A walk through the woods a Rockingham Forest Park in the spring is a delight for all the senses, from the lovely forest floor plants, the carpets of primroses and snowdrops give way to the Bluebells and the scent of the wild garlic.
We are passionate about nature and our woodland here on the park as well as the surrounding area and we want to share with you the different plants to lookout for while out and about on your travels around the woodland during your stay with us.
Snowdrops
One of the first signs of spring is the snowdrop as they push their heads through frozen ground. They have often been known as a flower of hope that better times are ahead as they symbolise the end of winter and that spring is around the corner.
Primroses
Primroses are a sign you are walking through and ancient woodland, they are not to be confused with primulas and cowslips which have longer stems. The Latin word Primus means “first or early”.
Did you know they represent eternal love? Queen Victoria used to send them to Benjamin Disraeli as they were his favourite flower.
Wild garlic
Another sign you are walking through an ancient woodland is the wild garlic. It gives off a wonderful aroma as you brush against it on the forest floor.
Fun Fact, wild garlic is used to repel cats as they do not like the smell.
Bluebells
As bluebells flower earlier than may other plants many insects reap the benefits of this. Woodland butterflies, bees and hoverflies all feed on their nectar.
There are countless folklore tales surrounding bluebells, many of which involve fairy magic. Bluebell woods are believed to be intricately woven with fairy enchantments. Bluebells are protected by the Wildlife and Country act and can be easily damaged by trampling so please ensure you stay on the paths and trails when walking through the woods.
For the Orchid enthusiasts amongst you we have three different species within the park. The Bee Orchid, The Common Spotted Orchid and The Early Purple Orchid.
Bee Orchid
The Bee orchid are so named as the flower’s appearance mimics a female bee sitting on three pink petals. This is to entice the male bees to pollinate although they are proficient at self-pollination. They also give off a sweet aroma. You can find them in meadows, grasslands, by the roadside, railway embankments and pastures.
Common Spotted Orchid
The Common spotted orchid is the most common one in the UK and is the one you are most likely to see around the park. It can be found in woodland, on roadside verges, in hedgerows and in old quarries to name but a few. It is in bloom between June and August and can be found to carpet areas with its delicate pink spikes.
Early purple Orchid
The early purple orchid is one of the first ones to bloom in early spring. When they first open their sweet smell attracts bees and other insects to pollinate but once fertilised the smell becomes unpleasant. Early purple orchids can be found in ancient woodland, grassland, on verges and in hedgerows.
There are just a few of nature’s treats you can see here at Rockingham Forest Park while exploring the woodland and surrounding areas. Please let us know if you manage to see any during your stay with us.
