health
Britain and Ireland’s wildflowers
The Eden Project’s National Wildflower Centre is opening entries for its Wildflower Photographer of the Year 2026 competition. Photos from last year’s contest will be on display at Canary Wharf, London, during CWG’s Nature Week, from 13 July
TL;DR
- Foxglove (*digitalis purpurea*) from East Lothian is noted for its medicinal use despite its poisonous nature.
- Sea thrift (*Armeria maritima*) from Cornwall is a hardy plant tolerant of drought and salt, found along the South West Coast Path.
- Heath spotted-orchid (*Dactylorhiza maculata*) near Dorchester was photographed to emphasize its beauty against a blurred background.
- Marsh thistle (*Cirsium palustre*) found in Yorkshire and Hertfordshire is important for pollinators and provides habitat on its stems.
- Common poppy (*Papaver rhoeas*) from Staffordshire was photographed at dawn using a telephoto lens.
- Dandelions (*Taraxacum officinale*) are highlighted for their importance to bees, soil healing, and resilience.
- Wood anemone (*Anemone nemorosa*) in Cheshire was captured with light forming a halo around the flower.
- Sea-holly (*Eryngium maritimum*) from Cornwall stabilizes coastal habitats and tolerates harsh conditions.
- Field pansy (*Viola arvensis*) from Upper Teesdale featured raindrops on its petals.
- Corn chamomile (*Anthemis arvensis*) from Angus was spotted along a field edge in the sunlight.
- Sea bindweed (*Calystegia soldanella*) from Cornwall was found blooming on a sandy beach.
- Cow parsley (*Anthriscus sylvestris*) from Gloucestershire was photographed focusing on frost-covered seed heads.
- Purple heather (*Calluna vulgaris*) from Cornwall is valuable for bees and can grow in poor environments.
- Coastal habitats in Sussex feature wild carrots, knapweed, yarrow, and wild angelica, vital for pollinators and preventing erosion.
- English bluebells (*Hyacinthoides non-scripta*) in Dartmoor are a significant global population but vulnerable.
- Common sorrel (*Rumex acetosa*) and oxeye daisies (*Leucanthemum vulgare*) were photographed at a natural burial site.
- Wild garlic (*Allium ursinum*) in Essex thrived in wet spring conditions, often appearing with bluebells.