Moonwort

Today I drove to the Cowgreen Reservoir in Upper Teesdale for a Botany day. Many of you will know that there are rare and unusual species to see here.

We were much too late for the Spring gentian and (almost) for the bird’s eye primrose, but a wide variety of plants were seen.

This is not a great photo, but it shows moonwort. This plant is declining in numbers across the north of Europe. Each plant has one leaf and a fertile frond. The frond produces spores.

The frond will grow taller, but this plant is only about 3 inches tall. Apparently they can grow to 12 inches.

I’m showing this especially because the only other time I have seen it was on a walk heading towards the Milecastle Inn, at least 10 years ago. My friend, Harry, was leading, and he spotted it. He and I were on our knees and enthusing, while the rest of the walkers cast their eyes to the heavens and could not understand why we were so excited!

There were 12 of us today and people were great at sharing their knowledge and plant spotting.

Back home and after a cuppa, I fell asleep in the chair. Roll on Monday when I have my next B12 jab!