Seeing the Changes 1981

Developments in and around Swansea University's Bay Campus. Some impressive groups of fungi, along with flowerings by Ivy-leaved speedwell (Veronica hederifolia); Cowslip (Primula veris) and Meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris).

Plants We Used to Use 382. Scorpion senna

Scorpion senna (Hippocrepis emerus) is a laxative, producing bowel movement in 6-12 hours. It shouldn't be taken for extended periods.

Plants We Used to Use 381. Scentless mayweed

Scentless mayweed (Matricaria perforata) can make a herbal 'tea'. The plant's sap is also claimed to inhibit polio and herpes virus growth.

Plants We Used to Use 380. Scarlet pimpernel

Scarlet pimpernel (Anagalis arvensis) is toxic but its parts above ground, have been used to treat depression; liver disorders; herpes and painful joints.

Plastics Running In Our Veins

Scientists have just tested 62 human placental samples. All were contaminated with microplastics (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/27/microplastics-found-every-human-placenta-tested-study-health-impact). These tiny particles of plastic appear to found their ways into human bodies via our food (they bioaccumulate) and the air we breathe. Microplastics have also been found in many human blood and milk samples. There's a real concern they may lodge and chronically deliver harmful chemicals throughout our bodies. This would, of course, increase the risk of cancers. It has even been suggested microplastics play a role in atheriosclerosis. In this condition, clogging of the arteries by plaque, greatly increases the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. The world has become our dustbin!

Plants We Used to Use 379. Saw-wort

Medieval textile workers obtained dyes from Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria). This plant's leaves, contain several long-lasting yellows and the roots, a blue dye.

Plants We Used to Use 378. Sand catchfly

Native Americans, used Sand catchfly (Silene conica) stems and leaves to treat wounds and skin infections. This plant's roots also provided medicines for digestive and respiratory issues.

Plants We Used to Use 377. Salsify

Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) can be grated or thinly-sliced to be eaten raw. It can also be boiled and mashed with butter like parsnips. Salsify's mild flavour has been likened to oysters.

Plants We Used to Use 376. Salad burnet

Salad burnet's (Sanguisorba minor) leaves can be eaten fresh with sandwiches or in salads or dips. Their cucumber-like taste, can also be infused in fizzy lemonade or sparkling water.

Plants We Used to Use 375. Sainfoin

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) provides effective worm control for livestock. Archaeological evidence suggests that, thousand of year's ago, humans also collected and ate wild Sainfoin seeds.

Plants We Used to Use 374. Rowan

Mountain ash or Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) wood was sometimes used to make longbows. This tree's red berries were used to combat scurvy, as they are rich in vitamin C. In some countries, they were used to treat intestinal obstructions, as well as liver and gallbladder ailments.

Decorous Demonstrating?

Demonstrating is an agreed 'right' in any functional democracy. There has, however, recently been much agonising about such activities. Psychologist, Stephen Reicher points out that demonstrating crowds are best dealt with if "you start from the presumption that they are peaceful rather than violent" (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/feb/25/protests-crowds-police-mps-violence). Reicher notes that most individuals, even in large crowds (from Soccer supporters to 'Black Lives Matter'), are generally peaceful. There are even cases, where most of the actual violence has been generated by the police. That's not to say, of course, that all protests are peaceful. There are cases, where certain groups automatically jump straight to intimidatory behaviour. However, labelling large crowds as 'the mob', simply because you disagree with them, can be inappropriate and is generally unhelpful. It's also especially unhelpful for politicians to severely limit the right to public protest, when it suits their interest, whilst essentially condoning what would clearly be law-breaking under other circumstances. People soon recognise double standards. Whilst I am on about it, I don't think that politicians should be exposed to demonstrations outside their homes or surgeries. This is, apparently, now the policy of the 'Just Stop Oil' campaign. Even if your cause is just, it's wholly inappropriate to pressurise individuals, their family and friends in such settings. It also gives a 'green light' to others (including some very nasty individuals) to act in a similar manner. Another case of double standards? Demonstrating, it seems to me, is best done near the places, where government or the offending body sits. Decorous demonstrators seem more likely to deliver democracy.

Plants We Used to Use 373. Round-leaved wintergreen

Round-leaved wintergreen (Pyrola rotundifolia) leaves were said to be antirheumatic; antiseptic, antispasmodic; diuretic as well as a tonic. This plant's decoctions were used for skin diseases, as well as a gargle and an eye wash.

Plants We Used to Use 372. Round-leaved mint

Round-leaved mint (Mentha rotundifolia) flavoured salads; meat dishes and sauces. Steeping this plant's leaves in hot water, made a fragrant herbal 'tea'.

Plants We Used to Use 371. Round-headed leek

Round-headed leek (Allium sphaerocephalon) leaves can be eaten cooked or raw. Its sap served as a moth repellent but, it was claimed, the whole plant deterred both insects and moles.

All His Eggs in the Anti-Environment Basket?

The current UK Prime Minister (PM), in his desperation for electoral votes, seems to be dropping any environmental considerations (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2024/feb/25/sunak-stands-with-net-zero-and-climate-conspiracy-group-at-farming-protest). Firstly, he became the protector of the 'petrol-head'. Promising to resist any attempts to produce low emissions zones in cities and towns. He was also firmly against speed restictions and traffic calming initiatives. Accidents and the profound damage to human health, from air pollution, were not considerations. Secondly, he cosied-up to 'big oil', approving the extraction of 'every last drop of oil' from the North Sea. This was in spite of any 'new' oil going straight on to international markets, where it increases company profits but does nothing to ensure UK 'energy security'. Now, he's attended and alligned himself with a Welsh demonstration by the 'No Farmers: No Food' group. Sections of this group apparently challenge the whole concept of anthropogenic climate change. Unlike many other farmers, they see no point in encouraging the planting of trees or maintaining biodiversity, They want maximal production and maximal profits. One might think that the PM is firmly back in his post-Covid19 lockdown mode. As the controller of UK finance (Chancellor), he invested millions of taxpayer's money in his 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme. The scheme heavily-subsidised groups of punters to dine out in restaurants and pubs, alledgedly to ensure financial viability. The scheme came as a surprise to concerned scientists. It, predictably, resulted in a surge in Covid19 infections, producing more deaths and necessitating a further lockdown. It seems this PM either has a very poor grasp of cause and effect or is only ever concerned by his 'bottom line'. It will be interesting to see if the UK general public go along with him. A 'greenlash' is evident in many parts of Europe, often involving farmers.

Plants We Used to Use 370. Rough poppy

Rough poppy (Papaver hirsuitum) was sometimes used in herbal medicine, to treat coughs; insomnia and pain.

Plants We Used to Use 369. Rough chervil

In folk medicine, Rough chervil (Chaerophyllum temulum) was used to treat arthritis; dropsy and chronic skin complaints. It was also employed as a 'Spring tonic'.

Plants We Used to Use 368. Rosemary

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) sprigs may be eaten raw or cooked. In aromatherapy, this herb is said to increase concentration and memory, as well as relieving stress. In folk medicine, rosemary was given for headache; epilepsy; spasms; nervous agitation etc.

Seeing the Changes 1980

In Loughor, Ivy-leaved toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis) was coming into bloom.

Gardening Leave?

Climate change results in extreme weather events, like heatwaves, occurring more frequently, more intensely and for longer. Studies have recently shown that Botanical Gardens are the most effective 'green spaces', when it comes to cooling nearby streets. Their presence can reduce temperatures there, by as much as 5 degrees Centigrade (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/23/botanical-gardens-most-effective-green-space-at-cooling-streets-in-heatwaves). Heatwaves increase deaths (especially in the very young and the aged) even in 'temperate' countries like the UK. There are two ways of dealing with climate change. One is mitigation, where attempts are made to reduce the rate of global heating, by, for example, limiting 'greenhouse gas' emissions. The other is adaptation, where changes are made to, hopefully, enable humans to cope with climate change. Creating more Botanical Gardens, would clearly fall in the latter category. That creation, however, requires substantial space and would not be a fast process. One would also have to ensure it didn't create inadvertent problems e.g. damage by root systems to existing buildings; excessive consumption of water; providing breeding locations for mosquito vectors of disease etc. Access to new Botanical Gardens could, of course, improve the well-being and mental health of folk living nearby. Perhaps, creating bigger 'green spaces' in cities, with more mature trees as well as increased biodiversity, would be a quicker and more easily 'rolled-out' alternative?

Plants We Used to Use 367. Rosebay willowherb

Young shoots of Rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolia) can be served with butter and lemon, like asparagus. Young leaves can be added to salads and the soft, inner part of the stem used as a thickener for soups and stews. Herbally, this plant's extracts were used to treat Whooping cough, hiccups and asthma.

Plants We Used to Use 366. Rock samphire

Rock samphire's (Crithmum maritinum) young, non-flowering fronds are rich in calcium. They are said to go well on fresh bread; served with fish or mixed with pasta or rice. It's claimed that, eating this plant, smooths the skin's fine lines and wrinkles.

Plants We Used to Use 365. Rock cinquefoil

Rock cinquefoil (Potentilla rupestris) leaves may be used as a 'tea' or in wine to treat diarrhoea; kidney stones; arthritis; cramps and fever. This plant's roots yield a gargle and mouthwash.

No Limit?

PM2.5s are Particulate Matter with an average diameter of 2.5 microns. These tiny soot particles, are released into the air by diesel engines; factories; wildfires as well as fashionable wood-burning stoves in up-market areas of London. High levels of PM2.5s are predictably found by busy roads in major cities. This form of atmospheric pollution has long been known to have profound detrimental effects on human health. It increases chronic repiratory and cardiovascular disease as well as reducing longevity. Two recent substantial studies now essentially confirm there's no such thing as a 'safe level' of PM2.5s (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/21/air-pollution-quality-harmful). Even small exposures to PM2.5s increased the risk of cardiovascular disease in EU; UK and US populations. Many locations in these countries frequently exceed WHO-specified levels of particulates. PM2.5 levels are dramatically higher in some other countries (like China and India). Particulates need to be largely eliminated, if human health matters to society! This means creating and policing clean air zones. It's not going to be easy, as this form of pollution is only hazy. Emitters see it as vanishing into the air.

Plants We Used to Use 364. Ribwort plantain

Ribwort plantain's (Plantago lanceolata) young leaves, although fibrous and bitter, can be eaten raw or cooked. This plant has also been used for its anti-histamine properties, soothing nettle and insect stings. Ribwort plantain leaves make a 'tea', said to be an effective cough medicine.

Plants We Used to Use 363. Ribbed melilot

Extracts of Ribbed melilot (Melilotus officinalis) are a diuretic that's also said to reduce capillary permeability, improving tissue oxygen supplies. Traditionally, they were used to treat respiratory infections; fever; digestive disorders; skin conditions and constipation.

Plants We Used to Use 362. Rhododendron

Oil distilled from Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) leaves was said to have a calming effect. This plant's wood was used to make bowls, spoons, fences and charcoal. In traditional medicine, it made treatments for inflammation; pain; skin ailments; the common cold and gastrointestinal disorders.

Plants We Used to Use 361. Rest harrow

Rest harrow's (Ononis repens) young, green shoots and leaves can be used in salads. In Medieval times, this plant also made medicines to treat diarrhoea and kidney problems.

Plants We Used to Use 360. Reflexed stonecrop

Reflexed stonecrop (Sedum reflexum) seems to have been introduced in the 17th Century to the UK, as a bitter, astringent salad crop. It also yielded a medicine used to treat coughs and high blood pressure.

Plants We Used to Use 359. Redshank

Redshank (Persicaria maculosa) leaves and young shoots can be eaten in salads. This plant was also used as a medicinal herb to treat diarrhoea and infectious diseases.

Seeing the Changes 1979

In Penclacwydd, Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) was coming into flower.

Plants We Used to Use 358. Red valerian

Red valerian (Centranthus ruber) leaves can be added to salads or lightly boiled. This plant's root is sometimes added to soups or used to make a medicine, claimed to enhance sleep and relaxation.

Plants We Used to Use 357. Red star thistle

Red star thistle (Centaurea calcitrapa) leaves and young stems can be eaten cooked or raw. In traditional medicine, this plant was used to treat respiratory ailments; skin conditions and digestive problems.

Plants We Used to Use 356. Red hemp-nettle

Leaves, stem and flowers of Red hemp-nettle (Galeopis angustifolia) yield a 'tea', used for respiratory tract infections. Extracts have also been applied for skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.

Plants We Used to Use 355. Red goosefoot

Red goosefoot (Chenopodium rubrum) can be eaten cooked or raw. Young leaves are added to salads or cooked as a spinach substitute. This plant's berries can yield a jelly and its seeds ground into a baking 'flour' for bread etc.

Plants We Used to Use 354. Red deadnettle

In traditional medicine, entire Red deadnettles (Lamium purpureum) were claimed to be both diuretic and purgative. Dried leaves were used as a poultice to stem bleeding. Fresh, bruised leaves were also applied to external cuts and wounds.

Plants We Used to Use 353. Red clover

Fresh or dried flowers/leaves of Red clover (Trifolium pratense) are edible. This plant was also used to make a herbal 'tea', historically claimed to be effective for asthma; whooping cough; cancer and gout. It's still promoted for menopausal symptoms; high cholesterol levels and osteoporosis.

Lights Going Out On Lough Neagh

Lough Neagh is the UK's largest freshwater lake. It supplies more than 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water. This Lough was also home to Europe's largest wild eel fishery and a biodiversity hot-spot. For example, enormous flocks of migrating waterbirds spent time there. In summer 2023, a vast bloom of blue-green algae covered this lake's surface, collapsing its ecosystems (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/19/like-the-flip-of-a-switch-its-gone-has-the-ecosystem-of-the-uk-largest-lake-collapsed-aoe). This collapse is a process called eutrophication. Such algal growth occurs when excessive nutients from fertilizer, wastewater and storm runoff, coincide with increasing sunlight and warmer temperatures. Sometimes the algae are toxic but, irrespective of this, any dense floating mat deprives water animals (insect larvae, fish etc.) of oxygen. Although Lough Neigh's algal mats disappeared over the winter, they are still lurking below the surface. As one observer noted of the lake's ecosystem " like the flip of a switch: It's gone". It won't be easy to return Lough Neigh to its former glories. We humans really have to look after our environment's more carefully.

Seeing the Changes 1978

Common dog violet (Viola riviniana) was in early bloom.

Plants We Used to Use 352. Red campion

Red campion (Silene dioica) roots contain saponins and were used to make soap for washing clothes. Plant extracts have also treated snake bites as well as being advocated as 'cures' for corns and warts.

Plants We Used to Use 351. Red bartsia

In traditional medicine, Red bartsia (Odonites verna) was used as a diuretic to treat urinary tract infections. It's also been employed to counter indigestion and bloating.

Plants We Used to Use 350. Ramsons

All parts of Ramsons (Allium ursinum) are edible. Its leaves can be used like garlic as an excellent addition to cheese and pate sandwiches. Ramsons also displays antibacterial activity against both gram positive and negative organisms.

Flaming February!

The combination of human-mediated climate change and the El Nino phenomenon, is already resulting in 2024 having the hottest February, since weather recording started (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/feb/17/february-on-course-to-break-unprecedented-number-of-heat-records). Monitoring stations as geographically diverse as Belize; Columbia; Indonesia; Japan; Kazakhstan; the Maldives; North Korea; Saudi Arabia; South Africa and Thailand have all recorded new highs. In deed, 140 countries have broken February heat records. This is three times more than any month, before 2023. It's not just that the records are broken, that's amazing experts. The increases seen also surpass anything that went before. It's also not just the land that's heating up. Ocean surface temperatures are also rocketing. The main Atlantic development region is where most powerful US hurricanes form. One hurricane expert notes that ocean temperatures there are "as warm today in mid-February as they typically are in middle July". The greater the increase in water temperature, the higher the probability of spawning a hurricane. It looks as if climate change has already elevated global temperatures to more than 2 degrees Centigrade above pre-Industrial levels. That was the upper value the 196 parties signed up to attempt to avoid in the 2015 Paris Accord. Naught out of ten, for progress?

Plants We Used to Use 349. Ramping fumitory

Ramping fumitory (Fumaria capreolata) extracts appear to promote bile flow. They've been tested as a potential drug to treat gastro-intestinal problems. The white latex from broken stems, is said to be dangerous to the eye.

Plants We Used to Use 348. Ragged robin

Long ago, Ragged robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) was used to treat malaria. In some Mediterranean countries, it's still used for migraines and intestinal pain.

Plants We Used to Use 347. Purple viper's bugloss

Purple viper's bugloss (Echium plantagineum) leaves and flowering stems were said to be aphrodisiac and diuretic. Extracts were used to relieve fevers; headaches; lung/chest conditions; colds and 'nervous complaints'.