A Botanical Journey mostly from Kent & SE England

Lathyrus linifolius - Bitter Vetch Of Least Concern in England but its rate of decline means it is now Near Threatened.  From 1930 - 1999 it has declined by 29% in England, in Kent it has declined 63% from 1971 to 2005. I am unsure what the causes are for decline, but the usual reasons of habitat loss are likely to blame. Melampyrum pratense - Commom Cow-wheat Of Least Concern in England, though now classed as Near Threatened due to losses of 28% since 1930 to 1999. In Kent, it has declined by a much larger 48% from 1971 to 2005. This species is a hemiparasite and usually attaches itself to a woody shrub or tree. As there are still plpenty of trees and woody shrubs around, I am unsure why there is a decline, but it may possibly be due to a lack of woodland management over the years. Mentha arvensis - Corn Mint Of Least Concern in England, though now classed as Near Threatened due to losses of 25% since 1930 to 1999. In Kent, it has declined b

People like you and me who care about the massive decline of our wildlife, joined in a peaceful march today from Hyde Park to Downing Street to try and make the Government listen and act to stop the continuing destruction and eventual extinction of many species of our wildlife. I couldn't be there today, so in support of the march and its ideals, I am writing this blog to raise awareness of the plight of some of the rare plants in Kent. Some of the species I will feature will be a big surprise as they were very common just 40 years ago (when I was a teenager) but are now listed as vulnerable to extinction in the wild or worse! There will be several parts to this blog so as to give publicity to a wide variety of our wildflowers that are now in big trouble. Adonis annua - Pheasant's Eye Endangered in England and GB as a whole and rare in Kent. Once common in arable fields it has now declined to just one sighting of only 7 plants in a field edge in East Kent since 2000.

There is a beautiful flower filled walk along the white cliffs of Dover from the National Trust car park above the docks to St. Margarets Lighthouse a few miles away with wonderful views. There are several routes you can take and each has its own attraction. The whole area comprises of typical rich chalk grassland flora and associated insects with some arable verges as well that are worthy of a look aorund. Species such as Early Spider Orchid, Field Pepperwort and Hoary Stock can all be found here (see previous blogs). We found so many wonderful wildflowers, but I'll only show you those I haven't recently featured along with some fine views. Kidney Vetch with its cottony fluffy bits between the flowers - it's the food plant of the small Blue butterfly caterpillars.  Anthyllis vulneraria The Slender or Seaside Thistle. this is as about open as the flowers get. Carduus tenuiflorus The dead looking bronzed Carline Thistles were in