IN East Lancashire we are lucky enough to live close to limestone areas, especially around Clitheroe but also in areas above Cliviger.

Limestone soils warm up quickly and are well drained, which means that some delightful plants grow on them.

These are seen at their best throughout August and include birds foot trefoil, lots of different clovers and the delicate blue harebells. My favourite is the wild strawberry which has a long flowering period but many clumps have white flowers and tiny but very sweet red strawberries growing together.

Limestone flowers, and also those which grow on sand dunes, are at their best at this time. You could kill two birds with one stone -- learn about flowers and get brown!