Easter day in Northcliffe 12th April 2020
Today I decided to enter Northcliffe Woods by the main entrance. Passing my dentist's surgery with the cherry tree in full bloom I walked towards the Branch - no longer there yet still a BEES pick up point. At the turn into Cliffe Wood Avenue I noticed that two mature trees had been felled. Shame on me as I cannot remember what they were. Soon after the barrier into the woods both bluebell and ramsoms flowers were seen, not yet in profusion but pretty never-the-less. I reached the model railway before meeting anyone and surprisingly there were no dogs on the large grassy area. A patch of coltsfoot was still in flower there. Soon I was near the narrow stream now only a trickle and similarly further on the swampy area that Bees volunteers have often cleared was almost dry in parts. I resisted stepping across and just took a picture of the unfolding crozier fronds of ferns. Other than the bluebells all the flowers I had seen were yellow or white. These included lots of celandines, large patches of Golden Saxifrage and clumps of Marsh Marigolds together with white cherry blossom, lots of Wood Anemones and, my favourite wildflower, Wood Sorrel. It seemed like an Easter gift. Birdsong filled the air, some I recognised but the singers were better at hiding than I am at locating them.
The golf club was now in sight with the steps to High Bank Lane and the meadow part of Northcliffe. Last year the council proposed this as a site for a new crematorium, Thankfully the proposal was defeated. Across the meadow a patch of white turned out to be Hogweed, my second umbel of the day. After looking down and identifying buildings in Saltaire I returned to botanizing. In damper areas there were patches of field wood rush in full flower, cuckoo flower and common sorrel in bud and clumps of grass threatening to show flower parts. Along the pathside there was time to observe the tree flowers closely rather than give them a casual glance as so often happens. My concern is that while Ash was covered in flowers I have yet to see Oak at the same stage. After lockdown, will it be a soak rather than only a splash?
A few gardeners were working in the allotments. I passed the deserted play area , skirted the field then cut through to the bird viewing point. A great tit was inside a caged feeder but a squirrel ate at the table. I headed down the track seeing Yellow Archangel, an allotment escape I suspect. The specific name for this plant, "galeobdolon", means weasel stench. What does a weasel smell like? Continuing down, the garden beds were colourful and the cherry laurel warranted observation. A few minutes later I was home.
My walk, only about three kilometres but taking me almost two hours, had given me so much pleasure. I am so fortunate to have these woods near my home.
Photos to Sue shortly
Alice