Greater Stitchwort

(Stellaria holostea)

This common plant – related to Chickweeds and Campions apparently translates to “Could cure a stitch in your side” but has a number of rather unusual local names which include Adder’s Meat /Adders Spit /Lady’s Buttons … The leaves are narrow and unstalked whilst the stems appear square and somewhat rough on the margins. Plants might look almost grass-like until the striking flower heads appear. The 5 petals are pure-white and cleft to about halfway. Greater Stitchwort grows on well vegetated cliffs, roadside verges, hedge-backs and in woodland clearings.

Ox-eye Daisy

(Leucanthemum Vulgare)

There is probably no better example of a ‘moon daisy’ than this species although its name was derived from “Days Eye”. That is because although the white flowers with yellow centres are wide open during the hours of daylight it closes up each night. Although typical of newly-seeded roadside verges it can be found in many areas of recently disturbed ground. It once provided a ‘cure’ for chest complaints. Be warned – if picked and taken into your home then it produces a (previously undetected) foul smell!

Bluebell

(Endymion non-scripta)

Bluebells – known as Wild Hyacinths in Scotland – can display some enormous flowering carpets of colour during may. Although best known in our woods they can also be enjoyed along hedge-banks and on some stretches of grassy cliffs. Sometimes they indicate an area from which a former ancient wood has been cleared. True  Bluebells have flowers of deep azure blue which form one-sided spikes. The leaves are green and glossy but avoid treading on them because it causes long-term damage to the plant.

Red-tailed Bumblebee

(Bombus lapiderius)

This is a species which is easy to identify because they are large, solid and covered with black body hairs except for a prominent rusty-red tail. Typically found in open country but often visiting gardens Red-tailed Bumblebees have underground nests which are probably situated beneath a boulder. They favour areas with a good range of flowers and seldom exhibit any

signs of aggression.

Small Copper Butterfly

Last year was a bad one for most butterflies and experts have warned that a much better season is needed in order to halt the decline in their numbers. Small Coppers will hopefully be beginning to emerge and despite their tiny size the rich burnished copper colour + black markings are unlikely to be missed. These are highly territorial insects which have no qualms about chasing other butterflies away. They can be found from the coastal sand dunes through to the hills and frequently settle on Docks and Sorrels (Rumex ap.) – their foodplants – or a sunlit patch of bare ground.

Osprey

Many birds have reached our shores in recent weeks but others have yet to arrive. May is a time when almost any ‘exotic migrant’ might appear. Sea inlets, lakes and still stretches of large rivers are the type of haunts which could attract a late Osprey as it passes through.

Sedge Warbler

Image Nigel Blake RSPB

Crops of Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus oleifera) will be in full flower  during early May and although the vivid splashes of yellow on our landscape are greatly admired by many people the allergies produced by the pollen have to be suffered by others. Huge acreages of this plant are now grown and one bird in particular has exploited this niche – the Sedge Warbler. Although spending much of its time skulking deep within the rank stands of the crop it will, from time to time, fly up and burst into a loud and jerky song. Take note of its pale prominent eye-stripe when one does appear.

Badger

Badgers are one of a number of mammals which having conceived undergo a period of ‘delayed implantation’ and so the young are born December to May (but typically: February /March). Cubs eventually start to stray from their setts and (dusk?) during May, before the vegetation becomes too tall, is a good time to be ‘watching’ for them. Badgers have a superb sense of smell but relatively poor eyesight so sit well back (e.g.against a tree) and be prepared for both insect-bites and disappointment! Also remember that it is a serious criminal offence to tamper with Badgers or their setts. Roger Manning.