2001 Teesside 7 - 8 July Main Meeting
After a Friday evening get-together to meet the leader lan Lawrence, the meeting started at the South Gare breakwater area of the Tees estuary. The breakwater was constructed out of slag from the local steel industry in the mid-19th century, resulting in a highly calcareous base for an interesting collection of wild plants. As well as the natural vegetation which has established itself in the past 150 years there are several garden throw-outs such as Kniphofia praecox (Red-hot Poker), Antirrhinum majus(Snapdragon), Bergenia crassifolia (Elephant-ears) and Sedum species. In the wet areas we noted Juncus ambiguus (a Frog Rush), J. gerardii (Saltmarsh Rush), Carex extensa (Long-bracted Sedge), C. distans (Distant Sedge) and in brackish ponds Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Grey Club-rush) and Bolboschoenus maritimus(Sea Club-rush). By the breakwater road was a large patch ofEuphorbia xpseudoesula (Figert's Spurge) and some lovely plants of Lychnis flos-jovis (Flower of Jove). Scattered throughout the area were a hawkweed Hieracium eboracense local to that part of north-east England and plants of Melilotus altissimus (Tall Melilot) which, with the hawkbits Leontodon hispidus and L. saxatilis, made the area glow! In the afternoon we moved on to Coatham Marsh Nature Reserve where we saw a colony of Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid) among typical lime-loving plants. In a nearby ditch were Hippuris vulgaris (Mare's-tail), Veronica catenata (Pink Water-speedwell) and Myosotis laxa (Tufted Water Forget-me-not). We examined the seaside subspecies littoreus of Rumex crispus (Curled Dock) and a group of Verbascum densiflorum(Large-flowered Mullein). The nearby sand-dunes gave us Erodium lebelii (Sticky Stork's-bill) and Cerastium arvense (Field Mouse-ear). Blysmus compressus (Flat- headed Sedge) occurred in the damper parts along with Dactylorhiza purpurella(Northern Marsh-orchid) in many forms. On a mound of dumped earth at the edge of a golf course were huge plants of Sinapis arvensis (Charlock) which puzzled me at first, Sisymbrium orientale (Eastern Rocket) and Erysimum cheiranthoides (Treacle Mustard). On the landward side of the dunes was an eye-catching display of Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom), Securigera varia (Crown Vetch), Petroselinum segetum(Parsley), Medicago sativa (Lucerne) and Cichorium intybus (Chicory).
The approach to the North Gare on the opposite side of the estuary, where we met on the Sunday, produced a beauty of its own. Ahead, on the long, straight road, flanked with pylons, was the nuclear power station. On either side of us were green meadows, clear and fresh. Big purple clouds were piling up behind the power station and a shaft of sunlight picked out the steam rising from the coolers. A fleeting moment, the light had changed and the picture had gone. Beauty can be mixed with industry!
The land at North Gare is managed by English Nature. Extensive grassland is flanked by dunes, where we saw Festuca arenaria (Rush-leaved Fescue) along with Lactuca virosa (Great Lettuce) and a large patch of Euphorbia x pseudovirgata (Leafy Spurge). The short turf was brightened by Astragalus danicus (Purple Milk-vetch). In the adjoining wet meadow we walked through thousands of tiny frogs to see Dactylorhiza purpurella var. atrata, a form of Northern Marsh-orchid which is only found in this area. Its strange dark flowers attracted much photography.
In the afternoon we had a total contrast and walked along the banks of the Tees inland at Thomaby. The scene was completed when the Teesside Princess, reminiscent of a Mississippi paddle-steamer, came round a bend of the river. The sides of the path were adorned with Centaurea x moncktonii, a hybrid knapweed thought to have beenbrought by boats bringing roof tiles from Holland, where it is not uncommon. On the river bank we saw Rorippa amphibia (Great Yellow-cress), Apium graveolens (WildCelery) and Allium scorodoprasum (Sand Leek) amongst the tall riverside grasses Glyceria maxima and Phalaris arundinacea.
Just as we were finishing this botanical walk around the horseshoe bend of the river known as the Holmes, the heavens opened. We got to the cars rather wet and made for Teesport through another deluge, making it difficult to follow the leader, into the industrial heartland of the area south of river. Fortunately we drove out of the rain and were able to walk some distance along ICI pipelines parallel to the rail complex to see the rare Rapistrum perenne (Steppe Cabbage), passing Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax) and Arenaria serpyllifolia subsp. leptoclados (Slender Thyme- leaved Sandwort) on the industrial ballast path. And there it was, the famous Steppe Cabbage, a low sprawling plant with dainty yellow flowers and large dark green shiny leaves. A fitting end to a splendid weekend.
Our thanks go to Pat Wood of the Cleveland Naturalists' Field Club who helped the leader, but especially to lan Lawrence who organised and led the meeting. lan - how do you do it? Nothing was too much trouble. You thought of everything. Thank you again.
RACHEL RABEY