Following the footpath NS211 from Stonyfield Woods in Halling eventually leads you out into Luddedowne.
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| Location of Wrenches Shaw |
The views from Wrenches Shaw across the valley are always worth taking in, although what the future will hold now that the land is under new ownership is uncertain. There is a
memorial bench just where the path leaves the woods.
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| Luddesdowne Church from Wrenches Shaw... |
At this time of the year, some interesting fungi can be found in Wrenches Shaw...
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| Fly Agaric |
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| Ringless Honey Mushroom... |
Following the harvest, several types of wildflower can now be seen in the field edges by the woods...
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| Charlock... |
Charlock (Wild Mustard) is often planted as a cover crop in winter. I think the above is an example of Charlock, but it is apparently quite easily confused with other members of the same yellow-flowering cabbage relatives. The seeds are poisonous - other species are used in mustard. The leaves are apparently quite tasty, though - not sure I'd want to trust my own ID skills, however...
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| Borage... |
Borage was traditionally cultivated for culinary and
medicinal uses, although today commercial cultivation is mainly as an oil seed. Borage is widely used in
Europe
used as either a fresh vegetable or a dried herb. As a fresh vegetable, it allegedly has a cucumber-like taste and can be used in salads or as a garnish. I think I'll stick to cucumbers in salads, though...
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| Germander Speedwell... |
This pretty little flower can be found pretty much all year round. It can be distinguished from other speedwells by the double line of hairs which grow on either side of the main stem.
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| Scarlet Pimpernel... |
The little red flowers of
Scarlet Pimpernel were also in abundance. The plants are poisonous, although as yet
demands by morons to wipe them out have thankfully yet to be made...
