Standing sentry beside The Gateway to the egg are a row of ten tall marsh sow thistle. It is a nationally scarce plant undergoing significant decline and disappearing from most parts of England as its preferred floodplain habitats change. I have observed it in small patches all along the parish boundary west of the egg as it raises itself above surrounding reeds, grasses and brambles. Last year’s dry shoots remain petrified beside the current generation and whilst the plants are all mostly seeded and spent, the long summer is raising up new yellow buds for my continuing enchantment.

Reading reveals that they have been observed beside the Beaulieu River for many years and could be indigenous to this particular place.

 The Beadle is back on Station.