Castle Peas
by
Paul Southall
on 30th June 2018
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Picking peas in front of Hartlebury Castle, traditionally the residence of the Bishop of Worcester. With the help of Lottery funding a local group have renovated the building and extensive gardens and have opened it to the public. As the heatwave continues, we are now picking not only peas but also broad and runner beans, sugar snap peas and courgettes. Next week dwarf beans and continental onions will also come to the party. The irrigation team are very busy.....
The Good And The Bad
by
Paul Southall
on 28th June 2018
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Volunteers have helped the approach to the village look really good, but within a stones throw of this sign is the other side of human nature.
Pyramidal Orchid
by
Paul Southall
on 10th June 2018
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Great to see this Pyramidal Orchid appear on the farm after an absence of 12 years. According to irecord it could be the only record from our 10 kilometre square.
Southern Marsh Orchids
by
Paul Southall
on 7th June 2018
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The Southern Marsh Orchids are now all flowering and have increased in numbers to over a hundred. The Common Spotted Orchids are just coming into flower now. At least two Burnet Companion moths were present at the same location. They are a local moth in Worcestershire.
Hummingbird Hawk-moth
by
Paul Southall
on 7th June 2018
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This Hummingbird Hawk-moth was in the garden feeding on Valerian.
Painted Lady
by
Paul Southall
on 30th May 2018
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This Painted Lady butterfly is and indication of insects migrating here from the continent. Silver Y moths and Diamond-back moths have been seen also.
Peas and Broads
by
Paul Southall
on 21st May 2018
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The early Picking Peas and Broad Beans are starting to come ready! I love shelling the pods and sampling both crops raw as I check the fields. The peas should be ready early next week, with the broads following on close behind. Until the asparagus harvesting stops around the 21st of June please try out one of the ultimate seasonal dishes - Asparagus, Pea and Broad Bean Risotto. Totally delicious when consumed with crusty bread and butter, swilled down by a chilled white wine.
Nice day for a white wedding
by
Paul Southall
on 19th May 2018
14
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The countryside was dressed in white today to mirror the Windsor celebrations. The May blossom garlanded the hedgerows, while the cow parsley and stichworts adorned the margins.
Holly Blue
by
Paul Southall
on 14th May 2018
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This male Holly Blue butterfly was feeding on holly flowers in a farm hedge yesterday. It appears to be a good year for the species.
Yellow Wagtail
by
Paul Southall
on 13th May 2018
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Always great to see the Yellow Wagtails return to breed. This one contrasts nicely with the oil-seed rape volunteer.
