This verge is being managed to benefit wildlife. 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.
Oxeye Daisy
Swathes of this flower can turn verges into a white haze, swaying in the breeze. Commonly included in wildflower seed mixes, it is attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators.
How to ID: Typically grows to 60cm, flowering May-September. White petals with a yellow centre.
Where to see it: Verges, established meadows.
Similar species: Very occasionally, Shasta Daisy escapes from garden and looks similar.
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).
Ribwort Plantain
Though lacking colourful flowers, this plant is a regular in most grassland habitats. The brown, oval flower heads balance on top of thin, wiry stems; the resulting seed heads provide food for birds in winter.
How to ID: Long, thin leaves forming a basal rosette and each with rows of ribs along its length.
Where to see it: Verges, meadows and most grassy habitats.
Similar species: Greater Plantain has oval leaves.
Creeping Cinquefoil
The name tells you a lot about this plant (if you speak French!). Cinquefoil means 5 leaved and it is certainly a creeper, sending out long runners. It is a very short plant so does best near paths and at the edges of verges.
How to ID: Yellow flowers and 5 leaflets spread in a circle.
Where to see it: Path edges, bare or disturbed ground.
Similar species: None.
Hedge Woundwort
A handsome plant found in shaded habitats and a strong favourite of bumblebees.
How to ID: Dark purple/red flowers in a spiked whorl, to 1.2m. The heart-shaped leaves have an unpleasant smell.
Where to see it: Hedgerows, ditches and shady places.
Similar species: Marsh Woundwort has pale pink flowers.
Banded Demoiselle
Our most spectacular damselfly! The males are territorial, patrolling their patch and chasing rivals away. They can be seen from May - August.
How to ID: The male is metallic blue with a dark band in the middle of its wings, the female is metallic green but without the wing band.
Where to see it: In and around streams, lakes, canals and other water courses.
Similar species: The Beautiful Demoiselle has just arrived in our area. Males have entirely dark wings.
Hairy Shieldbug
Also called a Sloe Bug as they like to feed on Blackthorn fruits (sloes). They also feed on a wide range of other plants. Adults hibernate through the winter so can be seen if the weather is particularly warm.
How to ID: 10-13mm. Purplish brown with black and white chequers along the edges. It is covered in fine hairs.
Where to see it: Parks, garden, hedgerows. Can be seen in all months.
Similar species: The uncommon Brown Marmorated Shieldbug has a row of white spots across its back.
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.
14 Spot ladybird
Our commonest yellow and black ladybird. Medium-sized, around 4mm.
How to ID: The yellow and black 'chequer-board' pattern is unique.
Where to see it: In low vegetation, amongst grasses and wildflowers.
Similar species: The 16 Spot Ladybird is smaller with only the basal spots fused.
Dock Bug
Breeding on docks, this large insect can be a common find on its leaves. In late summer the larvae are common, often in family groups with the adults.
How to ID: 13-15mm. Brown with a broad oval abdomen. The two small projections between the antennae are diagnostic.
Where to see it: On docks.
Similar species: The Box Bug is a similar colour but much slimmer in shape.
