Pilewort or Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna), flowering between January and April; these lovers of damp woodland pathways, stream banks and ditches, can be found in gardens, meadows and shady hedgerows, and even Narnia, yes, Narnia! β¨
Ficaria verna growing on the bank of a field edge
An important nectar source for early emerging insects from hibernation, such as Queen Bumblebees π
Lesser celandine were used to treat haemorrhoids, hence “Pilewort” and scurvy, due to being high in Vitamin C.
Dwelling in moist places; Alder grow near rivers, ponds, lakes and in wet, swampy woods, also known as Carrs.
Their flowers were used as green dye, to colour and camouflage the clothes of outlaws, like Robin Hood and to also colour the clothes of fairies π§π»ββοΈ
Flowering between February and April, Alder catkins provide an early source of nectar and pollen for Bees, and the seeds are eaten by Goldfinches, Siskins and Redpolls.
Alder catkins
The pale wood turns a deep orange after being cut, giving the impression of bleeding. So, in the past, many people feared them and the Irish thought it was unlucky to pass one on a journey π
The roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules, conditioning the soil and improving soil fertility on former industrial wasteland and brownfield sites.
Alder leaf beetles (Agelastica alni) feed on the leaves of alder trees. They’ve become common in parts of England and Wales since 2004.
It was said that a few Alder leaves placed in the shoes before a long journey would cool the feet and prevent swelling π€·π»ββοΈ
Being a tough species of tree, their wood doesnβt rot when waterlogged, instead it makes them harder and stronger. Plus, mature trees can reach a height of approximately 28 metres and live to around 60 years.
My new toy arrived, a 4K video-recording 20MP photo-taking Trail CAM! π
Late in the afternoon I set it up in our new Wildlife Corner of the garden.
This morning I reviewed the footage that was recorded from yesterday afternoon, the evening & from this morning. I am over the moon with what the Trail CAM managed to capture! π
I am delighted & amazed at what I am discovering in the garden lately. Today I was pottering about & I could hear a munching / crunching sound coming from the gate.
#30DaysWild
At first I thought it may have been a Wasp, but I couldn’t see it. Then after looking the gate up & down I noticed a wee Bee in a crevice! π
Yesterday I had a wee trip to my local town & I documented how green the journey there is ποΈ
#30DaysWIld
Today I celebrated Father’s Day with some of my family & we had a BBQ, which my Brother-in-law & I tended to π
When the evening arrived, it was time to prepare for the Big Wild Quiz, hosted by Sophie Pavelle and David Oakes. Which kicked off just after 7pm, it was great fun & a laugh! π
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