Shipley; canal and river 18th May 2021
Today’s walk was a circular one beside the Leeds/Liverpool canal from Dock Lane to Buck wood Lane, crossing the River Aire then returning through Denso Nature Reserve and along the riverbank – a distance of approximately 3 km
Donald, our leader, Julia and Jean caught up with Sue N and me (we had misinterpreted the meeting point) and Sue Z completed the sextet. The showers we were expecting stayed away, we had some cloud but mainly welcome sunshine and before long jackets were discarded. It was an easy walk although care was needed on the final stretch due to the narrow, uneven flagged path, the tree roots and the proximity of the fast flowing river.
Over eighty plants were recorded in flower the majority being along the canal stretch. The Hawthorn bushes were beautiful, Rowan and Elder were opening and a good variety of common species were in the ground flora. Cuckoo flower fully open, Hemlock water Dropwort beginning to open and sedges were alongside the water. On the verges Cut Leaved Geranium and Silverweed shone in the sunshine. Four different Speedwells were recorded. The Pea family was represented by Red Clover, Common and Bush Vetch, Black Medick and Lesser Trefoil. Common Wintercress joined the crucifers.
Sedges identified were Remote, Glaucous, and Pond (Lesser we think). Pendulous Sedge joined the list in the reserve. Ferns were Male, Lady, Bracken and Field Horsetail.. Grasses included Cocksfoot, Sweet Vernal, Soft Brome, Wood Millet, Perennial Rye and Red Fescue.
Bird life on the canal was limited to Canada geese and a swan near Dock Lane with Mallard and Moor hen further along. Birds of note seen or heard were a Buzzard being mobbed by Crows, a Mistlethrush, Long tailed Tits, Blackcap and Robin. We saw Large Red damselflies and a Caddis fly. Butterflies were Small Copper, Brimstone, Speckled Wood, White and numerous Orange tips.
Shortly before the gate into the Denso Reserve Julia spotted Wood Stitchwort. Hopefully this may lead to the revival of this plant within the reserve. Once inside we had final views of early Spring flowers before heading to benches close to planted flowering fruit trees and a Bird cherry where we ate lunch. Flag Iris and Water Avens joined the list in the wet areas with Sweet Cicely along the river side. Mallard and young were on the pond and tadpoles seen in the water. The Tufted Duck which has been resident over winter was seen on the river. Finally our attention was taken by a female Goosander with two ducklings.
Local walks led by Donald always include more than wildlife sightings. Today we learnt of the industrial past on the canal sides, that Metal Box recreational field was a covered pit of sludge and that gravity delivers Shipley's sewage to Esholt! We were reminded that this now peaceful area was in the past a busy commercial highway with, until the 1920s, a canal side inn and lodgings built for bargees. I decline from repeating escapades of Donald's youth in this locality! Even at botanist pace today's rate was slow with frequent pauses to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. How different it must have been for those who worked here in the heyday of the waterway. Thank you Donald not only for leading but also for the added interest you gave to our walk today.
Alice