Heather on Cannock Chase is enjoying purple patch
It lies like a thick, purple carpet – or perhaps a colourful patchwork quilt.
But these beautiful images in fact show purple heather growing over Cannock Chase.
And the photographs were taken at the beauty spot by Express & Star reader Ryan LeBear Kearney, who captured the plant in all its glory in a series of aerial shots using a drone.
The idyllic pictures highlight some of the natural beauty that visitors can take in at Cannock Chase – Britain's smallest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – along with its miles of rolling hills and unspoilt forest tracks which are perfect for walks and cycling.
The plant even spawned a song from Rod Stewart – Purple Heather, which was released in 1995.
Heather, or calluna vulgaris, is the sole species in the genus calluna in the family ericaceae.
It is a low-growing perennial shrub, and grows around eight to 20 inches tall.
It is found widely in Europe on acidic soils in open sunny situations and in moderate shade.
Heather is the dominant plant in most heathland and moorland in Europe, and in some bog vegetation and acidic pine and oak woodland.
And for those looking to create the masterpiece at home, heather is relatively easy to maintain providing you keep it in the right compost.
Angela Bould, assistant manager at Hollybush Garden Centre and Aquaria in Shareshill, Wolverhampton, said heather comes in a variety of colours, including white, red, green and yellow.
"We've got all sorts of heather at the moment and it is our plant of the month.
"Purple is one of the more common colours."
Angela said the plant is simple to maintain at home. "As long as it is in ericaceous compost rather than the multi-purpose, you can put it in the garden or in a pot," she said.
"Certain heather can last all year round, they just keep going. You do get seasonal ones and we have got some winter ones in at the moment.
"They are seasonal and they are perennial. They stay the same colour all year round," added Angela.
Express & Star readers can send in their pictures from across the Black Country and Staffordshire to be in with a chance of winning £100.
To be in with a chance of winning, send your best snaps to Star Witness at www.expressandstar.com/starwitness
