Spring Colours

Spring flowers are still showing their colours around the reserve.  We have several species of Forget-me-not recorded but as they have not yet been examined closely they are noted as Forget-me-not sp!  Their blue colour stands out amongst the grass.

Dandelion like flowers can be hawkbits or hawkweeds, rather difficult to identify at times.  One that we do know and it is easily recognised is Mouse-Ear Hawkweed.  The underside of the flower is tinged red.  We have not worked out why it is called 'mouse-ear''.

Gorse can be invasive and can prevent other plants from growing, so during the winter, areas are cleared allowing other plants to flourish.  This year it has flowered exceedingly well.  its bright yellow flowers can be spotted from a distance.  Some insects are using the flowers as a source of food whilst others sit and await their prey.

Bluebells are indicators of ancient woodlands.  I wonder what our far moor looked like covered in trees.  The Bluebell bank can now be seen from the red route since the conifer plantation was felled.  Close up it is spectacular.