Plants We Used To Use 200. Green alkanet

Green alkanet (Pentaglottis sempervirens) root powder was used in hair care and as a 'natural' hair colour. It was said to prevent hair loss as well as premature greying.

Plants We Used To Use 199. Greater stitchwort

As its name suggests, Greater stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) was used to treat a stich in one's side. Its green shoots are edible and can be chopped into salads. The flowers can decorate these courses.

Plants We Used To Use 198. Greater spearwort

Greater spearwort (Ranunculus lingua) has been used in traditional medicine to treat rheumatism, skin conditions and digestive problems.

Seeing the Changes 1914

Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) time in Loughor.

Plants We Used To Use 197. Greater knapweed

Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) flowers can be added to salads. The plant's leaves have been used as a poultice to treat skin ulcers and wounds. In Wales, the Physicians of Myddfaii, included Greater knapweed, along with other herbs, to counter adder bites.

Plants We Used To Use 196. Great dodder

Great dodder (Cuscuta europaea) has been used to treat urinary tract, spleen, psychiatric (e.g. depression) and hepatic disorders. Lots of uses?

Wooden Wind Turbines

Wind turbines generate electricity without, whilst operating, generating any climate-altering 'greenhouse gases'. Having said that, most of these structures are fabricated from steel and have to be transported to their selected locations. Most current steel production has a massive carbon footprint and transport of the enormous structures also produces carbon dioxide emissions. The Swedish start-up, Modvion, have just built the world's tallest wooden wind turbine (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-67718719 ). Wooden wind turbines have the advantages of a) being constructed of a material that stores carbon dioxide rather than emits it and b) can be constructed on site, without the need to transport the finished article. This might well be the way forward for land-based wind turbines (wood wouldn't last too well in marine habitats). Forests and hilltops could accommodate these new artificial 'trees'.

UK Storing Up Trouble For Itself

Michael Marmot (University College London) notes that famines, in countries like the UK, are not caused by a lack of food but by socially deprived folk lacking access to healthy food (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/commentisfree/2023/dec/27/britain-hunger-malnutrition- ). In June 2023, the Food Foundation found that 9 million adults (in 17% of households) experienced moderate or severe food in security. That figure was more than 7% higher than in June 2021. At the same time, there was an alarming increase in hospital admissions due to insufficient intake of micronutrients. Obesity was associated with eating calory-rich but micronutrient-deficient food. Unicef looked at data gathered on child poverty between 2012 and 2021. it found that the UK was the worst performer among 39 high income countries. In the UK, relative child poverty increased by nearly 20%. In 2022, 1 million UK children were classed as living in a state of destitution, almost three times the figure seen 5 years earlier. It's entirely false economy to operate in this fashion. A healthy population is an investment for the future!

Plants We Used To Use 195. Greater celandine

Although highly toxic, Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is applied to the skin for warts, genital warts, rashes, eczema and scabies. This plant can also be applied to the gums, to ease tooth extraction and the fresh root chewed, to relieve toothache.

Plants We Used To Use 194. Great willowherb

The very young shoots of Great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), can be served with butter and lemon, like asparagus. The young leaves can also be added to salad whereas the soft, inner part of the stem is used as a thickener for soups and stews.

It's All Downhill From Here?

Climate change, means more than half of European ski resorts are at very high risk of not having any snow at the appropriate times (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/26/ski-resorts-battle-for-a-future-as-snow-declines-in-climate-crisis). The resorts are, of course, compounding their problem by a) hosting the International Ski Federation, which encourages competitors and massed fans to flock to multiple events; b) relying on cheap flights for general ski enthusiasts and c) heavy using of snow-making equipment, to replace the missing 'white stuff'. All these, of course, drive up 'greenhouse gas' emissions. This accelerates global heating. The hotter it gets, the fewer 'ski resorts' will be capable of supporting skiing. A business model that needs to change?

Plants We Used To Use 193. Great plantain

The young leaves of Great plantain (Plantago major) can be eaten. They contain a chemical, that might help decrease pain and swelling. It might also kill bacteria and fungi.

Plants We Used To Use 192. Great mullien

The dried leaves or flowers of Great mullien (Verbascum thapsis) can be used to make a 'tea'. This is an expectorant, bringing up mucus and also soothing mucous membranes.

Plants We Used To Use 191. Great burnet

The young leaves of Great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) can be used as a spicy flavoured herb and flower buds can be added to salad. This plant has also been used to make medicine to treat ulcerative colitis, diarrhoea and dysentery, as well as blood vessel problems.

Hot Air In the UK?

The UK, is currently lagging in last place, in terms of replacing its gas central heating with heat pumps (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/23/heat-pumps-are-hot-property-in-europe-does-britain-have-cold-feet). There are basically two types of air pump, ground and air-based. They are not quite interchangeable, varying in cost, their difficulties of installation and their actual effectiveness in reducing climate-changing 'greenhouse gas' emissions. Just, however, looking at heat pump installations per se, France and Poland are much further along the route of replacing gas heating than the UK. One could argue that the French are well-placed to do this, because much of their heating is currently electrically-powered. France has a lot of nuclear power and their new homes have to have mandatory heat pumps. All the Scandinavian countries are also doing well in terms of transitioning to using heat pumps. Whilst there's been some political opposition to the costs of replacement in Germany, they are still out-performing the UK. In Wales (part of the UK), people who are unconnected to the gas mains (largely oil users) can sensibly get financial support to install a heat pump. People across Europe have been largely motivated to adopt these devices, by the rocketing costs of gas supplies. Having said that, in terms of countering climate change, all governments ought to be making heat pumps mandatory in new build housing. They should also be helping (and encouraging) their populations to make the transition. On this basis alone, the UK is a climate change laggard! It's house builders are currently resistant to installing heat pumps and properly insulating homes.

Plants We Used To Use 190. Greater bindweed

Despite safety concerns, some folk took extracts of Greater bindweed (Calystegia silvatica) to treat fever, urinary tract problems and constipation. These extracts could be in the form of 'bindweed tea'.

Plants We Used To Use 189. Grass of Parnassus

An infusion of Grass of Parnassus (Parnassius palustris) leaves was once used to treat indigestion. When added to wine or water, it was also said to dissolve kidney stones?

Plants We Used To Use 188. Grape hyacinth

Predictably, the edible flowers of Grape hyacinth (Muscari neglectum) taste like sour grapes. Across the Mediterranean, its bulbs are a delicacy. When pickled or cooked, they taste like spring onions. Grape hyacinth's leaves contain Vitamin C and extracts can be used to soothe a sore throat.

Plants We Used To Use 187. Gorse

Burnt gorse ash can be added to vegetable oil, making a 'natural' soap. Soaked pods and seeds are said to be a very effective flea repellent.

Plants We Used To Use 186. Good King Henry

All parts of Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonus-hendricus) are edible being packed with iron and Vitamin C. The leaves can be boiled, steamed or, in very small quantities, eaten raw. This plant has also been used in ointments and poultices, to cleanse wounds of infections.

Plants We Used To Use 185. Goldilocks aster

In China, the roots of Goldilocks aster (Aster linosyris) are used to make a relief for coughing and wheezing. The fresh or dried flowers and leaves can also be eaten.

Plants We Used To Use 184. Golden samphire

The leaves and young stems of Golden samphire (Inula crithmoides) are edible. They can be pickled (a relish), boiled and steamed, as well as eaten raw. It's said to be similar to asparagus or beans.

'Art' For Art's Sake?

Would you 'Adam and Eve' (believe) it? A 'Black Eye Friday' image of three police arresting a drunken man in Swansea's notorious Wind Street, has been likened to Renaissance Art (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/24/photo-of-swansea-police-arresting-drunk-likened-to-renaissance-art). The photo has gone viral online, with some folk claiming it deserves a spot between the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo in the Louvre. Now that's what you call hyperbole ('over the top')! It's an interesting image but presumably entirely unstaged. Anyhow, you see things like this, down in Wind Street, on most term time Friday nights!

AI's CF?

It's worth reiterating, as does John Naughton, that Artificial Intelligence (AI) generates an enormous Carbon Footprint (CF). AI involves staggering amounts of electricity-dependent computing power and also requires massive cooling of equipment. This is, without even considering, the environmental costs of constructing their basic infrastructure (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/dec/23/ai-chat-gpt-environmental-impact-energy-carbon-intensive-technology). Naughton notes that the carbon emisions generated by 'training' an AI system, before roll-out, are substantial. That's even before, considering the energy that will be subsequently required to run every 'task' proposed by millions of users. Naughton notes that requests to generate 'amusing' images (a la TikTok), require much more computing power than seeking 'simple' written responses. He thinks that the current anguished fretting about the likely impacts of AI on employment, misinformation, politics and survival of the human species, serves the industry well. Naughton believes it 'takes people's eye off the ball', when it comes to recognising that AI per se will be a major environmental challenge. It's rather sad to think of millions of AI users, spending their last days creating 'fun' images of cats, dogs and politicians, whilst the planet becomes unliveable for humans. Happy New Year!

A Merry Christmas and a Sensible 2024 To All Readers

A Little Cold Water Never Hurt Anyone?

There's long been a Christmas/New Year tradition for some UK folk to don fancy dress and plunge into the icy seas. Sometimes it's done for charity. Other times for 'a laugh'. Statistics reveal, however, that this year those swimmers will be entering waters after more than 4,500 hours of raw sewage release by the privatised Water Companies (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/23/christmas-stink-uks-traditional-festive-swims-face-rising-tide-of-sewage). Releasing untreated sewage, saves the Water Companies lots of money. Some of the release is legal but some other events have involved illegalities and coverups. The companies can't, however, be sued even if their illegal releases make swimmers ill. Government blocked an amendment that would have made them liable.

Plants We Used To Use 183. Goatsbeard

Goatsbeard (Tragopogon pratensis) is called 'Meadow salsify' in the US (they have a different 'Goatsbeard'). All parts of this plant, including its roots, are edible. The root is also said to have medicinal properties, being used e.g. to make a syrup for persistent coughs and bronchitis.

Plants We Used To Use 182. Goat's rue

Goat's rue (Galega officinalis) contains hypoglycaemic galegine. It's consequently been used to treat diabetes as well as acting as a diuretic.

Plants We Used To Use 181. Globe thistle

Extracts of Globe thistle (Echinops sphaerocephalus) have been used to treat sperm immotility. They have also been employed for claimed antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic properties.

Seeing the Changes 1913

A yellow Christmas fungus in Loughor.

Just Grin and Say 'Cheese'!

One Johnsonian boast, was that 'Brexit' would massively boost UK cheese exports to Canada. Once the UK was 'freed' from the EU, Canadians would queue up for Cheddar, Silton and Wensleydale. Au contraire, it seems. From 1st January 2024, most UK cheese exports to Canada will have almost 250% duty slapped on them. Consequently, UK cheeses will become 'unaffordable' in Canada (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/dec/23/hard-cheese-canada-rejects-british-attempt-to-secure-tariff-free-exports). No comprehensive tradedeal with Canada looks imminent. UK negotiators asked their Canadian counterparts to agree a rollover EU terms of trade for cheese imports, after they lapse on 31st December 2023. Nothing doing! Ninety-five percent of the Non-EU tariff-free quota for cheese imports to Canada, has already been allocated to Norway and Switzerland. 'Hard cheese', as they say.

The Last Post

Things have come a long way in the UK since the days of the 'Penny black' stamp. Following Post Office privatisation, it now costs £1.20 to send a First Class letter to another UK location. That could now take days to arrive. The newly bar-coded stamps themselves, have a very limited life-span. Another fun postal fact is that it's become much more difficult to send a Christmas card to anywhere else in the world. Stamps to 'foreign' locations can only be purchased from Main Post offices. Sub-Post Offices appear limited to stamps for the UK. I suppose this might be an ingeneous way of stopping folk complaining about 'Brexit'?

Plants We Used To Use 180. Glasswort

Glasswort (Salicornia sp) is also known as 'marsh samphire'. It's crisp and very salty, if eaten raw. Glasswort can also be pickled or cooked like asparagus.

Plants We Used To Use 179. Gipsywort

Fresh or dried, flowering Gipsywort (Lycopus eurpaeus) is astringent and sedative. As it inhibits iodine conversion in the thyroid gland, it's also been used to treat hyperthyroidism.

Plants We Used To Use 178. Giant dock

Small quantities of Giant dock (Rumex obtusifolius) leaves can be eaten, mixed in green salads, by humans. They have a sour taste as they contain oxalates.

Plants We Used To Use 177. Garlic mustard

Leaves and flowers of Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) can be added to salad. The leaves can also be chopped, mixed with olive oil, Parmesan cheese and nuts, to make a pesto. The plant's seeds can be used as a mustard and mature roots taste like mild horseradish.

Timber!

Residents of Colaton Raleigh, East Devon were horrified, on waking up to find that 100 ancient Beech trees, in a protected area of their village, had been felled. A local landowner had made an application to the Forestry Commission, a branch of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to carry out the dirty deed. These 200 year-old trees were undiseased and none of the locals had been consulted or informed about the plan (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/21/colaton-raleigh-devon-village-shock-felling-100-ancient-beech-trees). This arbicide (tree killing) happens all too frequently in this country. DEFRA repeatedly fails in its duty to protect the environment. Not telling anyone suits them and the landowner very well. It gives folk no opportunity to object to an act of vandalism. Climate change means we should be planting more trees, rather than axing them.

Anthropogenic Snow

Large white bands appeared on the ground near London's Heathrow Airport in January 2023. This was snow, despite the relatively dry conditions prevailing in that location (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/20/rare-industrial-snowfall-thought-to-be-caused-by-pollution-recorded-in-uk). The phenomenon appeared to be 'anthropogenic' (human-caused) or 'industrial' snow. The snow hadn't fallen from the clouds. Moisture in cold air had condensed around fine air pollution particles to form the flakes. Industry had effectively 'seeded' the event. Such anthropogenic snow has been seen in other industrialised areas of the globe.

Killing Two Birds........?

A model suggests that human activities have currently driven circa 12% of the world's bird species to extinction. This is twice the previous estimate of almost 1,500 bird species being 'helped' to die out since the Late Pleistocene (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/19/human-driven-extincition-of-bird-species-twice-as-high-as-thought-study-says-aoe). The study, took New Zealand as its starting point. New Zealand had the advantages of a) being a remote island and b) having a very complete bird record, based on both fossils and sightings. The model predicted how many bird species might have lived on an island of this size. When the number of known extinctions and remaining living birds were subtracted from this, what's left was the number of 'undiscovered extinctions'. This was then applied globally. It's an interesting idea but New Zealand also seems, due to a combination of circumstances, to have been a 'hot spot' for bird extinctions. Perhaps the new figure is an over-estimate? Either way, humans are a major extinction event!

Plants We Used To Use 176. Frosted orache

Frosted orache (Atriplex laciniata) has large edible leaves that can be eaten cooked or raw.

Plants We Used To Use 175. Fritillary

Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) contains toxic alkaloids but has been used in Chinese medicine as a cough remedy.

Plants We Used To Use 174. French hawksbeard

French hawksbeard (Crepis nicaeensis) has been used to reduce fever, suppress coughing and increase urination. This plant has also been used to treat boils and snake bites.

Plants We Used To Use 173. French cranesbill

Although all parts of French cranesbill (Geranium endressi) are edible, they are insipid. Herbally, this plant has been used to treat digestive disorders, like diarrhoea as well as to reduce inflammation.

Plants We Used To Use 172. Forking larkspur

Forking larkspur (Consolida regalis) flowers keep their colour, when dried. They are consequently added to some herbal teas for an ornamental effect. The blue petals can also be used in dyeing or to make an ink.

Sky High!

Rare nacreous cloud usually develops in extremely cold air above polar regions. It results from tiny ice crystals scattering the light into a multitude of 'rainbow' colours. There was great excitement in the media, when, on the 19th of December, such clouds were seen over parts of Scotland and Northern England (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/dec/20/rare-nacreous-clouds-spotted-over-scotland-and-england). In the Northern hemisphere, climate change disrupts the normal patterns of air flow, occasionally bringing polar air into more southerly regions. These recent sightings are rather early in the winter but this phenomenon can reach in even more unusual locations. The photograph shows nacreous cloud over Hastings (in England's 'Deep south') at the start of 2023.

The Amazing, Shrinking Wild Pansy

A study in the journal New Phytologist looked at Field pansy (Viola arvensis) flowers, growing in a field outside Paris. These blooms were 10% smaller than plants grown from seeds collected in the 1990s and 2000s. They also produce 20% less nectar than plants grown from the older seeds (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/20/flowers-giving-up-on-scarce-insects-and-evolving-to-self-pollinate-say-scientists). Insect pollinators are markedly declining. It appears that the Field pansy is 'giving up' on them and relying more on self-fertilisation for its propagation. This, of course, will reduce genetic diversity in the species, perhaps making them less capable of dealing with environmental change.

Plants We Used To Use 171. Fly honeysuckle

Fly honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum) is toxic but scalding water can be poured on the flowers. After cooling to room temperature, the infusion can be chilled, producing an iced 'tea'.

Plants We Used To Use 170. Flowering rush

Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus) is toxic but the Iroquois used it to deworm horses and cattle. The plant can also produce a green or yellow dye.