Flower Walks

The monthly flower walk was started on Wednesday in the rain, cold, mist ...

and completed on Friday in warmth, sunshine and no rain.  In total over 80 flowers were recorded across the reserve.

Walking around the reserve checking the flowers that are in bloom helps to highlight the similarities and differences of the varied habitats in Foxglove.  The Bluebells and Wild Garlic are in full bloom along Risedale Beck.

On the moor the Bluebells share their habitat with Gorse.  All the Bluebells have been helped by the habitat management during the winter, cutting down the Gorse on the moor and coppicing the Hazel and Alder trees along the beck.

In the woodland the Blubells are still tight in bud, this is always the last area to see them bloom.

Last year the Crab Apple trees struggled to flower and very few set fruit.  This year despite the conditions, they are covered in blossom and on sunny warm days bees can be seen visiting the flowers.  

Many flowers that open during early Spring have now set seed.  This Coltsfoot seed head will have to dry out a little before the seeds can be dispersed by the gentle breeze.

As always at this time of year the conversation surrounds 'casting a clout' does it refer to the month of May or the May blossom or both? It is probably best not to put your wellies, winter coats, hats, scarves and gloves away just yet!  The May (Hawthorn) blossom is still tight in bud!