Page 7 - Wildlife News December 2015

Harbingers of spring Spring crocus.
(Kate Dent)
Ian Stevenson, Berkshire Reserves Officer
spectacular throughout the year with heath spotted-orchids,
By the end of February we’ll be hankering after those first signs devil’s-bit scabious, sneezewort, betony, meadow saxifrage and
of spring. In a small field in Inkpen, Berkshire, a flower from the lousewort among many others.
Pyrenees is preparing for what is arguably its most spectacular Depending on the winter, late February or March is the perfect
display in this country. Inkpen Crocus Field has long been time to visit Inkpen Crocus Field to witness the breathtaking
noted for its 400,000-strong population of spring crocuses by display of these rare blooms. But why not return during the year
eminent botanists such as George Claridge Druce and Sir Charles to enjoy the impressive suite of wild flowers that set this little
Rothschild, who included the meadow in his list of Rothschild meadow apart as one of the most diverse and beautiful in our
Reserves as ‘worthy of preservation’. three counties?
Crocuses burst forth from little packets of energy called
corms, which are adapted stem tissue surrounded by scale leaves. Enjoy a wild walk at Inkpen Crocus Field and nearby Inkpen Common
Reacting to lengthening days and warmer soils, these delicate by following our self-guided circular route guide. Download it for
flowers will often pierce through a covering of snow and frost. free at: bbowt.org.uk/reserves/Inkpen-Crocus-Field
Spring crocuses (or croci) produce lilac and occasionally
white cup-shaped flowers and grass-like leaves with a central
white stripe. Plants close their flowers at night or in bad weather
to keep the pollen dry and protected for the following day.
The crocus’ ability to transform a winter landscape has led to it
being celebrated since Minoan times; images of the flower even
adorned wall frescoes in Santorini.
While it remains unclear how crocuses arrived at West
Berkshire, their unique management by BBOWT has ensured they
continue to flourish. When the meadow isn’t in flower or setting
seed, the reserve is grazed by Dexter cows in order to control
coarse grasses and encourage the wild flowers to thrive. This
traditional practice, coupled with the life strategy of the crocus
in its native rocky mountain meadows, makes for a meadow rich
in wildflower species just perfect for crocuses. In fact, Inkpen is

Have you captured the stunning display at Inkpen Crocus
Field on camera? Then share your photos by uploading
them to the BBOWT Flickr group: flickr.com/groups/bbowt

Inkpen Crocus Field Primrose For more information about wildlife near you visit bbowt.org.uk/wildlife/species-a-z
(Adrian Wallington)
Delicate to look at yet hardy, Wren
December 2015 our native primrose can come
into flower as early as December The wren has a very loud
in mild winters. Found at the song that belies its tiny size.
foot of hedgerows, carpeting Its scientific name Troglodytes,
meaning ‘cave-dweller’ reflects
grassland and in woodland
clearings, it was known to be its habit of sneaking into
a favourite of Victorian Prime crevices in search of food or to
Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who roost. The wren is Britain’s most
common breeding bird and as
lived in Buckinghamshire.
such is a frequent visitor
to gardens.

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(Zsussana Bird)
(Bob Coyle)