Wildflower Walk

By Mark H, 8th May

Martyn Stead led the wildflower walk

This week we held the first of four Wildflower Walks under the expert guidance of Martyn Stead, an expert recorder with the British Botanical Society.

We met at Caldy Nature Park car park at 7pm, a good turn out of around 15, of varying ages, 8 - 80 and of varying knowledge.

Starting in the meadow around the "Apple Core" we made our way slowly down through the park along the brook, finishing at the pond.

Martyn's knowledge, experience and easy manner made the walk hugely interesting and informative. Often diving into the undergrowth at the side of the path to come back out with a beautiful, tiny flower, which many of us would have missed completely. He explained how to identify the flowers, their differences and similarities, common names and tricks to remembering them, "sedges have edges". A very enjoyable and informative walk.

The number of recognition Apps on smart phones, is a big aid these days and you can continue to record what you see using "iNaturalist" for example.

My walks with the dog may take a little longer now as I take much more notice of what wildflowers are growing around me.

Why not join us for our next Wildflower Walk? Details on our website and notice boards.