Sting

... is what these will do to if you get too close. The sting is in the spiky bits on the stalk and leaves ... if you brush past them gently they will hit you with histamine, but apparently if you grab them firmly they won't sting as much because you will flatten the stinging spikes ... hence the term "grasp the nettle" I suppose.

Nettles are so common we tend not to notice them but they actually have rather beautifully shaped leaves, which is what I was trying to highlight by doing this as a b/w negative.

We may see them as a nuisance but they provide shelter and food for many bugs and butterflies, as well being rich in phosphate and therefore making a good fertiliser and compost catalyst.

I know you can make nettle soup and nettle tea, but apparently you can make nettle beer too ...... now there's a thought ....