England's dwarf milkwort may have no greater friend than nearly 100-year-old flower finder Margaret Bradshaw, who has been scouring the Teesdale countryside for blooms that are becoming rarer finds.
Bradshaw's work in northern England was recently highlighted by @guardian. Her efforts during the years have been extensive. In addition to her 288-page book, she has a detailed 12-page report on her research method and findings. It includes in-depth maps, species descriptions, and other key details. Some of the plants she is studying have been a part of the Teesdale landscape for 12,000 years.
The botanist, at 97, has spent decades trying to figure out why a list of unique flowers, some that only exist in the region being studied, are disappearing.
The dwarf milkwort's numbers, for example, are down 98%, according to the story.
The reasons for the decline are varied. Bradshaw told the Guardian that our overheating planet's impact needs to be researched more. Fewer sheep grazing the countryside has allowed taller grass to smother some of the flowers. Rabbits and artificial fertilizers may also play a role, per the Guardian.
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