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Showing posts from April, 2024

The Knapp nature pond-2024-04-Apr

The Knapp nature pond-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Sun, 04/21/2024 - 19:43 * Read more about The Knapp nature pond-2024-04-Apr Sunny intervals but a chilly wind: * A five site circular today; Knowle, the pond, the Knapp, cemetery and Peasland * Lots of flowers but nothing new and noteworthy * Once again there are few birds and insects, maybe I am expecting too much for April? http://dlvr.it/T5q4RW

The Knowle-2024-04-Apr

The Knowle-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Sun, 04/21/2024 - 19:42 * Read more about The Knowle-2024-04-Apr Sunny intervals but a chilly wind: * A five site circular today; Knowle, the pond, the Knapp, cemetery and Peasland * Lots of flowers but nothing new and noteworthy * Once again there are few birds and insects, maybe I am expecting too much for April? http://dlvr.it/T5q4GZ

Bickwell-2024-04-Apr

Bickwell-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Sat, 04/20/2024 - 19:09 * Read more about Bickwell-2024-04-Apr Blue skies and less wind today making it really pleasant: * From Bickwell junction up to Bulverton Hill and back * Bulverton really is a disappointment but then it is a conifer plantation * Hardly any insects or birds again http://dlvr.it/T5nDtv

Greystone and Lydens Hill-2024-04-Apr

Greystone and Lydens Hill-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Sat, 04/20/2024 - 11:11 * Read more about Greystone and Lydens Hill-2024-04-Apr * 1 view Overcast and a cold, blustery wind: * Part of three site walk at Peak Wood, Peak Hill and Greystone Plantation * Too cold for insects but spring flowers in bloom now * First visit to Greystone for recording purposes http://dlvr.it/T5mQjM

Peak Hill-2024-04-Apr

Peak Hill-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Sat, 04/20/2024 - 11:11 * Read more about Peak Hill-2024-04-Apr Overcast and a cold, blustery wind: * Part of three site walk at Peak Wood, Peak Hill and Greystone Plantation * Too cold for insects but spring flowers in bloom now * First visit to Greystone for recording purposes http://dlvr.it/T5mQYz

Peak Wood-2024-04-Apr

Peak Wood-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Sat, 04/20/2024 - 11:10 * Read more about Peak Wood-2024-04-Apr * 2 views Overcast and a cold, blustery wind: * Part of three site walk at Peak Wood, Peak Hill and Greystone Plantation * Too cold for insects but spring flowers in bloom now * First visit to Greystone for recording purposes http://dlvr.it/T5mQQ0

Harpford Wood-2024-04-Apr

Harpford Wood-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Sat, 04/20/2024 - 09:23 * Read more about Harpford Wood-2024-04-Apr * 1 view Sunny intervals but a cold wind: * My first visit to walk the redundant railway line through the wood * Five new plant species to add to the website database so a good day! * Too cold for insects, just a couple of carder bees keeping warm in dandelion flower heads http://dlvr.it/T5m8CN

Salcombe Hill-2024-04-Apr

Salcombe Hill-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Tue, 04/16/2024 - 19:28 * Read more about Salcombe Hill-2024-04-Apr Sunny intervals but a chilly and blustery wind: * A 'four site' walk through Combe Head Wood, across the Soldier's Hill, back to the wood and then onto South Combe Farm coming back along Salcombe Hill * Bluebells and lesser celandine certainly the top species at the moment * Having done this site in April before I just recorded a few 'notables' http://dlvr.it/T5bQmV

South Combe Farm-2024-04-Apr

South Combe Farm-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Tue, 04/16/2024 - 19:27 * Read more about South Combe Farm-2024-04-Apr Sunny intervals but a chilly and blustery wind: * A 'four site' walk through Combe Head Wood, across the Soldier's Hill, back to the wood and then onto South Combe Farm coming back along Salcombe Hill * Bluebells and lesser celandine certainly the top species at the moment * A bit early in the year still for the fields to be at their best  http://dlvr.it/T5bQTl

Soldiers Hill-2024-04-Apr

Soldiers Hill-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Tue, 04/16/2024 - 19:26 * Read more about Soldiers Hill-2024-04-Apr Sunny intervals but a chilly and blustery wind: * A 'four site' walk through Combe Head Wood, across the Soldier's Hill, back to the wood and then onto South Combe Farm coming back along Salcombe Hill * Bluebells and lesser celandine certainly the top species at the moment * My first visit to Soldiers Hill, lots of lovely hedgerows http://dlvr.it/T5bQFM

Combe Head Wood-2024-04-Apr

Combe Head Wood-2024-04-Apr Peter Orchard Tue, 04/16/2024 - 19:25 * Read more about Combe Head Wood-2024-04-Apr * 2 views Sunny intervals but a chilly and blustery wind: * A 'four site' walk through Combe Head Wood, across the Soldier's Hill, back to the wood and then onto South Combe Farm coming back along Salcombe Hill * Bluebells and lesser celandine certainly the top species at the moment * I was surprised at the lack of flowers in the wood, I thought there would be more http://dlvr.it/T5bQ1C

Lower Sid-2024-02-Feb

Lower Sid-2024-02-Feb Peter Orchard Wed, 02/21/2024 - 19:47 * Read more about Lower Sid-2024-02-Feb * 2 views Weak sunshine and a fresh breeze: * First slow walk along this part of the river for a while * River is quite high and flowing quite fast after recent heavy rain * Still early in the year so not much to see http://dlvr.it/T5XZz1

Dogs Mercury

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Dogs Mercury Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:45 * Read more about Dogs Mercury * 4 views Species Photograph Title: Dog's Mercury: The Enigmatic Woodland Dweller In the shaded understory of woodlands across Europe, a subtle yet intriguing plant quietly carpets the forest floor: dog's mercury (Mercurialis perennis). Despite its unassuming appearance, this native perennial herb holds a place of significance in woodland ecosystems, offering insights into the intricate web of life that thrives beneath the canopy. Join us as we explore the captivating world of dog's mercury, uncovering its botanical features, ecological roles, and cultural connections. Botanical Overview: Dog's mercury, scientifically known as Mercurialis perennis, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is native to Europe, where it is commonly found in deciduous woodlands, hedgerows, and shady habitats. This herbaceous perennial plant grows f...

Petty Spurge

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Petty Spurge Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:47 * Read more about Petty Spurge * 2 views Species Photograph Title: Petty Spurge: The Small But Potent Medicinal Plant Petty Spurge (Euphorbia peplus) is a small annual plant with potent medicinal properties. Though often overlooked due to its diminutive size and inconspicuous appearance, this plant has a long history of traditional medicinal use and is recognized for its efficacy in treating various skin conditions. Let's explore the characteristics, uses, cultivation, and precautions associated with petty spurge. Characteristics: Petty spurge is a low-growing plant, typically reaching heights of 10 to 40 centimeters. It features smooth, hairless stems with narrow leaves arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The plant produces inconspicuous greenish flowers arranged in small clusters at the tips of the stems. One of the most distinctive features of petty spurge is i...

Common Field Speedwell

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Common Field Speedwell Peter Orchard Sun, 01/08/2023 - 14:45 * Read more about Common Field Speedwell Species Photograph Title: Unveiling the Delicate Beauty of Common Field Speedwell: Nature's Charming Trailblazer In the verdant meadows and along the sun-dappled edges of woodland paths, a delicate flower emerges, gracing the landscape with its tiny yet captivating presence. Common field speedwell (Veronica persica), also known as bird's-eye speedwell, is a diminutive wildflower that enchants all who encounter it. Despite its unassuming size, this plant holds a wealth of botanical intrigue and ecological significance. Join us as we explore the enchanting world of common field speedwell and uncover the secrets of its understated beauty. Identification and Appearance Common field speedwell is a herbaceous annual or perennial plant belonging to the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It is characterized by its low-growing ...

Cow Parsley

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Cow Parsley Peter Orchard Thu, 03/02/2023 - 19:14 * Read more about Cow Parsley Species Photograph Title: Cow Parsley: Nature's Delicate Wildflower Amidst the meadows and woodlands of temperate regions, a graceful and delicate wildflower adds a touch of ethereal beauty to the landscape. Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), with its lacy umbels of tiny white flowers and fern-like foliage, is a familiar sight in spring and early summer, enchanting all who behold its understated elegance. Let's explore the enchanting world of cow parsley, celebrating its botanical features, ecological role, and cultural significance. A Botanical Portrait: The Allure of Cow Parsley Belonging to the Apiaceae family, cow parsley is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is characterized by its tall, slender stems, which can reach heights of up to one meter (three feet), and its finely di...

Ivy-leaved Speedwell

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Ivy-leaved Speedwell Peter Orchard Mon, 02/27/2023 - 18:44 * Read more about Ivy-leaved Speedwell * 2 views Species Photograph Title: Ivy-Leaved Speedwell: A Delicate Gem of Spring Gardens In the verdant corners of gardens and woodland edges, a subtle beauty emerges with the arrival of spring—the Ivy-leaved Speedwell (Veronica hederifolia). This charming perennial plant, with its delicate foliage and dainty blossoms, adds a touch of elegance to early-season landscapes. Join us as we explore the enchanting world of Ivy-leaved Speedwell, uncovering its characteristics, cultivation tips, and ecological significance. Appearance and Characteristics: Ivy-leaved Speedwell is a low-growing herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. It is characterized by its distinctive ivy-shaped leaves, which are small, glossy, and deeply lobed, resembling those of ivy (Hedera spp.). The leaves form dense mats of foliage, ...

Hairy Bittercress

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Hairy Bittercress Peter Orchard Tue, 01/31/2023 - 19:48 * Read more about Hairy Bittercress * 1 view Species Photograph Title: Unveiling the Wonders of Hairy Bittercress: Nature's Tenacious Tiny Wonder In the realm of flora, amidst the sprawling tapestry of vibrant flowers and towering trees, lies a diminutive yet remarkable plant that often evades the spotlight—the Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta). Despite its unassuming stature, this unheralded herbaceous plant possesses a captivating story and an array of fascinating attributes that render it a noteworthy subject of botanical intrigue. Origins and Distribution Hairy Bittercress, a member of the mustard family (Brassicaceae), is native to Europe and Asia but has seamlessly integrated itself into diverse ecosystems across the globe. Its adaptability and resilience have facilitated its widespread presence, making it a familiar sight in gardens, lawns, disturbed soil...