The plants
Some are native to our islands; some are cultivated; others are "escapes" from gardens and parks. They grow in surprising places - drains, gutters, roadsides and brownfield sites. Public parks and nature reserves are home to an interesting variety. If we find something incredibly rare / endangered / on private land, we keep the find to ourselves, although I sometimes include the electoral ward as an approximate location.
The finder
I live and work in the borough of Epsom & Ewell and am a former student of UCA (University College of the Arts) in Epsom. My plan is to learn everything I can about the natural world. I was asked to volunteer as a "Wildflower Champion" for Surrey's Road Verge Rewilding Project. As part of my quest to become more "wildflower literate" I am using this resource to catalogue what I find.
Surrey's Wildflowing Project is supported by Surrey County Council and Charles Russell Speechlys in Guildford.
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
NEW! RESOURCES FOR WILDFLOWERING! Excellent resources from those in the know, for residents, teachers, scouting and guide groups... anybody looking to make life perfect for pollinators and pretty for people! Includes a case study from the Bookham Blue Hearts' wildflowering project in Surrey. We will add resources as they are created.
RESOURCESWildflowers grow throughout the borough - quite unnoticed as we go about our busy lives.
Aside from the flowers themselves, I am interested in the animals relying on them for food, shelter and reproduction. Wild plants usually have some interesting folklore (with quaint country names like "Hares Eye"); we "share" many of these plants with other countries and cultures. Some of these "wild" plants appeared on these islands by accident, as escapes from gardens!
When you move to a new home it is good to find plants growing that remind you of where you grew up. Gardening is always a lovely way to connect with new neighbours and the pastime is a common language.
I try to be as accurate as possible by asking conservation volunteer friends and reading a variety of books, including very old cookbooks passed down the family! Food and cookery anecdotes are mentioned but PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE PICKING AS SOME ARE TOXIC. Always ask an expert!
Flower families, A - Z
Although this site is NOT an identification tool, it may help you to notice wildflowers and spark a life-long interest in the subject. A good identification website is
WILDFLOWER FINDER (external site)For an App that you can use on the go, try
I-NATURALIST (info & download)This collection of photographs and sketches is to get you all out looking and FINDING. For those of you who find yourselves truly hooked, I have included a book list. I am still learning! Happy hunting!
WILDFLOWER BOOK LIST
More information
SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
THE SCC BLUE CAMPAIGN© The Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder. I'm out and about but you can get in touch via Cuddington Online Facebook 