THE cowslip is one of those wildflowers that you seldom come across – but when you do, then often they are growing in abundance.

One such place is the circular route coastal walk at Culross to the east of Kincardine. Here, in one or two patches, cowslips were flowering in their full yellow glory when I visited recently. Unlike the related primrose – their drooping yellow flower-heads are held aloft on stalks. And almost as startling as the flowers are their strange crinkled leaves.

In folklore, it is said that St Peter dropped the keys to heaven and where they fell was where the first cowslips sprang up.

Many other wildflowers were around too including cuckoo flower. Also known as lady’s-smock, this delightful flower is commonly found on areas of damp grassland. The colour of the flower can vary from almost white right through to a pastel mauve. It is such a delicate flower that sways gently whenever the breeze blows.

During the walk, I also found a small patch of white-petalled scurvygrass.

This is a plant I associate more with coastal clifftops, so it was good to find it here.

The leaves of scurvygrass are rich in vitamin C and the plant is so-named because in the past it was widely used to prevent the onset of scurvy. In 17th century England it was fashionable to partake in a tonic made from scurvygrass every morning, much in the same way as we would enjoy a glass of fruit juice today.

The tide was out and on a tidal skerry were several common seals basking in the spring sunshine.

Have you ever wondered why seals when beached often lie like bananas with the head and tail raised?

Apparently, it minimises body contact with the rising or falling tide. This helps to raise the skin temperature, which in turn aids fur growth.