The day was set fair when we all met in the carpark of Poles Coppice. Setting off through the woodland we explored a damp area where we were greeted by the shining yellow cups of Marsh Marigolds in flower. Tall stands of yellow Flag Iris graced the wet areas of the woodland, Marsh ragwort and Yellow Pimpernel shone out in the darkness of the trees’ canopy now in full leaf. Some of the willow trees sported old fruiting bodies of the fungus Blushing Bracket.
After emerging from the woods, we came across a pond, with good stands of rushes. Rob Rowe spent time with us teaching the group about the different types of rush. We learnt about Jointed Rush with its curious bed in the stem where the inflorescence emerges and Compact Rush. Examining the stems was a key part to identifying the different rushes, ribbed stems, round stems or flattened stems.
We explored two meadows above the pond, much of the flora had suffered from the exceptionally dry Spring weather. However, Pignut was abundant along with patches of Lesser Stitchwort, Lesser Trefoil, Doves Foot Cranesbill and Birds Foot Trefoil or “Eggs & bacon”
After exploring the meadows, we made our way to the top of Callow Hill quarry to see if we could spot the Peregrines, not much luck spotting the resident pair, but the dry cliff top of the quarry was thick with stands of Hedge Bedstraw and Cats Ear.
The Iron Age Fort was our next spot, after clambering up and down the ramparts we headed back along the quarry field stopping to admire the ancient oaks in the hedgerows which sported many different types of fungus. We irecorded Ganoderma resinaceum.
Our next area of woodland led us to a small quarry with many, pools, quite dry after weeks of no rain. The flora sported Common Spotted Orchid, Hemp Agrimony, Marsh Bedstraw, Brooklime, and in the scrub area Gypsy wort & Climbing Corydalis. Convenient large rocks made a pleasant lunch stop. After lunch we made our way back to the carpark and we spotted a Redstart. Another lovely walk where we leant some fascinating natural history from members of the group.
