THE NATURE REPORT
March 2005
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Well March is finally with us once again, and with it the beginnings of spring.

A mentioned on our main journal page one of the first of the wild flowers to put on a show for us were these wild primroses

The primroses are not on their own however. Below are just a few of the wild blooms that can be found during March here at Greenheyes


Butterbur - Occurs alongside rivers and streams, in this case the river dane. Its very broad leaves, which develop after it flowers, were once used for wrapping up butter.

Dandelion - Can be found almost anywhere from pastures to open woodland and can create an impressive swathe of yellow in early spring meadows.


Ground Ivy - This plant can be found growing in large mats as the plant spreads by sending long leafy runners across the ground.


Marsh Marigold - This is a member of the Buttercup family and has the largest flowers. While very pretty to look at the whole plant is poisonous


Wood Anemone - Flowering in early spring this plant can be found in large swathes in open mature woodland. The flower only fully opens in good sunlight.


Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage - This plant may have a large name but its flowers are tiny. In this example they measure just 3mm across.

Garlic Mustard - This plant is not one that I want any of my cows eating, not because it is poisonous, but rather it will give a garlic tang to their milk. It can be used for food flavoring and I believe has some medicinal uses.

Dog Violet - Easily identified by its distinctly heart-shaped leaves, this flower is one of the commonest of the violet family.


Blackthorn - Unlike the previous plants the Blackthorn can be found as a small shrub or tree. Its pure white flowers can give a spectacular appearance to hedgerows in early spring and a pleasant scent to the air.

These are just a small selection of flowers that can be found in the wild why don't you see how many different flowers you can find in the wild around your school or home. you may be surprised at just how many there are hiding in plain sight.

see you next month Phil


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