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  • Interrupted Brome Bromus interruptus Height to 70cm.<br />
Annual or biennial of disturbed and arable land. Inflorescence is oblong overall, comprising bulbous, awned spikelets arranged in widely separated clusters. Status-Formerly widespread in arable fields but declared extinct in Britain, in the wild, in 1972. Now re-introduced in places but still very rare.
    134174.jpg
  • Roadside verge - sown with arable flowers
    163191.jpg
  • CORNFLOWER Centaurea cyanus (Asteraceae) Height to 90cm. Creeping perennial with upright flowering stems that are winged below leaf stalks and swollen beneath flower heads. Grows in arable fields and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS in heads, 15-30mm across, with bluish outer florets and reddish purple inner florets (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are narrow; basal ones may be lobed. STATUS-Formerly a common arable ‘weed’ prior to the use of modern agricultural herbicides; now virtually extinct on farmland, seen mainly where seed is deliberately scattered.
    131263.jpg
  • CORNFLOWER Centaurea cyanus (Asteraceae) Height to 90cm. Creeping perennial with upright flowering stems that are winged below leaf stalks and swollen beneath flower heads. Grows in arable fields and on disturbed ground. FLOWERS in heads, 15-30mm across, with bluish outer florets and reddish purple inner florets (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are narrow; basal ones may be lobed. STATUS-Formerly a common arable ‘weed’ prior to the use of modern agricultural herbicides; now virtually extinct on farmland, seen mainly where seed is deliberately scattered.
    144469.jpg
  • Skylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.
    156531.jpg
  • Arable Farmland, Southern England
    129426.jpg
  • NARROW-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella dentata (Valerianaceae) Height to 20cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1cm across (Apr-May). FRUITS are flattened and narrowly ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Very rare in southern England.
    141595.jpg
  • NIGHT-FLOWERING CATCHFLY Silene noctiflora (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 60cm. Stickily hairy annual of arable fields, mainly on chalk or sandy soils. FLOWERS recall those of White Campion. However, petals are pinkish above, yellowish below and inrolled by day, opening at night, when they are scented (May-Jul). FRUITS are capsules with 6 reflexed teeth. LEAVES are ovate. STATUS-Local and declining.
    134498.jpg
  • CORN MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum segetum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive, hairless and upright annual that grows in arable fields and cultivated ground, usually on acid, sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with orange-yellow disc florets and yellow ray florets; heads are solitary (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, deeply lobed or toothed, and slightly fleshy; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS-Possibly introduced to the region but now widespread, although range and abundance is decreasing.
    133662.jpg
  • EARLY FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis ramosissima (Boraginaceae) Height to 10cm. Downy annual of arable fields, bare grassy places and open woodland. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across, 5-lobed and sky blue; borne in clusters (Apr-Oct). Corolla tube is shorter than calyx tube. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, basal ones forming a rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common in most parts, except in the far N.
    133647.jpg
  • CUT-LEAVED GERMANDER Teucriuim botrys (Lamiaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright and branched, downy annual or biennial. Grows on bare ground, in short grassland often on previously disturbed soil, and in arable fields, on chalk and limestone soils. FLOWERS are 7-9mm long with no upper lip but a lower lip that is deep, pink; borne in small clusters up leafy stems (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are almost triangular but deeply cut, the lower ones almost pinnately so. STATUS-Rare and restricted to a few locations in S England, from Cotswolds to Kent.
    131786.jpg
  • COMMON POPPY Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across with 4 papery, overlapping scarlet petals (often dark at the base); on slender stalks with spreading hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid, flat-topped capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread, commonest in S and E England; scarce in N and W.
    131093.jpg
  • BROAD-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella rimosa (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched annual. Similar to Common Cornsalad but less leafy and with different shaped fruits. Grows in arable fields. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla lilac and 5-lobed; in few-flowered clusters (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped, not flattened, and grooved on 1 side. LEAVES are oblong or spoon-shaped. STATUS-Restricted to S England.
    126514.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
    125904.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    127861.jpg
  • MONTAGU’S HARRIER Circus pygargus Wingspan 100-115cm. Graceful raptor with slow, buoyant flight. Adult male has mainly blue-grey with a smaller white rump than male Hen Harrier. Note black wingtips, single dark bar on upperwing, two dark bars on underwings, chestnut barring on underwings coverts and streaked belly. Adult female is pale brown with darker barring on wings and tail, streaking on underparts, and narrow white rump. Juvenile recalls an adult female but underparts and underwing coverts are orange-red and unstreaked. Voice – mainly silent. Status and habitat - A summer visitor to Britain, present May-September. A few pairs breed each year in arable farmland and on heathland.
    143071.jpg
  • Tree Sparrow Passer montanus L 13-14cm. Well-marked bird, rural counterpart of House Sparrow. Forms flocks outside breeding season and may feed with buntings and finches in fields. Sexes are similar. Adult has chestnut cap and striking black patch on otherwise whitish cheeks and side of head; note black bib. Underparts are otherwise greyish white. Back and wings are streaked brown; note white wingbars. Juvenile is similar but duller. Voice Utters chirps and sharp tik-tik in flight. Status Scarce and declining resident of untidy arable farms and rural villages. A tree-hole nester nad has benefited from provision of nest boxes.
    156439.jpg
  • Skylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.
    156387.jpg
  • Reed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclus - adult male at nest with chicks. L 14-15cm. Well-marked bird of wetland margins. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult summer male has black head, throat and bib, and white collar and submoustachial stripe. Underparts are whitish with faint streaking, back is dark and wings have reddish brown feather margins. In all other plumages head has dark brown and buffish brown stripes and pale submoustachial stripe. Back has brown and buff stripes, wing feathers have reddish brown margin and pale underparts are streaked on flanks and breast. Males show hint of summer head pattern. Voice Utters a thin seeu call. Song is simple, chinking and repetitive. Status Locally common. In winter, flocks found on arable fields.
    154644.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    154346.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    153940.jpg
  • Rye Brome Bromus secalinus (Poaceae) Height to 80cm<br />
Upright annual of biennial. Grows in arable fields and on waste ground. Inflorescence is open and often drooping, with stalked oval spikelets with awns. Leaves are smooth. Widespread but rare.
    141585.jpg
  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
    141583.jpg
  • SPREADING HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis arvensis (Apiaceae) Height to 40cm. Wiry, branched and spreading annual. Found in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are white and borne in long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm across, with 3-5 rays; bracts absent (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are egg-shaped; spines curved but lack hooks. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-mainly SE England; declining.
    141581.jpg
  • NIGHT-FLOWERING CATCHFLY Silene noctiflora (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 60cm. Stickily hairy annual of arable fields, mainly on chalk or sandy soils. FLOWERS recall those of White Campion. However, petals are pinkish above, yellowish below and inrolled by day, opening at night, when they are scented (May-Jul). FRUITS are capsules with 6 reflexed teeth. LEAVES are ovate. STATUS-Local and declining.
    134499.jpg
  • CORN BUTTERCUP Ranunculus arvensis (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy annual of arable fields. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across with 5 pale lemon yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are distinctly spiny and bur-like. LEAVES are divided into narrow lobes. STATUS-Formerly widespread but now scarce, local and declining due to agricultural herbicide use; regular only in S England.
    134098.jpg
  • CORN MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum segetum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive, hairless and upright annual that grows in arable fields and cultivated ground, usually on acid, sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with orange-yellow disc florets and yellow ray florets; heads are solitary (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, deeply lobed or toothed, and slightly fleshy; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS-Possibly introduced to the region but now widespread, although range and abundance is decreasing.
    133658.jpg
  • GOOD-KING-HENRY Chenopodium bonus-henricus (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright introduced perennial; stems often streaked red. Favours disturbed arable land and waste ground. FLOWERS are numerous and borne in narrow, leafless spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are ringed by sepals at the base. LEAVES are mealy when young but dark green with age; triangular in outline. STATUS-Widely established and locally common.
    132173.jpg
  • BROAD-LEAVED CUDWEED Filago pyramidata (Asteraceae) Height to 25cm. Similar to Common Cudweed but always branches from the base. Grows in arable fields on chalky or sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in woolly clusters, 7-12mm across, of 10-20 heads, overtopped by leaves; each head has outcurved yellow-tipped bract tips (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are ovate and sharp-pointed. STATUS-Rare, S England only.
    131874.jpg
  • PALE PERSICARIA Persicaria lapathifolia (Polygonaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright or sprawling annual. Similar to Redshank but stems are usually greenish and hairy. Found on disturbed ground and arable field margins. FLOWERS are greenish white and borne in terminal spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like. LEAVES are narrow and oval. STATUS-Widespread and generally common throughout.
    131537.jpg
  • SMALL TOADFLAX Chaenorhinum minus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright, downy and slightly sticky annual. Grows on dry, disturbed ground including arable fields and railway tracks, favouring calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 6-8mm long and pinkish lilac with a yellow patch and short spur; on long stalks that arise from leaf axils (May-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow. STATUS-Fairly common.
    131470.jpg
  • COMMON POPPY Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across with 4 papery, overlapping scarlet petals (often dark at the base); on slender stalks with spreading hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid, flat-topped capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread, commonest in S and E England; scarce in N and W.
    131206.jpg
  • CHARLOCK Sinapis arvensis (Brassicaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Annual of arable and waste ground. Stems often dark reddish. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across with 4 yellow petals (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are cylindrical and short-stalked pods, with a rounded beak. LEAVES are dark green, large and coarsely toothed; lower ones stalked and hairy, the upper ones entire and unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131013.jpg
  • CORN BUTTERCUP Ranunculus arvensis (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy annual of arable fields. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across with 5 pale lemon yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are distinctly spiny and bur-like. LEAVES are divided into narrow lobes. STATUS-Formerly widespread but now scarce, local and declining due to agricultural herbicide use; regular only in S England.
    130953.jpg
  • PETTY SPURGE Euphorbia peplus (Euphorbiaceae) Height to 30cm. Upright, hairless annual that often branches from the base. Found on arable land and cultivated ground. FLOWERS are greenish with oval bracts (sepals and petals are absent); borne in flattish umbel-like clusters (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are smooth. LEAVES are oval, blunt-tipped and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common almost throughout.
    130844.jpg
  • COMMON FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica persica (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched annual with reddish stems. Grows on bare soil, cultivated arable fields and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and mainly pale blue, but with white on the lower lip; solitary and borne on rather long, slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jan-Dec). FRUITS are broad, flattened capsules, with keeled lobes. LEAVES are pale green, oval, toothed and borne in pairs. STATUS-Probably not native but now widespread and common.
    130743.jpg
  • CORN SPURREY Spergula arvensis (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 30cm. Straggling stickily hairy annual. A weed of arable land with sandy soils. FLOWERS are 4-7mm across and have 5 whitish petals (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules; longer than sepals and drooping at first. LEAVES are narrow and borne in whorls along the stems. STATUS-Widespread but not as common as it used to be, due to herbicide use.
    130640.jpg
  • FIELD BINDWEED Convolvulus arvensis (Convolvulaceae) Creeping or climbing Height to 3m. Familiar perennial that grows in disturbed ground and arable land; a persistent weed in the garden. Twines around other plants to assist its progress. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across, funnel-shaped and either white or pink with broad, white stripes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are arrow-shaped, 2-5cm long and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region, except in N Scotland.
    129746.jpg
  • MOUSETAIL Myosurus minimus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 10cm. Tufted and inconspicuous annual of arable field margins, often on sandy soil. FLOWERS are long-stalked and 5mm across, with yellowish green petals and sepals (Mar-Jul). FRUITS are elongate, plantain-like (see ppxxx-xxx) and up to 7cm long. LEAVES are narrow and grass-like. STATUS-Scarce and declining, mainly in S England.
    123584.jpg
  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
    119344.jpg
  • ANNUAL KNAWEL Scleranthus annuus (Caryophyllaceae) Height to 10cm<br />
Yellowish green annual. Associated with dry, bare soil and arable land. FLOWERS comprise green, pointed sepals and no petals; borne in clustered heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, pointed and borne in opposite pairs along the wiry stems.
    105912.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    108795.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    127881.jpg
  • Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus L 38-45cm. Secretive, dry-country wader best known for its eerie calls. Well camouflaged in dry grassland and hard to spot. In flight, looks long-winged and gull-like, with striking black and white pattern on upperwing. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy brown plumage; black and white wingbars can be seen in standing birds. Has yellow legs, black-tipped yellow bill and large yellow eyes. Juvenile is similar to adult but markings are less distinctive. Voice Utters strange, curlew-like wails at dusk and throughout night. Status Scarce migrant visitor. Nests on chalk downs, Breckland heaths and suitably managed arable farmland.
    127942.jpg
  • Tree Sparrow Passer montanus L 13-14cm. Well-marked bird, rural counterpart of House Sparrow. Forms flocks outside breeding season and may feed with buntings and finches in fields. Sexes are similar. Adult has chestnut cap and striking black patch on otherwise whitish cheeks and side of head; note black bib. Underparts are otherwise greyish white. Back and wings are streaked brown; note white wingbars. Juvenile is similar but duller. Voice Utters chirps and sharp tik-tik in flight. Status Scarce and declining resident of untidy arable farms and rural villages. A tree-hole nester nad has benefited from provision of nest boxes.
    129449.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    138823.jpg
  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
    138824.jpg
  • Skylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.
    143346.jpg
  • Skylark Alauda arvensis L 18cm. Has nondescript plumage and best known for incessant song, delivered in flight. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked sandy-brown upperparts and paler underparts; breast is streaked and flushed buff. Short crest is sometimes raised. In flight, note whitish trailing edge to wings and white outer tail feathers. Juvenile is similar but with scaly-looking back. Voice Rapid song comprises trills, whistles and elements of mimicry. Call is a rolling chrrrp. Status Favours grassy habitats including meadows, heaths and arable farmland. Has declined alarmingly, due to changes in farming practises, but still common. Forms flocks outside breeding season; upland breeding birds move to lowlands in winter.
    143358.jpg
  • Tree Sparrow Passer montanus L 13-14cm. Well-marked bird, rural counterpart of House Sparrow. Forms flocks outside breeding season and may feed with buntings and finches in fields. Sexes are similar. Adult has chestnut cap and striking black patch on otherwise whitish cheeks and side of head; note black bib. Underparts are otherwise greyish white. Back and wings are streaked brown; note white wingbars. Juvenile is similar but duller. Voice Utters chirps and sharp tik-tik in flight. Status Scarce and declining resident of untidy arable farms and rural villages. A tree-hole nester nad has benefited from provision of nest boxes.
    143851.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
    145822.jpg
  • Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur L 27cm. Small, well-marked dove. Flight is fast and direct with flicking wingbeats. Song is distinctive. Sexes are similar. Adult has blue-grey head, neck and underparts with pinkish buff flush on breast, and white barring on neck. Back and wing coverts are chestnut: dark feather centres and pale margins create scaly appearance. Long, mainly black tail looks wedge-shaped in flight due to white corners. Juvenile is similar but duller and lacks neck markings. Voice Song is diagnostic, purring coo. Status Local summer visitor. Declining due to modern agricultural practises. Found on lowland arable farmland, scrub and downland; E England is its stronghold.
    157723.jpg
  • Field Bindweed - Convolvulus arvensis. Creeping or climbing Height to 3m. Familiar perennial that grows in disturbed ground and arable land; a persistent weed in the garden. Twines around other plants to assist its progress. FLOWERS are 15-30mm across, funnel-shaped and either white or pink with broad, white stripes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are arrow-shaped, 2-5cm long and long-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region, except in N Scotland.
    157356.jpg
  • Grey Partridge Perdix perdix L 29-31cm. Well-marked gamebird. Usually seen in small parties. Hunted and consequently wary; prefers to run from danger. Sexes are separable with care. Adult male has mainly grey, finely marked plumage with orange-buff face, large chestnut mark on belly, maroon stripes on flanks and streaked back. Adult female is similar but marking on belly is small. Juvenile is grey-buff with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a choked, harsh kierr-ikk call. Status Native of grassland and arable farmland with mature hedgerows. Once abundant, now scarce due to modern farming methods. Observation tips Easiest to see in winter.
    157157.jpg
  • Red-legged Partridge - Alectoris rufa L 32-34cm. Dumpy, well-marked gamebird. Forms small parties (covies), outside breeding season. Hunted and often wary. Prefers to run from danger but flies low on stiffly-held wings. Sexes are similar. Adult has red bill and legs, and white throat bordered with gorget of black spots. Plumage is otherwise mainly blue-grey and warm buff except for black and white barring on flanks. Juvenile has grey-buff plumage with hint of adult’s dark markings. Voice Utters a loud ke che-che, ke che-che… call. Status Introduced but well established, mainly on arable farmland with mature hedgerows and scattered woods.
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  • Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus L 14-15cm. Well-marked bird of wetland margins. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult summer male has black head, throat and bib, and white collar and submoustachial stripe. Underparts are whitish with faint streaking, back is dark and wings have reddish brown feather margins. In all other plumages head has dark brown and buffish brown stripes and pale submoustachial stripe. Back has brown and buff stripes, wing feathers have reddish brown margin and pale underparts are streaked on flanks and breast. Males show hint of summer head pattern. Voice Utters a thin seeu call. Song is simple, chinking and repetitive. Status Locally common. In winter, flocks found on arable fields.
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  • Lapwing Vanellus vanellus L 30cm. Pied-looking wader with a spiky crest. Has rounded, black and white wings and distinctive call. Sexes are separable in summer. Adult male in summer has green- and purple-sheened dark upperparts; underparts are white except for orange vent and black foreneck. Note black and white markings on throat. Adult female in summer has less distinct black neck markings and shorter crest. Winter adult is similar to summer female but throat and foreneck are white, and back feathers have buffish fringes. Juvenile is similar to winter adult but crest is short and back looks scaly. Voice Utters a choked pee-wit call. Status Fairly common nesting species of undisturbed grazed grassland, moors and arable farmland; numbers have declined seriously. Migrants from Europe boost numbers in winter.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Reed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclus - winter female. L 14-15cm. Well-marked bird of wetland margins. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult summer male has black head, throat and bib, and white collar and submoustachial stripe. Underparts are whitish with faint streaking, back is dark and wings have reddish brown feather margins. In all other plumages head has dark brown and buffish brown stripes and pale submoustachial stripe. Back has brown and buff stripes, wing feathers have reddish brown margin and pale underparts are streaked on flanks and breast. Males show hint of summer head pattern. Voice Utters a thin seeu call. Song is simple, chinking and repetitive. Status Locally common. In winter, flocks found on arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • PARSLEY-PIERT Aphanes arvensis (Rosaceae) Creeping<br />
 Easily overlooked, greyish green downy annual. Found on dry, bare ground and arable field margins. FLOWERS are minute, petal-less and green; borne in dense, unstalked clusters along stems (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are fan-shaped, deeply divided into 3 lobes and parsley-like. STATUS-Widespread and generally common.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria L 28cm. Beautifully marked wader. Call is evocative of desolate uplands in summer. Gregarious outside breeding season; often associates with Lapwings. In flight, note white underwings. Sexes are sometimes separable in summer. Adult in summer has spangled golden upperparts bordered by white band. In most males, belly is black, grading to grey on neck and face. Most females have less distinct dark underparts and face is often whitish. Breeders from N Europe (seen on migration) have darker underparts than British birds. In winter, underparts are pale, and head, neck and back are streaked golden. Juvenile is similar to winter adult. Voice Utters peeoo flight call and plaintive pu-peeoo in summer. Status Locally common breeding species on N upland moors and mountains. Widespread in winter on grassland and arable fields.
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  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
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  • COMMON CORNSALAD Valerianella locusta (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched and almost hairless annual. Grows in dry, grassy and bare places including arable land, old walls and dunes. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla pinkish lilac and 5-lobed; borne in flat-topped terminal clusters, 1-2cm across (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are flattened and rather ovate. LEAVES are spoon-shaped towards the base of the plant but oblong higher up. STATUS-Widespread across the region but only locally common.
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  • GRASS-POLY Lythrum hyssopifolium (Lythraceae) Height to 25cm. Upright hairless annual that sometimes branches at the base. Favours winter-wet hollows in arable fields or on disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 4-5mm across, pink and 6-parted; borne in leaf axils up stem (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow (grass-like) and alternate. STATUS-Rare; in Cambs, Hants and Dorset only.
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  • TALL RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria bastardii (Fumariaceae) Height to 15cm. Robust upright annual of arable fields and waste ground. FLOWERS are 9-11mm long, pink with a purple tip, the lower petal parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped); borne in spikes of 15-25 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much-divided. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common only in W Britain and Ireland.
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  • COMMON RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria muralis (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 9-11mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common.
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  • WEASEL’S-SNOUT Misopates orontium (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 25cm. Attractive and distinctive, downy and usually unbranched annual. Grows in arable fields and on disturbed ground, usually favouring sandy soils. FLOWERS are 10-15mm long and pinkish purple, toadflax-like in shape but without a spur; they arise from leaf axils towards the top of the stem (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow and linear. STATUS-Scarce and declining, found mainly in S and E England.
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  • Thorow-wax Bupleurum rotundifolium APIACEAE Height to 50cm. Atypical umbellifer. Flowers are yellowish and borne in terminal clusters, surrounded by greenish, petal-like bracts (June-July). Stem is reddish and branched. Status- Formerly a widespread arable ‘weed’, now very rare and sometimes planted with seed mixes.
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  • PHEASANT’S-EYE Adonis annua (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Branched and hairless annual of arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS comprise 5-8 bright red petals that are blackish at the base (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are long-stalked, elongate and wrinkled. LEAVES are pinnately divided and feathery, upper ones partly shrouding flowers. STATUS-Rare and decreasing due to agricultural herbicides.
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  • CORN MARIGOLD Chrysanthemum segetum (Asteraceae) Height to 50cm. Attractive, hairless and upright annual that grows in arable fields and cultivated ground, usually on acid, sandy soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 3-6cm across, with orange-yellow disc florets and yellow ray florets; heads are solitary (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are achenes. LEAVES are narrow, deeply lobed or toothed, and slightly fleshy; upper leaves clasp the stem. STATUS-Possibly introduced to the region but now widespread, although range and abundance is decreasing.
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  • FIELD WOUNDWORT Stachys arvensis (Lamiaceae) Height to 25cm. Variable, creeping or upright and slightly hairy annual. Grows in arable fields and on disturbed ground, mainly on sandy, acid soils. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long and pinkish, with purple markings; borne in open, leafy spikes (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval, bluntly toothed and rather short-stalked. STATUS-Widespread and locally common in the S and W but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • GREATER PLANTAIN Plantago major (Plantaginaceae) Height to 20cm. Persistent and usually hairless perennial of lawns, disturbed grassland and arable land. FLOWERS are 3mm across, the corolla pale yellow and anthers that are purple when young, turning yellow later; on slender spikes, 10-15mm long (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are broad, oval, up to 25cm long, with 3-9 veins and a distinct, narrow stalk; in basal rosettes. STATUS-Widespread and extremely common throughout.
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  • FAT-HEN Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright, branched annual of disturbed arable land and waste places. Often has a mealy appearance. FLOWERS are whitish green and borne in leafy spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS rounded and surrounded by 5 sepals, in a ring. LEAVES are green, and matt-looking due to a mealy coating; vary from oval to diamond-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • FIELD PEPPERWORT Lepidium campestre (Brassicaceae) Height to 50cm. Grey-green hairy annual. Found on dry, bare soil and arable fields, especially in the S. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across with 4 white petals and yellow anthers; in dense heads (May-Aug). FRUITS are oval, notched pods. LEAVES comprise oval, untoothed basal leaves and arrow-shaped, clasping ones on stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • COMMON FIELD-SPEEDWELL Veronica persica (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Straggling, hairy and branched annual with reddish stems. Grows on bare soil, cultivated arable fields and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 6-8mm across, the corolla 4-lobed and mainly pale blue, but with white on the lower lip; solitary and borne on rather long, slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jan-Dec). FRUITS are broad, flattened capsules, with keeled lobes. LEAVES are pale green, oval, toothed and borne in pairs. STATUS-Probably not native but now widespread and common.
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  • COMMON HEMP-NETTLE Galeopsis tetrahit (Lamiaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, branched and hairy-stemmed annual with stems that are swollen at the nodes. Grows in arable fields and on verges and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 15-20mm long and pinkish, the corolla tube being similar in length to the bristly, toothed and persisting calyx; borne in whorls (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and stalked. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region.
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  • RED BARTSIA Odontites vernus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 40cm. Straggly, branched and downy annual with stems often tinged reddish. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on disturbed ground, tracks and verges, and in arable field margins. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long, the corolla pinkish purple and 2-lipped, the lower lip 3-lobed; borne in 1-sided, elongated and slightly curved spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, toothed, unstalked and borne in opposite pairs. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • FIELD GROMWELL Lithospermum arvense (Boraginaceae) Height to 40cm. Upright, downy perennial that grows in arable fields and on dry, disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across, 5-lobed and white; borne in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are warty, brown nutlets. LEAVES are strap-shaped, blunter than those of Common Gromwell, and without prominent side veins. STATUS-Local, mainly in S and E England.
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  • FIELD GROMWELL Lithospermum arvense (Boraginaceae) Height to 40cm. Upright, downy perennial that grows in arable fields and on dry, disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across, 5-lobed and white; borne in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are warty, brown nutlets. LEAVES are strap-shaped, blunter than those of Common Gromwell, and without prominent side veins. STATUS-Local, mainly in S and E England.
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  • FAT-HEN Chenopodium album (Chenopodiaceae) Height to 1m. Upright, branched annual of disturbed arable land and waste places. Often has a mealy appearance. FLOWERS are whitish green and borne in leafy spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS rounded and surrounded by 5 sepals, in a ring. LEAVES are green, and matt-looking due to a mealy coating; vary from oval to diamond-shaped. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • ROUND-LEAVED FLUELLEN Kickxia spuria (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Creeping, softly-hairy and slightly sticky annual. Grows in cultivated soils, particularly around the margins of arable fields. FLOWERS are 8-15mm long, mainly yellow but with a purple upper lip and a curved spur; borne on slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval or slightly rounded. STATUS-Locally common in S England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • ROUND-LEAVED FLUELLEN Kickxia spuria (Scrophulariaceae) Prostrate. Creeping, softly-hairy and slightly sticky annual. Grows in cultivated soils, particularly around the margins of arable fields. FLOWERS are 8-15mm long, mainly yellow but with a purple upper lip and a curved spur; borne on slender stalks that arise from the leaf axils (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval or slightly rounded. STATUS-Locally common in S England but scarce or absent elsewhere.
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  • NARROW-FRUITED CORNSALAD Valerianella dentata (Valerianaceae) Height to 30cm. Similar to Broad-fruited Cornsalad but straggly and with different shaped fruits. Grows in arable fields on chalky soils. FLOWERS are 1-2mm across, the corolla lilac and 5-lobed; in few-flowered clusters (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are narrow-ovoid, flat on one side, round on the other. LEAVES are spoon-shaped to oblong. STATUS-SE England only.
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  • SMALL TOADFLAX Chaenorhinum minus (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 25cm. Upright, downy and slightly sticky annual. Grows on dry, disturbed ground including arable fields and railway tracks, favouring calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 6-8mm long and pinkish lilac with a yellow patch and short spur; on long stalks that arise from leaf axils (May-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow. STATUS-Fairly common.
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  • REDSHANK Persicaria maculosa (Polygonaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright or sprawling hairless annual with much-branched reddish stems. Found on disturbed ground and arable field margins. FLOWERS are pink and borne in terminal spikes (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are nut-like. LEAVES are narrow and oval, and usually show a dark central mark. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
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  • COMMON POPPY Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae) Height to 60cm. Annual of arable land and disturbed ground. FLOWERS are 7-10cm across with 4 papery, overlapping scarlet petals (often dark at the base); on slender stalks with spreading hairs (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid, flat-topped capsules. LEAVES are much divided into narrow segments. STATUS-Widespread, commonest in S and E England; scarce in N and W.
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  • KNOTTED HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis nodosa (Apiaceae) Height to 50cm. Roughly hairy annual that is sometimes prostrate; note the solid, ridged stems. Found in arable fields and on sunny banks; often coastal. FLOWERS are whitish and borne in umbels, 1cm across, arising from leaf axils (May-Jul). FRUITS are egg-shaped with warts and spines. LEAVES are 1- to 2-pinnate. STATUS-Local, mainly S and E England.
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  • COMMON RAMPING-FUMITORY Fumaria muralis (Fumariaceae) Height to 10cm. Spreading or upright annual of arable land, banks and walls. FLOWERS are 9-11mm long and pinkish purple with dark tips, the lower petal almost parallel-sided (not paddle-shaped) with erect margins; borne in spikes of 12-15 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are globular and 1-seeded. LEAVES are much divided. STATUS-Widespread and fairly common.
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  • MEDIUM-FLOWERED WINTER-CRESS Barbarea intermedia (Brassicaceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, hairless perennial of waste ground and arable field margins. FLOWERS are 5-6mm across with 4 yellow petals; borne in terminal heads (Mar-Aug). FRUITS are long, narrow and 4-sided pods. LEAVES are dark green and shiny; all the leaves are lobed. STATUS-Introduced, occasional but seemingly increasing.
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  • PARSLEY-PIERT Aphanes arvensis (Rosaceae) Creeping<br />
Easily overlooked, greyish green downy annual. Found on dry, bare ground and arable field margins. FLOWERS are minute, petal-less and green; borne in dense, unstalked clusters along stems (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are fan-shaped, deeply divided into 3 lobes and parsley-like. STATUS-Widespread and generally common.
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  • CHARLOCK Sinapis arvensis (Brassicaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Annual of arable and waste ground. Stems often dark reddish. FLOWERS are 15-20mm across with 4 yellow petals (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are cylindrical and short-stalked pods, with a rounded beak. LEAVES are dark green, large and coarsely toothed; lower ones stalked and hairy, the upper ones entire and unstalked. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • EARLY FORGET-ME-NOT Myosotis ramosissima (Boraginaceae) Height to 10cm. Downy annual of arable fields, bare grassy places and open woodland. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across, 5-lobed and sky blue; borne in clusters (Apr-Oct). Corolla tube is shorter than calyx tube. FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are ovate, basal ones forming a rosette. STATUS-Widespread and common in most parts, except in the far N.
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  • CORN BUTTERCUP Ranunculus arvensis (Ranunculaceae) Height to 40cm. Downy annual of arable fields. FLOWERS are 10-12mm across with 5 pale lemon yellow petals (May-Jul). FRUITS are distinctly spiny and bur-like. LEAVES are divided into narrow lobes.
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  • GREATER PLANTAIN Plantago major (Plantaginaceae) Height to 20cm. Persistent and usually hairless perennial of lawns, disturbed grassland and arable land. FLOWERS are 3mm across, the corolla pale yellow and anthers that are purple when young, turning yellow later; on slender spikes, 10-15mm long (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are broad, oval, up to 25cm long, with 3-9 veins and a distinct, narrow stalk; in basal rosettes.
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