Nature Happenings #3

Stop and sniff the bog myrtle!

Hello, Emma here again. One of the best things about moving north to a completely new landscape has been the discovery of new seasonal markers in the shape of flora and fauna, today we’re featuring one such find: bog myrtle. With a name that perhaps belies its loveliness, this low growing, bog dwelling shrub has fast become one of our new spring time favourites.

Bog myrtle (Myrica gale) is currently coming into flower here in Cumbria and if you visit a boggy area (of which there are many) you are likely to see this plant waving its golden catkins and wafting its incredible, sweet scent into the air. Like nothing we’ve smelt before, its impossible to walk past a patch without grabbing a catkin or two, crushing them between our fingers and inhaling the delicious scent. There’s a hint of eucalyptus, piney tones and a sweetness to it that instantly uplifts and puts a spring back in our step (useful sometimes, in a bog). Traditionally, bog myrtle was used as a midge repellent and so last year, I infused the leaves in olive oil (both the leaves and fruit contain the aromatic oils) and combined this infusion with beeswax to make an experimental midge repelling balm. It seemed to work quite well but will definitely need further testing…perhaps a summer Scotland trip beckons.

We found this incredibly informative article on the Trees for Life website which includes some fascinating information about Bog Mrytle’s nitrogen fixing powers, its interesting reproductive methods (we’ll definitely be trying to identify the male and female plants next time we’re out) and ecological relationships. Turns out this little shrub supports a whole host of invertebrate life and is food for larger mammals too. Do give it a read and make sure you look out for it on your next boggy hike.

And don’t forget to give it a good sniff!