IF you take a walk around your local nature reserve, it is quite clear that summer is upon us. The warm (and damp) weather has resulted in a growth spurt among many of the plants. The marshes in places are particular impressive, with many areas, waist deep in grasses and iris.

To many people, each season is marked by an event produced by the natural world. Autumn is signified by the our woodland turning from lush green, to russet brown or warm orange and yellows, winter by the falling of the leaves or the long dark nights. The first flowers of spring, like the primrose are a real treat. Its name comes from the words prima rosa and literally means first rose, or could also be read as the prime flower'. Why? Because it cheers us up after the darkness of winter.

But to many its the blossom of the blackthorn that really welcomes spring. So bright against the dark wood of the tree, from a distance it could be mistaken for snow. There are so many things that signal the coming of summer, but for me it is the flowering of the elder. It is said that summer begins when the elder flowers and ends when the fruit ripens. A small shrub-like tree, its white blossom usually appears at the end of May or beginning of June. It is most often found in shady places, usually in the shadow of our other, more substantial woodland species.

While it is dwarfed by many, it is far from insignificant with its large white blooms and clusters of juicy berries. Anyone taking a stroll through many of the district's nature reserves would be hard pushed to overlook this splendid tree. Its structure is fairly unusual in that the branches have a soft pithy' core, making it an ideal wood for hollowing and creating musical instruments such as pan pipes or to make the pipes needed to make bellows for fire lighting. This affords it its alternative name of bore wood'.

Elder features in folklore, is said to have medicinal properties and to a great many people is a true culinary delight. Like many of the other trees with white blossom such as the hawthorn, it has strong associations with fairies, whom are said to favour the wood of the elder as the material for making musical instruments.

It is said that an elder tree growing at the back door wards off evil spirits, especially if it has self-seeded. In medieval times most dwellings would have had an elder by the back door. They were particularly common around bakehouses and dairies, with the loaves being left to cool under its branches.

This may seem odd to us, but it is fairly well accepted that the smell from elder leaves is an effective fly repellent and many still make a wreath from its branches to place around their horse's neck.

The name is thought to have derived from the Anglo Saxon term aeld' or fire, as its unusual structure makes it not only burn poorly but also crackle and spit loudly conjuring images of the devil spitting heat from the fire.

The flowers and fruit have been utilised for centuries. Both are used to make cordials and wines known to possess medicinal properties. The flowers can be cooked in batter to create tasty fritters.

A great many of the trees and plants found growing naturally around us can make a tasty treat, however, it is not recommended for the novice, as mistakes can be potentially fatal.