Nature Trail - Board 7
In this ‘wild’ area we have planted a range of seeds which will provide a good source of mid and late season pollen. These plants will then start to produce seeds. Overall this mix of flowers will provide the local wildlife with food over a large part of the year.
Mustard
Field Mustard (Brassica rapa) is a common sight along Lancashire’s roadsides, fields, and disturbed areas. Its vibrant yellow flowers bloom in clusters atop tall stems, brightening the landscape from spring into summer. This member of the cabbage family is a fast-growing annual, quickly colonizing open ground. It is supposed to disinfect and regenerate soil, making it a very useful plant to have around – at least in moderation! Because it is so fast growing it can very easily take over a lot of ground! It is a brilliant food source for pollinators, which makes it very important for our local ecosystem.
Hoverfly
Hoverflies are Britain’s unsung garden heroes! These fascinating insects often mimic bees and wasps, but they lack a sting. Instead, look for their distinctive hovering flight and short antennae. Lancashire boasts a rich variety of hoverfly species. They buzz from flower to flower, feeding on pollen and nectar while unknowingly helping wildflowers and garden blooms set seed. Keep an eye out for these colourful little partners as you enjoy our Nature Trail around the park here at Moss Wood!
Buckwheat
Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) isn’t a true grain, but its triangular seeds give it a grain-like use. This fast-growing plant bursts with delicate white flowers in summer, attracting bees and other pollinators. This is what makes it an important plant to have around the park at Moss Wood! But did you know, historically buckwheat was grown in Lancashire’s fields, particularly on poorer soils. Today, it sometimes escapes cultivation and pops up along roadsides or field margins. Buckwheat flour offers a nutty flavour and is gluten-free, making it a unique ingredient to find in some traditional local baked goods.
Buzzard
Buzzards are the most common birds of prey in Lancashire – in fact, the most common across the whole of the UK today. Look for these large raptors soaring on broad wings with a fanned tail. Their plumage varies from dark brown to lighter shades with streaks. Listen for their distinctive, cat-like “kee-yaa” call. Buzzards hunt from the air or from perches, feeding on small mammals, birds, and even carrion or insects if hungry enough. They were once persecuted, but fortunately their populations have recovered, adding a touch of wildness to Lancashire’s farmlands and woodlands.