Wildlife Diary - April 2008

 

 

Woodland Wildflowers

All plants are adapted to the habitat they grow in. In woodland habitats wildflowers are adapted to low light levels. In deciduous woodlands many wildflowers make the most of the available light by growing and flowering early in the season, before the trees are in full leaf. April is a great time to see many woodland specialists in flower. Primroses flower from February until May and provide an important nectar source for queen bees that emerge early.

Primrose at Kelvingrove Park

 

Bluebells start flowering in April and in full flower can create a haze of colour. They are usually found in old woodlands, but can also be found under bracken and in hedgebanks. Although a common site in some of Glasgow’s woodlands they are rare on an international scale, and are legally protected. In Glasgow a Species Action Plan has been produced to conserve and increase its distribution.

 

Bluebells at Garscadden Wood

 

Wood-sorrel is a small woodland species with delicate white flowers, and shamrock-like leaves.

 

Wood-sorrel

 

The first sign of Ramsons is sometimes the smell of garlic, which is why it is also called Wild Garlic. This plant grows in dense clumps in damp woodland and can often be seen in profusion along wooded riverbanks.

 

Ramsons at Holmbyre Wood, Castlemilk