Wildlife to watch in June
Common Poppy
Poppies in open grassland.
|
The Common or Corn Poppy is one of our most recognisable flowers.
It thrives in disturbed ground hence the adoption as a symbol of remembrance after World War One, but its association with blood and new life dates back to the Egyptians and Romans who made garlands of Common Poppies to celebrate the gods and ensure the fertility of their crops. You often find it growing along building sites, field edges and banksides. Shaking the peppermill shaped seed heads when they are ripe produces a mass of tiny seeds which can be used as a sprinkle on bread or cakes. |
Elderflower
|
Elder is a tree which flowers in June with flat topped clusters of tiny, white scented flowers. In autumn, after flowering, the dark purple berries hang in large clusters. The leaves are made up of five or seven serrated leaflets, and have a distinctive smell. The clusters of white flowers are pollinated by insects, especially hoverflies. While the flowers can be used for cordials and wines, and the berries for compotes and juices, the rest of the plant is mildly toxic. It has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes throughout Europe, treating a wide variety of illnesses and maladies. |
Also look out for
Common Orchid
|
As the name suggests, this is the most common UK orchid species. You can see it flowering from now until August in woodland and damp grassland especially Dunmow Cutting. The flowers bloom in clusters from a central spike, which can grow up to 60cm tall. They can be white or range from shades of pale pinks and purples to deeper shades. Both the leaves and petals are covered in purple spots. |
Foxgloves
The high flower stems are only produced in the plant's second year and can be seen between June and September. Foxgloves can be found in woodlands, gardens, on moorlands, coastal cliffs, roadside verges and waste ground. These are usually pink, but white variants are also occasionally seen. This plant is poisonous, so treat with caution.
There are a number of explanations offered for the name 'foxglove'. It is said that it was originally named 'folk's love' meaning the fairies loved the way the flowers point downwards as it gives them a place to shelter. As home to the fairies, children were told it was bad luck to disturb the plant as this would lead to the fairies being homeless.
There are a number of explanations offered for the name 'foxglove'. It is said that it was originally named 'folk's love' meaning the fairies loved the way the flowers point downwards as it gives them a place to shelter. As home to the fairies, children were told it was bad luck to disturb the plant as this would lead to the fairies being homeless.
Common Spotted Orchids can be found on the banks of Dunmow Cutting
|
Shaggy parasol fungi
Unidentified moth
Bramble flower
|
Pyramidal orchid, Great Notley
|
Bee orchid, Great Notley
|
Marsh Thistle and horsetail
|
Go to next month's wildlife