John Parker, countryside ranger, Glasgow City Council

AS the days are getting longer and there’s a bit of heat in the sun, we are finding early spring flowers adorning our parks and green spaces. Woodlands are awakening, there are buds and blossom on the trees and the ground is carpeted with colour.

A wander through a wood just now may be rewarded with the site of the beautifully delicate wood anemone. A spring flower which is at its best when the sun is shining, hence the need for it to flower before the canopy on the woodland trees begin to develop as the season progresses.

Another wonder of the season is the Coltsfoot. This bright yellow flower is one of the first to be seen and is easy to recognise as it seems to flower before the leaves appear. The leaves were collected and used to suppress certain breathing conditions in the past but this was sometimes done by drying and smoking the leaves, which would have certainly given the plant a paradoxical element.

Lesser celandine will also be thriving now and this can be seen covering large areas of shaded ground with its golden flowers and it loves the cool dampness of a spring woodland. Historically, the plant gained the nickname of pilewort due to the belief that haemorrhoids could be cured by applying the leaves to the affected area. William Wordsworth wrote several pieces on it and he so loved the flower that, upon his death, it was to be carved onto his memorial stone. Unfortunately, there was a breakdown in communication at some point and the unrelated greater celandine was carved instead.

It is not however, just your sense of sight that can be sent reeling during the spring. Your nose can get a treat too from the many aromas filling the air. The plant ramsons, whose dark green leaves have the unmistakable smell of garlic, can be seen adorning damp woodland and it carpets the banksides of the Clyde walkway. Washed and chopped, these leaves make a welcome addition to stews and spicy meals and can used as a stuffing for meat dishes.

Nettles are also now emerging and continuing their love hate relationship with humankind. Their sting is not forgotten easily but the fresh leaves when handled correctly make a wholesome soup and a most refreshing tea. Nettles left to flower attract butterflies later in the year, including the peacock and small tortoiseshell who will be seen happily feeding on the tops of the nettles.

If you would like to find out more about the flora and fauna of our fine city, Glasgow City Council’s Countryside Ranger Service offer a year-long programme of walks and talks including a Spring flower walk at Rosshall Park on Sunday April 24 at which you will get the chance to taste some of these delicious flower recipes. The walk is free and starts at 10am. Transport is available from Pollok Park. The Countryside Rangers can be contacted on 0141 276 0927