FLORA

Although this calls itself 'flora', it is far from a complete collection. The main criterion for a photo to be included is simple - do we like it? We've also included one or two unusual or rare plants, such as Oysterplant and Scottish Primrose, even when the photos aren't quite up to the mark. Most of the plants we've seen at other times and other places, but we've just chosen the best one(s).

From an early age Elisabeth has been interested in plants, especially wild flowers. This was encouraged by her mother, who studied Botany for 'Highers' (predecessor to A level). She has passed on her enthusiasm to Tony, who knew very little before we met, and to our children, especially Matthew. We do not claim great expertise, however, and have indicated where we are unsure what a plant is. Help and, especially, correction would be much appreciated! Send to our e-mail address email address.

Some of the places where we have found plants may not be familiar to you. Click on the link for a particular plant to find a few notes on its location. Use your browser's Back button to return to the plant.

Note: Tony in particular is very keen to take photos against a dark background. Please be reassured that in all cases the background is natural - no black card or other materials were used in the taking of these photos!

You can click on one of the plants in the alphabetical index below, or go straight to the pictures, which are in the order commonly found in flower books.

NOTE - you may need to wait a few seconds for all the pictures to download.

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INDEX

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Plants in the family order often found in flower-books:
Our reference was Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland by Blamey, Fitter & Fitter, published A & C Black 2003 (Though we have put trees and bushes in their families, not under separate headings.)

Buttercup family - Ranunculaceae

MEADOW BUTTERCUP Ranunculus acris
Not the Creeping species which invades your lawn, the Meadow Buttercup fills many of our fields and pastures throughout the summer. These were near Low Force, in Teesdale, in May 2017, with a characteristic field barn in the distance.

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SMALL-FLOWERED BUTTERCUP Ranunculus parviflorus
We came across this uncommon species during a walk in Allenbanks, West Northumberland, in April 2013.

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GREATER SPEARWORT Ranunculus lingue
A beautiful member of the family often found by water. These pictures were taken by the Garden Pond in Wallington, Northumberland, the first two in 2016, the third in 2009.

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LESSER SPEARWORT Ranunculus flammula
Smaller than Greater, of course, but also seen by water. The small group was at Cragside, Northumberland, in August 2012 (on our wedding anniversary, in fact), the masses on St Ninian's Isle, Shetland, in May 2013.

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LESSER CELANDINE Ranunculus ficaria
This lovely spring flower bursts out as the snowdrops fade. The single flower was in Teesdale, the masses on Iona, Mull, both in April 2014. (It is not related to the Greater Celandine, which is a poppy.)

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MARSH MARIGOLD (Kingcup) Caltha palustris
Solitary or en masse, Kingcups brighten watersides and damp meadows all over the country. The single plant here was by Moralee Tarn, West Northumberland, in April 2009, the group almost in the water at Washington Wildlife and Wetland Trust, Tyne & Wear, May 2010, the huge masses on Fethaland in the North of Mainland, Shetland, June 2010.

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GLOBEFLOWER Trollius europaeus
Popular in gardens, but seen wild in spectacular numbers in some special places. The single flower was at Esha Ness, Shetland, in June 2010, the two groups by the river in Teesdale, June 2015.

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WINTER ACONITE Eranthis hyemalis
Seen with snowdrops or by themselves, they are welcome heralds of the end of winter. The single one was at Howick, the right-hand group at Wallington, both in February 2009, the middle one at Howick in February 2013.

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LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus
A delicate, if not very exciting flower. These were seen on what was clearly a wet day in Portuairk, Ardnamurchan, July 2016.

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WOOD ANEMONE (Windflower) Anemone nemorosa
Another flower to welcome Spring, often among trees with Lesser Celandine. The masses were both at Wallington, April 2013, The close-up at Allenbanks, West Northumberland, April 2009.

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PASQUE FLOWER Pulsatilla vulgaris
Often seen in gardens, this beautiful flower is named after Easter, the time when it often blooms. It can be found in the wild, especially on chalk. The left-hand specimens we found in the Barton Hills, South Bedfordshire, in April 2013. The ones on the right were a bit of a cheat, as they were part of a display of chalk flowers at Wakehurst Place, Sussex, in May 2016.

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Poppy family - Papaveraceae

GREATER CELANDINE Chelidonium majus
Unrelated to the Lesser Celandine, which is buttercup family, and with a distinctive leaf shape and modest flowers, we found this one on Tyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland, in May 2013.

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Fumitory family - Fumariaceae

CLIMBING CORYDALIS Ceratocapnos claviculata
We came across this delicate climber in woodland at Belsay, Northumberland, in August 2017.

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Pink family - Carophyllaceae

RED CAMPION Silene dioica
A common sight, massed by roadsides and in fields. We saw these by the River Tyne near Hexham in June 2012, mixed in the right-hand photo with Dame's Violet (the white flowers!).

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SEA CAMPION Silene uniflora
We found this modest, attractive little flower by the sea in (LH picture) Balranald Nature Reserve, North Uist Outer Hebrides May 2012, and (RH picture) Stenness, Orkney July 2013.

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RAGGED ROBIN Lychnis flos-cuculi
A ubiquitous and easily recognized flower. We saw these among Common Spotted Orchids in Teesdale, though it could have been in one of many places.

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MOSS CAMPION Silene acaulis
This distinctive plant, with its cushion of leaves, was in Fethaland, Shetland June 2010.

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SOAPWORT Saponaria officinalis
Soapwort, seen here at the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust reserve in Washington, Tyne & Wear in October 2012, was indeed used formerly to make soap.

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MAIDEN PINK Dianthus deltoides
Not often found, though abundant in some places, such as at Low Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland coast in July 2011 and 2017 respectively.

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GREATER STITCHWORT Stellaria holostea
A familiar, attractive flower of waysides. These were at Tyne Green, Hexham, the RH ones on the wall of the railway embankment.

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GREATER CHICKWEED Stellaria neglecta
We're pretty sure this is Greater Chickweed, from the leaf shape and general habit, but expert confirmation (or disagreement!) would be welcomed. We found it at Belsay, Northumberland, in May 2016.

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SPRING SANDWORT Minuartia verna
We saw these in June 2010 in Upper Teesdale, on the sugar limestone. Although the much rarer Teesdale Sandwort can also be found there, we think this is Spring Sandwort. We would be delighted to be proved wrong!

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LESSER SEA-SPURREY Spergularia marina
We came across this at Beadnell, on the Northumberland coast. We're pretty sure it is 'Lesser', rather than one of the others, from the length of the sepals, but as always, correction is welcomed!

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KNOTTED PEARLWORT Sagina nodosa
Identified by its distinctive stem, this tiny specimen was at Cawfield, West Northumberland in July 2014

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Dock family - Polygonaceae

COMMON BISTORT Persicaria bistorta
Seen near Low Force in Teesdale, June 2010

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AMPHIBIOUS BISTORT Persicaria amphibia
Commonly seen massed in water, as at Woodhorn, Northumberland coast, in August 2009 (centre picture) and Cragside in August 2017.

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LESSER KNOTWEED Persicaria campanulata
A garden escape, like Japanese Knotweed, but nowhere near as invasive. This plant was in the conservatory at Wallington, though it can be found in the wild too.

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Thrift family - Plumbaginaceae


THRIFT Armeria maritima
Always a joy to see, when massed on and among rocks by the sea. These were at Esha Ness, Shetland, in June 2010, and on Mull at, respectively, Iona and Ardalanish, both in May 2017.

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Rock-Rose family - Cistaceae


ROCK-ROSE Helianthemum nummularium
Photographed in Teesdale, June 2009. though seen in many other places too.

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St John's Wort family - Clusiaceae


HAIRY ST JOHN'S WORT Hypericum hirsutum
Found at Allenbanks, West Northumberland in July 2011 and Tyne Green in Hexham in July 2012.

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TUTSAN Hypericum androsaemum
Quite common in gardens, but these two were semi-wild in Aros Park, Tobermory, Mull, the seeding specimen with ferns at the end of August 2013, the one still partly in flower in July 2016.

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Mallow family - Malvaceae


COMMON MALLOW Malva sylvestris
By the River Tyne in Hexham, July 2009

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MUSK MALLOW Malva moschata
Distinguished from Common Mallow by petal colour and separation, and by leaf shape, these were both found at Druridge Bay, on the Northumberland coast, in August 2009 and July 2011 respectively.

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Violet family - Violaceae


COMMON DOG VIOLET Viola riviniana
by Hadrian's Wall April 2009, Ariundle, Ardnamurchan, May 2014, the white ones by Wydon Water, Hexham March 2012

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MARSH VIOLET Viola palustris
Found in Teesdale, May 2013

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WILD PANSY Viola tricolor
Delightful ground cover, those on the left were taken at Allenbanks, West Northumberland in May 2012, the others in Teesdale, June the same year.

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MOUNTAIN PANSY Viola lutea
Not easily distinguished from Wild Pansy, the left-hand ones were at Allenbanks, West Northumberland in May 2015, the others in Upper Teesdale in June 2010

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SEASIDE PANSY Viola curtisii
Usually regarded as a sub-species of Mountain Pansy, it can be discovered on some Scottish coasts, often amongst marram grass. These two pictures were taken on the South-west corner of Mull in May 2017 and June 2011.

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Cabbage family - Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae)


WARTY CABBAGE Bunias orientalis
This unusual plant was at Washington Wildfowl and Wetland Trust in July 2014. We're pretty sure it's Warty Cabbage, but expert confirmation or correction welcomed!

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FIELD PENNY-CRESS Thlaspi arvense
A small but not unattractive plant, seen here in Teesdale in May 2010.

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SCURVYGRASS Cochlearia spp.
As the name suggests, this plant contains vitamin C and was taken on sea voyages to ward off scurvy. These were seen at Mingary, Ardnamurchan in May 2009 and Ardtun, Mull, in April 2014.

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CUCKOOFLOWER (aka MILKMAID, LADY'S SMOCK) Cardamine pratensis
A plant with a number of regional aliases. We knew it from our southern upbringing as Milkmaid, but elsewhere it is known as Cuckooflower or Lady's Smock. They are abundant in fields, roadsides and meadows, even in lawns. These were in Hexham May 2013, probably by a road.

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HONESTY Lunaria annua
Not uncommon in gardens, but these were wild in Hexham May 2013.

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SEA ROCKET Cakile maritima
An attractive plant of beach and dunes, with characteristic delicate lilac flowers and ornate leaves. These were on the SW coast of Mull in October 2009 and at Portuairk, Ardnamurchan, in July 2015 and July 2016.

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Mignonette family - Resedaceae


WELD Reseda luteola
A retiring but not unattractive plant, here at Low Hauxley, Northumberland coast July 2017

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Heath family - Ericaceae


LING Calluna vulgaris
Massed on hillsides and heaths, the plant most people think of as 'heather'. These were seen at Market Bay, Mull August 2014, Blanchland, West Northumberland August 2011 and Lantern Pike, Derbyshire August 2009.

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BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Ground cover on Scottish moors, with distinctive flowers, these were at Market Bay, Mull, April 2014

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Primrose family - Primulaceae


COMMON PRIMROSE Primula vulgaris
These were at Vatersay, Outer Hebrides May 2012, Simonburn, West Northumberland May 2010, and Mingary, Ardnamurchan April 2011, but they can be found anywhere!

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COWSLIP Primula veris
Very common on chalky or lime soils, these were near the coast, Kings Lynn, April 2012 x2, and Washington May 2010

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FALSE OXLIP Primula x polyantha
A relatively common hybrid of Cowslip and Primrose, often found where both are growing together, these were at Walltown quarry, West Northumberland, May 2013, Jarrow April 2011, and Hareshaw, West Northumberland May 2010. Note the flowers are arranged symmetrically around the stem.

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TRUE OXLIP Primula elatior
The flowers are more cowslip-like, arranged on one side of the stem. A native of East Anglia, it nevertheless turns up in semi-wild areas of estates furter north, such as at Belsay in April 2015

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BIRDSEYE PRIMROSE Primula farinosa
A very attractive plant of northern English and Border counties, particularly common in Upper Teesdale, here photographed in June 2010

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SCOTTISH PRIMROSE Primula scotica
A rare, some would say iconic (though Elisabeth won't allow it) little plant, found in very few locations, here at Yesnaby, Orkney, in August 2005. The overexposed disc was a 5p piece to show the scale, which explains the trouble we had finding it, and failing to focus properly with our original and rather limited digital camera.

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SEA MILKWORT Glaux maritima
An attractive but unlikely member of the primrose family, with its almost succulent-like leaves, seen almost invariably on coasts, here at Beadnell, Northumberland coast, June 2011

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SCARLET PIMPERNEL Anagallis arvensis
Attractive and relatively common on banks and disturbed ground, here at Howick in September 2009

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BOG PIMPERNEL Anagallis tenella
Here seen in a moist habitat on the south coast of Mull facing Erraid, July 2013

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YELLOW PIMPERNEL Lysimachia nemorum
Not uncommon and difficult to miss, here at Gibside in June 2013 and Aros Park lochan, Tobermory, Mull, May 2017.

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Loosestrife family - Lythraceae


PURPLE LOOSESTRIFE Lythrum salicaria
Common and showy, here at Wydon Water, Hexham and Howick, both in August 2016, and Portuairk, Ardnamurchan, in August 2010

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Saxifrage family - Saxifragaceae


GRASS OF PARNASSUS Parnassia palustris
A very attractive flower of northern Britain, these were at Portuairk in September 2012 and Achnaha in August 2010, both in Ardnamurchan, and on The Burg, Mull, in August 2012

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Stonecrop family - Crassulaceae


BITING STONECROP Sedum acre
Peppery-tasting and ubiquitous on walls, roadsides, coastal sand and shingle. This plant was at Sanna, Ardnamurchan, in July 2015

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ROSEROOT Sedum rosea
A plant of dry, rocky habitats. The young plant (middle photo) is confusingly different from the fully-grown. We saw these on Iona, Mull in May 2017 (1st two), and Sanna, Ardnamurchan, in May 2009.

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NAVELWORT Umbilicus rupestris
An unmistakable plant, also called Wall Pennywort. It grows on walls and rocks, as here at Erraid Narrows, Mull in May 2010 (1st photo)and June 2011.

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Rose family - Rosaceae


DOG-ROSE Rosa canina
The familiar 'wild rose', at Low Hauxley, Northumberland coast June 2014

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NORTHERN DOWNY ROSE Rosa mollis
Unsure whether these were correctly identified, we photographed them at Coanwood, West Northumberland June 2010, and Low Hauxley Northumberland coast July 2011

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SHERARD'S DOWNY ROSE Rosa sherardii
Fairly sure of these, from the blue-green leaves. Seen at Low Hauxley Northumberland coast June 2017, and two from Featherstone, West Northumberland June 2010

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BURNET ROSE Rosa pimpinellifolia
One of our more modest roses, here at Sanna, Ardnamurchan, July 2015,and Tynemouth, Northumberland coast June 2017

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JAPANESE ROSE Rosa rugosa
Commonest of the 'introduced' roses, they are now found in many wild places, as well as former grounds such as here at Low Hauxley Northumberland coast June 2017

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MANY-FLOWERED ROSE Rosa multiflora
Probably the easiest wild rose to identify! These made a spectacular display at Tyne Green, Hexham, in June 2017

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DEWBERRY Rubus caesius
Closely related to the Bramble, and often hybridizing with it, these were at Druridge Northumberland coast, in June 2017

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MEADOWSWEET Filipendula ulmaria
Carpeting damp meadows, river banks and similar habitats, this sweet-smelling and luxuriant plant delighted us in Teesdale in August 2015, Hareshaw, West Northumberland, in July 2009 and Stoke Ford nr Eyam, Derbyshire July 2011.

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SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla fruticosa
A perhaps intriguing rather than attractive plant, localized around Teesdale, where we photographed this one in September 2013

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MARSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla palustris
One of our most distinctive and easily-recognized plants, in or by fresh water, these were (1st & 3rd) at Low Hauxley, Northumberland coast in July 2008 and (2nd) Bunessan, Mull in June 2015

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ROWAN Sorbus aucuparia
Its beauty belies its toughness, bending to withstand gales. These were seen at Druridge Northumberland coast in August 2009 and Portuairk, Ardnamurchan, in September 2012

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HAWTHORN (MAY) Crataegus monogyna
Familiar flowers and berries, stunning when in bloom, these were at Auckland Castle in June 2016, Sanna, Ardnamurchan May 2009 and Hareshaw, West Northumberland November 2010

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BLACKTHORN Prunus spinosa
A familiar sight among the earliest shrub and tree blossoms, at Haltwhistle Burn, West Northumberland in April 2017 and Druridge Northumberland coast April 2015

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BIRD CHERRY Prunus padus
Spectacular when grown really large, these were at Tyne Green, Hexham in May 2016, Wallington in April 2009 and Allenbanks, West Northumberland May 2013

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Purslane family - Portulaceae


SPRING BEAUTY Claytonia perfoliata
An uncommon and unusual-looking introduced species, here seen at West Stow Saxon Village in May 2016

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PINK PURSLANE Claytonia sibirica
Another introduced and widespread member of the Purslane family, these were seen at Inverness in August 2005

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Pea family - Fabaceae


BUSH VETCH Vicia sepium
Common and spectacular in masses, such as at Wydon Water, Hexham in May 2011

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BITTER VETCH Lathyrus linifolius
An attractive member of this family, often hidden among more vigorous plants, these were photographed in Teesdale in June 2010

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BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL Lotus corniculatus
Delicate in detail and spectacular in masses, as here behind the beach at Ardalanish, Mull in May 2017.

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RED CLOVER Trifolium pratense
A familiar plant with subtle colour variations. The first two were at The Sill, West Northumberland in August 2017, the third at Belsay in May 2016.

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ZIGZAG CLOVER Trifolium medium
Distinguished from Red Clover by their irregular stems, these were at Bay MacNeill, Ardnamurchan, in July 2015 and Uisken Mull in July 2013.

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ALSIKE CLOVER Trifolium hybridum
From the flower shape and colour this is probably Alsike, seen at Druridge, Northumberland coast in August 2010. Some books show the leaves as more rounded, but there seems to be considerable variation.

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TUFTED VETCH Vicia cracca
A familiar plant decorating roadsides, meadows and river banks, as at Allenbanks, West Northumberland in July 2009

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DYER'S GREENWEED Genista tinctoria
An important foodplant for rare insects, especially moths, these were at Druridge, Northumberland coast in June 2016. As the name suggests, they are a traditional source of fabric dye, though yellow rather than the green its name would suggest.

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BROOM Cytisus scoparius
Common and often spectacular in sandy areas, as in Ardnamurchan in May 2009 and Blanchland, West Northumberland in May 2015.

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(COMMON)GORSE Ulex europaeus
Like Broom, a source of beautiful displays often covering whole hillsides. These were at Allenbanks, West Northumberland in April 2017, Howick in April 2015 and Allenbanks again in April 2009

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DWARF GORSE Ulex minor
Less common than the usual Gorse, and more restricted in its localities, this shrub was on Eyam Moor, Derbyshire in July 2011.

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Willowherb family - Onagraceae


GREAT (sometimes GREATER) WILLOWHERB Epilobium hirsutum
A relatively common plant, but spectacular en masse and reaching nearly 2 metres in height. These were at Druridge, Northumberland coast in July 2014, Howick in August 2015 and the pale one at Warkworth, near the Northumberland coast in July 2009.

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ROSEBAY WILLOWHERB Chamerion angustifolium
The most common willowherb, with an ability to colonise newly bare ground, hence its nickname 'Fireweed'. These were at Druridge, Northumberland coast in July 2014, Teesdale in August 2008 and Warden, near Hexham in August 2009.

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ENCHANTER'S NIGHTSHADE Circaea lutetiana
A diminutive but attractive little plant, commonly seen by woodland edges and paths. It seems not to have any significant medicinal (or even hallucinogenic) uses, other than possibly for dressing wounds, so its name is something of a mystery. These were at Wallington in July 2017.

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Spurge family - Euphorbiaceae


CYPRESS SPURGE Euphorbia cyparissias
Usually a garden escape, this was at Tyne Green, Hexham in May 2016

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Wood-sorrel family - Oxalidaceae


WOOD-SORREL Oxalis acetosella
A very common but attractive late Spring woodland plant, these were at Allenbanks, West Northumberland, in April 2009 (1st two), and May 2013 (a more unusual mauve variety)

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Cranesbill family - Geraniaceae


MEADOW CRANESBILL Geranium pratense
A very common but lovely plant of hedgerows and fields, we didn't need to go far from home to see these in Hexham, in July 2009 and July 2012.

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WOOD CRANESBILL Geranium sylvaticum
A bit less common than the Meadow species, and identified by the more strongly veined and separated petals, these were at Allenbanks, West Northumberland in June 2009 and May 2011 and Teesdale in June 2010.

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BLOODY CRANESBILL Geranium sanguineum
The 'County Flower' of Northumberland, seen in masses at Druridge Northumberland coast in June 2017, June 2016 and June 2017.

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STORKSBILL Erodium Spp
Common in dunes and grassland near the sea. We didn't check to see whether there were sand grains sticking to the stems, which would have identified some of them as Sticky Storksbill E. lebelii. These were at North Uist, Outer Hebrides in May 2012, Druridge Northumberland coast in September 2011, and the South coast of Mull facing Erraid, in May 2017

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Carrot family - Apiaceae (formerly Umbelliferae)


HOGWEED Heracleum sphondyleum
Striking rather than beautiful, and best identified in flower by the large lobes at the edge of the umbels, these were seen in Portuairk, Ardnamurchan", in July 2016, Allenbanks, West Northumberland, in June 2014 and in Cromford, Derbyshire, by the canal in June 2014.

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GIANT HOGWEED Heracleum mantegazzianum
A huge plant, fortunately quite rare as highly poisonous, both to touch and to eat; this specimen was seen by the river in Durham in September 2013.

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COW PARSLEY Anthriscus sylvestris
A familiar plant of early summer, this was at Hexham in June 2013.

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SWEET CICELY Myrrhis odorata
The scented flowers were at Allenbanks, West Northumberland, in May 2013, the beautiful seeds at Tyne Green, Hexham in July 2015.

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WILD CARROT Daucus carota
These seem to have an element of mystery, with their curled buds uncurling in high summer, the frequent single dark flower in the centre and the whole umbel curling back as the seeds form. These were at Wydon Water, Hexham, the first two in August 2012, the 3rd in August 2009.

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SCOTS LOVAGE Ligusticum scoticum
We found this unusual plant on Iona, Mull in July 2016.

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WILD ANGELICA Angelica sylvestris
A distinctive umbellifer, with its balled secondary umbels and substantial purplish stems, these were at Druridge Northumberland coast in August 2010, Wallington in July 2009 and Cragside in August 2016.

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HEMLOCK WATER DROPWORT Oenanthe crocata
Confusingly similar to other umbellifers but highly poisonous. These were at Druridge Northumberland coast, the 1st two in June 2015, the 3rd in August 2015

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ALEXANDERS Smyrnium olusatrum
Identified by its yellow flowers, distinctive leaves and stout stems. These were by the coast near Kings Lynn in April 2012.

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SEA HOLLY Eryngium maritimum
One of our more dramatic coastal plants, often seen in cultivated form in gardens. These were at Ardalanish, Mull, in August 2012.

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PINK MASTERWORT Astrantia major
An unusual-looking garden escape, naturalized in a few places. These were at Low Hauxley Northumberland coast in August 2013.

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Gentian family - Gentianaceae


SPRING GENTIAN Gentiana verna
One of the delights of walking in Upper Teesdale in early summer, these startlingly blue flowers were seen at Cow Green Reservoir, Teesdale in (1st two) May 2011, (3rd) June 2010.

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COMMON CENTAURY Centaurium erythraea
A subtly coloured addition to high summer flowers, these were at Low Hauxley Northumberland coast in July 2011.

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YELLOW-WORT Blackstonia perfoliata
A fairly common coastal plant, these were near their northern limit at Druridge Northumberland coast in October 2008.

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YELLOW CENTAURY Cicendia filiformis
Strictly speaking, these lovely flowers should not be seen so far north, but we have no complaints! They were at Druridge Northumberland coast in July 2011.

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Nightshade family - Solanaceae


BITTERSWEET (WOODY NIGHTSHADE) Solanum dulcamara
Not as poisonous as their 'Deadly' distant relative, these were adding sparkle to the hedgerows at Tyne Green, Hexham in October 2012.

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Borage family - Boraginaceae


GREEN ALKANET Pentaglottis sempervirens
A widespread and attractive flower, these were at Shildon mine, West Northumberland, in May 2015 and Belsay in June 2018.

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(TANSY-LEAVED) PHACELIA Phacelia tanacetifolia
An introduced plant, often used in set-aside and other wildlife-friendly plantings, these were in a field border at Kentstone, Northumberland coast in June 2011.

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OYSTERPLANT Mertensia maritima
The leaves apparently taste of oysters, but we didn't try them as this is a scarce plant, confined to a few locations such as Stenness, Shetland, where we saw them in July 2013.

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VIPER'S BUGLOSS Echium vulgare
Bold and widespread, these were at Tyne Green, Hexham in July 2007.

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Dead-nettle family - Lamiaceae


MARSH WOUNDWORT Stachys palustris
Attractive en masse, but also repaying a close look at the individual flowers, these were at Ardalanish, Mull in August 2014.

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(WILD) MARJORAM Origanum vulgare
A culinary herb, common in the wild, here at Druridge Northumberland coast in July 2017.

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WILD THYME Thymus polytrichus
A culinary herb often seen in masses, here at Housesteads, West Northumberland, in July 2014, and among rocks at Ardalanish beach, Mull in July 2016.

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SELF-HEAL Prunella vulgaris
A common flower of fields and meadows, with many traditional medicinal uses. These were at Wallington in July 2014.

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BUGLE Ajuga reptans
Common in woods and similar shady places, these were at Grigadale, Ardnamurchan, in May 2009.

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WALL GERMANDER Teucrium chamaedris
A rare and very localized plant, also introduced to nature reserves such as at Druridge Northumberland coast, where we saw it in August 2012 (1st & 3rd), and July 2011 (2nd).

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MINT Mentha Spp
Mints are a difficult family, whose members hybridize and are in any case not easy to tell apart. The left one is probably Spear Mint Mentha spicata, the right one probably Apple Mint M. villosa, but we are open to correction. Both were found at Wydon Water, Hexham, in August 2013 and August 2015 respectively.

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Figwort family - Scrophulariaceae


IVY-LEAVED TOADFLAX Cymbalaria muralis
An alien (from 1617!) now widespread on rocks and walls. These were on the car park wall at St Aidan's United Reformed Church, Hexham in April 2017 (and every other year!).

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COMMON FOXGLOVE Digitalis purpurea
Widespread, common and in full flower always beautiful. These were at Gortenfern, Ardnamurchan, in July 2015 (1st picture), and Allenbanks, West Northumberland, June 2010 (2nd and 3rd).

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MONKEYFLOWER Mimulus guttatus
Striking, and widespread in wet places, these were in Lerwick, Shetland, July 2016.

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MUSK Mimulus moschatus
A diminutive member of the genus, these were at Lowther Castle, in June 2017.

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FAIRY FOXGLOVE Erinus alpinus
A garden escape, and not closely related to Common Foxglove, these were at Lindisfarne, Northumberland coast, in June 2009.

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LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica
A common plant of damp areas. Its name comes from an old idea that it caused lice infestation if eaten by livestock. These were at Nibon, Shetland, in June 2013.

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MARSH LOUSEWORT Pedicularis palustris
Occupying wetter places than Lousewort, these were found at Sanna, Ardnamurchan in July 2015.

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EYEBRIGHT Euphrasia spp.
Attractive ground cover in moorland and meadows. We've not dared to be specific, as they are a very difficult genus (20 species in Blamey, Fitter & Fitter - though one of them is only found in Ireland). These were at Druridge Northumberland coast in June 2017.

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TWIGGY MULLEIN Verbascum virgatum
We're fairly sure about this one, from the purple stamens. Found at Tyne Green, Hexham in September 2014.

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GERMANDER (BIRDSEYE) SPEEDWELL Veronica chamaedrys
A common and attractive plant, here in Teesdale, June 2009.

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HEATH SPEEDWELL Veronica officinalis
We're fairly sure of this, from the long stamens and short-stalked flowers. Seen in Portuairk, Ardnamurchan, June 2007, and Teesdale in June 2010.

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Broomrape family - Orobanchaceae


THYME BROOMRAPE
No mistaking this remarkable parasitic plant, found in Portuairk, Ardnamurchan, in June 2007 and July 2015.

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TOOTHWORT Lathraea squamaria
An easily identified parasite, in woods at Warden, near Hexham in April 2013.

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Plantain family - Plantaginaceae


BUCKSHORN PLANTAIN Plantago coronopus
An unusual seaside plant, on bare rocks at Ardalanish, Mull, in May 2014.

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Bladderwort family - Lentibulariaceae


BUTTERWORT Pinguicula vulgaris
A carnivorous plant often seen in bogs and marshes. The beautiful flowers repay close inspection, though kneeling down in marshes is not always comfortable! These were at Ronas Voe, Shetland in July 2013, and Iona, Mull in May 2017.

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Bellflower family - Campanulaceae


HAREBELL Campanula rotundifolia
A common sight in late summer, these were seen from Hadrian's Wall, West Northumberland, in August 2015, and at Druridge Northumberland coast in July 2011.

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NETTLE-LEAVED BELLFLOWER Campanula trachelium
A very attractive campanula, identified by its characteristic leaves. These were at Low Hauxley Northumberland coast in August 2009 and July 2011.

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GIANT BELLFLOWER Campanula latifolia
Striking and always a joy to see in full flower. These were at Allenbanks, West Northumberland, in July 2009 (1st & 3rd) and July 2011.

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SHEEPSBIT Jasione montana
Not a scabious, in spite of appearance, we saw these at Nibon, Shetland in June 2013.

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Bedstraw family - Rubiaceae


LADY'S BEDSTRAW Galium verum
See a huge, low-growing patch of yellow in late summer and it is likely to be this. Here at Hadrian's Wall, West Northumberland, in July 2014, and Teesdale in August 2015.

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WOODRUFF Galium odoratum
A retiring but attractive flower of waysides and wood edges, here at Tobermory, Mull in May 2009.

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CROSSWORT Cruciata laevipes
Although this is widespread, we saw few until we moved to Northumberland, where it is common in hedgerows and roadsides. These were at Druridge Northumberland coast in June 2010, and Hexham in June 2013.

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Honeysuckle family - Caprifoliaceae


HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera periclymenum
Often smelled before seen, this plant can be seen climbing over hedges everywhere. These were at Gibside in July 2010 (1st image), and Haltwhistle Burn, West Northumberland in June 2017 (other two).

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ELDER Sambucus nigra
Common and often spectacular, the flowers were at Gibside in June 2017, the fruits (very tasty straight off the bush) were at Tyne Green, Hexham in October 2010, and Whalley in October 2013.

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GUELDER-ROSE Viburnum opulus
Widespread if not very common, these attractive berries were at Wydon Water, Hexham, in October 2015.

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Valerian family - Valerianaceae


COMMON VALERIAN Valeriana officinalis
These grassland or woodland edge plants were at Blanchland, West Northumberland in August 2009, and an unknown site in June 2005 - probably Southern England or Scotland, as we didn't move to Northumberland until 2006.

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MARSH VALERIAN Valeriana dioica
These examples, with their very different leaves from Common Valerian, were at Low Hauxley Northumberland coast in July 2017 (with Meadowsweet), and Aros Park, Tobermory, Mull, in July 2016.

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Teasel family - Dipsacaceae


(WILD) TEASEL Dipsacus fullonum
This striking plant can, confusingly, be spelled Teasel, Teazel or even Teazle.These were seen and admired at Druridge Northumberland coast in November 2008.

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FIELD SCABIOUS Knautia arvensis
A common plant of waysides and meadows, these were at Tyne Green, Hexham in July 2017, and on the south side of Hexham in July 2009

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DEVILSBIT SCABIOUS Succisa pratensis
More common than Field Scabious in damp places, these were at Cragside in August 2013. (The roots are very short and were traditionally thought to have been bitten off by the Devil.)

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Daisy family - Asteraceae (formerly Compositae)


COMMON DAISY Bellis perennis
Photographed on Iona, Mull in April 2014. There are always loads on our lawn, of course, but they never get a chance to grow like these.

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OXEYE DAISY Leucanthemum vulgare
Exuberant flowers of roadsides and other grassy places, these were by Wydon Water, Hexham, in June 2010.

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SEA MAYWEED Tripleurospermum maritimum
An attractive flower, brightening up shingle beaches and other bare sites by the sea, these were at Hillswick, Shetland, in July 2013 and Ardalanish, Mull in July 2016.

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YARROW Achillea millefolium
Superficially resembling an umbellifer, these cover the ground in late Summer, here at Allenbanks, West Northumberland in August 2010 and Tyne Green, Hexham in July 2017.

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MOUNTAIN EVERLASTING Antennaria dioica
A diminutive plant of northern hilly areas, though at low altitudes too, these were in Portuairk, Ardnamurchan, May 2014.

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COMMON RAGWORT Senecio jacobaea
Though poisonous to many farm animals, away from pastures ragwort can make a spectacular display, as at Tyne Green, Hexham in July 2017, and with the Burnet Moth, at Druridge Northumberland coast in August 2012.

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MARSH RAGWORT Senecio aquaticus
Larger and more sparse flowers identify this ragwort, here at Ardalanish, in August 2012 and Market Bay, in August 2013, both on Mull.

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COLTSFOOT Tussilago farfara
A bright welcome to Spring, here at Wydon Water, Hexham, in March 2012, though often earlier.

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CORN MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum segetum
Making a show in late Summer, these were near Bunessan, Mull, in September 2012.

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(COMMON) FLEABANE Pulicaria dysenterica
At the northern end of its range, these attractive plants were at Druridge Bay, Northumberland coast in August 2008, and with hoverflies Syrphus ribesii and Melanostoma scalare in August 2009.

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ELECAMPANE Inula helenium
Formerly bred for medicinal purposes, these spectacular flowers can be found in large numbers at Cragside, here in July 2017.

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LEOPARDSBANE Doronicum pardalianches
A widespread garden escape, these were at Allenbanks, West Northumberland, itself a former garden, in June 2014.

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(WILD) GOLDENROD Solidago virgaurea
Often in spectacular clusters, as in Teesdale, August 2015.

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STICKY GROUNDSEL Senecio viscosus
Less likely than Common Groundsel to appear in gardens, as they prefer damp conditions, these were at Wydon Water, Hexham in August 2011

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CARLINE THISTLE Carlina vulgaris
A distinctive flower, not really resembling other thistles, these were at Druridge, Northumberland coast, in August 2013 and 2009 respectively.

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SAW-WORT Serratula tinctoria
An attractive thistle, not prickly, these were well north of their normal range at Low Hauxley Northumberland coast, in August 2009 (with Painted Lady butterflies), July 2011 and August 2013 (with Small Skipper).

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BURDOCK Arctium spp.
Elisabeth's unfavourite flower, from its clothes-catching habit, these were at Allenbanks, West Northumberland, in July 2009 and High Force (Teesdale) August 2008.

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BUTTERBUR Petasites hybridus
Always seen in patches, here in Beltingham churchyard, West Northumberland in April 2009.

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HEMP AGRIMONY Eupatorium cannabinum
Although often seen in gardens to attract butterflies, this is a genuine native plant, as at Druridge, Northumberland coast in August 2016. We were sorry on this occasion not to see them populated by Red Admiral or Painted Lady butterflies.

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CREEPING THISTLE Cirsium arvense
These were at Gibside in September 2015, though we're not entirely sure of the identification, which we based on leaf shape.

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MARSH THISTLE Cirsium palustre
An easily identified thistle, this was seen in July 2015, by the track between Arivegaig and Gortenfern, Ardnamurchan. The hoverfly is probably Sericomyia silentis.

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MELANCHOLY THISTLE Cirsium heterophyllum
So-called because they almost invariably have just one flower per stem, these were in Teesdale, in June 2009, June 2007 and July 2009, showing their popularity with pollinators.

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CORNFLOWER Centaurea cyanus
Nowadays promoted from agricultural weed to popular garden plant, these were at Wallington in August 2013.

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DANDELION Taxacum spp.
Spectacular when massed by roadsides, these were at Teesdale in May 2013 (first two), and Druridge Northumberland coast in June 2010, though they could just as easily have been in our lawn. We've not even attempted to decide which of the 200 or so species are shown here, leaving that to the specialists.

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GOATSBEARD Tragopogon pratensis
From elegant bud to dramatic clock, this is probably Tony's favourite wild flower, at Hareshaw, West Northumberland in June 2012, Howick in July 2011, and Hareshaw again in 2009.

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MARSH HAWKSBEARD Crepis paludosa
A northern species with distinctive saw-edged leaves, these were at Hareshaw, West Northumberland in July 2009, and Wallington in July 2010.

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NORTHERN HAWKSBEARD Crepis mollis
Restricted to a smaller area than Marsh Hawksbeard, and with smoother-edged leaves, these were at Tyne Green, Hexham in August 2015.

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FOX-AND-CUBS Pilosella aurantiaca
An attractive wild plant often planted in gardens, these were on a roadside at Tyndrum in July 2016.

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MOUSE-EAR HAWKWEED Pilosella officinarum
A possibly doubtful identification, at Wydon Water Hexham, in August 2015.

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CORN (PERENNIAL) SOW-THISTLE Sonchus arvensis
Large flowers and leaves clasping the stem helped to identify these, at Druridge Northumberland coast in August 2011, Gibside in September 2015, and Druridge again in August 2010

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COMMON BLUE SOW-THISTLE Cicerbita macrophylla
The most frequently-occurring blue-flowered dandelion look-alike, this plant was at Haltwhistle Burn, West Northumberland, in July 2014.

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Water-lily family - Nymphaeaceae


WHITE WATER-LILY Nymphaea alba
Often seen in gardens, but a genuine native wild plant, these were at Howick in August 2015, Aros Park, Tobermory, Mull, in July 2016, and Cragside in June 2011.

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YELLOW WATER-LILY Nuphar lutea
Not to be confused with the cultivated variety, which in shape more closely resembles the White Water-lily above, this was at Aros Park, Tobermory. Mull, in July 2016.

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Lily family - Liliaceae


BLUEBELL Hyacinthoides non-scriptus
By far our most familiar wild lily, carpeting woodlands, woodland edges and fields where there were woods in the past, these were at Allenbanks, West Northumberland in May 2012, Horsham in May 2016 and Tobermory, Mull in May 2009.

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SPRING SQUILL Scilla verna
Covering hillsides in favoured places near the sea, these were at Nibon, Fethaland (with Marsh Marigolds in the distance) and St Ninian's Isle, all in Shetland in June 2010.

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BOG ASPHODEL Narthecium ossifragum
A bold and distinctive inhabitant of wet areas, these were at Teesdale in August 2015 and Sanna, Ardnamurchan, in July of the same year.

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SNOWDROP Galanthus spp.
It seems unclear whether snowdrop was originally a wild native plant, as it is now ubiquitous both outside and inside gardens. These were all photographed at Howick Hall Gardens: the massed display in February 2009, and the cluster and single flower of the Northumberland (Howick) variety, with yellow hoods, in February 2012

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SPRING SNOWFLAKE Leucojum vernum
Like snowdrop, its status as a native plant is uncertain. These were seen at Lyme Park in July 2017.

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STAR-OF-BETHLEHEM Ornithogalum angustifolium
Native but also a garden escape, these beautiful little flowers were on Iona, Mull in May 2017, and Druridge Northumberland coast in June 2010.

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FIELD GARLIC Allium oleraceum
Unmistakeable and curious, this was at Tyne Green, Hexham in July 2015.

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SAND LEEK Allium scorodoprasum
These specimens were in long grass at Lowther Castle in July 2012

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Iris family - Iridaceae


YELLOW (FLAG) IRIS Iris pseudacorus
Growing in spectacular masses in damp places all over the country, these were at Druridge in June 2015, Low Hauxley in June 2014 (both on Northumberland coast), and Lowther Castle in June 2017

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(AMERICAN) BLUE-EYED GRASS Sysirinchium montanum
A garden escape, here seen at Hexham in June 2014.

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YELLOW-EYED GRASS Sysirinchium californicum
Like Blue-eyed Grass, another escape, here at Portuairk in June 2006 and Sanna in July 2015 (both places in Ardnamurchan).

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AUTUMN CROCUS Crocus nudiflorus
Introduced by mediaeval monks but long escaped into the wild, these were at Belsay in September 2011.

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Orchid family - Orchidaceae


COMMON SPOTTED ORCHID Dactylorhiza fuchsii
Distinguished from the Heath Spotted by having a more conical flower spike (though they hybridize too, to add further confusion), these were at Howick in June 2014 and Tyne Green, Hexham in July 2016. The name comes from the spots on the leaves.

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HEATH SPOTTED ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata
With more cyclindrical flower spikes than the Common Spotted, these were at Carsaig, Mull in July 2016 (first picture) and Fethaland, Shetland in June 2010 (second and third pictures, showing the spotted leaves which provide the name).

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EARLY MARSH ORCHID Dactylorhiza incarnata
Highly variable in colour, at Ardtun, Mull, June 2015, Low Hauxley Northumberland coast June 2010.

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NORTHERN MARSH ORCHID Dactylorhiza purpurella
All at Druridge, Northumberland coast June 2013 on left, the others June 2012, showing the range of variation in colour.

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FRAGRANT ORCHID Gymnadenia conopsea
Masses at Sanna July 2015,the two unusually pink ones at Portuairk, both sites in Ardnamurchan, July 2016. If in doubt, the name will tell you what to do!

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EARLY PURPLE ORCHID Orchis mascula
As the name suggests these are out earlier than most other kinds. The photos were taken at Sanna and (with bluebell) Mingary Castle in May 2009, both sites in Ardnamurchan, and in Teesdale in May 2013.

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SMALL WHITE ORCHID Pseudorchis albida
A rather boring name for an unassuming though attractive little flower. These were seen near Bunessan, Mull, in June 2015.

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FROG ORCHID Dactylorhiza viridis
One of several species with a superficial resemblance to an animal, and not always easy to see in the grass they tend to inhabit, these were at Sanna, Ardnamurchan in July 2016

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GREATER BUTTERFLY ORCHID Platanthera chlorantha
Not easily distinguished from the Lesser, most reliably by the shorter spur at the rear of the flower. These were seen near Bunessan, Mull, in July 2016.

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LESSER BUTTERFLY ORCHID Platanthera bifolia
Not easily distinguished from the Greater, most reliably by the longer spur at the rear of the flower. These were at Achnaha, Ardnamurchan, and near Bunessan, Mull repectively, both in July 2015.

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BEE ORCHID Ophrys apifera
A spectacular member of the family with its close resemblance to a bee, encouraging male bees to 'mate' with them and distribute their pollen. These were at Druridge, Northumberland coast in June 2016 and June 2011. Always a joy to see!

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BROAD-LEAVED HELLEBORINE Epipactis helleborine
Distinguished from the Narrow-leaved species by leaf shape and flower colour, these were seen in Teesdale, in August 2010.

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WHITE HELLEBORINE Cephalanthera damasonium
The more closed-up flowers distinguish this from the Narrow-leaved. This was well north of its normal range, in Aros Park, Tobermory, Mull, in May 2017.

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NARROW(SWORD)-LEAVED HELLEBORINE Cephalanthera longifolia
Distinguished from the Broad-leaved species by leaf shape and the White Helleborine by the more widely open flowers, these were at Aros Park, Tobermory, Mull, in May 2010.

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Flowering Rush family - Butomaceae


FLOWERING RUSH Butomus umbellatus
A spectacular waterside plant, these were at Wydon Water, Hexham, in July 2013 and July 2016.

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Water-plantain family - Alismataceae


WATER-PLANTAIN Alisma spp.
At water edges, but often seen in deeper water too, these were at Washington WWT in September 2013.

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Bur-reed family - Sparganiaceae


BUR-REED Sparganium spp.
A striking plant alongside or in water, the flowers were at Cragside in August 2013, the fruit at Washington WWT in September 2013.

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Bulrush family - Typhaceae


BULRUSH (REEDMACE) Typha latifolia
Unmistakable in reed-beds, these were at Druridge, Northumberland coast in April 2015, Cragside in August 2015, and Druridge again in September 2016.

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Hazel family - Corylaceae


HAZEL Corylus avellana
Covered in catkins, these were at the Tyne confluence, near Hexham in March 2014 and (2nd and 3rd pictures) December 2013.

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HORNBEAM Carpinus betulus
This tree, with profuse green flowers, was at Warden, near Hexham in April 2009.

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Birch family - Betulaceae


ALDER Alnus glutinosa
Easily identified, long before the leaves show, by its purple catkins, this tree was at Washington WWT in January 2009.

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Lime family - Tiliaceae


(COMMON) LIME Tilia x europaea
A very attractive tree (but don't park your car under it unless it's due for a wash anyway), this was at Allenbanks, West Northumberland in July 2009.

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Spindle family - Celastraceae


SPINDLE Euonymus europaeus
Readily identified in Autumn, with its striking fruits, this bush was at Howick in October 2015.

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Willow family - Salicaceae


WILLOW (VARIOUS) Salix spp.
Willows are 'difficult', and they hybridize, to cause even more confusion!. To the best of our knowledge, the first two are are Almond Willow (Teesdale, June 2010) and Dwarf Willow (Portuairk, Ardnamurchan, April 2011). We've no idea about the third (Blanchland, West Northumberland, April 2009), but the flowers are very striking. Suggestions welcomed!

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Sea-buckthorn family - Eleagnaceae


SEA-BUCKTHORN Elaeagnus rhamnoides
Often seen near coasts, particularly in the east, these were at Druridge, Northumberland coast in September 2016.

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Mezereon family - Thymelaeaceae


SPURGE-LAUREL Daphne laureola
Near the northern limit of its range (which could explain why the seeds are still green), these were alongside the river at Tyne Green, Hexham the flowers in March 2014, the fruit in May the same year.

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Olive family - Oleaceae


ASH Fraxinus excelsior
A tree, of course, so perhaps out of place here, but we couldn't resist the keys, at Washington WWT in December 2013.

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Pine family - Pinaceae


SCOTS PINE Pinus sylvestris
We've generally only included trees where we can show flowers or seeds, but this superb Scots Pine at Howick was a favourite, until it was cut down for safety reasons not long after we took the photo in October 2013. The flowers were at Haltwhistle Burn, West Northumberland in May 2016.

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NORWAY SPRUCE Picea abies
Norway Spruce has something of a bad reputation when grown as a monoculture, but its cones look very decorative. These were just north of Housesteads on Hadrians Wall, West Northumberland, in August 2014

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(EUROPEAN) LARCH Larix decidua
Larch is our only deciduous conifer; its flowers appear with the new leaves, here at Blanchland, West Northumberland, in April 2009, the cones when the leaves are ready to fall, as at Druridge, Northumberland coast in November 2011.

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Cypress family - Cupressaceae


JUNIPER Juniperis communis
The flowers were at High Force, Teesdale in June 2015, the berries at Market Bay, Mull in August 2014 and September 2012.

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Sedge family - Cyperaceae


COTTON-GRASS Eriophorum spp.
Seen at Stublick West Northumberland, in June 2012. If you see masses of this, you'll probably need to wear wellies before walking on it!

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Rush family - Juncaceae


COMMON CLUB-RUSH Schoenoplectus lacustris
This plant was at Woodhorn, near the Northumberland coast, in August 2009.

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SEA CLUB-RUSH Bolboschoenus maritimus
We're fairly sure about this one even though Belsay, where we saw it in August 2015, is not by the sea.

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SOFT RUSH Juncus effusus
Very common by and in water, these were at Cragside in August 2013.

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LOCATIONS

TEESDALETeesdale is the valley of the River Tees, which runs mainly along the border between County Durham and North Yorkshire, rising in the Pennines and reaching the sea at Middlesborough. However, our plants have all been found in Upper Teesdale, in the areas between the waterfalls High Force and Low Force, and around Cow Green Reservoir. Both areas are important botanically.

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HEXHAM Hexham, Northumberland, borders the River Tyne, just off the A69 between Carlisle and Newcastle. Nearby places of botanical interest are:
Wydon Water, a small reservoir on the southern edge of Hexham itself;
Tyne Green, an area with a cycle track alongside the Tyne on the north edge of the town;
The Tyne Confluence, where the North Tyne and South Tyne combine, about a mile west of Hexham;
Warden, a village on the South Tyne, just west of the confluence;

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WALLINGTONWallington, Northumberland, is a National Trust property about 21 miles NW of Newcastle, just off the A696, and former home of the politician Charles Phillips Trevelyan. Its gardens and conservatory offer a wide variety of interesting cultivated plants, to add to a feast of wild flowers in the more informal parts.

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CRAGSIDECragside is a National Trust property near Rothbury, about 30 miles NNW of Newcastle, and former home of the engineer and entrepreneur Thomas Armstrong. The grounds are large and include three lakes, along with other formal and informal areas.

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SHETLANDThe Shetland Isles are the furthest north landmasses in the British Isles. They are rich in wildlife, both animals (especially birds) and plants. Places where we have included plants in this collection are, working from north to south (approximately):
Fethaland, the northernmost point of Mainland;
Ronas Voe, a deep inlet on the west coast, south of Fethaland;
Esha Ness, a promontory at the north-west of Mainland, with scary geos (ravines);
Stenness, a village on the southern shore of Esha Ness; one of the few sites where Oysterplant can be found;
Nibon, a hamlet on the west coast, south of Esha Ness;
Hillswick, a promontory on the west coast, between Esha Ness and Nibon.
Lerwick, the capital of Shetland, on the east coast at the north end of the narrow part of Mainland; some good coastal plants;
St Ninian's Isle, a small high-tide island off the west coast about 7 miles north of Sumburgh, which is at the southern tip of Mainland.

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WASHINGTONWashington Wildlife and Wetland Trust (WWT) manages a large nature reserve near Washington, Tyne and Wear, dedicated to wetland birds, both native and exotic. All areas are uncultivated and populated with wild plants.

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MULLThe island of Mull is off the west coast of Scotland, to the north-west of Glasgow and south of Ardnamurchan. We regularly holiday on the Ross of Mull peninsula, in the south-west of the island, and have included plants from:
Iona, an island off the south-west corner of the island, at the end of the Ross of Mull. To add to its fame for over 1000 years as one of the earliest centres of Christianity in Scotland, it has many wild areas.
Erraid, a smaller island, just "round the corner" to the south from Iona, its east coast separated from Mull by the "Narrows".
Ardalanish, a beach on the south coast, about 5 miles from the ferry to Iona. It has stunning metamorphic geology to add to the variety of wild plants.
The Burg, a hill north of and facing the Ross of Mull.
Carsaig, a settlement on the south coast, about 22 miles from the ferry at Craignure. It is famous for a herd of wild goats, but they don't eat all the plants!
Market Bay, a beach on the north coast of the Ross of Mull, about 3 miles from the ferry to Iona (though the last mile is a walk which can be quite challenging after wet weather!).
Bunessan, the principal town on the Ross of Mull, 5 miles from the Iona ferry.
Ardtun, a village about a mile north-east of Bunessan.
Tobermory, the principal town and port at the north end of Mull, with walks through Aros Park and to the lighthouse, all containing a variety of plants.
Uisken is another beach a little to the east of Ardalanish.

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HOWICKHowick is a "stately home" close to the Northumberland coast and former residence of Earl Grey (think tea). Its huge garden contains many wild and semi-wild areas.

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ARDNAMURCHANArdnamurchan is a peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, between the islands of Mull and Skye. It includes the most westerly point on the British mainland, next to the lighthouse. We took holidays there for many years, and took photos of plants in:
Portuairk, a small village on the coast, a mile or so north of the lighthouse;
Sanna, a settlement on a splendid bay, just north of Portuairk;
Gortenfern, a beach on the north coast, off a wooded track from Arivegaig;
Bay MacNeill, between Portuairk and the lighthouse.
Grigadale, between Portuairk and Bay MacNeill.
Achnaha is at the centre of the major feature of Ardnamurchan, the impressive volcanic ring-dyke structure, formed around 60 million years ago.
Kilchoan is the only town in western Ardnamurchan, on the south coast of the peninsula a few miles from the lighthouse. Mingary is a mile or so to its east.
Ariundle is an area by Strontian, at the eastern edge of Ardnamurchan. It includes a nature trail through ancient woodland.

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BARTON HILLSThe Barton Hills are part of the Chilterns, between Hitchin in Hertfordshire, and the Borough of Luton. They possess many classic chalk downland plants.

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WAKEHURST PLACEWakehurst Place is a National Trust property funded and managed by the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew, as its Wild Botanic Garden and home to the Millennium Seed Project.

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BELSAYBelsay Hall, Castle and Gardens are an English Heritage property about 14 miles north-west of Newcastle. The gardens are spectacular, particularly the area from which the stone to build the hall was quarried, and have many wild and semi-wild parts.

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ORKNEYWe have visited the Orkney Archipelago several times, and found plants in:
Stenness on the south coast of Mainland and
Yesnaby, on its west coast, just south of the celebrated archaeological site of Skara Bray

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NORTHUMBERLAND COASTWe have seen flowers in several locations:
Druridge Bay, which includes a lake in the Country Park and sand dunes behind the beach, is about a third of the way up the coast between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Berwick;
Low Hauxley Nature Reserve just north of Druridge, mainly given over to wetland birds but also containing a rich variety of wild flora;
Beadnell, a small town a little more than halfway up the coast between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Berwick.
Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, world-famous for history and archaeology, but also possessing many wildlife areas.
Kentstone, a farm a little way back from the coast, near Lindisfarne.
Warkworth, a town with a famous castle, just inland from the coast halfway between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Berwick.
Tynemouth, on the coast, on the north edge of the mouth of the Tyne, as its name suggests.
Woodhorn is a coal mining and heritage museum, just back from the coast about 17 miles north of Newcastle and next to a country park.

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WEST NORTHUMBERLANDThough not an official region, this is a convenient description of the area between Hexham and the boundary with Cumbria. It includes:
Cawfield Crags, a disused quarry on Hadrian's Wall about 17 miles west of Hexham, just north of the B6318.
Allenbanks, about 10 miles west of Hexham and formerly the grounds of a large house. It is on the River Allen, a tributary of the South Tyne, and includes Moralee Tarn. The small village of Beltingham lays a mile or so to its south-west.
Blanchland, a picturesque village about 10 miles south of Hexham, on the border with County Durham. The moors are easily accessible.
Shildon mine, on a track about a mile north-east of Blanchland.
Coanwood, a village about 20 miles west of Hexham and near to Featherstone Hall on the South Tyne
Simonburn, a village about 10 miles north-west of Hexham, also with easy access to moorland;
Stublick, a mining area with a prominent ventilation chimney, about 8 miles west of Hexham;
The Sill, an impressive visitors'centre, opened in 2017, named after the nearby Whin Sill escarpment and including on its roof a growing replica of rare whin grassland;
Simonburn, a village about 10 miles north-west of Hexham, also with easy access to moorland;
Hadrian's Wall, a world-famous ancient monument, originally about 80 miles long and frequently walked, though we only visit a few miles of it. Many plants grow on it or nearby.
Haltwhistle, a town about 16 miles west of Hexham, claiming to be the geographical centre of mainland Britain. It has a superb walk alongside the burn, going north to Hadrian's Wall.
Walltown, a disused quarry, about 21 miles west of Hexham, containing brachiopod fossils as well as many kinds of wild flower;
Hareshaw, a burn on the edge of Bellingham (not Beltingham!), about 17 miles north-west of Hexham.

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DERBYSHIREWe have family in this Midland county, so visit from time to tme. We have seen plants of interest in:
Eyam, a village about 13 miles south-west of Sheffield, with interesting walks nearby;
Cromford, a town about 16 miles north of Derby, with a famous mill and canal walk;
Lantern Pike is a hill about 18 miles south-east of Manchester, near the village of Hayfield. Excellent views and good flora.

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OUTER HEBRIDESWe have made two visits to this string of islands off the north-west coast of Scotland. From north to south they comprise Lewis/Harris, North Uist/South Uist, Eriskay, Barra/Vatersay and several smaller islets. Our plants were seen in:
Vatersay, off the southern tip of Barra and connected by a causeway;
North Uist, with its many wild areas and especially Balranald Nature Reserve, on its north-west coast;

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KINGS LYNNAbutting The Wash, Kings Lynn is at the western end of the north coast of Norfolk, which contains a huge variety of wetland plants.

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JARROWOn the east side of Gateshead, and famous for the march of 1936 against unemployment and poverty in the North-East, Jarrow contains a museum and Anglo-Saxon farm village.

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GIBSIDEGibside is a National Trust property about 9 miles west of Gateshead. It has extensive grounds, including many wild and semi-wild areas.

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AUCKLAND CASTLEAuckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, is the former seat of the Bishops of Durham and contains some splendid gardens.

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WEST STOW ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGEAbout 6 miles north-west of Bury St Edmunds in Suffok, this is well worth a visit, not only to see a fairly unusual plant.

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INVERNESSA large town in north-east Scotland, it contains several parks and other open spaces.

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DURHAMCounty town of the county of that name, it has a Cathedral, Castle, museums and a beautiful riverside walk.

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LOWTHER CASTLELowther Castle is in Cumbria, a few miles south of Penrith. It is a castle in the same sense as a French château, a residence making a statement rather than a defensive structure. Its spacious grounds have many wild and semi-wild areas.

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WHALLEYa Lancashire town, about 9 miles north-east of Blackburn, with good walks along the River Calder.

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TYNDRUMa small town in central Scotland on the road between Glasgow and Fort William, about 60 miles north of Glasgow.

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HORSHAMa large town in West Sussex, about halfway between Guildford and Brighton, with river and woodland walks nearby.

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LYME PARKA National Trust property, with splendid house and large grounds, about 12 miles south-east of Manchester.

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