Whilst in Pyrenees preparing for a International mountain leader assessment I came across some Eyebrights (Euphrasia spp) I had seen these plants before back home in the Chilterns and whilst researching for more information on them I found out that they where Hemiparasitic, I already knew that there where parasitic plants such as Broomrape so some further reading was needed.

What are Hemiparasitic plants? The prefix Hemi means half so they are half parasites but what does that mean? Most plants gain their energy through photosynthesis and acquire water and nutrients from the soil directly or through symbiotic associations with fungi. There are plant parasites which gain their energy and nutrients from other plants however the Hemiparasitic plants which are green, perform photosynthesis but at the same time attack the vascular systems of other plants and exploit the host sap for both mineral nutrients and water.

Hemiparasitic plants have reduced or non existing root networks and attach to the roots of other species via specialised plant structure called haustoria (meaning to draw or absorb water) these attachments have the effect of weakening the host and often during drought conditions the Hemiparasitic plants appear more green than their hosts.

This ability to suppress host species growth and affect nutrient flows in ecosystems results in these plants being considered keystone species or ecosystem engineers, regulating the structure and function of host communities altering the plant community allowing more diversity so not only theives, but robin hoods too. An example of the altering process can be seen with Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) which feeds of grasses weakening them and allowing other wild flower plant species to grow in meadows increasing plant and other species diversity.

Hemiparasitic species occur in many ecosystems and appear both here in the UK and in Europe in both lowland and upland environments. here are a select few that I have come across.

Common cow wheat (Melampyrium Pratense)

This plant is found on acidic soils of woodland edges, heaths and upland moors it has golden flowers and narrow pointed leaves. It parasitises mainly woody plants in lowland environments such as Oak, Beech and Rowan, in heath and upland areas Bilberry, Heather and Bog Myrtle.

The nectar of Common cow wheat can only be reached by insects with long proboscis and it is the larval food plant of the rare Heath Fritillary butterfly, it also has a interesting relationship with wood ants, the flowers attract the ants with sugar and the elaiosome (seeds) of the plant resemble the cocoons of the ant and they disperse the seeds as they take them back to there nests, as the ants don’t take the seeds very far the plant is an indicator of ancient woodland.

The genus name Melampyrum, is translated to black wheat this is in reference to the fact that if seeds are included with wheat or other grain and used to make bread the bread becomes discoloured (blackened). The second part of the name pratense means ‘of meadows’.

Yellow rattles (Rhinanthus spp)

Yellow rattles (Rhinanthus spp) have tube like yellow flowers and are found in nutrient poor meadows in the UK and in Europe including alpine areas. The yellow rattles parasitises on grasses and vetches and in doing so it weaken allowing other more delicate species to come through and become established increasing species diversity.

The yellow flowers fade in the late summer and the brown seed capsules in which the seeds are can be heard to rattle when walking through or in the breeze hence its common name of rattle.

As well as reducing the growth of grasses the plant itself is a food plant for a number of moth species and the flowers are attractive to a number of bumble bee species.

The name Rhinanthus is translated to nose flower a reference to the shape of the upper lip of the flower, some say the the flowers look like canaries hatching.

Eyebright (Euphrasia)

Eyebright (Euphrasia) species are found in many different habitats from coastal locations to high on mountains.

There are many different species which are difficult to distinguish as there are many hybrids, but most have small white flowers 5 to 10 mm with purple coloured veins and yellow central spot, some have more purple tinged flowers. They are parasitic on grasses reducing there growth and allowing the growth of other plants which would have been crowded out.

The name Eyebright is said to be derived from the Greek for Euphrasia which translates as to gladden and to gladden the eye, although it could be from its use by medieval herbalists to treat eye disorders or that the flowers look a little like eyes.

Eyebrights are Food plants for the pretty Pinion and Heath rivulet moth in the uk and are a nectar source for a number of bumblebee species and other insects.

Do you want to save your clients up 25% of their energy expenditure? And tidy up and practice your security on steep ground? Then security on steep ground workshop with Chris Ensoll would be a good place start. I attended this very thought provoking steep ground workshop, I thought I would write an overview of what we covered.

Chris started with a brief discussion of the biomechanics of how people walk and how this can be affected under stress; he explained that as humans we are ‘rear wheeled drive animals’ with most of our power coming from the large muscle groups in the legs supported by the core muscles. He continually emphasised the importance of body position.

Chris then wanted us to do a quick test of our walking styles going both down and uphill. After moving through the gate going onto the hill, we stopped to briefly talk about the Ragwort, before moving to a stream and performed the same test walking down to the stream and back up the other side. With everybody else watching, this felt a little odd. Back up on the other side we talked about the different aspects of firstly, how to descend and how to position your body if steep; think John Wayne, or if you’re younger, Chris has heard it described as a ‘Pimp swagger’. Then in ascent, again emphasising the importance of body position and using your body correctly, and where to put your feet to maintain a strong and stable position. The importance of being in the right position was illustrated and discussed, and this simple test and discussion could really assist some clients enjoy their day out on the hills more.

There followed more exercises involving moving up the slope on rocks with both hands behind your back, again with more emphasis on body position and using your feet and legs correctly. Arriving at a small spot of scree, there was a discussion on how to move across iCt, with your groups. Think Gimely and Legolas: compact down and then tread lightly. Once up and over the scree on a level spot, Chris started a discussion about spotting and how to be in the position of maximum effectiveness but also the limitations.

The discussion then moved on to talking about ropes: the length and the diameter and the pros and cons of the different types. Moving on from this, we looked at anchors and their selection. Knots were also discussed, with Chris illustrating a method to tie a bowline which impressed us all. Having got the ropes out we practiced leading and supporting clients using the rope – keeping it tight, held in both hands ready to get into position to stop a slide, building on the good body position and being in the position of maximum effectiveness. Having made progress up and down over various slopes, we examined ways to get down using the rope; making an improvised harness and lowering, as well as abseil methods.

On arriving back we adjourned to a pub for a debrief, where we noted down the masses of information and discussion points that had come up during the day. It had been a very good and informative experience, learning not only from Chris but the other members present too.

Thanks too Stuart Smith for organising the day

We woke to an overcast sky and the forecast of rain and thunderstorms in are part of the Maritime Alps, so whilst pondering what to do we had breakfast. Shortly after, we gave up on the original plan of starting a multi-day walk and decided on a trip to a high col and back the same way, ensuring that if the weather deteriorated we could just come straight back down. After some more general time-wasting, we began the short drive up to Le Boreon, taking the narrow roads that lead to a large car park.

As we arrived in the car park it started to rain; big, fat rain, the type that soaks you really quickly whilst trying to get waterproofs on – as evidenced by other walkers in the same car park, frantically reaching for their waterproofs, or just getting back into their cars and driving off! We sat in the car hoping the rain would pass, and when it did start to ease off, and with waterproofs on, we left the car and started off up the path. The first part of our route followed a short section of the GR52 through some very picturesque woodland and after about 45 minutes the rain cleared and the sun was out.

We emerged from the trees to arrive on a tarmac road and a short uphill walk to a col. After another short tarmac section on the other side of the col, we left the road and were then back into more forest, on a well marked track over some pretty streams, catching glimpses of mountains through the trees.

After about half an hour the trail struck off uphill and we continued steeply at first and then steadily, climbing through the trees. As we gained height the trees began to thin and we soon arrived at some zig zags which lead to a flatter area of Camp Boubran, a large high cwm. Here there were a series of picturesque small lakes with tall mountain backdrops, which we passed as the trail snaked across the floor of the cwm heading for the col on the ridge.

As we approached the headwall of the cwm, we caught our first glimpses of the second world war era bunkers and defences high up on the col and the surrounding slopes. The trail now became steep with plenty of zig zags, the effort was rewarded by increasingly better views of the surrounding mountains, until we finally arrived at the Col de Fremamorte and a view onto the Italian Maritime Alps.

The view into Italy was fantastic; a series of lakes and mountains as far as you could see. It was quite windy at the col and there was a distinct chill in the air, quite a contrast to the day before. We sat out of the wind and had some food, watching groups of Chamois skit about on the rocks. We examined an old barracks building a little way from the Col and wondered what it would have been like to be stationed up here.

With final looks a the view we began the descent back down the way in which we had come. The weather was distinctly overcast on the return journey, with the occasional spot of rain. We had hardly seen anyone since leaving the car park, so it was a surprise to see large groups walking into the forest, by the size of their rucksacks they were probably going to be out overnight.

We soon arrived back at the car and after Sean had put his feet in the icy stream at the car park, and with the weather clearing up, it was time to go and find some tea and cake at the campsite – another good day in the Maritime Alps.