Neil captured the bluebells in full vibrant display in the woods near Duloe – visible through the trees as you climb the hill from Sandplace towards the village.
Meanwhile Malcom was at Sungirt Woods in Liskeard, which he says is ’currently carpeted in Wild Garlic’.
The name of the plant, Allium ursinum, says Malcom, translates from Latin as Bear’s Garlic.
’In previous times wild bears liked the taste of the bulbs and dug them up. They were also a favourite of wild boars,’ he says.
’The plant grows throughout Europe, flowering in Spring in woodland before the tree canopy closes over. It likes a damp slightly acid soil - just what Cornwall offers. But Ii is recommended not to try to grow this plant in domestic gardens is it will very quickly spread everywhere through seeding and multiplying its underground bulbs.’Do you want to take part in ’Hidden gems on my daily walk?’
We’d love to hear from you wherever you are in South East Cornwall, and we hope your descriptions will provide inspiration not only for people in your town or village - but for readers all over the district thinking ahead to after the lockdown lifts, when we can all go out and explore new places!
If you’re self-isolating at the moment and unable to get out for walks, you’re not excluded: do send us photos from your favourite spots in South East Cornwall or beyond.
How to take part:
Send your photo(s) to [email protected] or to The Cornish Times by direct private Facebook message.
Include your name, where you live, and a description of your chosen ’hidden gem’, telling people why it’s such a special place.
We hope to publish reader contributions online and in the print paper.