The rain in Shropshire has been relentless the last few weeks and finally there was a break in the weather just in time for our monthly walk. A group of 20 people gathered at the Snailbeach Car Park energised by the warm bright weather and the Valentine’s chocolate Sarah handed out to us all. The temperatures had dropped overnight, so the landscape was coated in a thick frost which was slowly melting away in the morning sun. With many familiar faces and some people new to the group, we walked up Lords Hill towards the mine area. Following on from last weeks moss event, we were able to notice all the Big Shaggy-moss or Teddy Bear Moss (Rhytidiadelphus triquestrus) growing in the open areas. The buzzards were circling above Eastridge in thermals and the group scattered to look at what they could find growing in the area. We looked at the flowering Spurge Laurel and spotted some black spleenwort growing out of a wall as well as a piece of wood absolutely covered in Cladonia lichen. Rob spotted the collared earth star and the beautiful scarlet elf cups were seen by on the woodland floor alongside the reservoir. We explored the range of fungi, mosses and liverworts amongst the woodland trail around the reservoir whilst enjoying the rays of sunshine through the trees.
We turned into Eastridge and ascended an unexpectedly steep slope where we met quite a few bike riders enjoying the area as well. We took some time to appreciate the views and catch our breath at the top and a few of us enjoyed a glimpse of Goshawk flying over the tops of the conifers. As we left Eastridge we watched a goldcrest in the Scots Pine. The group walked back down Lords Hill, through the Snailbeach woodland and back to the car park.
A wonderful winter walk full of wildlife discoveries and conversations.
