Day out with the School

Myself and Sharon took pupils from Carradale and Drumlemble Primary along part of the Kintyre Way as part of one of their projects. Full of enthusiasm we all set out from Carradale with our eyes and ears open to see and hear the magic of nature. We came across loads of different plants, deer tracks and fantastic views of Carradale and Arran. The biggest plant we came across was the predominant rhododendron with their pink/purple flowers and waxy leaves. Originally from the Himalayas, it was brought to this country as an ornamental plant for gardens. They were mainly planted on the road in to Estate Houses; it told all the visitors how much money the laird had, this is the same with exotic trees such as Grand Firs and Monkey Puzzle trees.

One of the most impressive plants that we came across, not for its size or looks, but a reason not so common to British flora: Butterwort. Without a flower it looks like a bright green star that has fallen from the sky. Its delicate purple flowers rising from the centre of the star has a fascinating shape. It looks like it is sticking its tongue out. This plant is one of the few that has become carnivorous, its leaves covered in sugary liquid that is irresistible to small flies. These flies, lured into a false sense of sugary goodness, are soon trapped and digested for the nutrients.

One flower that has just come out in the past week is the Foxglove, a beautiful looking deep purple, bell shaped flower head making a bold statement amongst the green grass.