Sue
What the botanists did. Our main aim on this glorious summer day was to examine the flora of three unique botanical areas- the walls of the Abbey, the flora of the riverbank of the River Skell and the meadow in front of the Banqueting Hall. A good number started this venture however we gradually lost members as the day progressed, the heat of the day playing its part. There is an unusual plant community growing in the cracks and crevasses of the Abbey walls which have been contructed from locally quarried gritstone. One of the first species that caught our attention was the aptly named Pellitory-of-the-Wall. Other species included Harebell, Golden Rod, Hop Trefoil, Field Scabious, Knapweed, Ivy Leaved Toadflax, Marjaram and Wallflower. The ferns included Maidenhair Spleenwort, Wall Rue and Harts Tongue Fern. Our search for a speciality of the Abbey, Proliferous Pink ended in partial success. The dried up leaves of the flower were identified hanging from a wall. The other speciality Fine Leaved Sandwort was seen but not in good condition.There were an abundance of attractive plants on the banks of the River Skell including Mimulus, Knapweed, the Willowherbs and the Umbilifers. The final destination - the meadow - was reached by one of our group - Margaret, it was just too good to miss! It proved to be a carpet of deep red with Betony and Knapweed growing in profusion together with Eyebright and Lady's Bedstraw. A hunt was made for orchid species. There were good numbers of Twayblade however Common Spotted Orchid was not seen. A wealth of flowers was seen on the day of which a few have received a mention.
Margaret