First June visit and while the rides are dominated by Common Spotted Orchid, Creeping Buttercup and Ragged Robin it’s Marsh Thistle, Cirsium palustre, many more than 2m tall, that rule the clearing.
Among the thistles, the ‘froth’ expelled by the nymphs of the Froghopper, Philaenus spumarius, hides them from predators.
Picture taken June 21.
Commonly known as cuckoo’s spit !!
Quite right sir, see under “Froghopper”!