2010

Saturday 10th April: Pennington Flash.

A warm and pleasant day for eleven members, with the birds in reasonable abundance, although flowers were less obvious after the cold winter. Among the water birds, the high-lights were the view of a garganey across one of the ponds, and a snipe in full view, not hiding in reeds. For the smaller birds, a good view of a blackcap in full song. Butterflies put in an appearance, with peacock, brimstone, and comma being seen.

Saturday 23rd January: Chorlton and Sale water parks.

Major turnout for regular event! Yes, 21 people turned up for this walk, including four new faces. As is usual on this early year walk, flowers were difficult to spot, but the lichen lovers had a good day.

2009

Saturday 28th February: Marbury

Nine intrepid members came, well wrapped up against the cold, but it turned into a pleasant day with temperatures around 8 or 9 degrees. Apart from the leader being the only person to arrive on time, we got underway after only a short delay.

Visiting the hides on route to Marbury, we had good views of the many waders, gulls, and ducks on the flashes. The highlight of the day came at the hide overlooking Budworth Mere, where we saw a Water-rail, at a distance of only about fifteen feet.

2008

Saturday 22nd November: Carrington Moss

Cold again (what can you expect in November) but a nice walk around various nature reserves on Carrington Moss. Not many birds to be seen as promised, but we did see buzzards, yellowhammer, fieldfare, and redwing, so not a bad day.

Saturday 8th November: Indoor talk, John Churchman, 'Margaret Mee' (botanist, explorer and illustrator of the Amazon)

A good talk by a cousin of Margeret Mee, covering some of her 17 trips ( voyages? ) on the rivers of Brazil.

Saturday 25th October: Walk, Moore Country Park, Moore.

A perishing cold day, only warmed by Margaret and Maurice putting out the blaze at one if the hides!

Saturday 20th September: Jodrell Bank Arboretum

On the first warm day for weeks (or so it seemed) 11 members met up at Jodrell bank to visit the arboretum, which was planted initially in the fifties, at the time of the construction of the radio telescope, for which the area is much more well known.

The arboretum was originally funded by Granada, and so is named after the company, but it has since become the site of the national collections of two species of trees, the Malus and the Sorbus. It now has over two thousand different species of trees, in a 35 acre site, not all of which have a handy label on them!

One tree we did have a look at was the wild service tree Sorbus torminalis, from which the berries were supposedly used to cure cholic. The name of the "service" tree is supposed to be a corruption of "Sorbus", whilst its alternative name is "chequers", after the pattern on it's bark.

Saturday 21st June: Werneth Low.

15 members turned up on a cold blustery summer's day, (yes, it was the first day of summer, and that's official), with a forecast of showers and possible heavy rain. Meeting at the visitor centre meant that we could have a cup of tea, provided by the wardens, before setting out on our walk. This meant that there was time for the rain to start before we set off, so it was on with overtrousers etc. and out into the elements.

Alan and Norman took us to see the meadows which have been created by the wardens and the tennant farmer. These cover several large fields, and even in the rain, were an impressive sight. Among other plants seen were common spotted and marsh orchids, and yellow rattle. Also shown was a brome, which was still taxing the knowledge of Alan and Norman for a definate identification. Lunch was taken back at the visitor centre due to the weather, but the rain eased aftrwards, and we were able to continue our walk onto Werneth Low, with the war memorial, and Windy Harbour, before returning to the visitor centre for more tea and cake.

Many thanks to the wardens for their hospitality.

Saturday 7th June: Downham, nr Clitheroe.

9 members set off from Downham to walk around Worsaw Hill, whcich is a limestone plug in the generally gritstone of the Ribble Valley. It's other claim to fame is that it was the location for the film "Whistle down the wind" with Hayley Mills (I think). Typical limestone flowers were present, but nothing particularly outstanding, except perhaps limestone bedstraw. Perhaps we were a little early, but the area seemed a bit "later" than equivalent areas in Derbyshire.

17th May Roddlesworth

8 members ignored the weather forecast to enjoy a coolish day without rain until the last stretch.

We started by visiting Hollinshead House, unfortunately now very much a ruin, standing only a few stones high. The exeption was the Well House, which had been restored early in the last century. The water of the well was supposed to have medicinal properties, and was a place of pilgrimage in the 18th and 19th centuries. The house itself was supposed to have been the scene of wild parties before its deriliction, but there wasn't one while we were there.

We walked down the Roddlesworth valley, passing swathes of bluebells, which appeared to be the English variety, although we did see some white variants later by the road. The river, following the channel cut by glacier melt water at the end of the ice age, was flanked by a high rock face on one side, which had a splendid collection of liverworts and ferns. Lunch was taken by Upper Roddlesworth reservoir, and we returned to the cars via the visitor centre at Roddlesworth Clough.

3rd May Borsdane Wood (J. Lowell)

Around a dozen of us met in the old factory car park at the end of Mill lane. We followed the track to the far and of the wood and returned by the same route. It was a fine sunny day which brouht out the butterflies: we saw a good many peacocks, also small whites, green-viened whites, a speckled wood and a comma. The spring birdsong was unfortunately punctuated by distant clay-pigeon shooting, but we were glad to see among other things nuthatches and a treecreeper. There was pleasing evidence of improvements in air quality in the good displays of epiphytic lichens and bryophytes; the Bamforths managed to refind the small patch of Microlejeunea ulcina, a minute liverwort which had been detected the previous year, and Norman found a big colony of Nowellia curvifolia on a rotted log. Later a high-pitched whine of insect wings led us to a couple of mating bumble-bees but unforunately we could not identify the species.
Borsdane is fairly open woodland and good for spring flowers. There were carpets of bluebells (almost uncontaminated by garden hybrids) and big patches of wood anemone and wild garlic. Red campion was just coming into flower and wood sorrel and dog's mercury were also in evidence. We were anxious to find moschatel (=town hall clock) for which there were old but no recent records, and it is good to report Christine's find of a little hollow with lots of this species with nearly all the other spring flowers scattered nearby ( a second patch was found later). A single plant of hard shield fern was another good find, new to this wood.

2007

Sat 27 October Styal Woods

A good turn out with 15 people turning up for this fungus foray. Another good selection of fungi were spotted, but mostly of the smaller, harder to identify species.

We started from the Twinny bridge end, and walked up to Styal mill, at what can only be described as a funereal pace. Those of you who have a copy of the report for last year, will need to insert a new character, "Mycologist", probably between "Botanist" and "Entymologist". Progress might have been slow, but only because of the number fungi being found and identified: Blushing bracket, Silverleaf fungus, Purple Cup, White Saddle (Helvella crispa), and Hare'sfoot Inkcap, amongst many more. Again, it was fortunate we had a couple of experts with us.

From Styal mill, we had a quick look at the meadow on the other side of the river, before returning to the cars by the footpath along the field edge on the west side of the valley. Suprisingly, very few fungi were found along the field edge or under the hedgerows. A comment was made that this seemed to be a bad year for the larger mycorrhizal fungi, with no boletes or amanitas spotted on the day..

Sat 13 October, Moore Country Park, Moore.

For a reserve well known for it's birds, we did not see so many. Perhaps we are too early for the winter visitors and too late for the summer ones.

The fungus season seems to be starting though, with Ken finding many examples to entertain us. Among the specimens were Clouded Funnel, Common Earthball, Birch Brittlegill, Common Bonnet, Dead Man's Fingers, Angels Bonnet, Sulphur Tuft, and Stinkhorn. There were many more, but I can only remember the big ones. Not many flowers were seen, again probably due to the time of year.

Sat 29 September, Worsley Woods.

Another surprising walk, since we all drive through these woods whenever we use the M60 between the M61 and M62. Yes, these are the tree tops you can see as you flash past at 70 mph.

From the car park, the walk dropped down through mature woodland, by a small stream. Flowers were not in much evidence, with Herb Robert, Pink Purslane, and Red Campion showing in small numbers. Even the fungi were not really out, with only a few specimens showing. (Too late for the flowers, too early for the fungi perhaps). We continued on under the motorway and through further woods, until we arrived at the main road which we crossed to the Bridgewater Canal. We walked along the canal towards the old mines, where a sign told us that a further 52 miles of canal continued underground. We returned to the cars by following a path around the other side of Old Warke lodge.

For some reason, this walk was blessed with assorted ladybirds, so I took some pictures, and have tried to identify them (definitely not guaranteed). I found a good website for this, which claims that there are 46 species in Britain (http://www.ladybird-survey.org), so you can always check my identification (I would if I were you!)

Sat 15 September, Jackson's Brickworks Nature Reserve, Middlewood.

An area visited by the Field Club on several previous occasions, but worth repeated visits to see how the site develops. It appears to be becoming overgrown, with areas of long grass and shrub beginning to crowd out the flowers which we have seen before.

We managed to find some interesting flowers though, with a good example of broad-leaved helleborine still in flower. Also found were lesser spearwort, soapwort (a double flowered version, probably a garden escape), and skullcap, as well as devil's-bit scabious. After exploring Jacksons Brickworks, we walked along the Middlewood Way to Nelson Pit visitor centre for lunch, and then back along the canal, before dropping down to Middlewood Station. We were unable to find the broad-leaved helleborine where we found it a couple of years ago, again the wood seems to be getting overgrown.

A pleasant day with good weather and company.

Sat 4 August, National Wildflower Centre.

On our arrival, we were delighted to find that the centre was suffering from a power cut, so we could get in FREE. Unfortunately, the power was restored while we were still there, so we felt obliged to cough up.

The centre exists to try to preserve the wildflower seed bank by collecting and propagating British wild flower seeds. These are then used to restore and replant various sites, including the new forests which are being planted. The centre has a large garden area of wild flowers, mostly planted on obscure substrates such as recycled clothing. I personally thought that some of the flower beds could do with weeding, but then how do I define a weed? The centre also has an area of parkland containing some specimen trees, mostly planted by the ex-owners of the big house.

Sat 28 July, Holden Clough.

For once, it did not rain Norman's walk, in fact it was quite a nice day! We set off to the west from the car park, climbing to the top of the ridge and then following it to the south. This brought us to the site of an original Newcommen Beam engine, of which nothing is left, since Henry Ford bought it in 1926 and shipped it to America. We did, however, find some Hedge Bedstraw.

We crossed the road and climbed again to Holden Clough, where we found a rather damp path through the woods (If it's not raining, Norman likes to find some mud). On the way, we found plenty of grasses, including Timothy grass, and two varieties of loosestrife, and much more. Returning to the visitor centree, we paid a visit to the museum before going back to the cars.

Marbury & Anderton Country Parks John Somerville 14th July 2007

Meeting at 11am on a warm sunny day we left the car park alongside the Witton Brook at Northwich and walked along the brook to Marbury Lane. This lane was closed many years ago to traffic and has become one of the many footpaths in the country parks. A quick stop at the bird hide at Haydn's Pool and then on again along Witton Brook towards the Anderton Boat Lift. A map of a 100 years ago would have shown a thriving chemical industry in this area but now there is nothing left to be seen on the surface. However the chemical residues left in the ground have resulted in a wide and often surprising range of plants. One plant that is not wanted was the mat forming Floating Pennywort in Witton Brook which is kept in check by the park rangers but is impossible to eradicate. At this point Witton Brook flows into the River Weaver and we now continued along the Weaver banks towards the Boat Lift. The plants we were passing included Upright Hedge Parsley, Teasel, Figwort, Water Figwort, Tansy, Marsh and Field Woundworts, Hoary Mustard, and Perennial Sow-thistle. Further along the Weaver we came across Small and Devilsbit Scabious and large stands of Purple Loosestrife. Now only 200 yards from the Boat Lift we stopped at a picnic table for lunch and then continued to the Anderton Visitor Centre where we spent a few minutes reading up on the history of Boat Lift and purchasing ice cream.

Our return journey produced some of the best plants of the day. Walking back towards Marbury lane but on a different path we came across a large area of Pennyroyal and not much further entered an area where the park rangers had cut down all the scrub to let the plants grow on a lime rich subsoil. Here plants included Fragrant Orchid, Ploughman's Spikenard, Viper's Bugloss and Mouse-ear Hawkweed. Leaving this area we entered the hay meadows and studied the grasses and then continued along the path towards Marbury Lane. Passing a thriving patch of Black Bryony we reached Marbury Lane from where a short walk brought us back to our car park.

Sat 23 June, Moses Gate Country Park.

I suppose this walk should really be called Nob End, since that is where most of the flowers were, but most of the walking was in Moses Gate Country Park, so I'll leave it as it is. We parked by the main road, and walked down the western bank of the River Croal to Nob End. On the way we saw a possible soapwort, but, unfortunately, it was on the eastern bank of the river, and so could not be confirmed.We also saw Banded Demoiselle and Large Skipper.

On arrival at Nob End, we split up to search for the expected good plants, but the area is becoming overgrown, and they were harder to find than the last time we came. However, perseverance gave us the reward in the end. Among the better finds were Northern Marsh Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Marsh Helleborine, Early Marsh Orchid, and Broomrape. We also saw a Seven spot Burnett Moth.

We returned to the cars via the Manchester, Bolton, and Bury Canal, which it is hoped to restore. They have a website, which shows the state of the present canal, but it looks like they have a lot of work to do.

Sat 9 June, Chadkirk.

6 members enjoyed a pleasant sunny day for a walk around the Chadkirk estate. We were joined for the first part of the walk by the warden for the wild flower meadows, who explained the history of the fields, and his plans to restore them to original meadow. We were allowed to enter the fields and explore them. Although the fields have been a nature reserve for 6 years, they have only been treated as hay meadow for the last three years. They were originally improved pasture, so the land was ploughed to a depth of 32 inches to try to bury the vegetation and bring the impoverished subsoil to the surface. This was then planted with a seed mix, to produce a spectacular show in the first year. Since then, the perennials have been treated as hay, mowing in late July, and acting as pasture for sheep or cows as appropriate during the winter. Many thanks to John for his assistance.

After taking lunch in the walled garden, we walked up onto the canal, and followed this to the Marple aquaduct, before returning by Chadkirk wood to our starting point.

Sat 2 June, Rivington.

12 members met at the car park on the Belmont road, and set off in the direction of Belmont. After passing through a small plantation, we had a display of air acrobatics from the North West Air Ambulance after which we continued Anglezarke Moor, where we took lunch. Continuing to the River Yarrow we took a slight diversion into its steep-sided clough to look at a good colony of flea sedge (Carex pulicaris) among dense Cratoneuron filicinum and Bryum pseuotriquetrum. The path of Spittlers edge threaded through mires of cotton grass and Sphagnum species. Re-crossing the Belmont road we proceeded S. across Rivington moor along one of the old carriage roads, passing a fine colony of Carex curta before reaching the old dove cote and Lord Leverhulme's derelict gardens, sadly hacked about by bulldozers. His Lordship is long gone of course but his memory lingers on in the thickets of Gaultheria shallon and G.mucronata now well naturalised. We returned thence to the carpark and were very glad to learn later that day that the doctors had given Audrey the allclear.

Sat 26 May, Tansley Dale, Derbyshire.

Seven members turned up for an early start, which was justified by the time spent looking at the many flowers to be found in Tansleydale and Cressbrookdale. Our route took us from our meeting point in Litton village, down Tansleydale, and part way down Cressbrookdale, returning to Litton by climbing the west side of the valley and continuing back through the fields.

A short but severe shower accompanied us as we set off, but this cleared in Tansleydale, although it was still cold, with a northerly breeze. The rain held of for the rest of the day apart from a few spots. Tansleydale was in full bloom for the time of the year, with meadow saxifrage, early purple orchid, bulbous buttercup, crow garlic, spring sandwort, and limestone bedstraw,although the cowslips had finished. Brittle bladder fern was found in some profusion amongst a pile of mine tailings. Due to the number of species, progress was slow, so we ate our lunch on another pile of mine waste surrounded by orchids, having taken two hours to cover less than one kilometre.

After lunch, we continued into Cressbrookdale, and after a fruitless search for the spring cinquefoil, we were rewarded by a good show of globeflower, in greater profusion than anybody present claimed to have seen before in England. Further hunting revealed twayblade, common spotted orchid, and bird's foot sedge, for which this area was the first recorded station.

This area is a botanist's heaven, and justifies repeated visits through the year.

Sat 19 May, Spud Wood, Outrington, nr Lymm.

Spud wood is an area of reclaimed potato fields (hence the name) which is being managed as woodland. Although only recently reclaimed, the trees are growing well, and provide cover for a variety of woodland birds. Amongst flowers seen were common field speedwell, bluebells (nearly finished), cowslips, and, in what appeared to be a recently dug pond, the green algae spirogyra.

Thirteen members attended, and endured brief showers before finishing earlier than usual, perhaps because it was the day of the cup final.

Sat 28th April, Sunbank Wood.

Fourteen members paid a return visit to Sunbank wood after our visit last October. A short distance down the main track, we were surprised to find the bank had become the home to a family of white rats, which kept sticking their noses out of the burrows to look at us. The highlight of this wood is the alternate leaved golden saxifrage, which we managed to find although it was not yet in flower. Also found was , adoxa moschatellina "town hall clock".

After lunch, we took our cars to Arthurs wood, in which there was a lovely display of bluebells and ransomes. A curiosity by the side of the path was salmonberry.

Sat 14th April Pennington Flash

11 members and a couple of guests met on a beautiful day for April. Visits were made to the various hides as we passed them, observing shelduck, teal, shoveller, and great crested grebe amongst others. We continued on to cross the canal, to look for the black chokeberry, which was found, but not yet with flowers open, although nearby June berry was in full flower. We recrossed the canal to eat lunch in the shade of the trees (yes, it was that warm), where we found Italian alder.

Continuing after lunch, a Bark Puffball was found on a tree. This is actually a slime mould in its fruiting stage, when all the individual cells of the slime mould gather together and change into different cells to form the fruiting body. We returned back to the car park, and those members with some spare time continued around the main lake to a field where we had previously found orchids. Only a few leaves were visible, but common mouse-ear and field pennywort were seen. A very pleasant day with suprisingly good weather.

Sat 24th March Northenden

Meeting at the Tatton Arms Hotel, which unfortunately was firmly shut, the fourteen of us set of upstream, along the road to the golf club. This was a bit like walking along a race track, especially since the party preferred to walk along the roadway rather than the footpath. This was not just due to awkwardness, but because the interesting plants were on that side. However, we all survived. The most interesting plant on the bank was a naturalised crocus, which, it was suggested, may have hybridised with the wild species.

By the road nearer the golf club house, we found Field Woodrush in flower. This rush is also known as Good Friday grass, since it is supposed to flower on Good Friday. Is this another sign of global warming, or just a sign of a mild winter?

We crossed the river at Simon's Bridge, and continued along the path towards Fletcher Moss gardens. Along this stretch, some interesting fungi were spotted, including one which was thought to only occur in the south of England. A sample was taken to aid identification. One member of the party spotted a water vole in a drainage ditch, but nobody else was as lucky. A single clump of three flowers of Fritillary was seen in the dampest part of the field.

Lunch was taken in the gardens, and then the walk continued through the woods, where we saw Scarlet Elf Cup and Common Inkcap. The Common Inkcap usually occurs later in the year, but this was a fresh example of this year. Global warming again? There was plenty of Blushing Bracket and Tametes Versicolor on dead logs. The party returned to the cars by the Mersey bank, a short diversion being taken to see the salmon ladder on the opposite bank to the Tatton Arms.

Sat 24th February: Dunham Park and Bridgewater Canal.

Drizzle on the drive to Dunham had ceased by the time we had put our boots on and set off into the deer park. We walked down the main drive in front of the house to see the deer. A small group of Fallow deer was seen, seeming to be all males. Of more interest were the mosses which John kept finding, although I cannot remember any of the names.

Returning towards the house by following the boundary wall, woodpeckers were heard drumming, which was suggested to be a territorial call. We took our picnic outside the deer park on the picnic tables by the car park.

After our repast, we walked around the wood by the canal, finding some celandine and golden saxifrage in flower, while the blackthorn was just beginning to flower. A tree caused great excitement, due to the number of mosses and lichens growing on it, which John tried to explain to the more ignorant amongst us (me). We then climbed up to the canal towpath, and walked along this towards Little Bollington. Leaving the canal, we found another moss(?), and snowdrops, which I did recognise. We returned to the cars via Bollington mill and the deer park.

Sat 6th January: Chorlton and Sale Water Park.

It was very pleasant to meet our old friends on the first meeting of the New Year and the wet weather did not dampen our spirits as we did the usual walk along the side of the lake at Chorlton. Our birding members had spotted a Scaup on the water along with the usual Mallard, Pochard, Goosander, Tufted Duck and Gulls.
The winter has been very mild so far and fungi are still appearing due to the absence of frost. Ken found us an interesting fungus, which grows on fallen Hawthorn berries Tubaria autochtona now renamed Tubaria dispersa . Other fungi included a Cortinarius , some Velvet Shank Flammulina velutipes, growing on the top of a stump, Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus - well past its sell by date, Crystal Brain fungus Exidia nucleata, Smoky Bracket Bjerkandera adusta , Turkey Tail Trametes versicolor and Candle Snuff Xylaria hypoxylon.
One or two flowers were taking advantage of the mild weather, we found Sow Thistle, Hogweed, Sweet Cicely and even two or three flowers of Hawthorn. Catkins were well advanced on Hazel.
A White Dome Cap Lyophyllum connatum and Tripe fungus Auricularia mesenterica were added to the fungus tally but the wet was beginning to penetrate and we quickened our pace as we tramped through the mud to Sale Water Park Visitor Centre. We were very pleased to have use of the warden's upstairs room for our lunch.
Refreshed and warm again we wandered along the bank of the lake at Sale, noting the Great Crested Grebes, which were still in winter plumage. We did not see any Teal this year or even Herons, from the bird hide overlooking the scrapes, which had not yet been refilled with water. The Cormorants were, however, still decorating the arms of the pylon like so many sober Christmas decorations on a very large tree. We discovered the Herons on the wet meadows on the other side of the river, all looking rather sulky. Returning to the cars we passed the Wild Flower Garden at Chorlton which had Primrose in bloom. As we reached the Car Park the rain stopped and so did we!

(This piece was written by Chris, which explains all the correct identifications).
2006

Saturday 28th October, Sunbank Wood.

11 members were joined by John Taylor on a day on which we had no rain, although it had been forecast. Although our leader had suggested that the walk might be "mycologically challenged", in that there were few obvious fungi visible, in the end nearly sixty species were recorded thanks to the efforts of John and Ken.

The larger fungi were notably absent, but by looking in more detail, many of the smaller fungi were recorded. Among the long list were Red Cracking Bolete, Buttercap, Crested Coral, Jellybaby, Angels Bonnet, Crystal Brain, and Yellow Stagshorn. Some incredibly small fungi were spotted, but unfortunately the pictures of an Oakleaf Cup and the one less than 2mm across did not come out in focus.

Saturday 14th October Indoor. An Introduction to Mushrooms. Ken Burgess

I have always had difficulties in identifying mushrooms, and have often puzzled over why different fungus books had the species arranged in what seemed to be an almost random order. Why were all the brown fungi not put together in one section? I would just have a positive identification of a "little brown job" but would then find another section of "lbj"s twenty pages further on.

The way Ken explained it, the answer lies in the spores. Ken's talk led us from the mushrooms with white spores, through pink, brown , and on to black spores. Broken down this way, it becomes obvious why the books are arranged the way they are. Unfortunately, the spores are too small to see with my eyes, so I will have to go off the colour of the gills. Ken took us through the different families, giving us pointers to look out for. At the end, I felt that I might have a chance of at least getting the family right.

Ken had also laid out a display of fungi that he had picked that afternoon, all labelled with English and Latin names, and a selection of his own fungi books, which just showed how complex the subject is. An excellent and informative evening.

P.S. Chris and I went for a walk at Hardcastle Crags on the Sunday, and found our identification skills much improved. Thanks Ken.

Saturday 7th October, Ashton Canal, Clayton.

12 members met up eventually behind Phillips Park and joined the canal towpath to walk in the direction of Ashton. This area has been extensively redeveloped over the last ten years, with the removal of the old Bradford Gasworks and Richard Johnsons Wireworks, and the building of the City of Manchester Stadium, for the Commonweath Games, and the National Cycling Centre. As well as these municipal showpieces, new supermarkets and new housing has been built along the canal banks, in many modern architectural styles. Although these may not appeal to everybody, they are probably a vast improvement over the terraced housing they have replaced.

The walk took us along the canal towpath as far as Edge Lane, where we turned back (four hours later). Sights of interest along the way included Black Spleenwort (a younger less well developed version of the one found on the Bridgewater Canal walk), Bur-Marigold (much discussion about which species), Lunularia Cruciata (a single sexed liverwort which reproduces vegetatively), and Riccia Fluitans, a free floating liverwort. Dave showed us various examples of Rubus, including one which he hopes to have named as the Manchester Bramble, since it only occurs in the Manchester area. During the afternoon, several first records were found, especially by John in the moss and liverwort line.

An educational day, although much went in one ear and out the other, with good sunshine but a cold wind, so that we were glad of the brisk walk back to the cars.

Saturday 9th September, Piethorne

I must remember in future to make sure that all walks led by Chris and myself go anticlockwise. This seems to affect the weather to such an extent that this year we had perfect conditions, with fine sunshine and a cool zephyr to keep things pleasant. (Compare this with last years walk. Same route (almost) but clockwise). I think the effect must be due to Coriolis force, but I can't manage a mathematical proof yet.

Although September is not a good time for flowers in these moorland valleys, this year it was exceptional for fungi, which appear to be a month early this year. Fortunately, we had an expert member with us again (Ken this time) or we may have had some trouble identifying them. However, amongst the finds were a slime mould, coral fungus, Deciever, Razor Strop, and a large number of LARGE Agaricus Macrosporus. Flowers were fewer, but we found lesser Spearwort and Bog Pondweed in a reservoir intake, and Marsh Cudweed and Marsh Pennywort on the reservoir shore, an area which would normally have been covered by water. We also found Water and Marsh Horsetails, which are easily distinguished. The eyebright and fringed water lily were still in evidence from last year.

An enjoyable day with perfect weather.

Saturday 22nd July, Bridgewater Canal.

(An alternative name for this walk could be "A survey of the Bridgewater and Manchester Ship Canals, between Regent Road and Trafford Road Bridge", but it sounds a bit industrial and unromantic).

The heat wave continued! Six members and two guests met by Throstle's Nest Bridge (who said canals aren't romantic?), to enjoy a stroll by two of the great waterways of Manchester. Walking along the Bridgewater canal towards Manchester, the towpath on the south bank showed a great swathe of common spotted orchids for a couple of hundred yards. They had all either gone to seed, or been cut down, presumably by the council, although we could not see why this had been necessary. Further on, we found some interesting plants, including brandybottle waterlily, downy mustard, and broomrape. After using Regent Road to cross both canals, we had lunch on some seats by the side of the River Irwell. (I always understood that it was the River Irwell until it entered the docks at Pomona, which I take to be the entrance of Number 1 dock. Does anybody know if this is correct?)

Having finished lunch, we found Black Spleenwort on the new wall behind us. Continuing downstream, we crossed to the Manchester side, and by the side of the old (now filled in) Number 1 dock, and found Haresfoot Clover in flower. There is a nice paved footpath with safety rails and lights along this stretch of the canal, but it does not seem to have been maintained since it was built, and is now becoming overgrown with Buddleia, Birch, and Willow. After joining the road to get across the access lock from the Bridgewater canal to Number 3 dock, we returned to the derelict land where Number 4 dock used to be, to find yellowwort (Blackstonia perfoliata). Shelter from the sum was found on some seats under trees on the canal bank, with a view of Colgate-Palmolive's factory to enjoy. After a few moments rest, we returned to the Bridgewater canal, where we found a small group of Deadly Nightshade in flower and fruit.

This small area shows the importance of Manchester's transport links. From the southern side, we found the new dual carriageway Bridgewater Way, built 2000, railway line (1850ish), Bridgewater Canal (1760ish), Metrolink (1990), and Manchester Ship Canal (1890), all within a distance of 200 yards at the most. (All dates are guesses).

Saturday 15th July, Wigan Flashes.

This joint walk with the Manchester Ornithological Society attracted 15 members on a day of hot sunshine. Before lunch, we were shown the work being carried out by the wardens to improve the site for birdlife. The MOS had made a donation to the work, in memory of a deceased member, and hopefully, one of the ponds will be named after him.

Perhaps due to the hot weather, not many birds were visible, although many could be heard singing in the trees. We did manage to get a good view of a whitethroat at one point, but mostly we could just heard calls. On the plant front, much time was spent discussing a white hempnettle, but no conclusion as to the identification seemed to be arrived at. After lunch, in the shade of trees by the canal, we walked on to the large expanses of water to look for wildfowl. We saw great crested grebe, greylag geese, and a solitary ruddy duck. By this time, the sun was beginning to be overpowering, so we all beat a hasty retreat to the cars, and home.

Saturday 17th June Flaxmere

8 members enjoyed a fine day, with the sun appearing spasmodically through thin cloud to keep the temperature high. The starting point had to be changed to the Whitefield carpark, owing to the normal parking being used by a rock concert (starring "Embrace") being scheduled for Pale Hill.

Leaving the carpark, we headed northeast towards Gallowsclough Hill, walking down a wooded road before emerging into open fields. A footpath took us across open fields to a farm, where we had seen tree sparrows a few weeks earlier, but none in view today. Continuing across the road, we walked to the picnic tables at the Hatchmere parking area for lunch.

Afterwards, we explored Flaxmere, which is a floating bog. This turned out to be firm underfoot in most places, although small areas were just a skin of vegetation over deep bog. A few weeks ago, the whole area was flooded due to the continuous rain of April and May. The bog is being managed by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, who appear to dig holes in the firmer parts to keep the bog alive.

On entering the bog, the first discovery was Marsh Cinquefoil (Potentila Palustris), followed by Cranberry in some profusion. Careful searching failed to find any other rarities until we had given up, when Sundew was found, followed by Bog Rosemary, and a single flower of Bog Asphodel. The walk continued around Hatchmere, where we found Greater Tussock Sedge, and through Delamere Forest by Blakemere Moss, on which many Black-Headed Gulls were roosting, or perhaps nesting. It was difficult to see against the sun, so identification was difficult. This brought us back to the car park, where we could here the rock band warming up, so we beat a hasty retreat.

Saturday 27th May Rixton Clay Pits

Unfortunately, Priscilla's original plan for this walk had to be changed at the last minute due to unforseen circumstances. The SSSI at Rixton is submerged under six feet of water. This is not directly due to the rain of the last week, although we have had enough of that, but is caused by a blocked drain on an adjacent farm, but no-one seems to want to fix it, with arguments raging between the tennant, the landowner (Peel Holdings), and the rangers of the local authority. What the long term effect on the SSSI will be, remains to be seen.

Instead of the SSSI, we covered the rest of the site, finding what appeared to be Northern, Southern, and hybrid orchids, pilosella officinaium, and the spiked water millfoil. In one of the ponds, we saw Great Crested Newt, and several toads in the wet grass. Eyelash fungus was found in two places, and several ferns were identified and discussed.

The ground was very wet from the rain, and a return visit would be a good idea when things are a bit drier. Hopefully the SSSI will have recovered by then.

Saturday 20th May, Great Wood, Broadbottom.

Summer kept it's usual distance from any walk led by Norman. Heavy rain in the morning gave way to light rain for the start of the walk, followed by a brief period of dryness (spoilt only by the water dripping of the trees) before a return to medium rain as we returned towards the start point.

Eight members braved the weather, meeting at Limefield visitor centre where we donned wet weather gear. Although no great rarities were seen, a good assortment of the common woodland flowers were in some abundance, including bluebell, yellow archangel, red campion, wood woodrush (no, I haven't developed a stutter), and various gall and mosses. The early part of the walk passed some interesting industrial archeology, where the remains of Broad Mill included a gasometer, water wheel, and engine house.

Holly bushes were in flower, and we spotted both male and female trees. A soldier beetle was also spotted.

An enjoyable day. I just wish it would stop raining on Norman's parade.

Saturday 13th May, Priestcliffe Lees, Derbyshire.

After a week at work when the weather was too warm, Saturday dawned with heavy rain, which eased to drizzle and the stopped (nearly) for the walk, although the temperature remained cool. After applying all extra clothing layers, six members left the Millersdale car park to walk along the disused railway. On the bridge parapet we immediately found Cornsalad in flower, which extended along the track for some distance.

After a short distance, we left the railway, and climbed the steep slope to emerge into a pasture full of Early Purple Orchid and Cowslip. We went on to search an area of small hillocks and holes, where we found Mountain Pansy and Mossy Saxifrage. We returned to the earlier pasture, looking for Moonwort which had been reported in the vicinity, but were unsuccessful. We continued the walk by descending alongside a large quarry, where we saw three Ravens (at a distance), which are nesting in the quarry. Because of the nesting birds, the footpath below the quarry was closed, so we returned directly to the car park.

Some members of the party had evening engagements, so left for home at this point, but three members decided to extend the walk by exploring Monk's Dale, which had many Arum. It was decided to return to the Priestcliffe Lees area, but starting from Litton Mill, to search again for the Monkwort. This time we were successfull, finding a total of six plants, not yet in full flower (I know it's not a flower! Chris told me), and we also found a small area of Spring Sandwort.

A successful day inspite of the weather!

Saturday 29th April, Burrs Country Park.(Report provided by J. Lowell)

About a dozen members attended on a fine spring day. The grass around the car parks had lots of Slender Speedwell and there were large clumps of Marsh Marigold around the old mill lodges. We walked from the mill site down to the Irwell, and were most surprised to find Duckweed (Lemna minor) growing on the flushed vertical masonry of the old roadbridge. Bistort was just coming into flower and we found a fine colony of the large crinkly-leaved moss Plagiomnium undulatum.

Walking along the Irwell we encountered Jays and Blackcaps, several Peacock butterflies and one Cabbage-White. There were good displays of Wood Anemone and Greater Woodrush among the treees bordering the river. Passing under the railway at Springside Farm we were pleased to glimpse a weasel by the stream but less impressed by numerous plastic ducks and even a plastic deer. Returning to Burrs through Walmersley we found Golden axifrage, Coltsfoot and Lady's Smock in flower beside the streams and heard several Greenfinches. It was good to see further evidence of improved air quality: willow trees in the wetter areas had healthy colonies of liverworts (Metzgeria spp.) and the little moss Orthotrichum pulchellum which mounting a successfull invasion of the greater Manchester area.

Saturday 22th April, Moore Country Park.

Unable to attend this walk, so no report available.

Saturday 8th April, Connah's Quay

This walk, in conjunction with the Manchester Ornithilogical Society, took us to the Deeside Naturalists reserve, which is on land leased from the electricity company on the banks of the River Dee. We were welcomed at the visitor centre by members of the Deeside Nats, who provided us with cups of tea and coffee, and gave us a short introduction to the site.

The group split into two, with one party heading for the bird hides and the other walking up the bank of the Dee to look for flowers. The Deeside Nats would like a survey of the flora roundabout, so any volunteers to repeat this through the year? In April there is not much in flower, but we did see Danish Scurvy grass, Blackthorn, and Pussy Willow in flower. Both parties returned to the visitor centre to eat lunch in the warm, since it was a very cold and windy day.

After lunch, the parties swapped area. From the furthest hide, we saw a Raven, and the usual seabirds, including Shelduck, Redshank, and Bar-tailed Godwit.

Many thanks to the Deeside Nasturalists for their welcome, and allowing us to visit the reserve.

Saturday 11th March: Indoor. 'Upland and Mountain Flowers' presented by Dave Earl.

Dave took us on a journey of discovery from the lowlands of the Lancashire plain to the highlands of Yorkshire, Teesdale , and the Lake District, using the medium of a collection of slides. As we have come to expect, Dave gave us excellent background information on each of the slides shown.

Saturday 25 February Daisy Nook

In bright sunshine, but a freezing northerly wind (quite strong at times, especially along the canal), 9 members had a gentle stroll around Daisy Nook Country Park. At this time of the year, flowers are not in abundance, although we did find some very early Lesser Celandine, and the Great Butterbur will be in flower soon. Mosses are much more common, and John was in his element, disappearing into the undergrowth at regular intervals to return with a prime specimen.

Long-tailed tits, chaffinches, and robins, were seen in the woods, while the canal was populated with the usual geese, ducks, coots, and moorhens. Much time was spent examining the mosses on the leaky bridge on the canal, where I tried some close up. By this time, the cold was beginning to bite, so the party beat a hasty retreat to the car park.

Saturday 11th February: Indoor. 'How a Coral Reef works' presented by David Moss.

Again, David Moss presented some stunning slides of underwater life, this time showing the life forms of the warm water coral reefs. The photgraphs were taken in various locations around the world, including the Caribean, the Red Sea, and the Far East, and over a period of several years. The diversity of life found on the coral reefs appears to match anything found above the water, with species occupying similar niches to their land based equivalents, from grass (sea grass) to trees (fan corals?), with herbivorous and carnivorous animals feeding off the whole. David explained the food chain of the corals themselves, with the apparent energy inbalance caused by nutrient poor waters and lack of sunlight explained by symbiotic relationships between the corals and algae.

Saturday 7th January Chorlton and Sale Water Park

The weather was overcast and drizzly but not so cold as in previous days when nine members met at the Chorlton Water Park Visitor Centre. We were joined by the reserve ecologist, Alex, and the warden, Andy, who explained some of their work as we walked.

The usual water birds were present including Pochard, Golden Eye and Tufted Duck. One Black headed Gull was noticed which had assumed its summer plumage.

The walk across the reclaimed tip area was rather muddy and the only flowers seen were those on the Gorse. Good views were had of a Green Woodpecker, which obligingly sat in the top of a small tree while we all had a look. I dare say it looked back at us! As we walked alongside the Mersey, Andy commented that it is now clean enough to have salmon in it, one wit among us said 'but only in tins'. The rain became heavier as we neared the Sale VC, and we were glad to go inside for our lunch. Margaret had prepared a poem for us, and it was so appropriate for the Field Club that we felt it should go in to the current issue in preparation rather than wait for the 2006 Report.

After lunch we walked along the side of Sale WP and found a good crop of fungi growing on cut logs. Margaret identified these as Oyster, Velvet Shank, Coprinus disseminatus, Glistening Ink Cap and Smokey Bracket. On the return journey we saw a pair of Shoveler, a pair of Gadwall, Teal and a Grey Wagtail.

2005

Saturday 3rd December Prestwich Clough (and buffet)

This bold new venture organised by our ex-chairman was a great success.

In the nineteenth century, a group of naturalists existed in Prestwich, who held regular meetings in a local inn. The meetings were first held in the Ostrich facing Heaton Park, but, after a contretemps, they moved to a pub in Prestwich village, which was subsequently known as The Naturalist. Later, with the arrival of the railway, the name was changed to the Railway and Naturalist. The most famous of these naturalists, James Percival, John Horsefield and Richard Buxton, the author of "The Manchester Botanical Guide", are buried in the local church.

Audrey's idea for this meeting was to visit the graves in the churchyard, and to walk down Prestwich Clough, returning to Prestwich to call in at the "Railway and Naturalist". On a practice run, Audrey met the landlady, who agreed to provide a buffet lunch.

The plan was followed, although finding the three graves proved more dangerous than expected due to the damp and fallen leaves on smooth granite slabs, which made it like a skating rink underfoot. However, the graves were found without serious injury, all three recording the botanical interest of the incumbents. A leisurely stroll down Prestwich Clough revealed little of botanical interest due to the time of year, although an assortment of fungi were found on a pile of fallen logs.

Returning to the main road, we went to the "Nats" for our lunch, and were ushered into a small room set out ready for us. The buffet soon arrived, served by the landlady and friends, and it really was excellent. Without going through the whole menu, I particularly enjoyed the mushroom soup and the beef sandwiches. The buffet was excellent value, and plentiful, so much so that we had to rethink our evening meal plans when we got home. I am sure many other members will have found the same "problem"

Our thanks to Audrey for the idea, and to the landlady for the excellent buffet.

AGM (indoor)

The business of the AGM was conducted in our usual efficient style, and was quickly dealt with. Our thanks go to Audrey Locksley, who has retired from her position as chairman, after several years service to the Field Club. She is replaced by Alan Hill, to whom we give our best wishes and support.

Business over, Norman gave a slide show on fungi, with some amazing slides covering the range of fungi in Britain.

Saturday 15th October Tandle Hill

The day began overcast, but cleared up to bright sunshine by the afternoon. A good selection of fungi were found during the day, and since we had some experts with us, they were all identified or samples taken for later identification for the more difficult ones.

The following is an incomplete list of the species found:-

Clavulinopsis fusiformis (Golden Spindles), Russula fellea, Suillus grevillei, Clavulinopsis fusiformis, Panaeolus sphinctrinus, Hypholoma fasciculare (Sulpher Tuft), Psilocybe semilanceata (Liberty Caps), Laccaria laccata (Deceiver), Piptoporus betulinus (Birch Polypore), Leccinum scabrum (Birch Bolete), Ganoderma applanatum (Artist's Fungus), Paxillus involutus (Brown Roll-rim).

A pleasant day out, with plenty of interest for everyone.

Namibia Michael Pettipher Indoor Meeting 8th October 2005

The slide show focussed on the Namib Desert, which borders the Atlantic Ocean, the region called the Skeleton Coast. Superb pictures of the red dunes, gorges with conglomerate rocks and dolomite rocks showed a variety of flora and fauna. The trail of a lizard, the fearsome scorpion with a huge black tail and a headstanding beetle were found on the scorching sand. In more sheltered sites, trees struggled to survive, but where there was some greenery, there were lovely flowering plants and shrubs. The most fascinating plant was Welwitschsia mirabilis, a link between the gymnosperms -pines- and angiosperms. The 'trunk' is below the sand and only two leaves are produced in its lifetime, but they are torn by the wind so look like many. Male and female plants exist, and the small bunch of cones comes up between the leaves close to the desert floor. Michael and his wife Cathy had gone on an organised tour, but the level of infrastructure and high standard of the campsites made them feel it would be possible to do a self made tour.

Saturday 24th September Darwen Tower

If the saying "The sun shineth on the rightous" is true, then Tom and Barbara must have been very good, whereas Chris and myself must have done something wrong (See Piethorne report).

Fourteen members met up at the visitor centre, with beautiful blue skies overhead. The route ascended gently up to Darwen Tower via Stepback clough, where, accoeding to Tom, Cromwell decided to turn back. If the story is true, he missed a great view from the top of the moors. Although the day was hazy, the panorama started at Winter Hill, then left to Darwen, with Oldham visible beyond Peel Tower above Bury. Continuing anticlockwise, Pendle Hill was visible beyond Blackburn, and then Longridge Fell descending to the Fylde with Blackpool Tower occasionaly visible through the haze. On a perfectly clear day, the Three Peaks are visible, as well as Morecambe Bay and Black Coombe beyond Barrow-in-Furness.

Much discussion took place in Stepback Clough over the identification of ferns. Crowberry was found on the way up to the Tower, and Marsh Valerian, and a good show of Western Gorse, on the way down. A Kestrel was seen near the Tower, and Goldfinches and Long-tailed tits by Sunnyhurst Hey reservoir.

A beautiful day with good company!

Saturday 10th September Piethorne Valley

Eleven intrepid heroes arrived (eventually) at the car park by Ogden reservoir on a day of forecast rain, which had already arrived. While Australia were batting at the Oval in bright sunshine, we had driving drizzle on an easterly wind, blowing straight down the valley. Fortunately, the drizzle eased during the day (although the wind didn't).

Piethorne valley is a typical of the Pennine area, with older industries in the lower valley towards Newhey, and reservoirs in the upper valley. Their are five major reservoirs in the valley, built by Oldham corporation in the late1800s, but now run by Northwest water. Our walk was around the lower three of these, which kept us just below the moorland edge and mostly out of the main blast of the wind.

At this time of the year, not many flowers can be expected, but this was made up for by the birds. We started by crossing the dam of Ogden reservoir, walking clockwise around the three reservoirs. Many swallows and house-martins were seen near the ruins of an old farm above Ogden, and fringed water lily and burr-reed were found in a pond by the side of the track. We decided to take an early lunch in a quarry, and were lucky enough to see a little owl flying off. Our lunch spot appeared to be right in front of its roost, judging by the debris scattered about.

We continued on above Kitcliffe reservoir, and into the woods above Piethorne, where a good assortment of fungi were identified by Margaret. Coming out of the woods below another reservoir, we passed the spot where Tom had seen nesting dippers in the spring, but they had flown long before. Around the top end of Piethorne, we found Marsh Violet and Eyebright (Euphrasia). The return to the cars was by the road along the side of the three reservoirs, where a good assortment of mosses were growing on the wall tops. This rounded off a breezy but invigorating walk.

Saturday 2nd July River Irk

Woodlands Road is part of a typical 30s estate, but a short walk takes you to a much older part of Manchester on the banks of the River Irk. This is part of Victorian or older Manchester, where the Irk was used as drinking water, industrial power source, and open sewer. Fortunately, the water quality is now much improved, as well as the housing standards. This is the area of Smedley, where Queen Elizabeth flats used to stand until demolished in the 80s. Below Smedley, the area is known as Hendham Vale, where Victorian housing was replaced in the 70s. Many of the retaining walls of the river bank are from the Victorian era, and have a good collection of plants on them, including a fig, seen on an earlier visit, said to be an escapee from the CWS biscuit works upstream.

We diverted into Queens Park for lunch at a picnic table. The park has been cleaned up yet again, but still has a good collection of Manchester Poplars. We continued by returning to the Irk valley, and following the river on towards Manchester city centre. A diversion into one of the Irk Valley Project reserves on the other side of the Metro showed a pleasant meadow planted with corncockle and dog daisy, but no sign of a reported Patience dock; it's continuing existance was confirmed by Audrey and Christine on a subsequent visit.

Crossing back to the other side of both the Metro and the river, we explored the old railway carriage sidings behind H. Marcel-Guest, and the nature reserve provided by them. Here I spotted lupinus polyphyllus again, while other members of the party found smaller (insignificant) flowers such as common spotted orchid, common centaury, and blue fleabane. We continued on down the road to Victoria Station, diverting to look at the recently refurbished Angel Meadow, which now seems to have lost all its wild flowers.

Return home, or to the cars, was made on the metro, but no exciting new species were spotted from its windows. The weather was excellent throughout the day.

Saturday 25th June Moston Sidings

This walk covered a small area which is now designated as an urban nature reserve. The area was originally railway sidings, which has been landscaped when the sidings were no longer used. It is bounded on one side by the Manchester to Rochdale railway, and on the other sides by housing. The reserve is now rough scrub and marshland, although access to the marsh area is difficult due to the dissappearance of the boardwalk.

A large variety of the common plants of the area were present, although nothing particularly rare. Two interesting finds were a lupin, (lupinus polyphyllus, peculiar to railway lines I think Dave said), and the eared willow, of which there were some typical examples.

Saturday 4th June Mere Clough (Report provided by J. Lowell)

We met at Prestwich Metro Station and proceeded via the churchyard of Prestwich Parish Church to Prestwich Clough. The Clough proved to be rich in garden escapes including Columbines and a Geranium which after long discussion remained anonymous: it was either G. x oxonianum or G.versicolor. Native plants included two not previously recorded for the tetrad, Teasel and Bugle. We heard but failed to see a Great Spotted Woodpecker and Whitethroats. The meadow at the W end of the clough had good colonies of Ragged Robin and Common Spotted Orchid. We had lunch by the Irwell, entertained by water wagtails on the river. We returned to Prestwich via Mere Clough, noting fine stands of Greater Horsetail (mixed with Marsh Horsetail) and Great Bittercress. We were pleased to see huge numbers of tadpoles in the fishing lodges, and several species of butterfly including Orange Tip and Speckled Wood.

Saturday 21st May Pennington Flash

A day of two halves. The first half consisted of a trip around the area to the north of the flash, followed by half-time in the cars, then on to the southern side.

The weather at the start was dry, although the forecast was for showers (heavy, prolonged, thundery, take your pick). Our leader decided to take the northern side first, so we moved to the first of the five birdhides on this side of the flash. This produced some interesting sightings for everybody, including Little Plover, Plovers with chicks, and Redshank. Of special interest to me, was Common Tern, since last weekend I was at Ardfern near Oban, watching Terns fishing and harrying gulls. We carried on to visit another four birdhides. At each one, interesting birds were seen, while the fifth hide was a feeding station for small birds, with many (well, more than I've ever seen in one place) Bullfinches, Greenfinches, and Tits, all taking advantage of the free food on offer.

The rain started about now, so we retreated to the cars (not far), and stopped for lunch. The rain continued for about an hour, just right for one of my leisurely lunches, then began to brighten.

Onwards to the south, where we began to find more interesting plants, including some Orchids. These were positively indentified as some sort of purple Orchid, but not the Early Purple, since it only grows on limestone, and this area is not limestone, and it did not have spotted leaves. The conclusion was that it was a Marsh Orchid, but whether Northern, Southern, or hybrid, nobody could give a firm opinion.

This southern part of the country park has an area labelled on the map as meadow, so this was one of our objectives. This, and another meadow area, seemed to consist solely of Buttercups, which quite impressed me, if leaving others a little disappointed..

Pennington Flash is a well managed area, with the wardens beginning to take action against Japanese Knotweed, but, as at other nature reserve areas, this seems to be a battle without end. The area has an interesting mix of plants, some surprising, and a plethora of birdlife, with well maintained birdhides in situations in which the hide overlooks some birds. I recommend a visit.

Saturday 7th May Sunnyhurst Wood and Moorland edge near Darwen

Heavy rain overnight, and some heavy showers in the morning, did not hold out much hope for the walk, but the rain stopped a few minutes after leaving the cars. The walk led downhill from the carpark, into the valley of Sunnyhurst Wood. The area was purchased by public subscription in 1903, and has been a public park ever since, catering to large crowds listening to string quartets during the interwar years. Now, the only entertainment occurs at the visitor centre, with art displays on the upper floor. The grounds are well maintained, however, combining a mix of public park type vegetation and wild, unimproved areas.

Some interesting plants are to be found in the woods. This area has been extensively recorded by Peter Jepson (and David Bellamy), and the lady at the visitor centre (Marjorie) is very helpful in directing questioners to individual plants. The rarities found during the walk include Purple Toothwort, Few Flowered Garlic, Large Cuckoo Flower, Skunk Cabbage, and Kidney Saxifrage.

The weather, after a wet start, became much more pleasant, dry but windy, which allowed us to walk out of the top of Sunnyhurst Wood onto the moor edge, with great views of Darwen Tower across Earnsdale reservoir.

Saturday 23th April Fletcher Moss Gardens Didsbury

8 members had a good walk around this well known area, with Dave Earl recording everything in sight including Rumex sanguinius sanguinius, whatever that is. Its funny how I can remember (occasionally) obscure latin names, but not the English name, or what the plant looks like. A rarity found was the Midland Hawthorn, a relative of the Hawthorn.

Saturday 9th April Heaton Park Woods

A bitterly cold day saw 9 members exploring a small part of Heaton Park. The highlight of the day was finding two specimens of Skunk Cabbage in the stream in the valley parallel with the main drive from Middleton Road. Return to the cars was made via the Irk Valley.

Saturday 12th March: indoor. Polish Wildlife presented by Nick Martin.

A fascinating slide show, covering Nick's visits over several years to the area of the Tatra mountains in eastern Poland. Amongst the reasons for Nick returning to the area was its outstanding natural beauty, and the quantity of alpine plants in the region. Geologically, the area is split into two, with one part being granite, and the other limestone, giving rise to the wide diversity of plant and animal life. Some excellent slides were shown, some taken on different visits, enabling us to see plants in different stages of their life-cycle.

A certain wry amusement was caused, when examining the maps and book which Nick had brought with him, by our inability to even imagine how to pronounce some of the placenames. Many thanks, Nick.

Saturday 26th February: Etherow Country Park.

A good turnout for this early year walk saw much of the local flora beginning to grow after the winter's ravages. Amongst others, we saw Dog's Mercury, Wild Arum, Golden Saxifrage, Ramsons, and Bluebell. Planted Daffodils were not yet out. On the lake, the birdlife was beginning to get into breeding plumage, with the Black-headed gulls getting their chocolate brown heads. On the river, dippers were seen carrying nesting material, while nuthatches and several species of tit were seen feeding on a birdtable.

Saturday 12th February. An illustrated talk by Alan Bamforth

As you may have seen from my comments on last years Delamere walk, I am one of the many people who find indentifying fungi an almost impossible task. Alan is one of the members of the club who seems to have no difficulty in identifying the most obscure variety.

Beginning with a slideof the only fungi I can positively "identify" (you know the one, the red one with white spots and the long latin name........., which I can't remember already), Alan led us through the major groupings (russula, boletes, etc.), ending with slime molds and insect eating fungi. As well as showing the slides, Alan gave background information on each of the specimens displayed. Also mentioned was the problem being caused by DNA analysis of various fungi, which seems to prove that the group in which several fungi have been placed may well be wrong.

The life cycle of fungi always seems most peculiar to me, but when applied to slime molds, it becomes even more peculiar. The organism at one stage consists of identical cells, which at the right time, decide to become different cell types. Alans latest reading of the runes seems to suggest that the type of cell which it becomes, depends on where it is in relation to the other cells.

Apart from the excellent slides, I am always impressed by Alan's encyclopedic knowledge of the subject.

Saturday 15th January: Chorlton and Sale Water Park.

The first outdoor meeting of the new year, and 7 members had an enjoyable walk in mild, though overcast, conditions. The route taken was the usual (now almost traditional) route from Chorlton Water Park to the Mersey Valley Visitor Centre, for a lunch break, then via Cow Lane past Sale water Park to cross the Mersey by the railway bridge, and back along the north bank of the Mersey to the cars.

Chorlton Water Park always has a good selection of birds at this time of year, and we were rewarded with the usual Canada geese, swans, mallards, and pochard. The highlight, though, was a pair of Great Crested Grebes doing their courtship display, involving neck waving and touching beaks. We continued along the Mersey to Jacksons Boat, where we stopped to view a heron in a drainage ditch, only to spot a kingfisher, sitting on an overhanging reed just above it. We had an excellent view for about 5 minutes, and were all able to get binoculars on it.

After lunch outside the visitor centre, we continued to the bird hide, where we saw shoveller, teal, and herons. The walk back along the Mersey bank raised the pace above our usual saunter due to an outbreak of rain.

Sat 8th January: indoor. Botanical Heritage of Lancashire presented by Dave Earl.

Dave gave us details of his work in identifying sites of botanical heritage in Lancashire. These sites are identified by a series of guidelines, which give a rating, depending on habitat, any rare species, and number of common species. Dave had a good selection of slides to illustrate the various habitats, and typical plants for each guideline.

2004

Annual General Meeting. 'Tanzanian Topiary' by Mike Pettifer. Saturday 13th November

At the conclusion of of the AGM, Mike Pettifer gave us an illustrated talk on his recent visit to some of the national parks of Tanzania. As with his talk last year on Ethiopean Highlands, Mike showed some excellent slides of general interest and educational value, and many slides of botanical interest. As with last years talk, I came away impressed by my own ignorance of other countries, and Mike's ability with a camera and adventurous spirit.

Delamere Forest, Saturday 16th October.

An excellent day covering a shortened version of the usual route, with an extra detour up Old Pale, a hill at the other end of the ridge from Eddisbury Hill. This area has been taken over (presumably by the forestry commission) and the hillside has been planted with conifers. The view from the top is spectacular. We were able to see yachts sailing on the Mersey estuary, as well as the chemical works at Runcorn and the power station at Warrington.

There were plenty of fungi in the woods, which is what we had come to see. Unfortunately, the four members present, armed with four differant fungi identification guides, only managed to positively identify seven species. We were fairly certain that we saw the following:-Earthball, Earthstar, Fly Agaric, Sulphur Tuft, False Death Cap, Candlesnuff, and Common Yellow Russulla. When someone produces a foolproof guide, I might well buy one. In the meantime, the four guides we used seemed to produce at least eight possibles for each unknown species.

Two Buzzards were seen flying over Old Pale, but otherwise, birds seemed to be in short supply.

An enjoyable day, with sunshine for most of the day, although within minutes of returning to the cars, heavy rain and acorns fell.

Sat 9th October: indoor. United Kingdom Marine Life presented by David Moss.

This was a most interesting slide show of the world beneath the waves around the coast of Britain. David has spent years photographing the different classes of undersea animals, plants, and algae. Some of this was very confusing; seaweeds, which look like plants, are algae, other lifeforms look like plants, but are animals (anemonies), some animals carry plants and algae on their back instead of a shell. Altogether, a wierd and wonderful world.

The most vivid impression is of the colour of some of the specimens. This seems pointless, since light levels are so low, even at comparatively shallow depths, that the colours can not be seen normally. The colours only show up in the photographs because of the use of flash.

Roddlesworth Woods and Waters, Saturday 18th September, Tom and Barbara Waghorn

Ten members enjoyed a pleasant day out, although cold. The route took us around the reservoirs, which gave us good views of the countryside around Blackburn and the moors with Darwin Tower.

Not much to see in the flower line, a little late in the year perhaps, but too early for many fungi.

Middlewood, Saturday 11th September, Christine Walsh

After a depressing forecast, involving the remnants of hurricane Charlie, the weather was very kind to us, with only a smell of rain in the afternoon, and the six members and one visitor had an enjoyable day.

The route took us from the car park at Nelson Pits along the canal in the direction of Middlewood station.Some members of the party commented on the increased number of canal boats in the area, and the first quarter mile of the canal is lined by marina berths. As can be expected, the canal bank is limited botanically, so Alan's suggestion of a detour in the direction of Lyme Park was welcomed. This extra loop meant that we found a Red Data Book fungus, the pink Waxcap (confirmed as Hygrocybe calyptraeformis by Margaret), and several more common flowers.

Returning to the canal, and the intended route, we left the canal by the path at the side of the railway, and came across a marsh heleborine which had gone to seed. More examples were found further on, and especially in Jacksons Brickworks, along with gone over orchid spikes (probably common spotted).

Returning to the car park along the Middlewood Way, several more fungi were found, including a stand of Fly Agaric, and an example of a black Helvela (don't ask me for the latin name).

Bury & Radcliffe, Saturday 3rd July, John Lowell

This linear walk began in Bury at the Metro, and ended at Radcliffe Metro. Although this would appear, on the map, to be a walk by the side of the metro line, for most of the time, we were far enough away to not be disturbed by the noise.

After leaving the Metro station, ten minutes walk took us to the engine sheds of the East Lancs steam railway, where it transpired our leader had worked many years ago. Continueing on, we walked by the side of the River Irwell, where we saw some fine examples of Giant Hogweed on the other bank. This looked an unpromising area, especially as we came to an area of bare earth, where motorcycles had been ridden, and holes dug to create jumps (looked great fun to me!). Examining the margins of this area, a few solitary orchids (probably Marsh) were found. A little further on, in an area not used by motorbikes, we found a reasonably large area covered in the same orchids, mostly gone to seed, and then a single marsh Helleborine, causing much excitement.

Further searching produced two other areas of marsh helleborine, one about 4 feet in diameter. I think John said this was a new record, and in total, the walk produced about twenty new records, non so exciting as the marsh helleborene.

Retracing our steps to a bridge over the Irwell, we crossed and followed the line of the Manchester, Bury, and Bolton canal, culverted at this point. The canal soon emerged, where we found Frogbit and Water Soldier. The Water Soldier became the dominant plant as we neared Radcliffe, practically choking the canal, and making it very difficult for a pair of swans with two cygnets to cross the canal. I noticed one of the swans eating the Water Soldier, so they should never go hungry.

The rain held off for the walk, after a wet early morning, and we reached Radcliffe about four o'clock.

Wigg Island, Saturday 19th June, Alan Hill

Alan had promised Bee orchids, and we were not disappointed. It had just stopped raining as we arrived, so we all put on our overtrousers. Of course, after that it did not rain again until we were back at the cars.

Wigg Island is only an island in the sense that it has water all round it (like most islands). Howeer, in this case, the water consists of the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal. Wigg Island is a new (3-4 years) nature reserve, based in an ex-industrial area, in this case chemical factories at one time owned by ICI, and used once for making mustard gas. All the industry has disappeared, and several flat meadows are left behind.

It was on one of these meadows that we found the bee orchids, and everyone with a camera took pictures. I had forgotten my camera. Passing on through the meadows, we came to Phase 2 of the nature reserve, which was alongside the disused Runcorn and Latchford canal also found at Moore, we found an interesting floating garden in the canal. We eventually decided that it was part of an effluent control system, since the water appeared to be flowing from the direction of a council rubbish tip (sorry, civic amenity site). We continued on towards the tip, and found a good selection of plants, including weld, mullein, and poppies,on a newly built dirt road.

We returned to the cars, sat out the next downpour, and then drove to another reserve (the name escapes me) which was between Wigg Island and Moore, where we found Yellow Bartsia and Bee orchid again.

An excellent day out, with a lot of interesting species found, which should be revisited as the site develops.

Atherton, Saturday 12th June, Dave Earl

Rain in the morning had cleared up by the time we arrived at Atherton. After inspecting the station carpark, finding Weld amongst others, we took off to explore square W, as part of the local change project. This aims to re-record some (all?) squares, to compare what is there now to the records from 15 years ago.

After leaving the main road, some pleasant fieldside paths were explored. They yielded plenty of records for Dave, but none of the orchids which were found 15 years ago. It is difficult to know what the terrain was like 15 years ago, since this area is part of the Lancashire Coalfield, and all the pits have now closed and been demolished and landscaped. Perhaps the orchids were on a pit heap, which no longer exists. A pit heap was in view during the walk (claimed to be the biggest in Europe), but it was not in square W.

Kenyon, near Culcheth, Saturday 1st May, Priscilla Tolfree.

Five members met for this recording walk for S Lancs Flora. The weather forecast had been quite depressing on Friday, but was proved wrong (again), with warm sunshine in the afternoon. Three tetrads were visited, although only corners of two were inspected. This resulted in the records for the main tetrad being taken to approximately 230, with several additional records for the other two squares. (That bit sounds like Pythagoras).

The area covered was mostly farmland, but drainage ditches always yield useful oddities. Part of the walk was on the Culcheth Linear Nature Park (I think), which was along the line of a disused railway. This appears to have been tidied up by the council, but this makes for an easy trail, with plenty of interest on the banks. The only problem is that the path is a dead end, since the railway bridge over the main Manchester-Liverpool railway was demolished at some time.

Simister, Rhodes, and River Irk Saturday 10th April Ron &Maureen Davies.

A short walk in good weather (warmer than the day before, less rain than the day after). Flowers are slowly coming in to bloom, including pink purslane and lesser celandine, but are still few and far between. Even mosses seemed to be in short supply, although John found some new records for the area.

Mersey/Urmston Meadows Saturday 27th March Margaret McCormick

A poor day weatherwise, although only slight drizzle, but disappointing after the forecast. On this walk, we hoped to see chiff-chaff, and were duly rewarded with the sounds of chiff-chaff in almost every tree. Hearing the birds was one thing; seeing them was quite another. At this time of year, not many flowers are in bloom, but we did see butterbur in flower, and the odd primrose.

A small flock (well, 4 or 5) of sand martins was seen over the river, hopefully prospecting for nest sites in the banks. Other birds seen included tits and greenfinches, and the chiff-chaff was spotted eventually.

A rather more unexpected sight in the flying line, was a view of concord, flying again low over the meadow.

2003

Ethiopian Highlands by Mike Pettifer Saturday 8th November (Annual General Meeting)

Mike Pettifer brought an excellent selection of slides to show his wanderings in Ethiopia. Some of the facts about the country were quite surprising. The capital, Addis Adaba, is at an altitude of 2000 metres, and the highlands reach up to 3500 metres. This gives a cold climate, and not the desert conditions which I, for one, had expected.

Perhaps the biggest surprise was the profusion of Red hot Pokers growing at altitude, and the giant Lobelia, which appeared to be more than six feet high. Another point made by the speaker was the friendliness of the native peoples of the highlands.

Woolston Eyes Saturday 1st November Audrey Locksley

From Audreys report, five members had an enjoyable day exploring the area of Woolston eyes, which were formed by canal workings (Runcorn canal, and Ship canal. Unfortunately, I was again away sailing, enjoying a last sail of the season.

Food from the wild presented by Margaret McCormick Saturday 11th October

Margeret has obviously spent a lot of time researching this topic. Among the "delicacies" produced for our delectation was a nice drop of nettle soup, which tasted a bit like spinach to me, and an "Italian" elderberry tart. For drinks, we were regaled with Elderflower "Fizz", and Sloe Gin. For deserts, we had Sloe liquer chocolates, and rose petal "merangues".

An excellent, entertaining evening, with interesting ideas on the re-use of Sloes for alcoholic purposes.

Delamere Forest Saturday 4th October Norman Bamforth

Norman took over the leaders role at short notice, and performed heroically on a cold wet day. Following one of the usual routes, a large variety of fungi were found during the day, some of which were easily identified, others which remained a mystery. Missing from the list this year were the impressive earth stars, which have been found on the last couple of visits. Diligent searching at the known site failed to produce any evidence.

Among the fungi found was False Death Cap, and the Boletus which turns blue when squashed.

Anglezarke near Adlington Saturday 20th September Tom Waghorn

Ten members enjoyed a pleasant walk in good weather around Anglezarke reservoir. Highlights of the walk included mudwort, and a good stand of Fly Agaric, which was worth a few snaps. A good selection of waterfowl, including the ubiquitous Canada geese, were on view on the reservoir.

Worthington Lakes Saturday 6th September Christine Walsh

Eleven members turned up for a walk by the Worthington,Adlington, and Arley reservoirs. These are now used as fishing lakes, and seem very popular judging by the number of anglers on a wet day. Yes, it did rain, seemingly for the first time this year. However, this did not spoil the enjoyment of the walk.

The route led to a nature reserve, on Arley reservoir, where coriander was found growing on the dam, before continuing through arable fields where two members left the group to continue an ongoing arable survey. The rest of the party carried on to the Leeds-Liverpool canal, which was used as the return route, shelter from the heaviest rain being found in the woods, before dropping back down to the reservoirs and returning to the cars.

Birds seen included two Great Crested Grebe juveniles, which we had seen begging from their parents on our earlier trial run for this walk. They are now independant, but were still on Arley reservoir while one of the parents was seen on the lower lake. A pair of Dabchicks was also seen. A master class was held at the lunch stop on the difference between Common Hemp Nettle and Bifid Hemp Nettle, and later on the recognition of English Elm, Wytch Elm, Lime, and Hazel. Another interesting find was Black spleenwort on one of the canal bridges.

Moore Nature Reserve Saturday 16th August Margaret McCormick

Again, I was unable to attend this walk, due to holidays.

Medlock Vale Saturday 2nd August Alan and Norman Bamforth

A recording walk, covering a new area around the Daisy Nook visitor centre. We started along the line of the Hollinwood Branch Canal, now cut completely by the M60, before dropping down into Medlock Vale across the golf course. The walk continued via Woodhouses, and then back through the Medlock Valley to the cars. An interesting walk in different countryside, in the midst of the urban conurbation.

Sean Hawkins Meadow Millington Wednesday 23 July Margaret McCormick

Again, I was unable to attend this walk, due to holidays.

River Beale & Rochdale Canal Saturday 5th July Audrey Locksley

After initial confusion over the meeting point (Halliwell St. is a street of two halves), the united group explored the area of the River Beale valley. The walk included areas of rough land, where a excellent example of a stone crushing/grading machine was examined. The route passed Clegg Hall, visited on the Littlrborough walk, which, as I read in the papers, is to be one of the subjects in the BBC's forthcoming "Restoration" programme.

Simister Saturday 21st June Dave Earl

A pleasent day, warmer than forecast, saw 9 members gathered to record one tetrad. By the end of the day, the count for the area was up to 212, or so Dave said. Nothing of great rarity was found, but there were some nice common spotted orchids. This tetrad lies on both sides of the M62 and M60, so it was good to see so many plants around this transport corridor.

Culcheth Saturday 14th June Priscilla Tolfree

Again, I was unable to attend, this time because I was chasing Swallowtail butterflies in Norfolk, and have not heard how the walk went.

Blackmoor Saturday 31th May Dave Earl

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this recording walk due to a sailing committment, but I have it on good authority that the weather was fine all day, and nine members turned up. The aim of the walk was to increase the number of species in this under-recorded tetrad. Originally below 150, this was increased to 219 by the end of the day. A colony of Common Blue butterflies was also seen on a sunny bank, and a newt was spotted in a ditch.

Edisford Bridge Saturday 10th May Christine Walsh

A poor weather forecast again failed to impress the gods, who allowed us a pleasant day's walk. No rain, sunny spells, but a cold wind.

The route took us from Edisford Bridge up the bank of the Ribble, with a planned lunch stop at Cross Hills quarry. Unfortunately, slow progress at the start of the walk meant we did not arrive at the quarry until two o'clock, having had to stop for lunch on the river bank, due to faintness caused by lack of sustenance. Many plants were recorded (I thought I heard 85 species mentioned), and this may have accounted for the delay.

After a look around the quarry, the walk continued at increasing pace up to Bradford Bridge (near the Castle Cement works), where we crossed to return to the cars by the other bank, arriving just in time to avoid being clamped.

A good day out, with much of interest to see.

Werneth Low Saturday 3rd May The Bamforths

I missed this walk due to a holiday, and have heard no report. Sorry!

Alkrington Woods Saturday 19th April Ron & Maureen Davies

10 members attended on a very cold, bright day at 11am and had an enjoyable ramble which ended at 3:15pm. We started off from the fishing lodges on Manchester Old Road, Rhodes (A576) and walked along the River Irk, up through the woods near Middleton, round Alkrington Hall, along the woodland paths in Alkrington Woods and back along the River Irk. Nothing unusual was seen.

Report by Maureen Davies.

12th April Bolton and Bury Canal

This walk was cancelled due to illness.

Red House Farm paths. Saturday 29th March M. McCormick

A walk of two halves, separated by an excellent lunch!

In the morning, we walked the farm conservation paths of Red House Farm. While flowers were in short supply, we had a very good view of a yellowhammer, and saw lapwings in the fields. The walk took us back to Red House Farm for lunch, to be faced with an excellent menu, and some extra large portions.

After lunch, we drove to visit Brook Heys Covert, a SSSI which Margaret helps to manage. Unfortunately, the little owls did not put in an appearance, but we heard a woodpecker drumming as we approached. Again, it was a little early in the year for flowers, but we saw a good display of marsh marigold, celandine, and wood anenome, and a large patch of town-hall clock. The weather was fine throughout, and helped make this an enjoyable day out.

The Irk Valley Project. Saturay 8th March indoor. Dave Barlow.

A very interesting talk on the progress of the Irk Valley project, given by Dave Barlow, the project leader. The project covers the area of the Irk Valley for its end, at the River Irwell, to the Manchester border near the M60 by Heaton Park.

The valley contains some of the most polluted areas in Manchester, and consists of mainly derlict industrial areas, interspersed with long demolished housing, with occasional long established green areas such as Blackley forest.

The project aims to clean and improve the area along the river. Much has already been done, with paths, seats, and secure fencing being placed in several areas. The fencing is necessary to deter car dumpers and fly-tippers, who would quickly make an improved open space into another municipal tip.

Progress is being made in many areas of the Irk Valley, and Dave would like details of any plant finds made in the area.

Arnfield. Saturday 1st March Alan and Norman Bamforth.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend this walk due to illness.

Clifton Country Park Saturday 15th February Audrey Locksley

An excellent day of blue skies, but with a cold wind. Clifton Country Park is an area of disused mine workings (disused since 1928), which has been improved by the addition of paths, but has mostly been allowed to regenerate. The most important improvement is that the mine shafts and adits ( or soughs in the local vernacular) have been capped or fenced. Several information boards give an understanding of the area's industrial past. The area had both its own canal, linked to the Manchester, Bolton, and Bury canal, and its own railway, linked to the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway. The mines had problems with flooding (not suprising considering the closeness of the River Irwell); this was cured by James Brindley using a water powered pump.

It is still to early to expect to see any flowers, although first shoots of plants were showing. A flock of redwings was seen, and, on the lake, pochard, tufted duck, and great crested grebe. John found a moss on a tree, which may be only the second record of this moss in Lancashire. The lake, by the way, is not a natural feature, but was created by gravel extraction for the nearby M60.

Slides and notes from the archive of North - West naturalist Beth Harthan, Margaret McCormick, 8th February indoor.

Many members of the field club will remember the late Beth Harthan. On her death last year, her slide collection was left to the field club, along with various note books containing botanical field notes. From these, Margaret has put together a slide show to commemorate the life of a local naturalist, whose ability and knowledge was quite outstanding. Margaret used the slides to tell the story Beth's life, and brought humour to the evening with readings from the notebooks, including quotations from Beth's childhood and her school years. The outstanding impression from the slides was of the great ability and attention to detail which Beth applied to her botanical drawing.

Although I never met Beth, joining the club comparatively recently, I had heard stories of her. Lo and Behold, there was the slide of the "hole in the road", which I had heard about. In the discussion during and after the slides, the subject of the cowpat cropped up. These and other stories enlivened the evening, all told with a sense of this being perfectly normal behaviour for Beth.

The field club and the world of natural history in the local area, has lost an exceptional character.

The Elder. Margaret Brown. 11th January indoor.

Margaret gave an interesting talk on the Elder, including its history, varieties, and uses. As you may know, for many years Margaret has used the Elder for its medicinal properties, and to prove it, she brought along some samples of her elderflower cordial (non-alcoholic), and her elderberry cough medicine, with recipes for each. Much mirth was generated by the sight of Margaret "dosing" all the members with her cough mixture. I wish I had taken the camera along. We could have done with Oz Clarke turning up to give us a verdict on the "tasting".

Chorlton and Sale Water Park Saturday 4th January

A glorious sunny winters day greeted us for our annual "Recover from Christmas and Complain about the Relatives" walk. The cold but sunny weather continued for the whole day, making this a most enjoyable way to kick-off the new year.

A good start on the bird-watching front came with the sight of a male Goldeneye on Chorlton water, which may be seen on the first picture of the day in the picture gallery (get out your hand lens!). A female was later spotted on Sale Water Park, but too far away to merit a photo. Among other birds seen were cormorants (in their usual place on the pylon), goldcrest, grey wagtail, goosander, herons, great crested grebe, dabchick,and teal. A small group of about 8 teal were seen , which made a lovely sight in the sunshine.

As can be expected, not much could be seen botanically, at least not in identifiable condition, but the (presumably planted) hellebore by the wardens office at Sale was coming into flower. A few fungi were seen, presumably encouraged by the recent warm(ish) weather. A small group of shaggy inkcaps were in good condition on Cow lane, but for details of the others, ask Margaret McC.

This walk produced a good turnout of members, as well as some visitors, totalling 15 at maximum. We were again welcomed by the Mersey Valley wardens at the visitor centre.

2002

Annual General Meeting Saturday 9th November

The A.G.M. was well attended as usual. The business of the meeting was completed quickly, with the committee and officers being re-elected en-bloc. Thanks were expressed to all members who organised walks, and I feel sure that the members would like to thank the officers and committee for their efforts throughout the year.

With the business of the meeting completed, Alan Bamforth gave us a very interesting slide show on Fungi, attempting to explain the life cycle of some of the more peculiar species. The one that caused most discussion was one which infested hoverflies at one stage of its life cycle. If I have learnt correctly, this was the asexual fruiting body, which, as well as killing the hoverfly, modified its behaviour so that it landed on a grass seedhead before death. Alan showed a slide of a seedhead with dead hoverflies clustered around it. Alan suggested the possibility that the fungi then passed from the fly to the grass, to become Ergot, which then reproduced sexually, and somehow re-infected the fly.

If you think that this is strange behaviour, then the life cycle of slime moulds appears even more bizarre. They are normally a uniform blob (layer, skin, spillage?) made up of identical cells, which somehow all decide to form a sexual fruiting body, with each of the previously identical cells becoming the correct type of cell in its correct place.

A very interesting collection of slides, showing the varied forms of fungi, from the easily recognisable to the microscopic.

Delamere Forest. Saturday 19th October Peter and Diana White

On a cold but sunny day (mostly), 12 members met to view the fungi of Delamere Forest. This walk has been a regular on the Field Club programme for the last few years, and has always produced a good crop of fungi records. This year seems to have been a poor year for fungi, perhaps due to the weather in the last few weeks, which may have been too dry.

In the past couple of years, there have been many stinkhorns in the woods, but this year only one dead stipe was found. However, a good selection of common and not-so-common fungi were found. A good stand of Earthstars was still there from last year, but the Helvella was not visible in the same place, It was found again in a different location. Other good sightings included False Deathcap, and Clouded Agaric.

At the beginning of the walk, two gentlemen were ringing birds in the car park. The birds had been caught in mist nets by the feeding posts near the visitor centre. The ringers had caught Nuthatches, Greenfinches, Sparrows, and Tits. Watching them, it was interesting to see how well they handled the birds, which if held correctly, did not seem to be disturbed by the handling. (The birds did fly off like bullets once released though.) It is rare for mere mortals to get this close to birds, and the ringers rewarded our interest by pointing out some interesting features of the bird in hand ( worth two in a bush).

See photos in the picture gallery.

Recording wild plants in South Lancashire, Dave Earl. Saturday 12th October indoor.

An intersting selection of slides from Dave Earl's collection, showing the variety of plants which may be expected in VC59. Since the vice-county covers from the sea and sand-dunesof the Formby coast to the moorlands of east Lancashire, the range of plants is quite large.

Wardle and Watergrove Saturday 28th September Dave Earl (Recording walk)

The last walk of the summer programme! Seven members spent seven hours (that's 49 man-hours Dave) searching one tetrad to find anything which could possibly be described as a plant, living, dead, or just plain squashed flat. (My contribution of one dandelion and one nettle may not have made much difference). The experts in the party managed to find 201 records in the tetrad, not including the brambles which Dave was recording seperately.

An interesting feature of the reservoir was the inclusion, in one of the retaining walls, of the date stones from the cottages and mills which had been drowned by the water. The earliest dated from the mid-17th century.

Turton Tower and the Jumbles Saturday 21st September Tom and Barbara Waghorn

Warm and sunny weather greeted the 8 members at Jumbles country park .I had decided not to wear my shorts, and regretted it all day. At the end of the year, not many flowers were expected, and we were not disappointed. However, there was still plenty to see, and some flowers were out, including Greater Birdsfoot Trefoil, and Devils-bit Scabious.

Fungi were in short supply, perhaps because of the recent spell of dry weather, so we were pleased to see a number of butterflies. These included Painted Lady, Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, and Speckled Wood. Birds seen included Goldfinch, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, and Heron.

Tom had been on the Gall Gala in August, and was assiduously checking trees for galls, and finding some. Unfortunately, our gall indentification skills were limited, only identifying Pearl gall and Knapper/Knopper/Napper/Nopper(* delete where spelt wrongly) gall. One advantage of this serendipitous searching, is the finding of the unexpected, in our case a spider, hiding under a galled leaf which we were examining at lunch. ( I can't do spiders either).

Turton Tower was a delightful in the afternoon sun, with the crimson creeper just beginning to turn. It should be beautiful over the next few weeks. I have never seen Turton Tower before, although I have lived within 10 miles all my life, and have often driven past the sign to it in Jumbles. It definately looks worth a visit in the next few weeks.

A pleasant and interesting walk, in good company, and sunshine.

Hollingworth Lake Saturday 7th September C Walsh.

A "showery" day gave us two torrential downpours, followed by a warm sunny sunny spell. The walk, beginning at the visitor centre car park, took us down the valley, then up another small valley to Owlet Hall. From there, up on to the moorside,down to the hamlets of Whitaker and Syke, then back up to the moor to walk on to Higher Booth Farm next to the M62 motorway. From here, return to the car park was by way of Rakewood, and along the lake Embankment.

This is a quiet time of the year for flowers, with little left in flower. Plants seen included Greater Bird's-foot Trefoil, and Cross-leaved Heath, and perhaps crowberry. It is still a little early in the year for fungi, but Earthballs and Waxcaps were seen. A fine crop of cup lichens were growing on the wall of Syke Farm. There was a report from the owner of syke farm, of three large deer on the moor above.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the two walks in August, so have no report on them. If anybody wishes to place a report here, please e-mail it to me at the address in the contact list.

New permissive paths at Dunham Wednesday 24th July M. McCormick

A pleasant evening walk, the route of which had to be changed from that planned. This was due to the overgrowth of the planned paths after last years foot and mouth. The effects of the F & M still seem to be affecting many parts of the country.

Nothing of great note was seen, but it was interseting to see how much the habitat had changed since the Field Society's last visit a few years ago, with the area where we picniced now overgrown with willowherb.

Marbury & Anderton (for Boat Lift) Saturday 6th July A. Locksley

An interesting walk, starting and finishing at the Anderton Boat Lift, and covering the area of the Anderton Country Park. The boat lift has been restored to to full working order, using the pre-1908 hydraulic principle, and dispensing with the 1908 electrification and wire lifting technique. The lift is an amazing piece of our industrial heitage, and deserves its soubriquet of "the cathedral of the canals".

Many interesting flowers were seen in the country park, including an especially fine stand of fragrant orchids in a field, which appeared to be a limestone waste tip. Also found, was a most interesting low-growing green mushroom, which turned a bright greenish-blue where it was damaged (we await a positive identification from Margaret M). Also seen were green sandpipers on the Hadyn pond, and there were reports of godwits having been seen in the previous week.

(Green mushroom identified by Margaret as Entaloma Incana, described as "Fairly uncommon, found only on chalk & limestone grasslands. Poisonous." )

Blackley Forest Wednesday 26th June M. McCormick

An evening stroll, in the company of the Blackley Forest project officer from Manchester City Council, who explained the policy of the project as he showed us around the area. The area has been poorly recorded, and the project officer would appreciate any records made in the area. Several significant finds were made, including five types of Horsetail, and the re-discovery of some common spotted orchids which have not been seen for a couple of years.

Boggart Hole Clough Saturday 1st June, D. Earl

Good weather again, and a good turnout to search Boggart Hole Clough for whatever delights it might hold. Starting from the car park near the running track, we followed a route parallel to Charlestown road, to investigate a large area of open scrub/woodland. After a lunch stop, we continued down the slope, ending on one of the major paths through the park, past the site of the old ice-cream pavilion, which was removed many years ago.

Continuing on, up the main path towards the lake, the clough and stream were investigated by the more energetic members of the party, while the rest sat by the lake in the sunshine and enjoyed a good mug of tea (50p) from the refreshment pavilion ( the so-called "Coffin Dodgers Club"). With all the party re-united, we carried on around the old fishing lodge back to the cars, passing a large group of goslings of Canada geese.

Starting the day with approximately 100 records for this tetrad, from previous visits by club members, the number had increased to almost 200 by the end of the day.

Uppermill Saturday 18th May, C. Walsh

In unappealing weather, members met eventually at the arranged place or at the visitor centre. The first part of the walk traversed the line of the "Delph Donkey", a now disused railway line which branched off the Huddersfield mainline, and ran for about one mile to Delph. The most common flower along this stretch seemed to be bluebells, which appeared to be the native variety. They are much later here than in other areas of Manchester, but, as Norman put it, it is always an overcoat colder in Saddleworth. Return to the picnic area near the visitor centre for lunch, was made by a footpath on the opposite side of the Tame valley, through a SSSI, which appeared to contain bluebells and little else. A return visit later in the year may reveal other plants.

During lunch, the drizzle started, so it was decided to reverse the second half of the walk, so that the flowers in the valley under Saddleworth church could be seen before the rain became too severe. While the experts were searching the denser undergrowth near the stream, Audrey discovered the leaves of Marsh Violet half way up the field used for horse riding. As the weather showed little sign of improving, two members decided to return to the cars, while the remainder continued northwards, past some very nice old weavers cottages, to rejoin the canal near to the entrance of the Standedge tunnel at Diggle. Return to the cars was by way of the canal towpath, after investigating one of the artworks which form part of the linear art gallery along the Tame valley.

Prestwich and Heaton Park, Saturday 11th May. M. and R. Davies.

A beautiful May day, despite the rather gloomy weather forecast. The walk began by following Old Hall Lane, which is an unadopted and unimproved by-way, squeezed between the golf club in Heaton Park(surrounded by a high wall), and the M60 motorway, an unlikely looking place to find interesting flowers, but the Hawthorn was in full bloom, and the common flowers and butterflies were to be seen. The walk continued on to Simister Lane, and then to St. Margarets church, to see the graves of the Earls of Wilton, who used to own Heaton Hall and Park.

On into the Park itself, for a visit to the Garden Centre, and a stroll through the Rhodedendrons, and through the park to Middleton Road. Crossing the road brought us into Blackley Forest, by the bonny banks of Irk, where a special effort was made to identify a mystery sedge, without great success. We await Dave Earl's verdict on this one. A short stroll through the forest brought us back to our starting point.

Another good haul of records for these tetrads was made, possibly doubling the number of species known from previous walks.

Healey Dell (recording walk) Saturday 20th April P. Tolfree

Healey Dell is a steep sided gorge cut through shale and sandstone, which became a centre for wool and cotton manufactories in the 17th century. Now the industry has declined, leaving an area of industial wasteland at the bottom of the valley, and a large area of unimproved rough land in the upper part of the valley. The area is now a local nature reserve, linked by the disused Rochdale to Bacup railway line, which makes a fine footpath.

A preliminary survey by Priscilla recorded approximately 70 species of plants in the two tetrads covered, and a further 70 were added on the day. An enjoyable if slowly paced day!

Hopwood Clough and Hall, Saturday 6th April, J. Lowell.

Again, good weather for the walk around an area of mixed woodland surrounding the old hall at Hopwood. The hall itself has been used as a seminary, a teacher training college, and is now a sixth-form college. In the immediate (private) grounds can be seen a miniature version of the catholic cathedral in Liverpool.

The area is now called the Hopwood Woods Local Nature Reserve, and is an open access area. The reserve consists of six (depending how you count) separate areas of woodland, ranging from ancient woodland to planting as parkland and formal gardens for the hall itself.

The leader set off with a long list of plants to find, and, by the end, he seemed well pleased with the results. After the first couple of shouts of "marsh marigold", further calls were greeted with less enthusiasm, as happened with an increasing number of plants as the day wore on.

The walk recorded not just flowering plants, but also fungi, mosses, lichens, grasses, and birds. I await the full list with interest.

Moore Nature Reserve, Saturday 16th March, M McCormick.

An excellent outing, with good weather, to an area never visited before. The reserve covers 200 acres of wetland and woodland, providing a mixed habitat for a wide variety of birds.

After Michael Deane's slide show on Monday evening, we had an idea of what we might see, and were not disappointed. From memory (and remember this is my memory), amongst widfowl we saw Ruddy Duck, Dabchick, Great Crested Grebe, Gadwall, Goldeneye, Shoveller, Teal, Tufted Duck and Mallard. Small birds were in abundance, including various tits (long-tailed, blue, great) and warblers.

After lunch, we were joined by Michael Deane, who led us to an area of the reserve where he has photographed Owls, and he was able to point out a pair of Long-Eared Owls, roosting in a tree. This was at a distance of less than thirty feet, so the birds were in clear view to binoculars, a fantastic sight which the amateurs amongst us would have definately missed. After a brief sojourn in an adjacent field to watch for Short-Eared Owls, which did not turn up, we adjourned to one of the hides to attempt to see the bitterns, which are resident at Moore. They too decided not to put in an appearance, so we returned to the cars in the gloaming.

Moore is an excellent sight for wildlife, although it is hemmed in by industry, the Ship Canal, railway lines and the River Mersey. Perhaps because of this, it does not seem to have been discovered by masses of people. During the day, we only saw a couple of dozen people apart from ourselves, which, given the area of the reserve, meant we had at least a couple of acres each to look at. Moore will repay visiting throughout the year, especially in the Spring to see the flowers, which are only just starting to put in an appearance, and in Summer for the summer visiting birds (kingfishers!).

Indoor meeting, Monday 11th March, M Deane.

This meeting followed an invitation from the Manchester Bird Club to join them for the slide show by Michael Deane. Michael, who is a professional photographer, has spent many hours(days, weeks) over the last few years, photographing the birds and other wildlife of Moore Nature Rserve, which is the location of our next outdoor meeting.

The slides were excellent, showing both the commonplace birds and the exotic, from Wrens to Kingfishers, by way of Owls and Bitterns. Altogether a very intersting evening, which has wetted my apetite for Saturdays visit, even allowing for the fact that the summer migrants will not have arrived yet.

Indoor Meeting, Saturday 9th March, M. McCormick

An excellent talk covering a small area of Manchester, around the Carrington Moss area, throughout the year. This area is of particular interest to Margaret, since she helps in the management of small areas of woodland. The re-introduction of Alder Buckthorn to one area has probably help in the recolonisation of the area by Brimstone butterflies, which used to be common in the area.

Arnfield, Saturday 23rd February, Leader Norman Bamforth

It did NOT rain, but the Bamforths lived up to their reputation for MUD. The weather gave us plenty of variety, ranging from brilliant blue skies and a blazing sun, to snow, via hail (soft and hard) falling vertically and blowing horizontally, all in quick succession, but at NO TIME did it RAIN.

As you would expect for the time of the year, not many wild flowers were in evidence, with only leaves showing (except for Gorse). Possible flowering plants included Ivy leaved Crowfoot and Creeping Cinquefoil. Many Mosses and Liverworts were in evidence, but the expected birds on Arnfield reservoir were missing since the reservoir level appears to have been lowered on a permanent basis.

A pleasant walk with good views of the Derbyshire moors during the sunny spells.