|
The early summer weather had encouraged most of the plants on the advertised route to flower early, leaving lots of seed heads but few flowers. However the dozen intrepid participants changed the route to an ancient hay meadow on the Whitchurch side of the river, where there were flowers in profusion; yellow rattle parasitising grasses, clovers in red, white and yellow, three different species of bedstraw, buttercups and oxeye daisy to name but a few.
The weather was forecast to bring heavy showers, and one duly arrived, heavy indeed. Shelter under an unknown species of the walnut family provided psychological but inadequate physical protection, so as the rain eased, we dashed for home.
For those who missed this opportunity, WOTHABS is repeating this hay meadow visit on Sunday 3 July. Join us then at the black iron entrance gates of the Hardwick Estate at the junction of Hardwick road and Sheepwash Lane.
Martin Parham
|
