Field trips 2011
2011 Trips
Freshfield 15/10/2011 Millers Dale 30/7/2011 Eastham Rake Woods and Hooton Wirral Way 16/7/2011
Ponds and Fields of Roby 9/7/2011 Runcorn Heath and Oxmoor 11/6/2011 Altcar 3/6/2011
Clock Face Country Park 21/5/2011 Hall Road, Crosby 14 /5/2011 Martin Mere 30/4/2011
Freshfield 15/10/2011 Millers Dale 30/7/2011 Eastham Rake Woods and Hooton Wirral Way 16/7/2011
Ponds and Fields of Roby 9/7/2011 Runcorn Heath and Oxmoor 11/6/2011 Altcar 3/6/2011
Clock Face Country Park 21/5/2011 Hall Road, Crosby 14 /5/2011 Martin Mere 30/4/2011
Freshfield
15th October 2011
Leader: Steve Cross
On a sunny October day 17 members met at Freshfield station.
Pictures By Peter Gateley and John Somerville
Millers Dale
Sat 30th July 2011
Leader: John Somerville
Twelve LBS members met on a sunny Saturday morning in the car park at Millers Dale Station. The railway line closed in 1967 and has left a superb walks east towards Monsal Dale and west towards Buxton. The station is now a visitor centre for the Peak District country park and provides toilets.
We started the morning by examining an area which had been sown by a wild seed mixture many years ago. Most of the plants we would find later on the walk but Great and Dark Mulleins, Pepper Saxifrage, Pale Toadflax and the white form of Jacob’s Ladder were of great interest to all. The intention had been to spend only 30 minutes at this site but it was well over an hour later when we set off along the trail towards Monsal Dale.
Many additional plants were found in the next few hundred yards and we then came to some old lime kilns. It took another 30 minutes examining the plants at the lime kilns before setting off on the trail again. The intention had been to carry along the trail and then drop down near Litton Mill to the small road running along the river Wye and stop at Litton Mill for lunch at about 12.30pm. Now running seriously late behind schedule we cut out part of the walk and dropped down at the first opportunity to the small road and came out by the Angler’s Rest pub.
Now walking towards Litton Mill we had a large bank on our left and the River Wye on our right. There were some good plants on the river side including Giant Bellflower but the bank to our left was a delight being covered with masses of wild flowers. Progress was very slow examining all the plants and five of our group had gone ahead and had disappeared out of sight. The seven remaining members were taking their time and finally reached Litton Mill at 1.30pm and found that the other five had already finished their lunch.
After another 30 minutes lunch was finished and we all set off back towards Millers Dale station. We were finding some excellent Moths, Butterflies and insects and we were lucky to have Chris Derri with us to identify them all. On passing the Anglers rest again we cut up a small track to find a small field with short turf and open limestone. The first plant we examined here was an excellent specimen of Large Rock Stonecrop. Amongst other small plants that liked this habitat were Field Madder, Limestone Bedstraw, Wild Thyme, Biting Stonecrop, Fairy Flax and Mouse-ear Hawkweed. Where the soil was deeper we found Agrimony and Musk Thistle.
We were only about 200 yards from the car park at Millers Dale Station which we reached at 3.30pm. The weather had been great and the day had been enjoyed by all.
Sat 30th July 2011
Leader: John Somerville
Twelve LBS members met on a sunny Saturday morning in the car park at Millers Dale Station. The railway line closed in 1967 and has left a superb walks east towards Monsal Dale and west towards Buxton. The station is now a visitor centre for the Peak District country park and provides toilets.
We started the morning by examining an area which had been sown by a wild seed mixture many years ago. Most of the plants we would find later on the walk but Great and Dark Mulleins, Pepper Saxifrage, Pale Toadflax and the white form of Jacob’s Ladder were of great interest to all. The intention had been to spend only 30 minutes at this site but it was well over an hour later when we set off along the trail towards Monsal Dale.
Many additional plants were found in the next few hundred yards and we then came to some old lime kilns. It took another 30 minutes examining the plants at the lime kilns before setting off on the trail again. The intention had been to carry along the trail and then drop down near Litton Mill to the small road running along the river Wye and stop at Litton Mill for lunch at about 12.30pm. Now running seriously late behind schedule we cut out part of the walk and dropped down at the first opportunity to the small road and came out by the Angler’s Rest pub.
Now walking towards Litton Mill we had a large bank on our left and the River Wye on our right. There were some good plants on the river side including Giant Bellflower but the bank to our left was a delight being covered with masses of wild flowers. Progress was very slow examining all the plants and five of our group had gone ahead and had disappeared out of sight. The seven remaining members were taking their time and finally reached Litton Mill at 1.30pm and found that the other five had already finished their lunch.
After another 30 minutes lunch was finished and we all set off back towards Millers Dale station. We were finding some excellent Moths, Butterflies and insects and we were lucky to have Chris Derri with us to identify them all. On passing the Anglers rest again we cut up a small track to find a small field with short turf and open limestone. The first plant we examined here was an excellent specimen of Large Rock Stonecrop. Amongst other small plants that liked this habitat were Field Madder, Limestone Bedstraw, Wild Thyme, Biting Stonecrop, Fairy Flax and Mouse-ear Hawkweed. Where the soil was deeper we found Agrimony and Musk Thistle.
We were only about 200 yards from the car park at Millers Dale Station which we reached at 3.30pm. The weather had been great and the day had been enjoyed by all.
Plant list from Joyce Jarvis & Annie Hazelhurst
Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria
Angelica Angelica sylvestris
Basil,Wild Clinopodium vulgare
Bedstraw,Lady's Galium verum
Bedstraw,Limestone Galium sterneri
Bellflower,Giant Campanula latifolia
Bellflower,Nettle-leaved Campanula trachelium
Betony Stachys officinalis
Bindweed,large Calystegia silvestris
Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara
Burdock, Greater Arctium lappa
Burdock,Lesser Arctium minus
Burnet,Great Sanguisorba officinalis
Burnet,Salad Sanguisorba minor
Burnet-saxifrage, Greater Pimpinella major
Butterbur Petasites hybridus
Buttercup Meadow Ranunculus acris
Campion,Bladder Silene vulgaris
Campion,Red Silene dioica
Carrot, Wild Daucus carota
Cicely,Sweet Myrrhis odorata
Cleavers Galium aparine
Clover Red Trifolium pratense
Clover,Alsike Trifolium hybridum
Clover,White Trifolium repens
Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata
Couch, Bearded Elymus caninus
Couch, Common Elytrigia repens
Cranesbill,Bloody Geranium sanguineum
Cranesbill, Cut-leaved Geranium dissectum
Cranesbill,Meadow Geranium pratense
Cranesbill,Shining Geranium lucidum
Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera
Crested Dogstail Synosurus cristatus
Crosswort Cruciata laevipes
Daisy Bellis perennis
Daisy,Ox-eye Leucanthemum vulgare
Dandelion Taraxacum
Deadnettle,Red Lamium purpureum
Deadnettle,White Lamium album
Dock,Curled Rumex crispus
Dock,Wood Rumex sanguineus
Enchanter's Nightshade Circea lutetiana
Eyebright Euphrasia sp.
Fairy Flax Linum catharticum
False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum
Fern, Male Dryopteris felix-mas
Figwort,Common Scrophularia nodosa
Forgetmenot,Water Myosotis scorpioides
Goatsbeard Tragopogon pratensis
Goldenrod Solidago virgaurea
Hairy Brome Bromopsis ramosa
Harebell Campanula rotundifolia
Hartstongue Phyllitis scolopendrum
Hawkbit, Lesser Leontodon saxatilis
Hawkbit,Rough Leontodon hispidus
Hawkweed, Leafy Hieracium umbellatum
Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum
Mouse-ear-hawkweed Pilosella officinarum
Hemp-nettle, Red Galeopsis angustifolia
Herb Robert Geranium robertianum
Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium
Horseradish Armoracia rusticana
Jacob's Ladder Polemoniun caeruleum
Knapweed,Common Centaurea nigra
Knapweed,Greater Centaurea scabiosa
Lettuce,Wall Mycelis muralis
Loosestrife, Purple Lysimachia vulgaris
Loosestrife, Yellow Lythrum salicaria
Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum
Lungwort Pulmonaria officinallis
Madder,Field Sherardia arvensis
Maidenhair Spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes
Mallow,Musk Malva moschata
Marjoram Origanum vulgare
Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria
Medick,Black Medicago lupulina
Mercury,Dog's Mercurialis perennis
Mignonette,Wild Reseda lutea
Milkwort,Common Polygala vulgaris
Mouse-ear,Common Cerastium fontanum
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Mullein,Dark Verbascum nigrum
Mullein,Great Verbascum thapsus
Mustard,Garlic Alliaria petiolata
Nettle,Common Urtica dioica
Nipplewort Lapsana communis
Orchid,Common Spotted Dactylorhisa fuchsii
Orchid,Fragrant Gymnadenia conopsea
Orpine Sedum telephium
Parsley Piert Aphanes arvensis
Parsley,Hedge Torilis japonica
Pepper-saxifrage Silaum silus
Pignut Conopodium majus
Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea
Plantain,Greater Plantago major
Polypody, Western Polypodium interjectum
Quaking Grass Briza media
Radish,Wild Raphanis raphanistrum
Ragwort Senecio jacobaea
Ragwort, Hoary Senecio erucifolius
Raspberry Rubus idaeus
Rockrose,Common Helianthemum nummularium
Rosebay Chamerion angustifolium
Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis
Sage,Wood Teucrium scorodonia
Sandwort,Spring Minuartia verna
Saxifrage, Opposite-leaved Golden Chrysospenium oppossifolium
Scabious,Field Knautia arvensis
Scabious,Small Scabiosa columbaria
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Silverweed Potentilla anserina
Sowthistle,Corn Sonchus arvensis
Sowthistle,Prickly Lactua serriola
Sowthistle,Rough Sonchus asper
St John's-wort,Hairy Hypericum hirsutum
St John's-wort,Perforate Hypericum perforatum
Stitchwort,Bog Stellaria uliginosa
Stonecrop,Biting Sedum acre
Stonecrop,Large Rock Sedum ruprestre
Strawberry,Wild Fragaria vesca
Thistle,Carline Carlina vulgaris
Thistle,Creeping Circium arvense
Thistle,Musk Carduus crispus
Thistle,Spear Circium vulgare
Thistle, Welted Carduus crispus
Thyme,Wild Thymus polytrichus
Timothy Phleum pratense+
Toadflax,Common Linaria vulgaris
Toadflax,Ivy-leaved Cymbalaria muralis
Toadflax,Pale Linaria repens
Toadflax, Purple Linaria purpurea
Trefoil,Birdsfoot Lotus corniculatus
Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa
Twayblade,Common Listeria ovata
Valerian,Common Valeriana officinalis
Vetch,Bush Vicia sepium
Vetch,Kidney Anthylis vulneraria
Vetch,Tufted Vicia cracca
Vetchling,Meadow Lathyrus pratensis
Wall-rue Asplenium ruta-muraria
Willowherb,American Epilobium ciliatum
Willowherb, Broad-leaved Epilobium montanum
Willowherb,Great Epilobium hirsutum
Wood Avens (Herb Bennet ) Geum urbanum
Woundwort,Hedge Stachys silvatica
Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Ferns
Hartstongue Phyllitis scolopendrium
Polypody,Common Polypodium vulgare
Polypody Western Polypody interjectum
Spleenwort,Maidenhair Asplenium trichomanes
Male Fern Dryopteris felix-mas
Wall-rue Asplenium ruta-muraria
Agrimony Agrimonia eupatoria
Angelica Angelica sylvestris
Basil,Wild Clinopodium vulgare
Bedstraw,Lady's Galium verum
Bedstraw,Limestone Galium sterneri
Bellflower,Giant Campanula latifolia
Bellflower,Nettle-leaved Campanula trachelium
Betony Stachys officinalis
Bindweed,large Calystegia silvestris
Bittersweet Solanum dulcamara
Burdock, Greater Arctium lappa
Burdock,Lesser Arctium minus
Burnet,Great Sanguisorba officinalis
Burnet,Salad Sanguisorba minor
Burnet-saxifrage, Greater Pimpinella major
Butterbur Petasites hybridus
Buttercup Meadow Ranunculus acris
Campion,Bladder Silene vulgaris
Campion,Red Silene dioica
Carrot, Wild Daucus carota
Cicely,Sweet Myrrhis odorata
Cleavers Galium aparine
Clover Red Trifolium pratense
Clover,Alsike Trifolium hybridum
Clover,White Trifolium repens
Cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata
Couch, Bearded Elymus caninus
Couch, Common Elytrigia repens
Cranesbill,Bloody Geranium sanguineum
Cranesbill, Cut-leaved Geranium dissectum
Cranesbill,Meadow Geranium pratense
Cranesbill,Shining Geranium lucidum
Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera
Crested Dogstail Synosurus cristatus
Crosswort Cruciata laevipes
Daisy Bellis perennis
Daisy,Ox-eye Leucanthemum vulgare
Dandelion Taraxacum
Deadnettle,Red Lamium purpureum
Deadnettle,White Lamium album
Dock,Curled Rumex crispus
Dock,Wood Rumex sanguineus
Enchanter's Nightshade Circea lutetiana
Eyebright Euphrasia sp.
Fairy Flax Linum catharticum
False Brome Brachypodium sylvaticum
Fern, Male Dryopteris felix-mas
Figwort,Common Scrophularia nodosa
Forgetmenot,Water Myosotis scorpioides
Goatsbeard Tragopogon pratensis
Goldenrod Solidago virgaurea
Hairy Brome Bromopsis ramosa
Harebell Campanula rotundifolia
Hartstongue Phyllitis scolopendrum
Hawkbit, Lesser Leontodon saxatilis
Hawkbit,Rough Leontodon hispidus
Hawkweed, Leafy Hieracium umbellatum
Honeysuckle Lonicera periclymenum
Mouse-ear-hawkweed Pilosella officinarum
Hemp-nettle, Red Galeopsis angustifolia
Herb Robert Geranium robertianum
Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium
Horseradish Armoracia rusticana
Jacob's Ladder Polemoniun caeruleum
Knapweed,Common Centaurea nigra
Knapweed,Greater Centaurea scabiosa
Lettuce,Wall Mycelis muralis
Loosestrife, Purple Lysimachia vulgaris
Loosestrife, Yellow Lythrum salicaria
Lords-and-Ladies Arum maculatum
Lungwort Pulmonaria officinallis
Madder,Field Sherardia arvensis
Maidenhair Spleenwort Asplenium trichomanes
Mallow,Musk Malva moschata
Marjoram Origanum vulgare
Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria
Medick,Black Medicago lupulina
Mercury,Dog's Mercurialis perennis
Mignonette,Wild Reseda lutea
Milkwort,Common Polygala vulgaris
Mouse-ear,Common Cerastium fontanum
Mugwort Artemisia vulgaris
Mullein,Dark Verbascum nigrum
Mullein,Great Verbascum thapsus
Mustard,Garlic Alliaria petiolata
Nettle,Common Urtica dioica
Nipplewort Lapsana communis
Orchid,Common Spotted Dactylorhisa fuchsii
Orchid,Fragrant Gymnadenia conopsea
Orpine Sedum telephium
Parsley Piert Aphanes arvensis
Parsley,Hedge Torilis japonica
Pepper-saxifrage Silaum silus
Pignut Conopodium majus
Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea
Plantain,Greater Plantago major
Polypody, Western Polypodium interjectum
Quaking Grass Briza media
Radish,Wild Raphanis raphanistrum
Ragwort Senecio jacobaea
Ragwort, Hoary Senecio erucifolius
Raspberry Rubus idaeus
Rockrose,Common Helianthemum nummularium
Rosebay Chamerion angustifolium
Rough Meadow-grass Poa trivialis
Sage,Wood Teucrium scorodonia
Sandwort,Spring Minuartia verna
Saxifrage, Opposite-leaved Golden Chrysospenium oppossifolium
Scabious,Field Knautia arvensis
Scabious,Small Scabiosa columbaria
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Silverweed Potentilla anserina
Sowthistle,Corn Sonchus arvensis
Sowthistle,Prickly Lactua serriola
Sowthistle,Rough Sonchus asper
St John's-wort,Hairy Hypericum hirsutum
St John's-wort,Perforate Hypericum perforatum
Stitchwort,Bog Stellaria uliginosa
Stonecrop,Biting Sedum acre
Stonecrop,Large Rock Sedum ruprestre
Strawberry,Wild Fragaria vesca
Thistle,Carline Carlina vulgaris
Thistle,Creeping Circium arvense
Thistle,Musk Carduus crispus
Thistle,Spear Circium vulgare
Thistle, Welted Carduus crispus
Thyme,Wild Thymus polytrichus
Timothy Phleum pratense+
Toadflax,Common Linaria vulgaris
Toadflax,Ivy-leaved Cymbalaria muralis
Toadflax,Pale Linaria repens
Toadflax, Purple Linaria purpurea
Trefoil,Birdsfoot Lotus corniculatus
Tufted Hair-grass Deschampsia cespitosa
Twayblade,Common Listeria ovata
Valerian,Common Valeriana officinalis
Vetch,Bush Vicia sepium
Vetch,Kidney Anthylis vulneraria
Vetch,Tufted Vicia cracca
Vetchling,Meadow Lathyrus pratensis
Wall-rue Asplenium ruta-muraria
Willowherb,American Epilobium ciliatum
Willowherb, Broad-leaved Epilobium montanum
Willowherb,Great Epilobium hirsutum
Wood Avens (Herb Bennet ) Geum urbanum
Woundwort,Hedge Stachys silvatica
Yarrow Achillea millefolium
Ferns
Hartstongue Phyllitis scolopendrium
Polypody,Common Polypodium vulgare
Polypody Western Polypody interjectum
Spleenwort,Maidenhair Asplenium trichomanes
Male Fern Dryopteris felix-mas
Wall-rue Asplenium ruta-muraria
Insects
Red Legged Shieldbug
Moths
Calamotropha paludella
Mullein Moth (caterpillar)
Mother of Pearl Moth
Pyrausta purpuralis
Pyrausta aurata
Large Yellow Underwing
Crambus peslella
Agriphila tristella
Scorparia pyratella
Humming Bird Hawkmoth
Ruby Tiger Moth (caterpillar)
Butterflies
Dark Green Fritillary
White Letter Hairstreak
Small Skipper
Red Legged Shieldbug
Moths
Calamotropha paludella
Mullein Moth (caterpillar)
Mother of Pearl Moth
Pyrausta purpuralis
Pyrausta aurata
Large Yellow Underwing
Crambus peslella
Agriphila tristella
Scorparia pyratella
Humming Bird Hawkmoth
Ruby Tiger Moth (caterpillar)
Butterflies
Dark Green Fritillary
White Letter Hairstreak
Small Skipper
Eastham Rake Woods and Hooton, Wirral Way
Saturday 16th July 2011
Leaders : Sheila and Peter Mason
11 people braved the weather forecast to meet at Eastham Rake and proceeded to Lowfields Woods, noticing on the way a sturdy spread of Enchanter’s Nightshade Circaea lutetiana. Horse Chestnut trees were showing signs of disease (Leaf Blotch fungus, Guigardia aesculi or Leaf Miner moth, Cameraria ohridella perhaps), which was reported to the Ranger. Fallen trees made the woodland paths unnegotiable and we entered the fields from the estate via the M53 tunnel. A former orchid field was now heavily colonised by Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica and mauve and white Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre and only a few Common Spotted Orchids Dactylorhiza fuchsii were there. This was compensated by a very fine stand of Marsh Woundwort Stachys palustris just through the tunnel. This used to be considered the best variety of Woundwort for its healing properties. Another white thistle, this time Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense was common here. A propensity for white varieties here at first led us to believe we had a white Tufted Vetch Viccia cracca but after some discussion no conclusion was reached other than that it was not Tufted Vetch. Likewise a St John’s Wort appeared not to fit any description, although its 2-lined stem suggested Hypericum perforatum.
These fields have been left to grow wild and successful colonising plants grow in abundance, filling the area with colour. We noted Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea; Hairy Tare Vicia hirsuta; Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris; Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea; Bog Stitchwort Stellaria uliginosa; Hoary Ragwort Senecio erucifolius; and Red Bartsia Odontites vernus.
The pond, seriously covered in duckweed, had no dragonflies on this occasion. Abundant Common Spotted Orchids, Branched Burweed Sparganium erectum, Lesser Bulrush Typha angustifolia and Water Plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica were in flower.
Time was pressing so we walked quickly through fields to Hooton Station (facilities included picnic tables!) just in time to miss a heavy downpour.
After lunch we walked down the Wirral Way, noting Yew saplings beginning to take over rough ground with Rosebay Chamerion angustifolium, Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, Hemp Agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum, Common Toadflax Linaria vulgaris and Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica. Waste land behind the path which proved well worth investigating on our last visit, is now buried in huge mounds of earth, but with the Broad-leaved Helleborine Epipactus helleborine still in evidence on the verge of it. While the numbers of the Helleborine were well down this year, some of the specimens we found were growing strongly. Clumps of a vigorous Hawkweed was thought to be Hieracium vagum, the urban Hawkweed of Northern England. Hairy Brome Bromus ramosa, grew well under the trees and Water Figwort Scrophularia auriculata, was found in the ditch beside the path. The pond by Heath Lane bridge was almost dried up but still supported Water Lilies Nymphaea alba, and Yellow Flag Irises Iris pseudocorus and Lesser Bulrush Typha angustifolia and Salix alba were growing strongly. A solitary Golden Melilot Melilotus altissima was also there. Without some attention, the way to the pond will soon become impenetrable.
Saturday 16th July 2011
Leaders : Sheila and Peter Mason
11 people braved the weather forecast to meet at Eastham Rake and proceeded to Lowfields Woods, noticing on the way a sturdy spread of Enchanter’s Nightshade Circaea lutetiana. Horse Chestnut trees were showing signs of disease (Leaf Blotch fungus, Guigardia aesculi or Leaf Miner moth, Cameraria ohridella perhaps), which was reported to the Ranger. Fallen trees made the woodland paths unnegotiable and we entered the fields from the estate via the M53 tunnel. A former orchid field was now heavily colonised by Common Fleabane Pulicaria dysenterica and mauve and white Marsh Thistle Cirsium palustre and only a few Common Spotted Orchids Dactylorhiza fuchsii were there. This was compensated by a very fine stand of Marsh Woundwort Stachys palustris just through the tunnel. This used to be considered the best variety of Woundwort for its healing properties. Another white thistle, this time Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense was common here. A propensity for white varieties here at first led us to believe we had a white Tufted Vetch Viccia cracca but after some discussion no conclusion was reached other than that it was not Tufted Vetch. Likewise a St John’s Wort appeared not to fit any description, although its 2-lined stem suggested Hypericum perforatum.
These fields have been left to grow wild and successful colonising plants grow in abundance, filling the area with colour. We noted Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea; Hairy Tare Vicia hirsuta; Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris; Lesser Stitchwort Stellaria graminea; Bog Stitchwort Stellaria uliginosa; Hoary Ragwort Senecio erucifolius; and Red Bartsia Odontites vernus.
The pond, seriously covered in duckweed, had no dragonflies on this occasion. Abundant Common Spotted Orchids, Branched Burweed Sparganium erectum, Lesser Bulrush Typha angustifolia and Water Plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica were in flower.
Time was pressing so we walked quickly through fields to Hooton Station (facilities included picnic tables!) just in time to miss a heavy downpour.
After lunch we walked down the Wirral Way, noting Yew saplings beginning to take over rough ground with Rosebay Chamerion angustifolium, Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, Hemp Agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum, Common Toadflax Linaria vulgaris and Hedge Woundwort Stachys sylvatica. Waste land behind the path which proved well worth investigating on our last visit, is now buried in huge mounds of earth, but with the Broad-leaved Helleborine Epipactus helleborine still in evidence on the verge of it. While the numbers of the Helleborine were well down this year, some of the specimens we found were growing strongly. Clumps of a vigorous Hawkweed was thought to be Hieracium vagum, the urban Hawkweed of Northern England. Hairy Brome Bromus ramosa, grew well under the trees and Water Figwort Scrophularia auriculata, was found in the ditch beside the path. The pond by Heath Lane bridge was almost dried up but still supported Water Lilies Nymphaea alba, and Yellow Flag Irises Iris pseudocorus and Lesser Bulrush Typha angustifolia and Salix alba were growing strongly. A solitary Golden Melilot Melilotus altissima was also there. Without some attention, the way to the pond will soon become impenetrable.
Ponds & Fields of Roby
9th July 2011
Leader: Rob Duffy
Twenty persons gathered at the NWC Car Park on a fairly good day for this summer. Immediate attention was drawn to the burgeoning Catalpa Catalpa bignonioides tree in the car park –origin unknown, as not apparently introduced by NWC staff and an unlikely place for an ornamental tree of which it is the only representative! The party headed through Court Hey Park taking in the newly sown “pond” perimeter on the border with Thornton Road. A riot of colour and a triumph in restoring a featureless depression prone to flooding.The party was led out of the Park via the foetid, but much-loved, brook, into the edge of suburbia and onto the derelict grounds of the Coronation sports and social club-an all too familiar feature of today’s urban landscape. This led onto the huge wheat field which was dotted with damp hollows, manure heaps and overgrown and derelict ponds. Surprisingly, the water flowing through the field to Belle Vale was crystal clear! Lunch was had at the M62 bridge next to the largest and clearest pond in the area. Over the bridge and up Carr Lane the party came to the heart of the never-to-be, borough of Roby, but there was a thriving medieval market here. Down the slope to Bowring Park, the party were impressed with its truncated driveway’s Plane Platanus x acerifolia trees but less impressed that they were unable to claim a cup of tea amongst the throng in the stable block! The ornamental and walled gardens were sadly derelict and their future is uncertain. Two Dawn Redwoods Metasequoia glyptostroboides guarded the entrance to the golf course, allegedly the first municipal course in England. In the sunken garden a Wellingtonia Sequoiadendron giganteum stood proud and alone in the centre but coming out onto the walled garden it was joined by two companions at either end. Amongst these giants, Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima, Tree Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lactus?) and, clinging to life up the 16 foot wall, a dishevelled Fig Ficus carica tree grew. Further down, the party proceeded to the motorway roundabout. Half the party hoofed it back to the NWC while the other half investigated the mound Vera Gordon had taken the LBS to in June 1999. I noted in my diary that there were Bee Orchids Ophrys apifera and Vera was very proud of these (there does not appear to have been a Parnassia report). Unfortunately, the numbers and types of orchids seen was very disappointing but there was enough other stuff of interest.
Down, further still, into Court Hey Park and the NWC, only six made it to the café; happy (I hope) but relieved.
Rob Duffy
Photos from Joyce Jarvis & John Somerville
9th July 2011
Leader: Rob Duffy
Twenty persons gathered at the NWC Car Park on a fairly good day for this summer. Immediate attention was drawn to the burgeoning Catalpa Catalpa bignonioides tree in the car park –origin unknown, as not apparently introduced by NWC staff and an unlikely place for an ornamental tree of which it is the only representative! The party headed through Court Hey Park taking in the newly sown “pond” perimeter on the border with Thornton Road. A riot of colour and a triumph in restoring a featureless depression prone to flooding.The party was led out of the Park via the foetid, but much-loved, brook, into the edge of suburbia and onto the derelict grounds of the Coronation sports and social club-an all too familiar feature of today’s urban landscape. This led onto the huge wheat field which was dotted with damp hollows, manure heaps and overgrown and derelict ponds. Surprisingly, the water flowing through the field to Belle Vale was crystal clear! Lunch was had at the M62 bridge next to the largest and clearest pond in the area. Over the bridge and up Carr Lane the party came to the heart of the never-to-be, borough of Roby, but there was a thriving medieval market here. Down the slope to Bowring Park, the party were impressed with its truncated driveway’s Plane Platanus x acerifolia trees but less impressed that they were unable to claim a cup of tea amongst the throng in the stable block! The ornamental and walled gardens were sadly derelict and their future is uncertain. Two Dawn Redwoods Metasequoia glyptostroboides guarded the entrance to the golf course, allegedly the first municipal course in England. In the sunken garden a Wellingtonia Sequoiadendron giganteum stood proud and alone in the centre but coming out onto the walled garden it was joined by two companions at either end. Amongst these giants, Tree of Heaven Ailanthus altissima, Tree Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lactus?) and, clinging to life up the 16 foot wall, a dishevelled Fig Ficus carica tree grew. Further down, the party proceeded to the motorway roundabout. Half the party hoofed it back to the NWC while the other half investigated the mound Vera Gordon had taken the LBS to in June 1999. I noted in my diary that there were Bee Orchids Ophrys apifera and Vera was very proud of these (there does not appear to have been a Parnassia report). Unfortunately, the numbers and types of orchids seen was very disappointing but there was enough other stuff of interest.
Down, further still, into Court Hey Park and the NWC, only six made it to the café; happy (I hope) but relieved.
Rob Duffy
Photos from Joyce Jarvis & John Somerville
Accepted Latin Names
Acer pseudoplatanus
Achillea millefolium
Aegopodium podagraria
Aesculus hippocastanum
Agrostis capillaris
Agrostis stolonifera
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Alliaria petiolata
Alnus glutinosa
Alopecurus geniculatus
Alopecurus pratensis
Anisantha sterilis
Anthriscus sylvestris
Apium nodiflorum
Arabidopsis thaliana
Arctium minus
Armoracia rusticana
Arrhenatherum elatius
Artemisia vulgaris
Bellis perennis
Buddleja davidii
Calystegia silvatica
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Carex remota
Centaurium erythraea
Cerastium fontanum
Chamerion angustifolium
Chenopodium album
Chenopodium ficifolium
Circaea lutetiana
Cirsium arvense
Cirsium vulgare
Conyza canadensis
Coronopus didymus
Corylus avellana
Crataegus monogyna
Crepis capillaris
Dactylorhiza fuchsii
Daucus carota
Digitalis purpurea
Dryopteris filix-mas
Elytrigia repens
Epilobium hirsutum
Epilobium montanum
Epilobium parviflorum
Euphorbia helioscopia
Fagus sylvatica
Fallopia japonica
Festuca rubra
Ficus carica
Fragaria ananassa
Fraxinus excelsior
Galium aparine
Galium mollugo
Geranium dissectum
Geranium molle
Geranium robertianum
Geum urbanum
Glyceria maxima
Gnaphalium uliginosum
Hedera helix
Heracleum sphondylium
Holcus lanatus
Hypericum maculatum
Hypericum perforatum
Hypochaeris radicata
Ilex aquifolium
Impatiens glandulifera
Juncus conglomeratus
Juncus effusus
Juncus inflexus
Lamium purpureum
Lapsana communis
Lathyrus pratensis
Linaria purpurea
Lolium perenne
Lotus pedunculatus
Malva moschata
Matricaria discoidea
Matricaria recutita
Medicago lupulina
Melilotus officinalis
Mercurialis perennis
Odontites vernus
Persicaria maculosa
Phalaris arundinacea
Phleum pratense
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago major
Poa annua
Poa trivialis
Polygonum arenastrum
Polygonum aviculare
Prunella vulgaris
Pulicaria dysenterica
Quercus robur
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus repens
Rorripa sylvesstris
Rubus fruticosus agg.
Rubus idaeus
Rumex obtusifolius
Rumex sanguineus
Sagina apetala
Sagina procumbens
Sambucus nigra
Senecio erucifolius
Senecio jacobaea
Senecio vulgaris
Silene dioica
Sisymbrium officinale
Solanum dulcamara
Sonchus asper
Sonchus oleraceus
Sorbus aucuparia
Sparganium erectum
Stachys palustris
Stellaria graminea
Stellaria media
Symphoricarpos albus
Tanacetum parthenium
Taraxacum officinale agg.
Tragopogon pratensis
Trifolium dubium
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Tripleurospermum inodorum
Tussilago farfara
Typha latifolia
Ulex europaeus
Urtica dioica
Veronica persica
Viburnum opulus
Vicia cracca
Vicia hirsuta
Vicia sativa
Rubus Cockburnianus
Carex hirsuta
Mentha suaveolens
Mycelis muralis
Lamium amplexicaule
Dactylorhiza praetermissa
Phalaris arundinacea
Leucopaxillus giganteus
Acer pseudoplatanus
Achillea millefolium
Aegopodium podagraria
Aesculus hippocastanum
Agrostis capillaris
Agrostis stolonifera
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Alliaria petiolata
Alnus glutinosa
Alopecurus geniculatus
Alopecurus pratensis
Anisantha sterilis
Anthriscus sylvestris
Apium nodiflorum
Arabidopsis thaliana
Arctium minus
Armoracia rusticana
Arrhenatherum elatius
Artemisia vulgaris
Bellis perennis
Buddleja davidii
Calystegia silvatica
Capsella bursa-pastoris
Carex remota
Centaurium erythraea
Cerastium fontanum
Chamerion angustifolium
Chenopodium album
Chenopodium ficifolium
Circaea lutetiana
Cirsium arvense
Cirsium vulgare
Conyza canadensis
Coronopus didymus
Corylus avellana
Crataegus monogyna
Crepis capillaris
Dactylorhiza fuchsii
Daucus carota
Digitalis purpurea
Dryopteris filix-mas
Elytrigia repens
Epilobium hirsutum
Epilobium montanum
Epilobium parviflorum
Euphorbia helioscopia
Fagus sylvatica
Fallopia japonica
Festuca rubra
Ficus carica
Fragaria ananassa
Fraxinus excelsior
Galium aparine
Galium mollugo
Geranium dissectum
Geranium molle
Geranium robertianum
Geum urbanum
Glyceria maxima
Gnaphalium uliginosum
Hedera helix
Heracleum sphondylium
Holcus lanatus
Hypericum maculatum
Hypericum perforatum
Hypochaeris radicata
Ilex aquifolium
Impatiens glandulifera
Juncus conglomeratus
Juncus effusus
Juncus inflexus
Lamium purpureum
Lapsana communis
Lathyrus pratensis
Linaria purpurea
Lolium perenne
Lotus pedunculatus
Malva moschata
Matricaria discoidea
Matricaria recutita
Medicago lupulina
Melilotus officinalis
Mercurialis perennis
Odontites vernus
Persicaria maculosa
Phalaris arundinacea
Phleum pratense
Plantago lanceolata
Plantago major
Poa annua
Poa trivialis
Polygonum arenastrum
Polygonum aviculare
Prunella vulgaris
Pulicaria dysenterica
Quercus robur
Ranunculus acris
Ranunculus repens
Rorripa sylvesstris
Rubus fruticosus agg.
Rubus idaeus
Rumex obtusifolius
Rumex sanguineus
Sagina apetala
Sagina procumbens
Sambucus nigra
Senecio erucifolius
Senecio jacobaea
Senecio vulgaris
Silene dioica
Sisymbrium officinale
Solanum dulcamara
Sonchus asper
Sonchus oleraceus
Sorbus aucuparia
Sparganium erectum
Stachys palustris
Stellaria graminea
Stellaria media
Symphoricarpos albus
Tanacetum parthenium
Taraxacum officinale agg.
Tragopogon pratensis
Trifolium dubium
Trifolium pratense
Trifolium repens
Tripleurospermum inodorum
Tussilago farfara
Typha latifolia
Ulex europaeus
Urtica dioica
Veronica persica
Viburnum opulus
Vicia cracca
Vicia hirsuta
Vicia sativa
Rubus Cockburnianus
Carex hirsuta
Mentha suaveolens
Mycelis muralis
Lamium amplexicaule
Dactylorhiza praetermissa
Phalaris arundinacea
Leucopaxillus giganteus
Common Name
Sycamore
Yarrow
Ground-elder
Horse-chestnut
Common Bent
Creeping Bent
Water-plantain
Garlic Mustard
Alder
Marsh Foxtail
Meadow Foxtail
Barren Brome
Cow Parsley
Fool's-water-cress
Thale Cress
Lesser Burdock
Horse-radish
False Oat-grass
Mugwort
Daisy
Butterfly-bush
Large Bindweed
Shepherd's-purse
Remote Sedge
Common Centaury
Common Mouse-ear
Rosebay Willowherb
Fat-hen
Fig-leaved Goosefoot
Enchanter's-nightshade
Creeping Thistle
Spear Thistle
Canadian Fleabane
Lesser Swine-cress
Hazel
Hawthorn
Smooth Hawk's-beard
Common Spotted-orchid
Carrot
Foxglove
Male-fern
Common Couch
Great Willowherb
Broad-leaved Willowherb
Hoary Willowherb
Sun Spurge
Beech
Japanese Knotweed
Red Fescue
Fig
Garden Strawberry
Ash
Cleavers
Hedge Bedstraw
Cut-leaved Crane's-bill
Dove's-foot Crane's-bill
Herb-Robert
Wood Avens
Reed Sweet-grass
Marsh Cudweed
Common Ivy
Hogweed
Yorkshire-fog
Imperforate St John's-wort
Perforate St John's-wort
Cat's-ear
Holly
Indian Balsam
Compact Rush
Soft-rush
Hard Rush
Red Dead-nettle
Nipplewort
Meadow Vetchling
Purple Toadflax
Perennial Rye-grass
Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil
Musk-mallow
Pineappleweed
Scented Mayweed
Black Medick
Ribbed Melilot
Dog's Mercury
Red Bartsia
Redshank
Reed Canary-grass
Timothy
Ribwort Plantain
Greater Plantain
Annual Meadow-grass
Rough Meadow-grass
Equal-leaved Knotgrass
Knotgrass
Selfheal
Common Fleabane
Pedunculate Oak
Meadow Buttercup
Creeping Buttercup
Creeping Yellow-cress
Bramble
Raspberry
Broad-leaved Dock
Wood Dock
Annual Pearlwort
Procumbent Pearlwort
Elder
Hoary Ragwort
Common Ragwort
Groundsel
Red Campion
Hedge Mustard
Bittersweet
Prickly Sow-thistle
Smooth Sow-thistle
Rowan
Branched Bur-reed
Marsh Woundwort
Lesser Stitchwort
Common Chickweed
Snowberry
Feverfew
Dandelion
Goat's-beard
Lesser Trefoil
Red Clover
White Clover
Scentless Mayweed
Colt's-foot
Common Reedmace
Gorse
Common Nettle
Common Field-speedwell
Guelder-rose
Tufted Vetch
Hairy Tare
Common Vetch
White stemmed bramble
Hairy Sedge
Round leaved Mint
Wall Lettuce
Hen bit Dead Nettle
Southern Marsh Orchid
Reed Canary-grass
Giant Funnel
Sycamore
Yarrow
Ground-elder
Horse-chestnut
Common Bent
Creeping Bent
Water-plantain
Garlic Mustard
Alder
Marsh Foxtail
Meadow Foxtail
Barren Brome
Cow Parsley
Fool's-water-cress
Thale Cress
Lesser Burdock
Horse-radish
False Oat-grass
Mugwort
Daisy
Butterfly-bush
Large Bindweed
Shepherd's-purse
Remote Sedge
Common Centaury
Common Mouse-ear
Rosebay Willowherb
Fat-hen
Fig-leaved Goosefoot
Enchanter's-nightshade
Creeping Thistle
Spear Thistle
Canadian Fleabane
Lesser Swine-cress
Hazel
Hawthorn
Smooth Hawk's-beard
Common Spotted-orchid
Carrot
Foxglove
Male-fern
Common Couch
Great Willowherb
Broad-leaved Willowherb
Hoary Willowherb
Sun Spurge
Beech
Japanese Knotweed
Red Fescue
Fig
Garden Strawberry
Ash
Cleavers
Hedge Bedstraw
Cut-leaved Crane's-bill
Dove's-foot Crane's-bill
Herb-Robert
Wood Avens
Reed Sweet-grass
Marsh Cudweed
Common Ivy
Hogweed
Yorkshire-fog
Imperforate St John's-wort
Perforate St John's-wort
Cat's-ear
Holly
Indian Balsam
Compact Rush
Soft-rush
Hard Rush
Red Dead-nettle
Nipplewort
Meadow Vetchling
Purple Toadflax
Perennial Rye-grass
Greater Bird's-foot-trefoil
Musk-mallow
Pineappleweed
Scented Mayweed
Black Medick
Ribbed Melilot
Dog's Mercury
Red Bartsia
Redshank
Reed Canary-grass
Timothy
Ribwort Plantain
Greater Plantain
Annual Meadow-grass
Rough Meadow-grass
Equal-leaved Knotgrass
Knotgrass
Selfheal
Common Fleabane
Pedunculate Oak
Meadow Buttercup
Creeping Buttercup
Creeping Yellow-cress
Bramble
Raspberry
Broad-leaved Dock
Wood Dock
Annual Pearlwort
Procumbent Pearlwort
Elder
Hoary Ragwort
Common Ragwort
Groundsel
Red Campion
Hedge Mustard
Bittersweet
Prickly Sow-thistle
Smooth Sow-thistle
Rowan
Branched Bur-reed
Marsh Woundwort
Lesser Stitchwort
Common Chickweed
Snowberry
Feverfew
Dandelion
Goat's-beard
Lesser Trefoil
Red Clover
White Clover
Scentless Mayweed
Colt's-foot
Common Reedmace
Gorse
Common Nettle
Common Field-speedwell
Guelder-rose
Tufted Vetch
Hairy Tare
Common Vetch
White stemmed bramble
Hairy Sedge
Round leaved Mint
Wall Lettuce
Hen bit Dead Nettle
Southern Marsh Orchid
Reed Canary-grass
Giant Funnel
Ben Lawers
2nd & 3rd July 2011
Leader: Peter Gateley
2nd & 3rd July 2011
Leader: Peter Gateley
Species list for Ben Lawers: 2nd July 2011
Achillea millefolium Yarrow
Adoxa moschatellina Moscatel
Agrostis capillaris Common Bent
Alchemilla alpina Alpine ladies-mantle
Alchemilla species Lady's-mantle species
Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone
Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass
Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort
Bellis perennis Daisy
Betula pendula Silver Birch
Betula pubescens Downy Birch
Blechnum spicant Hard Fern
Botrychium lunaria Moonwort
Briza media Quaking-grass
Calluna vulgaris Heather
Caltha palustris Marsh-marigold
Campanula rotundifolia Harebell
Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower
Carex binervis Green-ribbed Sedge
Carex nigra Common Sedge
Carex saxatilis Russet sedge
Cerastium alpinum Alpine mouse-ear
Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear
Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage
Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle
Corylus avellana Hazel
Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail
Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern
Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass
Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy Hair-grass
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove
Draba incana Hoary whitlowgrass
Empetrum nigrum Crowberry
Epilobium anagallidifolium Alpine Willowherb
Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail
Equisetum sylvaticum Wood Horsetail
Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath
Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass
Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's-tail Cottongrass
Euphrasia sp. Eyebright species
Festuca rubra Red Fescue
Festuca vivipara Viviparous fescue
Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw
Gaultheria mucronata Prickly Heath
Geranium sylvaticum Wood Cranesbill
Gnaphalium supinum Dwarf Cudweed
Helictotrichon pratense Meadow Oat-grass
Holcus mollis Creeping Soft-grass
Huperzia selago Fir clubmoss
Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush
Juncus effusus Soft Rush
Juncus squarrosus Heath Rush
Juncus triglumis Three-flowered rush
Linum catharticum Purging Flax
Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil
Luzula multiflora Heath Woodrush
Luzula spicata Spiked Woodrush
Luzula sylvatica Great Woodrush
Lycopodium clavatum Stag's-horn clubmoss
Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean
Meum athamanticum Spignel
Minuartia sedoides Cyphel
Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass
Montia fontana Blinks
Myosotis alpestris Alpine forget-me-not
Nardus stricta Mat-grass
Oreopteris limbosperma Lemon-scented Fern
Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel
Oxyria digyna Mountain sorrel
Pedicularis sylvatica Lousewort
Persicaria vivipara Viviparous Bistort
Pinguicula vulgaris Butterwort
Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain
Poa alpina Alpine meadowgrass
Polygala serpyllifolia Heath Milkwort
Polygala vulgaris Milkwort
Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern
Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog Pondweed
Potentilla crantzii Alpine Cinquefoil
Potentilla erecta Tormentil
Racomitrium lanuginosum Woolly fringe-moss
Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup
Rhinanthus minor Yellow-rattle
Rubus saxatilis Stone Bramble
Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort
Salix aurita Eared Willow
Salix herbacea Least Willow
Saxifraga aizoides Yellow Saxifrage
Saxifraga hypnoides Mossy Saxifrage
Saxifraga oppositifolia Purple Saxifrage
Saxifraga stellaris Starry Saxifrage
Sedum rosea Roseroot
Selaginella selaginoides Lesser Clubmoss
Sibbaldia procumbens Sibbaldia
Silene acaulis Moss Campion
Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod
Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash
Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious
Thalictrum alpinum Alpine meadow-rue
Tofieldia pusilla Scottish Asphodel
Trichophorum germanicum Deergrass
Trifolium repens White Clover
Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry
Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cowberry
Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell
Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell
Veronica serpyllifolia humifusa Mountain thyme-leaved speedwell
Viola lutea Mountain Pansy
Achillea millefolium Yarrow
Adoxa moschatellina Moscatel
Agrostis capillaris Common Bent
Alchemilla alpina Alpine ladies-mantle
Alchemilla species Lady's-mantle species
Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone
Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass
Asplenium viride Green Spleenwort
Bellis perennis Daisy
Betula pendula Silver Birch
Betula pubescens Downy Birch
Blechnum spicant Hard Fern
Botrychium lunaria Moonwort
Briza media Quaking-grass
Calluna vulgaris Heather
Caltha palustris Marsh-marigold
Campanula rotundifolia Harebell
Cardamine pratensis Cuckooflower
Carex binervis Green-ribbed Sedge
Carex nigra Common Sedge
Carex saxatilis Russet sedge
Cerastium alpinum Alpine mouse-ear
Cerastium fontanum Common Mouse-ear
Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage
Cirsium palustre Marsh Thistle
Corylus avellana Hazel
Cynosurus cristatus Crested Dog's-tail
Cystopteris fragilis Brittle Bladder-fern
Deschampsia cespitosa Tufted Hair-grass
Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy Hair-grass
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove
Draba incana Hoary whitlowgrass
Empetrum nigrum Crowberry
Epilobium anagallidifolium Alpine Willowherb
Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail
Equisetum sylvaticum Wood Horsetail
Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath
Eriophorum angustifolium Common Cottongrass
Eriophorum vaginatum Hare's-tail Cottongrass
Euphrasia sp. Eyebright species
Festuca rubra Red Fescue
Festuca vivipara Viviparous fescue
Galium saxatile Heath Bedstraw
Gaultheria mucronata Prickly Heath
Geranium sylvaticum Wood Cranesbill
Gnaphalium supinum Dwarf Cudweed
Helictotrichon pratense Meadow Oat-grass
Holcus mollis Creeping Soft-grass
Huperzia selago Fir clubmoss
Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush
Juncus effusus Soft Rush
Juncus squarrosus Heath Rush
Juncus triglumis Three-flowered rush
Linum catharticum Purging Flax
Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil
Luzula multiflora Heath Woodrush
Luzula spicata Spiked Woodrush
Luzula sylvatica Great Woodrush
Lycopodium clavatum Stag's-horn clubmoss
Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean
Meum athamanticum Spignel
Minuartia sedoides Cyphel
Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass
Montia fontana Blinks
Myosotis alpestris Alpine forget-me-not
Nardus stricta Mat-grass
Oreopteris limbosperma Lemon-scented Fern
Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel
Oxyria digyna Mountain sorrel
Pedicularis sylvatica Lousewort
Persicaria vivipara Viviparous Bistort
Pinguicula vulgaris Butterwort
Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain
Poa alpina Alpine meadowgrass
Polygala serpyllifolia Heath Milkwort
Polygala vulgaris Milkwort
Polystichum lonchitis Holly Fern
Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog Pondweed
Potentilla crantzii Alpine Cinquefoil
Potentilla erecta Tormentil
Racomitrium lanuginosum Woolly fringe-moss
Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup
Rhinanthus minor Yellow-rattle
Rubus saxatilis Stone Bramble
Sagina procumbens Procumbent Pearlwort
Salix aurita Eared Willow
Salix herbacea Least Willow
Saxifraga aizoides Yellow Saxifrage
Saxifraga hypnoides Mossy Saxifrage
Saxifraga oppositifolia Purple Saxifrage
Saxifraga stellaris Starry Saxifrage
Sedum rosea Roseroot
Selaginella selaginoides Lesser Clubmoss
Sibbaldia procumbens Sibbaldia
Silene acaulis Moss Campion
Solidago virgaurea Goldenrod
Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash
Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious
Thalictrum alpinum Alpine meadow-rue
Tofieldia pusilla Scottish Asphodel
Trichophorum germanicum Deergrass
Trifolium repens White Clover
Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry
Vaccinium vitis-idaea Cowberry
Veronica chamaedrys Germander Speedwell
Veronica officinalis Heath Speedwell
Veronica serpyllifolia humifusa Mountain thyme-leaved speedwell
Viola lutea Mountain Pansy
Species list for Black Wood: 3rd July 2011
Ajuga reptans Bugle
Alnus glutinosa Alder
Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone
Angelica sylvestris Wild Angelica
Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass
Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley
Athyrium filix-femina Lady-fern
Betula pendula Silver Birch
Betula pubescens Downy Birch
Blechnum spicant Hard Fern
Briza media Quaking-grass
Calluna vulgaris Heather
Campanula rotundifolia Harebell
Carex binervis Green-ribbed Sedge
Carex pallescens Pale Sedge
Chamerion angustifolium Rosebay Willowherb
Conopodium majus Pignut
Cytisus scoparius Broom
Dactylis glomerata Cock's-foot
Deschampsia flexuosa Wavy Hair-grass
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove
Dryopteris filix-mas Male-fern
Festuca rubra Red Fescue
Festuca vivipara Viviparous fescue
Fraxinus excelsior Ash
Gymnadenia borealis Heath fragrant-orchid
Gymnocarpium dryopteris Oak Fern
Hypericum pulchrum Slender St John's-wort
Lathyrus linifolius Bitter-vetch
Lotus corniculatus Bird's-foot Trefoil
Lysimachia nemorum Yellow Pimpernel
Melampyrum pratense Cow-wheat
Mercurialis perennis Dog's Mercury
Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass
Oreopteris limbosperma Lemon-scented Fern
Oxalis acetosella Wood Sorrel
Phegopteris connectilis Beech Fern
Pinguicula vulgaris Butterwort
Pinus sylvestris Scots Pine
Plantago lanceolata Ribwort Plantain
Polygala serpyllifolia Heath Milkwort
Populus tremula Aspen
Primula vulgaris Primrose
Prunella vulgaris Selfheal
Prunus padus Bird Cherry
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken
Pyrola minor Common wintergreen
Quercus robur English Oak
Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup
Rhinanthus minor Yellow-rattle
Rubus saxatilis Stone bramble
Salix pentandra Bay Willow
Sanicula europaea Sanicle
Sorbus aucuparia Mountain Ash
Succisa pratensis Devil's-bit Scabious
Thalictrum flavum Common Meadow-rue
Trientalis europaea Chickweed Wintergreen
Vicia sepium Bush Vetch
Viola riviniana Wood-dog-violet
Species list for Loch an Daim: 3rd July 2011
Achillea millefolium Yarrow
Arenaria serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Sandwort
Calluna vulgaris Heather
Carex pulicaris Flea Sedge
Carex rostrata Bottle Sedge
Dactylorhiza maculata Heath Spotted-orchid
Drosera rotundifolia Round-leaved Sundew
Equisetum palustre Marsh Horsetail
Erica cinerea Bell Heather
Erica tetralix Cross-leaved Heath
Festuca ovina Sheep's Fescue
Festuca rubra Red Fescue
Hypericum pulchrum Slender St John's-wort
Juncus acutiflorus Sharp-flowered Rush
Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush
Juncus effusus Soft Rush
Juncus squarrosus Heath Rush
Lysimachia nemorum Yellow Pimpernel
Menyanthes trifoliata Bogbean
Molinia caerulea Purple Moor-grass
Myrica gale Bog-myrtle
Pedicularis palustris Marsh Lousewort
Pedicularis sylvatica Lousewort
Phragmites australis Reed
Potamogeton polygonifolius Bog Pondweed
Salix aurita Eared Willow
Saxifraga aizoides Yellow saxifrage
Triglochin palustris Marsh Arrow-grass
Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry
Runcorn Heath & Oxmoor
11th June 2011
Leader: Rob Duffy
Pictures by Peter Gateley
11th June 2011
Leader: Rob Duffy
Pictures by Peter Gateley
Species list Runcorn Hill:-
The dry Heath:-
Sheep’s Sorrel Rumex acetosella
Sheep’s Fescue Festuca ovina
Creeping Soft Grass Holcus mollis
Common Bent Agrostis capillaris
Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera
Red fescue Festuca rubra
Early Hair Grass Aira praecox
Wavy Hair grass Deschampsia flexuosa
Sumach Rhus typhina
Broom Cytisus scoparius
Hairy Fruited Broom Cytisus striatus
Gorse Ulex spp.
Heath Groundsel Senecio sylvaticus
Sticky Groundsel Senecio viscosus
Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile
Sea Buckthorn Eleagnus rhamnoides
Heather Calluna vulgaris
Sand Spurrey Spergularia rubra
Wood Sage Teucrium scorodonia
Hawkweed Hieracium spp.
Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea
Tulip Tree Liriodendron
Hairy Brome Bromus ramosus
The wetland:-
New Zealand Pygmy Weed Crassula aquatica
Amphibious Bistort Persicaria amphibian
Sweet grass Glyceria spp.
Soft Rush Juncus effusus
Common Rush Juncus conglomeratus
Common Cudweed Filago vulgaris
Toad Rush Juncus bufonis
Slender Rush Juncus tenuis
Balsam Poplar Populus trichocarpa x
Populus balsamifera
The glens:-
Raspberry Rubus idaeus
Honeysuckle Lonicera pericyclemum
Orange Hawkweed Pilosella aurantiacum
Climbing Corydalis Ceratocapnos claviculata
Cat’s Ear Hypochaeris radicata
Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella
Enchanter’s Nightshade Circaea lutetiana
Stitchwort Stellaria spp.
The dry Heath:-
Sheep’s Sorrel Rumex acetosella
Sheep’s Fescue Festuca ovina
Creeping Soft Grass Holcus mollis
Common Bent Agrostis capillaris
Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera
Red fescue Festuca rubra
Early Hair Grass Aira praecox
Wavy Hair grass Deschampsia flexuosa
Sumach Rhus typhina
Broom Cytisus scoparius
Hairy Fruited Broom Cytisus striatus
Gorse Ulex spp.
Heath Groundsel Senecio sylvaticus
Sticky Groundsel Senecio viscosus
Heath Bedstraw Galium saxatile
Sea Buckthorn Eleagnus rhamnoides
Heather Calluna vulgaris
Sand Spurrey Spergularia rubra
Wood Sage Teucrium scorodonia
Hawkweed Hieracium spp.
Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea
Tulip Tree Liriodendron
Hairy Brome Bromus ramosus
The wetland:-
New Zealand Pygmy Weed Crassula aquatica
Amphibious Bistort Persicaria amphibian
Sweet grass Glyceria spp.
Soft Rush Juncus effusus
Common Rush Juncus conglomeratus
Common Cudweed Filago vulgaris
Toad Rush Juncus bufonis
Slender Rush Juncus tenuis
Balsam Poplar Populus trichocarpa x
Populus balsamifera
The glens:-
Raspberry Rubus idaeus
Honeysuckle Lonicera pericyclemum
Orange Hawkweed Pilosella aurantiacum
Climbing Corydalis Ceratocapnos claviculata
Cat’s Ear Hypochaeris radicata
Wood Sorrel Oxalis acetosella
Enchanter’s Nightshade Circaea lutetiana
Stitchwort Stellaria spp.
Species list Oxmoor:-
Yellow Bartsia Parentucellia viscose
Marsh Horsetail Equisetum palustre.
Hemlock Water Dropwort Oenanthe crocata
Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus major
Field Penny Cress Thlaspi perfoliatum
Hard Rush Juncus inflexus
Hairy Sedge Carex hirta
Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca
Common Spike Rush Eleocharis palustris
Common Club Rush Scirpus lacustris
Tufted Hair Grass Deschampsia flexuosa
Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea
Cut leaved Cranesbill Geranium dissectum
Silver Hair grass Aira coryophylla
Field Madder Sherardia arvensis
Brown Sedge Carex disticha
Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa
Yellow wort Blackstonia perfoliata
Marsh Bedstraw Galium palustre
Blue Fleabane Erigeron acer
Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris
Grass Vetchling Lathyrus nissolia
Crosswort Cruciata laevipes
Tufted Forget-Me-Not Myosotis laxa
Wall Speedwell Veronica arvensis
Water Figwort Scrophularia auriculata
Teasel Dipsacus fullonum
Corn Chamomile Anthemis arvensis
Hemlock Conium maculatum
Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata
Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus flammula
St. John’s Wort Hypericum spp.
Tormentil Potentilla erecta
Purple Toadflax Linaria purpurea
Aquilegia Aquilegia vulgaris
Yellow Bartsia Parentucellia viscose
Marsh Horsetail Equisetum palustre.
Hemlock Water Dropwort Oenanthe crocata
Yellow Rattle Rhinanthus major
Field Penny Cress Thlaspi perfoliatum
Hard Rush Juncus inflexus
Hairy Sedge Carex hirta
Glaucous Sedge Carex flacca
Common Spike Rush Eleocharis palustris
Common Club Rush Scirpus lacustris
Tufted Hair Grass Deschampsia flexuosa
Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea
Cut leaved Cranesbill Geranium dissectum
Silver Hair grass Aira coryophylla
Field Madder Sherardia arvensis
Brown Sedge Carex disticha
Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosa
Yellow wort Blackstonia perfoliata
Marsh Bedstraw Galium palustre
Blue Fleabane Erigeron acer
Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris
Grass Vetchling Lathyrus nissolia
Crosswort Cruciata laevipes
Tufted Forget-Me-Not Myosotis laxa
Wall Speedwell Veronica arvensis
Water Figwort Scrophularia auriculata
Teasel Dipsacus fullonum
Corn Chamomile Anthemis arvensis
Hemlock Conium maculatum
Skullcap Scutellaria galericulata
Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus flammula
St. John’s Wort Hypericum spp.
Tormentil Potentilla erecta
Purple Toadflax Linaria purpurea
Aquilegia Aquilegia vulgaris
Altcar Rifle Range
3rd June 2011
Leader: Steve Cross
Pictures by Peter Gateley
3rd June 2011
Leader: Steve Cross
Pictures by Peter Gateley
Clock Face Country Park
21st May 2011
Leader: Barbara Allen
Sixteen members witnessed the array of plants, insects and birds on the former site of Clock Face Colliery now a country park.
From the older plantings presumably by the National Coal board on the outskirts, Betula pendula (Silver Birch) conveniently planted near Betula pubescens (Downy Birch) making comparing easer, along with Ilex x altaclerensis (Highclere Holly), Syringa vulgaris (Lilac), Rhododendron ssp but also Cydonia (Quinces) and posibly Inula helenium (Elecampane),this will need further visits for conformation. All adding interest and maturity to the site.
Thanks to the diversity of the area some being more acid than others, boggy, baron, wooded and even having an excellent fishing pond this gave rise to over one hundred and fifty species recorded on the day. A quadrant of approximately one metre square was done on the top east side by some members, a rather fragile surface, yet surprisingly they found fifteen different species not counting mosses and surviving on millimetres of soil.
Many insects were pointed out to us from Common Blue and Peacock Butterflies, Silver Ground Carpet Moth also including the release of a Poplar Hawk Moth, even a small green beetle with a yellow petticoat apparently living off Alder trees. Birds like the Jay, Long-tailed Tit and almost constantly in the background the song of a Willow Warbler adding to the ambience of the walk.
Amazingly the weather held which helped people appreciate our surroundings and with the individual expertise of members the meeting was enriched and all the more enjoyable.
Many thanks to all that attended and even help prepare for the meeting.
Barbara Allen
21st May 2011
Leader: Barbara Allen
Sixteen members witnessed the array of plants, insects and birds on the former site of Clock Face Colliery now a country park.
From the older plantings presumably by the National Coal board on the outskirts, Betula pendula (Silver Birch) conveniently planted near Betula pubescens (Downy Birch) making comparing easer, along with Ilex x altaclerensis (Highclere Holly), Syringa vulgaris (Lilac), Rhododendron ssp but also Cydonia (Quinces) and posibly Inula helenium (Elecampane),this will need further visits for conformation. All adding interest and maturity to the site.
Thanks to the diversity of the area some being more acid than others, boggy, baron, wooded and even having an excellent fishing pond this gave rise to over one hundred and fifty species recorded on the day. A quadrant of approximately one metre square was done on the top east side by some members, a rather fragile surface, yet surprisingly they found fifteen different species not counting mosses and surviving on millimetres of soil.
Many insects were pointed out to us from Common Blue and Peacock Butterflies, Silver Ground Carpet Moth also including the release of a Poplar Hawk Moth, even a small green beetle with a yellow petticoat apparently living off Alder trees. Birds like the Jay, Long-tailed Tit and almost constantly in the background the song of a Willow Warbler adding to the ambience of the walk.
Amazingly the weather held which helped people appreciate our surroundings and with the individual expertise of members the meeting was enriched and all the more enjoyable.
Many thanks to all that attended and even help prepare for the meeting.
Barbara Allen
Hall Road (Crosby) coast and dunes
14th May 2011
Leader: Mary Dean
After a long, dry and warm spell, twenty-four members braved the drop in temperature and strong north-westerly winds to meet at Hall Road to explore the botanical interest along the manmade shingle and the stabilised dunes between Hall Road and Hightown.
Close to the car park we saw Cochlearia danica (Danish Scurvy-grass), Armoracia rusticana (Horse Radish) and Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima (Sea Beet) and discussed the merits, or otherwise, of Sea Beet as a vegetable, recommended by one member as an alternative to spinach. On the brick shingle two large plants of Crambe maritima (Sea-kale) looked magnificent in full flower.
Other plants seen on shingle or the flattened dunes included Honckenya peploides (Sea Sandwort), Lotus corniculatus (Bird’s-foot Trefoil), Medicago lupulina (Black Medick), Trifolium dubium (Lesser Trefoil), Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion), S. latifolia (White Campion), Vicia hirsuta (Hairy Tare), V. sativa (Common Vetch) and both pink- and white-flowered Rosa rugosa (Japanese Rose). A large shrub of flowering Lycium barbarum (Duke of Argyll’s Teaplant) provided a temporary and welcome windbreak. Further on we found a solitary Smyrnium olusatrum (Alexanders), a plant several people had not seen at this site on previous visits, and a large patch of Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax).
Turning inland for an early lunch break in the shelter of the pumping station wall, we saw Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Crane’s-bill). After lunch we saw G. dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill), followed by Hypochaeris radicata (Common Cat’s-ear) which we compared to and separated from Leontodon hispidus (Rough Hawkbit).
Continuing up the coast the plants included Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette), Avenula pratensis (Meadow Oat-grass) looking particularly splendid, Rosa spinosissima (Burnet Rose), Glaucium flavum (Yellow Horned-poppy), Euphorbia paralias (Sea Spurge), Crithmum maritimum (Rock Samphire), Parietaria judaica (Pellitory-of-the-wall) and Eryngium maritimum (Sea Holly), although not all were yet in flower.
Turning back and following a more inland route we came across a damper area with Thalictrum flavum (Common Meadow Rue) and Angelica sylvestris (Wild Angelica). On the drier areas were Asparagus officinalis (Garden Asparagus), Geranium pyrenaicum (Hedgerow Crane’s-bill) and attractive annual dune grasses Phleum arenarium (Sand Cat’s-tail) and Vulpia fasciculata (Dune Fescue).
Speeding up to get back before the rain a few naturalised species were found: a lovely show of Euphorbia cyparissias (Cypress Spurge), Polygonatum multiflorum (Solomon’s-seal), Spiraea sp. (Bridewort), Ribes rubrum (Red Currant), Papaver pseudoorientale (Oriental Poppy) and Syringa vulgaris (Lilac).
Just before returning to the car park we found several flowering plants of the rare endemic Coincya monensis ssp. monensis (Isle of Man Cabbage).
The field trip finished just in time for the eleven members who stayed to the end to remain dry. Fifteen minutes later it was raining heavily. My thanks for everyone for helping out with finding plants of interest, identification and tips for identifying the difficult ones.
Mary Dean
14th May 2011
Leader: Mary Dean
After a long, dry and warm spell, twenty-four members braved the drop in temperature and strong north-westerly winds to meet at Hall Road to explore the botanical interest along the manmade shingle and the stabilised dunes between Hall Road and Hightown.
Close to the car park we saw Cochlearia danica (Danish Scurvy-grass), Armoracia rusticana (Horse Radish) and Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima (Sea Beet) and discussed the merits, or otherwise, of Sea Beet as a vegetable, recommended by one member as an alternative to spinach. On the brick shingle two large plants of Crambe maritima (Sea-kale) looked magnificent in full flower.
Other plants seen on shingle or the flattened dunes included Honckenya peploides (Sea Sandwort), Lotus corniculatus (Bird’s-foot Trefoil), Medicago lupulina (Black Medick), Trifolium dubium (Lesser Trefoil), Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion), S. latifolia (White Campion), Vicia hirsuta (Hairy Tare), V. sativa (Common Vetch) and both pink- and white-flowered Rosa rugosa (Japanese Rose). A large shrub of flowering Lycium barbarum (Duke of Argyll’s Teaplant) provided a temporary and welcome windbreak. Further on we found a solitary Smyrnium olusatrum (Alexanders), a plant several people had not seen at this site on previous visits, and a large patch of Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax).
Turning inland for an early lunch break in the shelter of the pumping station wall, we saw Geranium sanguineum (Bloody Crane’s-bill). After lunch we saw G. dissectum (Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill), followed by Hypochaeris radicata (Common Cat’s-ear) which we compared to and separated from Leontodon hispidus (Rough Hawkbit).
Continuing up the coast the plants included Reseda lutea (Wild Mignonette), Avenula pratensis (Meadow Oat-grass) looking particularly splendid, Rosa spinosissima (Burnet Rose), Glaucium flavum (Yellow Horned-poppy), Euphorbia paralias (Sea Spurge), Crithmum maritimum (Rock Samphire), Parietaria judaica (Pellitory-of-the-wall) and Eryngium maritimum (Sea Holly), although not all were yet in flower.
Turning back and following a more inland route we came across a damper area with Thalictrum flavum (Common Meadow Rue) and Angelica sylvestris (Wild Angelica). On the drier areas were Asparagus officinalis (Garden Asparagus), Geranium pyrenaicum (Hedgerow Crane’s-bill) and attractive annual dune grasses Phleum arenarium (Sand Cat’s-tail) and Vulpia fasciculata (Dune Fescue).
Speeding up to get back before the rain a few naturalised species were found: a lovely show of Euphorbia cyparissias (Cypress Spurge), Polygonatum multiflorum (Solomon’s-seal), Spiraea sp. (Bridewort), Ribes rubrum (Red Currant), Papaver pseudoorientale (Oriental Poppy) and Syringa vulgaris (Lilac).
Just before returning to the car park we found several flowering plants of the rare endemic Coincya monensis ssp. monensis (Isle of Man Cabbage).
The field trip finished just in time for the eleven members who stayed to the end to remain dry. Fifteen minutes later it was raining heavily. My thanks for everyone for helping out with finding plants of interest, identification and tips for identifying the difficult ones.
Mary Dean
Martin Mere
30th April 2011
Leader: David Earl
Fifteen members assembled at the car park to Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust on a blowy morning with broken cloud on the first field meeting of the season. It was nice to see both familiar faces and new ones too.
On leaving the car park to walk around the reserve the first plant of note to be seen was Bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata in flower. Nearby was Grey Alder Alnus incana and Wall Veronica Veronica arvensis.
In the woodland at the edge of the road we saw Jack Go To Bed at Noon Tragopogon pratensis and, twining it’s way up the trees Hop Humulus lupulus. Next was Red Currant Ribes rubrum with several groupings of Fringecups Tellima grandiflora.
Leaving the woodland and walking the edge of a cultivated field we saw many of the plants associated with that type of habitat. These included: Black Bindweed Fallopia convolvulus. Hebnbit Dead-Nettle Lamium amplexicaule. Hedge Mustard Sisymbrium officinalis, along with Amphibious Bistort Persicaria amphibia, with water nowhere to be seen. It’s always puzzling how this plant has a land form. Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum was making growth among the lusher vegetation slightly away from the edge.
The “yellow Job” by the gate turned out to be, after some consultation, Beaked Hawksbeard Crepis vesicaria followed by Hairy Tare Vicia hirsuta and Hairy Sedge Carex hirta, probably a conspirscy because I have lost the beard myself!
When we walked the mossland the vegetation changed. Wintercress Barbarea vulgaris, Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus flammula and a variety of Apple Mint Mentha villosa sativa making an appearance. Red Hot Poker Kniphofia uvaria, Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis and Lucerne Medicago sativa were showing the intervention of habitation in the area.
The newly dug ponds, what for I don’t know, showed a lot of potential and could in the near future be sites worth a visit to record their colonisation.
All in all a very pleasant start to the season. Many thanks to David Earl for leading this trip.
Peter Tipping
30th April 2011
Leader: David Earl
Fifteen members assembled at the car park to Martin Mere Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust on a blowy morning with broken cloud on the first field meeting of the season. It was nice to see both familiar faces and new ones too.
On leaving the car park to walk around the reserve the first plant of note to be seen was Bogbean Menyanthes trifoliata in flower. Nearby was Grey Alder Alnus incana and Wall Veronica Veronica arvensis.
In the woodland at the edge of the road we saw Jack Go To Bed at Noon Tragopogon pratensis and, twining it’s way up the trees Hop Humulus lupulus. Next was Red Currant Ribes rubrum with several groupings of Fringecups Tellima grandiflora.
Leaving the woodland and walking the edge of a cultivated field we saw many of the plants associated with that type of habitat. These included: Black Bindweed Fallopia convolvulus. Hebnbit Dead-Nettle Lamium amplexicaule. Hedge Mustard Sisymbrium officinalis, along with Amphibious Bistort Persicaria amphibia, with water nowhere to be seen. It’s always puzzling how this plant has a land form. Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum was making growth among the lusher vegetation slightly away from the edge.
The “yellow Job” by the gate turned out to be, after some consultation, Beaked Hawksbeard Crepis vesicaria followed by Hairy Tare Vicia hirsuta and Hairy Sedge Carex hirta, probably a conspirscy because I have lost the beard myself!
When we walked the mossland the vegetation changed. Wintercress Barbarea vulgaris, Lesser Spearwort Ranunculus flammula and a variety of Apple Mint Mentha villosa sativa making an appearance. Red Hot Poker Kniphofia uvaria, Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus pratensis and Lucerne Medicago sativa were showing the intervention of habitation in the area.
The newly dug ponds, what for I don’t know, showed a lot of potential and could in the near future be sites worth a visit to record their colonisation.
All in all a very pleasant start to the season. Many thanks to David Earl for leading this trip.
Peter Tipping
