Woodlife

I had minimal woods time this weekend and maximum catch-up with the family. It wasn’t a bad move as most of the weekend here in the east was windy and dreary. Still, I managed to get out on Saturday for a walk in Lowt’s Wood.

As expected the Bluebells were on their way out, but a few were still looking good.

The hedgerows were full of garlic mustard. I picked some leaves to help flavour the family Sunday roast.

Yellow archangel was abundant on the sides of a seldom used path. This plant is a relative of the dead nettles and is considered a guardian of the wood. It shouldn’t be confused with Yellow rattle which flowers later. The Yellow archangel has tiny red streaks through the bottom lip of the flower.

Red campion is found everywhere in these woods.

Not so far away I snapped this handsome looking insect on a nettle leaf. I have no idea what it is. It could be a leaf cutter bug or even a moth. I’d love to hear your thoughts. [Edit: It's a micro moth called Alabonia geoffrella]

Although I saw no mammals, the woods were full of birds sounds including a cuckoo and, uncommonly, a male and female Tawny owl calling to each other.

These are wonderful woods but particularly at this time of year. After a little packed lunch, I couldn’t help myself and while sitting against a tree, felt the woods take me away in a little doze only to be woken by large raindrops falling down my neck. Reluctantly, I made my way home.