Brockadale

Saturday 27th April 2024

Leaders: Joyce & Paul Simmons

After meeting at the car park at 1.30pm, Joyce and Paul kindly led us on a circular walk, pointing out the botanical highlights to be seen at this time of year. This 59 hectare site, managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, includes species-rich wildflower meadows and ancient woodland. The River Went meanders through the valley bottom and evidence of the underlying magnesium limestone was seen today in excavation work that was likely to have been caused by a badger. The pale stone crumbled easily in our fingers.

Joyce pointed out a Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) in flower by the lane, thought to have naturalised here. We were informed that a tiny orange dot on the leaf was the fungus Puccinia graminis, also known as Wheat Stem Rust. There is some uncertainty over whether Barberry is native to the British Isles, but it has been long established, since at least Medieval times (it’s classed as an archaeophyte). Barberry was once widely planted as an ornamental, culinary and medicinal plant, as well as for hedging, and became naturalised into the surrounding countryside. However, it’s now relatively rare, having been found to be the secondary host for Wheat Stem Rust, and so largely eradicated by farmers.

Another archaeophyte, Black Horehound (Ballota nigra), was soon encountered. This plant, although common in many parts of the British Isles, isn’t common back home in West Yorkshire. The crushed leaves have an unpleasant smell, but nothing like as strong as Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica).

John pointed out Field Pansy (Viola arvensis) and Parsley-piert (Aphanes arvensis) growing well at the edge of a crop field. Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) was seen in the hedge, differing from the more familiar Garden Privet (L. ovalifolium) in the more elongated leaves and the minute hairs on the twigs. In the mature woodland, spring flowers such as Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) were making use of their time to shine. Joyce pointed out a sapling of European White-elm (Ulmus laevis) which had been planted. This species of elm is native to central and eastern Europe. On a birch log on the woodland floor, Andy identified Tinder Bracket (Fomes fomentarius), also known as Hoof Fungus, which had at least 3 years of growth, showing the log must have lain there for some time.

Other plants seen in the wood included Large-leaved Lime (Tilia platyphyllos), Sand Leek (Allium scorodoprasum), Sanicle (Sanicula europaea), Green Hellebore (Helleborus viridis) and the hybrid between Sweet Violet and Hairy Violet (Viola x scabra).

We diverted onto a grassy slope to see Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) which was just coming into flower. Growing alongside it was Garden Solomon's-seal (Polygonatum x hybridum). We puzzled over the leaves of Horseshoe Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa) and Narrow-leaved Meadow-grass (Poa angustifolia), keying them out in our books to confirm their identity.

We emerged from the woodland into a long meadow with much Common Gromwell (Lithospermum officinale) and an Orange-tip butterfly was spotted.

To reach the star species of the day, we needed to cross the river. Ordinarily, this is a simple task, however, the recent wet weather had flooded an area adjacent to the bridge, necessitating our wellington boots. Those of us who had read Neil’s email and heeded the advice about bringing wellies squelched through the deep mud and flooded ground, the jeopardy causing great amusement but thankfully no casualties.

Safely on the southern side of the river, we proceeded through steep-sloping meadows, with plants in flower including Early-purple Orchid (Orchis mascula), Cowslip (Primula veris), Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana), Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) and Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis). Also here was a single Bitter-vetch (Lathyrus linifolius) in flower, and some Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata) which had the central flower stem only just visible down within the twin leaves.

Finally, we reached the area with our star species, Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) and Adder's-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum). We counted at least 15 plants of Moonwort, but there were probably quite a few more. Initially, these unusual plants, just a few centimetres tall, seemed near-invisible, until you got your eye in and it became addictive to find more.

We had started to head back when, who should we see, but the rest of our party who we’d left about an hour earlier to fend for themselves, on the other side of the river. Having noticed some children appear from the other side of the river, they investigated and found an alternative route across the river that our leaders had been unaware of. For those who were keen, there was just time for me to show them the main plants they had missed while everyone else went to admire a patch of Goldilocks Buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus) a little further upstream.

Our reunited party then headed back towards the cars, pausing to look at two more plants we don’t often see, Spring Cinquefoil (Potentilla verna) and Mistletoe (Viscum album).

Back at the cars, Joyce and Paul were thanked for leading us expertly around the maze of paths and showing us the wonderful spring plants on show. Most of the group then drove the short distance to the village of Wentbridge for a meal at the Blue Bell Inn, the location for this year’s annual meal. Thanks to Paula for organising the meal.

Text by Susan

Photographs by Andy W, Dinesh, Nyree, Peter and Tom