Heath bedstraw, Roseberry Common

Two summers ago (1 B.C. – Before Covid) Roseberry Common was sprayed with Asulox, an herbicide that specifically targets bracken. The intention was that a breed of hardy cattle would then be introduced which would over time control the bracken by trampling any remaining rhizomes and fronds. In addition it was expected that an annual slashing by hand would be needed in May/June before the shoots became too tough.

Last year the Covid regulations put paid to manual slashing due late Spring and the cattle have never appeared. Large areas of the Common are now covered in a mat of dense dead bracken, but although some fronds are appearing there are many areas where grasses are gradually returning.

One plant which is doing very well, is the Heath bedstraw (Galium saxatile) with its tiny white flowers. This is quite a common herb on acidic heaths and moors but is often overlooked. On the Common, where many compact cushions or mats have formed, you have to go off the path to find Heath bedstraw. It’s a perennial plant so may be taking full advantage of the extra light and space after struggling to compete with the bracken all these years.

Heath bedstraw’s Gaelic name is ‘Luibh na bhfear gonta‘ which Google translates as ‘Herb of concise men’.