Dorset Landscape Photography: Dorset Opium Poppies
22nd June 2012
Dorset Landscape Photography
Dorset Opium Poppies
I decided it was time to find some poppies. I had seen a few out and about on the roadsides or the edges of fields, but bot a proper filed of them. I knew my usual field had not grown this year, so I was out hunting.
Last year the Government handed out subsidies to encourage farmers to grow Opium poppies which were used for medicines here in the UK. A number of farms across Dorset & Hampshire grew them which also turned out to be a real plus for us Togs.
On my way over to East Dorset/Wiltshire borders I passed another of these Opium fields, in full bloom, and as they only have 3 days or so in flower, I had to stop and investigate. It was only a single field, on a private estate, but easily shot form the roadside and despite politely asking for access, it was denied.
After a hunt round Wiltshire and Salisbury Plain, where I did find a few fields, though nothing to compare with the Opium field, I headed back there for the last ''''Golden Hour'''' of warming light. During my trips down various off road tracks I managed to get the car stick in the mud, which Im sure will be the subject to another post later this week.
The Dorset Opiums are a large, pink flower, with a darker purple centre to the flower and make for a stunning field of blooms. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Dorset Opium Poppies
I decided it was time to find some poppies. I had seen a few out and about on the roadsides or the edges of fields, but bot a proper filed of them. I knew my usual field had not grown this year, so I was out hunting.
Last year the Government handed out subsidies to encourage farmers to grow Opium poppies which were used for medicines here in the UK. A number of farms across Dorset & Hampshire grew them which also turned out to be a real plus for us Togs.
On my way over to East Dorset/Wiltshire borders I passed another of these Opium fields, in full bloom, and as they only have 3 days or so in flower, I had to stop and investigate. It was only a single field, on a private estate, but easily shot form the roadside and despite politely asking for access, it was denied.
After a hunt round Wiltshire and Salisbury Plain, where I did find a few fields, though nothing to compare with the Opium field, I headed back there for the last ''''Golden Hour'''' of warming light. During my trips down various off road tracks I managed to get the car stick in the mud, which Im sure will be the subject to another post later this week.
The Dorset Opiums are a large, pink flower, with a darker purple centre to the flower and make for a stunning field of blooms. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Comments
By Wendy Sharpless: Wonderful photos . I heard about the farm in Dorset growing them on Radio 4 this morning. I wondered what colour they are. So thank you. By Desirae: These are beautiful! Thanks for the pictures! By Helen Jellett: Wonderful photos in my home county. Have seen the swathes of these beautiful flowers on the Drax estate and out around the back of Wimborne. Thankyou for sharing!