The site of a 6^th century monastery, the ruins of St Blane’s Church are one of the major archaeological attractions on the island.  It’s in a lovely setting as well, but here let’s look at some of its botanical interest.

 Start at the turning circle on the Plan Road (GR NS093531 ) where a well-signposted track leads uphill to the ruins.  Alternatively, if you’re walking the West Island Way, you will arrive at the site as part of its southern loop.

The monastic enclosure generally is of limited botanical interest, but the stone walls in and around the two burial grounds (upper and lower) have their own delightful range of flora which are well worth exploring.  Here are a few of the species - it’s a garden in miniature! 

Lady's Bedstraw, Common Bird's-foot Trefoil and White Clover

Lesser Yellow Trefoil

 English Stonecrop

Wall Pennywort

Below I’ve listed 24 species on the churchyard walls that I recorded on this visit – you may well find others!