Today’s visit ranks as one of the wettest of BEES outings. The rain was incessant (quote John) but with umbrellas deployed we progressed through the lush wet vegetation outnumbering the animal species I remember seeing. It was six years to the day (20 th June 2017) since we had last made a combined visit to all three sites at Low Moor. We were delighted that Martyn Priestly, warden of the sites, was able to join us and Sally relinquished the role of walk leader to him. Martyn briefly explained the historical background to the sites and pointed out changes and concerns at the sites. When moths did appear, he was quick to alert us to their presence. Not even a waterproof notebook could cope with the rain but from memory a list of plants in flower has totalled over ninety species seen across the three sites. Undoubtedly many more were present.
In the meadow at Raw Nook the showiest plants were hedge bindweed, musk mallow and meadow cranesbill. Amongst the large variety of grasses was an abundance of Goatsbeard in various stages of its life cycle. In the woodland area Martyn reported the continual removal of birch saplings and a concern over the encroaching heather. Bogbean has become invasive in the pond reducing original species but the grey club- rush, a sedge, still forms a good-sized patch. An unvegetated area where it is suspected that alien soil may have been deposited has become home for mining bees. Not surprisingly there was no activity today. Good King Henry reigned in the shelter of the bridge leading to Toad Holes Beck. An unmissable specimen of great mullein added a new species to the list here. There were water forget-me-nots in the pond and Hemlock on the bank. Sadly, Himalayan balsam was creeping in.
By now we were hungry, some tired and all rather wet. We were led by Stuart to the shelter of the clubhouse of the Woodlands Cricket Club where we ate our lunch. Hopefully our wet condition has not had a bad effect on the newly refurbished room.
Re-energized we re-met Martyn and progressed to Low Moor Banks. Once the site of heavy industry this reserve offers various habitats which nature has fully colonised. The large areas covered with birdsfoot trefoils, tufted vetch, and clovers together with other pea family members like golden melilot encourage insect life as do the rose family members including both creeping and shrubby cinquefoils. The invasion by lady’s mantle, probably the garden variety, is a problem which Martyn would like to see addressed. We ended the walk at a small clearing made special by its orchid population. Now mostly going over Southern march orchids were numerous and fifteen stems of bee orchids were a wonderful sight to end the day.
I need no excuse today for the plant bias of the blog; we saw so little animal life. Latticed heath, garden grass veneers and straw dot moths were seen at Raw Nook and the brightly coloured, narrow bordered five spot burnets examined more closely at Low Moor Banks. A meadow brown butterfly appeared at each of the two sites and a ringlet at the latter. I heard blackbird, song thrush and blackcap at the final site and Stuart saw a Jay at Raw Nook.
Thanks to Martyn for guiding us, to Stuart for arranging the very welcome use of the clubhouse facilities, and to Sally who has recruited another potential member for the group.
Hope all on the trip have now dried out.
Alice