July 14th – Gorse bushes line the canal banks and cover the heaths and commons of Brownhills in abundance. For a while in May they are a riot of yellow and deep, deep green, and then, late July into August the seed pods ripen, blacken and dry in the sun. When ready, the seed casings pop open in the heat, with a characteristic cracking sound that will be familiar to any local who grew up amongst the grasslands of the area. As the Gorse slowly ripens, the rattling of the fruit is almost musical. It’s always fascinated me. This fine example was on the sandbank at Wharf Lane.

Author: BrownhillsBob

I told the truth - but told it bent. Wandering around bemused and ranty since 2007. View all posts by BrownhillsBob