Natural History – April 2022
Thirteen members met on the afternoon of Wednesday 20th April for a botanical walk around Dawlish Warren.
Although too early in the season for most flowering plants, we did find a late flowering Sand Crocus. Dawlish Warren is one of the few rare sites where this species flourishes.
The walk was jointly led by Barbara Rains and Kerry Sherwin; and the latter’s experience as medical herbalist added interest to the identifying of non flowering species.
We saw Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus) and Watermint (Mentha aquatica). Skullcap may combat anxiety, stress & insomnia. Gypsywort may counteract an overactive thyroid. Watermint, as an infusion, calms the nerves and settles the stomach.
Elsewhere, a small group have been meeting on Wednesday mornings to promote the re-wilding and biodiversity of St. Gregory’s Churchyard and are eagerly awaiting the results of our areas of wildflower seeding.
George Lipscomb, Convenor