Uncut wayside

On the Western edge of Morpeth utility companies have been carrying out some underground work. As they complete sections some areas are covered in grass seeds, some of which may have wild flower seeds mixed in with them. The result is a colourful mix of interesting plants, some of which have long gone as a native but will pop up occasionally if the waysides remain uncut. The most striking plant is Corn-cockle (Agrostemma  githago). Phacelia appears to be an increasingly popular plant among seed mixes. Over time dominant plants and grasses will take over until the soil is disturbed again. Pegswood by-pass is a good area to look for plants which have come in with seed mixes; it is probably the only place in the county to find Sainfoin (Onobrychis viccifolia).