BrockadaleAfter an uneventful journey along the M62, our first stop of the day was at Thompson Meadow, a Plantlife Reserve. We were greeted by a bracing wind, but also, more pleasantly, a carpet of Cowslips covering the meadow. The first few Early Purple Orchids were showing, giving an indication of what is to come. Other species seen included Wood Anemone, Bluebells, maybe a False Oxlip (though identification was not definite) and Spring Sedge. There were plenty of violets and we had a lesson to distinguish between different varieties with the conclusion that all the ones we checked were Common Dog Violet.
Common Dog VioletsAfter about an hour we returned to the transport (minibus and additional car) and drove around to the other side of the valley to the YWT Brockadale car park. After lunch we headed east along the top of the valley, spotting some lovely Field Pansies at the field edge, and learning that Small Flowered Cranesbill has 10 filaments, but 5 of them are not topped with the anthers that contain the pollen. We also saw Field Mouse-ear at the top of the cliff.
Amongst a little hail, thankfully the only shower we experienced all day, we concluded that the numerous clumps of closed yellow flowers were Spring Cinqufoil, an uncommon plant. In the same area we saw the pungent leaves of Wild Clary, flower spikes just emerging. Although it was much to early to see it in flower, a few of us went a little bit further to see the newly emerging leaves of Wild Liquorice.
The next botanical hunt was for Adder's Tongue Fern. We tried our hardest to get our eyes in to spot a small green fern amongst the grass sward, but unfortunately be were not succesful. Next time maybe.
The wind was strong throughout the day and the number of birds were accordingly few. Whitethroat, Blackcap and Chiff Chaffs were heard and it was great to see a number of Swallows and House Martins flying.
Small Tortoiseshell We saw a few butterflies; Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell and an unidentified White.
There are a number of different habitats on the reserve and the return route took us along the valley bottom then up a steep wooded hill onto flatter paths. In a clearing in the woodland we saw a number of Stinking Hellebores and a striking Sloe (or Hairy) Shield Bug.
Although the weather was distinctly more wintery than last week, and we didn't get to see the inconspicuous ferns, we enjoyed a lovely visit to this varied reserve, seeing 72 species of plant in flower, plus one fern.
Thanks for having me.
Julia