Holme Styles Reservoir

8th May 2019 Holme Styles Reservoir

Leader : Louise Hill & Kay Woodward
Meet : 10.30am Park by road side above reservoir on Greave Road at SE 142056
Attendees : Louise Hill. Kay Woodward, John Scott, Peter Burton, Les Coe

Purpose of meeting: To survey the site to find and record species both previously recorded and unrecorded, to contribute towards Atlas 2020.

Due to problems on the M62, traffic in the area was adversely affected causing serious delays on local roads. This resulted in prolonged journey times for those travelling to the site, and caused a delayed start to proceedings. The meeting eventually got underway at 11.10am.

Due to a miserable weather forecast, it was at one time considered that the meeting would have to be abandoned. However, the party agreed to brave the rain, which persisted all day, and carry on.

We added some nice species to the Tetrad lists.  A very worthy day out - if a little cold and damp.

Holme Styles Reservoir

Below are lists of the new species added to the existing records for the two tetrads visited

Holme Styes Reservoir Area	SE 1305	Location
Sycamore	Acer pseudoplatanus	Fox Clough to Reynard Clough
Downy Birch	Betula pubescens	Fox Clough to Reynard Clough
	Callitriche brutia subsp. hamulata	Reservoir
Sticky Mouse-ear	Cerastium glomeratum	Pasture West of Reservoir
Beech	Fagus sylvatica	Fox Clough to Reynard Clough
	Galeopsis	Fox Clough to Reynard Clough
Bluebell	Hyacinthoides non-scripta	Fox Clough to Reynard Clough
Laburnum	Laburnum anagyroides	Old Cottages above Fox Clough
Field Wood-rush	Luzula campestri	Dam Grassland
Great Wood-rush	Luzula sylvatica	Reynard Clough
Common Cow-wheat	Melampyrum pratense	Fox Clough (beside footpath)
Wood Melick	Melica uniflora	Fox Clough (beside footpath)
Norway Spruce	Picea abies	Hollin Hill Plantations
Sitka Spruce	Picea sitchensis	Hollin Hill Plantations
Lesser Celandine	Ficaria verna	Banks of Dam outlet stream
Yellow-rattle	Rhinanthus minor	Pasture West of Reservoir
Rhododendron	Rhododendron	Near old Cottages above Fox Clough
Raspberry	Rubus idaeus	Kirklees Way Verge near Hollin Hill
Sheep's Sorrel	Rumex acetosella	Footpath west of Hollin Hill
Rusty Willow	Salix cinerea subsp. oleifolia	Fox Clough to Reynard Clough
Elder	Sambucus nigra	Fox Clough to Reynard Clough
Thyme-leaved Speedwell	Veronica serpyllifolia	Kirklees Way
	Meconopsis cambrica 'Aurantiaca'	Wall at Dam Outlet
		.

Holme Styes Reservoir Area	SE 1405	Location
Water-plantain	Alisma plantago-aquatica	Reynard Clough inlet to reservoir
	Callitriche brutia subsp. hamulata	Reynard Clough inlet to reservoir
Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage	Chrysosplenium oppositifolium	Hades Clough
Enchanter's-nightshade	Circaea lutetiana	Hades Clough
Hawkweed	Hieracium	Hades Clough
Great Wood-rush	Luzula sylvatica	Reynard Clough
Yellow Pimpernel	Lysimachia nemorum	Reynard Clough and Long Ing Dike Waterfall
Wood-sorrel	Oxalis acetosella	Reynard Clough and Long Ing Dike Waterfall
.	Polypodium vulgare s.l.	On walls beside Reservoir at Reynards Clough
Wood Sage	Teucrium scorodonia	Cote Lane
Wall Speedwell	Veronica arvensis	Track from Greave Road to Long Ing Dike Waterfall
Welsh Poppy	Meconopsis cambrica	Track from Greave Road to Long Ing Dike Waterfall
.	.	.
.	.	.
	.	.
		.

Bilberry - Vaccinium myrtillus

Hard Fern - Blechnum spicant

Wood Sorrel - Oxalis acetosella

Mecanopsis cambrica 

Enjoying a period of light rain

After the meeting, as a consolation for the cold and wet, the party retired to the Oil Can cafe at Dover Mill to sample the excellent cakes and to regain some feeling in the fingers.

Cakes at the Oil Can Cafe

Winter Botanical Walk 2019

Winter Botanical Walk along the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal
15th February 2019

We are invited to join with Sorby Natural History Society for a walk along the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal.
Leader : Ken Balkow

Attendees : Ken Balkow, Les Coe
Apologies : Louise Hill

We were invited to attend a Sorby meeting for a winter botanical walk along the Sheffield & Tinsley canal from Attercliffe to Meadowhall. We met at the Attercliffe Supertram stop to join up with 12 Sorby members. It was a most untypical February day in which we enjoyed warm sunny weather under a clear blue sky, almost picnic weather and perfect for our planned walk.

We descended down to the canal on a path that had a steady stream of running water despite the recent dry weather. We were greeted by a song thrush giving a tree-top rendition of a spring-like song and a Magpie busily creating a nest also high in the trees.

On the way down to the canal Ken pointed out a Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima), with a piece of the leaf being passed around to sample a beef-like aroma. We were to pass many younger specimens of this plant during the early part of the walk. Also, on this waterlogged bank, a mature Hard Shield-fern (Polystrichum lonchitis), being an unusual plant around Sheffield. It was probably from this plant that later several younger specimens were encountered along the canal footpath.

Ken was able to demonstrate the differences between three Ivy species. First, we uncounted Irish Ivy (Hedera Hibernica), then Common Ivy (H. helix) with Persian Ivy (H. colchica) in close proximity.

We were treated to a display of unusual trees along the canal.
A large specimen of Darwin’s Barberry (Berberis darwinii)
A pollarded Crack Willow (Salix fragilis)
Wayfaring tree (Viburnum lantana) with last year’s fruits still remaining
Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
June Berry (Amelanchier lamarckii)
Coral Berry (Symphoricarpos x chenaultii), a hybrid species closely related to Snowberry
Box-leaved Honeysuckle (Lonicera pileate)
Grey Poplar (Populus x canescens), a hybrid between Aspen (P. tremula) and White Poplar (P. alba)
False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) displaying nasty looking thorns
Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica)
Dogwood (Cornus florida) being a native species, has red stems which can aid ID
An unusual Honeysuckle species (Lonicera sp.) was unable to be ID on site
Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
A yellow berried American Holly (Ilex opaca)
A Fig tree (Ficus carica) on the opposite bank

We noted plenty of Travellers Joy (Clematis vitalba) or Old Man’s Beard adorning walls along the canal.

Several water plants were pointed out, including
Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima)
Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata)
Reed Mace (Typha latifolia)
Water Figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) growing on the canal wall

Some of the more unusual plants included Alter-lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) at the Marina, Ploughman’s Spikenard (Inula conyzae), the common Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), Argentinian Vervain (Verbena bonariensis), Hairy-fruited Broom (Cytisus striatus) and Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens).

Disappointingly, we came across a large stretch of land alongside the canal that had been the site for Bee Orchids, which had been cleared for some future development, no doubt resulting in the loss of some interesting species.

The Walk was concluded at Meadowhall.

Wild Plants of the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal : photographs of plants along a waterway in South Yorkshire, by Ken Balkow is available from the author.

New Year Plant Hunt 2019

New Year Plant Hunt.

2 January 2019, Old Mineral Line, Dinnington to Thurcroft.
Meet 10am on Bookers Way off Todwick Road (B6463), Dinnington.

Attendees:
Les Coe (leader)
Louise Hill
John Scott
Peter Burton
Graeme Coles
Ken Balkow
Marion Dutton


The Old Mineral Line was once a working railway line serving Thurcroft Colliery but is now disused and has become a public footpath starting in Dinnington and passing through Laughton Common on its way to the old Thurcroft Colliery site.

The group walked along the footpath from Dinnington to the Thurcroft Colliery site, then returned via public footpaths across fields before re-joining the Old Mineral Line at Laughton Common and continuing to the starting point at Dinnington. The route passed through two tetrads SK58D & SK58E

Along the way were able to recorded a total of 138 plant species, some having just dried stems, leaves, buds, seeds or fruits. However, just 25 plants were in flower. The prominent plants along the walk were Dove's-foot Cranesbill (Geranium molle) and Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula).

The flowering plants consisted of -

Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), flowers Jan - Dec
Daisy (Bellis perennis), flowers Jan - Dec
Annual Meadow-grass (Poa annua), flowers Jan - Dec
Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), flowers Feb - Nov
Shepherd’s-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), flowers Jan - Dec
Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia), flowers Apr - Nov
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), flowers Jun - Dec
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.), flowers Jan - Dec
White Dead Nettle (Lamium album), flowers Mar to Nov
Chickweed (Stellaria media), flowers Jan - Dec
Red Dead Nettle (Lamium purpureum), flowers Jan - Dec
Common Field-speedwell (Veronica persica), flowers Jan - Dec
Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major), flowers Jan – Jun.
Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), flowers Jun - Sep
Red Campion (Silene dioica), flowers Mar - Nov
Dove's-foot Crane's-bill (Geranium molle), flowers Apr - Sep
Gorse (Ulex europaeus), flowers Jan - Dec
Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), flowers May - Nov
Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa), flowers Jun - Sep
Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.), flowers May - Nov
Nipplewort (Lapsana communis), flowers Jun - Oct
Scentless Mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum), flowers Apr - Nov
Cleavers (Galium aparine), flowers May - Sep
Cut-leaved Crane's-bill (Geranium dissectum), flowers May – Sep
Hazel (Corylus avellana), had well-developed male catkins and female flowers

Amongst the non-flowering plants observed were
Several leaves of Orchids, possibly Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) in the roadside verge in front of Safety Kleen offices, destined never to be able to produce any flowers due to the regular mowing of the verges.
Sowbread (Cyclamen hederifolium), a fine-looking well-established plant, a garden escapee.
Dyers Greenweed (Genista tinctorial), a relic from earlier days when it was grown commercially
A possible Western Gorse ( Ulex gallii) which could not be confirmed as it was not in flower.
Italian Lords-and-Ladies (Arum italicum), with striking foliage in the undergrowth.
Perforate St John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Hairy St John’s-wort (Hypericum hirsutum).
A Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana) making an early appearance.
Seed heads of Astrantia (Astrantia major) remained on the plant.
Golden-scaled Male-fern (Dryopteris affinis agg.) growing on the bankside.
Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea (Lathyrus latifolius) at path side.
Spiked Sedge (Carex spicata) having seeds
Crosswort (Cruciata laevipes).

Water plants observed in the path-side ditches were Fool's-water-cress (Helosciadium nodiflorum), Water-cress (Nasturtium officinale) and Water-starwort (Callitriche sp.)

Also noted were tracks of deer in the soft mud, and a Mottled Umber Moth (Erannis defoliaria), at rest on vegetation.
In the scrub behind Safety Kleen works we heard the call of the Willow Tit.

Our results have been published abd can be viewed on the BSBI website here

Yeoman Hey Reservoir, Saddleworth

A Tour of Yeoman Hey Reservoir, Saddleworth

14 September, 2018
Leader Kay McDowell

Attendees:
Kay McDowell
Mike Canaway
Peter Burton
Les Coe

Appologies:
Louise Hill
John Scott
Tim Kohler

The party met at 10.30am in Binn Green car park below Alderman Brow on the A635 (SE018046).
The purpose of the meeting was to add to the species count in under-recorded sectors.
Sectors surveyed were SE0104 and SE0205

We started by surveying the car park and surroundings which were in SE0104. Whilst the weather report had suggested showers, we had a downpour that had us retreating to the cars whilst it passed over, which fortunately it soon did. Thereafter the day remained dry for the most part, brightening up as the afternoon progressed. Soggy notebooks made recording challenging till they dried out in the wind.

Late flowering Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)

The car park and surrounding woodland produced the following species. Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens), Annual Meadow-grass (Poa annua), Broad-leaved Willowherb (Epilobium montanum), Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Prickly Sowthistle (Sonchus asper), Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca), Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Hawkweed sp, (Hieracium sp.), Wall Letuce (Mycelis muralis), Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineus), Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Heather (Calluna vulgaris).
Monocots noted Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica), Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris), Soft Rush (Juncus effusus), Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), Heath Rush (Juncus squarrosus), Wavy Hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa).
Trees noted were a Larch hybrid (Larix sp.), Elder (Sambucus nigra), Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Holly (Ilex sp.) a garden variety, Downy Birch (Betula pubescens).
Ferns noted Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), Male-fern (Dryopteris filix-mas), Broad Buckler-fern (Dryopteris dilatata).

Road to the reservoirs

Then followed a walk down the lane towards the reservoirs. Within the dry stone walls which lined both sides of the lane, we found some interesting plants as well as along the verges and banks.
Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Wood Sage (Teucrium scorodonia), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Cross Leaf Heath (E. tetralix), Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), Creeping Thistle (Cirsium arvense), Marsh Thistle (C. palustre), Greater Lettuce (Lactuca virosa), Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), Nipplewort (Lapsana communis), Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus), Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Prickly Sowthistle (Sonchus asper), Redleg (Persicaria maculosa), Perforate St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Pineappleweed (Matricaria discoridea), Lesser Trefoil (Trifolium dubium), Sticky Mouse-ear (Cerastium glomeratum), Smooth Sowthistle (Sonchus Oleraceus), Heath Speedwell (Veronica officinalis), Angelica (Angelica sylvetris), Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus).
Grasses noted were Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa), Creeping Soft-grass (Holcus mollis), Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) and Crested Dog's-tail (Cynosurus cristatus).
Ferns noted were Lady-fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Hart's-tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium), Black Spleenwort (A. adiantum), Lemon-scented Fern (Oreopteris limbosperma) and Golden-scaled Male-fern (Dryopteris afinis ssp. afinis).
Trees noted Grey Willow (Salix cinerea), Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris).

One we struggled with on site, considering as possibly Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans), is now thought to have been Trailing Tormentil (P. anglica) with its mix of trifoliate and palmate leaves. Thanks to Mike for this review.

We then began the Yeoman Way Circular walk around the reservoir. On the eastern side the path was initially suitable for maintenance vehicles, but soon changed to a footpath, while on the western side it was a typical moorland footpath, general level but somewhat uneven, not suitable for disabled persons.

Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum)

Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis), Hairy Bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Melilot sp. (Melilotus sp.) (no fruits to aid an ID), Eyebright (Euphrasia sp.), Broom (Cytisus scoparius)with seeds having hairy edges only, Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla anglica), Autumn Hawkbit (Scorzoneroides autumnalis), Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium pratense) in flower, Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), Red Bartsia (Odontites vernus), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). Also noted were Slender Rush (Juncus tenuis) and Mat-grass (Nardus stricta).

Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium pratense)

The reservoir straddled two sectors, the second being SE0205.
Prickly Sowthistle (Sonchus asper), Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Common Nettle (Urtica dioica), Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius), Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre), Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), Perenial Sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis), Greater Plantain (Plantago major), Eyebright (Euphrasia agg), Cat's-ear (Hypochaeris radicata), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Mouse-ear-hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum), Aster sp. (Aster agg), Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris), Hawkweed sp. (Hieracium sp.) Autumn Hawkbit (Scorzoneroides autumnalis), Bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Pineappleweed (Matricaria discoidea), Knapweed sp. (Centaurea sp.), Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), New Zealand Willowherb (Epilobium brunnescens), Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum), Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile), Cross-leaved Heath (Erica tetralix), Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella).
Ferns noted were Lady-fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Golden-scaled Male-fern (Dryopteris affinis), Male-fern (D. filix-mas), Hart's-tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium), Maidenhair Spleenwort (A. trichomanes), Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), Broad Buckler-fern (Dryopteris dilatata), Hard-fern (Blechnum spicant). Also noted were a Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) growing at side of water of reservoir, Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris), Heath Rush (Juncus Squarrosus), Soft Rush (J. effusus), Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus), Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus), Bulbous Rush (J. bulbosus), Common Deergrass (Trichophorum germanicum), Star Sedge (Carex echinata).
Trees noted were Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Rowen (Sorbus aucuparia), Larch (Larix decidua), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Grey Willow (Salix cinerea), Oak (Quercus robar), Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and a bright red leaved sapling of Aspen (Populus tremula).

Aspen (Populus tremula)

A special thanks to Mike Canaway for sharing his expertise on ferns with the group and for providing guidance towards the identification of ferns during this survey.

A tip-off by an interested passerby that we would find Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris) above Greenfield Reservoir makes the prospect of another visit to the area attractive.

Saddleworth Moor

Saddleworth Moor
29 August 2018

Leader Kay Woodward, joint VC 63 recorder

Attendees
Kay Woodward
Peter Burton
Les Coe

Apologies
Louise Hill
John Scott

The purpose of the meeting was to add to the species count in under-recorded areas of these moors.
Trying to arrange the meeting around the vagaries of the weather resulted in a number of interested parties being unable to join us.

The party met at 10.30am at a lay-bye on the busy A635 (SE 050 063).
We were greeted with low cloud and drizzle, making visibility much reduced, but happily the weather improved very quickly and then remained fine throughout the day. It was decided to do a circular walk, which would pass through four tetrads, and include Holme Clough. The ground was surprising wet in places following such a dry summer, with water flowing through runnels and channels towards the Clough, where a small stream flowed towards the downstream reservoirs.

Peter & Kay

Crossing the moor, which was 507 mts at the highest point, we encounter typical moorland vegetation consisting of flowering Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrillus), Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus), Common Cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Hare's-tail Cotton-grass (Eriophorum vaginatum), Wavy Hair-grass (Deschampsia flexuosa), Purple Moor-grass (Molinia caerulea), Mat-grass (Nardus stricta), and Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) in large numbers. It was noticeable that there were no signs of peat erosion and as we found many areas where new vegetation had been introduced. This had been secured with large pegs to help it get established and had proved to be very successful. In addition to the above list of species, we also found low growing Broad Buckler-fern (Dryopteris dilatata) which never reached the stature as found at lower levels; plenty of Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) and American Willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum), with the occasional small Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) attempting to becoming established. There were also the occasional small tree also attempting to establish themselves, despite the attentions of sheep and possible deer. These included Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis), and a Larch sp. (Larix sp.)

Awaiting an ID

Now into the next tetrad descending towards Holme Clough, we encountering all the above mentioned species, but were now seeing an introduction of other species. Yorkshire Fog (Holcus lanatus), Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), Mouse-ear-hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum), Ragwort sp. (Senecio sp.), a Bent (Agrostis sp.) and Prickly Sowthistle (Sonchus asper) were all noted. A Kestrel (Falco naumanni) searching the moors for pray and white-tailed Bumblebees (Bombus sp.) working the heather flowers added to the day, along with many Oak Eggar (Lasiocampa quercus) caterpillars and a Broom Moth (Melanchra pisi) caterpillar which were spotted on the vegetation, along with grass-hoppers and frogs aplenty.

Broom Moth caterpillar (Melanchra pis)

Having reached the stream in Holme Clough we explored a short way into Little Holme Clough noting Heath Rush (Juncus squarrosus), Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca). Now out of the wind, lunch was taken before resuming our walk alongside the stream in Holme Clough. Here Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile), Hard-fern (Blechnum spicant), Male-fern (Dryopteris filix-mas) and Mountain-fern or Lemon Scented-fern (Oreopteris limbosperma), which was spotted by Kay who was familiar with the species. It was a young plant having a nice aroma of lemon when crushed as the name suggests. Another such plant, though much larger, was seen a little further along the stream-side which had little of the aroma as found in the younger plant. Peter then spotted a plant that was growing mid-stream that defied our abilities to arrive at an identification, so a sample was taken for further study and consultation by Kay. Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre)) were well established in this valley bottom and a small Rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) was found.

Bulbous Rush (Juncus bulbosus)

Climbing out of the Clough and heading back towards the car park, we entered a new tetrad noting again all the common species previously encountered with the exception of Hare's-tail Cotton-grass (Eriophorum vaginatum) which proved to be elusive. We discussed how the Mat-grass (Nardus stricta) was able to establish itself because the sheep do not eat it. Next a Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) was found, but a Hawkweed sp. (Hieracium sp.) proved more difficult, along with a Ragwort sp. (Senecio sp.), being either Common or Oxford, but we were unable to identify on site which one.

On reaching the road we entered the final tetrad, and searching along the road-side ditch we found totally different species to those previously encountered. These consisted of the large leaves of Colt's-foot (Tussilago farfara) with many Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza sp.) now in seed and which will require a closer look next spring for a positive ID. Also Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris), Marsh Horsetail (Equisetum palustre) and a Sowthistle (Sonchus sp.).

Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza  sp.)

The survey was completed for a little after 4pm with early indications of a satisfactory result regarding improving the species count in several tetrads. This brings to a close our outings for this season.

Postscript.
We have a suggestion for the plant found growing in the stream as Bulbous Rush (Juncus bulbosus) which was accepted.

Treeton Dyke & Forgemaster's Tip

Treeton Dyke & Forgemaster's Tip
1st August 2018

Leaders: Louise Hill & Bob Croxton

Attendees:
Louise Hill
John Scott
Bob Croxton
Les Coe
Ken Balkow
Graeme Coles
Jean Glasscock

Guests:
Andy Godfrey

Apologises:
Peter Burton

This site includes wetlands, grassland and scrub habitats on the naturally-revegetated steelworks tip beside Treeton Dyke. It is anticipated that a good variety of plants will be found, including Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) and some rare sedge.

The group assembled at 10am on Washfield Lane, Treeton.

Following a public footpath which passed through agricultural land we quickly found Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris), Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and Hedgerow Crane's-bill (Geranium pyrenaicum).

At the edge of a field of Rye was found Rye Brome (Bromus secalinus). Was it introduced with the sowing of the Rye? A species that was once rare but is now becoming more widespread.

Rye Brome (Bromus secalinus)

Along the field edge we found Cut-leaved Crane's-bill (Geranium dissectum), Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) and a Hawkweed (Hieracium sp.) which always presents a challenge. So using a key from 'Yorkshire Hawkweeds' (YNU by Vince Jones) carried for just such an occasion; noting basal leaves absent, stem leaves<15, stem-leaves not clasping stem, led to Sabauda section, To progress further with the ID required that a sample be taken away for further examination by Louise.

Continuing along the footpath we had Common Couch (Elytrigia repens), Field Maple (Acer campestre), Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) and Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) bearing lots of sloe fruits. The current dry spell has resulted in many plants seeding and dying early. One such dried-up plant was found, a legume, keyed out as Fodder Vetch (Vicia villosa), an annual. Common Vetch (Vicia sativa), also in a dried state came next followed by Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Hawkweed Oxtongue (Picris hieracioides), normally to be found on chalk or limestone but also fond of colonising wasteland.

In the corner of the next field, sheltered by the adjacent woodland, we found Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) and a Fodder Vetch still in flower.

Fodder Vetch (Vicia villosa)

Also in this sheltered corner we found Fat Hen (Chenopodium album), Nipplewort (Lapsana communis), Field Speedwell (Veronica persica) and Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides). Back to the path and continuing to the junction of the lakeside path we passed a large patch of ripe blackberry laden Bramble (Rubus fruiticosus agg.). Andy pointed out the leaf of the Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) having been infested with a Leaf miner.

We now joined the path heading in the direction of Treeton and towards the lake side passing on the way a fruit laden Apple Tree (Malus sp.). In an uncultivated area we found Goatsbeard (Tragopogon pratensis), Black Medic (Medicago lupulina), the common Great Mullein (Verbascum thopsus), Weld (Reseda luteola) and California Poppy (Eschschoizia californica) thriving in this hot dry weather we are experiencing at the moment. Nearing the waters edge we passed Wall Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) and around the ski jetty we had Goat's Rue (Galega officinalis), Gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus), False Fox-sedge (Carex otrubae) and Amphibious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia).

From the water around the jetty two water plants were recovered which proved to be Nutall's Waterweed (Elodea nuttallii) and Canadian Waterweed (E. canadensis)

Returning to the lakeside path, an unusual plant with long slender leaves caused some head scratching, before it was decided that it was a garden throw-away, Pampas Grass (Cataderia selloana). Another plant which resembled a young willow at first glance was Amphibious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia). Next came Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare) now displaying their plumed or feather-like pappus carrying the seeds, common to all Cirsium genera, Tall Melilot (Melilotus altissimus), a sedge with triangular tough stem was False Fox-sedge (Carex otrubae) which proved to be common on the site, and Remote Sedge (C. remota), then we had an aromatic Water Mint (Mentha sp.) which was considered to be a hybrid. Red Bartsia (Odontites vernus) and Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) completed our tour of the west side of the lake.

Water Mint (Mentha sp.)

Along the path growing behind the metal fence were Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and a large white Bindweed (Calystegia sp.), but as we were unable to reach a sample flower of the later, the ID could not be ascertained. We then reached a small pond on the right of the path which contained a good showing of Fringed Water-lily (Nymphoides peltata).

Fringed Water-lily (Nymphoides peltata)

Also growing in the pond were Bulrush (Typha latifolia) and Ridged Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) which grows totally submerged. Back on the path came Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Crack Willow (Salix fragilis), more False Fox-sedge (Carex otrubae) and a rampant Virginia Creeper (Pathenocissus quinquefolia), probably as a result of being accidentally introduced. Next came willowherbs, Hoary Willowherb (Epilobium parviflorum) and Broad-leaved Willowherb (E. montanum) all typically showing stigmas split into four.

Bob now led us off the main path onto a subsidiary path leading us into an area where young Silver Birch (Betula pendula) had become dominant. In addition there were some Downy Birch (B. pubescens) present and Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) laden with red berries. The area gradually opened up with Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea), Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea (Lathyrus latifolius) and Origanum (Origanum vulgare) showing.

The habitat now became more like heathland; an acidic site as a result of it having been contaminated due to the waste products from steelworks being dumped here over a considerable time, hence it's title as 'Forgemaster's tip'. Some parts have been covered over with a layer of sandy soil, but the area we were now in had not, and was a rabbit grazed grassland.

We continued with Sheep's-fescue (Festuca ovina agg.), Perforate St John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum). Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Gorse (Ulex europaeus) now without any flowers, Bird's-foot-trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus) and a summer flowering Michaelmas Daisy which may be (Aster novi-belgii) but due to similarity with (A. x salignus) awaiting confirmation.

Confused Michaelmas Daisy (Aster novi-belgii)

Back into a wooded area once more where the old seed heads of both Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and Southern Marsh-orchid (D. praetermissa) were present. Another Hawkweed (Hieracium sp.) having its flower heads full of Thrips or Thunder Flies and Pollen Beetles and a Mouse-ear-hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum). Then Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), a Butterfly-bush (Buddleja  sp.) and a strong smelling Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) after a Corn Mint ID was rejected. Next we had Gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus) which might be confused with a nettle when young.

Gipsywort (Lycopus europaeus)

Hoary Willowherb (Epilobium parviflorum), and Skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) followed when a Brown Argus (Aricia agestis) was spotted by Andy as it flitted about a large patch of Bird's-foot-trefoil(Lotus pedunculatus).

We now approached the waters edge finding Bulrush (Typha latifolia) and Bristle Club-rush (Isolepis setacea). Back to the heathland habitat where Andy pointed out Black Lipped Snail shells. Next we found Bush-grass also known as Wood Small-reed (Calamagrostis epigejos), Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) followed by a Goldenrod, but where we were expecting the more common Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), we found instead Early Goldenrod (S. gigantea).

Early Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)

Next we found a wild Pear Tree full of young fruit and Thyme-leaved Sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia) which had dried up in the heat but an ID was achieved from the seed. Here the grass had been burnt, accidentally or otherwise, and is the only means of scrub control being carried out. Now lunch was taken after which Louise studied a Hawkweed (Hieracium sp.) sample collected earlier in the walk. The key led to it being in the Tridentata section, so the sample was taken home for further study. Another study undertaken was on a Horsetail (Equisetaceae) collected next to a pond; this was concluded to be a hybrid between Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) and Field Horsetail (E. arvenses).

We now reached the lakeside where Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) was present. Some dredging of the water had occurred previously leaving muscle shells behind, which were considered to be Zebra Muscles. Continuing we found the large leaves of Colt's-foot (Tussilago farfara), Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus), and collected from the water was a plant we considered to be Horned-pondweed (Zannichellia palustris), but not being certain a sample was taken away for further examination. We also noted at the lakeside Reed Canary-grass (Phalaris arundinacea), Michaelmas Daisy (Aster sp.). In a ditch at the side of the path we found Common Duckweed (Lemna minor), and spotted an metallic green Emerald Damselfly (Lestes sponsa), notable as the only damselfly to have wings half spread open at rest. From the ditch another Hawkweed (Hieracium sp.) was collected this one having a distinct basal rosette and one stem leaf. At the side of the broad path in an area of little vegetation, was found lots of Hare's-foot Clover (Trifolium arvense) in full flower.

Hare's-foot Clover (Trifolium arvense)

Now we wanted to check upon an earlier finding of a rare sedge for which we had a GPS reading. The sedge was duly found and confirmed to be Distant Sedge (Carex distans) with Remote Sedge (C. remota) also in the same area. Nearby we found Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus).

Our next objective was to re-find the Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) noted on a previous visit. Following the GPS reference we search in vain, but to our surprise we discovered a patch of some 16 stems of Yellow Bird's-nest (Hypopitys monotropa) which was a new record for the site.

Bird's-nest (Hypopitys monotropa)

It should be noted that the above records are not the total species recorded for the site on this survey, that is held by Louise.