At RSPB Leighton Moss, a succession of marsh flowers including woody nightshade bloom along the reserve tracks. The plant is a perennial vine, which scrambles over other plants, capable of reaching a height of four metres where it discovers fallen tree trunks to envelope. The flowers are in star-shaped loose clusters, with five purple petals and yellow stamens bringing a double flash of colour to the well-worn paths of the reserve.
In the Middle Ages, the plant was thought to be effective against witchcraft and was sometimes hung around the neck of cattle to protect them. At Leighton Moss, cattle graze the inner marsh in order to maintain suitable conditions for the birds at all times of year. The limestone grassland and woodland supports a large variety of nationally-important plants, including woody nightshade.
With a deftness of touch and colour, the designer placed her flowers above an assortment of woody nightshade berries and leaves. The result binds everything about this extraordinary plant into one delightful piece.
A collection of designs inspired by RSPB Leighton Moss - the largest reedbed in northwest England, home to important breeding birds and other wildlife. This diverse habitat along the shores of nearby Morecambe Bay provides a home for important breeding populations of bearded tits and bitterns. Its wildlife ponds support dragonflies, while the coastal saltmarsh lagoons attract large numbers of wading birds including oystercatchers. These creatures, together with brimstone and orange tip butterflies and wigeon ducks are celebrated in all their glory in this collection.
Shape: 99/8
Designer: Nicola Slaney
About Moorcroft pottery
Moorcroft pottery are renowned for their craftsmanship and quality, as well as their beautiful depictions of British wildlife. Their pieces are numbered, limited editions and are highly collectable. We have worked in partnership with Moorcroft for several years, and this season we have chosen a selection of our favourite pieces from their latest collections.
