Thornton ViaductToday's trip was very local but proved to be a popular one with 19 participants. The Great Northern Trail is a work in progress and our walk this week was along a newly opened section which runs from Thornton to Queensbury. ( We didn't plan to walk all the way to Queensbury!!). This year's summer has been lovely and has extended right through to the end of September but it had firmly closed its doors for the season and the strong wind really added a chill to the drop in temperature. From our meeting point at South Square we headed for the trail which turns off Thornton Road close to Thornton Primary. Before taking the trail across the viaduct we explored a wooded path which branches off the trail. It was here that we found quite a lot of fungi. 
White KnightAs well as a number of fly agaric there was an assemblage of white fungi, some quite large, later identified as White Knight, Tricholoma album. Other fungi seen were Sheathed Woodtuft, Blushing Bracket, Honey Fungus and Puffballs. There was some uncertainty about whether some were Earthballs or Puffballs.
After exploring this path we headed back and crossed the Thornton Viaduct. The route is quite exposed and the cold was starting to bite. The more eagle-eyed folk in our group (Sally and John) spotted a sign for hot drinks at a local farm and took full advantage of this welcome offer. The devout botanists on the other hand really took their time and enjoyed identifying the plants many of which were flowering later than usual. 119 plants and ferns were recorded including Musk Mallow, Marsh meadow Grass, Spotted Medick, Swinecress and Common Mallow. Few birds were seen today. A jay was spotted and we did see some crows and thrushes having a tussle over prime tree territory.
Honey FungusThe original plan for the day had been to try and walk as far as Station Road but after eating our packed lunches we continued only as far as Cockin Lane before we decided to head back to Thornton. This week is National Older People's Week and South Square was holding an afternoon tea and reminiscence event. We were glad to get warm and enjoy the generous hospitality - as soon as a teapot was emptied it was filled again and cakes were also on offer. A small donation of £1 was requested. The Thornton Antiquarian Society had created a table display of artefacts and this did generate some reminiscing from our group.
Although cold it was an enjoyable day out and it is always good to explore the local area. Thanks to Lorna and Joan, our leaders for today.
Sue