This verge is being managed to benefit wildlife. The verge is partly shaded by a number of trees and has a mature hedge at the rear - all adding further wildlife interest. Here are some of the wildflowers and other species found here. To see a full list and get up to date with the verge project, visit NatureSpot's Wild Place feature page for this verge. Click on any header to visit the NatureSpot page for that species to find out more.
Red Clover
This handsome red flower is an important nectar source for bumblebees. Less common than White Clover and often associated with well-established meadow grassland.
How to ID: 3 hairy leaflets, often with white mark in the centre. Red/pink globular flowers.
Where to see it: Meadows, verges and other grassy habitats.
Similar species: Zig-zag Clover and Alsike Clover (more pink).
Garlic Mustard
Also known as 'Jack-by-the-hedge' and 'Hedge Garlic'. Fresh leaves and the flowers can be eaten. It is a biennial - taking two years to complete its life cycle. Flowers don't appear until its second year.
How to ID: Pale green, kidney-shaped toothed leaves, which smell of garlic when crushed. Clusters of small white flowers: To 1m tall.
Where to see it: Hedges, woodland margins, shady places - flowering April - June.
Similar species: None.
Common Knapweed
This is a classic meadow flower, found in most quality grassland habitats. It is a rich nectar source for many insects and also supports numerous invertebrates that only feed on knapweeds.
How to ID: Pink/purple thistle-like flowers, typically growing to 80cm (June to September).
Where to see it: Meadows and verges.
Similar species: Greater Knapweed is much larger, has deeply lobed leaves and long, frilly petals.
Lesser Celandine
One of the first flowers to appear in early Spring, bringing a welcome nectar source to bees and butterflies emerging from hibernation.
How to ID: Glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves. Bright yellow flowers.
Where to see it: Woodland, hedges, verges - prefers shady areas.
Similar species: None.
Field Maple
This is the only native maple in Britain. It is most commonly found as a shrub in hedgerows but if left to grow it will reach 20m or more.
How to ID: Small leaves with 3-5 lobes. Flowers greenish yellow in April-May. 'Helicopter' fruits with horizontal wings.
Where to see it: Hedges, also planted as a small street tree in parks and open spaces.
Similar species: Sycamore has larger leaves with pointed lobes.
Small-leaved Lime
This large tree (growing to 30m) is rare in the wild, found in mainly old woodland. However it is often planted so can be found in built up areas too.
How to ID: Rounded leaves with heart-shaped base. Buff-orange hairs on leaf underside. Flowers (and fruits) on angled stalks (not perpendicular).
Where to see it: Woodlands but also widely planted.
Similar species: Common Lime has pale hairs under the leaves and the flowers hang straight down.
Ringlet
This dark brown butterfly gets its name from the small rings on both the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. Males are darker with smaller rings. It breeds on various meadow grasses.
How to ID: Dark brown with a white fringe. Small 'ring spots on all wings, both sides.
Where to see it: Meadows, verges, woodland rides - late June-August.
Similar species: The Meadow Brown is also dark brown but just has one eyespot on each upper wing.
Marmalade Hoverfly
This is commonest hoverfly in the UK and has been seen in every month of the year. It hibernates over the winter, emerging on warm days. Numbers are also boosted by large migrations from mainland Europe.
How to ID: Orange and black 'moustache' black bands on the abdomen. Sometimes white bands as well.
Where to see it: Hovering and resting on flowers and vegetation.
Similar species: Many hoverflies have black and yellow stripes to mimic wasps.
Cream Spot Ladybird
Medium-sized (4-5mm), this smart ladybird is often found in woodlands where it feeds mainly on aphids in trees.
How to ID: Maroon-brown with 14 cream spots.
Where to see it: In deciduous trees and shrubs, particularly Ash and Lime.
Similar species: The 18 Spot Ladybird (rare in Leicestershire) is a similar colour but has some spots that are usually fused).
Common Green Shieldbug
This is one of the most common shieldbugs - so named because of their medieval shield shape. Adults overwinter and change colour to a bronzy brown to camouflage them in dead vegetation. Nymphs feed on the leaves of several trees but favour Hazel.
How to ID: Large - to 13mm. Bright green with red antennae. 'Shield' shaped.
Where to see it: On or under leaves in trees and shrubs.
Similar species: None (in their summer green colour).
