David

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.

Greater stitchwort, a favourite food plant for several springtime species of butterflies.

Bluebells growing wild by the Railway Walk at Newbridge. Still quite likely to be the Spanish variety, escapees from one of the nearby gardens on Henwood Road.

Yet another misleadingly named flower. Greater celandines are members of the poppy family; lesser celandines buttercups.

Another plant with a misleading name: ground ivy isn’t an ivy, but a member of the mint family.

No need to be wary of these. Despite the superficial resemblance, they aren’t nettles, and don’t sting.