer spectacle of the woodland glades at this wonderful site.

The reserve is managed by the Hampshire and IOW wildlife trust (HIOWWT) and is situated a mile from the little village of West Meon.

A link to the reserve including its location is here;https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/chappetts-copse-nature-reserve

Go east out of West Meon and turn right into Coombe Lane. The reserve is visible through the trees on your left as you head south, and after roughly 1km you will see the entrance to the reserve and car park just in from the road on the left, announced by a small sign below.

Turn left onto the small track and park anywhere along here leaving room for others to get in and out. A sign announces the entrance to the reserve, the main level track runs parallel to and just in from the road, heading back north. You will start to see Sword-leaved Helleborines very soon after you have set off, but keep walking until a glade opens up on your right, and stop to take in the sheer spectacle of hundreds of stately white-flowered Sword Helleborines littering the woodland floor.

Small paths have been created between the orchids and the Dog’s Mercury, to allow visitors to enjoy the orchids up close and personal. Please stick to these mini-paths, as hidden amongst the ground vegetation’s, Bird’s-nest orchid and Fly orchid lurk, less obvious than the main attraction.

Fly Orchid

The latter two species should be relatively easy to find near the main path and just off it into this glade, but slow walking and careful observation is required to spot them poking out of the Dog’s Mercury in the dappled sunlight. Also in this main glade you might spot one or two much taller plants and closer inspection should reveal that they are the hybrids between Sword-leaved and White Helleborines. The hybrids, apart from being taller tend to show the flower-head like the Sword-leaved, but with leaves like that of White Helleborine and are quite subtle upon first inspection. There are usually a few telltale White Helleborines much smaller nearby.

Taking a walk through the various tracks around the woodland will reveal more examples of all the species, as well as Common Twayblades and a few Common Spotted orchids coming into flower.

Once you have enjoyed the woodland spectacle at Chappett’s copse, take the short 11 mile journey to  Noar Hill National Nature Reserve, just south of Selbourne – former home of the famous Gilbert White. Details of this HIOWWT reserve, including warden’s contact information, can be found on their website https://www.hiwwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/noar-hill-nature-reserve

To get to the reserve, drive south out of Selbourne and turn right onto the lane signposted East Tisted, then bear left after c1/2mile following the sign to Noar Hill. Park safely alongside the road just before Charity Farm as shown below.

Walk along the gravelled track to the left here, and then follow the footpath sign left again and uphill into the trees. There is more than one way into the reserve from this track, but continue uphill until you see access signs on the left.

Taking any of the tracks will bring you up some steep banks onto the disused pits, with narrow pathways running through them. All of the chalk downland here is covered in orchids of three main species; Common Spotted, Chalk Fragrant and Pyramidal Orchid, as well as the site speciality, Musk Orchid. This site has probably the largest population of this latter species in the country, but you will have to have very good and practised

eyes to see them this early, although one or two might just be starting to bud during the

third week of May.

Two other species to look for here are Frog Orchid, which is scattered in small numbers around the old chalk pits – and hybridises with Common Spotted

Orchid occasionally, so look out for those – and Fly Orchid.

The latter can be found about halfway along the southern end of the old chalk workings, especially in newly cleared areas just in from the trees. Among the small population of Fly Orchids, one or two all-green “ochroleuca” forms flower every year.

“Ochroleuca” Fly orchid

Noar Hill is another site that benefits from time spent wandering slowly through its different habitats. Later on in the season, Violet Helleborine can be seen in the woodland of High Wood Hanger, on the north side of the reserve, viewed from the path at the edge of the downland walks.

Third and final site of the day is nearly 60 miles to the west, and only just inside the Hampshire border. Martin Down is a National Nature Reserve on the border with Wiltshire, south west of Salisbury and just south of the main A354.

However, to find its speciality, the Burnt Orchid, it is easier to park in the Lower Car Park, situated at the end of Sillen Lane, just west of the village of Martin itself. The postcode for the car park is SP6 3LP. From here walk west, continuing along the main track, then bear left after approximately 400m. Checking either side of this main path should produce small numbers of Burnt orchids.

Burnt orchid

They can occur almost anywhere between the car park and the edge of the reserve, a further 500m on, however. If you have never seen the species before you will probably be surprised at how small they are! Once you find one, check the immediate area, as they tend to grow in scattered groups. Also in this area are Greater Butterfly orchids. Walking right (north) towards the A354 will also produce Green-winged as well as more Burnt orchids.

This reserve is fantastic for butterflies and birds too, with Adonis, Small Blue and Dingy Skipper and for birds Turtle Dove, Grey Partridge, Cuckoo and Corn Bunting – all species that have declined terribly in the last 50 years. You may even be lucky enough to see a Stone Curlew!

If you are making a weekend visit you could get two extra species that aren’t a 100% “wild” and visit Wakehurst Place near Crawley. Wakehurst is Kew’s “wild botanic garden”, and houses the Millenium Seedbank.

The orchid section of the gardens has a small and

diminishing population of introduced Loose-flowered orchids. In amongst them are some Greater Tongue Orchids which may have come in unintentionally with the Loose-flowered Orchids.

Emailing Wakehurst in advance will get you specific information on how to see these two semi-natives. Email them at wakehurst@kew.org; this is better than calling, as your enquiry can be passed to someone with specific knowledge. Beware, last entry to Wakehurst gardens is 4pm!

Written by Sean Cole of @ukorchids

Sean has been interested in orchids for over twenty years, and is co-author of the forthcoming book “Britain’s Orchids” from Wildguides.

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2019/03/26/top-twelve-orchid-days-out/

Top 12 Orchid Days Out

2–IRELAND IN MAY

LOCATION: The Burren, County Clare.

SPECIES: Early Purple, Irish Marsh, Early Marsh var. Cruenta, Fly and Dense-flowered Orchids.

DIFFICULTY/TIME: Mostly easy walking, but some negotiation of limestone pavement can be hazardous. This trip is organised on a weekend basis.

WHEN: Dense-flowered orchid goes over very quickly as it is self-pollinated, and Early & Irish Marsh flower a little later, so the second or third week of May (around 15th-20th) is best. Seasons vary according to the weather however – keep an eye on @ukorchids for news. It is often quite difficult to get all the specialities in flower on the same short trip.

ITINERARY: All the specialities can be seen around the shore of Lough Gealain, which is a Turlough – or temporary lake – that dries out in the summer. It is situated to the south west of Mullagh Moor, which provides a spectacular backdrop to your orchid hunting. See here for guided walks around the area:

https://www.burrennationalpark.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/BurrenWalkingTrailMap.jpg

The narrow road that runs across the south-eastern corner allows easy access to the pavement between it and the Lough. Early Purple Orchids abound here, and a few Fly Orchids can be found, along with Irish Marsh and Early Marsh and the distinctive ‘Cruenta’ variety. Dense-flowered is to be found in small numbers close to the road, on the grassy patches among the pavements. Try parking around here: 52.996011, -9.023681 and exploring the area between the natural “cliff” and the drystone wall, shown below, as well as beyond this natural cliff.

The western end of the Lough between the road and the Lough is usually productive. Don’t forget also to drive a little further north and have a look at “Father Ted’s House” further along the road just to the north of here, near Cloon!

Dense-flowered Orchid

A second place to check for Dense-flowered Orchid is just north of the Caher river, east of Fanore and just south of Black Head. Park in the lay-by at 53.125320, -9.273208 and cross the river, going into the walled, terraced field and checking the grassy bank near the two large boulders. Common Spotted Orchid also occurs here in the white form, sometimes referred to as “okellyi”.

If neither of these sites produces the species you want, pay a visit to the Burren Visitor centre in Church street, Corofin, where if the right person is in, they can provide specific directions. Much  more information is available on the National Park website: https://www.burrennationalpark.ie/

Specifically, they have a section on the flora, including orchids: https://www.burrennationalpark.ie/gallery-wildlife/flora/

Fly Orchid

Remember, the Burren isn’t just about the orchids-you will be blown away by the sheer numbers of Spring Gentians, and might like to look out for some of the other specialities such as Large Butterwort and Pyramidal Bugle.

Whilst in the area, a visit to the Cliffs of Moher is a must. Spectacular views, countless seabirds and of course the obligatory visitor centre can be found here. Half of Dusty Springfield’s ashes are scattered here – you can go to the place where the other half are, later in this series!

https://www.cliffsofmoher.ie/

To visit the area, flights into Galway or Limerick are the closest access points.

Written by Sean Cole of @ukorchids.

Sean has been passionate about orchids for nearly 20 years and is the co-author of the forthcoming book “Britain’s Orchids” from Wildguides.

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2019/02/17/top-12-orchid-days-out-2/

Top 12 Orchid Days Out

 

       1 – DORSET IN APRIL

LOCATION: Isle of Purbeck, starting in Swanage.

SPECIES: Early Spider, Early Purple, Green-winged Orchids.

DIFFICULTY/TIME: Walking along coastal path and on sloping downs. Allow 4-5 hours.

WHEN: If you choose the second or third week of April, all three species will be in the greatest numbers. Seasons vary according to the weather however – keep an eye on @ukorchids for news.

This is the classic early orchid trip of the season, seeing a Dorset speciality and two other early-flowering species, all of which occur in large numbers in this area. As well as beautiful coastal scenery and a relatively easy walk, Durlston Country Park has excellent facilities to rest and eat. If you are interested in other forms of wildlife, there are butterflies and birds to look out for too.

Start by parking in the main car park near to the visitor centre at Durlston Country Park, Lighthouse Rd, Swanage BH19 2JL. This is signed from the town centre in Swanage.

Call in at the Visitor Centre, as the rangers and wardens there will know which spots in the area are best for the Early Spider Orchids at that particular time. Guided walks are also available if you wish to make it even easier! In 2019, the Early Spider walk is on Sunday 28th April and costs £3.

See this link: https://www.durlston.co.uk/events.aspx https://www.durlston.co.uk/events.aspxand check the calendar for April 2019.

In 2016 and 2017 approximately 1,000 Early Spider Orchids were found on the reserve, along with up to 2,000 Early Purple and 655 Green-winged. See all the yearly totals here: https://www.durlston.co.uk/wildlife-and-marine-Wild-flowers-Orchids.aspx

 

Early Spider Orchid

 

If you choose to go it alone, and there is nobody in the visitor centre to ask, then there are two easy to find places where the Early Spiders can be found.

1. Walk past the visitor centre building from the car park and take the footpath through the gate out onto the first open field. There is a path that goes downhill though the middle of it, and the orchids are close to the left hand side of the path, about halfway down. SZ029773

2. From the VC, walk down towards the Anvil Point Lighthouse. Between the main tarmac path and the upper one is some open downland, and there are patches of ESO in this, along with both EPO and GWO. SZ022770

Both areas are marked on the map below.

The walk down to the lighthouse will not only afford beautiful views, but at this time of year you could also look out for Dingy Grizzled and Skipper butterflies, and offshore you might find Guillemots, Gannets and other seabirds or spy the local Peregrine Falcon hunting along the cliffs.

 

Early Purple Orchid

If this spot doesn’t provide enough orchid satisfaction, there is only one thing to do, and that is to continue west towards Dancing Ledge, three kilometres along the coastal path. All three species of orchid at Durlston can be found close to the coastal path along this stretch in impressive numbers. The slopes west of Dancing Ledge itself have a particularly fantastic display of Early Spider Orchid. If you are feeling patient and in need of a rest after your bracing coastal walk, sit down amongst them and look out for their pollinating bees visiting the flowers and trying to mate with them!

Whilst here, you could also search the recently-found Sawfly Orchid, a single plant of which lurks on these slopes amongst the Early Spiders, though it has not flowered since 2016.

From Dancing Ledge you can take the footpath up the valley into Worth Matravers, have some lunch in the Square and Compass pub before taking a bus back to your starting point in Swanage. Or, simply retrace your steps and enjoy the orchids all over again – I can guarantee you will spot many that you missed on the way out! If you take this route, I would recommend lunch at the ‘Seventh Wave’ at Durlston Country Park.

 

Green-winged Orchid

CAN’T MAKE DORSET?

If for some reason Dorset is beyond your reach, the alternative for these species is to travel to Kent, to Samphire Hoe near Dover for the Early Spider Orchids, then on to Marden Meadows National Nature Reserve, south of Maidstone, which has the UK’s largest population of Green-winged Orchids.

Written by Sean Cole of @ukorchids

Sean has been passionate about orchids for nearly 20 years, and is co-author of the forthcoming book “Britain’s Orchids” from Wildguides.

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2019/02/01/top-12-orchid-days-out/

Podcast: Men who stare at orchids

The latest episode of the #wildflowerhour podcast includes an interview with a man who has created a wild orchid haven in his back garden, a look at Orchid Hunter Leif Bersweden’s adventures studying orchids for his PhD, and another one of those lovely readings from Zoe Devlin’s book, Blooming Marvellous.

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/06/24/podcast-men-who-stare-at-orchids/

June spotter sheets

How are your children getting on with our junior section, #HerbologyHunt? Here’s our June spotter sheet – happy hunting!

Click on the image below to download the sheet.

 

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/06/17/june-spotter-sheets/

Podcast: Plants ARE cool

In the latest #wildflowerhour podcast, Isabel Hardman challenges Dr Jonathan Mitchley of the University of Reading to explain why plants are important and even cool. We also hear a reading from Zoe Devlin’s lovely book, Blooming Marvellous, and find out about why Dom Price from the Species Recovery Trust likes to lie down in fields and stare at ants.

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/05/25/podcast-plants-are-cool/

Hedgerow challenge – the highlights

I don’t know about bustling, the hedgerows the length and breadth of Britain and Ireland must have been heaving, as so many of you took part in the hedgerow challenge!

Billowing swathes of Cow Parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris can typically be found making a frothy ‘skirt’ at the base of the hedgerow. Our featured image is a striking photograph of this plant by Grantham Ecologist.

May is such a lovely intoxicating month, from the very first opening of the hawthorn, a glorious floral profusion ensues, seemingly all at once!

You spotted bluebells, red campion, greater stitchwort, garlic mustard, cuckoo pint, forget-me-nots and speedwells and so much more!

Jane Rock found a gorgeous kaleidoscope of colour in her selection of hedgerow plants in the image above.

You can see the rest of your wonderful finds in the collection below.

Thank you so much for taking part.

#hedgerowchallenge – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/05/08/hedgerow-challenge-the-highlights/

Podcast: A violet obsession

In the latest episode of the #wildflowerhour podcast, we find out about Moira O’Donnell’s love of violets, discover one of your favourite nature reserves, and learn about the fight to save Oxfordshire’s endangered plants.

You can listen to this podcast on iTunes, Acast, Stitcher, Spotify and all other good podcast platforms. Just let us know if it doesn’t turn up on yours and we’ll add our feed. Please also considering leaving a review of the show as it helps other people find it more easily which means that more people will learn about how amazing the native flowers of Britain and Ireland really are.

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/29/podcast-a-violet-obsession/

May spotter sheets

Just in time for the bank holiday weekend, the latest #herbologyhunt spotter sheets are now live! These are free for anyone who wants to introduce their children to wild flowers – and we’d love to hear from you as you try to find the flowers on the May sheet. If you want your child to join the Wild Flower Society as a #HerbologyHunt member, then they’ll get printed copies of the spotter sheets, along with a free hand lens. More details on how to join here.

Click on the image of the sheet to download it.

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/05/04/may-spotter-sheets/

Challenge: Hedgerow plants

Like myself, I suspect many of our Wildflowerhour members have a real fondness for the hedgerow.

Being in possession of a small dog, I personally seem to spend an inordinate amount of time peering into their intriguing leafy depths, whilst my hairy companion sniffs furiously in the vegetation at my feet.

There is of course so much going on in a hedge, a vital habitat providing shelter and nourishment for much of our wildlife.

Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, pictured above is the larval food plant for the Orange-tip butterfly and can commonly be seen growing at the bottom of the hedgerow.

Interesting plants are to be found clambering and twining their way through the branches whilst other species can be spotted growing in the more sheltered position at its base.

So this week’s challenge is a simple one. Find a hedge and see which plants are in flower.

Post your pics on Twitter, Instagram or in our Facebook group this Sunday using the hashtag #hedgerowchallenge.

Don’t worry if you can’t name your finds, our lovely Wildflowerhour community is always happy to help.

Happy flower hunting!

#hedgerowchallenge – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/05/02/challenge-hedgerow-plants/

Bluebell challenge- the highlights

Wildflowerhour this week was a glorious shimmering sea of blue, as so many of you joined in with the #bluebellchallenge!

You captured some incredible images. The talented @JoAnnuniki took this week’s star image above.

The beautiful photograph below of the native Hyacinthoides non-scripta was taken by @sarah_lambert7.

A striking very pale form of our native bluebell was spotted by @chilternwoods.

The hybrid bluebells that you found were, as to be expected, highly variable and differing in shape, hue and the arrangement of the individual flowers.

In this image snapped by @KateGold24 the blue anthers are clearly visible.

A carpet of bluebells is a breathtaking sight, further enhanced by the bluebells delightful fragrance. In this beautiful photograph by @dorsetphill you can almost imagine yourself lost amongst the delicate blooms.

We hope you enjoyed the #bluebellchallenge. Thank you so much for taking part!

More of your gorgeous finds can be seen in the collection below.

#bluebellchallenge – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/30/bluebell-challenge-the-highlights/

Challenge: English Bluebell, Spanish Bluebell or hybrid?

There are few sights more enchanting  than that of a woodland carpeted with an expanse of the English Bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta.

Alarming then, that in recent years there has been talk of an alien invader, a conquistador, in the form of the Spanish Bluebell, posing a threat to our much-loved English native.

You can hear Isabel Hardman and Mick Crawley discussing this very topic on the latest Wildflower Half Hour podcast!

For this week’s challenge we thought it would be a bit of fun for you to find a Bluebell and then work out whether it’s English, Spanish or the hybrid between the two!

So how do you tell the difference between the Spanish and the English and what does their hybrid off-spring look like?

English Bluebell

Above is a lovely English Bluebell spotted  by wildflowerhour member @juhaynes_93.

In a nutshell, the English Bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta has narrow leaves between 1-1.5cm with hooded tips, slender sky-blue flowers which are sweetly scented.

The flowers also have straight parallel sides and droop elegantly to one side. Look inside the flower and the anthers are creamy-white.

Spanish Bluebell

Rarely encountered outside gardens, the Spanish Bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica has broader, fleshier leaves, 3cm wide.

Generally scentless, the flowers are a paler blue and the overall shape is a wider, flared bell-shape. Each flower is held more erectly on the stem. Look inside and the stamens are pale blue.

Hybrid Bluebell

Above is a lovely image of a hybrid Bluebell snapped by @Airerys.

As you may expect, the hybrid off-spring, Hyacinthoides x massartiana has a blend of its parents’ characteristics.

This plant is variable, the leaves may be between 1-3.5cm wide. The flowers are paler and more widely bell-shaped than its English parent.

The flowers are arranged stiffly and spirally around the stem and so has an upright look. Peer inside and the stamens may be blue or cream.

This is a very simplified round up! Don’t worry if you can’t identify your Bluebell. The lovely wildflowerhour community will be on standby to help.

Post your pics for #wildflowerhour this Sunday on Twitter, Instagram or in our Facebook group using the hashtag #bluebellchallenge.

Happy Bluebell hunting!

For inspiration below are some other #wildflowerhour members Bluebell finds.

#bluebellchallenge – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/26/challenge-english-bluebell-spanish-bluebell-or-hybrid/

Woodland plants – the highlights

What an amazing Wildflowerhour! Woodland up and down Britain must have been alive with Wildflowerhour members this week, as so many of you took part in the #woodlandlants challenge!

You didn’t just find the beautiful Bluebell either!

This week’s featured image is the stunning Herb Paris photographed by @MoiraVelli. Its Latin name is Paris quadrifolia, but perhaps this particular plant should be renamed!

Other lovely finds include Town Hall clock, Adoxa moschatellina, found by @JonathanPembs.

A magnificent Lords and Ladies, Arum maculatum spotted by @thorogoodchris1.

Finally, the #woodlandplants challenge wouldn’t be complete without our native Bluebell, Hyacinthoides non-scripta. @DavidBBurbidge took a perfect shot complete with a gorgeous Early-purple Orchid, Orchis mascula.

The rest of your wonderful #woodlandplants finds can be seen in the collection below.

Special thanks to all of you for taking part!

Have a lovely week and happy flower hunting.

#woodlandplants – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/23/woodland-plants-the-highlights/

Podcast: Fake news and frauds

On the latest episode of the #wildflowerhour podcast, Isabel Hardman interviews Professor Mick Crawley about the English Bluebell and the threat from its Spanish relative and hears about the great botanical fraud of the 20th century from the journalist who revealed the full story, Karl Sabbagh.

You can listen to this podcast on iTunes, Acast, Stitcher, Spotify and all other good podcast platforms. Just let us know if it doesn’t turn up on yours and we’ll add our feed. Please also considering leaving a review of the show as it helps other people find it more easily which means that more people will learn about how amazing the native flowers of Britain and Ireland really are.

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/22/podcast-fake-news-and-frauds/

Challenge: Woodland Plants

If you go down to the woods this weekend, hopefully you will be in for a big surprise – of the botanical kind!

With the recent warm temperatures woodland plants should be burgeoning, like these gorgeous Wood Anemones, Anemone nemerosa.

This week’s challenge is very simple, visit your nearest or favourite area of woodland and see what you can find in flower.

Share your pics this Sunday between 8-9pm on Twitter, Instagram or in our Facebook group. Use the hashtag #woodlandplants.

Picnics and teddy bears are optional.

For inspiration here’s what some other Wildflowerhour members have been finding.

#woodlandplants – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/20/challenge-woodland-plants/

On the verge: the highlights

Well, you have certainly found some stunning road verges this week!

The featured image is of a glorious carpet of Wood Anemones, Anemone nemerosa snapped by @KateGold24

Throughout the week you have spotted a profusion of Primroses, Cowslips, Cuckoo flowers, Bluebells and Wood Anemones!

This charming Pembrokeshire verge was photographed by @JonathanPembs

@dolly_and_dj found this lovely carpet of Sweet Violets, Viola odorata growing alongside a busy bypass!

The eagle-eyed amongst you managed to spot Danish Scurveygrass, Cochlearia danica as featured in last week’s podcast episode. This one was found by @PinkfootedGus on the central reservation of the A96.

Many of you also found a diminutive plant which is often overlooked.

The lovely Ground Ivy, Glechoma hederacea, a frequent resident of roadside verges. Up close the flowers are beautiful. This fabulous image was captured by wildflowerhour member @Barbus59

Lastly to finish this gorgeous verge full of Primrose, Primula vulgaris Spotted by @rosebroadly

Thank you so much for taking part in the #ontheverge challenge. Wishing you all a week of happy flower hunting!

The rest of your fantastic #ontheverge finds can be seen in the collection below.

#ontheverge – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/16/on-the-verge-the-highlights/

Challenge: On the verge

This week’s challenge is super simple!

We are asking you to check what’s in flower on the road verges!

If you have been listening to the Wildflowerhour podcasts, you will know how important our roadside verges are and how they form a linear sanctuary for many species of our wild flora.

So go out and see what is in flower on a verge near you, photograph what you find and post your pics using the hashtag #ontheverge for #wildflowerhour this Sunday 8-9pm on Twitter, Instagram or in our Facebook group.

Don’t worry if you can’t name your finds the lovely friendly community of Wildflowerhour will be on standby to help you.

Happy hunting!

#ontheverge – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/10/challenge-on-the-verge/

Podcast: The wild flower that inspired LSD

In the latest episode of the Wild Flower (Half) Hour, Isabel Hardman explores some of your favourite nature reserves, learns about a very popular roadside verges plant, and discovers the plant that inspired the creation of LSD.

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/09/podcast-the-wild-flower-that-inspired-lsd/

Lily challenge-the highlights

A host of golden daffodils is this week’s highlight and featured image, fittingly from the heart of Wordsworth country!

A beautiful shot of our native wild daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus ssp pseudonarcissus taken at Grizedale by Wildflowerhour founder @issybryonyh

This gorgeous shot of the Snake’s-head Fritillary, Fritillaria meleagris was taken by Wildflowerhour member @JoAnnunaki

@potager_cook found Allium triquetrum flowering in North London, a pretty but invasive alien species.

The curious Butcher’s Broom, Ruscus aculeatus photographed by @KateGold24

After the recent significant  reclassification of the Lily family, Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, Gagea lutea, now considered by Stace, to be our only native member of the Liliaceae. This shot taken by @Huffy_Bird

Finally, several of you found bluebells just coming into bloom. This lovely shot of our native bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta is by @LeifBerwedsen

This week’s #wildflowerhour really felt as if Spring is here at last!

The rest of your fabulous #lilychallenge finds can be seen in the collection below.

Thank you so much for taking part!

 

#lilychallenge – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

 

 

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/09/lily-challenge-the-highlights/

Challenge: Find a member of the Lily family

A new week, a new challenge! This week we would like you to try and find a member of the Lily family. Sounds simple enough, right?

Except, If you have listened to the latest podcast you will know it is not that straightforward, with significant reclassification of this former family.

However for the purposes of our challenge we are happy for you to follow the taxonomy as detailed in The Wildflower Key by Francis Rose.

The Lilaceae is a large family of diverse forms. Typically it can be  characterised by the flowers having six equal, similar perianth segments and usually having six stamens.

The perianth may be separate or fused and usually the ovary is three-celled and superior.

Many species of the Lily family flower in the Spring and you may see the Fritillary, Fritallaria meleagris which is just beginning to bloom.

The Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, Gagea lutea is also a member of this family.

As are the more familiar favourites of Daffodil, Bluebell, Snowdrop, Spring Squill and the Summer and Spring Snowflakes.

The Alliums are also members of the Lilaceae. You may spot Ramsons or Wild Garlic, Allium ursinum or Three-cornered Garlic, Allium triquetrum.

Some less obvious family members include Butcher’s-broom, Ruscus aculeatus, the Solomon’s-seals and Asparagus!

Flowering slightly later in the season, the beautiful and enigmatic Herb-Paris, Paris quadrifolia is also a member of the Lily family.

So as ever, have fun seeing what you can find!

Post your images for #wildflowerhour Sunday 8th April between 8-9pm using the hashtag #lilychallenge.

#lilychallenge – Curated tweets by wildflower_hour

from #wildflowerhour http://www.wildflowerhour.co.uk/blog/2018/04/03/challenge-find-a-member-of-the-lily-family/