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  • Anchor embedded in Eelgrass - Zostera marina
    160042.jpg
  • Sunset over the River Thames near Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, UK
    154855.jpg
  • Dusk descendes over Henley on Thames in Oxfordshire from the boat hire bank, Uk
    154610.jpg
  • Summer dawn over the River Thames and Houses of Parliament, London, Uk
    154473.jpg
  • Panoramic image of Henley on Thames at dusk, Oxfordshire, Uk
    154474.jpg
  • Kingston Bridge over the River Thames at sunset, Surrey, Uk
    154485.jpg
  • Bossom's Boatyard on the River Thames at dawn, Port Meadow, Oxford, Uk
    154505.jpg
  • One of the two adjoining bridges over the River Thames at Radcot, Oxfordshire, Uk
    154536.jpg
  • Caernarvon Castle at dusk on a cloudy summer night, Wales, Uk
    154444.jpg
  • Summer at Hampton Court on the River Thames, Hampton, Uk
    154469.jpg
  • Tadpole Bridge on the River thames near Bampton in Oxfordshire, Uk
    154534.jpg
  • Panoramic image of Henley on Thames at dusk, Oxfordshire, Uk
    154475.jpg
  • River Thames at Bourne End from the railway bridge, Buckinghamshire, Uk
    154521.jpg
  • Weir at Fobney Mill on the River Kennet in Reading, Berkshire, Uk
    154462.jpg
  • River Kennet at Fobney Lock and Mill, Reading, Berkshire, Uk
    154453.jpg
  • Dawn over the River Thames from Caversham Bridge, Berkshire, Uk
    154540.jpg
  • PURPLE MOOR-GRASS Molinia caerulea (Poaceae) Height to 80cm. Tussock-forming perennial, usually associated with damp ground on acid heaths and grassy moors. FLOWERS are purplish green spikelets, borne in long, branched spike-like heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and 3-5mm wide, with purplish leaf sheaths. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    132116.jpg
  • PURPLE MOOR-GRASS Molinia caerulea (Poaceae) Height to 80cm. Tussock-forming perennial, usually associated with damp ground on acid heaths and grassy moors. FLOWERS are purplish green spikelets, borne in long, branched spike-like heads (Jul-Sep). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are grey-green and 3-5mm wide, with purplish leaf sheaths. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    132115.jpg
  • Grouse Moor, North York Moors National Park, UK
    122973.jpg
  • Coldharbour Moor, Peak District, UK
    109182.jpg
  • Moored boats on the Harbour Beach on St Mary's, Isles of Scilly
    155009.jpg
  • GROUSE MOOR, CO DURHAM, UK
    127376.jpg
  • Birsay Moor, Orkney, Scotland, UK
    128259.jpg
  • Twite Carduelis flavirostris L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
    157023.jpg
  • OBLONG-LEAVED SUNDEW Drosera intermedia (Droseraceae) Height to 20cm. Insectivorous perennial of wet heaths and moors. FLOWERS are white; in spikes on stalks that are a similar length to leaves (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are reddish, 1cm long, narrow and taper abruptly; covered in sticky hairs that trap insects and appear as a basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    131884.jpg
  • JOINTED RUSH Juncus articulatus (Juncaceae) Height to 60cm. Creeping or tufted and upright perennial that grows in marshes and on damp heaths, moors and dune-slacks. FLOWERS are brown and borne in open, branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped and abruptly pointed at the tip. LEAVES are curved, narrow and flattened with a transverse joint. STATUS-Locally common.
    131387.jpg
  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    131154.jpg
  • ROUND-LEAVED SUNDEW Drosera rotundifolia (Droseraceae)  Height less than 20cm<br />
Insectivorous plant of boggy heaths and moors. FLOWERS are white; borne in spikes on stalks that are much longer than leaves (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are reddish, rounded, stalked and 1cm across; covered with sticky hairs that trap insects and appear as a basal rosette.
    103214.jpg
  • JOINTED RUSH Juncus articulatus (Juncaceae) Height to 60cm. Creeping or tufted and upright perennial that grows in marshes and on damp heaths, moors and dune-slacks. FLOWERS are brown and borne in open, branched clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are brown, egg-shaped and abruptly pointed at the tip. LEAVES are curved, narrow and flattened with a transverse joint. STATUS-Locally common.
    143604.jpg
  • CROWBERRY Empetrum nigrum (Empetraceae) Height to 10cm. Mat-forming, Heather-like evergreen undershrub with stems that are reddish when young. Found on upland moors on damp, acid ground. FLOWERS are tiny and pinkish, with 6 petals; arise at base of leaves (May-Jun). FRUITS are shiny berries, 5-7mm across, green at first but ripening black in late summer. LEAVES are narrow, shiny and dark green, with inrolled margins. STATUS-Locally common only in N Britain.
    144475.jpg
  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
    144509.jpg
  • Palmate Newt Triturus helveticus Length 8-9cm A small newt. Adult has yellowish belly and pinkish, unspotted throat at all times. Note hint of pale vertical stripe above hind legs. Breeding male develops diagnostic palmations between toes on hind feet and thin filament projecting from tip of blunt tail. Body is olive-brown with dark marbling; orange-buff band extends along flanks and side of tail. Colours are duller at other times but retains dark eye stripe. Female is yellowish brown. Unspotted throat allows separation from female Smooth Newt (throat is spotted). Juvenile resembles an adult female. Locally common in neutral to acid ponds in breeding season, often on heaths and moors. Found in grassy habitats at other times.
    105093.jpg
  • Palmate Newt Triturus helveticus Length 8-9cm A small newt. Adult has yellowish belly and pinkish, unspotted throat at all times. Note hint of pale vertical stripe above hind legs. Breeding male develops diagnostic palmations between toes on hind feet and thin filament projecting from tip of blunt tail. Body is olive-brown with dark marbling; orange-buff band extends along flanks and side of tail. Colours are duller at other times but retains dark eye stripe. Female is yellowish brown. Unspotted throat allows separation from female Smooth Newt (throat is spotted). Juvenile resembles an adult female. Locally common in neutral to acid ponds in breeding season, often on heaths and moors. Found in grassy habitats at other times.
    120995.jpg
  • 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.
    136074.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    137049.jpg
  • 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.
    143112.jpg
  • Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    143353.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    144027.jpg
  • 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.
    157619.jpg
  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
    157255.jpg
  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
    157254.jpg
  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
    157253.jpg
  • 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.
    157195.jpg
  • Twite - Carduelis flavirostris. L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
    157109.jpg
  • Foxglove mutant - Digitalis purpurea, showing mutation at tip of plant.Height to 1.5m. Familiar, greyish and downy biennial or short-lived perennial. Grows in woodlands and on moors and sea cliffs, thriving best on acid soils and appearing in good quantity on recently cleared ground. FLOWERS are 4-5cm long, the corolla pinkish purple (sometimes white forms are found) with darker spots in the throat; borne in tall and elegant, terminal spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are green capsules. LEAVES are 20-30cm long, downy, oval and wrinkled; form a rosette in the 1st year from which the flowering spike appears in the 2nd. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout.
    157101.jpg
  • 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.
    157095.jpg
  • Mountain Ringlet - Erebia epiphron - top row (Lake District) - bottom row (Scotland). Wingspan 32mm. A small and surprisingly delicate butterfly given the hostile upland habitats it favours. Adult has brown upperwings with an orange band marked with small eyespots. Underwings are brown overall; on forewing note broad yellow-orange central area, with small dark eyespots. Flies June–July but only active in sunshine; drops into cover immediately a cloud obscures the sun. Larva feeds on grasses. Very local on moors and mountains in Lake District and central Scottish Highlands.
    157036.jpg
  • 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.
    156648.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe - female. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156582.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe - Juvenile. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156542.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe - Juvenile. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156541.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156529.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156530.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156485.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe - moulting adult female. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156484.jpg
  • Northern Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe. L 14-16cm. Open-country bird. Reveals white rump and black-and-white tail in flight. In other respects, sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blue-grey crown and back, black mask and wings, and pale underparts flushed orange-buff on breast. Adult female has mainly grey-brown upperparts, darkest on wings. Face, throat and breast are pale orange-buff and underparts are otherwise whitish. 1st winter birds have grey- to buffish brown upperparts and buffish underparts. Voice Utters a sharp chak alarm call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is fast and warbling. Status Locally common summer visitor to moors and open grassland.
    156483.jpg
  • Nightjar - Caprimulgus europeus - Chicks in nest. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    156479.jpg
  • Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus L 35-40cm. Well-marked owl that often hunts in daylight. Flight is leisurely, often with stiffly-held wings. Perches on fenceposts. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have buffish brown plumage, heavily spotted and streaked on upperparts; underparts are streaked but paler. Facial disc is rounded; note yellow eyes and short ‘ear’ tufts. Voice Displaying birds sometimes uttera deep hoots. Status Local and rather scarce. Nests on upland moors but outside breeding season favours lowland marshes, grassland and heaths, particularly near coasts. Influx of birds from Europe boosts winter numbers.
    156386.jpg
  • Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus L 35-40cm. Well-marked owl that often hunts in daylight. Flight is leisurely, often with stiffly-held wings. Perches on fenceposts. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have buffish brown plumage, heavily spotted and streaked on upperparts; underparts are streaked but paler. Facial disc is rounded; note yellow eyes and short ‘ear’ tufts. Voice Displaying birds sometimes uttera deep hoots. Status Local and rather scarce. Nests on upland moors but outside breeding season favours lowland marshes, grassland and heaths, particularly near coasts. Influx of birds from Europe boosts winter numbers.
    156385.jpg
  • Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus L 35-40cm. Well-marked owl that often hunts in daylight. Flight is leisurely, often with stiffly-held wings. Perches on fenceposts. Sexes are similar. Adult and juvenile have buffish brown plumage, heavily spotted and streaked on upperparts; underparts are streaked but paler. Facial disc is rounded; note yellow eyes and short ‘ear’ tufts. Voice Displaying birds sometimes uttera deep hoots. Status Local and rather scarce. Nests on upland moors but outside breeding season favours lowland marshes, grassland and heaths, particularly near coasts. Influx of birds from Europe boosts winter numbers.
    156384.jpg
  • Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus - male. (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    156328.jpg
  • 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.
    156273.jpg
  • Redshank Tringa totanus L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
    155724.jpg
  • 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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  • Twite Carduelis flavirostris L 13-14cm. Upland counterpart of Linnet. Bill is grey in spring and summer but yellow in autumn and winter (Linnet’s is grey at all times). Throat is unstreaked. Sexes are very similar.<br />
Adult male in summer has streaked brown upperparts, pinkish rump and white margins to flight and tail feathers. Pale underparts are heavily streaked. In winter, head and breast are warm buffish brown. Adult female and juvenile are similar to winter male but rump is brown, not pink. Voice Utters a sharp tveeht call. Song is a series of trilling notes. Status Local breeder on N heather moors and coasts. In winter, favours saltmarshes and coastal fields; migrants from N Europe boost numbers in winter
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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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  • Bell Heather - Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) - on the east side of Lundy, Devon. Height to 50cm<br />
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
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  • Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata -Lundy, Pondsbury. Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • Heath Spotted-orchid - Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
 Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
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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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  • Creeping Willow Salix repens Salicaceae Height to 1.5m<br />
Low-growing and creeping shrub. Shoots Sometimes downy and usually reddish brown. Leaves Ovate, usually untoothed, to 4cm long; hairless above when mature, with silky hairs below. Reproductive parts Catkins. Status Locally common on moors, heaths and coastal dune-slacks.
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  • Redshank Tringa totanus - winter adult. L 28cm. Medium-sized wader with shrill alarm call. In flight, note white trailing edge to wings, white back and rump, and trailing red legs. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer is mainly grey-brown above and pale below but back is marked with dark spots and neck, breast and flanks are streaked. Note faint, pale supercilium and eyering; base of bill is reddish. In winter, has uniform grey-brown upperparts, head, neck and breast, with paler, mottled underparts. Bill and leg colours are dull. Juvenile recalls winter adult but plumage is overall browner, back feathers have pale marginal spots, and legs and base of bill are dull yellow. Voice Utters a yelping tiu-uu alarm call. Song is musical and yodelling. Status Locally common nesting species in damp grassland, moors and marshes. Migrants boost numbers outside breeding season and common on coasts in winter.
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  • Moor Club - Clavaria argillacea
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  • Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron Wingspan 32mm. A small and surprisingly delicate butterfly given the hostile upland habitats it favours. Adult has brown upperwings with an orange band marked with small eyespots. Underwings are brown overall; on forewing note broad yellow-orange central area, with small dark eyespots. Flies June–July but only active in sunshine; drops into cover immediately a cloud obscures the sun. Larva feeds on grasses. Very local on moors and mountains in Lake District and central Scottish Highlands.
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  • Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron Wingspan 32mm. A small and surprisingly delicate butterfly given the hostile upland habitats it favours. Adult has brown upperwings with an orange band marked with small eyespots. Underwings are brown overall; on forewing note broad yellow-orange central area, with small dark eyespots. Flies June–July but only active in sunshine; drops into cover immediately a cloud obscures the sun. Larva feeds on grasses. Very local on moors and mountains in Lake District and central Scottish Highlands.
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  • Mountain Ringlet Erebia epiphron Wingspan 32mm. A small and surprisingly delicate butterfly given the hostile upland habitats it favours. Adult has brown upperwings with an orange band marked with small eyespots. Underwings are brown overall; on forewing note broad yellow-orange central area, with small dark eyespots. Flies June–July but only active in sunshine; drops into cover immediately a cloud obscures the sun. Larva feeds on grasses. Very local on moors and mountains in Lake District and central Scottish Highlands.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153633.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
    153645.jpg
  • The Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus (L 24-27cm) may share nocturnal habits with owls but the similarities between these unrelated birds ends there. The Nightjar has a huge gape that it uses to catch flying moths. The species is hard to find in the daytime, thanks to its cryptic plumage and often observers have to satisfy themselves with the silhouette of a bird in flight: it looks long-winged and narrow-tailed. All birds have intricate brown, grey and black markings that, in combination, resemble tree bark; males have striking white patches near the wingtips and corners of the tail. Territorial males utter a distinctive churring song for hours on end, after dark. The Nightjar is a migrant visitor to the region, found mainly on lowland heathland (where it is easiest to find) and heather moors.
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  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • Creeping Willow Salix repens Salicaceae Height to 1.5m<br />
Low-growing and creeping shrub. Shoots Sometimes downy and usually reddish brown. Leaves Ovate, usually untoothed, to 4cm long; hairless above when mature, with silky hairs below. Reproductive parts Catkins. Status Locally common on moors, heaths and coastal dune-slacks.
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  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • Creeping Willow Salix repens Salicaceae Height to 1.5m<br />
Low-growing and creeping shrub. Shoots Sometimes downy and usually reddish brown. Leaves Ovate, usually untoothed, to 4cm long; hairless above when mature, with silky hairs below. Reproductive parts Catkins. Status Locally common on moors, heaths and coastal dune-slacks.
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  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • Common Juniper Juniperus communis Cupressaceae Height to 6m. Aromatic evergreen shrub or small tree. Bark Reddish-brown, peeling. Branches With 3-angled twigs. Leaves Needle-like, to 2cm long, in whorls of 3. Foliage is gin- or apple-scented. Reproductive parts Male cones small and yellow. Female cones to 9mm long and green, ripening through blue-green to black in 2nd year. Status Native of chalk downland in S England and moors and limestone crags in N Britain.
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  • TORMENTIL Potentilla erecta (Rosaceae) Height to 30cm<br />
Creeping, downy perennial of grassy places, heaths and moors. FLOWERS are 7-11mm across with 4 yellow petals; borne on slender stalks (May-Sep). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are unstalked and trifoliate, but appear 5-lobed because of two large, leaflet-like stipules at the base. STATUS-Widespread and often abundant.
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  • HEATH SPOTTED-ORCHID Dactylorhiza maculata (Orchidaceae) Height to 50cm. Superficially similar to Common Spotted-orchid but restricted to damp, mostly acid soils on heaths and moors. FLOWERS are usually very pale, sometimes almost white, but with darker streaks and spots; the lower lip is broad and 3-lobed but the central lobe is smaller than the outer 2. Flowers borne in open spikes (May-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped. LEAVES are lanceolate and dark-spotted, those at the base being largest and broadest, narrower leaves sheathing the stem. STATUS-Locally common throughout.
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  • HEATHER Calluna vulgaris (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm<br />
Dense, evergreen undershrub that is also known as Ling. A characteristic plant of acids soils on heath and moors on all but the wettest terrain. Also occurs in mature conifer woodland. FLOWERS are 4-5mm, bell-shaped and usually pink but sometimes white; borne in spikes (Aug-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are short, narrow and borne in 4 rows along the stem. STATUS-Widespread and locally abundant throughout the region. In many heathland and moorland areas it is the dominant plant.
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  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
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  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
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  • COMMON WINTERGREEN Pyrola minor (Pyrolaceae) Height to 20cm. Hairless, evergreen perennial of open, upland woodlands and moors, often found on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 5-6mm across, pinkish white, rounded and rather bell-shaped, with a straight style that does not protrude beyond the petals; borne on upright stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are oval, toothed and stalked; they form a basal rosette. STATUS-Local and generally scarce, least so in N England but declining even there. Note-Intermediate Wintergreen (P. media) is similar but has more elongate leaves and a protruding style; local and scarce, mainly in E Scotland.
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  • LOUSEWORT Pedicularis sylvatica (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 20cm. Spreading and hairless perennial with numerous branching stems. Semi-parasitic on the roots of other plants. Grows on damp heaths and moors, and in bogs, usually on acid soils. FLOWERS are 20-25mm long, the corolla pale pink and 2-lipped, the upper lip with 2 teeth; borne in few-flowered leafy spikes (Apr-Jul). FRUITS are inflated capsules. LEAVES are feathery and divided into toothed leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common throughout the region in suitable habitats.
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