1998 Upper Wharfedale North Yorkshire 6 June One Day Meeting
Fifteen members met on a very dull morning in the quarry car-park at Grass Wood. We were met by Mrs A. Grimshaw of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust who is Chairperson of the Grass Wood Management Committee. After a short introduction she kindly showed us three spikes of Neottia nidus-avis (Bird's-nest Orchid). Originally, there were five plants until the slugs took a hand. After this, we were then left to our own devices to explore the wood.
At the lower end of the wood we saw a large stand of Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris) with at least one plant with five leaves. Polygonatum odoratum (Angular Solomon's-seal) and Symphytum orientale (Soft Comfrey) were nearby. Unfortunately, a single Allium scorodoprasum (Sand Leek) seen the week before had disappeared. Progressing further into the wood we saw Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine), Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose), Betula pubescens (Downy Birch), Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan), Rubus saxatilis (Stone Bramble) and mGeranium sanguineum (Bloody Crane's-bill). There was an abundance of Convallaria majalis(Lilly-of-fhe-Valley)and the odd Arabis hirsuta (Hairy Rock Cress). Other noteworthy plants included Geranium sylvaticum (Wood Crane's-bill), Rosa pimpinellifolia (Burnet Rose), and Gallium odoratum (Woodruff). Making our way back to the car-park we saw Euonymus europaeus(Spindle), Ligustrum vulgare (Wild Privet), Helleborus foetidus (Stinking Hellebore) and, a recent find for the wood, Iris foetidissima (Stinking Iris).
Lunch was taken in cars as the heavens opened. After lunch, and still raining, we preceded a short distance to the local Kilnsey Trout Farm to see Saxifraga x urbium (Londonpride) and along a nearby roadside Rosa x alba. Because of the rain we adjourned to the cafe for a cup of tea. Coming out the rain was easing so we continued to the banks of the river Skirfare where the flora of the boggy ground included Primula farinosa(Bird's-eye Primrose), Carex panicea (Carnation sedge), Carex viridula ssp. oedocarpa (Common Yellow Sedge), and ssp. brachyrrhyncha (Long-stalked Yellow Sedge), Blysmus compressus (Rat Sedge), Schoenus nigricans (Black Bog Rush), and Pinguicula vulgaris(Common Butterwort).
We then moved on to Amcliffe, pausing on the way to see a lovely patch of Cirsium heterophyllum (Melancholy Thistle). Proceeding up the fell we saw a marvellous sight: sheets of Primula farinosa in full bloom which set the cameras clicking. Further on there were many Orchis mascula (Early Purple Orchid), though most had gone over. We also saw Gallium sterneri (Limestone Bedstraw) and Viola lutea (Mountain Pansy). After climbing to the top of the scar we saw a lovely display of Dryas octopetala (Mountain Avens) which pleased many members as some had travelled a long distance to see it. On the walk back to the village Cymbalaria pallida (Italian Toadflax) was spotted on a stone wall.
We then went our separate ways in bright sunshine after an enjoyable but wet day. Our thanks to Ted Phenna from Llandudno who kindly assisted my wife and I with the meeting.
MR AND MRS BULLOCK