A riot of white at Railway Fields

It is said that Queen Anne, upon seeing cow parsley growing in profusion by a roadside as she passed, thought that the waysides had been specially decorated for her visit and that is the reason the alternative name for cow parsley is Queen Anne's lace.

Perhaps Anne was just having a little joke that no one saw the funny side of or maybe she didn't get out of her carriage much but one can certainly recreate that feeling that Nature is putting on a bit of a show for you when you walk up the main path at Railway Fields amidst froths of cow parsley. Now that the hawthorn is out and the white dead nettle is flowering it is almost white wherever you look, except for the bright blue fringes of green alkanet and the occasional flash of yellow dandelion.

This really is a wonderful time to visit as the birdsong is loud, flowers are now beginning to show in the meadow, bees and butterflies are on the wing and you may even catch a glimpse of the sparrow hawk that has hunted over the meadow a couple of times this week. 

Finally if you notice what looks like small red or green fruit hanging from oak saplings, you're looking at the first generation of spangle wasp galls called currant galls, which are especially abundant this year. This is the same wasp that makes the distinctive spangles on oak leaves later in the summer when the second generation hatch.

Railway Fields is open Monday to Friday 9-5 and some weekends (check facebook for details of when it is open as it depends on the availability of volunteers). 

On Saturday 29th May in the morning, the Friends are holding pond dipping sessions. Booking is essential. Each ten minute slot is available for up to 6 people in a social bubble and all equipment will be provided.

Book a time slot