Velvet Hills

On Sunday I was on the Mendips, at the amusingly named Velvet Bottom. Out interest here was a botanical one, with some new species seen.

Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia) is a species of damp woodland, but was found in more open areas here. This plant was a faourite of medieval herbalists, who used it in marriage rituals and the guard against witches.

Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia)

Along Velvet Bottom there are heaps of spoil from the lead mining pst. My eye was taken by s sedum, and though not in flower, it was an attractive contrast againsyt the black of the spoil. This was Biting Stonecrop (Sedumn acre).

Biting Stonecrop (Sedum acre)

We finally made it down to the woodland, where there was an attractive carpet of Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta).

Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)