WHEN it comes to outstanding floral displays, the bluebell usually steals the show. Without doubt there were some wonderful shows on some of the district’s nature reserves this year, those on the Rifle Range and Hurcott pool were particularly stunning. However, the bluebells have now been and gone and there are many other species fighting for their crown.

Many of the wetlands of the district are awash in a sea of pale pink, caused by the ragged robin which is flourishing this year. A plant that has generally declined with the introduction of modern farming techniques, such as improved drainage, it is doing exceptionally well on the wet meadows of Blake Marsh and Redstone Marsh. It is a relatively tall plant at up to around 90cm but really quite delicate when seen singly. Its tall, thin stem is topped with pink flowers made up of deeply grooved petals, which give it a ragged appearance. Where found, it tends to grow in clumps, which is where it really comes into its own and steals the show as a sea of pink.

The wetlands are also presenting another candidate for best display. A glance into any of our local marshlands will reveal swathes of bright yellow Flag Iris, one of only two irises native to the UK.

A third contender can be found on most of the nature reserves in the area. In fact it is a fairly common wild flower, found just about anywhere. The foxglove is so common, it is often ignored. However, I feel it is one of our most beautiful wild flowers. With its tall, rather stately flower spikes covered in pinky-purple trumpet-like flowers, even a single specimen is striking.

This year, particularly on sites such as Habberley Valley and the Rifle Range, certain areas are covered with a blaze of magenta. Although a beautiful plant, it is one with a darker side. All parts of the plant contain chemicals known as alkaloids. These chemicals if ingested act to slow down your heartbeat, to such an extent that death is the most likely outcome. As with many poisonous plants, they are steeped in folklore and tales of fairies.

One theory for the name ‘foxglove’ is that fairies use the flowers to make slippers (or gloves) for foxes, enabling them to creep up silently on their prey. Another theory is that the name derives from ‘folk’s’ gloves, with fairies using the flowers to make everything from hats and gloves to petticoats. I have even read that the juice from a foxglove can be used to ward off fairies from trying to kidnap children, and that if the foxglove is bent over; it is a sure indicator that supernatural beings are present. While the high toxicity of the plant means it should be treated with a little respect and caution, and it should never be eaten, the alkaloids (known as digitalin) have been used in medicine for some time, and for decades has been used to treat heart conditions. Preferring the shade afforded by the woodland canopy, the drifts of purple flowers give a shocking contrast against the shadowy backdrop.

When it comes to deciding what is beautiful, everyone will have different opinions.

There are many different species on the nature reserves to choose from at present, the dark green fountain-like fronds of male fern or the delicate white of the bedstraws. I recommend a visit to any of the sites to decide for yourself.

ADAM HAMILTON