knapweed

although knapweed is common it is a colourful plant. Knap means knob apparently. The bracts (the bits surrounding the petals) are marvellously complicated and shaped like little fringes or combs. Much loved by bees and butterflies. These sensible plants develop as males and then change to females, and were used to predict proximity of appropriate suitors.

small copper

not our community PC but a small attractive butterfly, feeding on some ragwort. Is it my imagination or is ragwort taking over the planet? The meadows are full of butterflies and moths at present.

sheeps bit

sheeps bit again but a much better photo taken in the lane up to Duchy College, and showing the delicate flower structure. It is in exactly the same place as two years ago. The sound of music from Whiteford is washing over us tonight, and then there will be fireworks to celebrate my birthday, and Cassie will hide her head under the bed and Uncle Max will have a fit.

Stoke Climsland and environs

This is not perfect (you can see the joins) but this a panorama of the village looking North West taken in May 2001 (4 BS) . It is about 5 photos joined together. It shows that Stoke Climsland is an absolutely enormous village with shops and houses and parks, not the tiny village described on Spotlight ...why have they named a programme after me and why haven't I been interviewed yet?? Anyway, Whiteford is to the left but not on this view from the Church tower.
love Spot (1.1 today)

flowering nutmeg

this is an exotic species, known also as himalayan honeysuckle. There is a large specimen near Old Mill, presumably a garden escapee, and several smaller specimens in the woods nearby. It is not nutmeg of course, if only we would all be rich.

tutsan and Whiteford

toute saine in Norman French, which means all healthy. The plant has antiseptic properties and was used to heal wounds. It looks quite exotic but is a native shrub. The berries are fleshy and turn black when ripe. The leaves are said to have the scent of ambergris when dryed. It is common in this area, and especially around Whiteford where an enormous concert is being held in honour of our birthday, I think, with TV cameras and everything.