Ramsons (Allium ursinum), also known as wild garlic, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the United Kingdom. Belonging to the Alliaceae family, it is characterised by its lush green leaves and clusters of small white flowers.

Ramsons are commonly found in woodlands, hedgerows, and damp areas across the UK, particularly in shaded or partially shaded locations with moist, nutrient-rich soils. They often form extensive carpets of vegetation, particularly in ancient woodlands.

As a flowering plant, Ramsons serve as an important food source for various insects, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. Their nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, contributing to the overall biodiversity of their habitat.

Behaviorally, Ramsons typically grow in dense stands, forming patches of vegetation that can quickly colonise woodland floors. They are perennial plants, meaning they persist for multiple years, regrowing from bulbs each spring.

Ramsons have a long history of culinary use in the UK and are prized for their pungent garlic flavour and aroma. Their leaves and bulbs are edible and are often used in salads, soups, sauces, and pestos. They are particularly popular in foraging and wild food communities, where they are harvested sustainably from wild populations.

Culturally, Ramsons have been associated with folklore and traditional medicine, believed to possess various healing properties. They are also celebrated in festivals and events that honour wild foods and local culinary traditions.

An interesting fact about Ramsons is their ability to form extensive colonies in woodlands, creating carpets of greenery that provide cover and forage for wildlife and contribute to the unique biodiversity of ancient woodland ecosystems.