Stanmore
Country Park
Nature Trail
Post 23:
From this point the trail runs along a loose hedge that contains a good
mixture of bushes and climbing plants. In early spring look out for the
lovely white blossom of blackthorn Prunus
spinosa, borne on bare twigs
protected by vicious spines (see illustration below).
Fertilized flowers then form small plum-like fruits called sloes which
are too bitter to eat but which are used to flavour gin. Later in
spring the hawthorn blooms, along with elder (Sambucus
nigra) and a
small apple tree (Malus pumila).
In June dog rose Rosa canina,
which
clambers over the bushes, has its all too brief flowering, and later
bears red hips.
From here the trail heads towards a 5 bar gate out of
40 Acre Field. Turn right along the wide path to continue the nature
trail, or turn left for Kerry Avenue.
Image: Blackthorn by Rhonda Surman.jpg
To
description for post 24
Click
here to learn more about the Harrow Nature Conservation Forum including
guided walks and conservation workdays.
