Field Trips 2001
Dibbinsdale 31st March, Caergwrle 21 April, Penketh 19th May, Waterloo 9th June, Freshfield 7th July, Manchester Airport 28 July,
Heswall 11th August, Bidston 8th September, Maghull 22 September.
Dibbinsdale 31st March, Caergwrle 21 April, Penketh 19th May, Waterloo 9th June, Freshfield 7th July, Manchester Airport 28 July,
Heswall 11th August, Bidston 8th September, Maghull 22 September.
Dibbinsdale
31st March 2001
Leader - Keith Watson
On a cold and cloudy morning, eight members met at Bromborough Rake Station. Despite the early meeting and rather late spring some early flowers were very welcome, such as Wood Anemone, Anemone nemorosa, Dog’s Mercury, Mercurialis perennis and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, the latter in drifts in places. Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris was just coming into flower in wet places near the Dibbin. The shrubs and trees just coming into leaf were compared, with catkins of Hazel, Corylus avellana and young shoots of Ash, Sycamore Hawthorn, Blackthorn and eventually catkins of Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus. Hazel, Corylus avellana We went along paths to the tunnel, the rain started, and we eventually found some shelter for lunch at Woodslee near the walled garden. This meeting was interesting for the chance to identify plants in the early stage of growth and leaves of Barren Strawberry, Potentilla sterilis, Ramsons, Allium ursinum, Pignut, Conopodium majus, Wood Speedwell, Veronica montana and all three species of Currant, red, black and gooseberry, Ribes rubrum, nigrum, uva-crispa were found. We then walked down to St. Patrick’s well and then back along the wet sandstone path where Hardfern, Blechnum spicant, Great Woodrush, Luzula sylvatica and a liverwort in fruit were found. A carpet of Indian Balsam, Impatiens glandulifera seedlings were very conspicuous on the other side of the river.
Then it was back through the tunnel, up the steep steps to Spitalfields and along to Boden’s Hey meadow, but it was too early in the year to find much of interest. Returning across the bridge into the woods again, we had a stop for tea before walking up the steps back to the Station. This was a good meeting, despite the early date and poor weather, there was still much to be seen.
Keith Watson
31st March 2001
Leader - Keith Watson
On a cold and cloudy morning, eight members met at Bromborough Rake Station. Despite the early meeting and rather late spring some early flowers were very welcome, such as Wood Anemone, Anemone nemorosa, Dog’s Mercury, Mercurialis perennis and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, the latter in drifts in places. Marsh Marigold Caltha palustris was just coming into flower in wet places near the Dibbin. The shrubs and trees just coming into leaf were compared, with catkins of Hazel, Corylus avellana and young shoots of Ash, Sycamore Hawthorn, Blackthorn and eventually catkins of Hornbeam, Carpinus betulus. Hazel, Corylus avellana We went along paths to the tunnel, the rain started, and we eventually found some shelter for lunch at Woodslee near the walled garden. This meeting was interesting for the chance to identify plants in the early stage of growth and leaves of Barren Strawberry, Potentilla sterilis, Ramsons, Allium ursinum, Pignut, Conopodium majus, Wood Speedwell, Veronica montana and all three species of Currant, red, black and gooseberry, Ribes rubrum, nigrum, uva-crispa were found. We then walked down to St. Patrick’s well and then back along the wet sandstone path where Hardfern, Blechnum spicant, Great Woodrush, Luzula sylvatica and a liverwort in fruit were found. A carpet of Indian Balsam, Impatiens glandulifera seedlings were very conspicuous on the other side of the river.
Then it was back through the tunnel, up the steep steps to Spitalfields and along to Boden’s Hey meadow, but it was too early in the year to find much of interest. Returning across the bridge into the woods again, we had a stop for tea before walking up the steps back to the Station. This was a good meeting, despite the early date and poor weather, there was still much to be seen.
Keith Watson
Caergwrle
21 April 2001
Leader - Vera Gordon
Due to the widespread Foot and Mouth epidemic, our party for this favourite locality was only 11, much smaller than usual. We paid our respects to the Hornbeam tree, Carpinus betulus growing on the banks of the river Alyn, leaning over the bridge so that we could see the catkins easily. They were later than usual due to the long winter, and this was the same with most of the spring flowers. We started off along the wood on the bank of the river Alyn where the leaves of Ramsons made an almost complete carpet, but only one of the white flowers was seen, however, the flowers of Butterbur, Petasites hybridus were at their best. We were saddened to see the damaged pack-horse bridge due to the recent floods and disappointed not to find the Toothwort, Lathraea squamaria due to repairing of the riverbanks with large stones and piles of soil. We then made our way to the lane up to Bryn Yorkin and along the side of Hope Mountain. On the hedge-banks were the flowers of Wild Strawberry, Fragaria vesca. Further uphill were a few flowers of Wood-sorrel, Oxalis acetosella and Wood Anemone, Anemone nemorosa but most were still in tight bud. On the wall and hedge side of a lane grew the common Polypody Fern, Polypodium vulgare, and amongst these were spotted two plants of Intermediate Polypody, Polypodium interjectum. Higher up the lane, the leaves of Navelwort, Umbilicus rupestris were abundant. Coming down towards the village of Cymau, the Shining Crane's-bill Geranium lucidum, which usually makes a lovely border of dainty deep pink flowers, had only one flower out this year.
Because of the Foot and Mouth disease we had to avoid our usual footpaths but the steep lanes with high banks gave eye level botany. Going over to the Cegidog Valley we saw some Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria, Common Dog-violet, Viola riviniana and a few Early Dog-violet’s V. reichenbachiana. Higher up the lane where the banks were lower there was a good place to have our lunch. Restored, we continued over the shoulder of the hill and down to the valley road where after a short walk to another lane we started the return back. Greater Stitchwort, Stellaria holostea was in flower here and on a flat area by a stream was a large golden patch of Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Chrysosplenium alternifolium. Below the hedge in sheltered places, we saw the tiny green flowers of Moschatel, Adoxa moschatellina. This flower is sometimes known as Town Hall Clock having a flower on each side of the stem, however, the flower on the top spoils the illusion. On the upper millstone grit of the hill, the small pink bell flowers of the Bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus were admired. Down the steep hill we had to stop to see the fine display of deep coloured Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana and by a stream we saw some more Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage with a few Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Chrysoplenium oppositifolium. Finally, along the short stretch of road to Hope railway station, we saw golden clumps of Marsh Marigold, Caltha palustris by a small pond.
Vera Gordon
21 April 2001
Leader - Vera Gordon
Due to the widespread Foot and Mouth epidemic, our party for this favourite locality was only 11, much smaller than usual. We paid our respects to the Hornbeam tree, Carpinus betulus growing on the banks of the river Alyn, leaning over the bridge so that we could see the catkins easily. They were later than usual due to the long winter, and this was the same with most of the spring flowers. We started off along the wood on the bank of the river Alyn where the leaves of Ramsons made an almost complete carpet, but only one of the white flowers was seen, however, the flowers of Butterbur, Petasites hybridus were at their best. We were saddened to see the damaged pack-horse bridge due to the recent floods and disappointed not to find the Toothwort, Lathraea squamaria due to repairing of the riverbanks with large stones and piles of soil. We then made our way to the lane up to Bryn Yorkin and along the side of Hope Mountain. On the hedge-banks were the flowers of Wild Strawberry, Fragaria vesca. Further uphill were a few flowers of Wood-sorrel, Oxalis acetosella and Wood Anemone, Anemone nemorosa but most were still in tight bud. On the wall and hedge side of a lane grew the common Polypody Fern, Polypodium vulgare, and amongst these were spotted two plants of Intermediate Polypody, Polypodium interjectum. Higher up the lane, the leaves of Navelwort, Umbilicus rupestris were abundant. Coming down towards the village of Cymau, the Shining Crane's-bill Geranium lucidum, which usually makes a lovely border of dainty deep pink flowers, had only one flower out this year.
Because of the Foot and Mouth disease we had to avoid our usual footpaths but the steep lanes with high banks gave eye level botany. Going over to the Cegidog Valley we saw some Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria, Common Dog-violet, Viola riviniana and a few Early Dog-violet’s V. reichenbachiana. Higher up the lane where the banks were lower there was a good place to have our lunch. Restored, we continued over the shoulder of the hill and down to the valley road where after a short walk to another lane we started the return back. Greater Stitchwort, Stellaria holostea was in flower here and on a flat area by a stream was a large golden patch of Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Chrysosplenium alternifolium. Below the hedge in sheltered places, we saw the tiny green flowers of Moschatel, Adoxa moschatellina. This flower is sometimes known as Town Hall Clock having a flower on each side of the stem, however, the flower on the top spoils the illusion. On the upper millstone grit of the hill, the small pink bell flowers of the Bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus were admired. Down the steep hill we had to stop to see the fine display of deep coloured Common Dog-violet Viola riviniana and by a stream we saw some more Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage with a few Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Chrysoplenium oppositifolium. Finally, along the short stretch of road to Hope railway station, we saw golden clumps of Marsh Marigold, Caltha palustris by a small pond.
Vera Gordon
Penketh
19th May 2001
Leader - Tony Parker
It was a cloudy but dry day as 11 members of the group assembled at the car park of the Ferry Tavern on the banks of the River Mersey before heading to our main destination, the former Gatewarth landfill site. Here we were met by one of the Warrington Borough Council rangers who was responsible for site access along with health and safety (such sites have a habit of spontaneously combusting). On leaving the car park we proceeded along the towpath of the Sankey-St. Helens Canal. This is one of Britain’s oldest canals having opened in 1757; it is now only used for leisure purposes but is also important for wildlife. Amongst species recorded here were Cuckooflower, Cardamine pratensis, Hemlock Water-dropwort, Oenanthe crocata, Marsh Valerian, Valeriana dioica and Gipsywort, Lycopus europaeus. The hairy caterpillar of the Garden Tiger Moth also aroused much interest. We then reached the landfill site itself, disused since the mid 1980’s the site is now maintained for its nature conservation importance having a good population of breeding Skylark and Meadow Pipit. It also has the added interest of being sited on saltmarsh adjacent to the Upper Mersey Estuary which can be observed from the footpath running around the site. The period before lunch was spent recording species along the footpath and the grassy bank leading down to the marshes. Amongst the plants recorded were Cowslip Primula veris, Common Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, Oxeye Daisy, Leucanthemum vulgare, Meadow Vetchling, Lathyrus pratensis, Lucerne, Medicago sativa ssp. sativa, Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Lotus corniculatus and Common Vetch Vicia sativa, which had both blue and white flowers Common Comfrey, Symphytum officinale.
After lunch the group went walkabout on the area of rough grassland, which now covers the original tip site. A variety of grasses, sedges and rushes were recorded e.g. Marsh Foxtail, Alopecurus geniculatus, False Fox Sedge Carex otrubae, Tall Fescue, Festuca arundinacea, Jointed Rush, Juncus articulatus, Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass, Poa angustifolia and Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum. The site still retains a variety of garden escapes including various Geraniums, Hebe and Pampas Grass! A large caterpillar of the Drinker Moth attracted a good deal of attention whilst some of the group also managed a brief glimpse of one of the local Brown Hare population.
After the regulation stop for refreshments we returned to the car park, again by way of the canal towpath part of which runs adjacent to the former tip. This is the only part of the site that has any reasonable sized trees, Birch, Maple and various Willows being noted.
Species recorded from Liverpool Botanical Society visit to Gatewarth: 19.5.01 Acer platanoides, Norway Maple Achillea millefolium, Yarrow Achillea ptarmica, Sneezewort Aegopodium podagraria, Ground-elder Alliaria petiolata, Garlic Mustard Alisma plantago-aquatica, Waterplantain Alnus glutinosa, Alder Alopecurus geniculatus, Marsh Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, Meadow Foxtail Angelica sylvestris, Wild Angelica Anthriscus sylvestris, Cow Parsley Anthoxanthum odoratum, Sweet Vernal-grass Aquilegia vulgaris, Columbine Armoracia rusticana, Horse-radish Artemisia vulgaris, Mugwort Barbarea vulgaris, Winter-cress Bellis perennis, Daisy Betula pubescens, Downy Birch Bromus hordeaceus Ssp. hordeaceus, Soft Brome Cardamine hirsuta, Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine pratensis, Cuckooflower Carex otrubae, False Fox-sedge Carex flacca, Glaucous Sedge Carex hirta, Hairy Sedge Carex remota, Remote Sedge Centaurea montana, Perennial Cornflower Centaurea nigra, Common Knapweed Cerastium glomeratum, Sticky Mouseear Chamerion angustifolium, Rosebay Willowherb Chelidonium majus, Greater Celandine Cirsium arvense, Creeping Thistle Crataegus monogyna, Hawthorn Cytisus scoparius, Broom Dactylis glomerata, Cock’s-foot Daucus carota, Wild Carrot Deschampsia flexuosa, Wavy Hairgrass Cow Parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris Dipsacus fullonum, Wild Teasel Dryopteris felix-mas, Male-fern Epilobium hirsutum, Great Willowherb Equisetum arvense, Field Horsetail Eupatorium cannabinum, Hempagrimony Fallopia japonica, Japanese Knotweed Festuca arundinacea, Tall Fescue Galium aparine, Cleavers Geranium dissectum, Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Geranium endressii, French Crane’sbill Geranium lucidum, Shining Crane’sbill Geranium robertianum, Herb-Robert Heracleum mantegazzianum, Giant Hogweed Holcus lanatus, Yorkshire-fog Hyacinthoides hispanica, Spanish Bluebell Hypochaeris radicata, Cat’s-ear Iris pseudacorus, Yellow Iris Juncus articulatus, Jointed Rush Juncus inflexus, Hard Rush Laburnum alpinum, Scottish Laburnum Lamium album, White Dead-nettle Lathyrus pratensis, Meadow Vetchling Leucanthemum vulgare, Oxeye Daisy Lotus corniculatus, Common Birdsfoot-trefoil Lysimachia punctata, Dotted Loosestrife Medicago lupulina, Black Medick Medicago sativa ssp. sativa, Lucerne Mentha spicata, Spear Mint Oenanthe crocata, Hemlock Waterdropwort Persicaria amphibia, Amphibious Bistort Phalaris arundinacea, Reed Canarygrass Phragmites australis, Common Reed Plantago major, Greater Plantain Poa angustifolia, Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass Poa annua, Annual Meadow-grass Poa pratensis, Smooth Meadow-grass Potentilla anserine, Silverweed Potentilla reptans, Creeping Cinquefoil Primula veris, Cowslip Prunella vulgaris, Selfheal Ranunculus acris, Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus, Celery-leaved Buttercup Rosa arvensis, Field-rose Rumex crispus, Curled Dock Sagina procumbens, Procumbent Pearlwort Salix cinerea, Grey Willow Salix fragilis, Crack-willow Salix viminalis, Osier Sambucus nigra, Elder Sanguisorba minor ssp. minor, Salad Burnet Scrophularia nodosa, Common Figwort Silene dioica, Red Campion Sonchus oleraceus, Smooth Sowthistle Sorbus aucuparia, Rowan Sparganium erectum, Branched Burreed Stachys sylvatica, Hedge Woundwort Symphytum officinale, Common Comfrey Tanacetum vulgare, Tansy Trifolium pratense, Red Clover Tripleurospermum inodorum, Scentless Mayweed Tussilago farfara, Colt’s-foot Urtica dioica, Common Nettle Valeriana dioica, Marsh Valerian Veronica persica, Common Fieldspeedwell Viburnum opulus, Guelder-rose Vicia hirsuta, Hairy Tare Vicia sativa, Common Vetch Vicia sepium, Bush Vetch
Tony Parker
19th May 2001
Leader - Tony Parker
It was a cloudy but dry day as 11 members of the group assembled at the car park of the Ferry Tavern on the banks of the River Mersey before heading to our main destination, the former Gatewarth landfill site. Here we were met by one of the Warrington Borough Council rangers who was responsible for site access along with health and safety (such sites have a habit of spontaneously combusting). On leaving the car park we proceeded along the towpath of the Sankey-St. Helens Canal. This is one of Britain’s oldest canals having opened in 1757; it is now only used for leisure purposes but is also important for wildlife. Amongst species recorded here were Cuckooflower, Cardamine pratensis, Hemlock Water-dropwort, Oenanthe crocata, Marsh Valerian, Valeriana dioica and Gipsywort, Lycopus europaeus. The hairy caterpillar of the Garden Tiger Moth also aroused much interest. We then reached the landfill site itself, disused since the mid 1980’s the site is now maintained for its nature conservation importance having a good population of breeding Skylark and Meadow Pipit. It also has the added interest of being sited on saltmarsh adjacent to the Upper Mersey Estuary which can be observed from the footpath running around the site. The period before lunch was spent recording species along the footpath and the grassy bank leading down to the marshes. Amongst the plants recorded were Cowslip Primula veris, Common Comfrey, Symphytum officinale, Oxeye Daisy, Leucanthemum vulgare, Meadow Vetchling, Lathyrus pratensis, Lucerne, Medicago sativa ssp. sativa, Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Lotus corniculatus and Common Vetch Vicia sativa, which had both blue and white flowers Common Comfrey, Symphytum officinale.
After lunch the group went walkabout on the area of rough grassland, which now covers the original tip site. A variety of grasses, sedges and rushes were recorded e.g. Marsh Foxtail, Alopecurus geniculatus, False Fox Sedge Carex otrubae, Tall Fescue, Festuca arundinacea, Jointed Rush, Juncus articulatus, Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass, Poa angustifolia and Branched Bur-reed Sparganium erectum. The site still retains a variety of garden escapes including various Geraniums, Hebe and Pampas Grass! A large caterpillar of the Drinker Moth attracted a good deal of attention whilst some of the group also managed a brief glimpse of one of the local Brown Hare population.
After the regulation stop for refreshments we returned to the car park, again by way of the canal towpath part of which runs adjacent to the former tip. This is the only part of the site that has any reasonable sized trees, Birch, Maple and various Willows being noted.
Species recorded from Liverpool Botanical Society visit to Gatewarth: 19.5.01 Acer platanoides, Norway Maple Achillea millefolium, Yarrow Achillea ptarmica, Sneezewort Aegopodium podagraria, Ground-elder Alliaria petiolata, Garlic Mustard Alisma plantago-aquatica, Waterplantain Alnus glutinosa, Alder Alopecurus geniculatus, Marsh Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, Meadow Foxtail Angelica sylvestris, Wild Angelica Anthriscus sylvestris, Cow Parsley Anthoxanthum odoratum, Sweet Vernal-grass Aquilegia vulgaris, Columbine Armoracia rusticana, Horse-radish Artemisia vulgaris, Mugwort Barbarea vulgaris, Winter-cress Bellis perennis, Daisy Betula pubescens, Downy Birch Bromus hordeaceus Ssp. hordeaceus, Soft Brome Cardamine hirsuta, Hairy Bitter-cress Cardamine pratensis, Cuckooflower Carex otrubae, False Fox-sedge Carex flacca, Glaucous Sedge Carex hirta, Hairy Sedge Carex remota, Remote Sedge Centaurea montana, Perennial Cornflower Centaurea nigra, Common Knapweed Cerastium glomeratum, Sticky Mouseear Chamerion angustifolium, Rosebay Willowherb Chelidonium majus, Greater Celandine Cirsium arvense, Creeping Thistle Crataegus monogyna, Hawthorn Cytisus scoparius, Broom Dactylis glomerata, Cock’s-foot Daucus carota, Wild Carrot Deschampsia flexuosa, Wavy Hairgrass Cow Parsley, Anthriscus sylvestris Dipsacus fullonum, Wild Teasel Dryopteris felix-mas, Male-fern Epilobium hirsutum, Great Willowherb Equisetum arvense, Field Horsetail Eupatorium cannabinum, Hempagrimony Fallopia japonica, Japanese Knotweed Festuca arundinacea, Tall Fescue Galium aparine, Cleavers Geranium dissectum, Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill Geranium endressii, French Crane’sbill Geranium lucidum, Shining Crane’sbill Geranium robertianum, Herb-Robert Heracleum mantegazzianum, Giant Hogweed Holcus lanatus, Yorkshire-fog Hyacinthoides hispanica, Spanish Bluebell Hypochaeris radicata, Cat’s-ear Iris pseudacorus, Yellow Iris Juncus articulatus, Jointed Rush Juncus inflexus, Hard Rush Laburnum alpinum, Scottish Laburnum Lamium album, White Dead-nettle Lathyrus pratensis, Meadow Vetchling Leucanthemum vulgare, Oxeye Daisy Lotus corniculatus, Common Birdsfoot-trefoil Lysimachia punctata, Dotted Loosestrife Medicago lupulina, Black Medick Medicago sativa ssp. sativa, Lucerne Mentha spicata, Spear Mint Oenanthe crocata, Hemlock Waterdropwort Persicaria amphibia, Amphibious Bistort Phalaris arundinacea, Reed Canarygrass Phragmites australis, Common Reed Plantago major, Greater Plantain Poa angustifolia, Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass Poa annua, Annual Meadow-grass Poa pratensis, Smooth Meadow-grass Potentilla anserine, Silverweed Potentilla reptans, Creeping Cinquefoil Primula veris, Cowslip Prunella vulgaris, Selfheal Ranunculus acris, Meadow Buttercup Ranunculus repens, Creeping Buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus, Celery-leaved Buttercup Rosa arvensis, Field-rose Rumex crispus, Curled Dock Sagina procumbens, Procumbent Pearlwort Salix cinerea, Grey Willow Salix fragilis, Crack-willow Salix viminalis, Osier Sambucus nigra, Elder Sanguisorba minor ssp. minor, Salad Burnet Scrophularia nodosa, Common Figwort Silene dioica, Red Campion Sonchus oleraceus, Smooth Sowthistle Sorbus aucuparia, Rowan Sparganium erectum, Branched Burreed Stachys sylvatica, Hedge Woundwort Symphytum officinale, Common Comfrey Tanacetum vulgare, Tansy Trifolium pratense, Red Clover Tripleurospermum inodorum, Scentless Mayweed Tussilago farfara, Colt’s-foot Urtica dioica, Common Nettle Valeriana dioica, Marsh Valerian Veronica persica, Common Fieldspeedwell Viburnum opulus, Guelder-rose Vicia hirsuta, Hairy Tare Vicia sativa, Common Vetch Vicia sepium, Bush Vetch
Tony Parker
Waterloo
9th June 2001
Leader - Vera Gordon
Thirteen members from places as far apart as Manchester and Freshfield left home in fine weather, but rain started as we met at Waterloo. However, rainproofs ready, we set off down the road and spent the first half hour in one of the four small parks adjoining the shore fields. The bryologists of the party examined the limestone rocks of the neglected rockeries where there were a few small tufts of the fern Wall-rue, Asplenium ruta-muraria. Many common weeds along the path edges in flower beds included poppies, Papaver rhoeas and P.dubium, the Cranes-bills Geranium dissectum and G. molle, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle Lamium hybridum, the Henbit Deadnettle L.amplexicaule, the annual Field Woundwort Stachys arvensis, Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis and the Small Nettle, Urtica urens and Danish Scurvygrass Cochlearia danica. Wall-rue, Asplenium ruta-muraria.
Then on to the area, which had been “Seaforth Sands” until 1970-71 when, a seawall was built to enclose a Marine Lake for boating and large grassy areas for recreation. Where the vegetation was thin and sandy we found plenty of Bird’s-foot Ornithopus perpusillus among a sward of Silver Hair Grass, Aira caryophyllea; further on Hare’sfoot Clover, Trifolium arvense was seen. Near the lakeside a fenced-off area had been left to nature, where many Southern Marsh Orchids Dactylorhiza praetermissa, a few Early Marsh Orchids D. incarnata, some Common Spotted Orchids, D. fuchsii all grew together making a fine site although the flowers were a week later than usual. Near the lake the few Bee Orchids, Ophrys apifera and Marsh Helleborine, Epipactus palustris were not yet in flower. The shingle of the lakeside was carpeted in places with Parnassia: The Newsletter of the Liverpool Botanical Society 2002 14 pink flowered Sea-milkwort, Glaux maritima and much taller Sea Arrowgrass, Triglochin maritimum and the daintier Marsh Arrowgrass, T.palustre. There were large and spreading clumps of Sea Club-rush, Bolboschoenus maritimus and taller plants of Yellow Iris, Iris pseudacorus and lush plants of Hemlock Waterdropwort, Oenanthe crocata with a few smaller plants of Parsley Waterdropwort O. lachenalii. Other plants included Compact Rush, Juncus conglomeratus, Dotted Loosestrife, Lysimachia punctata as well as alien Michaelmas Daisy plants not yet in flower. Leaving this fenced in area we walked around the lake towards the sea where on the steep grassy banks sloping down from the promenade to the lake we found the small stiff Sea Ferngrass, Catapodium marinum, remains of Early Forget-me-not, Myosotis ramosissima, Sea Pearlwort, Sagina maritima and some stunted windblown Common Spotted-orchid, Dactylorhiza fuchsii.
Lunch was enjoyed out of the wind below a belt of Sea-buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides and alongside the lake. Leaving the lake and walking on the landward side of the dunes there was plenty of Sea-holly, Eryngium maritimum not yet in flower and three patches of Isle of Man Cabbage, Coincya monensis ssp. monensis in good flower. A fenced in area built and sown with grass seed etc had masses of Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Lotus corniculatus var. sativus among which we found plants in good flower of the hairy Rough Hawkbit, Leontodon hispidus. On the seaward side of the dunes a couple of Rock Samphire, Crithmum maritimum were growing between the small concrete wall of the promenade and dense Marram Grass, Ammophila arenaria. In large areas of short grass between the promenade and the road were quite big patches of Danish Scurvygrass now in seed which a few weeks earlier could be seen in the distance as big mauve pools. Then a short walk up to the railway station and train either for the cars at Waterloo or onwards to Liverpool or a train in the opposite direction to Freshfield.
Vera Gordon
9th June 2001
Leader - Vera Gordon
Thirteen members from places as far apart as Manchester and Freshfield left home in fine weather, but rain started as we met at Waterloo. However, rainproofs ready, we set off down the road and spent the first half hour in one of the four small parks adjoining the shore fields. The bryologists of the party examined the limestone rocks of the neglected rockeries where there were a few small tufts of the fern Wall-rue, Asplenium ruta-muraria. Many common weeds along the path edges in flower beds included poppies, Papaver rhoeas and P.dubium, the Cranes-bills Geranium dissectum and G. molle, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle Lamium hybridum, the Henbit Deadnettle L.amplexicaule, the annual Field Woundwort Stachys arvensis, Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis and the Small Nettle, Urtica urens and Danish Scurvygrass Cochlearia danica. Wall-rue, Asplenium ruta-muraria.
Then on to the area, which had been “Seaforth Sands” until 1970-71 when, a seawall was built to enclose a Marine Lake for boating and large grassy areas for recreation. Where the vegetation was thin and sandy we found plenty of Bird’s-foot Ornithopus perpusillus among a sward of Silver Hair Grass, Aira caryophyllea; further on Hare’sfoot Clover, Trifolium arvense was seen. Near the lakeside a fenced-off area had been left to nature, where many Southern Marsh Orchids Dactylorhiza praetermissa, a few Early Marsh Orchids D. incarnata, some Common Spotted Orchids, D. fuchsii all grew together making a fine site although the flowers were a week later than usual. Near the lake the few Bee Orchids, Ophrys apifera and Marsh Helleborine, Epipactus palustris were not yet in flower. The shingle of the lakeside was carpeted in places with Parnassia: The Newsletter of the Liverpool Botanical Society 2002 14 pink flowered Sea-milkwort, Glaux maritima and much taller Sea Arrowgrass, Triglochin maritimum and the daintier Marsh Arrowgrass, T.palustre. There were large and spreading clumps of Sea Club-rush, Bolboschoenus maritimus and taller plants of Yellow Iris, Iris pseudacorus and lush plants of Hemlock Waterdropwort, Oenanthe crocata with a few smaller plants of Parsley Waterdropwort O. lachenalii. Other plants included Compact Rush, Juncus conglomeratus, Dotted Loosestrife, Lysimachia punctata as well as alien Michaelmas Daisy plants not yet in flower. Leaving this fenced in area we walked around the lake towards the sea where on the steep grassy banks sloping down from the promenade to the lake we found the small stiff Sea Ferngrass, Catapodium marinum, remains of Early Forget-me-not, Myosotis ramosissima, Sea Pearlwort, Sagina maritima and some stunted windblown Common Spotted-orchid, Dactylorhiza fuchsii.
Lunch was enjoyed out of the wind below a belt of Sea-buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides and alongside the lake. Leaving the lake and walking on the landward side of the dunes there was plenty of Sea-holly, Eryngium maritimum not yet in flower and three patches of Isle of Man Cabbage, Coincya monensis ssp. monensis in good flower. A fenced in area built and sown with grass seed etc had masses of Common Bird’s-foot-trefoil, Lotus corniculatus var. sativus among which we found plants in good flower of the hairy Rough Hawkbit, Leontodon hispidus. On the seaward side of the dunes a couple of Rock Samphire, Crithmum maritimum were growing between the small concrete wall of the promenade and dense Marram Grass, Ammophila arenaria. In large areas of short grass between the promenade and the road were quite big patches of Danish Scurvygrass now in seed which a few weeks earlier could be seen in the distance as big mauve pools. Then a short walk up to the railway station and train either for the cars at Waterloo or onwards to Liverpool or a train in the opposite direction to Freshfield.
Vera Gordon
Freshfield
7th July 2001
Leader - Pat Lockwood
15 members and friends made a happy sound walking along Montagu Road to Fishermans Path crossing. Before going across the line we looked at Bird’s-foot, Ornithopus perpusillus, with wonderful birdsfoot like pods, also Common Cudweed, Filago vulgaris. Over the railway line there were good specimens of Yellow Bartsia, Parentucellia viscosa and masses of Corn Spurrey, Spergula arvensis and a favourite of mine, Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis ssp. arvensis. Further down Fisherman’s Path we found Ploughman’s-spikenard, Inula conyzae and White Bryony, Bryonia dioica. An area owned by the Formby Golf Club was once a wonderful place for Marsh Helleborine, Epipactis palustris and Adder’s-tongue, Ophioglossum vulgatum. It is now covered with Creeping Willow, Salix repens. However, Yellow Bird’s-nest, Monotropa hypopitys was very well spotted, also Bog Pimpernel, Anagallis tenella, Water Mint, Mentha aquatica, Eyebright, Euphrasia officinalis agg. and Marsh Pennywort, Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Marsh Pennywort, Hydrocotyle vulgaris We sat in an ‘arena’ for our butties, or could it really be a lay-by? There was a bird calling and Henry said it was a Crossbill and Joyce agreed. Unfortunately, we didn’t see it; I would have liked to have done.
At the end of Fisherman’s Path, we turned north and climbed up the dunes (all we needed were a few camels!), dutifully following the white posts. The area and time of year to visit was especially chosen to see the Pyramidal Orchid, Anacamptis pyramidalis, and we were not disappointed, for there were hundreds of them. In a wet slack we viewed, in very good flower, Lesser Water-plantain, Baldellia ranunculoides, Common Spike-rush, Eleocharis palustris, Yellow Iris, Iris pseudacorus, Common Valerian, Valeriana officinalis, Early Marshorchid, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Common Centaury, Centaurium erythraea, and Seaside Centaury, Centaurium littorale, alongside Yellow-wort, Blackstonia perfoliata and Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera. Round-leaved Wintergreen, Pyrola rotundifolia, was well spotted, unfortunately not in flower. Carline Thistle, Carlina vulgaris, was in good flower all over the dunes and the Narrow-lipped Helleborine, Epipactis leptochila var. dunensis was growing side by side with Green-flowered Helleborine, Epipactis phyllanthes. A lot of the dune paths were very damp, wet in places. We had to be careful where we put our feet as there were hundreds (no exaggeration!) of baby natterjack toads as well as tiny newts. There were many butterflies, but the most prominent was the Dark Green Fritillary. On the edge of a wet slack, Brookweed, Samolus valerandi, appeared to be struggling and nearby, in good flower, was Blue WaterSpeedwell, Veronica anagallisaquatica. Here Grass-of-Parnassus, Parnassia palustris, was just coming out and growing nearby was Knotted Pearlwort, Sagina nodosa. At the end of our walk several members went into the Ainsdale Discovery Centre where they obtained leaflets and copies of ‘Coastlines’. The slacks at Ainsdale are usually covered in orchids at this time of year, but this year they were full of water, fuller I think than I have ever seen them. If I have left out your favourite flower, I am sorry, but the list would be endless. Thank you for your support.
Pat Lockwood
7th July 2001
Leader - Pat Lockwood
15 members and friends made a happy sound walking along Montagu Road to Fishermans Path crossing. Before going across the line we looked at Bird’s-foot, Ornithopus perpusillus, with wonderful birdsfoot like pods, also Common Cudweed, Filago vulgaris. Over the railway line there were good specimens of Yellow Bartsia, Parentucellia viscosa and masses of Corn Spurrey, Spergula arvensis and a favourite of mine, Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis ssp. arvensis. Further down Fisherman’s Path we found Ploughman’s-spikenard, Inula conyzae and White Bryony, Bryonia dioica. An area owned by the Formby Golf Club was once a wonderful place for Marsh Helleborine, Epipactis palustris and Adder’s-tongue, Ophioglossum vulgatum. It is now covered with Creeping Willow, Salix repens. However, Yellow Bird’s-nest, Monotropa hypopitys was very well spotted, also Bog Pimpernel, Anagallis tenella, Water Mint, Mentha aquatica, Eyebright, Euphrasia officinalis agg. and Marsh Pennywort, Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Marsh Pennywort, Hydrocotyle vulgaris We sat in an ‘arena’ for our butties, or could it really be a lay-by? There was a bird calling and Henry said it was a Crossbill and Joyce agreed. Unfortunately, we didn’t see it; I would have liked to have done.
At the end of Fisherman’s Path, we turned north and climbed up the dunes (all we needed were a few camels!), dutifully following the white posts. The area and time of year to visit was especially chosen to see the Pyramidal Orchid, Anacamptis pyramidalis, and we were not disappointed, for there were hundreds of them. In a wet slack we viewed, in very good flower, Lesser Water-plantain, Baldellia ranunculoides, Common Spike-rush, Eleocharis palustris, Yellow Iris, Iris pseudacorus, Common Valerian, Valeriana officinalis, Early Marshorchid, Dactylorhiza incarnata, Common Centaury, Centaurium erythraea, and Seaside Centaury, Centaurium littorale, alongside Yellow-wort, Blackstonia perfoliata and Bee Orchid, Ophrys apifera. Round-leaved Wintergreen, Pyrola rotundifolia, was well spotted, unfortunately not in flower. Carline Thistle, Carlina vulgaris, was in good flower all over the dunes and the Narrow-lipped Helleborine, Epipactis leptochila var. dunensis was growing side by side with Green-flowered Helleborine, Epipactis phyllanthes. A lot of the dune paths were very damp, wet in places. We had to be careful where we put our feet as there were hundreds (no exaggeration!) of baby natterjack toads as well as tiny newts. There were many butterflies, but the most prominent was the Dark Green Fritillary. On the edge of a wet slack, Brookweed, Samolus valerandi, appeared to be struggling and nearby, in good flower, was Blue WaterSpeedwell, Veronica anagallisaquatica. Here Grass-of-Parnassus, Parnassia palustris, was just coming out and growing nearby was Knotted Pearlwort, Sagina nodosa. At the end of our walk several members went into the Ainsdale Discovery Centre where they obtained leaflets and copies of ‘Coastlines’. The slacks at Ainsdale are usually covered in orchids at this time of year, but this year they were full of water, fuller I think than I have ever seen them. If I have left out your favourite flower, I am sorry, but the list would be endless. Thank you for your support.
Pat Lockwood
Manchester Airport
28 July 2001
Leader Eric Greenwood
For the first time in many years the Society hired a minibus to take members to Manchester Airport. The Parnassia: The Newsletter of the Liverpool Botanical Society 2002 16 purpose of the trip was to see the mitigation measures taken by the airport authorities to safeguard the wwildlifedisturbed by the construction of the second runway. This had become operational earlier in the year. Tim Walmsley, Ecologist for the Runway 2 Project Management Team to whom the Society is greatly indebted for his guidance during the day met the party. He gave an introductory talk explaining what the mitigation measures entailed. After the talk, Tim joined the coach and took the party on a tour of some of the rehabilitation measures undertaken. The first stop was to see developing grassland overlooking the second runway. As this was at an early stage of development some members may have been more interested in aircraft movements on one of the busiest days of the year. Tim explained that stiff stemmed grasses are planted and deadheaded in the grassland areas to deter birds from getting too close to Runway Two. The runway had involved building over the Bollin valley and controversially felled old woodland. Apart from culverting the river in a large tunnel the mitigation measures involved re-planting felled woodland with broad-leaved trees and shrubs together with ground flora species typical of the area. The new woodland was at an early stage of development, but it was clear already that the massive tunnel portals would in future years become wewell-hiddennd that the new woods would be floristically rich. At the tunnel entrance we found species such as Monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus, Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis ssp.arvensis, Red Bartsia, Odontites vernus, and Cutleaved Crane’s-bill, Geranium dissectum. Monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus .
During the building works many ponds were destroyed but great care was taken to rescue more than 30 000 specimen of amphibians and relocate them to other ponds including 46 newly created ones. Tim took us to one of the new ponds. On a hill nearby we noticed Common Knapweed, Centaurea nigra, Marsh Thistle, Cirsium palustre, Silverweed, Potentilla anserina and Fox-and-cubs, Pilosella aurantiaca. Tim said that there had also been orchids on this site, but it was too late in the season to see them. Members were also impressed at how well the flora of one of these new ponds was developing. Growing in the pond we spotted Water-plantain, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Branched Bur-reed, Sparganium erectum, Small Pondweed, Potamogeton berchtoldii and Broad-leaved Pondweed, P. natans, while on the muddy banks we Parnassia: The Newsletter of the Liverpool Botanical Society 2002 17 found Soft-rush, Juncus effusus, Tufted Forget-me-not, Myosotis laxa and Bittersweet, Solanum dulcamara. Although this was not a day to see rare species just yet, on disturbed ground at one of the stops on the tour, a fine colony of Yellow Bartsia, Parentucellia viscosa was seen. Although the 16-seat coach was not full, members felt that the convenience and flexibility of the coach went a long way to making the day a success.
Eric Greenwood & Wendy Atkinson
28 July 2001
Leader Eric Greenwood
For the first time in many years the Society hired a minibus to take members to Manchester Airport. The Parnassia: The Newsletter of the Liverpool Botanical Society 2002 16 purpose of the trip was to see the mitigation measures taken by the airport authorities to safeguard the wwildlifedisturbed by the construction of the second runway. This had become operational earlier in the year. Tim Walmsley, Ecologist for the Runway 2 Project Management Team to whom the Society is greatly indebted for his guidance during the day met the party. He gave an introductory talk explaining what the mitigation measures entailed. After the talk, Tim joined the coach and took the party on a tour of some of the rehabilitation measures undertaken. The first stop was to see developing grassland overlooking the second runway. As this was at an early stage of development some members may have been more interested in aircraft movements on one of the busiest days of the year. Tim explained that stiff stemmed grasses are planted and deadheaded in the grassland areas to deter birds from getting too close to Runway Two. The runway had involved building over the Bollin valley and controversially felled old woodland. Apart from culverting the river in a large tunnel the mitigation measures involved re-planting felled woodland with broad-leaved trees and shrubs together with ground flora species typical of the area. The new woodland was at an early stage of development, but it was clear already that the massive tunnel portals would in future years become wewell-hiddennd that the new woods would be floristically rich. At the tunnel entrance we found species such as Monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus, Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis ssp.arvensis, Red Bartsia, Odontites vernus, and Cutleaved Crane’s-bill, Geranium dissectum. Monkeyflower, Mimulus guttatus .
During the building works many ponds were destroyed but great care was taken to rescue more than 30 000 specimen of amphibians and relocate them to other ponds including 46 newly created ones. Tim took us to one of the new ponds. On a hill nearby we noticed Common Knapweed, Centaurea nigra, Marsh Thistle, Cirsium palustre, Silverweed, Potentilla anserina and Fox-and-cubs, Pilosella aurantiaca. Tim said that there had also been orchids on this site, but it was too late in the season to see them. Members were also impressed at how well the flora of one of these new ponds was developing. Growing in the pond we spotted Water-plantain, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Branched Bur-reed, Sparganium erectum, Small Pondweed, Potamogeton berchtoldii and Broad-leaved Pondweed, P. natans, while on the muddy banks we Parnassia: The Newsletter of the Liverpool Botanical Society 2002 17 found Soft-rush, Juncus effusus, Tufted Forget-me-not, Myosotis laxa and Bittersweet, Solanum dulcamara. Although this was not a day to see rare species just yet, on disturbed ground at one of the stops on the tour, a fine colony of Yellow Bartsia, Parentucellia viscosa was seen. Although the 16-seat coach was not full, members felt that the convenience and flexibility of the coach went a long way to making the day a success.
Eric Greenwood & Wendy Atkinson
Heswall
11th August 2001
Leader - Susan Taylor
On a cloudy, but mild, morning 14 members gathered at Heswall Bus Station. For some it was the first time this year that they had been able to join us, and we were delighted to see them. We set off to walk to the Beacons, only a short distance away. The present-day ‘Beacons’ is the last remant of open heathland that, 150 years ago, extended northwards to link up with the Dales and eastwards to Pensby. Here we met a Wirral Ranger and were pleased that one area had recently been cleared of scrub to allow the Heather, Calluna vulgaris, Western Gorse, Ulex gallii and a lesser amount of Bell Heather, Erica cinerea to continue to flourish amongst the outcrops of red sandstone. At the summit we stopped to admire the view across the Dee Estuary, below us. We descended down a narrow footpath to stroll along some of the old lanes of Heswall. A sandstone wall in Lower Heswall Village (a conservation area) provided a home for Harts-tongue ferns, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Maidenhair Spleenwort, Asplenium trichomanes and Common Polypody, Polypodium vulgare; nearby Maleferns, Dryopteris filix-mas were growing. We stopped for our picnic lunch near St Peter’s Church, with its very fine tower dating from the 14th century. Along part of the Wirral Way (originally the Hooton to West Kirby railway line) we admired the tiny flowers of Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis ssp. arvensis. The path had recently been re-surfaced with stone chippings and Small Toadflax Chaenorhinum minus was noted. Tall clumps of Great Willowherb, Epilobium hirsutum and Hempagrimony, Eupatorium cannabinum were in flower in the damper areas. The shiny, broad heart-shaped leaves of Black Bryony, Tamus communis twined amongst some of the thickets, their fruits not yet scarlet. On reaching the road, which led down to the shore, we examined the large black and sharply ridged fruits of Alexanders, Smyrnium olusatrum, growing alongside a hedge. This plant is quite common in the area.
The Dee Estuary provided a wealth of botanical interest. The saltmarsh continues to spread, since the deliberate introduction of Common Cord-grass, Spartina anglica in 1928. Other saltmarsh plants included Common Glasswort, Salicornia europaea, Sea Aster, Aster tripolium, Sea Club-rush Bolboschoenus maritimus, Sea Arrowgrass, Triglochin maritimum, Annual Sea-blite, Suaeda maritima and Grass-leaved Orache, Atriplex littoralis. A bank of boulder clay provided us with a Tree-mallow, Lavatera arborea with its purplishpink and purple veined flowers. Spiny Restharrow, Ononis spinosa, Trifid Bur-marigold, Bidens tripartita and Bristly Oxtongue, Picris echioides were nearby. Alexanders, Smyrnium olusatrum Perhaps the most interesting find of the day were the upright plants of Peppersaxifrage, Silaum silaus, with their sulphurous yellow flowers. This was a plant that some of us had not seen before. Heading back, towards Upper Heswall, we spotted a single plant of Hard Shield-fern, Polystichum aculeatum growing in a shady spot. We followed a path skirting the edge of Heswall Dales Local Nature Reserve. In a damp area clump of Pendulous Sedge, Carex pendula thrived. From there we were soon back in the busy centre of Heswall.
Susan Taylor
11th August 2001
Leader - Susan Taylor
On a cloudy, but mild, morning 14 members gathered at Heswall Bus Station. For some it was the first time this year that they had been able to join us, and we were delighted to see them. We set off to walk to the Beacons, only a short distance away. The present-day ‘Beacons’ is the last remant of open heathland that, 150 years ago, extended northwards to link up with the Dales and eastwards to Pensby. Here we met a Wirral Ranger and were pleased that one area had recently been cleared of scrub to allow the Heather, Calluna vulgaris, Western Gorse, Ulex gallii and a lesser amount of Bell Heather, Erica cinerea to continue to flourish amongst the outcrops of red sandstone. At the summit we stopped to admire the view across the Dee Estuary, below us. We descended down a narrow footpath to stroll along some of the old lanes of Heswall. A sandstone wall in Lower Heswall Village (a conservation area) provided a home for Harts-tongue ferns, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Maidenhair Spleenwort, Asplenium trichomanes and Common Polypody, Polypodium vulgare; nearby Maleferns, Dryopteris filix-mas were growing. We stopped for our picnic lunch near St Peter’s Church, with its very fine tower dating from the 14th century. Along part of the Wirral Way (originally the Hooton to West Kirby railway line) we admired the tiny flowers of Scarlet Pimpernel, Anagallis arvensis ssp. arvensis. The path had recently been re-surfaced with stone chippings and Small Toadflax Chaenorhinum minus was noted. Tall clumps of Great Willowherb, Epilobium hirsutum and Hempagrimony, Eupatorium cannabinum were in flower in the damper areas. The shiny, broad heart-shaped leaves of Black Bryony, Tamus communis twined amongst some of the thickets, their fruits not yet scarlet. On reaching the road, which led down to the shore, we examined the large black and sharply ridged fruits of Alexanders, Smyrnium olusatrum, growing alongside a hedge. This plant is quite common in the area.
The Dee Estuary provided a wealth of botanical interest. The saltmarsh continues to spread, since the deliberate introduction of Common Cord-grass, Spartina anglica in 1928. Other saltmarsh plants included Common Glasswort, Salicornia europaea, Sea Aster, Aster tripolium, Sea Club-rush Bolboschoenus maritimus, Sea Arrowgrass, Triglochin maritimum, Annual Sea-blite, Suaeda maritima and Grass-leaved Orache, Atriplex littoralis. A bank of boulder clay provided us with a Tree-mallow, Lavatera arborea with its purplishpink and purple veined flowers. Spiny Restharrow, Ononis spinosa, Trifid Bur-marigold, Bidens tripartita and Bristly Oxtongue, Picris echioides were nearby. Alexanders, Smyrnium olusatrum Perhaps the most interesting find of the day were the upright plants of Peppersaxifrage, Silaum silaus, with their sulphurous yellow flowers. This was a plant that some of us had not seen before. Heading back, towards Upper Heswall, we spotted a single plant of Hard Shield-fern, Polystichum aculeatum growing in a shady spot. We followed a path skirting the edge of Heswall Dales Local Nature Reserve. In a damp area clump of Pendulous Sedge, Carex pendula thrived. From there we were soon back in the busy centre of Heswall.
Susan Taylor
Bidston
8th September 2001
Leader - Keith Watson
A rather large party of about 25 met at Bidston Station on a fine, but windy day, and walked through Bidston Village to the footpath past Bidston Hall. Hairy Bamboo, Sasaella ramosa was seen in the woods on the way up to the Observatory. There was Heather, Calluna vulgaris, Western Gorse, Ulex gallii and Purple Moor-grass, Molinia caerulea on top of the hill, and Climbing Corydalis, Ceratocapnos claviculata was found near the old windmill where we stopped for lunch. Then we went over the bridge along the path towards Tam o’ Shanter Farm. Amongst much Common Bent, Agrostis capillaris, Velvet Bent, Agrostis canina was found in a wet place. A number of interesting plants were found in Taylor’s Wood including Goldenrod, Solidago virgaurea, Rustyback, Ceterach officinarum, Shallon, Gaultheria shallon, Prickly Heath, Gaultheria mucronata, and both Holm Oak, Quercus ilex and Turkey Oak, Q. cerris.
After a brief visit to the farm, we walked through Flaybrick Hill Cemetery, passing an old cut-leaved form of Elder, Sambucus nigra var. laciniata and back past the Model Yacht Lake towards Bidston Station. Flattened Meadow-grass, Poa compressa was found on waste ground near the supermarket. We stopped near the station for tea, and then some of the party proceeded to Bidston Moss. Fennel Pondweed, Potamogeton pectinatus was found in the Birket and Parrot’s-feather, Myriophyllum aquaticum and Alder Buckthorn, Frangula alnus in the Nature reserve. The paths in the reserve are now becoming very overgrown but we penetrated some distance where Vera spotted Cut-leaved Teasel, Dipsacus laciniatus, probably a new Cheshire record. There was much Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare and also Hedge Bedstraw, Galium mollugo ssp. erectum. We then walked along the new cycle track to the DIY store car park to look for Meadow Barley, Hordeum secalinum. Many planted shrubs were of interest and Squarestalked Willowherb, Epilobium tetragonum was found.
Keith Watson
8th September 2001
Leader - Keith Watson
A rather large party of about 25 met at Bidston Station on a fine, but windy day, and walked through Bidston Village to the footpath past Bidston Hall. Hairy Bamboo, Sasaella ramosa was seen in the woods on the way up to the Observatory. There was Heather, Calluna vulgaris, Western Gorse, Ulex gallii and Purple Moor-grass, Molinia caerulea on top of the hill, and Climbing Corydalis, Ceratocapnos claviculata was found near the old windmill where we stopped for lunch. Then we went over the bridge along the path towards Tam o’ Shanter Farm. Amongst much Common Bent, Agrostis capillaris, Velvet Bent, Agrostis canina was found in a wet place. A number of interesting plants were found in Taylor’s Wood including Goldenrod, Solidago virgaurea, Rustyback, Ceterach officinarum, Shallon, Gaultheria shallon, Prickly Heath, Gaultheria mucronata, and both Holm Oak, Quercus ilex and Turkey Oak, Q. cerris.
After a brief visit to the farm, we walked through Flaybrick Hill Cemetery, passing an old cut-leaved form of Elder, Sambucus nigra var. laciniata and back past the Model Yacht Lake towards Bidston Station. Flattened Meadow-grass, Poa compressa was found on waste ground near the supermarket. We stopped near the station for tea, and then some of the party proceeded to Bidston Moss. Fennel Pondweed, Potamogeton pectinatus was found in the Birket and Parrot’s-feather, Myriophyllum aquaticum and Alder Buckthorn, Frangula alnus in the Nature reserve. The paths in the reserve are now becoming very overgrown but we penetrated some distance where Vera spotted Cut-leaved Teasel, Dipsacus laciniatus, probably a new Cheshire record. There was much Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare and also Hedge Bedstraw, Galium mollugo ssp. erectum. We then walked along the new cycle track to the DIY store car park to look for Meadow Barley, Hordeum secalinum. Many planted shrubs were of interest and Squarestalked Willowherb, Epilobium tetragonum was found.
Keith Watson
Maghull
22 September 2001
Leader - Peter Gateley
About a dozen members met at Maghull Station on a pleasant Autumn morning and immediately began recording the platform and car park weeds adding to the data for tetrad SD30V. Yes we were in for a day of "square-bashing"; attempting to record as many species as possible within each tetrad visited, updating the records for the proposed new Flora. In the paving cracks Lesser Swine-cress, Coronopus didymus soon made its presence felt with mats of bright green leaves, clusters of almost spherical fruits and strong cressy smell, its larger native relative Swine-cress, C. squamatus was also found nearby. From the station a short section of suburban road was negotiated to reach the banks of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, from then on we followed the towpath in a mainly easterly direction. Here the usual trawl of ruderal weeds was augmented not only by aquatics and marginals but also by typical arable field weeds as we left the banks for adjacent field edges. It was pleasing to find the usual trio of annual dead-nettles, Red Dead-nettle, Lamium purpureum, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle, L. hybridum and Henbit Dead-nettle, L. amplexicaule. Of these the latter is a favourite with its dark green ruffs around the stems and slender magenta flowers. We also came across a small population of Field Penny-cress, Thlaspi arvense with its round seedpods looking especially penny-like at this time of year. There were also some areas of sandstone wall, both along the canal and small linking lanes, and two species of annual grass were recorded, Early Hair-grass, Aira praecox and Silver Hair-grass, A. caryophyllea. These walls also provided a habitat for Pellitory-of-thewall, Parietaria judaica. Early Hair-grass, Aira praecox .
Along the lanes from the canal, we reached Melling Church where we explored the churchyard and then crossed the road to the long-filled in quarry where a range of species introduced in a "wildflower" planting scheme over two decades ago were still thriving. These plants brightening the Autumn scene included Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor, Agrimony, Agrimonia eupatoria, Lady’s Bedstraw, Galium verum and Wild Carrot, Daucus carota as well as a range of planted trees. Our route then delved deep into the arable farmland of Melling, curving north along the side of an old established drainage ditch and through a small bit of woodland before crossing the M58 motorway and passing through the heavily managed Ball's Wood before returning to Maghull Station. No rarities were noted but a wide range of the habitats within tetrad SD30V were visited recording over 200 plant species, as well as shorter lists for the parts of two adjoining tetrads also passed through. It was a fun day, illustrating that even quite unlikely-looking areas can hold a surprisingly wide range of common plants; all you have to do is go and look for them. If anyone has spare time to do more square-bashing please contact the vice-county recorder, David Earl who will be able to direct you to the area's most needing up-to date information for the new Flora.
Peter Gateley
22 September 2001
Leader - Peter Gateley
About a dozen members met at Maghull Station on a pleasant Autumn morning and immediately began recording the platform and car park weeds adding to the data for tetrad SD30V. Yes we were in for a day of "square-bashing"; attempting to record as many species as possible within each tetrad visited, updating the records for the proposed new Flora. In the paving cracks Lesser Swine-cress, Coronopus didymus soon made its presence felt with mats of bright green leaves, clusters of almost spherical fruits and strong cressy smell, its larger native relative Swine-cress, C. squamatus was also found nearby. From the station a short section of suburban road was negotiated to reach the banks of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, from then on we followed the towpath in a mainly easterly direction. Here the usual trawl of ruderal weeds was augmented not only by aquatics and marginals but also by typical arable field weeds as we left the banks for adjacent field edges. It was pleasing to find the usual trio of annual dead-nettles, Red Dead-nettle, Lamium purpureum, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle, L. hybridum and Henbit Dead-nettle, L. amplexicaule. Of these the latter is a favourite with its dark green ruffs around the stems and slender magenta flowers. We also came across a small population of Field Penny-cress, Thlaspi arvense with its round seedpods looking especially penny-like at this time of year. There were also some areas of sandstone wall, both along the canal and small linking lanes, and two species of annual grass were recorded, Early Hair-grass, Aira praecox and Silver Hair-grass, A. caryophyllea. These walls also provided a habitat for Pellitory-of-thewall, Parietaria judaica. Early Hair-grass, Aira praecox .
Along the lanes from the canal, we reached Melling Church where we explored the churchyard and then crossed the road to the long-filled in quarry where a range of species introduced in a "wildflower" planting scheme over two decades ago were still thriving. These plants brightening the Autumn scene included Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus minor, Agrimony, Agrimonia eupatoria, Lady’s Bedstraw, Galium verum and Wild Carrot, Daucus carota as well as a range of planted trees. Our route then delved deep into the arable farmland of Melling, curving north along the side of an old established drainage ditch and through a small bit of woodland before crossing the M58 motorway and passing through the heavily managed Ball's Wood before returning to Maghull Station. No rarities were noted but a wide range of the habitats within tetrad SD30V were visited recording over 200 plant species, as well as shorter lists for the parts of two adjoining tetrads also passed through. It was a fun day, illustrating that even quite unlikely-looking areas can hold a surprisingly wide range of common plants; all you have to do is go and look for them. If anyone has spare time to do more square-bashing please contact the vice-county recorder, David Earl who will be able to direct you to the area's most needing up-to date information for the new Flora.
Peter Gateley