HEATHER

The UK has most of the world’s Heather moorland, and of course the Chevin benefits from its mauve flowers at this time of year. Before the nineteenth century it actually had negative associations with rural poverty. Historically, people have put it to a wide range of uses: thatch, fodder, bedding, fuel, brooms and (before the use of hops) beer. Then there’s the distinctive heather honey – you should be able to buy some made by Ilkley Moor bees at Stephen Smith’s. Heather nectar is an important food source for butterflies, bees and moths.

Photos by Pixabay and Neil Griffin