Gorse – English Longhorns – Utility SycamoreRoots in the Triassic

“When gorse is out of bloom, kissing is out of fashion”

Gorse Ulex europaeus (top) is still in flower, whilst Western Gorse Ulex gallii (bottom) is only in fruit. Hartlebury Common, 22.01.26.
An English Longhorn surveys its kingdom. These traditional cattle roam Hartlebury Common SSSI as part of the conservation grazing scheme. 22.01.26.
English Longhorns rooting around in the windblown sands. What they are foraging for? Hartlebury Common, Worcestershire. 22.01.26.
A sycamore tree that owes its survival to the utility pole, which prevents a flail from getting too close. Hillside, Worcestershire. 23.01.26.
The roots of an English Oak Quercus robur seeking anchorage in the sandstone above the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, Wilden. 25.01.26.

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I’m Tom

Welcome to my blog! I’m a professional ecologist and joint BSBI Vice-county Recorder for Worcestershire.

Here I share my photographs, insights on natural history, botanical musings, and spots to botanise. Enjoy!

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