Snowdrops “Galanthus”
Snowdrops are naturally woodland plants and like sheltered light shade in summer with an open aspect in spring.
I would urge you when out walking, to unobtrusely peep over hedges, fences and garden walls for sight of these little treasures. The Clothiers Arms on Bath Road has a fine display of snowdrops and primroses on its banks. A walk along the Painswick Road, for instance, just after the entrance to the Salmon Springs trading estate, you can see lovely carpets of snowdrops in private gardens. and a little further in a privately owned field. Keep your eyes peeled along road verges and hedgerows, there are still beautiful wild flowers to be seen. Groups of walkers on a ‘snowdrop’ finding mission could be quite interesting.
Finding flowers in January
January is a time of year when we think there are few flowers to be found. However, the Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI) have found more than you’d ever imagine in their annual New Year Plant hunt!
Where do all the minibeasts go in winter?
In the summer we take minibeasts for granted, whether it’s the bees buzzing around our gardens or wasps trying to get to our sandwiches before we do. But where do they all disappear to once the weather gets colder? (Adaptations YR 6/ Life Cycles YR 5)
Fabulous Foxgloves
In May and June, the countryside is dotted with the bright pink of foxgloves. Not only are they beautiful in their own right, but they offer a great opportunity to show pollination and adaptation in action (Curriculum links - Plants YR 3 & 5, Evolution & inheritance – adaptations YR 6).
