30 Days Wild - Day 14: Rolling by the river

With Maria needing some peace and quiet to get a report done I decided it was about time to dust off the old push-bike and go for a ride in the rain. Even better, I could combine it with a visit to the folks' house (about a 16 mile round trip) rather than going in the car as usual.

Bicycles make excellent platforms for nature spotting, as you glide silently along quiet country lanes you never know what you might surprise around the next corner. They also get you access onto off-road cycle paths which often go through more natural areas and along river banks.

Nothing particularly exciting on the nature front today, although I did have a close call with a stand of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum - now that's a proper scientific name!) as I pedalled alongside the River Calder on my way back. 
 
This non-native plant is not only highly invasive, rapidly spreading by generating thousands of seeds, it is also hazardous to human health. It contains chemicals within its sap that cause painful, light sensitive skin blisters, which can persist for months or even years after initial contact.


So please be careful if you come across this beast of a plant - admire it from a distance!

And don't forget - you can record it's location using the excellent Plant Tracker app on your phone. Help scientists understand how far it has spread and figure out what we might be able to do about it. 


What is 30 Day Wild - find out here!