Fairhaven/Fairlawn walk (habitat) 24 6 2007

This area is to the left of the sea wall and path looking toward Fairlawn. It is very rich in plant life. As you will see we have quite a steep learning curve ahead regarding plant identification (me more than Sue, of course). I initially wasn't going to include much about plants on this blog but really there isn't much choice as they are all over the place.

This is looking back from the start of the Fairhaven walk across Granny's Bay toward Fairhaven Lake.

This is the esturine habitat to the left of the previous picture and across toward Southport. This whole area is of national importance for wading birds. Despite appearances it is an incredibly rich habitat teeming with life.

More Flowers

Sue informs me that this is Lady's Bedstraw. It cut a colourful swathe through this area of scrubby dune. It was (says Mabey) used in mattresses especially for women before labour, its honey scent drying to that of new-mown hay. Sometimes used in cheesemaking as a substitute for rennet as it is a coagulant.

This is Yarrow ( Achillea millefolium). Mabey: '..believed to cause nosebleeds or at least sneezing if a leaf was put up the nose.' Well quite. How best to avoid that I wonder....

This is Bladder Campion. According to Mabey they are a favourite food-plant of the Froghopper.

Scenic Interlude

Not really nature but I wanted to post this anyway. It is the view straight out from toward the Fairlawn end of the walk.