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Wildlife Around and About East Lothian April is one of those months that can go either way weather-wise. In some years we’ve had frosts and snow, whilst in others the weather has been glorious. It’s probably fair to say that April can be a bit of a mixed bag. As a result, those plants and animals which are out and about just now need to be able to cope with all kinds of conditions. One hardy little plant is the lesser celandine. It can bloom as early as February, but most will flower between March and May. Many of the plant’s folk names reflect its early appearance, including spring messenger and April’s eye. Even celandine itself is thought to derive from chelidon the Greek word for swallow (the bird that is) - although lesser celandine blooms well before the return of the

swallows, both were seen as harbingers of spring. On a slightly less poetic note, the plant was also known as pilewort, as it was used by herbalists to treat haemorrhoids, possibly with limited success. It’s a very attractive plant, appearing as small golden/yellow star-shaped flowers in a carpet of dark green leaves. The flowers can have between seven and twelve petals and open and close depending on the amount of sunlight. Lesser celandine can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woods and

hedgerows. Its ability to tolerate shade means that it can add a welcome splash of colour to some otherwise drab locations. As the days get warmer (and longer) there will be more and more butterflies out and about in our countryside. One of the earliest fliers is the orange tip, a member of the Pieridae family, which includes all of the common, white butterflies. The males of this species are very conspicuous, having a bright orange flash on each wing-tip (hence the name). The females are less showy, having a black tip to the wings, and are easily mistaken for other similar butterflies. When seen at rest, both males and females have a distinctive green mottling on the underside of the wings, which acts as a superb camouflage. Orange tip caterpillars are fussy eaters (like most caterpillars, in fact). Two foodplants are preferred, depending on the habitat. In damp areas the caterpillars will feed mostly on cuckoo flower, whilst in drier conditions garlic mustard is more usually eaten. Some other foodplants are utilised, all of them within the cabbage family. This group of plants, as many an irate vegetable grower will testify, is the favourite food of all the white butterfly caterpillars.

COUNTRYSIDE NEWS April 2014

Forthcoming Ranger Service Events: Sunday 27th April Priestlaw Panorama A 16km (9 mile) circular hike through the farms and heathland of the Lammermuir hills, with impressive views of East Lothian and the Scottish Borders. Hikes are charged at £4 per person. Details provided when booking. To book a place phone 01620 827421.

Wild About East Lothian is coming to Dunbar this Easter Sunday and Monday. Two action-packed days

of wildlife discovery through guided journeys; hands-on activities; storytelling; willow weaving; and much, much, more for everyone to get involved in. All guided by your friendly Countryside Ranger Service and part of the John Muir Festival. For more information, keep an eye on local press or go to www.eastlothian.gov.uk/wildabouteastlothian.

Lesser celandine

Male orange tip