With Spring really kicking off across the countryside, the Chilterns becomes a more flowery place: for those with a keen nose, it also becomes a more fragrant place as the hedgerows and woodland edges become abound with Garlic mustard, the leaves of which have a faint garlic smell when crushed.

Also known as Jack-by-the-hedge, it produces clusters of small white flowers and is an important species for two of our spring butterflies: Orange-tip butterfly and Green-veined White butterfly. Female Orange-tips lay their eggs on the flowers, whilst the Green-veined white also use the plant as a host for its caterpillars.

Interestingly, the two species of caterpillar don’t directly compete: the Orange-tip caterpillars feed on the seed pods of the Garlic mustard, and the Green-veined white caterpillars eat the leaves of the plant: each have their own perfect little niche on the same plant.

One of the first orchids which can be spotted on the nature reserve is the Early-purple orchid. As the name suggests, it can start flowering as early as April and can be enjoyed into June. This species can be found in a variety of habitats including in woodlands and grasslands and is a key visual indicator that these habitats are ancient.

This orchid has two root-tubers – a larger and smaller one. Historically, in the Scottish Highlands the plant was called ‘Gràdh is Fuadh’, – the Love and Hate orchid. The story told, is that by eating the larger root tuber of the orchid, this would make someone fall in love with you, but eating the smaller one would make them hate you. Probably best just to soak up the sunshine and display of pretty flowers instead…

Finally, a key change you’ll spot on site once we get into June is our sheep shrink! With the warming weather, the flocks will be shorn. If you want to learn more about our sheep and how we look after them you can find a short video on this link, featuring our woolly grazers! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GBAEBMDlUw

Steph Wilson – Reserve Manager