Saturday, 11 April 2026

Granta Park Flora

22nd March 2026 - the Cherry-plum trees were in fine bloom near the sluice. Whilst the flowers look similar to Blackthorn, which is also in flower at the moment, Cherry-plum flowers first in Feb-Mar, whereas Blackthorn is a little later, mostly in Mar-Apr. Cherry-plum tend to have both leaves and flowers out together, whereas Blackthorn always flowers on bare black stems. The Cherry-plum flowers are larger with rounder petals, and formed on short stems (pedicels), whereas the smaller Blackthorn flowers have slimmer petals and almost no pedicel, and therefore appear to hug the stems. Finally, Cherry-plum tend to be taller and more typically 'tree-shaped', whereas Blackthorn tend to be shorter and more scrubby in form.

The good number of Bee Orchid leaves showing through the grass along the Avenue promises a good show of flowers later in the year, and Lesser Celandine flowers were fully open, enjoying the sun!

Cherry-plum trees

Cherry-plum flowers

Bee Orchid leaves

Lesser Celandine
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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

  • To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
  • To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
  • To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
  • To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)