Week 15: Treasure & Life in the Old Oak Yet

The forecast for the next few days is basically a vast sea of cloud, with a smidgen of sunshine and a sprinkling of showers. I managed two out of three in this week’s Oak photograph (I don’t suppose being rained on, whilst waiting T H I R T Y,  L O N G minutes for the sunshine to appear, counts?! If you were around on Monday evening, yes, I was the peculiar person standing the middle of the field, staring at the clouds, willing them to move AWAY from the sun).

The Oak's leaves are just beginning to come through now. It is alive (*wipes sweat from brow in relief that 12 month project wasn’t doomed from the outset*)! I've included a shot of the Preston Hill Oaks for comparison (nothing I could do about the white, cloudy sky there unfortunately, even if I waited all day).

Dellfield Oak (just coming into leaf)

Preston Hill Oaks

When I chose the Dellfield Oak as the focus of Project 2014, I had no idea what would develop. I didn’t realise the grazed field was a wonderful treasure trove of wild flowers. I imagine that there are those of you reading this blog who have been enjoying Dellfield’s magic for years. I’m glad I’ve been able to join you. Discovering a couple of Bluebells in amongst the mix today was like turning up yet another jewel.

All along the west side of Dellfield, there are sprays of the tiny-flowered Germander Speedwell. I might have to redo this shot (below) when the weather improves. The Oak between the blue Speedwell and a blue sky would be just lovely, I think.

Week 14, Various: Wild Flower Bonanza

Bluebells & Stitchwort

Bugle

Bugle

Common Spotted Orchid

Herb Robert

Cuckoo Flower

Bluebell (white, native variety)

Germander Speedwell

Everything I know about wild flowers can be written on a postage stamp. And, a small one at that. Orchid and wild flower enthusiasts will no doubt wince in pain at my ignorance. With rain forecast for today (the brilliant sunshine streaming through my window right now is obviously just an illusion), I thought I’d put together a selection of some of the wild flowers I’ve photographed this week around Box Moor.

The leading image is of the Bluebells in Hay Wood. This was taken during a momentary break in the clouds yesterday morning. I would have liked a choice of location but this is where I was when the sun came out. Simple as that.

All around Hay Wood, there are areas where Stitchwort (I’m not sure if it is Lesser or Greater?) is mixed in with the Bluebells. It makes for an especially pretty combination.

At the south-western end of Bovingdon Reach, clumps of Bugle (Ajuga reptans) have sprung up and will be a good source of nectar for butterflies over the coming weeks.

Dellfield is awash with Cowslips and Dandelions but there are also now the beginnings of orchid growth. I’m looking forward to photographing the Oak when this particular Common Spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) comes into flower. It is positioned perfectly.

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum) is another common little flower all around Box Moor. This one's from Hay Wood.

Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis), so called, I think, because it comes into flower during the Cuckoo’s arrival in the UK. It’s another important food source for butterflies, especially Orange-tips. This specimen is on Bovingdon Reach.

Finally, the white Bluebell, which I think is native (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) (rather than a hybrid of the Spanish variety, judging by its pollen colour, structure and scent) was in Ramacre Wood. However, there are also a few in the eastern run of Hay Wood. Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) is all around Box Moor. This particular plant was in Lower Roughdown.

Right, time for some lunch. Have a lovely Sunday afternoon all.