Differences

Some of the black stems of Blackthorn are now covered in white flowers.  This is an area on the bank of Risedale Beck.

Orange stamens stand out against the white petals.

However in other places around the reserve the buds are not as far on.  This is the Blackthorn corner. 

Flower buds here are still tightly closed.

Questions are posed as to why all Blackthorn does not flower at the same time - temperature, light, water, type of soil or something else.  We can't answer the questions.  However no matter what the reasons we do enjoy a succession of flowers and it makes spring stretch that little bit longer!

Another flower that varies, in a different way, is the Dog Violet.  These are in flower now, all together, in many parts of the reserve, including in the Scrapes, which is a new place for them to be recorded.  Their colour varies from dark violet 

through to light violet.  

Whilst looking closely at the honey guides, the lines on the lower petals, it can be seen that they too are different.