Field Meetings 1919
Shotwick and Burton SATURDAY, 3rd MAY 1919
Leader—Mr A. H. Dudley.
Train was taken to Capenhurst, and thence the party walked to Shotwick and Burton. Many of the usual spring flowers to be found in this part of Wirral were seen, including Sweet Violet Viola odorata, Moschatel Adoxa moschatellina, Sanicle Sanicula europaea, Common Cornsalad Valerianella locusta (= V. olitoria), Primrose Primula vulgaris, Cowslip P. veris and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium L. The micro-fungus, Uromyces geranii DC. was noted on Hedgerow Cranesbill Geranium pyrenaicum at Burton.
Moreton and West Kirby SATURDAY, 31st MAY 1919
Leader - Mr E. F. Payne, B.Sc.
From Moreton the party proceeded to Leasowe Common and behind the embankment to Hoylake. After tea, some of the party continued the walk to Grange Hill, West Kirby. The alien, Buttonweed Cotula coronopifolia, recorded years ago from this locality, was seen on Leasowe Common, and the moss Common Bladder-moss Physcomitrium pyriforme was found in good fruiting condition near the lighthouse. Other plants of interest noted during the ramble were :—Dandelion Taraxacum erythrospermum and Field Gromwell Buglossoides arvensis (= Lithospermum arvense) near Dove Point, Sand Cat's-tail Phleum arenarium, Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum officinale (lilac colour flowers), Star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum umbellatum and Slender Thistle Carduus tenuiflorus near Meols, and Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus near Newton. The following mosses were recorded : - Bicoloured Bryum Bryum bicolor (= B. atropurpureum), Wall Thread-moss Bryum radiculosum (= B. murale) (on mortared wall), Fertile Feather-moss Drepanocladus polygamus (= Hypnum polygamum), Kneiff's Feather-moss Leptodictyum riparium (= Hypnum riparium), Whitish Feather-moss Brachythecium albicans, and Swan’s-neck Thyme-moss Mnium affine at Fornall’s Green.
Wallasey Sand Dunes EVENING MEETING, 20th JUNE 1919
Leader—Miss A. B. Gleave, B.Sc.
It was found that the expectation that some extension of rarer species would be evident due to the protection of the dunes from public use for some years was not realised, and it was noticed that even some of the hardier types, such as Sea Holly Eryngium maritimum and Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum officinale are gradually disappearing. On the other hand, it was consoling to observe that the lament of Lord de Tabley for the gradual extinction of Bloody Crane's-bill Geranium sanguineum in the Mersey area was perhaps premature, as a strikingly beautiful sight was presented by a fine colony in flower on the summit and sides of the sandstone rocks at the ‘‘ Red Noses.” Among the species noted on the Wallasey dunes were Isle-of-Man Cabbage Coincya monensis subsp. monensis (= Brassica monensis), Common Evening-primrose Oenothera biennis, Rue-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites, Hairy Rock-cress Arabis hirsuta, Sheep's-bit Jasione montana , Burnet-saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga. Mosses :— Archangelic Thread-moss Bryum archangelicum (= Bryum inclinatum), Red Beard-moss Bryoerythrophyllum recurvirostrum (= Barbula rubella), Sand-hill Screw-moss Syntrichia ruraliformis (= Tortula ruraliformis), Spiral Extinguisher-moss Encalypta streptocarpa, Long-beaked Thyme-moss Plagiomnium rostratum (= Mnium rostratum), Hart's-tongue Thyme-moss Plagiomnium undulatum (= M. undulatum) , Whitish Feather-moss Brachythecium albicans, Megapolitan Feather-moss Rhynchostegium megapolitanum (= Eurynchium megapolitanum), and Cypress-leaved Plait-moss Hypnum cupressiforme, var. tectorum.
Cronton, Pex Hill and Tarbock Green SATURDAY, 28th JUNE 1919
Leader—W. G. Travis.
The prescribed route was departed from owing to lack of time to complete the journey, but the party were well satisfied with the route taken, which included the lane across Chapel Brook and by the side of Halsnead Park, eventually taking a charming overgrown way to Duke’s Clough. Several very interesting areas were inspected, the chief of these being woodlands suffering from the onslaught of the fellers, and bye-roads in which a surprising display of bloom was observed. The species noted included the following :— Ground-elder Aegopodium podagraria, near Chapel Bridge; Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea (= M. suaveolens); Wood-sorrel Oxalis acetosella; Rosebay Willowherb Chamaenerion angustifolium (= Epilobium angustifolium); Black Bryony Tamus communis; Enchanter's-nightshade Circaea lutetiana ; Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa ; White Water-lily Nymphaea alba on the Curling Pond, Rainhill; Remote Sedge Carex remota in some abundance near cleared woodland ; Heath-grass Danthonia decumbens (= Sieglingia decumbens); Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea; Wavy Hair-grass Avenella flexuosa (= Deschampsia flexuosa); Great Horsetail Equisetum telmateia (= E. maximum), in great quantity and of unusual luxuriance. Also, the following Gallae :--Psyllopsis fraxini, Duke’s Clough; Dasineura acrophila (= Perrisia acrophila Winn.), Duke’s Clough; Dasineura crataegi (= Perrisia crataegi Winn.), near Halsnead ; Jaapiella veronicae (= Perrisia veronicae Vallot), near Halsnead; Dasineura urticae (= Perrisia urticae Perris), Cronton ; Dasineura ulmaria (=Perrisia ulmariae) Cronton, and Common Spangle Gall Neuroterus quercusbaccarum (= N. lenticularis).
Barnston Irby and Thurstaston SATURDAY, 12th JULY 1919
Leader—Miss A. Leg, L.L.A.
The route chosen was from Storeton Station over Barnston Heath to Barnston Dale, thence through Pensby and Irby to Thurstaston Common, the journey concluding by an inspection of the flora on the clay cliffs at Dawpool. The interest mainly centred upon the heath flora; several areas of this type being visited. Among the species noted were the following :--PHANEROGAMIA— Blunt-leaved Pondweed Potamogeton obtusifolius, near Barnston ; Round-leaved Sundew Drosera rotundifolia, Barnston Heath (a new station found by the leader), and on Thurstaston Common ; Rosebay Willowherb Chamaenerion angustifolium (= Epilobium angustifolium), in fine flower especially at Thurstaston. On Thurstaston Common were seen :— Hare's-tail Cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum, Jointed Rush Juncus articulatus, Bog Asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, Deergrass Trichophorum cespitosum (Scirpus cespitosus), Broad-leaved Cottongrass Eriophorum polystachion, and Oblong-leaved Sundew Drosera intermedia. The following at Dawpool, on clay banks :— Biting Stonecrop Sedum acre, Yellow-wort Blackstonia perfoliata, Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea (= Erythraea centaurium), Bloody Crane's-bill Geranium sanguineum, and Sea-milkwort Lysimachia maritima (= Glaux maritima). FILICES :— Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata (= Lastrea dilatata), unusually luxuriant in Butcher’s Wood, Pensby; Hard-fern Blechnum spicant (= Lomaria spicant) Thurstaston (a new station). MUSCI AND HEPATICAE :—On - Barnston Heath— Large White-moss Leucobryum glaucum, Heath Plait-moss Hypnum jutlandicum (= H. cupressiforme var. ericetorum), Dwarf Swan-neck Moss Campylopus pyriformis, Broom Fork-moss Dicranum scoparium, Compact Bog-moss Sphagnum compactum (= Sphagnum rigidum), Bristly Fingerwort Kurzia pauciflora (= Lepidozia setacea), Two-horned Pincerwort Cephalozia bicuspidata, and Common Threadwort Cephaloziella divaricata (= Cephaloziella byssacea). Thurstaston Common— Red-neck Forklet-moss Dicranella cerviculata, Compact Bog-moss Sphagnum compactum (= Sphagnum rigidum, var. subsquarrosulum?), Floating Hook-moss Warnstorfia fluitans (= Hypnum fluitans L., var. falecatum Schp?), Nodding Thread-moss Pohlia nutans (= Webera nutans L., var. longiseta B. & S.?), Inflated Notchwort Gymnocolea inflata subsp. inflata, Forcipated Pincerwort Cephalozia connivens, and Bog-moss Flapwort Odontoschisma sphagni. GALLAE:— Sycamore Gall Mite Aceria macrorhyncha (= Eriophyes macrorrhynchus Nalepa) on Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus; Smooth Pea Gall Diplolepis eglanteriae /nervosa agg. (= Rhodites eglanteriae Htg.) on Field Rose Rosa arvensis; Gall Midge Jaapiella veronicae (= Perrisia veronicae) on Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys.
West Derby, Croxteth, and Knowsley Park SATURDAY, 23rd AUGUST 1919
Leaders—Miss E. Warhurst, L.L.A. and Mr F. Molyneux.
Although the weather was somewhat showery, some pleasant ground was inspected and fine forest trees in the grounds evoked general interest. Although a special search was made in the lake for the rare species previously recorded, Six-stamened Waterwort Elatine hexandra could not be found ; but the following were noted, and good specimens obtained :— Shoreweed Littorella uniflora (= Littorella lacustris), Rigid Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum, Blunt-leaved Pondweed Potamogeton obtusifolius and the moss, Greater Water-moss Fontinalis antipyretica. Tansy Tanacetum vulgare and Dwarf Mallow Malva neglecta (= Malva rotundifolia) were seen near Knowsley village.
Shotwick and Burton SATURDAY, 3rd MAY 1919
Leader—Mr A. H. Dudley.
Train was taken to Capenhurst, and thence the party walked to Shotwick and Burton. Many of the usual spring flowers to be found in this part of Wirral were seen, including Sweet Violet Viola odorata, Moschatel Adoxa moschatellina, Sanicle Sanicula europaea, Common Cornsalad Valerianella locusta (= V. olitoria), Primrose Primula vulgaris, Cowslip P. veris and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium L. The micro-fungus, Uromyces geranii DC. was noted on Hedgerow Cranesbill Geranium pyrenaicum at Burton.
Moreton and West Kirby SATURDAY, 31st MAY 1919
Leader - Mr E. F. Payne, B.Sc.
From Moreton the party proceeded to Leasowe Common and behind the embankment to Hoylake. After tea, some of the party continued the walk to Grange Hill, West Kirby. The alien, Buttonweed Cotula coronopifolia, recorded years ago from this locality, was seen on Leasowe Common, and the moss Common Bladder-moss Physcomitrium pyriforme was found in good fruiting condition near the lighthouse. Other plants of interest noted during the ramble were :—Dandelion Taraxacum erythrospermum and Field Gromwell Buglossoides arvensis (= Lithospermum arvense) near Dove Point, Sand Cat's-tail Phleum arenarium, Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum officinale (lilac colour flowers), Star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum umbellatum and Slender Thistle Carduus tenuiflorus near Meols, and Cyperus Sedge Carex pseudocyperus near Newton. The following mosses were recorded : - Bicoloured Bryum Bryum bicolor (= B. atropurpureum), Wall Thread-moss Bryum radiculosum (= B. murale) (on mortared wall), Fertile Feather-moss Drepanocladus polygamus (= Hypnum polygamum), Kneiff's Feather-moss Leptodictyum riparium (= Hypnum riparium), Whitish Feather-moss Brachythecium albicans, and Swan’s-neck Thyme-moss Mnium affine at Fornall’s Green.
Wallasey Sand Dunes EVENING MEETING, 20th JUNE 1919
Leader—Miss A. B. Gleave, B.Sc.
It was found that the expectation that some extension of rarer species would be evident due to the protection of the dunes from public use for some years was not realised, and it was noticed that even some of the hardier types, such as Sea Holly Eryngium maritimum and Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum officinale are gradually disappearing. On the other hand, it was consoling to observe that the lament of Lord de Tabley for the gradual extinction of Bloody Crane's-bill Geranium sanguineum in the Mersey area was perhaps premature, as a strikingly beautiful sight was presented by a fine colony in flower on the summit and sides of the sandstone rocks at the ‘‘ Red Noses.” Among the species noted on the Wallasey dunes were Isle-of-Man Cabbage Coincya monensis subsp. monensis (= Brassica monensis), Common Evening-primrose Oenothera biennis, Rue-leaved Saxifrage Saxifraga tridactylites, Hairy Rock-cress Arabis hirsuta, Sheep's-bit Jasione montana , Burnet-saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga. Mosses :— Archangelic Thread-moss Bryum archangelicum (= Bryum inclinatum), Red Beard-moss Bryoerythrophyllum recurvirostrum (= Barbula rubella), Sand-hill Screw-moss Syntrichia ruraliformis (= Tortula ruraliformis), Spiral Extinguisher-moss Encalypta streptocarpa, Long-beaked Thyme-moss Plagiomnium rostratum (= Mnium rostratum), Hart's-tongue Thyme-moss Plagiomnium undulatum (= M. undulatum) , Whitish Feather-moss Brachythecium albicans, Megapolitan Feather-moss Rhynchostegium megapolitanum (= Eurynchium megapolitanum), and Cypress-leaved Plait-moss Hypnum cupressiforme, var. tectorum.
Cronton, Pex Hill and Tarbock Green SATURDAY, 28th JUNE 1919
Leader—W. G. Travis.
The prescribed route was departed from owing to lack of time to complete the journey, but the party were well satisfied with the route taken, which included the lane across Chapel Brook and by the side of Halsnead Park, eventually taking a charming overgrown way to Duke’s Clough. Several very interesting areas were inspected, the chief of these being woodlands suffering from the onslaught of the fellers, and bye-roads in which a surprising display of bloom was observed. The species noted included the following :— Ground-elder Aegopodium podagraria, near Chapel Bridge; Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea (= M. suaveolens); Wood-sorrel Oxalis acetosella; Rosebay Willowherb Chamaenerion angustifolium (= Epilobium angustifolium); Black Bryony Tamus communis; Enchanter's-nightshade Circaea lutetiana ; Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa ; White Water-lily Nymphaea alba on the Curling Pond, Rainhill; Remote Sedge Carex remota in some abundance near cleared woodland ; Heath-grass Danthonia decumbens (= Sieglingia decumbens); Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea; Wavy Hair-grass Avenella flexuosa (= Deschampsia flexuosa); Great Horsetail Equisetum telmateia (= E. maximum), in great quantity and of unusual luxuriance. Also, the following Gallae :--Psyllopsis fraxini, Duke’s Clough; Dasineura acrophila (= Perrisia acrophila Winn.), Duke’s Clough; Dasineura crataegi (= Perrisia crataegi Winn.), near Halsnead ; Jaapiella veronicae (= Perrisia veronicae Vallot), near Halsnead; Dasineura urticae (= Perrisia urticae Perris), Cronton ; Dasineura ulmaria (=Perrisia ulmariae) Cronton, and Common Spangle Gall Neuroterus quercusbaccarum (= N. lenticularis).
Barnston Irby and Thurstaston SATURDAY, 12th JULY 1919
Leader—Miss A. Leg, L.L.A.
The route chosen was from Storeton Station over Barnston Heath to Barnston Dale, thence through Pensby and Irby to Thurstaston Common, the journey concluding by an inspection of the flora on the clay cliffs at Dawpool. The interest mainly centred upon the heath flora; several areas of this type being visited. Among the species noted were the following :--PHANEROGAMIA— Blunt-leaved Pondweed Potamogeton obtusifolius, near Barnston ; Round-leaved Sundew Drosera rotundifolia, Barnston Heath (a new station found by the leader), and on Thurstaston Common ; Rosebay Willowherb Chamaenerion angustifolium (= Epilobium angustifolium), in fine flower especially at Thurstaston. On Thurstaston Common were seen :— Hare's-tail Cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum, Jointed Rush Juncus articulatus, Bog Asphodel Narthecium ossifragum, Deergrass Trichophorum cespitosum (Scirpus cespitosus), Broad-leaved Cottongrass Eriophorum polystachion, and Oblong-leaved Sundew Drosera intermedia. The following at Dawpool, on clay banks :— Biting Stonecrop Sedum acre, Yellow-wort Blackstonia perfoliata, Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea (= Erythraea centaurium), Bloody Crane's-bill Geranium sanguineum, and Sea-milkwort Lysimachia maritima (= Glaux maritima). FILICES :— Broad Buckler-fern Dryopteris dilatata (= Lastrea dilatata), unusually luxuriant in Butcher’s Wood, Pensby; Hard-fern Blechnum spicant (= Lomaria spicant) Thurstaston (a new station). MUSCI AND HEPATICAE :—On - Barnston Heath— Large White-moss Leucobryum glaucum, Heath Plait-moss Hypnum jutlandicum (= H. cupressiforme var. ericetorum), Dwarf Swan-neck Moss Campylopus pyriformis, Broom Fork-moss Dicranum scoparium, Compact Bog-moss Sphagnum compactum (= Sphagnum rigidum), Bristly Fingerwort Kurzia pauciflora (= Lepidozia setacea), Two-horned Pincerwort Cephalozia bicuspidata, and Common Threadwort Cephaloziella divaricata (= Cephaloziella byssacea). Thurstaston Common— Red-neck Forklet-moss Dicranella cerviculata, Compact Bog-moss Sphagnum compactum (= Sphagnum rigidum, var. subsquarrosulum?), Floating Hook-moss Warnstorfia fluitans (= Hypnum fluitans L., var. falecatum Schp?), Nodding Thread-moss Pohlia nutans (= Webera nutans L., var. longiseta B. & S.?), Inflated Notchwort Gymnocolea inflata subsp. inflata, Forcipated Pincerwort Cephalozia connivens, and Bog-moss Flapwort Odontoschisma sphagni. GALLAE:— Sycamore Gall Mite Aceria macrorhyncha (= Eriophyes macrorrhynchus Nalepa) on Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus; Smooth Pea Gall Diplolepis eglanteriae /nervosa agg. (= Rhodites eglanteriae Htg.) on Field Rose Rosa arvensis; Gall Midge Jaapiella veronicae (= Perrisia veronicae) on Germander Speedwell Veronica chamaedrys.
West Derby, Croxteth, and Knowsley Park SATURDAY, 23rd AUGUST 1919
Leaders—Miss E. Warhurst, L.L.A. and Mr F. Molyneux.
Although the weather was somewhat showery, some pleasant ground was inspected and fine forest trees in the grounds evoked general interest. Although a special search was made in the lake for the rare species previously recorded, Six-stamened Waterwort Elatine hexandra could not be found ; but the following were noted, and good specimens obtained :— Shoreweed Littorella uniflora (= Littorella lacustris), Rigid Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum, Blunt-leaved Pondweed Potamogeton obtusifolius and the moss, Greater Water-moss Fontinalis antipyretica. Tansy Tanacetum vulgare and Dwarf Mallow Malva neglecta (= Malva rotundifolia) were seen near Knowsley village.