2013 Field Trips
Otterspool 6/4/2013, Riveacre Valley 20/4/2013, Rostherne Mere 11/5/2013, Altcar Rifle Range 17/5/2013,
Cannock Chase 18/5/2013, Griffin Wood, Clock Face 1/6/2013,
Ainsdale dunes and Green Beach: Sedge Workshop 8/6/2013, Half Moon Bay, Heysham 22/6/2013,
Gowy Meadows 20/7/2013, Dungeon Bay Cliffs and Mersey Shore 27/7/2013,
Delamere Forest 3/8/2013, Fazakerley Station Old Sidings 10/8/2013, Liverpool City Centre 7/9/2013,
Southport Coast to Marshside 21/9/2013, Eastham Woods 5/10/2013
Otterspool 6/4/2013, Riveacre Valley 20/4/2013, Rostherne Mere 11/5/2013, Altcar Rifle Range 17/5/2013,
Cannock Chase 18/5/2013, Griffin Wood, Clock Face 1/6/2013,
Ainsdale dunes and Green Beach: Sedge Workshop 8/6/2013, Half Moon Bay, Heysham 22/6/2013,
Gowy Meadows 20/7/2013, Dungeon Bay Cliffs and Mersey Shore 27/7/2013,
Delamere Forest 3/8/2013, Fazakerley Station Old Sidings 10/8/2013, Liverpool City Centre 7/9/2013,
Southport Coast to Marshside 21/9/2013, Eastham Woods 5/10/2013
Fungi of Eastham Woods
5th October 2013
Leader : Steve Cross
What a lovely day! Members met up at Eastham Woods car park for what was going to be a literally fruitful meeting with acorns dropping at the slightest breeze, a good year for them. These acres of woodlands are now managed sympathetically by Wirral Borough Council to encourage biodiversity but were established here alongside the River Mersey in pre-Victorian times. The riverside location afforded us good views of the Mersey and passing ferries whilst having our lunch.
Many Fungi were found on dead and rotting tree stumps, such as Stump Puffball (Lycoperdon pyriforme), Turkeytail (Trametes versicolor) and Southern Bracket Ganoderma australe but there was also one species that has become a threat, Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea) which does not wait for the tree to die but attacks them whether they are in good health or not so as a consequence has become a serious pathogen.
Other, unusually named fungi, we found included Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha), Candlesnuff fungus X. hypoxylon, Jelly Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae) and Common bonnet (Mycena galericulata). There was also a great variety of colours, ranging from the bright Yellow Stagshorn Calocera viscosa, through Burgundy-drop Bonnet Mycena haematopus to the exquisite Green Elf-cup Chlorociboria aeruginascens.
Every where we looked there were numerous toadstools a delight to see especially since we were guided by such knowledgeable leader, therefore we would like to thank Steve for a fascinating and enlightening day.
Barbara Allen
Photographs by Barbara Allen
5th October 2013
Leader : Steve Cross
What a lovely day! Members met up at Eastham Woods car park for what was going to be a literally fruitful meeting with acorns dropping at the slightest breeze, a good year for them. These acres of woodlands are now managed sympathetically by Wirral Borough Council to encourage biodiversity but were established here alongside the River Mersey in pre-Victorian times. The riverside location afforded us good views of the Mersey and passing ferries whilst having our lunch.
Many Fungi were found on dead and rotting tree stumps, such as Stump Puffball (Lycoperdon pyriforme), Turkeytail (Trametes versicolor) and Southern Bracket Ganoderma australe but there was also one species that has become a threat, Honey Fungus (Armillaria mellea) which does not wait for the tree to die but attacks them whether they are in good health or not so as a consequence has become a serious pathogen.
Other, unusually named fungi, we found included Dead Man’s Fingers (Xylaria polymorpha), Candlesnuff fungus X. hypoxylon, Jelly Ear (Auricularia auricula-judae) and Common bonnet (Mycena galericulata). There was also a great variety of colours, ranging from the bright Yellow Stagshorn Calocera viscosa, through Burgundy-drop Bonnet Mycena haematopus to the exquisite Green Elf-cup Chlorociboria aeruginascens.
Every where we looked there were numerous toadstools a delight to see especially since we were guided by such knowledgeable leader, therefore we would like to thank Steve for a fascinating and enlightening day.
Barbara Allen
Photographs by Barbara Allen
Southport Coast to Marshside
21st September 2013
Leader: Peter Gateley
Altogether 15 members headed from Southport Station to the new (Millennium) bridge over the Marine Lake, we then skirted the lake edge to reach the Marine Drive north of the pier, avoiding the road edge as much as we could. In this area we met with a range of dune species including: Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum), Sand couch (Elytrigia juncea) and Marram (Ammophila arenaria). West of the coastal road we were in a much more maritime habitat with signs of recent tides almost reaching the base of the sea defences.
In the south there is still much bare sand with white stretches where broken shells have been deposited, but there is also silt and developing vegetation with scattered Saltmarsh grass (Puccinellia maritima), Cord grass (Spartina anglica), Glassworts (Salicornia spp.) and Sea-blite (Suaeda maritima) the latter assuming its rich autumn coloration. Along the base of the road bank there is a much more varied vegetation with a mix of ruderals, saltmarsh species and typical strandline plants; amongst the most subtle was Hard-grass (Parapholis strigosa) an annual species that was already dead and dried out but recognisable by the pale discs on top of the stems where the individual seeds had broken off. Amongst many other species along this edge we also looked at Strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum), Sea arrow-grass (Triglochin maritima), Sea plantain (Plantago maritima) and Long-bracted sedge (Carex extensa). However moving north the vegetation generally becomes denser until in the area of the former sand-winning plant there are dense swards dominated by Sea aster (Aster tripolium) and Red fescue (Festuca rubra), but with a range of other species intermingled in sparser patches and along creek edges.
At the northern end of the walk we met up with Dr Phil Smith and we had the opportunity to look at the extra range of species around the old sandworks with him as well as going into the RSPB hide to see the Buttonweed (Cotula coronopifolia) on the reserve. On the return south Phil took some of the group further out into the marsh to look at Glassworts in more detail and also the Sea lavender (Limonium vulgare agg.) now colonising this zone.
On the way up we had noticed several small silvery fish stranded along our path, when we reached the former sand plant there were around a dozen of what looked like the same species swimming around in a small tide-flooded basin, it turns out that these were Whiting (Merlangius merlangus), identified by Phil.
Peter Gateley
Photos by Barbara Allen and Peter Gateley
21st September 2013
Leader: Peter Gateley
Altogether 15 members headed from Southport Station to the new (Millennium) bridge over the Marine Lake, we then skirted the lake edge to reach the Marine Drive north of the pier, avoiding the road edge as much as we could. In this area we met with a range of dune species including: Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum), Sand couch (Elytrigia juncea) and Marram (Ammophila arenaria). West of the coastal road we were in a much more maritime habitat with signs of recent tides almost reaching the base of the sea defences.
In the south there is still much bare sand with white stretches where broken shells have been deposited, but there is also silt and developing vegetation with scattered Saltmarsh grass (Puccinellia maritima), Cord grass (Spartina anglica), Glassworts (Salicornia spp.) and Sea-blite (Suaeda maritima) the latter assuming its rich autumn coloration. Along the base of the road bank there is a much more varied vegetation with a mix of ruderals, saltmarsh species and typical strandline plants; amongst the most subtle was Hard-grass (Parapholis strigosa) an annual species that was already dead and dried out but recognisable by the pale discs on top of the stems where the individual seeds had broken off. Amongst many other species along this edge we also looked at Strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum), Sea arrow-grass (Triglochin maritima), Sea plantain (Plantago maritima) and Long-bracted sedge (Carex extensa). However moving north the vegetation generally becomes denser until in the area of the former sand-winning plant there are dense swards dominated by Sea aster (Aster tripolium) and Red fescue (Festuca rubra), but with a range of other species intermingled in sparser patches and along creek edges.
At the northern end of the walk we met up with Dr Phil Smith and we had the opportunity to look at the extra range of species around the old sandworks with him as well as going into the RSPB hide to see the Buttonweed (Cotula coronopifolia) on the reserve. On the return south Phil took some of the group further out into the marsh to look at Glassworts in more detail and also the Sea lavender (Limonium vulgare agg.) now colonising this zone.
On the way up we had noticed several small silvery fish stranded along our path, when we reached the former sand plant there were around a dozen of what looked like the same species swimming around in a small tide-flooded basin, it turns out that these were Whiting (Merlangius merlangus), identified by Phil.
Peter Gateley
Photos by Barbara Allen and Peter Gateley
Liverpool City Centre
7th September 2013
Leader: Wendy Atkinson
We met outside the World Museum, William Brown Street, and immediately outside the building a former grassy bank now supports an array of wild flowers expertly planted and maintained by members of staff from the Museum in their spare time. A group of around a dozen LBS members examined in excess of a 100 species, this diversity creating a welcome haven for both people and insects in our inner city. Between the paving slabs near the museum was the rather rare Smooth Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra) and more widespread, on walls and joints of stone buildings ferns were found, such as Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes), Wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) and Hart`s-tongue (Asplenium scolopendrium). One dark blue engineering brick wall had a Prickly Sowthistle (Sonchus asper) growing out of it, with stressed purplish foliage blending in with its urban background. Waste ground converted into car parks had numerous plants and even young seedlings of trees like Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) taking hold. A particularly interesting record of Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) was made, something that would normally be growing in South Africa, now establishing here possibly originally from seed mixed in with imported fleeces. It is becoming invasive in some parts of the world.
We would all like to thank Wendy for taking the time and effort to lead us through the city of Liverpool, highlighting the various sanctuaries for plant life in the urban context which we all enjoyed.
Barbara Allen
Photos by Barbara Allen
7th September 2013
Leader: Wendy Atkinson
We met outside the World Museum, William Brown Street, and immediately outside the building a former grassy bank now supports an array of wild flowers expertly planted and maintained by members of staff from the Museum in their spare time. A group of around a dozen LBS members examined in excess of a 100 species, this diversity creating a welcome haven for both people and insects in our inner city. Between the paving slabs near the museum was the rather rare Smooth Rupturewort (Herniaria glabra) and more widespread, on walls and joints of stone buildings ferns were found, such as Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes), Wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) and Hart`s-tongue (Asplenium scolopendrium). One dark blue engineering brick wall had a Prickly Sowthistle (Sonchus asper) growing out of it, with stressed purplish foliage blending in with its urban background. Waste ground converted into car parks had numerous plants and even young seedlings of trees like Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) taking hold. A particularly interesting record of Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) was made, something that would normally be growing in South Africa, now establishing here possibly originally from seed mixed in with imported fleeces. It is becoming invasive in some parts of the world.
We would all like to thank Wendy for taking the time and effort to lead us through the city of Liverpool, highlighting the various sanctuaries for plant life in the urban context which we all enjoyed.
Barbara Allen
Photos by Barbara Allen
Fazakerley Station Old Sidings
Saturday 10th August
Leader: Dave Earl
A small, but select group of six members assembled at the station and Dave led us east and then north through the houses, across the railway and into the former sidings that lie to the south-east of Aintree Racecourse. As it happened there was a motor-cycle event on that day, but despite the noise there was still plenty to see.
These sidings have been long abandoned and to the west have largely been built over; the area we visited has become vegetated and has also been planted with dense patches of native tree cover. It now looks very different to what it did during LBS visits of around 20 years ago, and longer, when there were still appreciable areas of bare grey ash and ballast with naturally regenerating populations of two rare adventives to our area: Coral necklace (Illecebrum verticillatum) and Strapweed (Corrigiola littoralis). One of the aims of this meeting was to revisit areas within the scrub/woodland development where Coral necklace was re-found on 23rd September 2009, in small areas cleared of trees to undertake test drilling. However, these areas have re-vegetated so completely that no trace of the Coral necklace could be found, but is likely that the local seedbank has been augmented from the plants that were flowering well in 2009.
The mix of scrub/woodland, areas of herb-rich unmanaged grassland, disturbed path edges and canal banks yielded many species of plants to look at. Some areas had an abundance of flowering Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) extremely attractive to insects, other species were setting seed and many seedheads were evident. Many common native ruderal species were seen as well as quite a few alien weeds such as Cut-leaved teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus) and Hoary mustard (Hirschfeldia incana) with its distinctive beaked seedpod.
The canal and its edges provided good views of a range of native and exotic species including Clustered dock (Rumex conglomeratus), Skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) , Fringed waterlily (Nymphoides peltoides) and Stinking tutsan (Hypericum hircinum), Great water-dock (Rumex hydrolapathum) was also noted, but in neither flower nor fruit. We crossed over the River Alt, on the aqueduct carrying the canal, into an area on the south-eastern banks where a Groundwork reclamation scheme had taken place some years ago and where a good population of Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) was surviving from the mixed meadow planting.
Peter Gateley
Photos by Peter Gateley
Saturday 10th August
Leader: Dave Earl
A small, but select group of six members assembled at the station and Dave led us east and then north through the houses, across the railway and into the former sidings that lie to the south-east of Aintree Racecourse. As it happened there was a motor-cycle event on that day, but despite the noise there was still plenty to see.
These sidings have been long abandoned and to the west have largely been built over; the area we visited has become vegetated and has also been planted with dense patches of native tree cover. It now looks very different to what it did during LBS visits of around 20 years ago, and longer, when there were still appreciable areas of bare grey ash and ballast with naturally regenerating populations of two rare adventives to our area: Coral necklace (Illecebrum verticillatum) and Strapweed (Corrigiola littoralis). One of the aims of this meeting was to revisit areas within the scrub/woodland development where Coral necklace was re-found on 23rd September 2009, in small areas cleared of trees to undertake test drilling. However, these areas have re-vegetated so completely that no trace of the Coral necklace could be found, but is likely that the local seedbank has been augmented from the plants that were flowering well in 2009.
The mix of scrub/woodland, areas of herb-rich unmanaged grassland, disturbed path edges and canal banks yielded many species of plants to look at. Some areas had an abundance of flowering Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) extremely attractive to insects, other species were setting seed and many seedheads were evident. Many common native ruderal species were seen as well as quite a few alien weeds such as Cut-leaved teasel (Dipsacus laciniatus) and Hoary mustard (Hirschfeldia incana) with its distinctive beaked seedpod.
The canal and its edges provided good views of a range of native and exotic species including Clustered dock (Rumex conglomeratus), Skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) , Fringed waterlily (Nymphoides peltoides) and Stinking tutsan (Hypericum hircinum), Great water-dock (Rumex hydrolapathum) was also noted, but in neither flower nor fruit. We crossed over the River Alt, on the aqueduct carrying the canal, into an area on the south-eastern banks where a Groundwork reclamation scheme had taken place some years ago and where a good population of Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) was surviving from the mixed meadow planting.
Peter Gateley
Photos by Peter Gateley
Delamere Forest
Saturday 3rd August
Leader:- Dave Hardy
The meeting at Delamere was one of those that the Merseyside Naturalists` Association kindly invited members of the Liverpool Botanical Society to join in with. From the starting point, the Linmere car park, on a very warm and calm day we were privileged to see butterflies such as Peacock, Brimstone and Holly Blue along the path, some of them enjoying the nectar of Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus). Numbers of small spiders were noted under Oak leaves, sparking considerable interest. Later, these were kindly identified by Tony Hunter of the World Museum as Paidiscura pallens which is a common and widespread species. Emerald Damselfly and Black Darters were plentiful around a woodland pond and on a south-facing sandy bank were solitary mining bee species.
Included amongst the plant species we came across were: Common figwort (Scrophularia nodosa), Perforate St. John`s-wort (Hypericum perforatum), Wood dock (Rumex sanguineus) and the delightful Enchanter`s-nightshade (Circaea lutetiana). This latter species is a characteristic flowering plant of established woodlands but unusual in that it flowers in Summer, rather than adopting the usual Spring-flowering tactics of most woodland groundflora plants. It is a relative of the willowherbs and the summer flowers are followed by small hook-covered seeds that are distributed by passing animals and humans.
Common centaury (Centaurium erythraea) was noted in an open glade, where the pink flowers could be closely studied to admire the anthers which characteristically twist once their pollen has been shed, one of the distinguishing features between the genera Centaurium and Gentiana.
Many thanks are due to Dave Hardy for leading the walk and also David Bryant for organising the trip with the MNA.
Barbara Allen
Photos by Barbara Allen
Saturday 3rd August
Leader:- Dave Hardy
The meeting at Delamere was one of those that the Merseyside Naturalists` Association kindly invited members of the Liverpool Botanical Society to join in with. From the starting point, the Linmere car park, on a very warm and calm day we were privileged to see butterflies such as Peacock, Brimstone and Holly Blue along the path, some of them enjoying the nectar of Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus). Numbers of small spiders were noted under Oak leaves, sparking considerable interest. Later, these were kindly identified by Tony Hunter of the World Museum as Paidiscura pallens which is a common and widespread species. Emerald Damselfly and Black Darters were plentiful around a woodland pond and on a south-facing sandy bank were solitary mining bee species.
Included amongst the plant species we came across were: Common figwort (Scrophularia nodosa), Perforate St. John`s-wort (Hypericum perforatum), Wood dock (Rumex sanguineus) and the delightful Enchanter`s-nightshade (Circaea lutetiana). This latter species is a characteristic flowering plant of established woodlands but unusual in that it flowers in Summer, rather than adopting the usual Spring-flowering tactics of most woodland groundflora plants. It is a relative of the willowherbs and the summer flowers are followed by small hook-covered seeds that are distributed by passing animals and humans.
Common centaury (Centaurium erythraea) was noted in an open glade, where the pink flowers could be closely studied to admire the anthers which characteristically twist once their pollen has been shed, one of the distinguishing features between the genera Centaurium and Gentiana.
Many thanks are due to Dave Hardy for leading the walk and also David Bryant for organising the trip with the MNA.
Barbara Allen
Photos by Barbara Allen
Dungeon Bay Cliffs and Mersey Shore
Saturday 27th July
Leader: Stephen Fletcher
On a bright sunny day 10 members, plus leader, met up at Hale Park and we started off by heading south through the woodland elements of the former Hale Hall estate. A selection of typical woodland groundflora species was noted in these old plantations, including: Wood Avens (Geum urbanum), Giant Fescue (Schedonorus giganteus) and Wood Speedwell (Veronica montana) with its distinctive fruits.
Emerging from the tall plantation canopy we scrambled down the scrub/woodland vegetated clay cliff to the shoreline. Here we came onto a strip of quite varied saltmarsh with much Sea Arrow-grass (Triglochin maritima), Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Sea Milkwort (Glaux maritima) and also stands of taller vegetation, especially reedbeds (Phragmites australis) to the west. In the fringes of the reeds flowering plants of Wild Celery (Apium graveolens) were noted, we had to cut through some sections of tall dense reed growth, opening out into patches again of more open saltmarsh habitat. Out in the open it became obvious through the afternoon just what a hot and sunny day we had chosen for this visit and we began to miss the shade of the plantation.
Most of the clay cliff, to our right as we walked west, has been colonised by dense suckering growth of Grey Poplar (Populus x canescens), diminishing the open neutral clay cliff habitat for the suite of herbaceous plants locally limited to the neutral, and sometimes alkaline, clays exposed here.
We ascended the cliff once more towards Hale Heath, giving views across Dungeon Bay, Stephen pointed out the eroding saltmarsh habitat that had been far more extensive up to a decade ago. From the top of the cliff he also pointed out the only known local specimen of Spindle (Euonymus europaeus), half-way down the cliff face and we walked through neural grassland habitat with many characteristic herbs. After descending to the old sandstone wharf which once served an eighteenth century saltworks we climbed back up the cliff and headed back, in sweltering heat, towards the Hale Hall estate.
Peter Gateley
Photos by Barbara Allen and Peter Gateley
Saturday 27th July
Leader: Stephen Fletcher
On a bright sunny day 10 members, plus leader, met up at Hale Park and we started off by heading south through the woodland elements of the former Hale Hall estate. A selection of typical woodland groundflora species was noted in these old plantations, including: Wood Avens (Geum urbanum), Giant Fescue (Schedonorus giganteus) and Wood Speedwell (Veronica montana) with its distinctive fruits.
Emerging from the tall plantation canopy we scrambled down the scrub/woodland vegetated clay cliff to the shoreline. Here we came onto a strip of quite varied saltmarsh with much Sea Arrow-grass (Triglochin maritima), Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Sea Milkwort (Glaux maritima) and also stands of taller vegetation, especially reedbeds (Phragmites australis) to the west. In the fringes of the reeds flowering plants of Wild Celery (Apium graveolens) were noted, we had to cut through some sections of tall dense reed growth, opening out into patches again of more open saltmarsh habitat. Out in the open it became obvious through the afternoon just what a hot and sunny day we had chosen for this visit and we began to miss the shade of the plantation.
Most of the clay cliff, to our right as we walked west, has been colonised by dense suckering growth of Grey Poplar (Populus x canescens), diminishing the open neutral clay cliff habitat for the suite of herbaceous plants locally limited to the neutral, and sometimes alkaline, clays exposed here.
We ascended the cliff once more towards Hale Heath, giving views across Dungeon Bay, Stephen pointed out the eroding saltmarsh habitat that had been far more extensive up to a decade ago. From the top of the cliff he also pointed out the only known local specimen of Spindle (Euonymus europaeus), half-way down the cliff face and we walked through neural grassland habitat with many characteristic herbs. After descending to the old sandstone wharf which once served an eighteenth century saltworks we climbed back up the cliff and headed back, in sweltering heat, towards the Hale Hall estate.
Peter Gateley
Photos by Barbara Allen and Peter Gateley
Gowy Meadows
20th July 2013
Leaders: Tony Parker and Carl Clee
Seventeen participants assembled in the small layby next to Thornton-le-Moors church, ready to cross the road directly into the Cheshire Wildlife Trust owned and managed reserve of Gowy Meadows. Even though over a week into the July 2013 heat-wave we were very lucky with the weather as it remained slightly overcast with a light breeze for most of the visit, so we didn't all get fried as feared. However, the reserve was much drier than usual and the heat even seemed to affect the activity of bees and other insects but although we dd not see as many bees as expected we did see a fair selection of butterflies and there was a good range of plants to be admired, particularly in the River Gowy itself.
With the network of ditches being quite dry the ditch margins generally lacked the usual wide variety of wetland species as we worked our way through the reserve. The species still thriving were the tall robust ones and we were able to compare and contrast species such as Reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) and Common Reed (Phragmites australis). There were also some extensive linear strips of Greater Pond-sedge (Carex riparia) with heads of ripening seeds evident. The pastures were grazed and held an array of typical farmland annuals especially in gateways and feeding areas. However the attraction was the wetland element of the flora here and when we reached the banks of the Gowy we were rewarded with not only an interesting array of plants but also entertained by the numerous male Banded Demoiselles sparring to hold their territories to which they hoped to attract the much more cryptically coloured females. Despite the lack of rain the river was still running quite deep and clear and we could see both the floating leaves and the cabbagey-looking submerged leaves of Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar lutea) with long narrow leaves of both Unbranched Bur-reed (Sparganium emersum) and Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus), each of which was also flowering. Other species in the river included Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) and an unidentified Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus species) in flower.
Along ditches on the way back we were able to compare Watercress (Nasturtium officinale), Fool's Watercress (Apium nodofolium) and Lesser Water-parsnip (Berula erecta) and found almost dried -out mats of Water Violet (Hottonia palustris) with stunted flowering stems. Also there were three species of duckweed growing side-by-side: Common duckweed (Lemna minor), Ivy-leaved Duckweed (Lemna trisulca) and Greater Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza). We were also pleased to catch up with Pink-flowered Water-speedwell (Veronica catenata), flowering almost alonside some bright blue Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga).
Many thanks go to Tony and Carl for organising access and leading us around this excellent nature reserve.
Peter Gateley
20th July 2013
Leaders: Tony Parker and Carl Clee
Seventeen participants assembled in the small layby next to Thornton-le-Moors church, ready to cross the road directly into the Cheshire Wildlife Trust owned and managed reserve of Gowy Meadows. Even though over a week into the July 2013 heat-wave we were very lucky with the weather as it remained slightly overcast with a light breeze for most of the visit, so we didn't all get fried as feared. However, the reserve was much drier than usual and the heat even seemed to affect the activity of bees and other insects but although we dd not see as many bees as expected we did see a fair selection of butterflies and there was a good range of plants to be admired, particularly in the River Gowy itself.
With the network of ditches being quite dry the ditch margins generally lacked the usual wide variety of wetland species as we worked our way through the reserve. The species still thriving were the tall robust ones and we were able to compare and contrast species such as Reed canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) and Common Reed (Phragmites australis). There were also some extensive linear strips of Greater Pond-sedge (Carex riparia) with heads of ripening seeds evident. The pastures were grazed and held an array of typical farmland annuals especially in gateways and feeding areas. However the attraction was the wetland element of the flora here and when we reached the banks of the Gowy we were rewarded with not only an interesting array of plants but also entertained by the numerous male Banded Demoiselles sparring to hold their territories to which they hoped to attract the much more cryptically coloured females. Despite the lack of rain the river was still running quite deep and clear and we could see both the floating leaves and the cabbagey-looking submerged leaves of Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar lutea) with long narrow leaves of both Unbranched Bur-reed (Sparganium emersum) and Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus), each of which was also flowering. Other species in the river included Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) and an unidentified Water Crowfoot (Ranunculus species) in flower.
Along ditches on the way back we were able to compare Watercress (Nasturtium officinale), Fool's Watercress (Apium nodofolium) and Lesser Water-parsnip (Berula erecta) and found almost dried -out mats of Water Violet (Hottonia palustris) with stunted flowering stems. Also there were three species of duckweed growing side-by-side: Common duckweed (Lemna minor), Ivy-leaved Duckweed (Lemna trisulca) and Greater Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza). We were also pleased to catch up with Pink-flowered Water-speedwell (Veronica catenata), flowering almost alonside some bright blue Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga).
Many thanks go to Tony and Carl for organising access and leading us around this excellent nature reserve.
Peter Gateley
Half Moon Bay, Heysham
22 June 2013
Leaders: Eric and Barbara Greenwood
It can safely be said that the weather was bracing for our visit to this fascinating section of the Lancashire coast! However, the members that ventured out that day were shown some of the less common seaside plants, such as Sea Spleenwort (Asplenium marinum) a first for me as was Sea Pearlwort (Sagina maritima) so small that I am not surprised it had gone unnoticed, obviously one of those species often described as ‘easily overlooked’! There were also some of our old favourites like Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) always a delight to see in flower and the sunny Biting Stonecrop (Sedum acre) certainly brightened up the day.
In the more inland areas some of the grassland had flowering Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) with spikes of both Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) also scattered. In shady areas we saw the typical solanaceous flowers of Woody nightshade, or Bittersweet, (Solanum dulcamara) and a fine large stand of the Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis).
We should like to thank Eric and Barbara Greenwood for showing us not only superb plants in the coastal zone but also an area steeped in history, notably the ruins of an old stone chapel dedicated to St Patrick, dating back to at least Saxon times.
Barbara Allen
22 June 2013
Leaders: Eric and Barbara Greenwood
It can safely be said that the weather was bracing for our visit to this fascinating section of the Lancashire coast! However, the members that ventured out that day were shown some of the less common seaside plants, such as Sea Spleenwort (Asplenium marinum) a first for me as was Sea Pearlwort (Sagina maritima) so small that I am not surprised it had gone unnoticed, obviously one of those species often described as ‘easily overlooked’! There were also some of our old favourites like Sea Kale (Crambe maritima) always a delight to see in flower and the sunny Biting Stonecrop (Sedum acre) certainly brightened up the day.
In the more inland areas some of the grassland had flowering Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) with spikes of both Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) also scattered. In shady areas we saw the typical solanaceous flowers of Woody nightshade, or Bittersweet, (Solanum dulcamara) and a fine large stand of the Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis).
We should like to thank Eric and Barbara Greenwood for showing us not only superb plants in the coastal zone but also an area steeped in history, notably the ruins of an old stone chapel dedicated to St Patrick, dating back to at least Saxon times.
Barbara Allen
Ainsdale dunes and Green Beach: Sedge Workshop
8th June 2013
Leader – Nigel Blackstock
Around a dozen people gathered in bright sunshine in Ainsdale to head along the eastern side of Sands Lake and into the open dunes. Along the lake edge Nigel pointed out various members of the Cyperaceae, related to the sedges, but once in the dunes we were soon amongst large populations of Sand Sedge (Carex arenaria), which was used to point out the main features of this genus. We soon learned that the genus Carex is divided into two groups, those with two stigma and flattened seeds and utricles and those with three stigma with trigonous seeds and more-rounded utricles.
Walking through to the Green Beach we soon amassed quite a long list of sedges, pointed out by NIgel and also Colin Smith, another sedge expert with us, after being warned by our leader to ignore all non-cyperaceae flowering plants! Despite this we did see an abundance of other species here of course. As well as Sand Sedge we soon saw plenty of Common Sedge (Carex nigra) and Glaucous Sedge (C. flacca) and the differences between them were pointed out. We also saw both Common Yellow-sedge (Carex demissa) and Small-fruited Yellow-sedge (C. oederi) once we got to the Green Beach as well as Distant Sedge (C. distans), False Fox-sedge (C. otrubae), Oval Sedge (C. leporina) and various others.
Also the distinguishing features of the three species of Spike-rush we found were discussed, Common, Few-flowered and Slender (Eleocharis palustris, E. quinquefolia and E. uniglumis). We all had a wonderful day out on the coast and learned a lot about sedges and their relatives and still managed to note many species of flowering plants also.
Peter Gateley
8th June 2013
Leader – Nigel Blackstock
Around a dozen people gathered in bright sunshine in Ainsdale to head along the eastern side of Sands Lake and into the open dunes. Along the lake edge Nigel pointed out various members of the Cyperaceae, related to the sedges, but once in the dunes we were soon amongst large populations of Sand Sedge (Carex arenaria), which was used to point out the main features of this genus. We soon learned that the genus Carex is divided into two groups, those with two stigma and flattened seeds and utricles and those with three stigma with trigonous seeds and more-rounded utricles.
Walking through to the Green Beach we soon amassed quite a long list of sedges, pointed out by NIgel and also Colin Smith, another sedge expert with us, after being warned by our leader to ignore all non-cyperaceae flowering plants! Despite this we did see an abundance of other species here of course. As well as Sand Sedge we soon saw plenty of Common Sedge (Carex nigra) and Glaucous Sedge (C. flacca) and the differences between them were pointed out. We also saw both Common Yellow-sedge (Carex demissa) and Small-fruited Yellow-sedge (C. oederi) once we got to the Green Beach as well as Distant Sedge (C. distans), False Fox-sedge (C. otrubae), Oval Sedge (C. leporina) and various others.
Also the distinguishing features of the three species of Spike-rush we found were discussed, Common, Few-flowered and Slender (Eleocharis palustris, E. quinquefolia and E. uniglumis). We all had a wonderful day out on the coast and learned a lot about sedges and their relatives and still managed to note many species of flowering plants also.
Peter Gateley
Griffin Wood, Clock Face
1st June 2013
Leader – Barbara Allen
Because of an unfortunately late flowering season this year the floral display was not what it could have been in Griffin Wood. Never-the-less a large group of people turned out to enjoy what turned out to be a wonderful day! The diverse variety of habitats present provided us with some little gems and there was so many knowledgeable people on the walk I felt we all gained some thing extra special, so thanks to every one for making it a day to remember.
Amongst the planted trees the Horse-chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum) were in perfect flower with the candles borne in profusion and the leaves well developed, however nearby poplars were only just beginning to break bud. At a lower level the tiny paired pink flowers of the exotic evergreen Box-leaved Honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata) could be seen nestling under the leaves.
In damper grassland areas the flowers of Southern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) were starting to show pink through the greenish bracts and the cheery yellow saucers of Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) were scattered amongst the ferny leaves. Celery-leaved Crowfoot (Ranunculus sceleratus) was also noted in good flower but the white wispy fruits of Common Cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) were already formed in the wetter and more acid parts. Also in much wetter areas the distinctive shaggy flowers of Bog Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata) were much enjoyed. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) was flowering well and brightening up the drier grassland areas.
Barbara Allen
1st June 2013
Leader – Barbara Allen
Because of an unfortunately late flowering season this year the floral display was not what it could have been in Griffin Wood. Never-the-less a large group of people turned out to enjoy what turned out to be a wonderful day! The diverse variety of habitats present provided us with some little gems and there was so many knowledgeable people on the walk I felt we all gained some thing extra special, so thanks to every one for making it a day to remember.
Amongst the planted trees the Horse-chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum) were in perfect flower with the candles borne in profusion and the leaves well developed, however nearby poplars were only just beginning to break bud. At a lower level the tiny paired pink flowers of the exotic evergreen Box-leaved Honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata) could be seen nestling under the leaves.
In damper grassland areas the flowers of Southern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) were starting to show pink through the greenish bracts and the cheery yellow saucers of Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) were scattered amongst the ferny leaves. Celery-leaved Crowfoot (Ranunculus sceleratus) was also noted in good flower but the white wispy fruits of Common Cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium) were already formed in the wetter and more acid parts. Also in much wetter areas the distinctive shaggy flowers of Bog Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata) were much enjoyed. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) was flowering well and brightening up the drier grassland areas.
Barbara Allen
Cannock Chase
18th May 2013
Leader – David Bryant
This was a Merseyside Naturalists Association organised coach trip to which LBS members were also invited. The drive down to Staffordshire was not onerous, in generally bright and dry weather with good visibility. Soon after leaving the car park (where we were treated to a recital by a Garden Warbler) the acidic nature of the vegetation was soon evident with abundant Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) both flowering profusely amongst a range of other typical heath and acid grassland species. The areas of the Chase that we looked at are a mosaic of birch/willow woodland, heathland and acid grassland with also some areas of conifer plantation.
Also in flower were the Oaks (Quercus robur), with numerous tassels of flowers hanging down between the bronzed unfurling new leaves. The Silver Birch (Betula pendula) trees were almost in full bright-green leaf, rather late considering the mid-May date, but the few Hawthorns (Crataegus monogyna) we saw showed no sign of any leaf, let alone ‘May’ blossom.
Whilst the suite of acid tolerant sub-shrubs, herbs and grasses was interesting to observe, it was other wildlife that stole the show on this occasion; with good views of a group of a dozen Crossbills feeding on the birch catkins and also close views of two male Cuckoos, interacting at one point almost directly above us. Another bonus was newly emerged Green Hairstreak butterflies in flight during the rather fine afternoon.
Peter Gateley
18th May 2013
Leader – David Bryant
This was a Merseyside Naturalists Association organised coach trip to which LBS members were also invited. The drive down to Staffordshire was not onerous, in generally bright and dry weather with good visibility. Soon after leaving the car park (where we were treated to a recital by a Garden Warbler) the acidic nature of the vegetation was soon evident with abundant Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and Cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) both flowering profusely amongst a range of other typical heath and acid grassland species. The areas of the Chase that we looked at are a mosaic of birch/willow woodland, heathland and acid grassland with also some areas of conifer plantation.
Also in flower were the Oaks (Quercus robur), with numerous tassels of flowers hanging down between the bronzed unfurling new leaves. The Silver Birch (Betula pendula) trees were almost in full bright-green leaf, rather late considering the mid-May date, but the few Hawthorns (Crataegus monogyna) we saw showed no sign of any leaf, let alone ‘May’ blossom.
Whilst the suite of acid tolerant sub-shrubs, herbs and grasses was interesting to observe, it was other wildlife that stole the show on this occasion; with good views of a group of a dozen Crossbills feeding on the birch catkins and also close views of two male Cuckoos, interacting at one point almost directly above us. Another bonus was newly emerged Green Hairstreak butterflies in flight during the rather fine afternoon.
Peter Gateley
Altcar Rifle Range
17th May 2013
Leader – Steve Cross
Around 18 people assembled by Altcar station on this dry Friday evening, we were a bit apprehensive as to what we would find as in 2012, after a very early and warm Spring, most of the orchids had already flowered and were in seed by the time we saw them. However, in 2013, after the prolonged cold and wet Winter we were dubious about whether any would yet have poked their heads up above ground at all! Anyway, Steve guided us through the rifle range check-point and across to the ranges and we immediately saw that the Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio) flowering was well underway, accompanied by much Cuckoo-flower (Cardamine pratensis). It was obvious that the water-table was still very high and flowering was delayed for many species, but the orchid spikes seemed just as numerous as ever. We also managed to find quite a few fronds of Adder’s-tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum) dotted amongst them.
We explored the flower-rich western ranges and then moved north and east to ‘I’ range where we were able to admire, even though dusk had begun to fall, the fine display of Cowslip (Primula veris), with scattered Twayblade (Neottia ovata) just coming into flower. In this area Phil Smith also pointed out some of the interesting and rare willow hybrids that occur here and along various points on the Sefton Coast. Thanks to Steve organising access into this restricted area we once again enjoyed an evening amongst this huge population of beautiful flowering plants.
Peter Gateley
17th May 2013
Leader – Steve Cross
Around 18 people assembled by Altcar station on this dry Friday evening, we were a bit apprehensive as to what we would find as in 2012, after a very early and warm Spring, most of the orchids had already flowered and were in seed by the time we saw them. However, in 2013, after the prolonged cold and wet Winter we were dubious about whether any would yet have poked their heads up above ground at all! Anyway, Steve guided us through the rifle range check-point and across to the ranges and we immediately saw that the Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio) flowering was well underway, accompanied by much Cuckoo-flower (Cardamine pratensis). It was obvious that the water-table was still very high and flowering was delayed for many species, but the orchid spikes seemed just as numerous as ever. We also managed to find quite a few fronds of Adder’s-tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum) dotted amongst them.
We explored the flower-rich western ranges and then moved north and east to ‘I’ range where we were able to admire, even though dusk had begun to fall, the fine display of Cowslip (Primula veris), with scattered Twayblade (Neottia ovata) just coming into flower. In this area Phil Smith also pointed out some of the interesting and rare willow hybrids that occur here and along various points on the Sefton Coast. Thanks to Steve organising access into this restricted area we once again enjoyed an evening amongst this huge population of beautiful flowering plants.
Peter Gateley
Rostherne Mere
11th May 2013
Leader – Tim Rogers
From the mid-May date of this walk you would not believe how cold, wet and windy it turned out to be, yet a hardy bunch turned up to once again explore the delights of Rostherne Mere. Typical woodland flowers, ferns and fungi were in abundance; from the striking contrast of Early-purple Orchids (Orchis mascula) against the backdrop of native Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), to the subtlety of Adder`s-tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum), nestling very small and inconspicuous among the grasses.
There is a wide range of characteristic woodland groundflora here with many common species such as Red Campion (Silene dioica), Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea), Bugle (Ajuga reptans), Pignut (Conopodium majus), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium). In wetter areas there was an abundance of Large Bitter-cress (Cardamine amara) with its beautiful lilac anthers and the shiny bowls of Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), also known as Kingcups or Mollyblobs!
Although a superb piece of woodland around the banks of the mere, Rostherne is well known as an important bird reserve and we were also given a demonstration of catching and ringing birds for monitoring in order to manage the area accordingly.
We should like to thank Tim very much for organising this wonderful walk and arranging the bird demonstration for which members of the public would not ordinarily have seen.
Barbara Allen
11th May 2013
Leader – Tim Rogers
From the mid-May date of this walk you would not believe how cold, wet and windy it turned out to be, yet a hardy bunch turned up to once again explore the delights of Rostherne Mere. Typical woodland flowers, ferns and fungi were in abundance; from the striking contrast of Early-purple Orchids (Orchis mascula) against the backdrop of native Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), to the subtlety of Adder`s-tongue Fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum), nestling very small and inconspicuous among the grasses.
There is a wide range of characteristic woodland groundflora here with many common species such as Red Campion (Silene dioica), Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea), Bugle (Ajuga reptans), Pignut (Conopodium majus), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium). In wetter areas there was an abundance of Large Bitter-cress (Cardamine amara) with its beautiful lilac anthers and the shiny bowls of Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), also known as Kingcups or Mollyblobs!
Although a superb piece of woodland around the banks of the mere, Rostherne is well known as an important bird reserve and we were also given a demonstration of catching and ringing birds for monitoring in order to manage the area accordingly.
We should like to thank Tim very much for organising this wonderful walk and arranging the bird demonstration for which members of the public would not ordinarily have seen.
Barbara Allen
Riveacre Valley
20th April 2013
Leader: John Crowder
20th April 2013
Leader: John Crowder
Otterspool
Saturday 6th April 2013
Leader : Dave Earl
Bright with a cold breeze was the weather of the day for fourteen of us on our first outdoor meeting of 2013. We were in a valley sheltered by planted trees and found a range of shade-tolerant plants such as Great woodrush (Luzula sylvatica), Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) and the Cissbury Bramble (Rubus cissburiensis). After lunch we ventured up a hill giving us fine views across the Mersey Estuary and then back in to woods finding Common field-speedwell (Veronica persica) and Water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata); however, the title of plant of the day went to Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) with its fine divided foliage and pendant brown-edged green flowers.
A bonus was a history lesson about this interesting coastal area, I should like to thank Joan Wilson for the local knowledge she shared with all of us as we travelled around Otterspool and a big thank you to Dave Earl who astonishes us with his wealth of botanical knowledge and expertise.
Barbara Allen
Saturday 6th April 2013
Leader : Dave Earl
Bright with a cold breeze was the weather of the day for fourteen of us on our first outdoor meeting of 2013. We were in a valley sheltered by planted trees and found a range of shade-tolerant plants such as Great woodrush (Luzula sylvatica), Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) and the Cissbury Bramble (Rubus cissburiensis). After lunch we ventured up a hill giving us fine views across the Mersey Estuary and then back in to woods finding Common field-speedwell (Veronica persica) and Water figwort (Scrophularia auriculata); however, the title of plant of the day went to Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) with its fine divided foliage and pendant brown-edged green flowers.
A bonus was a history lesson about this interesting coastal area, I should like to thank Joan Wilson for the local knowledge she shared with all of us as we travelled around Otterspool and a big thank you to Dave Earl who astonishes us with his wealth of botanical knowledge and expertise.
Barbara Allen
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