North Wales

Thursday 10th June - Monday 14th June 2021

10th June: Great Orme

Text by Tom; Photographs by Brigid, Ian and Susan

This holiday had been delayed by a year due to the Covid pandemic, so it was great to finally be in North Wales and to meet people again and talk to them face-face, rather than via Zoom!

We all met our leader for today, Wendy McCarthy, at 1.30pm at a triangular green area in the middle of a junction of roads. Most people had walked to the starting point from their hotel in Llandudno, up the very steep road, following the tramlines. The triangular green itself proved to be surprisingly species rich and Knotted Clover, Rough Clover, Small-flowered Crane's-bill, Musk Stork's-bill and Round-leaved Crane's-bill were all seen.

From here, we slowly made our way down the road, around the side of a golf course and through woodland. An interesting plant seen on the woodland edge was a sub-species of Nipplewort (Lapsana communis ssp. intermedia). This recent introduction from south-east Europe is distinguished from the native subspecies (L. communis ssp. communis) by its narrower upper stem leaves, which are only slightly toothed at most. In the woodland, plants included Bird’s-nest Orchid , Ivy Broomrape, Pink-sorrel and Stinking Iris.

We continued on and eventually emerged onto grassland on steep, rocky slopes. Wendy said that we’d timed our trip well as the flowers were now at their best. Some time spent walking around this area certainly revealed a fantastic array of flowers. A number of exciting rarer species were seen, including the Strawberry-tree, Small-leaved Sweet-briar, Spotted Cat’s-ear and Nottingham Catchfly. The hairy leaves of Hoary Rock-rose were seen growing with Common Rock-rose and Dark-red Helleborine was spotted nearby. A Silver-studded Blue butterfly settled for long enough to be photographed and a Northern Brown Argus butterfly made an appearance shortly afterwards. Yet another rarity, the Hairy-fruited Cornsalad, was then encountered, along with a single flower of Spiked Speedwell.

Another highlight was a beautiful, natural ‘rock garden’, the most colourful species being Snapdragon and Valerian. There was time for one more rarer species to be seen, Goldilocks Aster, before we walked back down to Llandudno.

We were all rather tired after walking over the steep, uneven ground, but this had been a wonderful way for the holiday to start, with beautiful displays of colour and a whole host of unusual plants.

11th June: Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia

Text by by Bruce; Photographs by Brigid, Bruce, Ian, and Tom

On our second day we visited Cwm Idwal in Snowdonia, a more montane habitat than on our other days’ sites in North Wales, and the home of a few arctic-alpine rarities. Whilst much of the mountain range is composed of hard acidic volcanic rock, there are outcrops of a more calcareous and relatively friable tuff which can be found on some of the boulders fallen from the gash of Devil’s Kitchen or Twll Du above, and on which the rarities can be searched for.

It was rather wet as we drove along the coast then headed inland through Bethesda to our start point at the car park by Ogwen Cottage. Fortune favoured us in parking spaces being still available and signs of brighter weather to come; indeed it was not long before we were enjoying a lovely sunny day.

Common moorland and marshland plants were recorded as we slowly ascended the well-engineered path to Llyn Idwal and the famous Idwal Slabs, already festooned with rock climbing athletes. The shoreline of the llyn gave us Common Quillwort and Water Lobelia, and directly ahead we could now observe the spectacular headwall of the cwm with the Devil’s Kitchen and its boulder-field tumbling down below.

Frequent detours from the path were necessary to explore the boulders and their nooks and crannies between for interesting plants such as Beech Fern, Oak Fern, Mossy Saxifrage, Starry Saxifrage and Mountain Sorrel.

Some small patches of Purple Saxifrage and Moss Campion appeared. But to find two of the rarest plants, Alpine Saxifrage and Tufted Saxifrage, either prior knowledge or extreme fortune is required to pinpoint them amongst the maze of boulders.

Alan and Bruce supplied the former for Alpine Saxifrage and Chris the latter for coming across Tufted Saxifrage (although he did know of the likeliest areas to find it). Snowdon Lily is also known to occur in Cwm Idwal but that one eluded us today. Nevertheless we descended happily content with the special plants we had seen and views of fantastic mountain scenery all around us.

12th June: Marl Hall Woods, Bryn Pydew and Llandudno’s West Beach

Marl Hall Woods

Text by Mavis; Photographs by Ian and Susan

We met at Marl Hall Woods car-park on a bright sunny morning where some members were already busy recording and had found some Bee Orchids on the roadside verge. Marl Hall Woods are semi-natural ancient woodlands, situated at Llandudno Junction and managed by the Woodland Trust. The woods are part of Marl Hall Estate and although they are primarily broad-leaved woodland with a good range of native trees, they also contain many naturalised species e.g. Mediterranean Buckthorn and Holm Oak. The site is designated as both SSSI and SAC for the quality of its woodland.

We followed the footpath along the lower part of the site and then up a steep path toward the top of the limestone cliffs. On the way we noticed that the mature tree canopy covered a good variety of under-shrubs and small trees such as Spurge-laurel, Wild Privet, Spindle, and Bird Cherry. Most of the early spring flowers had gone over but we did see Early Purple Orchids, Sanicle, Ramsons and no less than six species of Speedwell, namely, Wall, Germander, Wood, Heath, Thyme-leaved and Common Field-speedwell. We also saw Alexanders, a plant that was introduced originally by the Romans for food, now common on the North Wales coast. Stinking Iris and Ploughman’s Spikenard were also recorded in the woods.

The highlight of the visit was the species-rich limestone grassland above the cliffs where there was a wonderful variety of plants including Dropwort, Kidney Vetch, Yellow-wort, Carline Thistle, Bloody Crane’s-bill, Small Scabious, Common Rock-rose, Knotted Clover, Great Mullein, Pyramidal Orchid, Hairy Rock-cress and Wild Marjoram. On the steep slope below the grassy area we saw our seventh Speedwell, the nationally scarce Spiked Speedwell, along with the equally scarce Ivy Broomrape and Hoary Rock-rose. It was interesting to see three colour forms of Red Valerian, the common dark pink colour but also white and light purple; Red Valerian is an introduced species but has now become naturalised in many places. On a sunny morning and with such an abundance of flowers, it was perhaps disappointing to notice how few butterflies were present.

The return route took us through the woods in a loop to rejoin our original path to the car-park. The splendid views from the site over the Conwy Estuary and towards the Snowdonia Mountains gave this visit something extra special.

Bryn Pydew

Text and photographs by Susan

After lunch we drove the short distance from Marl Hall Woods to Bryn Pydew nature reserve, a 5 hectare site managed by North Wales Wildlife Trust. The reserve consists of woodland, limestone grassland, limestone pavement and disused quarries. It was some years since our leader, Neil, had been to this site and he expressed his disappointment at how much more scrub their now appeared to be. In the past Neil had found Green-winged Orchid here but there was no sign of it today. Near the entrance we found Rough Chervil, Hemp-agrimony, Lamb's-ear and Common Gromwell. We followed a path into woodland, passing both Ash and Narrow-leaved Ash. Black Bryony was growing abundantly in the wood, some with huge leaves. Early-purple orchid was also seen here.

When the path petered out we were forced to retrace our steps somewhat, but we eventually emerged into an area of open limestone pavement. Here we found many species typical of this habitat such as Common Juniper, Quaking-grass and Bloody Crane's-bill. We then continued to an area of limestone grassland where Yellow-rattle, Cut-leaved Crane's-bill and a single Lesser Meadow-rue was found.

West Beach, Llandudno

Text by Andrew; Photographs by Susan

Having conducted our first two visits of the day at typical BBG ‘pace’, there was insufficient time to visit Mynydd Marian, as had been planned. While many chose to return to their accommodation, a small group led by Jesse decided to explore the West Beach at Llandudno, starting from Trinity Crescent at the south end of the built-up area.

The small area of waste ground here yielded only the ‘usual suspects’, perhaps the most interesting being Armoracia rusticana (Horse-radish), with its rather large Dock-like leaves. The flower spikes are rather more spectacular, as seen elsewhere on this holiday. Coastal residents here included Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea-buckthorn) and Beta vulgaris ssp. maritima (Sea Beet). The former is more prevalent on the east coast but not exclusively and is also planted as a dune stabilizer, colonizing large areas, both by extensive suckering and self-seeding.

We turned to walk south along the strand line. Of interest here was Cerastium semidecandrum (Little Mouse-ear), probably a plant often overlooked but unmistakable on close inspection by virtue of its bracts, which have long scarious tips. Also present was Plantago coronopus (Buck’s-horn Plantain), with its lobed leaves, a plant often found by salted roadsides in West Yorkshire. The larger flowers of Cochlearia officinalis (Common Scurvygrass), which we saw nearby, distinguished it from another plant we find by salted roadsides nearer home, Cochlearia danica (Danish Scurvygrass).

Leaving the decreasingly interesting strand line, we ventured into the dunes, where a path ran roughly parallel with the shore. A small patch of Medicago arabica (Spotted Medick) was a welcome departure from the ubiquitous M. lupulina (Black Medick). Jesse spotted Lactuca tatarica (Blue Lettuce), later confirming its identity in the absence of flowers. Other plants found here included Lycium barbarum (Duke of Argyll’s Teaplant) and Rubus caesius (Dewberry), both perfectly at home in the sand.

We turned south along the path and came across extensively suckering Ulmus procera (English Elm), with its relatively small and rough leaves, corky bark and herringbone branching pattern. Surely I can’t have read somewhere that the leaf vein-hairs sting, as there is a close relation taxonomically with the Common Nettle – English Elm hasn’t stung me yet! By the path around here we found the hybrid Silene x hampeana (Red Campion x White Campion), showing hybrid vigour in the size of both the flowers and the plant itself. Jesse spotted Salix acutifolia (Siberian Violet-willow), distinguishable from S. daphnoides (European Violet-willow) by its more slender leaves. Another plant of note here was Anthriscus caucalis (Bur Chervil), its small fruits bearing hooked bristles, in contrast with the abundant and familiar Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley).

Emerging into a clearing, we came across large stands of two shrubs, Veronica x franciscana (Hedge-hebe) and Olearia macrodonta (New Zealand Holly). Both are planted widely, particularly by the sea, and here formed a thicket perhaps 7-8 metres deep, an impressive sight in full bloom. Time was marching on and we decided to take the path back to Trinity Crescent, where we saw Medicago sativa ssp. sativa (Lucerne), rounding off the day. A walk of little more than one hour, in an area 200m by 100m at most, had yielded 96 taxa.

13th June: Porth Diana, The Range and Cors Goch

Text by Susan; Photographs by Brigid, Ian and Tom

Today we went further afield and visited the Isle of Anglesey and it’s close neighbour, Holy Island. Porth Diana, on the west coast of Holy Island, was our first port of call, well worth the almost one hour drive from Llandudno. Double yellow lines meant parking wasn’t as simple as it has been in the past but we managed to squeeze our 4 cars into a small lay-by further up the road. Near our parking spot was a fine Tree-mallow, some flowers fully out, others on their way, their petals unwinding like rose-buds. Also near-by was Eastern Gladiolus, escaped from a garden.

Walking the short distance down the road to the reserve entrance we passed a picturesque scene of small boats moored in the bay and although our leader tried to encourage ‘no-stopping’ on route, many couldn’t help but be distracted by the view and the pretty mass of Seaside Daisy at the roadside.

After passing beautifully perfumed garden roses on the lane, we arrived at the small reserve managed by North Wales Wildlife Trust and enjoyed milling about this tiny rocky heathland and grassland site. It was good to see that the star attraction, Spotted Rock-rose, was growing abundantly. This is a fairy rare native plant and one I’d not seen before. Good patches of English Stonecrop were in flower too, lying in the nooks of rock slabs on the ground. Other finds included Bell Heather, Creeping Willow, Heath Spotted-orchid and Lousewort. On our way back we spotted Silver Hair-grass and Sea Fern-grass growing on a wall top. An unusual looking large green and pink caterpillar was discovered next to Sea Mayweed at the roadside, the larvae of some sort of hawkmoth we thought.

Our second site, The Range, was a little further north-west along the coast of Holy Island. The light house at South Stack could be seen in the distance to the north. Walking down the gentle grassy slope towards the cliff edge, the plants included Northern Marsh-orchid and Brookweed. Linnet and Whitethroat were seen, the adjacent patches of scrubby habitat looking like perfect nesting habitat for birds. Along the coastal cliff top path were the blue flowers of Sheep's-bit, looking similar to Scabious to the un-trained eye.

Unsure of the exact location of our next star attraction, we first went one way along the cliff path, then back the other way, but it wasn’t too long before we found our prize, the Anglesey subspecies of Field Fleawort. The first patch we found could only be viewed from a few metres away, growing on a steep grassy slope near the cliff edge, frustratingly out of reach. But then another patch was found where it was safe to get a close view. On our walk back to the cars, the delicate small pink flowers of Seaside Centaury were spotted, the leaves narrower than in Common Centaury.

After lunch, we drove to our last site of the day, Cors Goch on the east side of Anglesey. It was a fine sunny afternoon. The reserve, managed by North Wales Wildlife Trust, has large areas of fen habitat, accessed by boardwalks, as well as areas of higher ground of both sandstone and limestone. As a result, wetland plants, acid loving plants and alkaline loving plants all grow in close proximity. It was clear that we would need far more time than we had to explore the whole of the reserve but our circular walk gave us a good flavour.

Heath Fragrant-orchid and Common Spotted-orchid poked out of the grass and Bog-myrtle lined the path in wetter areas. Near our first section of boardwalk were Early Marsh-orchids, both pink flowered forms and the more uncommon white flowered forms.

Long sections of narrow boardwalk made overtaking near impossible, so we followed the zig-zagging route, passing back information as best we could. Plants here included Bogbean, Marsh Cinquefoil, Marsh Pennywort and Ragged-Robin. Whirligig Beetles danced on the water surface and damselflies in the air. At the end of the boardwalk we emerged onto higher ground and were pleased to find a good amount of Mountain Everlasting, a plant we don’t often encounter. Common Butterwort was also in flower here and near by were a number of Heath Spotted-orchid.

On our return, to wetter habitat we found Marsh Lousewort and Round-leaved Sundew. We struggled to find the correct path as we made our way back through tall meadows but it made for some interesting diversions. Back at the ornate metal gate at the reserve entrance we gathered to thank Neil for all his hard work in organising this holiday, as not all of the group would be joining tomorrow’s field meeting.

14th June: Talacre Warren, NE Wales

Text by Jesse; Photographs by Ian, Jesse and Tom

On our return home from Llandudno, a stop at the Talacre Dunes was arranged where we were taken around by Mavis, a member of the BBG who now lives in Flintshire. After rescuing Carmen and Fred, who had parked in the wrong car park (only a couple of hundred yards away), we started to botanise the car park. Growing in the sand we found some small Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense var. serotinum) which had fruiting bodies on vegetative shoots. This was very unusual as they usually have fruiting bodies on non vegetative shoots.

We then entered the dunes, finding almost immediately the spectacular Northern Marsh-orchids (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and nearby we a found a large bush of the purple leaved Thunberg’s Barberry (Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpure), which possibly originated from the garden of the long abandoned house whose remains we were just able to make out.

Several Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and numerous Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) were seen and later Early Marsh-orchid, both the common form (Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. incarnata) and dark brick-red dune form (Dactylorhiza incarnata ssp. coccinea).

The Southern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) caused some confusion with the Northern Marsh-orchids seen earlier, and a single hybrid Northern Marsh-orchid x Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza x venusta) was seen. Finally, we found some Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera). Just before we stopped for lunch on the beach we spotted a plant of Hound’s-tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) just coming into flower. After lunch, on one of the dried out wet slacks, we found the dwarf, many-stemmed form of Seaside Century (Centaurium littorale var. baileyi), only 3 cm tall, and the even smaller Small-fruited Yellow-sedge (Carex viridula). Nearby was a single double Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis ‘Flore Pleno’).

On our way back, we found some garden escapes, including a few Greater Red-hot-pokers (Kniphofia x praecox) and a plant of the Purple Crane’s-bill (Geranium x magnificum). Finally, there was a patch of Dutch Rose (Rosa ’Hollandica’) not yet in flower. The day had started dull and cloudy, but brightened up later for our return to Yorkshire.