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  • OVAL SEDGE Carex ovalis (Cyperaceae) Height to 60cm<br />
Tufted sedge with 3-sided stems that are rough at the top. Grows in rough grassland, mainly on acid soils. FLOWERS are yellowish brown and borne in compact, rather egg-shaped terminal clusters (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are brownish and beaked. LEAVES are green and rough-edged. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
    119645.jpg
  • Rough sea on the British coast
    144672.jpg
  • RUSSIAN COMFREY Symphytum x uplandicum (Boraginaceae) Height to 1m. Hybrid between Common and Rough Comfreys, found in hedgerows and on verges. Note the slightly winged stems. FLOWERS are 12-18mm long, usually bluish purple and borne in curved clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are nutlets. LEAVES are oval; stalks of upper ones run a short distance down stem. STATUS-Widely naturalised. Nb. various other hybrid garden escape comfreys are naturalised locally eg Symphytum ‘Hidcote Blue’.
    130911.jpg
  • ROUGH SEAS
    113635.jpg
  • Rough sea on the British coast
    144679.jpg
  • CURLED DOCK Rumex crispus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright perennial of rough meadows and disturbed soils. FLOWERS are flattened and oval; borne in dense, leafless spikes that do not spread away from the stem (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are oval and untoothed, usually with a single tubercle. LEAVES are narrow, up to 25cm long and have wavy edges. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    141590.jpg
  • BUSH VETCH Vicia sepium (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Scrambling, slightly downy perennial of rough, grassy places and scrub. FLOWERS are 12-15mm long and pale lilac; borne in groups of 2-6 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are black, hairless pods. LEAVES comprise 6-12 pairs of broadly oval leaflets and end in branched tendrils. STATUS-Common and widespread throughout.
    141571.jpg
  • CURLED DOCK Rumex crispus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright perennial of rough meadows and disturbed soils. FLOWERS are flattened and oval; borne in dense, leafless spikes that do not spread away from the stem (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are oval and untoothed, usually with a single tubercle. LEAVES are narrow, up to 25cm long and have wavy edges. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    140371.jpg
  • HAWKWEED OXTONGUE Picris hieracioides (Asteraceae) Height to 70cm. Branched perennial with stems that are bristly and sometimes are tinged reddish towards the base. Grows in rough grassland, often near the coast. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES resemble those of Bristly Oxtongue but are narrow-oblong, toothed and covered in bristles that are not swollen-based. STATUS-Locally common only in SE England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    132194.jpg
  • HAWKWEED OXTONGUE Picris hieracioides (Asteraceae) Height to 70cm. Branched perennial with stems that are bristly and sometimes are tinged reddish towards the base. Grows in rough grassland, often near the coast. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 20-25mm across (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES resemble those of Bristly Oxtongue but are narrow-oblong, toothed and covered in bristles that are not swollen-based. STATUS-Locally common only in SE England; scarce or absent elsewhere.
    132196.jpg
  • CANADIAN GOLDENROD Solidago canadensis (Asteraceae) Height to 2m. Variable, upright and downy perennial that grows in damp, wayside ground, hedgerows and rough grassland. FLOWERS are yellow; individual heads are borne in crowded, arching and 1-sided sprays in branching clusters (Jul-Oct). FRUITS are 1-seeded with pappus hairs. LEAVES are oval, toothed and 3-veined. STATUS-Introduced and now a familiar garden plant that is naturalised locally as an escape.
    132145.jpg
  • CURLED DOCK Rumex crispus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright perennial of rough meadows and disturbed soils. FLOWERS are flattened and oval; borne in dense, leafless spikes that do not spread away from the stem (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are oval and untoothed, usually with a single tubercle. LEAVES are narrow, up to 25cm long and have wavy edges. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131365.jpg
  • CURLED DOCK Rumex crispus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright perennial of rough meadows and disturbed soils. FLOWERS are flattened and oval; borne in dense, leafless spikes that do not spread away from the stem (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are oval and untoothed, usually with a single tubercle. LEAVES are narrow, up to 25cm long and have wavy edges. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131364.jpg
  • CURLED DOCK Rumex crispus (Polygonaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Upright perennial of rough meadows and disturbed soils. FLOWERS are flattened and oval; borne in dense, leafless spikes that do not spread away from the stem (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are oval and untoothed, usually with a single tubercle. LEAVES are narrow, up to 25cm long and have wavy edges. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131361.jpg
  • YELLOW FIGWORT Scrophularia vernalis (Scrophulariaceae) Height to 50cm. Upright, downy perennial of verges, rough ground and woodland rides. FLOWERS are 8-10mm long and yellow; borne in small clusters on stalks arising from upper leaf axils (Apr-Jun). FRUITS are greenish capsules, like small figs. LEAVES are oval, pointed and wrinkled, overall rather nettle-like. STATUS-Naturalised and occasional in the S.
    129853.jpg
  • FUCHSIA Fuchsia magellanica (Onograceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Deciduous, much-branched shrub. Favours rocky ground and rough slopes, often coastal. FLOWERS are 2cm long and bell-shaped, with red sepals and violet petals; pendent, on slender stalks ((Aug-Oct). FRUITS are black berries. LEAVES are ovate. STATUS-Introduced for hedging; naturalised locally, mainly in W Britain and SW Ireland
    129837.jpg
  • BUSH VETCH Vicia sepium (Fabaceae) Height to 1m<br />
Scrambling, slightly downy perennial of rough, grassy places and scrub. FLOWERS are 12-15mm long and pale lilac; borne in groups of 2-6 flowers (Apr-Oct). FRUITS are black, hairless pods. LEAVES comprise 6-12 pairs of broadly oval leaflets and end in branched tendrils. STATUS-Common and widespread throughout.
    120939.jpg
  • CURLED DOCK Rumex crispus (Polygonaceae) Height less than 1m. Upright perennial of rough meadows and disturbed soils. FLOWERS are flattened and oval; borne in dense, leafless spikes that do not spread away from the stem (Jun-Oct). FRUITS are oval and untoothed, usually with a single tubercle. LEAVES are narrow, up to 25cm long and have wavy edges.
    108839.jpg
  • Rough Hawk's-beard - Crepis vesicaria
    164410.jpg
  • Rough Hawk's-beard - Crepis vesicaria
    164408.jpg
  • Rough Clover - Trifolium scabrum
    164427.jpg
  • Rough Hawk's-beard - Crepis vesicaria
    164409.jpg
  • Rough-legged Buzzard - Buteo lagopus
    161800.jpg
  • UPRIGHT HEDGE-PARSLEY Torilis japonica (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Slender annual with solid, unspotted and roughly hairy stems. Found in hedges and woodland margins. FLOWERS are white (or tinged pink); borne in terminal, long-stalked umbels, 2-4cm, across with 5-12 rays (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are egg-shaped with hooked, purple bristles. LEAVES are 1- to 3-pinnate and hairy. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131431.jpg
  • Turtle Rock and the Western Rocks, Isles of Scilly
    155581.jpg
  • Kynance Cove, Cornwall
    156834.jpg
  • Angry clouds and surf around Shipman Head, Bryher, Isles of Scilly, UK
    155067.jpg
  • Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahow
    154950.jpg
  • Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahow
    154949.jpg
  • Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahow
    154948.jpg
  • Land's End, Cornwall, Uk
    142995.jpg
  • Surf around Shipman Head, Bryher, Isles of Scilly, UK
    154405.jpg
  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
    154053.jpg
  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
    154055.jpg
  • Hairy Greenweed - Genista Pilosa. Height to 1m but often prostrate. Low growing shrub. It recalls Petty Whin but is spineless, and Dyer's Greenweed but its leaves are silvery-downy below. The flowers are yellow, in terminal heads (May-June). It grows on maritime heaths and sea cliffs. It is also found, locally, on the North Cornish coast and in West Wales.
    153661.jpg
  • Hairy Greenweed - Genista Pilosa. Height to 1m but often prostrate. Low growing shrub. It recalls Petty Whin but is spineless, and Dyer's Greenweed but its leaves are silvery-downy below. The flowers are yellow, in terminal heads (May-June). It grows on maritime heaths and sea cliffs. It is also found, locally, on the North Cornish coast and in West Wales.
    153662.jpg
  • Kynance Cove, Cornwall
    156833.jpg
  • Bermuda Petrel - Pterodroma cahow
    154947.jpg
  • Little Gull Hydrocoloeus minutus L 25-28cm. Our smallest gull. Has buoyant, tern-like flight. Sexes are similar. Adult in summer has pale grey upperwings with white wingtips, dark hood, dark bill and short, reddish legs. In flight, upperwings have white trailing edge and rounded white wingtip; underwings are dark with white trailing edge. In winter, similar but loses dark hood; otherwise white head has dark smudges on crown and ear coverts. Juvenile has striking black bar (forming letter ‘W’) on upperwings and back. Note dark markings on mantle, nape and ear coverts, and dark tail band; plumage is otherwise white. 1st winter is similar to juvenile but back is pale grey, hence dark bar is seen only on wings. Adult plumage acquired over next 2 years. Voice Utters a sharp kyeck call. Status Regular but scarce passage migrant and winter visitor; mainly coastal.
    154054.jpg
  • Stormy Sea - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161510.jpg
  • Stormy sea - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161509.jpg
  • Stormy sea - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161507.jpg
  • Stormy sea with Gannet - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161506.jpg
  • Stormy sea - Hurricane Ophelia, Isles of Scilly
    161508.jpg
  • Hairy Greenweed - Genista pilosa
    159299.jpg
  • Hairy Greenweed - Genista pilosa
    159300.jpg
  • Hairy Greenweed - Genista pilosa
    159298.jpg
  • Rough-legged Buzzard - Buteo lagopus
    162275.jpg
  • Rough-legged Buzzard - Buteo lagopus<br />
juvenile
    162272.jpg
  • HOGWEED Heracleum sphondylium (Apiaceae) Height to 2m<br />
Robust, roughly hairy perennial with hollow, ridged stems. Found in meadows and open woodlands and on roadside verges. FLOWERS are off-white, with unequal petals; borne<br />
in umbels with 40 or so rays, and up to 20cm across (May-Aug). FRUITS are elliptical, hairless and flattened. LEAVES are up to 60cm long, broad, hairy and pinnate, the lobes usually rather ovate. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
    131468.jpg
  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
    161323.jpg
  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
    161314.jpg
  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
    161383.jpg
  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
    161324.jpg
  • Hogweed - Heracleum sphondylium
    161313.jpg
  • ROUGH HAWKBIT Leontodon hispidus (Asteraceae) Height to 35cm. Perennial, coated in rough white hairs. Grows in dry grassland, mostly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 25-40mm across, with golden yellow florets; heads are solitary on slender stalks coated with branched hairs (Jun-Oct). Rough scales are present between the florets. FRUITS form a white ‘clock’. LEAVES are wavy-lobed, very hairy and form a basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common, except in N Scotland.
    129892.jpg
  • ROUGH MEADOW-GRASS Poa trivialis Height to 90cm<br />
Loosely tufted perennial with creeping runners. Grows in damp, often shady, places. FLOWERS are borne in a pyramidal inflorescence, the purplish brown spikelets carried on whorls of stalks (May-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are pale green, and soft with a pointed ligule and a rough sheath. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    131277.jpg
  • SEA CLUB-RUSH Bolboschoenus maritimus (Cyperaceae) Height to 1.25m. Creeping, robust perennial that grows at the margins of brackish water near the sea. The stems are rough and triangular in cross-section. FLOWERS comprise a tight, terminal cluster of egg-shaped spiklets, flanked by a long, leafy bract (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dark brown. LEAVES are rough and keeled. STATUS-Locally common.
    141465.jpg
  • ROUGH HAWK’S-BEARD Crepis biennis (Asteraceae) Height to 1.2m. Branched biennial; stems roughly hairy and purplish towards base. Grows in grassland. FLOWERS in heads, 25-30mm across, with yellow florets, and 2 rows of bracts, outer ones unequal and spreading (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have a pappus of unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, upper ones without clasping arrow-shaped bases. STATUS-Locally common.
    131081.jpg
  • ROUGH HAWK’S-BEARD Crepis biennis (Asteraceae) Height to 1.2m. Branched biennial; stems roughly hairy and purplish towards base. Grows in grassland. FLOWERS in heads, 25-30mm across, with yellow florets, and 2 rows of bracts, outer ones unequal and spreading (Jun-Sep). FRUITS have a pappus of unbranched hairs. LEAVES are pinnate, upper ones without clasping arrow-shaped bases. STATUS-Locally common.
    131080.jpg
  • SEA CLUB-RUSH Bolboschoenus maritimus (Cyperaceae) Height to 1.25m. Creeping, robust perennial that grows at the margins of brackish water near the sea. The stems are rough and triangular in cross-section. FLOWERS comprise a tight, terminal cluster of egg-shaped spiklets, flanked by a long, leafy bract (Jul-Aug). FRUITS are dark brown. LEAVES are rough and keeled. STATUS-Locally common.
    131065.jpg
  • TIMOTHY Phleum pratense Height to 1.5m. Robust, hairless and tufted perennial of meadows, agricultural land and waysides. FLOWERS are borne in dense, cylindrical and rough heads, 13-16cm long, with purplish green spikelets, each with a short awn (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are broad, rough and flat, with blunt ligules. STATUS-Widespread and common.
    130611.jpg
  • ROUGH CHERVIL Chaerophyllum temulum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Biennial with solid, ridged, bristly and purple-spotted stems. Similar to both Cow Parsley and Upright Hedge-parsley. Favours hedges and verges. FLOWERS are white; borne in umbels up to 6cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are elongate, tapering and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 3-pinnate, hairy and dark green. STATUS-Common in England and Wales.
    131052.jpg
  • ROUGH CHERVIL Chaerophyllum temulum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Biennial with solid, ridged, bristly and purple-spotted stems. Similar to both Cow Parsley and Upright Hedge-parsley. Favours hedges and verges. FLOWERS are white; borne in umbels up to 6cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are elongate, tapering and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 3-pinnate, hairy and dark green. STATUS-Common in England and Wales.
    131051.jpg
  • Rough Cockle - Acanthocardia aculeatus
    142296.jpg
  • Rough Periwinkle - Littorina saxatilis
    136502.jpg
  • ROUGH POPPY Papaver hybridum (Papaveraceae) Height to 40cm. Hairy annual of arable fields, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2-5cm across with 4 crimson, overlapping petals with dark-blotched bases; on hairy stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid to spherical with spreading, yellowish hairs. LEAVES are much divided and bristle-tipped. STATUS-Scarce and declining, mainly in S England.
    131422.jpg
  • ROUGH POPPY Papaver hybridum (Papaveraceae) Height to 40cm. Hairy annual of arable fields, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2-5cm across with 4 crimson, overlapping petals with dark-blotched bases; on hairy stalks (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are ovoid to spherical with spreading, yellowish hairs. LEAVES are much divided and bristle-tipped. STATUS-Scarce and declining, mainly in S England.
    131412.jpg
  • ROUGH CHERVIL Chaerophyllum temulum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Biennial with solid, ridged, bristly and purple-spotted stems. Similar to both Cow Parsley and Upright Hedge-parsley. Favours hedges and verges. FLOWERS are white; borne in umbels up to 6cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are elongate, tapering and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 3-pinnate, hairy and dark green. STATUS-Common in England and Wales.
    131049.jpg
  • ROUGH CHERVIL Chaerophyllum temulum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Biennial with solid, ridged, bristly and purple-spotted stems. Similar to both Cow Parsley and Upright Hedge-parsley. Favours hedges and verges. FLOWERS are white; borne in umbels up to 6cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are elongate, tapering and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 3-pinnate, hairy and dark green. STATUS-Common in England and Wales.
    131041.jpg
  • ROUGH CHERVIL Chaerophyllum temulum (Apiaceae) Height to 1m. Biennial with solid, ridged, bristly and purple-spotted stems. Similar to both Cow Parsley and Upright Hedge-parsley. Favours hedges and verges. FLOWERS are white; borne in umbels up to 6cm across (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are elongate, tapering and ridged. LEAVES are 2- to 3-pinnate, hairy and dark green. STATUS-Common in England and Wales.
    131042.jpg
  • ROUGH CLOVER Trifolium scabrum (Fabaceae) Height to 15cm. Downy annual of bare grassland, often on gravel. FLOWERS are white and borne in unstalked heads that are 10mm long (May-Jul). FRUITS are concealed by calyx. LEAVES are trifoliate with oval leaflets that are hairy on both sides and have obvious lateral veins. STATUS-Locally common in S England and S Wales but mainly coastal.
    130996.jpg
  • ROUGH MARSH-MALLOW Althaea hirsuta (Malvaceae) Height to 60cm. Upright annual with simple and starry hairs. Found on downland and arable margins. FLOWERS are 25mm across, cup-shaped and long-stalked; pink petals are similar in length to sepals (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are rounded flat capsules. LEAVES are rounded at plant base but dissected up stem. STATUS-Rare, possibly native to Kent and Somerset.
    117801.jpg
  • Rough Periwinkle - Littorina saxatilis
    142937.jpg
  • Turkey Oak - Quercus cerris (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Deciduous, broadly conical oak, becoming more spreading and domed with age. BARK Thick, grey-brown, becoming fissured and forming regular, squarish plates in older trees. BRANCHES Appear swollen near base and spread upwards. Buds are covered with long hairs. LEAVES To 10–12cm long, deeply lobed with up to 10 lobes or large teeth, on 1–2cm-long, slightly downy petioles. Upper leaf surface feels rough and is deep green, lower surface is downy when new and greyish. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in May–June. Acorns ripen in late summer and are partly encased in a deep cup covered in long outward-pointing scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S Europe, introduced into Britain by J. Lucombe of Exeter in 1735; now widely planted in parks and gardens and sometimes occurring in woodlands.
    157550.jpg
  • Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis L 14-15cm. Rather nondescript, streaked brown bird. Forms loose flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked brown upperparts and pale underparts with dark streaks; has buffish yellow flush to flanks and breast, most noticeable in autumn. Has pale, unmarked throat, pale eyering and hint of short, pale supercilium. Legs are pinkish and outer tail feathers are white. Juvenile is similar but with less extensive streaking. Voice Utters a pseet-pseet-pseet call. Descending song is delivered in flight but starts and ends on ground. Status Common and widespread resident. Favours rough, grassy habitats; upland birds move to lowlands outside breeding season and European migrants boost winter numbers.
    156486.jpg
  • Snow Pear Pyrus nivalis (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 20m <br />
Medium-sized tree. BARK Rough and scaly. BRANCHES Ascending, usually spineless. LEAVES To 9cm long and smooth; blade runs decurrently down petiole. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS White flowers open just after leaves. Fruits, to 5cm long, are rounded, greenish-yellow, with purple dots. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native from France to Russia; planted here occasionally.
    135020.jpg
  • Pyrus elaeagrifolia (Rosaceae) HEIGHT to 10m <br />
Small, often slender tree. BARK Rough and scaly. BRANCHES Spreading and spiny, with twigs covered with grey hairs. LEAVES Alternate, to 8cm long, lanceolate, sometimes toothed at tip, and covered with thick white down, even at end of growing season. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS White, almost sessile flowers open with leaves. Thick-stalked fruits are about 1.3cm long and pear-shaped, sometimes globular, remaining green when ripe. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of the Balkans eastwards; planted here occasionally.
    134927.jpg
  • Ribbon Gum Eucalyptus viminalis (Myrtaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Large tree. BARK Rough, peels in long ribbons revealing smoother, pale patches. BRANCHES Mainly upright. LEAVES Juvenile leaves opposite, oblong, to 10cm long. Adult leaves alternate, to 18cm long and tapering. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS White flowers usually in clusters of 3; buds have scarlet domed caps. Fruits rounded. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S and E Australia, grown here for timber and ornament.
    132515.jpg
  • Turkey Oak Quercus cerris (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Deciduous, broadly conical oak, becoming more spreading and domed with age. BARK Thick, grey-brown, becoming fissured and forming regular, squarish plates in older trees. BRANCHES Appear swollen near base and spread upwards. Buds are covered with long hairs. LEAVES To 10–12cm long, deeply lobed with up to 10 lobes or large teeth, on 1–2cm-long, slightly downy petioles. Upper leaf surface feels rough and is deep green, lower surface is downy when new and greyish. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in May–June. Acorns ripen in late summer and are partly encased in a deep cup covered in long outward-pointing scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S Europe, introduced into Britain by J. Lucombe of Exeter in 1735; now widely planted in parks and gardens and sometimes occurring in woodlands.
    132241.jpg
  • Paper-bark Birch (Canoe-bark Birch) Betula papyrifera (Betulaceae) HEIGHT to 23m. A stout, spreading tree. Best recognized by studying its leaves. BARK Mostly white and smooth, flecked with grey or sometimes orange or brown; it peels horizontally into strips. BRANCHES Spreading, the shoots covered in rough warts and a few long hairs. LEAVES Large by birch standards (to 10cm long), dull green and with only 5 pairs of veins; they are borne on hairy stalks. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins, females of which eventually produces winged seeds. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of northern N America from the east to the west coast. It is planted here as an ornamental tree, mainly for the novelty of its bark.
    124972.jpg
  • Ribbon Gum Eucalyptus viminalis (Myrtaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. Large tree. BARK Rough, peels in long ribbons revealing smoother, pale patches. BRANCHES Mainly upright. LEAVES Juvenile leaves opposite, oblong, to 10cm long. Adult leaves alternate, to 18cm long and tapering. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS White flowers usually in clusters of 3; buds have scarlet domed caps. Fruits rounded. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S and E Australia, grown here for timber and ornament.
    117586.jpg
  • Fig Ficus carica (Moraceae) HEIGHT to 5m<br />
Deciduous tree with distinctive fruits and leaves. BARK Pale grey, smooth, sometimes with finer lines. BRANCHES Thick, forming a spreading domed crown. LEAVES Alternate, to 20cm long, on a 5–10cm petiole; deeply lobed, usually in 3 segments, sometimes 5. Feel rough and leathery with prominent veins on underside. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Flowers are hidden, produced inside pear-like fleshy receptacle that is almost closed at apex. This ripens in second year into a familiar fleshy, sweet-tasting fig. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native to SW Asia, possibly also S and E Europe. Long cultivated in Britain, thriving in walled gardens
    108899.jpg
  • FEN BEDSTRAW Galium uliginosum (Rubiaceae) Height to 70cm. Straggly and slender perennial with rough stems that have backward-pointing bristles on the edges. Found in damp, grassy places, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are 2-3mm across, white and 4-petalled; in open, few-flowered clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are wrinkled, brown nutlets. LEAVES are narrow, spine-tipped and have backward-pointing marginal bristles; borne in whorls of 6-8. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131402.jpg
  • ITALIAN RYE-GRASS Lolium multiflorum (Poaceae) Height to 90cm. Tufted annual or biennial with rough stems and leaves. Commonly cultivated on farmland to provide grazing for livestock. FLOWERS are borne in unbranched heads, the spikelets brown with long awns (May-Aug). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are often rolled when young. STATUS-Widespread and common, except in N.
    131278.jpg
  • COMMON MARSH-BEDSTRAW Galium palustre (Rubiaceae) Height to 70cm. Delicate, straggling perennial with rather rough stems. Grows in damp, grassy places. FLOWERS are 3-4mm across, white and 4-petalled; borne in open clusters (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are wrinkled nutlets. LEAVES are narrow, widest towards the tip and not bristle-tipped; in whorls of 4-6. STATUS-Widespread and common throughout the region.
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  • COCK’S-FOOT Dactylis glomerata Height to 1m<br />
Tufted, tussock-forming perennial of grassland and woodland rides. FLOWERS are borne in an inflorescence of long-stalked, dense and egg-shaped heads that spread and then fancifully resemble a bird’s foot (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are small, dry nutlets. LEAVES are rough with slightly inrolled margins. STATUS-Widespread and common.
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  • Grey Seal Halichoerus grypus Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Adder Vipera berus Length 45-60cm Venomous snake. Hibernates October-March and sunbathes regularly in spring. Males perform wrestling ‘dances’ to determine access to females for mating. Sexes are similar but females are larger than males. Adult ground colour ranges from reddish brown, greenish yellow or grey to creamy buff.  Almost all have a blackish zigzag line along back, anterior end of which looks arrowheaded and framed by inverted ‘V’ marking on head. Melanic ‘Black Adders’ also occur; commonest in N. Juvenile is similar but slender and usually reddish brown. Widespread but local, found on heaths, moors, open woodlands, rough grassland and coastal dunes. Easiest to see in early spring when basking.
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  • Meadow Pipit - Anthus pratensis. L 14-15cm. Rather nondescript, streaked brown bird. Forms loose flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked brown upperparts and pale underparts with dark streaks; has buffish yellow flush to flanks and breast, most noticeable in autumn. Has pale, unmarked throat, pale eyering and hint of short, pale supercilium. Legs are pinkish and outer tail feathers are white. Juvenile is similar but with less extensive streaking. Voice Utters a pseet-pseet-pseet call. Descending song is delivered in flight but starts and ends on ground. Status Common and widespread resident. Favours rough, grassy habitats; upland birds move to lowlands outside breeding season and European migrants boost winter numbers.
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  • Whinchat Saxicola rubetra L 12-14cm. Colourful, Stonechat-like bird with whitish sides to tail base. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has brown, streaked upperparts with white stripe above eye. Margins of throat and ear coverts are defined by pale stripe; throat and breast are orange; underparts are otherwise whitish. Adult female is similar but colours and contrast are less intense. 1st winter bird is similar to adult female but upperparts are more spotted. Voice Utters a whistling tic-tic alarm call. Song is rapid and warbling. Status Local summer visitor, favouring rough grassy slopes with scattered scrub.
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  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - male and female.  Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - juveniles. Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - female.  Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Grey Seal - Halichoerus grypus - Bull. Length 2.2-3.2m Bulky seal with proportionately large head. Inquisitive in water. Hauls out for long periods. Adult is greyish overall with dark blotchy spots; fewer, larger spots than on Common Seal. Males are larger and darker than females. In profile, looks ‘Roman nosed’: bridge of nose is convex, more pronounced in males than females. From the front, nostrils are distinctly separated and more or less parallel to one another, not V-shaped. Fore flippers have sharp claws and hind flippers propel the animal through water. Pup is born with white fur; moulted after a few weeks.Voice Utters low, moaning calls. Often found on rocky shores and tolerates rough seas heavy waves. Widespread on west coast of Britain and locally in North Sea.
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  • Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis L 14-15cm. Rather nondescript, streaked brown bird. Forms loose flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked brown upperparts and pale underparts with dark streaks; has buffish yellow flush to flanks and breast, most noticeable in autumn. Has pale, unmarked throat, pale eyering and hint of short, pale supercilium. Legs are pinkish and outer tail feathers are white. Juvenile is similar but with less extensive streaking. Voice Utters a pseet-pseet-pseet call. Descending song is delivered in flight but starts and ends on ground. Status Common and widespread resident. Favours rough, grassy habitats; upland birds move to lowlands outside breeding season and European migrants boost winter numbers.
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  • Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis L 14-15cm. Rather nondescript, streaked brown bird. Forms loose flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are similar. Adult has streaked brown upperparts and pale underparts with dark streaks; has buffish yellow flush to flanks and breast, most noticeable in autumn. Has pale, unmarked throat, pale eyering and hint of short, pale supercilium. Legs are pinkish and outer tail feathers are white. Juvenile is similar but with less extensive streaking. Voice Utters a pseet-pseet-pseet call. Descending song is delivered in flight but starts and ends on ground. Status Common and widespread resident. Favours rough, grassy habitats; upland birds move to lowlands outside breeding season and European migrants boost winter numbers.
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  • Austrian Pine - Pinus nigra ssp. nigra Pinaceae. Height to 30m<br />
Broadly conical with a narrow crown. Bark Greyish-brown, becoming darker and rough in older trees. Needles Paired, to 15cm long; stiff with finely toothed margins. Reproductive parts Mature cones, to 8cm long, have keeled, spined scales. Status Native of central Europe. Widely planted here for shelter or ornament and sometimes naturalised.
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  • Turkey Oak Quercus cerris (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 38m <br />
Deciduous, broadly conical oak, becoming more spreading and domed with age. BARK Thick, grey-brown, becoming fissured and forming regular, squarish plates in older trees. BRANCHES Appear swollen near base and spread upwards. Buds are covered with long hairs. LEAVES To 10–12cm long, deeply lobed with up to 10 lobes or large teeth, on 1–2cm-long, slightly downy petioles. Upper leaf surface feels rough and is deep green, lower surface is downy when new and greyish. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Catkins appear in May–June. Acorns ripen in late summer and are partly encased in a deep cup covered in long outward-pointing scales. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of S Europe, introduced into Britain by J. Lucombe of Exeter in 1735; now widely planted in parks and gardens and sometimes occurring in woodlands.
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  • Northern Rough-winged Swallow - Stelgidopteryx serripennis
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