Flowers - Not Winter Ones!

It is coming up to the end of the month when the flower walk takes place.  We don't think that it will take very long!  Not even sure if we will need a clipboard and paper.  It is also, by this time that we are beginning to need a change from the browns and greys of winter, so let us go back to the height of summer.

The ponds in the Scrapes were full of Greater Spearwort.   They were in flower for much longer than normal.  Recent storms have meant that the last one still in flower has not survived to the December flower list!

As you walk around the reserve you will notice Honeysuckle has burst its buds.  The leaves survive the rain, wind and frosts and slowly increase in size during the spring.  Honeysuckle does not flower until the summer.  It provides nectar for moths and other insects.  Not too many animals enjoy the red fruits.

Teasels have grown well this year and provided many insects with food.  Goldfinches have feasted on the seeds and some insects find hibernation sites within the prickly seed heads.

Common Centaury did not flower well this summer.

Red Bartsia flourished and was found in several places around the reserve.

And finally for no other reason than it is a beautiful flower - Grass of Parnassus.