DeerThe Bees Wildlife Field Visit group visited Lotherton Hall, gardens and surrounding woodland today. Lotherton Hall is an Edwardian mansion previously owned by the Gascoigne family which passed into the ownership of Leeds Council in 1968. It could be said that it is Leeds' own Downton Abbey. However the occupants led more active lives than the family of Downton, serving their country in the South African wars, in the diplomatic service and in the case of Gwendoline Gascoigne, establishing a renowned garden. The decision was made to proceed with a circular walk around a mixed woodland on magnesian limestone which belonged to the estate called Coburn Hall Wood. The party seemed to enjoy the woodland for the colour and variety of trees which included yew, larch, birch, hazel as well as beech and pine. We also found a variety of interesting fungi, some easy to identify and some not so easy.
Common Stinkhorn Some of the fungi seen included purple jelly spot, common stinkhorn, dead man's fingers and wrinkled crust. There was plenty of evidence of a rich understorey although only one or two plants were in flower ie herb robert. The hips and berries were attractive, especially the berries of white bryony. Bird species were limited - a great spotted woodpecker was seen.
Following our walk the party of 12 relaxed and ate lunches sitting on benches overlooking the wild flower garden. A flock of redwing was observed in the trees. The afternoon was spent exploring the formal garden, house, and bird garden and then retiring to the cafe for a cup of tea. Annie accomplished a visit to all the attractions and got real value for money out of her £2 entry fee. It was a successful day out in November due in part to the dry and mild weather conditions.Margaret