Grain Harvest

The wheat and barley harvesting is progressing in the Cotswolds and here the combine is getting a quick clean before starting the next field.

Autumn Crocus

Autumn Crocus or Meadow Saffron is a native plant of the UK and is found in damp meadows and woodland clearings at this time of year.

The flowers, only, appear in the Autumn when as here they push up through the grass, resembling a Crocus. The leaves appear in the springtime.

Paragliding

 It is obviously a good time for paragliding as we counted 10 enjoying soaring in the air near our cottage yesterday.None as yet today though as the wind has dropped.

Ragwort

Ragwort is the tall yellow flower you can see growing here on Uley Bury. It is a native plant and its flowers are prevalent at this time of year in grassland and other waste areas.

As many may know Ragwort is poisonous to cattle and horses although they don't eat it when green as the plant is very bitter in taste so the animals carefully eat the grass leaving the Ragwort standing tall. 

The danger comes when Ragwort grows in hay meadows. Then when harvested and dried along with the grass it looses its bitter taste and should the animal ingest it, the Ragwort can cause cirrhosis of the liver. Luckily records of this happening are rare as farmers and horse owners are very aware of the problem.

Woodlands green up again

 Recent rain has certainly greened up the woodlands especially when the sun shines through the damp leaves.

Harvest Time

The wheat harvest in under way but here a heavy rain shower causes a delay in proceedings.

Stormy evening

Stormy evening over the Severn valley after a day of sunshine and gentle breeze.