2017

TG3204 : Elder flowers

taken 9 years ago, near to Rockland St Mary, Norfolk, England

This is 1 of 4 images, with title Elder flowers in this square
Elder flowers
Elder flowers
Elders (Sambucus nigra) are widespread and grow in woods, hedgerows and on wasteland, frequently near rabbit warrens or badger setts, where the animals distribute the seed via their droppings. The flowers provide nectar for a variety of insects and the berries are eaten by birds and mammals; dormice and bank voles eat both the berries and the flowers. Many moth caterpillars feed on the foliage. See > Link for a wider view.

According to mythology, burning elder wood would summon the devil, but if planted by one's house it would keep the devil away. Mature elder wood is used for whittling and carving and smaller stems can be hollowed out for making craft items.

Although the flowers and berries are mildly poisonous and should be cooked before eating the flowers are often used to make wine, cordial or tea, or fried to make fritters whereas the berries, which are rich in vitamin C, are frequently used to make preserves and wine. They are also used for making natural dyes.
The Hellington and Rockland St Mary Community Reserve

In 2014, the development and management of the Hellington and Rockland St Mary Community Reserve, comprising the eastern end of Hellington Low Common, was taken on by a community trust "for the benefit of the inhabitants and those interested in Hellington and Rockland St Mary, without distinction of gender, sexual orientation, race or political, religious or other opinions". The land is owned by the Parochial Church Council, with the rent being paid from stakeholders' subscriptions.

The reserve is a designated county wildlife site and covers 6.6 acres of ground which is traversed by the Hellington Beck. With the help of local volunteers and supported by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the Parish and South Norfolk District Councils, the trust aims to manage the condition of the reserve and to create a healthy environment for diverse species of flora and fauna to flourish, and to educate visitors of all ages, with the objectives of improving the condition of the reserve and providing opportunities to enjoy the countryside.

On the sandy area of grassland to the south of the beck Dove's-foot crane's bill (Geranium molle) > Link , Common spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) > Link and Spring beauty (Claytonia perfoliata) > Link can be seen; Common reed (Phragmites australis), Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) , Water mint ((Mentha aquatica) > Link and Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) grow on the lower marshy ground north of the beck. Beside the path Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna) > Link , Primrose (Primular vulgaris) > Link and Dog violet (viola riviniana) > Link can be found. Red campion (Silene dioica) > Link , Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) > Link and Greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) > Link grow on the bank of the beck which is populated by clusters of Watercress ((Nasturtium officinale) > Link. 600 native hedge plants, shrubs and trees have also been planted.


Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright Evelyn Simak and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Geographical Context: Wild Animals, Plants and Mushrooms
This photo is linked from: Automatic Clusters: · Wider View [41] · Berries are Eaten by Birds and Mammals [5] Title Clusters: · Elder flowers [4] ·
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Grid Square
TG3204, 425 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
Evelyn Simak   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Saturday, 3 June, 2017   (more nearby)
Submitted
Sunday, 4 June, 2017
Subject Location
OSGB36: geotagged! TG 3218 0407 [10m precision]
WGS84: 52:35.0893N 1:25.5535E
Camera Location
OSGB36: geotagged! TG 3218 0405
View Direction
NORTH (about 0 degrees)
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SW S SE
Image Type (about): close look 
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