After an evening of dramatic red skies there was hope for pleasant weather the following day for the RVCWG September walk. A group of 11 assembled in the already busy Snailbeach Village Hall car part for a walk up to and through The Hollies. Headed up past the mines site and upwards to Lordshill Chapel the air was abuzz with chattering as everyone caught up and spoke about the woodlands and steep slopes around us. Once at the top the group took a moment to catch breath and speak about some of the species present in the hedgerows along the road, including some harebells still in flower.
Onwards and down past Lordshill Chapel the first few holly trees became visible, some believed to be over 400 years old. Claimed as the oldest in Europe, their gnarled appearance and thick trunks are quite astounding compared to holly trees we are used to seeing. Proceeding through the hollies the group came upon our first fungal find, an emerging parasol. Further on some inkcaps were spotted, autumn very much on its way with only more fungi to appear in these areas over the next few months. Proceeding to the Blakemoregate Cottages, Sarah Wallace-Johnson spoke to the group about the cottages and drew on her knowledge from volunteering there through the summer.
After an explore around the cottages, the group moved on and headed downwards towards Snailbeach. Several puffballs were seen along the way, mostly small but one rather large specimen was spotted (see picture below). Down through the woodland on Resting Hill, the group accidentally split with one half going to the Pumping House and the other carrying on down to the old tramway. With more fungi spotted along the way, and a clouded yellow butterfly seen within the mines buildings (look closely at the picture below!) the group was satisfied with a mornings chatting and wildlife-spotting. Unfortunately no winter birds yet, but that’s an excuse to head out again sometime soon!
