I like to have something to aim for when I head out for a walk and today I decided to go to the only place I know within miles where I might find Coltsfoot, so that was my quest. This promising spot is called Beltinge Cliff, which is an area of scrubby slopes between Herne Bay and Reculver on the North Kent coast. I took the inland route there, searched the entire area, and returned home along the coast.
Two years ago, I found Coltsfoot growing in abundance in March. Last year, I left it too late and found none. This year, I thought my timing would be spot on, but I didn't find any sign of Coltsfoot at all.
The weather on my eastward walk to Beltinge Cliff was quite pleasant. The sun was shining and there was a brisk breeze from behind. But on the coast it was bitterly cold, with a strong wind blowing in from the sea - it was two-hat weather for the first time in ages! (As in, I wore my Rab Polartec hat on top of my Buff hat.)
On the way to find Coltsfoot, I checked the only local spot I know where Ramsons (wild garlic) grow, but they're not in flower yet - I was being a bit too optimistic.
Arriving at Beltinge Cliff, I was surprised to find hardly any wildflowers at all and despite walking from one end to the other and back again further down the slope, there wasn't a sign of my quarry. Incidentally, a Coltsfoot flower looks very like a dandelion from a distance, which makes them tricky to find at the best of times.
The view from the top of the slopes as I headed home again...
Coming into Herne Bay, I passed Sir Barnes Wallis gazing out to sea. His bouncing bombs were tested here:
Looking back towards Herne Bay. Bright and sunny, but extremely cold!
And finally, for anyone who doesn't know Coltsfoot... here's a photo of some I took two years ago at Beltinge Cliff!
)
Every year on the evening and early morning of 8th Sept., there is
