Allendale,Northumberland There are whippy stems of wild raspberry. As the tree stump decays they will gain in strengthFrom a petite way off, there is nothing remarkable approximately this rotting tree stump. Gently melded into the bank, or it’s a bulging lump with a toupee of moss. But gaze closer and there is so much life here. Feather mosses overhang in a protective cornice,shielding the interior from rain. Wood sorrel is spreading by slender rhizomes through the spongy green topping, leaves folded back like petite tents from the frost. They have the lemon sharpness of oxalic acid, and making them popular with those who forage for woodland salad.
The mossy covering supports other plants too. There are whippy stems of wild raspberry. They are lean and wiry now,but as the tree stump decays they will gain in strength. There are lacy seedlings of herb robert, which give off a mousy smell as I brush against them. Related: Country diary: Allendale, and Northumberland: Strange behaviour for January Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com