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  • Cairngorm Mountain Slope, Scotland, UK
    128243.jpg
  • Scree slope and lichens, Cairngorm, Scottish Highlands, UK
    145287.jpg
  • Scree Slope, Cairngorm, Sottish Highlands, UK
    145285.jpg
  • Scree slope, Cairngorm, Scottish Highlands, UK
    145286.jpg
  • Ring Ouzel - Turdus torquatus. L 25-26cm. Upland counterpart of Blackbird. Typically alert and wary. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black plumage with striking white crescent on breast and pale fringes to wing feathers. Legs are dark, bill is yellowish, and feathers on underparts have pale fringes. Adult female is similar but dark elements of plumage are browner and pale crescent on breast is grubby white. 1st winter birds look rather dark with pale feather fringes all over and hint of adult’s pale crescent on breast. Voice Utters a harsh tchuck alarm call. Song comprises short bursts of fluty phrases. Status Local summer visitor to rugged moorland and lower mountain slopes.
    157667.jpg
  • 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.
    156448.jpg
  • Whinchat Saxicola rubetra - female. 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.
    156447.jpg
  • 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.
    156444.jpg
  • 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.
    156442.jpg
  • Whinchat Saxicola rubetra - Male. 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.
    155949.jpg
  • Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus L 25-26cm. Upland counterpart of Blackbird. Typically alert and wary. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black plumage with striking white crescent on breast and pale fringes to wing feathers. Legs are dark, bill is yellowish, and feathers on underparts have pale fringes. Adult female is similar but dark elements of plumage are browner and pale crescent on breast is grubby white. 1st winter birds look rather dark with pale feather fringes all over and hint of adult’s pale crescent on breast. Voice Utters a harsh tchuck alarm call. Song comprises short bursts of fluty phrases. Status Local summer visitor to rugged moorland and lower mountain slopes.
    145981.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135297.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    135072.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    135000.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134998.jpg
  • Cheddar Pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) HEIGHT to 20cm. Charming, tufted perennial that is restricted to the limestone slopes and crags of Cheddar Gorge. The flowers are pink, 2-3cm across and are solitary on slendar stalks (May-July). The leaves are grey and narrow.
    109375.jpg
  • Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus L 25-26cm. Upland counterpart of Blackbird. Typically alert and wary. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black plumage with striking white crescent on breast and pale fringes to wing feathers. Legs are dark, bill is yellowish, and feathers on underparts have pale fringes. Adult female is similar but dark elements of plumage are browner and pale crescent on breast is grubby white. 1st winter birds look rather dark with pale feather fringes all over and hint of adult’s pale crescent on breast. Voice Utters a harsh tchuck alarm call. Song comprises short bursts of fluty phrases. Status Local summer visitor to rugged moorland and lower mountain slopes.
    127413.jpg
  • 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.
    156446.jpg
  • 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.
    156443.jpg
  • 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.
    155950.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135164.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135163.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135151.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135152.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    135012.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134985.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134906.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134882.jpg
  • Downy Willow Salix lapponum (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 1.5m<br />
Low-growing shrub. SHOOTS Downy at first becoming shiny and reddish brown with age. LEAVES Ovate to elliptical, to 5cm long, greyish green with silky hairs on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Stalkless catkins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Local; damp mountain slopes and cliffs in Scotland.
    133900.jpg
  • Downy Willow Salix lapponum (Salicaceae) HEIGHT to 1.5m<br />
Low-growing shrub. SHOOTS Downy at first becoming shiny and reddish brown with age. LEAVES Ovate to elliptical, to 5cm long, greyish green with silky hairs on both surfaces. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Stalkless catkins. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Local; damp mountain slopes and cliffs in Scotland.
    133897.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    132997.jpg
  • Italian Cypress Cupressus sempervirens (Cupressaceae) HEIGHT to 22m. Slender, upright evergreen with dense dark-green foliage. Usually columnar, but sometimes broadly pyramidal. BARK Grey-brown and ridged. BRANCHES Strongly upright and crowded, bearing clusters of shoots. Numerous young shoots arise from the leading shoots. LEAVES Dark-green, scale-like, no more than 1mm long; unscented. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Small greenish-yellow male cones up to 8mm across grow on tips of side-shoots. Elliptical, yellowish-grey female cones, up to 4cm across, grow near ends of the shoots; they ripen brown. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of mountain slopes in S Europe and Balkans, east to Iran. Most wild trees are spreading, but elegant columnar form is widely planted elsewhere.
    132993.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    132365.jpg
  • WOOD VETCH Vicia sylvatica (Fabaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Elegant, straggling perennial of shady woods and steep, coastal slopes. FLOWERS are 12-20mm long, white and purple-veined; borne in spikes of up to 20 flowers (Jun-Aug).  FRUITS are black, hairless pods. LEAVES comprise 6-12 pairs of oblong leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in W.
    141385.jpg
  • Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus L 25-26cm. Upland counterpart of Blackbird. Typically alert and wary. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black plumage with striking white crescent on breast and pale fringes to wing feathers. Legs are dark, bill is yellowish, and feathers on underparts have pale fringes. Adult female is similar but dark elements of plumage are browner and pale crescent on breast is grubby white. 1st winter birds look rather dark with pale feather fringes all over and hint of adult’s pale crescent on breast. Voice Utters a harsh tchuck alarm call. Song comprises short bursts of fluty phrases. Status Local summer visitor to rugged moorland and lower mountain slopes.
    127412.jpg
  • 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.
    129294.jpg
  • 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.
    129315.jpg
  • 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.
    143870.jpg
  • Blue Colorado Spruce Picea pungens (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 30m Slender conical evergreen. BARK Purplish and ridged. BRANCHES Bear smooth, yellowish-brown twigs. LEAVES Sharply pointed, stiff needles, to 3cm long, and usually dark green, grow all round shoot, but upper surface has more and some curve upwards to make top surface look more dense. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male and female flowers in small, separate clusters on same tree; males red-tinged, females greener. Mature female cones pendent, narrowly oval, to 12cm long, often slightly curved; scales have irregularly toothed tips. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the south-western USA, growing on dry, stony mountain slopes and streamsides, but commonly planted for ornament and timber throughout much of N Europe.
    134999.jpg
  • 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.
    157989.jpg
  • Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus - Male L 25-26cm. Upland counterpart of Blackbird. Typically alert and wary. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black plumage with striking white crescent on breast and pale fringes to wing feathers. Legs are dark, bill is yellowish, and feathers on underparts have pale fringes. Adult female is similar but dark elements of plumage are browner and pale crescent on breast is grubby white. 1st winter birds look rather dark with pale feather fringes all over and hint of adult’s pale crescent on breast. Voice Utters a harsh tchuck alarm call. Song comprises short bursts of fluty phrases. Status Local summer visitor to rugged moorland and lower mountain slopes.
    135720.jpg
  • Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus L 25-26cm. Upland counterpart of Blackbird. Typically alert and wary. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black plumage with striking white crescent on breast and pale fringes to wing feathers. Legs are dark, bill is yellowish, and feathers on underparts have pale fringes. Adult female is similar but dark elements of plumage are browner and pale crescent on breast is grubby white. 1st winter birds look rather dark with pale feather fringes all over and hint of adult’s pale crescent on breast. Voice Utters a harsh tchuck alarm call. Song comprises short bursts of fluty phrases. Status Local summer visitor to rugged moorland and lower mountain slopes.
    135721.jpg
  • Panoramic view from the path to Cat Bells looking west towards Causey Pike and Knott Rigg, Lake District, UK
    154437.jpg
  • Whinchat - Saxicola rubetra - Juvenile
    160233.jpg
  • Panoramic view Llyn-y-Gader, Llyn-y-Dywarchen, Mynydd Mawr and Mynydd Drws-y-Coed from the Rhyd-Ddu footpath on the lower slopes of Snowdon, Snowdonia, North Wales, Uk
    154460.jpg
  • Panoramic view Llyn-y-Gader, Llyn-y-Dywarchen, Mynydd Mawr and Mynydd Drws-y-Coed from the Rhyd-Ddu footpath on the lower slopes of Snowdon, Snowdonia, North Wales, Uk
    154461.jpg
  • WOOD VETCH Vicia sylvatica (Fabaceae) Height to 1.5m<br />
Elegant, straggling perennial of shady woods and steep, coastal slopes. FLOWERS are 12-20mm long, white and purple-veined; borne in spikes of up to 20 flowers (Jun-Aug).  FRUITS are black, hairless pods. LEAVES comprise 6-12 pairs of oblong leaflets and end in a branched tendril. STATUS-Widespread but local; commonest in W.
    140122.jpg
  • JACOB’S-LADDER Polemonium caeruleum (Polemoniaceae) Height to 1m. Attractive, upright perennial of grassy places and scree slopes in limestone areas. FLOWERS are 2-3cm across and bright blue with 5 petal-like corolla lobes; in spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are alternate and pinnate with 6-12 pairs of leaflets. STATUS-Locally native in N England; naturalised elsewhere.
    136416.jpg
  • LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Variable, often short perennial of dunes, dry grassland and rocky slopes; mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are yellowish, tinged purple, with prominent dangling stamens; in open clusters, flowers drooping at first then erect (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are pinnately divided 3 or 4 times. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131340.jpg
  • LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Variable, often short perennial of dunes, dry grassland and rocky slopes; mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are yellowish, tinged purple, with prominent dangling stamens; in open clusters, flowers drooping at first then erect (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are pinnately divided 3 or 4 times. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    131305.jpg
  • SHINING CRANE’S-BILL Geranium lucidum (Geraniaceae) Height to 30cm. Branched, hairless annual that is sometimes tinged red. Found on shady banks and rocky slopes, mainly on limestone. FLOWERS are 10-15mm across; the petals pink and not notched, and the sepals are inflated (Apr-Aug). FRUITS are hairless. LEAVES are shiny and rounded, the margins cut into 5-7 lobes. STATUS-Widespread but local.
    130876.jpg
  • PYRENEAN SCURVYGRASS Cochlearia pyrenaica (Brassicaceae) Height to 30cm. Variable biennial or perennial of mountains, rocky slopes and upland stream margins and meadows. FLOWERS are 5-8mm across with 4 white petals (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are elliptical and shorter than stalk. LEAVES comprise kidney-shaped basal leaves less than 2cm long and clasping stem leaves. STATUS-Local in W and N of region.
    130040.jpg
  • SPOTTED CAT’S-EAR Hypochaeris maculata (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm. Rather distinctive perennial that grows in dry grassland and on broken, rocky slopes, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads 3-5cm across, with lemon yellow florets and blackish bracts; heads are solitary and carried on bristly stalks (Jun-Aug). Has scales between florets. FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES are ovate, wavy-edged, bristly and marked with reddish purple spots. STATUS-Rare and local.
    129791.jpg
  • BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Ericaceae) Prostrate<br />
Low-growing, mat-forming and evergreen undershrub. Found on dry moorland and mountain slopes. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, urn-shaped and pink; borne on short stalks and in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, 7-9mm across. LEAVES are oval, untoothed and leathery; they are dark green and shiny above but paler below. STATUS-Locally common in Scotland but rare elsewhere within its range.
    144446.jpg
  • BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Ericaceae) Prostrate<br />
Low-growing, mat-forming and evergreen undershrub. Found on dry moorland and mountain slopes. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, urn-shaped and pink; borne on short stalks and in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, 7-9mm across. LEAVES are oval, untoothed and leathery; they are dark green and shiny above but paler below. STATUS-Locally common in Scotland but rare elsewhere within its range.
    144445.jpg
  • BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Ericaceae) Prostrate<br />
Low-growing, mat-forming and evergreen undershrub. Found on dry moorland and mountain slopes. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, urn-shaped and pink; borne on short stalks and in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, 7-9mm across. LEAVES are oval, untoothed and leathery; they are dark green and shiny above but paler below. STATUS-Locally common in Scotland but rare elsewhere within its range.
    144447.jpg
  • JACOB’S-LADDER Polemonium caeruleum (Polemoniaceae) Height to 1m. Attractive, upright perennial of grassy places and scree slopes in limestone areas. FLOWERS are 2-3cm across and bright blue with 5 petal-like corolla lobes; in spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are alternate and pinnate with 6-12 pairs of leaflets. STATUS-Locally native in N England; naturalised elsewhere.
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  • FLY HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera xylosteum (Height to 3m) is a more dainty and delicate relative of Honeysuckle. The yellow flowers are 1-2cm long and borne in pairs (May-Jun), and the leaves are ovate and stalked. It grows on steep chalk slopes on the South Downs, mainly in the vicinity of Arundel.
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  • LESSER MEADOW-RUE Thalictrum minus (Ranunculaceae) Height to 1m. Variable, often short perennial of dunes, dry grassland and rocky slopes; mainly on basic soils. FLOWERS are yellowish, tinged purple, with prominent dangling stamens; in open clusters, flowers drooping at first then erect (Jun-Aug). FRUITS are dry and papery. LEAVES are pinnately divided 3 or 4 times. STATUS-Widespread but local.
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  • JACOB’S-LADDER Polemonium caeruleum (Polemoniaceae) Height to 1m. Attractive, upright perennial of grassy places and scree slopes in limestone areas. FLOWERS are 2-3cm across and bright blue with 5 petal-like corolla lobes; in spikes (Jun-Jul). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are alternate and pinnate with 6-12 pairs of leaflets. STATUS-Locally native in N England; naturalised elsewhere.
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  • 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
  • BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Ericaceae) Prostrate<br />
Low-growing, mat-forming and evergreen undershrub. Found on dry moorland and mountain slopes. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, urn-shaped and pink; borne on short stalks and in clusters (May-Aug). FRUITS are shiny, bright red berries, 7-9mm across. LEAVES are oval, untoothed and leathery; they are dark green and shiny above but paler below. STATUS-Locally common in Scotland but rare elsewhere within its range.
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  • UMBELLATE HAWKWEED Hieracium umbellatum (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, usually on rocky slopes or banks; often coastal. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in umbellate clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and unstalked; there is no basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common in SW England and W Wales; scattered and generally scarce elsewhere.
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  • UMBELLATE HAWKWEED Hieracium umbellatum (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, usually on rocky slopes or banks; often coastal. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in umbellate clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and unstalked; there is no basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common in SW England and W Wales; scattered and generally scarce elsewhere.
    144212.jpg
  • UMBELLATE HAWKWEED Hieracium umbellatum (Asteraceae) Height to 80cm. Upright, variable perennial. Stems produce a milky latex when broken and are hairy towards the base. Grows in grassy places, usually on rocky slopes or banks; often coastal. FLOWERS are borne in heads, 2-3cm across, with yellow florets; carried on hairy stalks, in umbellate clusters (Jul-Sep). FRUITS have unbranched hairs. LEAVES are ovate, toothed and unstalked; there is no basal rosette. STATUS-Locally common in SW England and W Wales; scattered and generally scarce elsewhere.
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  • Spotted Cat's-ear - Hypochaeris maculata
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  • Fly Honeysuckle - Lonicera xylosteum
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  • Alpine Pennycress (Thlaspi caerulescens) HEIGHT to 25cm. Hairless perennial of alpine scree and old lead workings. FLOWERS 3-4mm across with white or lilac petals and violet anthers (Apr-Aug). FRUITS Narrowly heart-shaped, flattened, with a beak. LEAVES Oval, entire and tapering gradually to the stalk.
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  • Eider - Somateria mollissima - male. L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    157694.jpg
  • Eider - Somateria mollissima - male. L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
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  • Pacific-slope Flycatcher - Empidonax difficilis
    150798.jpg
  • Eider - Somateria mollissima - male. L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    157693.jpg
  • Pacific-slope Flycatcher - Empidonax difficilis
    150799.jpg
  • Pacific-slope Flycatcher - Empidonax difficilis
    150796.jpg
  • Eider Somateria mollissima L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    107603.jpg
  • Eider Somateria mollissima L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    128854.jpg
  • Eider Somateria mollissima L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    128855.jpg
  • Eider (female) Somateria mollissima L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    136017.jpg
  • Eider Somateria mollissima L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    137120.jpg
  • Eider Somateria mollissima L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
    139942.jpg
  • Pacific-slope Flycatcher - Empidonax difficilis
    150797.jpg
  • Pacific-slope Flycatcher - Empidonax difficilis
    150795.jpg
  • Eider (male) Somateria mollissima L 50-70cm. Bulky seaduck with distinctive profile: wedge-shaped bill forms continuous line with slope of forehead. Gregarious for most of year. In summer, female flocks supervise ‘creche’ of youngsters. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has mainly black underparts and white upperparts, except for black cap, lime green nape and pinkish flush on breast. In eclipse, plumage is brown and black, with some white feathers on back, and pale stripe above eye. Adult female is brown with darker barring. Juvenile is similar to adult female but with pale stripe above eye. Voice Male utters endearing, cooing ah-whooo. Status Almost exclusively coastal. Nests close to seashore and feeds in inshore waters, diving for prey such as mussels.
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  • Kidney Vetch - Anthyllis vulneraria. Height to 30cm. Perennial covered in silky hairs. Found on calcareous grassland and coastal slopes. FLOWERS are yellow, orange or red; borne in paired, kidney-shaped heads, 3cm across (May-Sep). FRUITS are short pods. LEAVES comprise pairs of narrow leaflets, the terminal one being the largest. STATUS-Widespread and locally common.
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  • Stonechat Saxicola torquata L 12-13cm. Small, compact bird. When perched, flicks short, dark tail and utters harsh alarm call. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blackish head, white on side of neck, and dark back. Breast is orange-red, grading into pale underparts. In autumn, pale feather fringes make head appear paler. Adult female is similar but colours are muted and plumage is more streaked. 1st winter bird has streaked sandy brown upperparts and head, and buffish orange underparts. Voice Utters harsh tchak call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is rapid and warbling. Status Locally common heaths, commons and gorse-covered slopes near coast. Some dispersal, mainly to coasts, occurs in winter.
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  • Stonechat Saxicola torquata - Female. L 12-13cm. Small, compact bird. When perched, flicks short, dark tail and utters harsh alarm call. Sexes are dissimilar. Adult male has blackish head, white on side of neck, and dark back. Breast is orange-red, grading into pale underparts. In autumn, pale feather fringes make head appear paler. Adult female is similar but colours are muted and plumage is more streaked. 1st winter bird has streaked sandy brown upperparts and head, and buffish orange underparts. Voice Utters harsh tchak call, like two pebbles knocked together. Song is rapid and warbling. Status Locally common heaths, commons and gorse-covered slopes near coast. Some dispersal, mainly to coasts, occurs in winter.
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  • SPOTTED CAT’S-EAR Hypochaeris maculata (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm. Rather distinctive perennial that grows in dry grassland and on broken, rocky slopes, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads 3-5cm across, with lemon yellow florets and blackish bracts; heads are solitary and carried on bristly stalks (Jun-Aug). Has scales between florets. FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES are ovate, wavy-edged, bristly and marked with reddish purple spots. STATUS-Rare and local.
    153656.jpg
  • SPOTTED CAT’S-EAR Hypochaeris maculata (Asteraceae) Height to 30cm. Rather distinctive perennial that grows in dry grassland and on broken, rocky slopes, mainly on calcareous soils. FLOWERS are borne in heads 3-5cm across, with lemon yellow florets and blackish bracts; heads are solitary and carried on bristly stalks (Jun-Aug). Has scales between florets. FRUITS have feathery hairs. LEAVES are ovate, wavy-edged, bristly and marked with reddish purple spots. STATUS-Rare and local.
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  • Tub Gurnard - Trigla lucerna (formerly Chelidonichthys lucerna) Length to 55cm<br />
Attractive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; forehead slopes abruptly. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall orange-brown; pectoral fins are often yellow with a blue margin. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
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  • Red Gurnard Aspitrigla cuculus Length to 30cm<br />
Stunning fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; sloping forehead has more concave profile than Grey Gurnard. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall red, grading to pinkish white on belly. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
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  • Grey Gurnard Eutrigla gurnardus Length to 45cm<br />
Distinctive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes, and sloping forehead. Pectoral fin does not reach vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. 1st dorsal fin often has dark spot. Lateral line is spiny. Overall usually grey-brown with swirly pattern of pale lines and spots on lower flanks. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E.
    142657.jpg
  • Tub Gurnard - Trigla lucerna (formerly Chelidonichthys lucerna) Length to 55cm<br />
Attractive fish. Favours sandy and mixed substrates; found in inshore waters in summer. Adult has large head and eyes; forehead slopes abruptly. Pectoral fins extend beyond vent; lowest 3 rays lack webbing and are tactile. Lateral line is not spiny. Overall orange-brown; pectoral fins are often yellow with a blue margin. Locally common in S and W; scarce or absent from E coasts.
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  • Box Buxus sempervirens Buxaceae Height to 6m <br />
Dense, spreading evergreen shrub. Bark Smooth, grey, breaking into squares with age. Branches Numerous; young twigs green, angular and hairy. Leaves Ovate, to 2.5cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers small, green; males have yellow anthers. Fruit is a greenish capsule, 8mm long, with 3 spreading spines. Status Local native of chalk slopes; also widely planted.
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  • Bristlecone Fir Abies bracteata. Height to 35m. Slender conical tree confined to slopes and bottoms of rocky canyons on the central coast of California, USA. Planted here for ornament.
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  • Box Buxus sempervirens Buxaceae Height to 6m <br />
Dense, spreading evergreen shrub. Bark Smooth, grey, breaking into squares with age. Branches Numerous; young twigs green, angular and hairy. Leaves Ovate, to 2.5cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers small, green; males have yellow anthers. Fruit is a greenish capsule, 8mm long, with 3 spreading spines. Status Local native of chalk slopes; also widely planted.
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  • Box Buxus sempervirens Buxaceae Height to 6m <br />
Dense, spreading evergreen shrub. Bark Smooth, grey, breaking into squares with age. Branches Numerous; young twigs green, angular and hairy. Leaves Ovate, to 2.5cm long. Reproductive parts Flowers small, green; males have yellow anthers. Fruit is a greenish capsule, 8mm long, with 3 spreading spines. Status Local native of chalk slopes; also widely planted.
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  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen in its native California, and even in Britain it has grown to become the tallest tree in many areas. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches, which may not start for several metres above the ground, are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California, where it grows in groves on the western slopes of the mountains. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
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  • Wellingtonia (Giant Sequoia) Sequoiadendron giganteum (Taxodiaceae) HEIGHT to 50m. An outstandingly large evergreen in its native California, and even in Britain it has grown to become the tallest tree in many areas. Forms a striking, narrowly conical tree with a huge tapering bole, ridged and fluted at the base. BARK Thick, spongy and rich-red. BRANCHES lower branches, which may not start for several metres above the ground, are pendulous, but the upper branches are more level. LEAVES Scale-like, green and up to 1cm long; they clasp the shoots, and smell of aniseed when crushed. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS The small yellow male cones can be abundant and grow at the tips of the shoots, releasing their pollen in spring. Female cones are solitary, sometimes paired, and ovoid, up to 8cm long and 5cm in diameter when ripe, with a deep brown colour and a corky texture. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION A native of the Sierra Nevada in California, where it grows in groves on the western slopes of the mountains. First discovered in 1852, it was soon introduced into Britain, where it thrives best in the west.
    103615.jpg
  • WILD CARROT Daucus carota carota (Apiaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright or spreading hairy perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in rough grassland, mostly on chalky soils or near the sea. FLOWERS are white (pinkish in bud) and are borne in long-stalked umbels, up to 7cm across, the central flower of which is red; note the divided bracts beneath (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are oval, with spiny ridges; fruiting umbels are concave. LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the N. Note Sea Carrot D.c.gummifer is similar but has more fleshy leaves and umbels that are flat or convex (not concave) in fruit. Found on cliffs, rocky slopes and dunes by the sea.
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  • WILD CARROT Daucus carota carota (Apiaceae) Height to 75cm. Upright or spreading hairy perennial with solid, ridged stems. Found in rough grassland, mostly on chalky soils or near the sea. FLOWERS are white (pinkish in bud) and are borne in long-stalked umbels, up to 7cm across, the central flower of which is red; note the divided bracts beneath (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are oval, with spiny ridges; fruiting umbels are concave. LEAVES are 2- or 3-pinnate with narrow leaflets. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, except in the N. Note Sea Carrot D.c.gummifer is similar but has more fleshy leaves and umbels that are flat or convex (not concave) in fruit. Found on cliffs, rocky slopes and dunes by the sea.
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