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.
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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 |
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 |
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
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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 |
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 |
Ben Lawers
2nd & 3rd July 2011
Leader: Peter Gateley
2nd & 3rd July 2011
Leader: Peter Gateley
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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 |
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
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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. |
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 |
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
