Rebels, Roamers and Guerillas Chalk the Streets of Totnes! 😄

We were joined by Guy Shrubsole (www.lostrainforestsofbritain.org, www.righttoroam.org.uk) when we visited Totnes, in Devon, to identify and chalk the names of the wildplants we found along the streets.

We use the common and Latin names of the plants. Our colourful street art style attracts people to look and learn – it’s not only educational, but fun too 🙂

And, what do we do best? We find those amazing wildplants that grow up between the gaps and cracks of the pavements and walls; they defy the urban built-up environment to provide the vital food and nectar for our native wildlife – the pollinators!

Did you know…? This plant is used externally as a poultice on fresh wounds to stop bleeding. It is also used in India to treat diabetes. 🤔 Wow!

We know how valuable Ivy is to many insects and birds, but did you know…? 🤔 The leaves can be used medically to treat mucus in the airways and can improve lung function – aren’t plants amazing? 😍

Another fabulous wildflower that provides valuable food and nectar to insects, but as well as this, did you know…? The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. It may also improve the immune system – 😲

Undoubtedly, there are still many wildflower species that hold healing/medicinal properties that we are still unaware of; however, globally, there are up to 80,000 plant species that are currently used in medicine. That’s why EVERY plant is precious! 🙂 http://www.biologicaldiversity.org

Well, this spotting was a first for us 🙂and what a great name! Otherwise known as Hedyotis, it is apparently native to the Florida area of the U.S. So, what’s it doing here ? 🤔

Normally found in woodland, but look at this ancient plant emerging between the cracks by a drain.

Here’s a close-up of this tiny fern.

Yep, we know it’s Annua Poa, Annual meadow grass 🙂

Polygonum aviculare is another plant used medically. It can soothe sore throats, treat gingivitis and some cardiovascular conditions. http://www.webmed.com

Such a lovely plant that favours cracks and crevices. It is also known as, Mind-your-own-business. I wonder how it got that name 🤣😂

Buddleja davidii, or Butterfly bush. Bees, butterflies and moths love this plant. They produce an explosion of colour in the summer. Everyone should have one 👍

Solanum nigrum has been recorded from the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic era of ancient Britain. The botanist and ecologist, Edward Salisbury suggested that it was part of the native flora before Neolithic agriculture began. The species was mentioned by Pliny the Elder in the 1st century AD. http://www.wikipedia.org

Nettles, Sow Thistles and a ‘wild’ Tomato have converged on this little area to make a lovely companion group.

This lovely plant, with its attractive white flowers, is again highly beneficial to both human and wild life. In Spain it is commonly used as a diuretic and antiscorbutic. It is, apparently, highly esteemed in its treatment of gonorrhoea. http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net

Alchemilla mollis, is a stunning perennial that on researching appears to have a plethora of varying medicinal uses. It has been used as a medicinal herb since the Middle Ages. http://www.botanical.com

There are over 80 species of Hollyhock. We found these beauties walking down Castle Lane…🚶‍♂️🚶🚶‍♀️

And here it is; what a beautiful flower. In fact, we noticed Castle Lane had some lovely blooms…

Including these lovely daisies which covered the walls…🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼

And then we realised we were being photographed…📷 We met Richard, the original Guerilla Gardener, http://www.guerillagardening.org Just look, above our heads, at the beautiful flowers he had planted by Totnes Castle 🌼🌺🏵️🌹🌻🌷

Thanks everyone for joining us on this brilliant walk and chalk. And thanks again to Guy Shrubsole, who roamed the streets with us, and Richard Reynolds, the Guerilla Gardener. 😄👍