TG3203 : Water mint and Wild Angelica
taken 8 years ago, near to Rockland St Mary, Norfolk, England
Water mint (Menta aquatica) can be distinguished from other members of the genus by its relatively large size and its whorls of close set flowers forming a rounded head at the top of the stem > Link. The plant is native to much of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. It is widespread and can commonly be found in damp habitats and also growing in water. Its leaves can be used in the same way as other mints, for flavouring cooking and drinks.
Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris) is a common and widespread plant which can be found throughout Britain and Ireland, commonly growing in damp places, and in particular beside lakes and streams Soldier Beetles (Cantharis livida, one seen here) are among the many insects attracted to the flowers. The leaves, young shoots and stems can be used as an aromatic addition to salads, or cooked and used as a vegetable. The chopped leaves are said to be a good addition to cooked acid fruits, whereas stem and leafstalks are used in candies and sweetmeats and the seeds give aromatic flavouring to confections and pastries. The plant was also used in traditional medicine in the form of a decoction used for treating bronchial catarrh, coughs and dyspepsia.
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.
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- Grid Square
- TG3203, 568 images (more nearby 🔍)
- Photographer
- Evelyn Simak (more nearby)
- Date Taken
- Tuesday, 22 August, 2017 (more nearby)
- Submitted
- Tuesday, 22 August, 2017
- Subject Location
-
OSGB36:
TG 3221 0395 [10m precision]
WGS84: 52:35.0239N 1:25.5750E - Camera Location
-
OSGB36: TG 3223 0395
- View Direction
- WEST (about 270 degrees)
