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Fly Agaric

A group of six departed the Unitarian Church, much less than usually attend. Unfortunately Eric, Margaret and Robert (plus his wife and grand-daughter) had previously cancelled. We headed towards Bramhope via Greengates where we collected Vera. Marilyn and Donald travelled using their own transport.  Toilet facilities were alongside the cafe in the park.

This site began life in 1932 as an amusement park but by 1938 visitor numbers had significantly dwindled and the venture failed leaving the site derelict until it was transformed decades later into what it is today; a country park with a variety of woodland and lakeside paths. It also has some notable botanical collections; a remnant of the small gauge railway that circled the large lake and a popular cafe.  Breary Marsh Nature Reserve and Adel Dam are both adjacent.

Our perimeter walk began in a slow vein, even for us, as we were finding fungi every few yards. The mycological season appears to have begun several weeks earlier this year no doubt due to a combination of successively warm and wet days throughout August. We recorded a total of 16 species (and we are not mycologists!) and no doubt there was much more we missed or failed to identify: Fly Agaric, Amanita rubescens (The Blusher) was the commonest species, Amanita crocea (Orange Grisette) the most attractive, Macrolepiota procera (Parasol) the largest species, Ganodermas, Birch Polypore, Coprinus micaceus (Glistening Inkcap), Sulphur Tuft (lots of this), Marasmius rotula (Little Wheel) the tiniest of the day, Boletus badius (Bay Bolete), Peppery Bolete, Lactarius glyciosmus (Coconut Milkcap), Oyster Mushroom, Fuligo septica (Flower's of Tan) - several patches of this attractive? slimemould', Willow Brackets (outside the Marsh Hide) and a Collybia, possibly erythropus.

The weather was the warm side of mild, a gentle breeze and slightly humid. Strangely we encountered no day-flying moths, dragon or damselflies. Butterflies were around but in low numbers; a Red Admiral, a couple of Speckled Woods, two Peacocks and several whites incl. Large and Green-veined.

Our lunch was taken on the high ground after we had passed through the large car-park on the opposite side of the park and where we had seen a mixed flock of small birds in the conifers (Goldcrest, Coal Tits etc).  We the proceeded towards Adel Dam, Marsh Bird Hide where we saw Nuthatch and a couple of GS Woodpeckers. Sadly the Mandarin ducks did not put in an appearance.

Alice and Joan recorded 116 plants in flower or fruit the most interesting of which were Wild Angelica, Bristly Ox-tongue, Monkeyflower, Gypsywort, Purple Loosestrife (at the Marsh Hide), Hornbeam and Greengage.

We arrived back at the start just after 2pm. Those of us who frequent cafes were treated to free drinks and cakes of our choice by Joan who was celebrating a milestone birthday. Yes, there were some who declined the offer!

We left the site on time at 3pm.  Thanks to Stuart for picking up the bus and for doing the driving. It was nice to see Trevor, one of the volunteers, coming out with us for the first time.

See the photos here. 

John Gavaghan

BorageThis was BEES first visit to Sunderland Point, an isolated hamlet between the estuary of the river Lune and Morecambe Bay and 14 people were sufficiently attracted to undertake the long journey there. We were blessed with good weather and thankfully Joan had read her tide tables correctly as the hamlet is cut off from the mainland at high tide - the only mainland village in the UK to suffer that fate.

We made our way through the village and along the banks of the estuary round the headland to the salt marsh area overlooking Morecambe Bay where there were vast areas of glasswort and cord grass and a wide diversity of other plant life - the botanists recorded 140 plants in flower or fruit and 3 ferns whilst Alice identified 5 different species of seaweed. The special plants of the day were two sea-lavenders, sea holly, soapwort and sea spurreys with the highlight being white ramping fumitory.

Bird life was plentiful but not very varied with lots of redshank and lapwing, a few curlew, a black-tailed godwit and four little egrets in a total of 22 species. The butterfly count was also not great, with 6 species being recorded.

On our way back to the minibus we visited the local attraction of Sambo's grave, the resting place of a young slave who died in the early 18th century.

Aware that the tide was coming in we travelled a few miles further up the Lune to the quaintly named hamlet of Snatchems where the Golden Ball pub provided an opportunity for refreshment and more bird spotting. It had been an good day in a different environment which everyone seemed to enjoy.

Thanks to the drivers and leaders of the day.

See the photos here.

Stuart

Following distribution by Sally of the day's plans and information on Rosedale’s history, eleven members set off to a new destination for BEES. Stuart drove through the rain and after a relief stop for both minibus and passengers at Sutton Bank Nature Park we continued to the North Yorkshire Moors. Even in the poor conditions the route through twisting leafy lanes was appreciated by those of us lucky enough to be driven. On arrival in Rosedale lunch was taken in the minibus. 

The early part of the walk by Northdale Beck provided most of the bird life. We watched the aerial acrobatics of the swallows and house martins as they caught the flies abundant in the cattle grazing pasture. We had close views of young pheasants and a heron was seen. Animal life was lying low; even the frog I saw hopped quickly under cover. However, we did not search closely and, other than the aforementioned flies, only the occasional disturbed grass moth made the record.

Hedgerows were showing signs of season change with fruits on alder, hawthorn and hazel, sloes on blackthorn and even some red berries on a holly. Higher up, a rowan had both flower and fruit. Thistles, creeping, marsh and spear, gave the most colour, and common meadow species were spotted by the observant. The higher areas increased the variety of plants to include Harebells and Fairy flax. Although not in flower, it was good to see Ivy-leaved Crowfoot and also a fine specimen of Great Mullein albeit going over. New to most people was Buckwheat, most likely from a previous crop grown for pheasant rearing. A tall yellow patch in an otherwise drab hillside turned out to be Common ragwort! The downward path through the pine wood was negotiated with care and  at its end  a clump of Common Hemp nettle was noted.

The number of plants seen in flower or fruit totalled seventy. Four ferns joined the list.

Fungi spotted were few; Larch bolete, Ochre and Purple Russulas and truly impressive Parasols- perhaps the latter were keeping their "roots" dry!

Back in the fields again we were distracted by the attentions of a lonely horse and lost our path. Team work and map reading by our best scouts solved the problem and soon we were at the designated end of the walk. While the rest of the party chatted companionably, Sally and Stuart went the extra mile to collect the minibus to return us to the village centre. A rest in the bus or, for some, a quick visit to the teashop replaced the planned exploration of Rosedale.

A meal at Weatherspoons in Thirsk recharged the batteries after which Julia drove us home in even heavier rain than had started the day.

Yes, the day was wet but it was still enjoyable. Thanks to Sally, Stuart and Julia for getting us to a new venue which, personally, I should like to see on a future programme.

There a few more pictures in the gallery

Alice

Dark Green Fritillary, freshly emergedThe main interests of today's visit were the butterflies and flowers of this open limestone pasture; so not really a wood at all?

The forecast promised a dry day with periods of sunshine and our party of ten were not to be disappointed. After a toilet stop at the National Park Centre we parked on Wood Lane at the bottom of Grass Wood. We then proceeded slowly uphill all the way. Many plants were seen such as Enchanter's Nightshade,which was prolific, Valerian, Herb Bennet, St John's Wort & delightfully a couple of Common Fragrant Orchids. The only butterflies seen inside Grass Wood were Ringlets.

After we had climbed over the impressive stile that leads out of the wood and into Bastow Wood the flora changed instantly. Suddenly we were looking at swathes of Betony, Rockrose, Wood Sage and the occasional Bloody Cranesbill.  Lunch was immediately taken on a nearby hillside carpeted with eyebright, trefoil & Wild Thyme. An Antler Moth was soon spotted and many more Ringlets.  The temperature was now rising as we walked along the main path that eventually leads out of Bastow and meets up with the Dales Way. Many more plants were now being sighted; Milkwort,Common Spotted and Heath Spotted Orchids, Hoary Plantain and Lorna found the only Birds Eye of the day. It was very small and right in the middle of the path, so very lucky to still be intact!

There were numerous grasses and sedges but alas without our botanical specialists we struggled to name many. A few fungi were noticed; Suede Bolete and several Clitocybes, most likely 'gibba' the Common Funnel. Birds were few and far between though every now and then a small flock of finches? would fly from tree to tree. We were undecided if they were Linnets or Redpolls. A solitary Green Woodpecker was seen by Robert and Stuart sighted a distant Redstart.

With the warmth came the butterflies; Meadow Browns, more Ringlets, Small Heaths, Small Skippers, a white, a single Common Blue and best of all several usually fast flying Dark Green Fritillaries. I was fortunate enough to see a freshly emerged one still drying its wings so most of the group were able to view this magnificent insect at very close quarters. Not all the group managed however to get there in time as we had earlier scattered when a herd of brown cows padded along the path in our direction. They soon passed by and vanished from sight however.

It is most pleasing to see that grazing has been re-introduced after a gap of many years. The site had become more and more overgrown with birch scrub so hopefully the decline will now have been arrested and the site can return to its former condition to the benefit of the plants and butterflies. Unfortunately no Scotch Argus were seen, possibly we were to early in the season?  

Grass moths abounded as did Antler Moths which were to be found on almost every Ragwort. I captured and identified a micro moth Eana osseana. On the way back through Grass Woods several Common Hawker Dragonflies were on the wing.

Many thanks to our driver Stuart and to Robert for bringing his 8 year old Grand daughter Eden who was a delight throughout the day and a added a different dimension to our experience.  We departed the wood just before 16:00. A most enjoyable day.

There are more pictures in the gallery.

John Gavaghan

Common Centaury

Today’s trip took us to Anglers Country Park near Wakefield for the first time since we visited for a fungi foray there and in nearby Haw Park Wood in 2011.  The weather forecast was for a fine sunny day - for once the forecast was correct and our small party of eight enjoyed lovely weather throughout the day.

Our blogging leader had planned to walk round the lake and then pay a visit to Haw Park Wood after lunch.  He had forgotten that at Bees pace two miles can take four hours – Haw Park will have to wait for another day!

In the first few minutes we came across one of the highlights of the day – Broad-leaved Helleborine, and Joan continued to record a total of 103 plants in flower or fruit which included Common Centaury, Ploughman’s Spikenard, Bristly Ox-tongue, Water-pepper and Common Water-plantain.

On the wing throughout the day were scores and scores of Damsels – all Azures Common Blues - and four species of Dragonfly – Emperor, Ruddy Darter, Black-tailed Skimmer and Brown Hawker.  We kept on adding new species of butterfly to our list which had an impressive eleven species by the end of our day with Meadow Brown being by far the most prolific.

The time and heat of the day were not the best conditions for bird spotting but we did record a total of 23 including a number of singing Reed Warblers around the edge of the lake and Reed Buntings feeding a nest in the same area. A handsome young Black-headed Gull had us guessing as to its identity for a while and a family of Mute Swans, including four cygnets, sailed gracefully around the lake.

The cafe in the visitors’ centre was a welcome relief from the heat of the day and was patronised by the majority of our members who all agreed that it had been a very worthwhile and enjoyable outing.

Thanks to Robert for driving today.

Stuart

Common KnapweedIt was a wet morning when our minibus left Bradford with 14 hardy souls aboard.  Our destination today was the beautiful Forest of Bowland for a much anticipated wildflower bonanza.  The weather was still not on our side as we arrived at the Gisburn Forest Hub but, undeterred, we donned our waterproof gear and headed out through the mixed woodland plantation.  We were not to be disappointed as sneezewort was quickly spotted along with slender marsh bedstraw.  There was much along the pathway to keep our botanists busy with their recording but little birdlife, apart from one chaffinch heard singing as we made our exit from the woodland and entered the churchyard of St James where lunch was taken.

By now the rain had abated and our afternoon was greeted by an ever increasing brightness in the sky and so, suitably replete, we took the path leading us up the hill that afforded excellent views of the extensive Stocks Reservoir.  Bird sightings picked up and included meadow pipit (obviously feeding young), swallow, swift, reed warbler and wildfowl on the reservoir itself - unfortunately too distant to identify without a scope.  Butterfly activity was also noted predominantly ringlets, whilst moths recorded were Silver-ground carpet, Large Yellow Underwing and Latticed Heath moth.

We then walked through the delightful Black House Farm Meadows, a designated SSSI.  This was a truly wonderful site, with an abundance of flowers and grasses,  I think what made it such a delight was the varying heights of the vegetation giving a rippling effect to the whole, rather like waves on the sea.  The burnet and knapweed particularly stood out today and looked simply stunning.  A rather waterlogged route then took us back to the main path where we retraced our steps back to the minibus.  Notable here was Robert's sighting of 4 kestrel over the trees on the hillside.

A total of 111 plants in flower plus 4 ferns were recorded.  Special mention must be made of the wood ragwort and common valerian seen on route.  The grasses were particularly impressive today and samples of a number were taken by Alice for consideration at home!  Thanks must go to Julia for driving so safely and for leading us round this impressive site.

Sally Tetlow

Marbled White

A bonanza of botany and butterflies with apologies to the birders. Today a party of 12 enjoyed a very successful day's outing visiting Kiplingcotes Chalk Quarry near Market Weighton in the Yorkshire Wolds followed by a visit to Rifle Butts Quarry. Both are YWT reserves and benefit from management. The weather was cloudy all day with one or two spots of rain, nothing significant to distract the happy band. We covered several habitats, the old railway track, the quarry floor, scree slopes and grassland above the quarry. There were an overwhelming number and variety of plants (111 recorded) in this oasis also butterfly species in good numbers.

Todays "specials" included Pyramidal orchid, Basil Thyme, Centaury, Red Hemp Nettle, Carline Thistle and the leaves of Autumn Gentian. In the woodland ride we saw Meadow Cranesbill, Perforate St John's Wort, Eyebright, Elderflower, Crosswort, Comfrey, Wild Strawberry and Toadflax. On the quarry floor were Birds Foot Trefoil, Fairy Flax, Lady's Bedstraw, Pyramidal orchid, Common Spotted orchid, Wild Basil, Yellow wort, Carline Thistle and Twayblade. The scree slopes yielded Teasel, Creeping Cinquefoil, and Red Hemp nettle. In the grassland above the quarry were Greater Knapweed, Field Scabious, Quaking grass, Restharrow, Yellow Rattle, Marjoram, Agrimony, Hop Trefoil and Oxeye Daisy.

The highlight of the day was to view the armada of Marble White butterflies, in flight or feeding with wings spread on their favourite nectar sources Knapweeds and Scabious.The butterflies varied in size depending on whether they were male or female. We were thankful in having Sue with us to capture these memories. Other butterfly species included Ringlet (in good numbers), Red Admiral, Green Veined White, Small Skipper, Common Blue male and female, Speckled Wood and Meadow Brown at Kiplingcotes, also Comma at Rifle Butts Quarry. There were a variety of moths of interest including Plume and Burnet, also a Common Hawker dragonfly tantalised the group on leaving the reserve.

Bird sightings were few in comparison and included Yellow Hammer, Gold finch, Buzzard, Red legged Partridge and Pheasant. Bird song was plentiful. 

Our second destination- Rifle Butts Quarry was a surprise! Its interest is in the unconformity in the rock sequence which is exposed and protected by a shelter. However we were greeted by a mass of Giant Bellflower and a patch of magenta coloured Bloody Cranesbill. 

I couldn't finish without a mention of those ants that took a shine to Maddy's bright yellow fleece and hair such that she reverted to wearing her wooley hat as a protection.

 Thanks go to our leaders and driver for a splendid day out. 

See the photos here. 

Early Marsh Orchid cocciniaA group of 12 left the Unitarian Church on a very wet morning to make our annual outing to the Sefton Coast.  We had a smooth journey there and on arrival at Formby we were warmly greeted by our hostess for the day, Pat Lockwood.  Lunch was eaten at Pat's and suitably refreshed we set off for Selworthy Road from where we could access the Birkdale sand dunes.  Fortunately by this time the rain had stopped and it was to remain fine for the duration of our visit.

This area is truly blessed with an overwhelming variety of plant life.  Everywhere you turned there was something to catch the eye, so much so that at times it was difficult to take it all in.  Our botanists were in their element and, ably led by Pat, who is also an experienced botanist, we began our recording.  Of particular note amongst many were yellow-eyed grass, bog pimpernel, sea milkwort, orchids (early marsh, pyramidal and southern marsh), rest-harrow, strawberry clover, sea club-rush and brookweed.  Mention must also be made of flat sedge (Blysmus compressus), a rare find.  The umbellifers were out in profusion with fool's watercress, parsley water dropwort, wild celery and hemlock water dropwort being recorded.  Portland and sea spurges were also noted, giving a total for the day of approximately 130 species.

Birds seen totalled 13, the most notable  being the classic display flight given by a tree pipit.  Butterflies seen were small skipper, meadow brown and small heath.  Moths noted by John were silver Y and narrow bordered five-spot burnet.  Anania crocealis was also identified, this being a new one for John.  This moth feeds on common fleabane and ploughman's spikenard and is found on marshy habitat and coastal locations. Drinker moth caterpillar was also seen on the footpath as we returned to the minibus.

As I reflect on the visit, I can see in my mind's eye the colour of the rest-harrow and kidney vetch, the beautiful flowers on the dewberry and the standout display by the everlasting pea.  The colour of the Duke of Argyll's teaplant, which we noted on our arrival at the site, was so striking as well as the profusion of rushes and sedges swaying gently in the breeze.  What I do take away though are the wide open skies and the expanse of beach and seascape in the distance reminding us all of the abiding power of nature.

Our thanks go to Pat for looking after us so well, Joan for organising our visit, Julia for driving and our bakers who provided such an array of treats for us to eat before we left for home.

See more pictures here

Sally Tetlow

Bee OrchidOur group of ten met up with our leader for the day Martyn Priestley. He led us around this local nature reserve; created from reclaimed industrial land. It is still surrounded by industry such as chemical and engineering works and there is a constant backgound noise.

Although we were in the middle of a heatwave, on this particular day it was overcast throughout with a cooling easterly breeze. The temperature therefore stayed below 18c. Despite this lowish temperature we still managed to spot the following butterflies and moths; Ringlets, Meadow Browns, Common Blues, Small Heath, Large Skipper, Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnets, Celypha lacunanas and a wing of a male Ghost Moth. The majority of these were found roosting and numbers of all were low.  Grass moths were however in abundance, all seemed to be Chrysoteuchia culmella.

Joan and Alice recorded 75 plants in flower. The star species were the freshly emerged Bee Orchids, at least 14 separate plants were located. Other plants of note: Melilots, Hairy and Smooth Tare, Common Spotted Orchid.  Bird's foot trefoils and clovers were seen all over this impressive and rather large site.  

Lunch was taken inside Woodlands Cricket Club. This excellent venue had been thoughtfully arranged for us by Stuart who wasn't even with us. The comfortable highbacked chairs looked very like the type of furniture to be found in a Nursing home for the elderly!  After lunch we again met up with Martyn, this time outside Railway Terrace (Raw Nook). This reserve used to be railway sidings so is very flat.  We heard singing Song Thrushes and Blackcaps. Martyn took us to the areas of heather where he explained that without constant upkeep would quickly become crowded out by birch and bramble. A Clouded Border moth was seen and also a solitary Cinnabar on the path(shielded by Alison to ensure it wasn't stood on by the group).

We went to the small pond where we saw Fringed Water Lily but no dragonflies as it was probably too cool for them.

Our 3rd and final destination was Toadholes Beck. We were shown several splendid Southern Marsh Orchids. These were almost the colour of Northern Marsh but the lip shapes were certainly Southern M.

Our driver for the day was Julia. Joan had kindly co-ordinated the arrangements with Martyn. 

John Gavaghan

Drinker Moth CaterpillarWe returned to Foulshaw Moss a month earlier than our visit last year. 

Last year our timing was for fledged osprey chicks, whilst today it was all about the insects. Although it was a rather overcast day, warming up later in the afternoon, we did see a couple of the specialist butterflies and other insects. Large Heath butterflies were active over the bog where its caterpillar’s foodplant, Hare’s-tail Cottongrass, grows. We spent an excited 10 minutes watching a newly emerged dragonfly perched above it's exuviae, thinking it might be the rare White-faced Darter. However, as it showed itself more clearly, we identified it as a Four Spotted Chaser, and had to accept the White-faced Darter would encourage us to make a visit in another year (also a new section of boardwalk to be explored in the future).

The Azure Damselfly was the only other Odonata seen today, but other insects included an obliging Drinker Moth caterpillar on the boardwalk, an attractive Longhorn Beetle and Gold Swift and Grass Wave moths.

There were several sedges in the bog that we do not come across very often; Bottle Sedge, Hop Sedge and Tussock Sedge. Marsh Cinquefoil was seen in a number of places as we circled the reserve on the boardwalk. The diminutive Cranberry, both with flower and fruit, was creeping through areas that also supported Bog Rosemary. Bog Myrtle, Sundew, lichens, Crossed-leaved Heath and Narrow Buckler Fern added to the floral mix. 88 species were recorded in flower or fruit. 

Through the Cumbria Wildlife Trust telescope, we could see an adult Osprey perched on the nest but no aerial action today. CWT believe chicks have hatched as they think they have seen feeding taking place. We had good views of Redpolls near the raised platform. Other birds seen and heard included Reed Bunting, Blackcap and Tit species.

We then made a short hop across the A590 to Latterbarrow Reserve, a contrasting habitat of limestone grassland. The gentle hillside was covered in flowers, with areas of beautiful rock ‘gardens’ on the outcrops. Numerous examples of Common Spotted Orchid and several slightly aged Greater Butterfly Orchid were seen. Common Rock Rose, Aquilegia, Common Gromwell, Cut-leaved Cranesbill and Lady's Bedstraw were just some of the 80 species in flower. And with flowers come butterflies; Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Northern Brown Argus, Large Skipper and Meadow Brown were on the wing. 

Before our journey home we refreshed ourselves with drinks at the Derby Arms and ice cream from the Witherslack Community Shop.  You can see the photos in the gallery

Julia