Holme House Woods, Keighley

Holme House Woods, Keighley

Wednesday 5th July 2023

Leader: Andrew Kafel

A visit had been planned to this site in 2020 but this was cancelled because of the Covid pandemic. A BBG visit in May 2002 resulted in Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) being found but there was no such luck on a subsequent visit in 2010. Thus, considerable time has passed since the woods and fields were explored.

Holme House Woods was a favourite haunt of Geoffrey Wilmore, a BBG member who passed away, sadly, in 2018 after a short illness. He was BSBI Honorary Recorder for VC63 from 1992 until December 2015.

The area is of interest due to several patches of more basic soils/flushes amongst the more general acidic environment.

Eight BBG members met with Andrew on a fine dry evening on Fell Lane near the entrance (SE 0446 4056) to the footpath leading through meadows down to the bridge over North Beck (SE 0440 4083). A range of grasses were identified on the walk through the meadow including those more associated with more calcareous grassland such as Quaking-grass (Briza media) and Meadow Fescue (Schedonorus pratensis). Scattered amongst the grasses was Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), an indicator of unimproved grassland.

Having crossed the bridge, we walked west along the north bank and adjacent areas to the beck, first through meadow and then into wooded banks ending in Lower Holme House Wood. Our progress was eventually impeded by an ill-defined fence (SE038 406) in the woods with no clear route through and thus we returned along our route exploring some adjacent grassy banks. On the way we encountered a single Sanicle (Sanicula europaea) and on the banks in the more alkaline areas was Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), now revealing there rather dirty white solitary seed heads. Lower down towards the beck was a stand of False-brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), another alkaline tolerant grass. Several patches of the cultivated form of Bird’s Foot Trefoil were noted, Lotus corniculatus var.sativus. A wonderful vibrant patch of Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) was admired (photo, courtesy of Ian).

Back over the bridge, the southern side of the beck was explored (SE 042 407) revealing various rush (Juncus) species and an interesting find of Spreading Meadow-grass (Poa humilis).

Very few ferns were encountered and certainly not Adder's-tongue!

Overall, 148 taxa were recorded. At the end of the evening, we thanked Andrew for his leadership and guidance on what we all agreed was a fruitful event.

Text by Laurence Sutton

Photographs by Ian D and Tom