The heather season

[gavin]

I see that there was a suggestion on another forum that the heather might be early down south despite the late start to the season. Anyone have any observations in Scotland (or Ulster, if you like)?

G.

[Neils]

we've heather down here that people take their bees to, I'll ask those that do if it's earlier here if you like. (I don't move my bees so no idea)

[Hoomin_erra]

I was up through Braemar and Glenshee yesterday to the Cabrach. It is definitly starting. There were small patches of purple starting out.

[gavin]

Was that the deep purple of the bell heather? Usually a July thing anyway .... you'll get to know the two types before long!

G.

[Stromnessbees]

The first purple batches of bell heather have been out for a week now here in Orkney. I wonder if the bees will go for it though as the white clover is flowering at the same time.

Doris

[gavin]

Is that about the usual time, do you know? I'm not usually a watcher of the bell heather, but I do time a flit to the hills for ling.

[Stromnessbees]

Last year I noticed the first flowers of bell heather in the last week of June. So we are still about 2 weeks behind this year.

Doris

[Jon]

I was walking in the Mournes last weekend and the bell heather was well in flower but no Ling yet.

[Hoomin_erra]

Yup, it was Bell.

[linchpin]

Bell is out,being worked by bumbbles,Ling is still behind for this time of year. just few very very small embreo flowers starting (very small)

L..