Scents

Children visiting with school groups, Eco Club, walks and summer activities are always encouraged to look after the plants and animals they see and find.  It is also important that they smell and touch the plants.  During the early part of the year they can feel the difference between the new growth of the needles on conifer trees, which is soft and bright green and last year's needles, which are not!  Gorse is examined for ladybirds and spiders but a touch of the prickles is also needed, cautiously of course!

A mint leaf always causes amazement when the children realise that it is actually mint!

On the other hand a leaf from Hedge Woundwort gives a totally different reaction - it smells terrible!

Whilst Garlic leaves take a little more thought, but some children do recognise the smell.