Natural History Spring in Somerset 26 May 2023 Ian Alexander Wild Clary at Mells Bush Vetch, near Iford Mayfly by the River Avon, of the kind known to fly fishermen as the Drake Mackerel. This one has its serial number painted on its abdomen! Silk Tents of Ermine Moth Caterpillars, in a hedge near Iford Ermine Moth caterpillars in their silk tent. Both the caterpillars and the adult are white with black spots, like the magnificent robes of “ermine” (Stoat pelts) worn by Lords (and Monarchs at their Coronations). A sea of Wild Garlic in coppice woods near Iford Crosswort, near Iford; a handsome plant in the Bedstraw family Yellow Rattle near Imber, on Chalk Grassland, playing its usual role of weakening the tall grasses — it’s parasitic — and so allowing the beautiful and varied flowers including Orchids space and light to grow.