Walks in the Shipley area. Early May 2020
As we would expect changes continue in the woods. In Heaton Woods there has been felling of some trees damaged in the floods, re-installation of rope swings and, sadly, damage to wooden bridges. In addition the leaf canopy makes it even more difficult to spot birds. It remains a delightful place to visit.
In places the bluebells still provide a blue carpet. The butterbur leaves have enlarged and the fruiting stalks stick up like mini Christmas trees. Patches of white woodruff are in flower, yellow pimpernel is opening and pink bistort too. The newly unfurled so similar ferns are now large enough to name, together with new fronds of Harts tongue and Hard fern. The Great Wood-rush is fruiting while the Wood Millet is just opening. Bilberry shrubs promise a good harvest.
For a change I decided to enter Northcliffe Woods by the main gates. The Bees pick-up car park is cordoned off; it is not protecting any botanical gems. Over the road, the site of the demolished Branch pub provides a vivid patch a colour including thistles, cabbage family members and a lupin. The latter I suspect is from a seed mix strewn there. Northcliffe meadow was peppered with Cuckoo flower, grasses were beginning to flower, Yellow rattle is coming through but as yet there is no sign of orchids. Holly was in flower. Returning to the main road I spotted Germander Speedwell, the fifth of the Veronicas on my list and also Swinecress.
Walks up/down and around local streets have resulted in discoveries. I can walk in a straight line from my house to Valley Road! Perhaps under normal circumstances it would not be a chosen walk but I did see lots of Corn Salad. There was further excitement as I was stopped by the police. Fortunately the stolen lilac was in my carrier bag! On another path side there was a wintercress - Julia and I await the fruits before confirming species.
The botanical gardens in Lister Park are looking beautiful. The well kept borders offered no additions to my flower list which now stands at 119.
Thank you to other bloggers. It seems that many discoveries are being made. It is interesting to compare what has been seen and where. I really do enjoy reading your blogs. Please continue .
See photos here.
Alice
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