630E1 Cowslip on The Downs

630E1 Cowslip on the Downs
The cowslip is frequently found on more open ground than the primrose, including open fields, meadows, coastal dunes and cliff tops. The plant suffered a decline due to changing agricultural practices throughout the 1970s and 1980s in Britain. It may therefore be rare locally, though where found it may be abundant. The common name cowslip may derive from the old English for cow dung, probably because the plant was often found growing amongst the manure in cow pastures. An alternative derivation simply refers to slippery or boggy ground; again, a typical habitat for this plant.The species name vēris means "of spring". However, this is not the first primula to flower, being preceded by the primrose P. vulgaris.Other folk names include cuy lippe, herb peter, paigle, peggle, key flower, key of heaven, fairy cups, petty mulleins, crewel, buckles, palsywort, plumrocks, tittypines.