Genetic, not musical! I was struck by a particularly distinctive plant of red campion (Silene dioica) growing in the hedge (as seen above), which was a bit reminiscent of the flowers of ragged robin, another member of the Caryophyllaceae tribe. I noticed a long time ago that the…
Tag: zero footprint
An activity that involves minimal travel and thus carbon dioxide generation. In my books, that means no flying or long car journeys to get there.
“Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Is hung with bloom along the bough, And stands about the woodland ride Wearing white for Eastertide.”– A E Housman – A Shropshire Lad One of my favourite snatches of poetry, dedicated to the wild cherry or gean (Prunus avium), and not…
I’m trying out a smartphone with a camera on the principle that I don’t always have my proper camera with me and miss things. So far, quite liking the images, but disliking having to carry around a big slab instead of my little dumb phone that fits comfortably…
It’s been a perfect autumn afternoon – warm sun on my back, cirrus in a blue sky, a cool breeze soughing in the hedge. I walked along on the sunny lee side, where I could hardly hear the ever-present hum of traffic on the coast road, but was…
This is an ongoing project that I hope may form the basis of my ARPS submission in a year or two. I’ve always been attracted by the slow fireworks of unfurling ferns every spring – the lime green, russet and silver colours are very enticing. But the colours…
There’s a popular belief (in rural areas, at least – I doubt town or city dwellers notice it!) that the blooming of the blackthorn in March and early April heralds a cold spell called the “blackthorn winter”. March is often cold, so I suspect it’s a coincidence that…
Foraging season has started promptly this year: it’s just March and the wild garlic is already big enough to pick. I’ve just collected a bagful to bring home and wash ready for some culinary delights. Later in the year, the local woods will be carpeted in a pungent…