Seemingly immune to the many frosty starts to late April and early May mornings, the Blackthorn has been stunning this year, providing frothy patches of white blossom on many of our the Dales roads.
It has been a slow start at Kilnsey Flush. The Early Purple Orchids are just beginning to show as are the Marsh Valerians. Primroses are out in good numbers and the Common Dog Violet, only a few Cowlips so far and one or two False Oxlips. But the Scurvy Grass has made a good show and also the shoots of the Lady’s Slipper Orchid are growing well. Away from the roped path the rosettes of the Common Butterwort and a tiny Birdseye Primrose in flower.
Elsewhere in Lower Grass Wood and Grass Wood the Bluebells are well out and the lovely Bird Cherry.
Along the path to the Park Stile Gate Herb Paris is growing well.
At Lythe flush along the Wharfe there are also the lime green rosettes of the Common Butterwort and Birdseye Primrose in bud.
The find of the season so far I think is the Alpine Pennycress which has been found up Dowber Gill from Kettlwell growing with Spring Sandwort. Both these plants are tolerant of lead, the latter being also known as Leadwort. The Pennycress is a small plant distinguished by its purple anthers and heart shaped seed pods.
In Strid Wood Bluebells are at their best.
Christine Bell
