Dandelion with common nettle-tap moth

Dandelion with common nettle-tap moth

A dandelion flowering by the path in the Smestow Valley Nature Reserve. On the flower, a common nettle-tap moth was quite active as it probed down for nectar.

Springtime flowers: jack by the hedge

Springtime flowers: jack by the hedge

Jack by the hedge, otherwise known as mustard garlic. Common growing tall by hedgerows. It’s a favoured food pland for spring butterfly caterpillars. As the name implies, it does also have culinary uses for people.

Springtime flowers: jack by the hedge

Springtime flowers: wild arum

Springtime flowers: wild arum

Wild arum growing by the canal near Wightwick Mill Lock. The spathe, the long spike which carries the flowers, can just be seen peeping out of its protective surrounds.