1997 Field Trips
Lomax 17th May, Stanley Bank Meadow 21st June, Rainford 12th July, Neston 2nd August, Dibbinsdale & Bromborough 23rd August, Bold Moss 13th September, Wepre Woods 4th October
Lomax 17th May, Stanley Bank Meadow 21st June, Rainford 12th July, Neston 2nd August, Dibbinsdale & Bromborough 23rd August, Bold Moss 13th September, Wepre Woods 4th October
1997 Field Meeting Reports
Lomax 17th May 1997 (Leader - Edna Stephenson)
A party of 14 met at Atherton railway station and set off by field paths, not touching a road again until returning to the station. This district has been threatened by open cast mining for many years, so we recorded plants seen in two tetrads. A plant more common in the northwest of Britain Common Bistort Persicaria bistorta was in flower in many places. Another species more common in the north Wood Horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum attracted admiration. Grovelling beneath a field hedge some distance from any house was an alien Pink Purslane Claytonia sibirica with many deep pink flowers making a good show even from a distance.
A fine oak growing by a brook was an example of Quercus x rosacea, the hybrid between the Pedunculate Oak Q. robur and the Sessile Oak Q. petraea, having both stalked leaves and acorns. Our native Bluebell Hyacinthoides nonscripta was in flower in many places while, not too far from some houses, a fine plant with broad leaves and flowers all round the main stem was identified as the Spanish Bluebell H. hispanica. The tepals were straight, not recurved at the tip as with the former species or in the hybrids of the two species which is more common and was seen in a few places. A long coal bing had to be crossed and despite much laughter some of us were glad of a helping hand. Safely on flat ground we found quite a different habitat. Tufts of Purple Moor-grass, Molinia sp. growing on peat and on drier banks, rowan trees in flower. In a damp meadow a marsh orchid was coming into flower and there were also spotted leaves of the Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii. Part of the brick work of a footbridge over the railway was festooned with ferns, mainly Male Dryopteris filix-mas and Broad Bucklers D. dilatata but also two fine tufts of Black Spleenwort Asplenium adiantum-nigrum.
Vera Gordon
Stanley Bank Meadow — 21st June 1997 (Leader — Dr Angus Gunn)
Days of rain before the meeting, including a fine drizzle just before the start of the meeting brought muddy paths and very, very wet vegetation to greet the party of nine members who ventured into deepest St. Helens. Using some of the recently laid footpaths we managed to avoid the worst of the muddy track, but we could not avoid the vegetation.
Many of the wildflowers had also decided to shut up shop for the day because of the weather but many of the grasses, sedges and rushes were at their best. The Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea was in full flower, flushed in shades of red and pink, and the tussocks of Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia caespitosa brought to mind Hugh McAllister's talk on the subject a few years ago. The first rushes to attract our attention were Hard Rush Juncus inflexus, Soft-rush J. effusus and what looked like their hybrid J. x diffusus along with abundant Compact Rush J. conglomeratus. Later, we added Toad Rush J. bufonius and Jointed Rush J. articulatus as well as both subspecies of Heath Wood-rush Luzula multiflora ssp. multiflora & L. m. ssp. congesta, to our list of Juncaceae for the meadow.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the meadow at this time of year are the hundreds of spikes of marsh orchids. As is often the case, it was hard to name many of the plants with absolute certainty, although most of the plants were forms of Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii while some others had the look of Southern Marsh-orchid D. praetermissa, and several more were probably of mixed parentage. For me, a more exciting find was Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata, which I believe is a probably new record for the site.
The weather meant that it was definitely not a day for a hands-and-knees search for the smaller herbs amongst, so I was particularly grateful that one of our party, Colin, knew exactly where the small plants of Adder's-tongue Fern Ophioglossum vulgatum grew. Hairy Sedge Carex hirta was also common on this part of the meadow while the massed heads of the Zig-zag Clover Trifolium medium were as attractive as any orchid. Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus was also abundant and the distinctive way that water sits on the leaves and flower buds of these plants was easily observed on this damp morning. Some of the taller, perennial herbs emerging above the grasses were Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria - sadly not in flower, Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre, and on the woodland fringes Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa.
As we were leaving the meadow the attention of some of the party was diverted by an attractive moth, the Clouded Border but we were soon the attention of some less appealing insects - biting mosquitoes - I got several lumps on the backs of my hands to prove it.
The party returned to our start point via Glasshouse Close Wood which occupies the small valley cut by the Black Brook. Half way down the valley slope there is a channel dug in the 18th century to supply water to a foundry (now long gone). In this channel, now no more than a broad, shallow ditch shaded by Alder Alnus glutinosa and other trees, grow many wet-loving plants including Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Hemlock Water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata, and Yellow Flag Iris pseudacorus. Gypsy-wort Lycopus europaeus, Larger Bitter-cress Cardamine amara, and Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris were also present but unfortunately not in flower. Perhaps most abundant and beautiful of all were the tussocks of Remote Sedge Carex remota running like the beads of a great necklace along the length of the ditch.
After lunch, the party decided to walk along the Sankey Valley Park running alongside the historic canal. Along the water's edge were Reedmace Typha latifolia and Sweet flag Acorus calamus. This latter plant is a long established alien from Asia and is a member of the Arum Lily family. One plant was seen in flower but apparently this species never sets fruit in England.
Extensive planting has been carried out by the paths along the valley the most interesting of which was an unusual willow. Other finds near the canal were Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera, the two species of Melilot Melilotus alba and M. officinalis growing together. We finally called it a day when we reached the Havannah Flashes. As we turned for home we added False Fox-sedge Carex otrubae, to our list of finds.
Finally, while writing this, I have realised that we did not search for what is perhaps Stanley Banks' greatest treasure - Spiked Sedge Carex spicata - oh well, I suppose there's always next time.
PS. The mystery willow
To some of us, including me, most willows are a bit of a mystery, but the plant found on our excursion along the Sankey Valley has proved more intractable than most. It should be reasonably easy to identify as it is most distinctive. It is a large shrub, over 3m high, the bark on the twigs is a handsome olive-green, the stipules are very large and persistent and the leaves obovate, bright glossy green above and almost white below. Vera, who first spotted this plant a few years back and who pointed it out to us has stumped quite a few experts with it but has finally had it named as Salix bicolor. This would seem fine, but textbooks now treat this name as a synonym of S. schraderiana, a European species very like S. phylicifolia. Which is quite different from our species. Running it through the key in The European Garden Flora suggested S. discolor, a species from eastern North America but this is difficult to confirm. Any other opinions?
Angus Gunn
Rainford (tetrad recording) 12th July (Leaders- Vera Gordon and Pat Lockwood)
From Rainford Junction Station about a dozen of us set out to record plants over two tetrads, SD40R and SD40Q.
From the station we were led northwards through typical suburban streets to the edge of the drained mossland, now intensively farmed. Quite a wide range of ruderal and agricultural weed species were noted in the early stages with the vegetation becoming denser and more permanent along a lovely stretch of disused railway line. This line had interesting acidic grass/herb swards and developing Silver Birch canopy, reflecting the nature of unfarmed fragments of the adjacent drained mossland. Leaving the former railway, we headed west to Holly Lane with a short diversion to the north to look at a stand of mixed plantation, where a small population of Narrow Buckler-fern Dryopteris carthusiana was found on the banks of a peaty ditch. We lunched in a field corner long used by a farmer for dumping rubbish, so had an extra rich diet of ruderals and exotics to add to our list. From here our route passed through farmland and hedgerows, eventually reaching the Rainford By-pass. The grassy edges of this large road held some pleasant surprises; there was a fine stand of hybrid Woundwort Stachys x ambigua, well established at one point, some Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia in a disturbed section of verge and scattered Silver Hair-grass Aira caryophyllea in the central reservation. Crossing, at some risk, this fast road we entered the pleasant wooded country park area of Sidings Lane, taking in some richly vegetated abandoned industrial land on its fringes. This area of woodland is established on a former colliery, which straddles the boundary between squares 40R and 40Q. North of the map gridline a total of 240 plant taxa was noted from the mixed range of habitats in tetrad 40R.
Passing southwards into square 40Q we first encountered the old colliery pond, formerly providing water supply for the steam-driven winding engines, now supporting a rich aquatic and marginal flora including introductions such as Greater Spearwort Ranunculus lingua. South of the railway we were back into intensively farmed drained mossland. As with the similar area at the start of the walk almost nothing is left of the former peat bog vegetation.
However, some species did seem to typify the peaty banks of drainage ditches and track edges, notably Bifid Hempnettle Galeopsis bifida and Heath Groundsel Senecio sylvatica. Field Pansy Viola arvensis was also abundant in field edges. Heading in a southeasterly direction we inevitably reached the Rainford By-pass again, though with nothing of great interest visible in the densely vegetated mesotrophic grassy verges here. Continuing through farmland for a short while the suburban housing estates were soon reached, we passed through these and rejoined a section of the disused railway line and headed back north. This section of the former line, opened for public use, has been much planted and is managed by the local authority so is very different in character to the private, northern section. Leaving the houses of Rainford the path is on a high embankment with good views over the surrounding flat landscape, crossing back into tetrad 40R at this high level the route bifurcates creating a triangle of unfarmed land with diverse vegetation, proceeding back to the station a flowering spike of Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera was noted. A total of 153 taxa of vascular plants was noted in the less diverse southern tetrad of SD40Q.
Altogether the day's work made a valuable contribution to tetrad recording, adding to data useful for both Atlas 2000 and the proposed new VC flora. Furthermore, it only rained on us at lunchtime!
Peter Gateley
Neston 2nd August 1997 (Leader - Joan S. Duerden)
From Neston station ten members walked via the Wirral Way and paths towards Parkgate with a brief diversion to the shore. Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica was just coming into flower. We continued to Parkgate to walk along the parade, some members exploring the shore where there is a thick growth of marsh plants including Grass-leaved Orache Atriplex littoralis, Annual Sea-blite Suaeda maritima and a species of Galingale, possibly a garden escape.
Lunch was enjoyed at the RSPB picnic area. Nearby was a solitary plant of Spiny Restharrow Ononis spinosa.
Continuing by the shore we found Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis, among thick vegetation. Crossing the golf course a brief stop was made by a pond to admire White Water-lilies Nymphaea alba before rejoining the Wirral Way. A bush with blackberry-like leaves and large pink flowers was growing here and later identified as Rubus odoratus. Pepper-saxifrage Silaum silaus and Rough Hawk’s-beard Crepis biennis were among the heavy growth of plants by the footpath. Hart's-tongue fern Phyllitis scolopendrium was growing among the brickwork of a bridge.
The return to Neston was made along the Wirral Way after a fine, warm day with sunny periods.
Vera Gordon
Dibbinsdale & Bromborough 23rd August 1997 (Leader - Dr K. Watson)
On a dull and cloudy day, with occasional light rain, a party of 13 met at Spital Station. Unusual plants, arising from a wild flower seed mixture, including Weasel's-snout Misopates orontium, Rough Poppy Papaver hybridum and a chamomile, Anthemis austriaca, were found at the station car park.
We followed the path to Spital Field where interesting finds included Foxtail Barley Hordeum jubatum and Red Bartsia Odontites vernus on the path to Boder's Hey Meadow. Common Comfrey Symphytum officinale was found near Dibbin's Brook and Hard Fern Blechnum spicant, Hybrid Woundwort Stachys x ambigua and the grasses, False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, Hairy Brome Bromopsis ramosa and Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula were found on the path through the woods to the tunnel.
A damp lunch was taken at Babb's Meadow where, nearby, Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis and Betony Stachys officinalis were growing. Lunch was followed by a visit to Woodslee Pond where Water Soldier Stratiotes aloides was abundant with Rigid Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum, and Greater Duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza. Hairy Wood-rush Luzula pilosa and Great Wood-rush L. sylvatica were seen on the paths to St Patrick's Well.
The party then walked along Spital Road, past Wall Lettuce Mycelis muralis, on a wall at Spital Dam, to the path along the old railway between the Port Sunlight works and Bromborough Pool. Royal Fern Osmunda regalis and other ferns were very fine on the damp sandstone cliff-like faces of the cutting. Other notable plants included Marshmallow Malva moschata, Pale Toadflax Linaria repens, Fennel Foeniculum vulgare and Wormwood Artemisia absinthium. Finally, the party explored the industrial waste-ground around Stadium Road where Canadian Fleabane Conyza canadensis, Lupin Lupinus x regalis and Red-osier Dogwood Cornus suecica were found before returning to Spital Station.
Keith Watson
Bold Moss 13th September 1997 (Leader-Peter Gateley)
It was a beautiful Autumn day with magnificent skies when 13 members (plus one dog!) set off from St Helens Junction towards Bold Moss. Firstly, we paid respects to an old friend, a stand of California Brome Ceratochloa carinata which looked to be flourishing in its patch by the railway bridge. Heading eastward, parallel to the railway, we noted that this species was also frequent in the footpath edges and was established in several gardens, it will be interesting to monitor its spread from here. We approached Bold Moss through a series of scrap yards and small businesses established on a former Pilkington's tip which once stretched from the road eastwards into the mossland, when tipping was completed this area developed Heather Calluna vulgaris dominated vegetation which survived right up to the 1940s (can be seen on earliest aerial photographs), searching on site revealed a few surviving clumps of this species in this now very disturbed area. From this older tip we reached a large mound of colliery waste tipped during the 1960s and 70s onto the former mossland of Bold Moss. Much of this surface is still pale grey bare shale but sparse acidic swards have developed in some places with populations of Eyebright Euphrasia sp. and Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea. The southern face of the tip was "restored" in the late 70s, fertiliser was incorporated, a grass mix sown and a range of tree species with nitrogen-fixing properties planted. Comparisons between the three most commonly encountered species of Alder were made, Common Alder Alnus glutinosa, Grey Alder A. incana and Italian Alder A. cordata, were all inspected. Freely suckering specimens of False-acacia Robinia pseudoacacia, were also noted.
Along the base of the tip is a narrow strip of untipped land, below overhead electricity lines, because of the wires this area escaped being buried under colliery shale and forms a band of relict mossland vegetation (Bold Moss).
Though dominated by Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea, there is much Common Cotton-grass Eriophorum angustifolium, and cushions of a variety of Sphagnum moss species as well as scattered Heather. Bits of old mossland survive intermittently around the edges of the huge colliery waste tip, in various stages of colonisation by dense willow scrub, invaded by tall swamp species or in an advanced state of dryness. The largest tract of relict mossland (Burtonwood Moss) in the south-eastern corner of the site was visited. This has similar relict vegetation to Bold Moss but by dint of its larger extent has much more of a mossland atmosphere and some extra species such as Heath Rush Juncus squarrosus, and Marsh Pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Right on the opposite side of the tip from here the remaining fragments of Sutton Moss have been greatly affected by run-off from the waste tip.
Parts have survived as relict acidic peat-based vegetation, with the only known local specimens of Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix, and Hare's-tail Cotton-grass Eriophorum vaginatum. However, where run-off has covered the peat with a mix of fine colliery shale and PFA (pulverised fuel ash) the soil conditions have changed markedly, and this area supports an increasing colony of Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris amongst a rich almost dune slack-like species mix. The former peat diggings have flooded with nutrient-rich water and form an extensive mosaic of tall swamp communities on this western part of the site.
Various plant communities were observed on the tip itself, notably some fine Silver Birch Betula pendula dominated woodland and young natural heathland regeneration with a carpet of the exotic moss species Campylopus introflexus. However, it was agreed that the tantalising remains of the once much more extensive lowland raised bog habitat were the day's most interesting feature.
Peter Gateley
Wepre Woods 4th October 1997 (Leader - Vera Gordon)
A party of 14 met at Shotton railway station and proceeded on a footpath to the narrow salt marsh of the River Dee.
The plant we had come to see was the tiny umbel, Slender Hare's-ear Bupleurum tenuissimum found there in 1992 by one of our members where it had not been recorded for 80 years.
This is as far north on the west coast where the species has been found. It did not take long to find some though, like the other salt marsh plants there, such as Sea Thrift and Scurvygrass, it was almost disguised by a thin film of grey mud due to the recent high tide. Along the crest of the flood bank there was a dense colony of small shrub Spiny Restharrow Ononis spinosa, but the flowers were over.
We then turned inland following the Wepre Brook to Wepre Woods where we had lunch in a green clearing among the trees.
Walking alongside the brook on a boardwalk over soggy ground we admired huge clumps of Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula and found Water Chickweed, Myosoton aquaticum, still in flower.
In the woods the commonest fern was the Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum, although Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Broad Buckler D. dilatata, and Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina, were also present.
In most places in the wood the ground was hard and dry but among fungi seen were Stinkhorns Phallus impudicus, Honey Fungus Armillaria mellea, Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare, Coprinus plicatilis, Glistening Ink Cap C. micaceus, Shaggy Ink Cap C. comatus, the colourful Plums and Custard Tricholomopsis rutilans. On old tree stumps the puffball Lycoperdon pyriforme, was found in large swarms while the Candle-snuff Fungus Xylaria hypoxylon was common on others.
The ruins of Ewloe Castle, built in 1257, were reached after a short, sharp climb where we sat and enjoyed a tea break before returning downhill across fields and down a tree banked lane to Shotton Station.
Vera Gordon
Lomax 17th May 1997 (Leader - Edna Stephenson)
A party of 14 met at Atherton railway station and set off by field paths, not touching a road again until returning to the station. This district has been threatened by open cast mining for many years, so we recorded plants seen in two tetrads. A plant more common in the northwest of Britain Common Bistort Persicaria bistorta was in flower in many places. Another species more common in the north Wood Horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum attracted admiration. Grovelling beneath a field hedge some distance from any house was an alien Pink Purslane Claytonia sibirica with many deep pink flowers making a good show even from a distance.
A fine oak growing by a brook was an example of Quercus x rosacea, the hybrid between the Pedunculate Oak Q. robur and the Sessile Oak Q. petraea, having both stalked leaves and acorns. Our native Bluebell Hyacinthoides nonscripta was in flower in many places while, not too far from some houses, a fine plant with broad leaves and flowers all round the main stem was identified as the Spanish Bluebell H. hispanica. The tepals were straight, not recurved at the tip as with the former species or in the hybrids of the two species which is more common and was seen in a few places. A long coal bing had to be crossed and despite much laughter some of us were glad of a helping hand. Safely on flat ground we found quite a different habitat. Tufts of Purple Moor-grass, Molinia sp. growing on peat and on drier banks, rowan trees in flower. In a damp meadow a marsh orchid was coming into flower and there were also spotted leaves of the Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii. Part of the brick work of a footbridge over the railway was festooned with ferns, mainly Male Dryopteris filix-mas and Broad Bucklers D. dilatata but also two fine tufts of Black Spleenwort Asplenium adiantum-nigrum.
Vera Gordon
Stanley Bank Meadow — 21st June 1997 (Leader — Dr Angus Gunn)
Days of rain before the meeting, including a fine drizzle just before the start of the meeting brought muddy paths and very, very wet vegetation to greet the party of nine members who ventured into deepest St. Helens. Using some of the recently laid footpaths we managed to avoid the worst of the muddy track, but we could not avoid the vegetation.
Many of the wildflowers had also decided to shut up shop for the day because of the weather but many of the grasses, sedges and rushes were at their best. The Reed Canary-grass Phalaris arundinacea was in full flower, flushed in shades of red and pink, and the tussocks of Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia caespitosa brought to mind Hugh McAllister's talk on the subject a few years ago. The first rushes to attract our attention were Hard Rush Juncus inflexus, Soft-rush J. effusus and what looked like their hybrid J. x diffusus along with abundant Compact Rush J. conglomeratus. Later, we added Toad Rush J. bufonius and Jointed Rush J. articulatus as well as both subspecies of Heath Wood-rush Luzula multiflora ssp. multiflora & L. m. ssp. congesta, to our list of Juncaceae for the meadow.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the meadow at this time of year are the hundreds of spikes of marsh orchids. As is often the case, it was hard to name many of the plants with absolute certainty, although most of the plants were forms of Common Spotted-orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii while some others had the look of Southern Marsh-orchid D. praetermissa, and several more were probably of mixed parentage. For me, a more exciting find was Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata, which I believe is a probably new record for the site.
The weather meant that it was definitely not a day for a hands-and-knees search for the smaller herbs amongst, so I was particularly grateful that one of our party, Colin, knew exactly where the small plants of Adder's-tongue Fern Ophioglossum vulgatum grew. Hairy Sedge Carex hirta was also common on this part of the meadow while the massed heads of the Zig-zag Clover Trifolium medium were as attractive as any orchid. Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil Lotus pedunculatus was also abundant and the distinctive way that water sits on the leaves and flower buds of these plants was easily observed on this damp morning. Some of the taller, perennial herbs emerging above the grasses were Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria - sadly not in flower, Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre, and on the woodland fringes Common Figwort Scrophularia nodosa.
As we were leaving the meadow the attention of some of the party was diverted by an attractive moth, the Clouded Border but we were soon the attention of some less appealing insects - biting mosquitoes - I got several lumps on the backs of my hands to prove it.
The party returned to our start point via Glasshouse Close Wood which occupies the small valley cut by the Black Brook. Half way down the valley slope there is a channel dug in the 18th century to supply water to a foundry (now long gone). In this channel, now no more than a broad, shallow ditch shaded by Alder Alnus glutinosa and other trees, grow many wet-loving plants including Water Mint Mentha aquatica, Hemlock Water-dropwort Oenanthe crocata, and Yellow Flag Iris pseudacorus. Gypsy-wort Lycopus europaeus, Larger Bitter-cress Cardamine amara, and Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris were also present but unfortunately not in flower. Perhaps most abundant and beautiful of all were the tussocks of Remote Sedge Carex remota running like the beads of a great necklace along the length of the ditch.
After lunch, the party decided to walk along the Sankey Valley Park running alongside the historic canal. Along the water's edge were Reedmace Typha latifolia and Sweet flag Acorus calamus. This latter plant is a long established alien from Asia and is a member of the Arum Lily family. One plant was seen in flower but apparently this species never sets fruit in England.
Extensive planting has been carried out by the paths along the valley the most interesting of which was an unusual willow. Other finds near the canal were Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera, the two species of Melilot Melilotus alba and M. officinalis growing together. We finally called it a day when we reached the Havannah Flashes. As we turned for home we added False Fox-sedge Carex otrubae, to our list of finds.
Finally, while writing this, I have realised that we did not search for what is perhaps Stanley Banks' greatest treasure - Spiked Sedge Carex spicata - oh well, I suppose there's always next time.
PS. The mystery willow
To some of us, including me, most willows are a bit of a mystery, but the plant found on our excursion along the Sankey Valley has proved more intractable than most. It should be reasonably easy to identify as it is most distinctive. It is a large shrub, over 3m high, the bark on the twigs is a handsome olive-green, the stipules are very large and persistent and the leaves obovate, bright glossy green above and almost white below. Vera, who first spotted this plant a few years back and who pointed it out to us has stumped quite a few experts with it but has finally had it named as Salix bicolor. This would seem fine, but textbooks now treat this name as a synonym of S. schraderiana, a European species very like S. phylicifolia. Which is quite different from our species. Running it through the key in The European Garden Flora suggested S. discolor, a species from eastern North America but this is difficult to confirm. Any other opinions?
Angus Gunn
Rainford (tetrad recording) 12th July (Leaders- Vera Gordon and Pat Lockwood)
From Rainford Junction Station about a dozen of us set out to record plants over two tetrads, SD40R and SD40Q.
From the station we were led northwards through typical suburban streets to the edge of the drained mossland, now intensively farmed. Quite a wide range of ruderal and agricultural weed species were noted in the early stages with the vegetation becoming denser and more permanent along a lovely stretch of disused railway line. This line had interesting acidic grass/herb swards and developing Silver Birch canopy, reflecting the nature of unfarmed fragments of the adjacent drained mossland. Leaving the former railway, we headed west to Holly Lane with a short diversion to the north to look at a stand of mixed plantation, where a small population of Narrow Buckler-fern Dryopteris carthusiana was found on the banks of a peaty ditch. We lunched in a field corner long used by a farmer for dumping rubbish, so had an extra rich diet of ruderals and exotics to add to our list. From here our route passed through farmland and hedgerows, eventually reaching the Rainford By-pass. The grassy edges of this large road held some pleasant surprises; there was a fine stand of hybrid Woundwort Stachys x ambigua, well established at one point, some Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia in a disturbed section of verge and scattered Silver Hair-grass Aira caryophyllea in the central reservation. Crossing, at some risk, this fast road we entered the pleasant wooded country park area of Sidings Lane, taking in some richly vegetated abandoned industrial land on its fringes. This area of woodland is established on a former colliery, which straddles the boundary between squares 40R and 40Q. North of the map gridline a total of 240 plant taxa was noted from the mixed range of habitats in tetrad 40R.
Passing southwards into square 40Q we first encountered the old colliery pond, formerly providing water supply for the steam-driven winding engines, now supporting a rich aquatic and marginal flora including introductions such as Greater Spearwort Ranunculus lingua. South of the railway we were back into intensively farmed drained mossland. As with the similar area at the start of the walk almost nothing is left of the former peat bog vegetation.
However, some species did seem to typify the peaty banks of drainage ditches and track edges, notably Bifid Hempnettle Galeopsis bifida and Heath Groundsel Senecio sylvatica. Field Pansy Viola arvensis was also abundant in field edges. Heading in a southeasterly direction we inevitably reached the Rainford By-pass again, though with nothing of great interest visible in the densely vegetated mesotrophic grassy verges here. Continuing through farmland for a short while the suburban housing estates were soon reached, we passed through these and rejoined a section of the disused railway line and headed back north. This section of the former line, opened for public use, has been much planted and is managed by the local authority so is very different in character to the private, northern section. Leaving the houses of Rainford the path is on a high embankment with good views over the surrounding flat landscape, crossing back into tetrad 40R at this high level the route bifurcates creating a triangle of unfarmed land with diverse vegetation, proceeding back to the station a flowering spike of Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera was noted. A total of 153 taxa of vascular plants was noted in the less diverse southern tetrad of SD40Q.
Altogether the day's work made a valuable contribution to tetrad recording, adding to data useful for both Atlas 2000 and the proposed new VC flora. Furthermore, it only rained on us at lunchtime!
Peter Gateley
Neston 2nd August 1997 (Leader - Joan S. Duerden)
From Neston station ten members walked via the Wirral Way and paths towards Parkgate with a brief diversion to the shore. Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica was just coming into flower. We continued to Parkgate to walk along the parade, some members exploring the shore where there is a thick growth of marsh plants including Grass-leaved Orache Atriplex littoralis, Annual Sea-blite Suaeda maritima and a species of Galingale, possibly a garden escape.
Lunch was enjoyed at the RSPB picnic area. Nearby was a solitary plant of Spiny Restharrow Ononis spinosa.
Continuing by the shore we found Scarlet Pimpernel Anagallis arvensis, among thick vegetation. Crossing the golf course a brief stop was made by a pond to admire White Water-lilies Nymphaea alba before rejoining the Wirral Way. A bush with blackberry-like leaves and large pink flowers was growing here and later identified as Rubus odoratus. Pepper-saxifrage Silaum silaus and Rough Hawk’s-beard Crepis biennis were among the heavy growth of plants by the footpath. Hart's-tongue fern Phyllitis scolopendrium was growing among the brickwork of a bridge.
The return to Neston was made along the Wirral Way after a fine, warm day with sunny periods.
Vera Gordon
Dibbinsdale & Bromborough 23rd August 1997 (Leader - Dr K. Watson)
On a dull and cloudy day, with occasional light rain, a party of 13 met at Spital Station. Unusual plants, arising from a wild flower seed mixture, including Weasel's-snout Misopates orontium, Rough Poppy Papaver hybridum and a chamomile, Anthemis austriaca, were found at the station car park.
We followed the path to Spital Field where interesting finds included Foxtail Barley Hordeum jubatum and Red Bartsia Odontites vernus on the path to Boder's Hey Meadow. Common Comfrey Symphytum officinale was found near Dibbin's Brook and Hard Fern Blechnum spicant, Hybrid Woundwort Stachys x ambigua and the grasses, False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum, Hairy Brome Bromopsis ramosa and Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula were found on the path through the woods to the tunnel.
A damp lunch was taken at Babb's Meadow where, nearby, Devil's-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis and Betony Stachys officinalis were growing. Lunch was followed by a visit to Woodslee Pond where Water Soldier Stratiotes aloides was abundant with Rigid Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum, and Greater Duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza. Hairy Wood-rush Luzula pilosa and Great Wood-rush L. sylvatica were seen on the paths to St Patrick's Well.
The party then walked along Spital Road, past Wall Lettuce Mycelis muralis, on a wall at Spital Dam, to the path along the old railway between the Port Sunlight works and Bromborough Pool. Royal Fern Osmunda regalis and other ferns were very fine on the damp sandstone cliff-like faces of the cutting. Other notable plants included Marshmallow Malva moschata, Pale Toadflax Linaria repens, Fennel Foeniculum vulgare and Wormwood Artemisia absinthium. Finally, the party explored the industrial waste-ground around Stadium Road where Canadian Fleabane Conyza canadensis, Lupin Lupinus x regalis and Red-osier Dogwood Cornus suecica were found before returning to Spital Station.
Keith Watson
Bold Moss 13th September 1997 (Leader-Peter Gateley)
It was a beautiful Autumn day with magnificent skies when 13 members (plus one dog!) set off from St Helens Junction towards Bold Moss. Firstly, we paid respects to an old friend, a stand of California Brome Ceratochloa carinata which looked to be flourishing in its patch by the railway bridge. Heading eastward, parallel to the railway, we noted that this species was also frequent in the footpath edges and was established in several gardens, it will be interesting to monitor its spread from here. We approached Bold Moss through a series of scrap yards and small businesses established on a former Pilkington's tip which once stretched from the road eastwards into the mossland, when tipping was completed this area developed Heather Calluna vulgaris dominated vegetation which survived right up to the 1940s (can be seen on earliest aerial photographs), searching on site revealed a few surviving clumps of this species in this now very disturbed area. From this older tip we reached a large mound of colliery waste tipped during the 1960s and 70s onto the former mossland of Bold Moss. Much of this surface is still pale grey bare shale but sparse acidic swards have developed in some places with populations of Eyebright Euphrasia sp. and Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea. The southern face of the tip was "restored" in the late 70s, fertiliser was incorporated, a grass mix sown and a range of tree species with nitrogen-fixing properties planted. Comparisons between the three most commonly encountered species of Alder were made, Common Alder Alnus glutinosa, Grey Alder A. incana and Italian Alder A. cordata, were all inspected. Freely suckering specimens of False-acacia Robinia pseudoacacia, were also noted.
Along the base of the tip is a narrow strip of untipped land, below overhead electricity lines, because of the wires this area escaped being buried under colliery shale and forms a band of relict mossland vegetation (Bold Moss).
Though dominated by Purple Moor-grass Molinia caerulea, there is much Common Cotton-grass Eriophorum angustifolium, and cushions of a variety of Sphagnum moss species as well as scattered Heather. Bits of old mossland survive intermittently around the edges of the huge colliery waste tip, in various stages of colonisation by dense willow scrub, invaded by tall swamp species or in an advanced state of dryness. The largest tract of relict mossland (Burtonwood Moss) in the south-eastern corner of the site was visited. This has similar relict vegetation to Bold Moss but by dint of its larger extent has much more of a mossland atmosphere and some extra species such as Heath Rush Juncus squarrosus, and Marsh Pennywort Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Right on the opposite side of the tip from here the remaining fragments of Sutton Moss have been greatly affected by run-off from the waste tip.
Parts have survived as relict acidic peat-based vegetation, with the only known local specimens of Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix, and Hare's-tail Cotton-grass Eriophorum vaginatum. However, where run-off has covered the peat with a mix of fine colliery shale and PFA (pulverised fuel ash) the soil conditions have changed markedly, and this area supports an increasing colony of Marsh Helleborine Epipactis palustris amongst a rich almost dune slack-like species mix. The former peat diggings have flooded with nutrient-rich water and form an extensive mosaic of tall swamp communities on this western part of the site.
Various plant communities were observed on the tip itself, notably some fine Silver Birch Betula pendula dominated woodland and young natural heathland regeneration with a carpet of the exotic moss species Campylopus introflexus. However, it was agreed that the tantalising remains of the once much more extensive lowland raised bog habitat were the day's most interesting feature.
Peter Gateley
Wepre Woods 4th October 1997 (Leader - Vera Gordon)
A party of 14 met at Shotton railway station and proceeded on a footpath to the narrow salt marsh of the River Dee.
The plant we had come to see was the tiny umbel, Slender Hare's-ear Bupleurum tenuissimum found there in 1992 by one of our members where it had not been recorded for 80 years.
This is as far north on the west coast where the species has been found. It did not take long to find some though, like the other salt marsh plants there, such as Sea Thrift and Scurvygrass, it was almost disguised by a thin film of grey mud due to the recent high tide. Along the crest of the flood bank there was a dense colony of small shrub Spiny Restharrow Ononis spinosa, but the flowers were over.
We then turned inland following the Wepre Brook to Wepre Woods where we had lunch in a green clearing among the trees.
Walking alongside the brook on a boardwalk over soggy ground we admired huge clumps of Pendulous Sedge Carex pendula and found Water Chickweed, Myosoton aquaticum, still in flower.
In the woods the commonest fern was the Soft Shield-fern Polystichum setiferum, although Male Fern Dryopteris filix-mas, Broad Buckler D. dilatata, and Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina, were also present.
In most places in the wood the ground was hard and dry but among fungi seen were Stinkhorns Phallus impudicus, Honey Fungus Armillaria mellea, Sulphur Tuft Hypholoma fasciculare, Coprinus plicatilis, Glistening Ink Cap C. micaceus, Shaggy Ink Cap C. comatus, the colourful Plums and Custard Tricholomopsis rutilans. On old tree stumps the puffball Lycoperdon pyriforme, was found in large swarms while the Candle-snuff Fungus Xylaria hypoxylon was common on others.
The ruins of Ewloe Castle, built in 1257, were reached after a short, sharp climb where we sat and enjoyed a tea break before returning downhill across fields and down a tree banked lane to Shotton Station.
Vera Gordon