Daughter of the Wind

 

Wood Anemone – Marbury Country Park After the dark days of Winter the banks of Wood Anemones to the west of Budworth Mere are always a great sight. In common with a lot of our plants Anemōnē – is derived from Greek. Literally means "daughter of the wind", from ánemos "wind" and the feminine suffix –ōnē. Next up at Marbury will be a spectacular display of English Bluebells. Whilst the first are just beginning to open it’ll be the end of April before the woodland floor is really carpeted with Bluebells. Hopefully we’ll have the chance to call in however this year we may be heading up to north Lancashire to look for Green Hairstreak butterflies and Green winged Orchids.

Coltsfoot flower – Marbury Country Park Locally the first Coltsfoot flowers began to open up during late February however trying to find a day when its not been raining or overcast has been a bit of a problem. In common with many other spring flowers they’re photo sensitive. The first sign of cloud and that's it the flowers close up.

Wild Cherry/Gean – Chorlton Water Park A favourite of the local Bullfinches. Also a valuable source of pollen for the local insects that help to attract the Chiff Chaffs, Blackcaps, Pipistrelles and larger Noctule Bats out hunting in the evening.