It might be cold, but I’ve been away from Cornwall for most of the last two weeks with work, and driving back today I was struck by all the early signs of Spring – they arrive so much earlier here. It got me thinking about all the lovely plants and other wildlife I’m looking forward to seeing a bit later in the year, and I decided to share a few photographs so you can anticipate their arrival with me!
Yellow centaury: watch out for this tiny gem on the old trackways on the Lizard from late May into June. The flowers only open when the sun is shining – I know how they feel! There’s lots of this plant at Windmill Farm Nature Reserve
Pigmy rush: in the UK this wonderful small rush is only found on the Lizard. Look for it in May – it’s another plant of the old trackways, and again Windmill Farm is a good spotting place.
Swallow: I can’t wait for these to arrive!
Bees of all species are wonderful to see and hear, buzzing round the flowers. It’s a bit cold as yet, but they should be out and about soon! – the Bumblebees first with their furry warm ‘coats’, then their cousins, like the one in this photo.
White clover: common, it will be everywhere, but pretty, and a great plant for bees, butterflies and other insects.
Gatekeeper butterfly: look out for this in mid-summer. Let’s hope our butterflies have a better summer this year (ie. less rain, more sun! – we’re all hoping for that…)
Foxgloves will be brightening up the hedges and heaths and gardens..just about everywhere, really!
Hang on in there, Spring proper isn’t far away!
Several of these I look forward to but others (the centaury and rush) . . . either they don’t grow here or I haven’t looked properly.
Oooh makes me pine for spring… Especially the swallows & swifts… & my personal favourite – the beautiful song of the blackbird
Clare – I agree about the blackbird song!
Lucy – you wouldn’t find Pigmy Rush your way. Yellow Centaury is found on a few sites in Cornwall, the New Forest and SW Wales, plus Eire – I think it used to be found in Dorset but has been declining drastically – not sure what it’s status is there, now. If you ever get to see it, it is a lovely little plant! – though there’s plenty else where you are to enjoy!