A scattering of violets along the railway line
March 23, 2014
The raised embankment of the old railway line is not the warmest of spots in early March. A walk along this route just after dawn is sharpened by chill southerly winds which remind you that winter is not long past. Plant growth along the narrow path verges proceeds in spite of the cold. Cleavers, which don’t seem to have slowed down at all over Winter. Red Dead Nettle is already partly flowering and the grasses are growing. But is is the Sweet Violet which grabs the chance and flowers in abundance – a white which one could almost miss at ground level. i resist the temptation to test its scent.
If you have faith in the Herbal guides, a walk along the railway line in Brampton can seem like a cure-all. Not only by the pure pleasure of walking, but by careful scrutiny of the wild flowers and herbs which have colonised the banks and verges. The shallow soil and dry conditions form a habitat for many medicinal plants. This year’s late onset of warm weather has brought many species on together. Many, apparently, carry benefits to the digestion in it’s various stages (Cranesbill, Cleavers and Herb Bennett), give relief from cuts and stings (Plantain) and some have the additional benefit of treating sword wounds and warding off witches (St John’s Wort). Thankfully not much call for all of these in Brampton this year.
Butterflies
June 26, 2011
As the temperature rises, butterflies are out in profusion. The flowering Thistles along the Bure were especially attractive this morning. Large numbers of Small Tortoiseshells were accompanied by Meadow Browns , Large and Silver Spotted Skippers. Along the lanes Ringlet Butterflies emerge from their Bramble nurseries and the Speckled Wood basks near the Railway Bridge.
Welcome return of rain
June 26, 2011
The return of rain in June has been welcome and much needed. The local flora which had become dormant and parched during May has sprung back to a wholesome green. The arrival of the wild Mallow flowers has coincided with a second flush of Dandelion and those small spires of the village garden favourite, toadflax. Not the most inspiring name but a plant which is appreciated by bees. This is particularly the case for the Common Carder Bee. This is a member of the bumble bee family, albeit a more subtle fur of orange, russet and dark brownish black. I understand that the “carder” in the name is related to it’s habit of removing hair form plants to line it’s nest.
Sukebind Scent
June 11, 2011
This morning I walked through a lens of scent which was suspended in mid-air. The Woodbine or Wild Honeysuckle is at its peak. The vines bind an Ash and an Oak together in a cloud of sweet scent. This scent is transient and is seems to be at it’s strongest when the morning sum hits the dew-covered flowers in the morning. The light summer breeze pulls the scent down wind, but the cloud seems to retain a foothold on the source bloom.
It reminded me of that sign of summer in Cold Comfort Farm when.. “The Sukebind (was) hanging heavy from the wains…”. This is the peak of the year and all we need is more rain.
Elsewhere in the Village the Albertine Rose at the Old Post Office and others continue to contribute their own fragrance. At the other end of the spectrum I recalled the contribution from Street Farm when it housed the herd of pigs.