I photographed this cowslip plant on Wilden Marsh yesterday.
The cowslip is a cousin of the primrose and is also an early spring flower. As such, it is closely associated with much English folklore and tradition, including adorning garlands for May Day and being strewn on church paths for weddings. Formerly a common plant of traditional meadows, ancient woodlands and hedgerows, it was picked in profusion across the country for many celebrations. But the loss of these habitats to the advancement of agriculture caused a serious decline in cowslip populations and now fields coloured bright yellow with the nodding heads of cowslips a rare sight.
For this reason it is declared as “Wild Flower of the Year 2016” in Germany.
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Excellent! I hope the year goes well for wild flowers in Germany, Uta. 🙂
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People become more aware of the natural heritage. 🙂
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Yes, Uta, I hope so.
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Such a cheerful wildflower to see. Shame it’s in the decline.
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There are probably less than half a dozen cowslip plants on the marsh and none in Hoo Wood.
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It is odd that something that was once so common is now so rare, even in one lifetime. Hopefully it will serve as a wake up call for people to cherish and protect natural habitats.
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There is one cowslip plant in the north pasture, and I photograph it every year. The plant featured in this post grows on the south marsh.
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