Chicory in Bloom.

 Species come and go in the valley, the flora in particular changing constantly. Recent losses that have become evident this year include the Pyramidal Orchid and Common Broomrape which occurred further down the valley, and the Bird's Foot Trefoil which was the food plant for the Common Blue butterfly along Grove Hill Bottom. I have not seen one this year.

The most successful newcomer, which has done well this year after struggling for a couple of years is Chicory, now present at three sites in the village -  behind the Village Hall, by the track to East Farm, and a single plant by the milk machine.  

Here seen behind the Village Hall, the sky-blue flowers blowing in the wind. My own earlier memory of chicory was of the roots being used as a substitute for coffee during the last war, sold as Camp Coffee. (I am amazed to find it still on supermarket shelves today, reputably the preferred flavouring for commercial tiramisu).