Brilliant Yellow Gorse Blooms

Gorse reaches its best in April, but there should still be plenty around in May. In fact, it is said that gorse flowers can be seen in every month of the year, and there numberous similar sayings that bare witness to this:

"When gorse is not in bloom, kissing is out of fashion"

"As long as there is some gorse in flower, England will not be invaded".

On a warm day, the intense blooms give off a smell of almonds. The flowers can be used to make wine, and gorse has been put to other uses over the years, including fuel for bread ovens. One of the best places to look for gorse is on heathland, and there is pletny to be found at Kinson and Turbary Commons, as well as Hengistbury Head.