Recently, I was delighted to discover a population of the inconspicuous ladybird, Rhyzobius chrysomeloides, in Tyneside.
Looking for ladybirds in the early part of this year has been great fun and already, it feels like I’m making some headway in tracking down a few of the ‘scarcer’ and more inconspicuous species to be found locally. Beating conifers for Cream-streaked Ladybird, sweeping grasses for Rhyzobius litura and perusing tussocks for 24-Spot Ladybird; it has all been fairly straightforward when following the notes contained within Helen Roy and Peter Brown’s fab book.
That said, there is clearly something to be said for looking in seemingly unusually places too – a row of ornamental Dwarf Mountain Pine (Pinus mugo) adorning a roadside in Silverlink Industrial Estate seemingly not the most obvious place to hunt for ladybirds. Opting to check the trees anyway, I was delighted last week to encounter not one but several Epaulet Ladybird (Rhyzobius chrysomeloides), a species I have read much about but hadn’t given much thought to given that it isn’t meant to occur in the North East.
A predominately Southern species found as far North as Lancaster, this little ladybird is particularly fond of evergreen trees and shrubs. I confess it does look very similar to the common Meadow Ladybird (Rhyzobius litura) but thankfully, a few of the individuals seen were very strongly marked and showed the distinct ‘shoulder-pads’ associated with this species. It has since been confirmed by inconspicuous ladybird recorder, Andrew Jewels.
There’s quite a distance between Lancaster and Tyneside so this sighting looks to mark quite an exciting range expansion for this tiny but rather interesting ladybird. Further visits to the site by other local naturalists have since revealed them in new squares and it seems they could be fairly widespread across Silverlink. Looking at the maps, who’d have thought?
A quick summary of a productive month spent exploring the scarcer ladybirds of Newcastle.
While out and about in search of ladybirds this last few weeks, I have been lucky enough to stumble across a number of scarce and unusual species in addition to the plentiful 7-Spots and Orange Ladybirds so many of us know and love. Several of which have been completely new for this incredibly amateur ladybird spotter. Here, I thought I’d share a few highlights from what has been a glorious few weeks spent finding and recording these colourful insects.
Starting, you guessed it, in local cemeteries and perhaps the highlight of the past few weeks, and it was exciting to find singles of Cream-streaked Ladybird (Harmonia quadripunctata) in both Jesmond Old Cemetery and Benton Cemetery. A fairly large, robust ladybird similar in appearance to the non-native Harlequin, a quick search of NBN would suggest this conifer specialist is yet to be recorded in South Northumberland (VC67), until now.
The first of these was beaten from Black Pine (Pinus nigra), while the second was found on a gravestone. There are surely many more of these large and impressive ladybirds out there to be discovered.
While searching for ladybirds as part of the North East Ladybird Spot, one species I had desperately wanted to find was the 18-Spot Ladybird (Myrrha octodecimguttata). Another conifer specialist sporting a distinctive mix of cream spots atop maroon wing cases, this is likely another under-recorded ladybird owing to its tendency to hide out within the dense foliage of conifers.
Visiting Jesmond Old Cemetery a fortnight back, it was therefore quite exciting to find not one but five of these insects nestled on a gravestone beneath the only pine in the cemetery. The same one, in fact, that also held the Cream-streaked above. These isolated trees really can come up trumps when it comes to specialist ladybirds!
One species I seem to be encountering with increasing frequency in the North East is the Adonis’ Ladybird (Hippodamia variegata). A ladybird associated with sandy, open soils, this is a very small species that superficially resembles the common 7-Spot. Small size aside, it can be told apart by its more elongated body shape and the concentration of black spots towards the rear of the wing cases.
The first of the ladybirds shown below was beaten from Black Pine in Jesmond Old Cemetery, while the duo in the pot were found within Gorse at Havannah Nature Reserve.
Adonis’ Ladybird (Hippodamia variegata)
After encountering Striped Ladybird (Myzia oblongoguttata) for the first time a few weeks back, it has been fantastic catch up with further individuals over recent weeks. During a trip to Havannah Nature Reserve with members of the natural history society, three of these beautiful insects were seen, while a visit to Gosforth Nature Reserve produced a surprise when the potted individual below was beaten from Gorse. Albeit near to its favoured Scots Pine.
Striped Ladybird featured in a recent video I produced for the North East Ladybird Spot. Please do take a look below, if you can look past my nervous, flailing hands…
Despite (apparently) being reasonable common, Larch Ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata) is a species I have struggled to catch up with this winter. To date, checking the trunks and branches of larch has drawn a blank, as have gravestones in conifer rich cemeteries. You can imagine my delight then when the ladybird shown below was beaten from the tip of a wind-blown Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) as Gosforth Nature Reserve.
Despite appearing somewhat drab, this small, brown ladybird with its distinctive black central line is actually rather pretty when viewed up close.
Back to Benton Cemetery now and while searching the ranks of Harlequin and Orange Ladybirds, it was a delight to encounter my first Eyed Ladybird (Anatis ocellata) of the year. Britain’s largest species, this ladybird sports distinctive white rings around its many black spots. A feature which, as its name suggests, gives the appearance of having eyes atop its wing cases. A conifer specialist, I can count on one hand the number of times I have encountered this species to date.
Eyed Ladybird (Anatis ocellata)
Finally, we come to a North East ladybird that I am beginning to think is not all too scarce at all, rather tricky to see and highly under-recorded. Hiding out in the stems of Bulrush (Typha latifolia) and other marginal plants in winter, the Water Ladybird (Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata) seems to be cropping up at more and more local sites as naturalists begin purposefully looking for it.
The individuals spotted below were seen at Gosforth Nature Reserve, but others were also encountered at Havannah Nature Reserve and Rising Sun Country Park.
Water Ladybird (Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata)Water Ladybird (Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata)
And there we have it, a quick tour of some ladybird highlights from the last few weeks. I will be continuing the Ladybird Yearlist throughout 2022 which thanks to the additions of Larch and Eyed Ladybirds now stands at a reasonable 17 species. Truthfully, I am not sure how many more are out there to be discovered but I at least stand a chance of encountering 11-Spot and 24-Spot Ladybird before year’s end, while 14-Spot is all but guaranteed if I find the time to poke about some grassland.
Setting my sights a little higher, I will also be visiting suitable sites in search of the slightly more elusive 5-Spot Ladybird; while the predominately Southern 16-Spot Ladybird cannot be out of the question while walking in grassland come summer…
Continuing this year’s Ladybird Year List and capturing records for the North East Ladybird Spot, the last few weekends have been spent admiring winter ladybirds conifers. Scots Pine, Larch, exotic Lodgepole and Black Pines, even the odd spruce.
Havannah Nature Reserve near Dinnington first and few visits to explore the site’s conifers turned up a good number of Pine Ladybirds (Exochomus qadripustulatus), with eight spotted on our first visit and six on our second. While the majority were found, rather fittingly, on pine, we also found a few overwintering on Gorse for the first time.
It was nice too to encounter the guttatopunctata form of 10-Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata) hiding out in a branch tip.
Pine Ladybird (Exochomus qadripustulatus)Pine Ladybird (Exochomus qadripustulatus)10-Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata)
Confessing an ulterior motive for our trip to Havannah, a spot of tree-tapping focused on more mature conifers produced not one but two Striped Ladybirds (Myzia oblongoguttata), an entirely new species for me!
Somewhat of a goldilocks ladybird, this species has a close association with Scots Pine but is seldom found on younger trees. Supposedly, these striking little insects overwinter at ground level so what they were doing on exposed branches in February, I don’t know.
Striped Ladybird (Myzia oblongoguttata)
Fast forward a week and on our second visit to Havannah, we managed to find a total of three Striped Ladybirds, with one in particular (shown in the video below) clearly energised by the sunny conditions.
Striped Ladybird (Myzia oblongoguttata)
Whilst at Havannah, it would have been rude not to survey some of the Gorse on-site for ladybirds too and, after fifteen minutes, we were rewarded with the beauty below, an Adonis’ Ladybird (Hippodamia variegata).
I can count on one hand the number of times I have seen this fairly elusive species, finding them previously only at Newcastle Great Park and Silverlink. With a distinctive pattern of white and black on the pronotum and spots concentrated towards the rear of the wing cases, they are rather lovely.
Adonis’ Ladybird (Hippodamia variegata)
A few more highlights from the last couple of weeks and a quick visit to Iris Brickfield Park in Heaton turned up another new species for me in the form of this Red Marsh Ladybird (Coccidula rufa). One of the tiny, inconspicuous ladybirds, this species has a close association with wetland habitats where is commonly encountered on reeds, rushes and similar plants. You can imagine my surprise then to knock this one out of a pine tree while searching for its larger cousins!
Also in Iris Brickfield Park, a few stands of Stinking Iris provided a nice opportunity to look for some overwintering grassland ladybirds. Shaking the plants over a net, I was pleased to find four 22-Spot Ladybirds (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata), a species I have only ever encountered in summer, usually on the mildewy leaves of Hogweed or Knapweed. I do love these vibrant little ladybirds.
22-spot Ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata)
Slightly further back in time now and a flying visit to Rising Sun Country Park in North Tyneside turned up my first Kidney-Spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus) of the year sheltering in the upper branches of a wind-blown pine. Again, not a species I encounter very often at all!
Kidney-spot Ladybird (Chilocorus renipustulatus)
Finally, at all of the sites listed above, by far the most numerous ladybird species was (as ever) the 7-Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata). Little needs said about this one…
7-Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata)
Finds over the past few weeks have taken the ladybird year list to a total of thirteen species. Not bad for late February in North East England! Whilst there are certainly a few more ‘easy’ species to be found as we move into spring – 14-Spot, 24-Spot and the inconspicuous Rhyzobius litura – I am very much hoping to catch up with a few more elusive species too. Larch Ladybird should be found, with a little luck, as should Eyed and 11-Spot Ladybirds, at the very least…
With the Natural History Society of Northumbria’s fantastic North East Ladybird Spot launching this week, most of this weekend has been spent searching for these colourful insects at various sites across Tyneside. A January pastime I would never have considered a few short years ago that now, knowing where to look, is becoming somewhat of an obsession.
Orange Ladybirds (Halyzia sedecimguttata)
Orange Ladybirds (Halyzia sedecimguttata) have proven incredibly numerous this winter and, while visiting Preston Cemetery in Tynemouth, I was surprised to stumble quite literally hundreds of these insects dotted across the site’s many aged gravestones. The majority being found in wooded areas where headstones are located in the shade of broadleaf trees.
While I can count on one hand the number of times I have spotted this species in Summer, Winter really does seem like the prime time to look for these striking critters before they return to the treetops come Spring.
While Orange Ladybirds were numerous this weekend, Harlequin Ladybirds (Harmonia axyridis) were even more so, with huge numbers found in the city at Jesmond, Wallsend and Heaton. Few were to be seen at Tynemouth, oddly enough, but a handful were observed secreted amid the ranks of the plentiful Orange Ladybirds in what can only be described as a complete reversal of my observations in Newcastle. Here, these large invaders outnumber everything else ten to one.
Never present in great numbers and always somewhat of a pain to find, it was pleasantly surprising to find Cream-Spot Ladybirds (Calvia quatuordecimguttata) at a few local sites this weekend. Singles were found at Tynemouth and Wallsend, though the greatest numbers by far were seen in Jesmond Old Cemetery. A trusty site for a great range of ladybirds!
I do find it slightly odd how the numbers of each species of ladybird vary between sites with no obvious difference in habitat…
Cream-spot Ladybird (Calvia quatuordecimguttata)
2-Spot Ladybirds (Adalia bipunctata) seem to vary in number daily, though where they are vanishing to in the depths of winter I am not too sure. Whereas last week ten or so could be found in Jesmond Old Cemetery, this week, only a single ladybird could be seen. Similarly, none were located at all at any of the other sites visited. This species is suffering a notable decline in the UK thanks in a large part to the arrival of the Harlequin and it seems that here too, they are growing scarcer.
Ever reliable, Jesmond also yielded a number of lovely Pine Ladybirds (Exochomus quadripustulatus), mostly sound asleep on gravestones. Small, black and fairly inconspicuous, I suspect I walked past a great many of these before spotting the one pictured below.
Another species that has proven to be anything but reliable this winter is the 10-Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata), with only a single individual spotted during this weekend’s meanderings, once again in Jesmond.
A dreadful photo of a 10-Spot Ladybird (Adalia decempunctata)
Believe it or not, it took until the end of March 2021 to encounter my first 7-Spot Ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata) of the year. Thankfully, this year, a glance at some immature Sitka Spruce and tatty Gorse at Gosforth Nature Reserve helped spare me the embarrassment this time around, with six found tucked up at the end of branches.
Finally, we come to the undisputed highlight of the weekend and a chance encounter with a Water Ladybird (Anistosticta novemdecimpunctata) at the same site, this one found nestled within the decaying stem of a Bulrush. A real favourite of mine, I expected to wait until at least May before happening across this species which remains scarce, or at least under-recorded, in my corner of the country.
Water Ladybird (Anistosticta novemdecimpunctata)
Inspired by those sharing their finds under #LadybirdYearList on Twitter, this year I’ll be attempting to see as many of these fabulous insects as possible across the North East. While we are not exactly spoiled for choice up here, lacking many of the inconspicuous ladybirds found in the South and a good few of the larger species too, I suspect 12-15 might be possible with a little effort.
Last year provided my first encounter with Eyed, Kidney-Spot and 24-Spot Ladybirds and this year, hopefully, I may catch up with Striped, Larch or Hieroglyphic – species I am yet to see anywhere in the UK.
2021 has been a funny old year but despite the big c and the various restrictions it brought, it has also been a memorable one. While time outdoors has been limited this year, thankfully, I have still been lucky enough to observe, enjoy and record some fantastic wildlife. As the New Year dawns, I thought I’d share some highlights here.
Truthfully, I have seen more bees in 2021 than in any other year of my life to date, but perhaps that is because I have actually been looking?
Regardless, spurred on by NHSN’s North East Bee Hunt and supported to no end by helpful local experts, I have encountered some rather lovely species this year: my first Moss Carders on Lindisfarne, my first Hairy-footed Flower Bees (a county scarcity) and some delightful Bilberry Bumblebees to name but a few. All of which goes without mention of a dazzling assortment of other leafcutters, yellow-faced bees and bumbles.
Perhaps the highlight of the year on this front was finding this little Northern Mining Bee on spring wander through Ingram Valley in North Northumberland. This marked the first vice-county record for this attractive little insect and certainly made the hike worthwhole.
Northern Mining Bee, Andrena ruficrus
Lots of ladybirds
2021 marked my first year of purposefully seeking out ladybirds and I have been lucky to find and record a great many this year. Some of these, the 22-spot, 7-spot and Orange Ladybirds were familiar while others including the Eyed and 11-Spot Ladybirds shown below were entirely new for me.
A real highlight was discovering the inconspicuous but beautiful Water Ladybird at several new sites around Newcastle; while I also caught up with my first Adonis’ and Kidney-spot Ladybirds locally,
A little account of ladybird recording in Newcastle can be found here.
Befitting two exciting (but equally terrifying) new roles as joint BSBI vice-county recorder for North Northumberland, and joint Botany Specialist Group lead for NHSN, much of this year has been spent admiring plants.
Highlights here are too numerous to list with many interesting sites visited and many species observed. Instead, a few local finds spring to mind including the first county record of Curry Plant growing on the pavement here in Heaton, and a county-first Marshmallow spotted beside a local pond. Vosges Whitebeam was a notable find at a couple of local sites, if only because it took some time to ID it, while it has been interesting to observe several Thorn-apple plants growing close to home. A sure sign of their spread into the North of the UK.
Of course, our native species have enchanted too with a particular highlight coming from an encounter with my first-ever Maiden Pinks on the North Northumberland coast. I will make a point of revisiting these next year.
Spending so much time at home, it was inevitable that more time would be dedicated to recording wildlife in our little garden. With over 200 species encountered, there are too many to list but standout moments include the arrival of Currant Clearwing and Mint Moth, plenty of Davies’ Colletes and some nice moth trap finds, including the superb Figure-of-Eighty shown below.
In the latter half of 2021, I set about attempting to learn urban trees with a focus on the more unusual, non-native species so commonly planted in our parks, towns and cities. Spending countless hours roaming various sites in Newcastle, I was delighted to encounter dozens of new species, from North American Pin and Red Oaks to Himalayan Birch and a range of unusual maples. While conifers still baffle me, getting to grips with the various globe-trotters with whom I share the city has certainly been eye-opening – there are so many out there!
You can share a closer look at Newcastle’s trees (and shrubs) with me here.
A slightly unusual one now and while searching for ladybirds, I have been amazed by the quantity and diversity of shieldbugs uncovered at a range of local haunts. Some of these, like the Green, Hairy and Hawthorn Shieldbugs were familiar to me already; though a range of new species were encountered too including the striking Spiked Shieldbug and aptly named Parent Bug. I will certainly spend more time exploring this group in 2022.
A small, artificial reserve on the fringes of the city, Silverlink Biodiversity Park in North Tyneside has long been a favourite of mine when it comes to plants and invertebrates. Each year, I make a point of visiting the site in Summer with the aim of counting and enjoying its beautiful Bee Orchids and this year, the plants did not disappoint.
2021 was a record-breaking year for these colourful little wildflowers and here, hundreds were observed blooming across the site’s small but diverse grassland areas. It was also great to share this little-known with local naturalists as part of a guided walk back in July.
Bee Orchid, Ophrys apiferaA group walk at SilverlinkBee Orchid, Ophrys apifera
A trip to Teesdale
At the tail end of Spring, I was lucky enough to pay my first visit to the botanist’s paradise that is Upper Teesdale. While our walk may have been a little longer than planned – I severely misjudged the route – it was sensational to observe many of the plants that help make this area so special. Iconic and beautiful Spring Gentians, Alpine Meadow-rue, Bird’s-eye Primrose, Mountain Pansy and Green Spleenwort, there was certainly much to see.
I look forward to visiting again in 2022 and hopefully catching up with a few of the species that eluded me this time around. I’m looking at you Shrubby Cinquefoil and Holly Fern…
While pottering about in search of plants, bees and ladybirds, it would have been rude not to pay closer attention to the other taxa seen on my travels. From butterflies and hoverflies to fascinating fungi, highlights have been too many to count but a few stand out moments include more Dingy Skippers than I can shake a stick at, thirty species of hoverfly, some impressive longhorn beetles and the first record of Diprion similis, a scarce Sawfly, for North East England.
While I have a long way to go before I can confidently identify species in these groups, I look forward to broadening my horizons further next year.
Nature is better when enjoyed together and it would be rude of me not to mention the many passionate naturalists I have had the pleasure to meet and work with this year. By offering help with species identification and sharing experiences in the field, it is the people that have made 2021 so rewarding for this amateur naturalist.
Special thanks go to Louise Hislop and Charlotte Rankin for their help identifying bees and to Chris and Hazel Metherell for some memorable botanical moments, but really, it has been wonderful to share experiences with so many committed wildlife-watchers. I hope to meet many more next year.
Bees at SilverlinkBotany at WylamAdmiring Bombus rupestrisLook, a Moss Carder!
Living as I do in the city, many of the plants encountered daily are fairly tropical in origin. One of the most prominent of these is Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus) which here, in my area of Newcastle, is particularly abundant in pavement cracks, walls, and other rocky places.
Clad in the vibrant yellow flowers typical of ragworts, Oxford Ragwort flowers all year round and never fails to brighten up a walk along our street, even in winter, when little else blooms and even the omnipresent Sheperd’s-purse has given up.
The rather healthy plant above was observed growing as a pavement plant, standing tall behind the bus stop at the end of my street.
Background
The genus name of ‘Senecio’ identifies this plant as a Ragwort and its species, squalidus, means ‘bad-smelling plant’
A member of the daisy family, Asteraceae, Oxford Ragwort is native to rocky and volcanic areas of Sicily, where it arose as a hybrid between two of the islands endemic species, Senecio aethnensis and Senecio chrysanthemifolius.
This species was introduced to cultivation in Britain from Sicily by William Shepard and in the 1700s where it soon made its way to Oxford Botanical Garden. By 1794 the plant had escaped the confined of the garden and could be found growly freely on Oxford’s city walls.
With the onset of rail travel, the plant found a new habitat and quickly spread to colonise the stone chippings used to line railway beds. From here, it was able to spread across the length and breadth of Britain, using railway tracks to reach urban areas across the country.
Oxford Ragwort is now widely distributed across the UK and, true to its nature, prefers seemingly barren habitats such as wasteground, city streets and walls. It is more widespread in the South of the UK but is also found in Northern England and Scotland.
An interesting paper on the introduction of Oxford Ragwort to the UK, courtesy of BSBI, can be found here.
Cinnabar, Tyria jacobaeae, feeding on Oxford Ragwort
Identifying Oxford Ragwort
Superficially similar to any other ragwort, Oxford Ragwort is a medium-sized plant with a well-branched stem. Its leaves are deep green and strongly lobed. Leaf shape in this species can, however, vary drastically from slightly serrate (saw-like) to double-pinnate.
It also has a more spreading habit than the Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and seldom grows to the same height as the latter species, preferring to grow outwards instead of up.
The flowerheads of this plant are bright yellow, usually with thirteen to fifteen ray florets but generally, look fairly similar to any other member of this family. Instead, the best way to identify Oxford Ragwort is to look at the bracts that form the ‘cup’ behind the flowerhead. In this species, these are tipped black. This applies to the longer inner bracts and much short outer ones.
Oxford Ragwort is commonly encountered growing as a pavement plant
For a more in-depth look at this species, a very useful page can be found here.
It might seem odd to start a new series with a tree few have heard of (I certainly hadn’t until a few weeks past) but recently, I’ve been bumping into the unassuming Sorbus mougeotii quite a bit in my local area.
Looking similar to the Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia), at least to my untrained eye, Mougeot’s Whitebeam (Sorbus mougeotii) is a popular choice for landscapers and here in Newcastle, appears to be widely planted in parks and on reclaimed land. But not always…
The tree shown below was encountered in what appeared to be a wild setting, growing on the Banks of the River Tyne between Newburn and Wylam. In contrast to other local sites, no others were observed nearby.
A confirmed specimen of Mougeot’s Whitebeam at Newburn riverside
Background
The genus name, Sorbus, identifies this plant to family while its species name, mougeotii, refers to French botanist, Jean-Baptiste Mougeot.
Sorbus mougeotii is a moderately sized whitebeam native to the mountains of central and western Europe, from the Pyrenees to the Vosges. Its presence at the latter giving rise to its alternate name of Vosges Whitebeam. It was described in 1858 but wasn’t brought truly into cultivation until the 1950s by the Danish Health Society, and was originally marketed as a cultivar of Swedish Whitebeam.
This tree is widely grown as an ornamental in Northern Europe due to its tolerance of difficult growing conditions, including urban habitats and poor soil. For this reason, it is often used as part of land reclamation schemes.
A closer look at the BSBI distribution map for this species would suggest that it is rarely encountered in the UK, though its similarity to other whitebeams means it is almost certainly under-recorded. Indeed, since having this species pointed out to me, I have noticed it at a total of six sites in only a few weeks.
An interesting paper on the discovery of Sorbus mougoutii and its potential as an invasive species in Ireland can be found here.
Identifying Mougeot’s Whitebeam
A deciduous, multi-stemmed tree growing to approximately 10m, Mougeot’s Whitebeam is most closely related to some of the rare and endemic British whitebeam species, most notable the English Whitebeam, Sorbus anglica. Indeed, the only difference between the two is said to be the slightly broader leaves of the former species.
English Whitebeam is a scarce species in the UK and oddly enough given its name, is found predominately in Wales. There are no records in the North of the UK meaning that up here, Mougeot’s Whitebeam is most likely to be confused with the much more abundant Swedish Whitebeam. A tree that is both naturalised and routinely planted across the UK.
Separating these two species is a fun task but can be done, with the leaves of Mougeot’s Whitebeam differing from its Swedish counterpart in being more shallowly lobed in most cases. These lobes also point forward, something I’ve found to be incredibly helpful given how just about every other feature associated with this species seems to vary considerably!
In Swedish Whitebeam, the same lobes are spreading. There is also said to be a difference in the underside of the leaves too with those of Mougeot’s Whitebeam covered in dense white hairs and those of Swedish Whitebeam only slightly hairy. Alas, I’ve struggled to see the difference!
One thing I have also noticed from plants confirmed to be Mougeot’s Whitebeam is that the mid-rib, the central vein running down the leaf, appears yellowish on the underside. That said, I can find nothing about this online and may have made it up…
The leaves of Sorbus mougeotii showing forward-pointing and slightly shallower lobes.The leaves of what I think is Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) showing spreading, as opposed to forward-pointing lobes.
Finally, the fruits of Mougeot’s Whitebeam are said to be less bright red than those of Swedish Whitebeam but again, this seems to be subjective.
Walker Riverside Park is a funny old place. Created in the 1980s, it sits atop former industrial land and boasts an intriguing mix of habitats, from grassland and woodland areas to salt-strewn riverbanks and disused industrial plots. Overgrown, tangled and messy in places, the species mix here suggests the site was once tended, though now, ornamentals have merged with native flora to create a really interesting site. Truthfully, it doesn’t resemble a park at all.
This year, I have been making a concerted effort to record as many plants as possible here, focusing on plants growing in a wild or naturalised state. Plants that have been planted have been ignored, though long-established street trees and hedgerow plants have been recorded per guidance from the BSBI.
Slightly more challenging in scope than Iris Brickfield covered previously, the list below is almost certainly missing several species. I have not yet brought myself to look at grasses and yellow composites, and there are certainly other shrubs and saline-loving species to be discovered. Still, I hope this post gives a flavour of what you might encounter when visiting this rough and ready but highly interesting city reserve.
All records will (or have already been) submitted to BSBI recorders through iRecord.
Species list
In total, I have recorded 190 plant species in the park. A good count but almost certainly an understatement. Given the mix of habitats here, I wouldn’t be surprised if the actual number was closer to 250.
For the sake of simplicity, I have not broken this down into grid squares or habitats on this occasion but have aimed to indicate as to whether a particular species is historically planted or not. I have also aimed to highlight species brought to the site via seed mixes designed to boost butterfly numbers on site.
The trees of Walker Riverside are reasonably diverse. Native species including Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), English Oak (Quercus robur) and Field Maple (Acer campestre) are common and Aspen (Populus tremuloides) and White Poplar (Populus alba) exist in smaller patches across the site. Both Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) and Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) exist as relics of historic planting and in places, a good number of willow species can be seen. Among these, White Willow (Salix alba), Grey Willow (Salix cinerea) and Goat Willow (Salix caprea).
Slightly more unusual trees include False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris) and what I think might be Hybrid Black Poplar (Populus × canadensis), while the site provides a nice opportunity to compare alder species with Grey Alder (Alnus incana), Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) and Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) all present. The latter clearly spreading along the riverbanks.
Perhaps most unusual of all is the presence of an American species, the Red Oak (Quercus rubra); though Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) is another species seldom encountered in the local area.
Red Oak , Quercus rubraGrey Alder, Alnus incana
Shrubs and climbers
The shrubs occupying the understory of the park are an interesting bunch and many formerly planted species seem to be spreading. Among these, the two most prominent are Wilson’s Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) and Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus). The same likely applies to various species of cotoneaster present on site but alas, the only one I can identify with any confidence is Willow-leaved Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius).
By the river, Shrub Ragwort (Brachyglottis x jubar) appears to have escaped what was likely a former flowerbed and is slowly spreading and Japanese Rose (Rosa rugosa) has a habit of popping up in odd places.
Elsewhere, more familiar species include Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and plenty of Broom (Cytisus scoparius). The riverbanks here are also a great place to see Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum lantana) and odd shrubs dotted around the site include both Darwin’s Barberry (Berberis darwinii) and Chinese Barberry (Berberis julianae).
As for climbers, Russian Vine (Fallopia baldschuanica) can be found in a single spot and, by the river, a garden variety of clematis (Clematis sp.) appears to be running amock. While the brambles on-site were impossible to identify, the great, thick stems of Armenian Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) are conspicuous in places.
The grassland areas of Walker can be split roughly into two types: seeded and seemingly natural. The seeded areas contain several interesting species including Musk Mallow (Malva moschata), Lucerne (Medicago sativa), Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa), Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare) and both Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) and Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis). Common Restharrow (Ononis repens) is plentiful here too and Spiny Restharrow (Ononis spinosa) has a toehold.
Where the boundaries between sown and natural become a little fuzzy, Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) and Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor) are especially numerous and plenty of Wild Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) and Perennial Wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) can be seen.
More natural-looking grassland areas at Walker hold Meadow Crane’s-bill (Geranium pratense), Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea) and Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), among others.
Besides the shrubs and climbers mentioned previously, I am yet to stumble across any of the really obvious non-natives. Michaelmas Daisy (Aster agg.) can be found from time to time along the river and a small patch of what I think is Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) can be seen. Hybrid Bluebells (Hyacinthoides x massartiana) can be found in a few spots and a single patch of Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) exists close to the boundary with Walker itself.
These aside, the usual array of globetrotters can be seen, including Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus), Red Valarian (Centranthus ruber), Canadian Fleabane (Erigeron canadensis) and of course, Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii).
Abandoned industrial plot
At the centre of the site, an interesting former industrial plot can be seen. With lots of exposed concrete, rubble mounds and some seriously shallow soil, this plays host to a number of species absent from the wider site. To date, this is the only place in Newcastle where I have observed Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) and Clustered Bellflower (Campanula glomerata).
Here too, large expanses of Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) can be seen and lurking atop the crumbling concrete, Wild Thyme (Thymus drucei) was a surprising addition.
The rocky walls that line the river at Walker are largely dominated by a mix of common and widespread species, with a few exceptions. Peached-leaved Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) was an odd addition here earlier in the year and Black Horehound (Ballota nigra) can be seen in a few patches.
A major exception to this rule comes where what I assume was once some sort of boating ramp allows usually coastal species to grow in close proximity to the salty waters of the Tyne. Here, Buck’s-horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus) and Sea Plantain (Plantago maritime) can be seen, as can Annual Sea-blite (Suaeda maritima). Sea Aster (Tripolium pannonicum) is another nice addition while in places, at least one Glasswort (Salicornia sp.) species can be seen.
Pavement cracks in the car parks and along the main footpath are worthy of investigation too and include species such as Henbit Dead-nettle (Lamium amplexicaule) and plenty of Common Mallow (Malvasylvestris). These areas can occasionally throw up something interesting too with Great Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) and Beaked Hawk’s-beard (Crepis vesicaria) being two recent additions.
While plants such as Sainfoin and Clustered Bellflower are scarce in the North East, their suspect origins mean I have not included them here. Instead, two other species have made the cut, both found growing in pavement cracks along the main riverside walkway.
The first, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle (Lamium hybridum)has very few records in VC67 and made for a nice surprise earlier in the year. This species is almost certainly under-recorded, however.
The second, Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans), is another scarce species in the region and with its distinctive, nodding flowerheads is a real delight to see come summer.
A journey through the diverse and beautiful trees and shrubs of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.
While I can separate the more familiar British species, your oaks, birches and common maples, anything beyond that has traditionally gone straight over my head. Not so useful in the city where planting and landscaping, both historic and recent, mean that would be botanists are presented with a mix of species from across the globe.
From Jesmond Dene to Walker and Heaton Park, in Newcastle, we’re lucky to have quite a few historic green spaces. Stuffed within them, many and more interesting species planted first by the Victorians – the famed Lord Armstrong springs to mind – and later, by successive generations of gardeners. Elsewhere, streets are planted with intriguing species and wasteland areas have been colonised by a whole manner of garden escapes.
For the past two weekends, I’ve spent my time attempting to identify and record as many of these species as possible. In keeping with guidance from BSBI, I’ve ignored anything that appears recently planted, instead focusing on species growing ‘wild’. Or at the very least, planted specimens that now form a permanent piece of the local environment.
Below, you’ll find a selection of the interesting plants discovered. I’ll caveat this post now by saying that I am by no means an expert – corrections welcome!
Shrubs
Particularly abundant in Armstrong Park and present, yet sparser in Jesmond Dene, the ornate, gold-spangled shrub below is Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica). A native of Japan and China, I assume this one was once popular in Victorian landscaping. Near the entrance to Armstrong Park, I also noticed a large specimen of what I think is Chinese Barberry (Berberis julianae).
Not quite as numerous as the familiar Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) which I forgot to photograph but still plentiful is Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica). With its glossy green leaves and pendant fruits, it is certainly an attractive plant. These ones were photographed in Heaton Park but plants can be found right along the Ouseburn.
With attractive flowers and often interesting leaves, I find viburnum species a pain to identify. The two below, spotted in Jesmond Dene, are only tentatively labelled but I think they could be Farrer’s Viburnum (Viburnum farrei) and Laurestine (Viburnum tinus).
A more straightforward viburnum is the Leatherleaf Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) with its wonderfully wrinkled, slightly glaucous leaves. A number of these grow in a tamed setting around Heaton Park but a few wilder looking specimens can be found in Jesmond Dene and at Walker Riverside. Not a viburnum but still somewhat shrubby, Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa) can be encountered from time to time in Jesmond Dene, and does look to be spreading.
If viburnums are frustrating, cotoneasters are just plain hard. Ignoring some of the species encountered recently, the three below proved somewhat easier to identify – if they are correct, that is. The first, Willow-leaved Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius) seems to pop up from time to time in the local area. A number can be seen at Walker Riverside, though this one was spotted in Heaton Park.
Larger in scale, an impressive Tree Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster frigidus) can be seen in the Coalman’s Field area of Jesmond Dene. There are probably more in the dene but alas, I haven’t noticed them.
The final cotoneaster I think might be Hollyberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster bullatus), another native of China planted on occasion in the UK and fairly widespread based on BSBI maps.
A couple of oddballs now and the plant with the pretty yellow berries is Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea), a species popular as a hedgerow plant that grows wild in a few places in Heaton. This would seem to be a yellow-berried cultivar as traditionally, the fruits of this species are red. The second I am less sure about but I wonder if it is Wilson’s Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida)? Whatever it is, it seems to spread.
It may seem odd to include a fairly common tree in a post designed to highlight unusual species but White Poplar (Populus alba) is not a species I see too frequently in the North East. Despite its status as a fairly successful non-native, it is certainly one of my favourite trees and I had to include this specimen found close to home in Iris Brickfield Park.
Pointed out by another local naturalist, Iris Brickfield Park also holds a small population of Grey Poplar (Populus × canescens), a hybrid between the aforementioned White Poplar and its close relative, the Aspen.
White Poplar, Populus albaWhite Poplar, Populus albaGrey Poplar, Populus × canescensGrey Poplar, Populus × canescens
An odd bunch now and meandering through Heaton Park, I was surprised to notice the large and hairy fruits of Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna). It was interesting to see this one producing nuts – a search online revealing that this species fruits only once every two or three years.
Next up, English Walnut (Juglans regia) was a nice spot in Heaton Park. While this may be a familiar tree to many in the South, it is not something I see too often up here and makes for quite the attractive tree!
Also in Heaton Park, it was nice to encounter Grey Alder (Alnus incana), a native of the Northern hemisphere from North America through to Northern Europe. Here too, I also bumped into my first ever Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). A sought after American species, this one appears to be much more abundant in the South of England.
Before moving on to a number of (much more appealing) oaks, two more oddballs now with New Zealand Broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis) and Sweet Mock-orange (Philadelphus coronarius) observed in Jesmond Dene.
New Zealand Broadleaf, Griselinia littoralisSweet Mock-orange, Philadelphus coronarius
The identification of oaks in the North East is usually a straightforward affair: English, sessile or turkey. Factor in the Victorian obsession with sourcing weird and wonderful plants, however, and things become a little more complicated. Below are two species I hadn’t even heard of until recently: Patagonian Oak (Nothofagus obliqua) and Pin Oak (Quercus palustris). A pair of nice oddities in Jesmond Dene.
The large Red Oak (Quercus rubra) growing on the Coalman’s Field was thankfully much easier and certainly makes for an impressive sight clad in its autumn colours.
Now, I haven’t the foggiest clue with whitebeams. Thankfully, however, others do and it was great to have this Mougeot’s Whitebeam (Sorbus mougeotii) pointed out in Iris Brickfield Park. Apparently, of the two species likely to be encountered up here, the more common Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) has spreading, as opposed to forward-pointing lobes.
I am including the familiar Common Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) here too as I simply do not see it very often in the city. This one was photographed in Iris Brickfield Park, though others can be seen in Heaton Park and Jesmond Dene. Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) to is seldom encountered and it was nice to stumble across some rather impressive trees in Jesmond Dene. A real treat at this time of year clad in thousands of distinctive spiney fruits.
The rather pretty birch shown below with its papery white bark is Himalayan Birch (Betula utilis), a species commonly used in landscaping which has been planted in the Coalman’s Field area of Jesmond Dene.
Maples are an attractive group of trees come autumn and it has been nice to catch up with a number of interesting ornamental species in Jesmond Dene. The first Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) is a real beauty with wonderful, flaking red bark and distictive leaves. A couple can be seen in the Coalman’s Field area where the second species, Cappadocian Maple (Acer cappadicicum) also grows.
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) has particularly striking leaves quite different to any other maple species in the local area. A single tree grows in the same areas as the species listed above.
Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum) is a tree familiar to many from gardens across the UK, with a number of bonny cultivars often used in planting. Or containers, in the case of my garden. Individuals of this species can be found in both Heaton Park and close to the Armstrong Bridge in Jesmond Dene.
Finally, for this (rather long) trip through Newcastle’s more unusual broadleaf trees, it would seem that I have been ignorantly walking past the below tree for a number of years. A native of Southern Europe and North Africa, Narrow-leaved Ash (Fraxinus angustifolia) boasts some superb autumn colours. The cultivar of this one would appear to be ‘Raywood’ a variety with great colour and relatively few branches.
Many thanks to Michael for drawing my attention to this, and to others mentioned previously.
I am not yet brave enough to tackle conifers – they’re just so hard to identify – but it was nice to happen across two particularly exciting species in Jesmond Dene. The first, Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) grows around Pet’s Corner and crops up again further into the dene and has a really distinctive look about it with its yew-like flattened needles. The world’s largest tree, Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), needs little introduction. In this case, a closer look at the cones and (wonderfully soft) bark had to suffice.
Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboidesWellingtonia, Sequoiadendron giganteum
And there we have it! Looking closer at the unusual trees and shrubs of Newcastle certainly has been an eye-opening experience – there are just so many to choose from. Hailing from right across the globe, the variety here is impressive and while all may not be ‘wild’ in the traditional sense, they do form a core part of the local ecosystem.
I will look to tackle conifers in a future post and may also share some of the more abundant, native species to be found in the local area but until then, hope that this post may encourage others to look closer at urban trees. They’re certainly an interesting bunch!
Weilding the impressive leaves of a Red OakThe Coalman’s Field, Jesmond Dene
Iris Brickfield Park sits fairly close to our home in Heaton, Newcastle, and as such, has been a mainstay of our local walks during the pandemic. Fairly small, at least when compared to Newcastle’s other parks, and managed by Urban Green, it provides a lifeline to many people living in the local area: dog walkers, joggers, families and of course, naturalists stuck in the city.
This year, I have been making a concerted effort to record as many plants as possible growing in this small park, focusing on those growing in a wild or naturalised state. Plants that have clearly been planted have been ignored, though long-established street trees and hedgerow plants have been recorded per guidance from the BSBI. The aim of this is to create a somewhat comprehensive checklist for future visits, and for anyone else keen to know more about the flora of the park.
As very much a beginner botanist, the site list will not capture everything found within the park. I know for a fact that I have missed some grasses, while I am not yet able to confidently identify the various willowherbs found here. If anything looks out of place, please do let me know.
All records will (or have already been) submitted to BSBI recorders through iRecord.
Species list
In total, I have recorded 159 plant species in the park this year. Not bad for such a small area! For the sake of simplicity, I have not broken this down into grid squares but instead, have broken it down based on the three key areas present: the park, its pond and the nearby Iris Brickfield Allotments. The wider park contained the greatest diversity owing to a mix of both woodland and meadow habitats, though the pond too was surprisingly diverse. The exterior of the allotments held a few interesting species, including several escapes ‘tossed over the fence’.
The trees and shrubs of Iris Brickfield are fairly diverse. Common species such as Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) and English Oak (Quercus robur) are abundant, interspersed with a small number of Field Maple (Acer campestre), Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) and Scot’s Pine (Pinus sylvestris).
Small areas of White Poplar (Populus alba) and Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) are present and Aspen (Populus tremula) appears to be spreading quickly in certain areas. Single trees and anomalies include False Acacia (Robina pseudoacacia) and Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus).
Shrubs are not particularly diverse, though the Western boundary of the site includes Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurpcerasus), Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) and plenty of Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea). To the North, Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) is plentiful and elsewhere Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) grows in abundance.
White Poplar, Populus albaNorway Maple, Acer platanoides
Wildflowers
Wooded areas of the park hold several species commonly associated with mature woodland and whether these were once planted remains to be seen. Wood Anemone (Anemonoides nemorosa), Ramsons (Allium ursinum) and English Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) can be found, and while scarce, one small patch of Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) can be found. The non-native Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) can be seen too, albeit in small numbers.
Grassy areas away from the playing fields and other mown areas hold a nice mix of typical ‘meadow’ species. Here, Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) and Hairy Tare (Vicia hirsuta) are conspicuous and Creeping Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) plentiful. Also present are Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and Goat’s-beard (Tragopogon pratensis). Both Common Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus) also pop up sporadically.
Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris), Sweet Violet (Viola odorata), Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica) and Wild Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) are less common here but exist in small patches scattered across the site.
Other highlights include scattered patches of Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima), one of only two native iris species in Britain, and Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) which occasionally appears in unusual places.
Sweet Alison (Lobularia maritima) can sometimes be seen growing by path sides and befitting the park’s urban surroundings, Butterfly Bush (Buddleja Davidii) has a habit of springing up in odd places. Likely an escape from the nearby allotments, Borage (Borago officinalis) occurs but seldom persists long and occasionally, Purple Toadflax (Linaria purpurea) will take hold in a crevice or crack.
Slightly more troubling, Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) has begun colonising and the small pond is blanketed with New Zealand Pigmyweed (Crassula helmsii).
Wetland area
The small pond in Iris Brickfield makes for an interesting pitstop throughout the year. Despite facing problems from the aforementioned pygmyweed, and the rampant spread of Common Reed (Phragmites australis), Sweet Reed Grass (Glyceria maxima) and Bulrush (Typha latifolia), a few interesting species can be found tucked away in nooks and crannies. The most colourful of these being Flag Iris (Iris pseudacorus), Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) and Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris).
Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus) was observed for the first time in 2021, and the margins hold a healthy population of Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) persist here too.
A little less showy than the aforementioned flowers, a good variety of rushes and sedges can be found here too including Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus), Lesser Pond Sedge (Carex acutiformis), Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) and Common Spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris). The alien-looking seedheads of Branched Bur-Reed (Sparganium erectum) are also interesting.
Whilst not numerous, Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) can also be found in the surrounding damp grassland.
Northern Marsh Orchid, Dactylorhiza purpurella
Allotments
Whilst the allotments at Iris Brickfield are private and access is not permitted (or possible), a poke about the margins of the area can reveal some interesting plants. Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is notable here in Summer and in spring, Three-cornered Garlic (Allium triquetrum) can be seen.
The hedges that screen the site are comprised mainly of ornamentals such as Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea), Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum), though native species such as Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) have found their way in too. Perhaps the oddest occurrence here is that of a sprawling Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) which appears to have escaped cultivation to colonise the hedge.
Notable and unusual
Two plants in Iris Brickfield stand out as notable. The first, Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), is a peculiar one. With two small plants found in the grassland this year, I was optimistic about seeing these flower. Alas, they now appear to have been trodden to death…
The occurrence of Marsh Mallow (Althaea officinalis) close to the pond was most unexpected and represented a notable vice-county record. An escape from cultivation at some point in time, its large, pink flowers stand out like a sore thumb at the height of summer.
And there we have it. I’ve certainly found it interesting getting to grips with the flora of my local patch this year and will endeavour to keep similar lists for other sites I frequent in the future. I hope someone may find this type of post interesting and it goes without saying, if you notice any errors or ‘unusual’ records, please let me know.
Keen to further explore Newcastle’s ladybirds as part of the North East Ladybird Spot, last weekend I set off for two local sites that I seldom visit. The first, Newcastle’s Great Park, a new suburb of the city located four miles from the city centre, and the second, the well-known Havannah Nature Reserve near Dinnington.
Arriving at the Great Park, I soon set off for the series of small, well-vegetated pools situated close to the sprawling housing estate. With the margins here chock-full of Bulrush, Common Reed and an assortment of sedges, it looked like a great spot to finally catch up with one of the North East’s scarcer conspicuous ladybirds: the Water Ladybird. Sweeping the margins here, it wasn’t long before I encountered my first – the insect in question now beige in colour, as opposed to red, as is the norm later in the year.
During an hour-long search of the pools, a further six Water Ladybirds were found, though each was difficult to find and spotting them absent aid of a net would have been a challenge, to say the least.
Water Ladybird, Anisosticta novemdecimpunctataWater Ladybird, Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata
Opting for a poke about some nearby grassy areas, it was nice to find a variety of other ladybirds tucked away in various hidden corners. 7-spot Ladybirds were of course the most numerous, followed closely by the smaller 14-spot Ladybird. Several non-native Harlequin Ladybirds were also encountered disguised within the fading blooms of Wild Parsnip. On route home, a duo of 22-Spot Ladybirds were also good to see.
Whereas Water Ladybirds had been an ‘expected’ find at the Great Park, on this occasion, they found themselves eclipsed somewhat by another interesting discovery. Exploring the grassland close to the aforementioned pools, the rather small ladybird below was also noticed. Resembling at first a miniature 7-Spot Ladybird, it took a short while to identify this as Adonis’ Ladybird, a scarce species up North that seems especially fond of wasteland sites. A new species for me, no less!
Adonis’ Ladybird, Hippodamia variegata
Fast forward a day and on Sunday, Matt and I set off for Havannah Nature Reserve keen to build on the previous day’s bumper haul of ladybirds. We were not disappointed…
Starting out with a search of some of the lusher areas on site, it didn’t take long to find both of the small yellow ladybirds commonly associated with grassland. A single 22-Spot Ladybird was soon found, followed by a number of 14-Spots. 7-Spot Ladybird was encountered here too, this time sheltering among the browning seedheads of Common Knapweed.
It was only upon reaching the heathland area of the reserve when things picked up drastically. Here, the small conifers colonising the heath were crawling with ladybirds. Indeed, we counted over seventy individuals during an hour-long search and the diversity on show here was wonderful.
It didn’t take Matt long to find our first 2-Spot Ladybird of the day, while both 7-Spot and Harlequin Ladybirds were numerous. All noticeably tucked away among cones and buds in an effort to escape the weather. More interesting still was the presence of a good number of Pine Ladybirds, a species I haven’t recorded locally since April this year. Small, black and boasting a characteristic flange around the base of each elytron, it was great to see these in any sort of quantity.
A single 10-Spot Ladybird was also encountered here, though this was quickly forgotten as we caught sight of a rather chunky ladybird moving speedily up the trunk of a mature pine. Potting this for closer inspection, it was revealed to be Eyed Ladybird, our largest species of ladybird and a real beauty if that. A species strongly associated with pine and known to specialise in pine aphids, it was little surprise we encountered this striking species here.
Whilst the wetland habitats at Havannah are far more limited than those of the previous site, the good-sized pond here and the riparian vegetation surrounding it looked good for Water Ladybird. Perhaps slightly emboldened by our previous encounter, we soon set about searching and though it took far longer, were rewarded with a single Water Ladybird scooped on this occasion from Gypsywort.
Water Ladybird, Anisosticta novemdecimpunctata
This has been a year of firsts on the ladybird front. Perhaps I am simply paying closer attention, though whatever the reason, the species listed above join Kidney-Spot and 11-Spot Ladybirds, as well as the tiny Rhyzobius litura, to make 2021 a fantastic year thus far.
Time looks to be running out this year but I’ll definitely be setting my sights on other species likely to be encountered in the nearby area. Foremost among these, the eye-catching Striped Ladybird, though Larch and Hieroglyphic wouldn’t go amiss either.
Beginning a week of annual leave, a fortnight past, I hopped on the train keen to explore surrounds of Lesbury in North Northumberland. Arriving at Alnmouth station and taking the short walk North to where the circular walk begins beside the River Aln, a roadside field rife with Common Knapweed provided an interesting first port of call.
Here, the plentiful purple flower-heads were strewn with countless bumblebees, making for quite the sight as I set about trying to identify those in front of me. A male Buff-tailed Bumblee came first, followed by Common Carder Bee and a handful of vibrant male Red-tailed Bumblebees. White-tailed were present too, though proved too quick for the camera, and it soon became clear that plenty of cuckoo bumblebees were present also.
With many of these looking somewhat bleached and faded, identifying them was quite a task and I stress that my current identifications are entirely provisional. That said, most numerous was Vestal Cuckoo Bumblebee, followed the red-tailed Hill Cuckoo Bumblebee. More interesting still what was what likely amale Field Cuckoo Bumblebee with its extensive tail markings, and a rather fluffy looking bee may have been Barbut’s Cuckoo Bumblebee. A new species for me if so – I just hope that someone with more knowledge than I can confirm or correct.
Here too, a solitary bee feeding on Cat’s-ear was likely Gwynne’s Mining Bee. My first since spring and no doubt part of a second generation.
Finding myself heading North along the margins of a nearby arable field, my attention soon turned to plants. Most interesting among the lush riverside vegatation was an abundance of Hemp Agrimony, while the lovely white blooms of Common Hemp-nettle were plentiful. Closer to the crop, and at times interwoven with the planted broad beans, a number of interesting arable ‘weeds’ were also spotted. Field Pansy, Sun Spurge, Common Poppy and Redshank were numerous, and Welted Thistle was nice to see.
A closer look at the invertebrate life here revealed a number of 14 and 7-Spot Ladybirds, while Small Copper, Small Skipper and Peacock butterflies made the most of the abundant thistle blooms. Lesser numerous (and not at all interested in the thistles) it was also nice to encounter Wall Brown here, alongside a lone Silver Y.
Perhaps the most interesting insect of the trip, the inconsicuous ladybird, Rhyzobius litura, was found here too while sweeping a stand of Tansy. Tiny and anything but brightly covered, I confess that at the time, I had no idea this was in fact a ladybird. Thank goodness for the UK Ladybirds Facebook group, and many thanks to Richard Comont for the speedy ID.
Further North along the Aln, the vegatation changed somewhat with smaller, arable plants giving way to an abundance of Wild Carrot and Common Ragwort. As ever, these proved popular with pollinators and a number of hoverflies were recorded, among these, Leucozona laternaria and Cheilosia illustrata pictured below. Also spotted here were plenty of Marmalade Hoverflies, along with Syritta pipiens and the striking Leucozona lucorum. More Hill Cuckoo Bumblebees could also be seen, while butterflies included more Small Copper and new for the day, Large White.
Leucozona laternariaCheilosia illustrata
Further on towards the stepping stones at Greenrigg, edible crops gave way to what could almost be described as a somewhat beautiful meadow habitat, chock-full of Musk-mallow, Red Clover and Bird’s-foot Trefoil. This might just have seemed natural if it were not for the the striking (but introduced) flowers of Lucerne and Sainfoin also present. Plants which together with the native species here proved a magnet for insects – new species here including Early Bumblebee and the impressive Pied Hoverfly.
Crossing the river at Greenrigg, a hasty rush along the opposing bank ensued as I tried to squeeze in a look around Lesbury itself before needing the board my train. Trying and failing to ignore the plantlife here, a few interesting finds included Small Bugloss (not a plant I see very often) and an extensive patch of Enchanter’s Nightshade tucked away in a small roadside copse.
Owing to a few too many pauses, I did not have time for a proper look around Lesbury, though I did squeeze in wander along the river. Here, riparian plants proved interesting with Water Figwort spotted first, followed by two mint species. One of which looked a lot like Apple Mint while the other remains a mystery. Both Purple and Yellow Loosestrife were notable here too, and the beautiful yellow flowers of the non-native Monkeyflower were conspicuous.
A few weeks past, a Saturday free of commitments provided a rare opportunity for a trip North. Opting for a walk on the Northumberland coast, on this occasion we headed for Alnmouth, intending to walk a few miles up the shoreline towards Boulmer, recording as we went.
Arriving at Alnmouth train station, it was interesting to note a profusion of “sweet peas” clambering through the track-side vegatation. Not something I have seen before; though with a little digging I am fairly confident the culprit was Two-flowered Everlasting-Pea. Walking through Alnmouth, we paused breifly to admire Black Horehound by the roadisde, and a number of Pot Marigolds that that escaped the confines of nearby gardens to colonise the pavement.
Arriving at the beach and setting off North through the dunes, it was interesting to encounter Wild Onion, and a glut of Common Restharrow, Common Ragowort and other dune-loving species in full bloom made for pleasant viewing.
The strandline here was dominated by Sea Rocket, and a breif look elsewhere revealed Sea Sandwort, and both Frosted and Spear-leaved Orache. A little further up the beach, a solitary and rather odd looking plant was revealed to be Caper Spurge – a noxious weed in Southern parts of the UK but a new species for me nontheless.
Owing to a wealth of Hemlock Water-dropwort in full bloom nearby, insects were particularly numerous along this stretch. Most of the common and familiar bumblebees were represented and a couple of Vestal Cuckoo Bees were spotted nectaring on the frothy white flowers. A small, solitary bee potted for closer inspection was likely Sandpit Mining Bee but alas, I will await confirmation on iRecord!
Butterflies were well represented too with Small Skipper, Common Blue, Green-veined White, Red Admiral, Ringlet and Meadow Brown all observed nearby, and on the moth front, Matt drew my attention to a Yellow Shell at rest on some nearby bracken.
Back to plants now and as we drew closer to Boulmer a number of new species began to appear. First came Agrimony with its deligtful yellow flower spikes and next, the delicate pink flowers of Field Bindweed.
A slightly more unusual sighting came in the form of twenty or so Tomato plants growing merrily along the strandline, some in flower and others starting to fruit. We contemplated these arriving as a result of a discarded picnic but the number and spread of the plants would suggest they arrived as a result of sewage washing up on the beach. No doubt having passed through a human first!
Arriving at Boulmer, the dune flora changed somewhat with lots of Bloody Crane’s-bill and Red Bartsia observed. Near the village, two more garden escapes were noticed in the form of Horse-raddish and Onion, the latter complete a towering, purple bloom. More interesting was an expansive (and rather beautiful) patch of Musk-mallow.
After a prolonged search, we finally stumbled across what I confess had been the target of the day’s outing. A hulking speciment of Henbane, almost completely in seed. Thankfully, a single flower was still present and I can now at least say I have seen this impressive wildflower in bloom in Northumberland.
Boulmer is a known site for this locally rare species but even then, an encounter is far from guaranteed with Henbane seeds able to lie dormant for many years until disturbance encourages them to germinate.
Further North ,where dunes give way to a concrete seawall, the flora here took an interesting turn with countless garden escapes blending with native plants to create an intriguing mosaic of colour. While it was quite difficult to discern what was self-sown here and what had been planted, a hulking brute of Cotton Thistle certainly appeared ‘wild’. It was also interesting to note a wealth of White Stonecrop strewn across the rocks and Wormwood was plentiful.
Slightly more interesting was a fine example of Monk’s-hood in full flower and Dwarf Mallow, as ever, was nice to see. Little of note was found in the grassland where the village gives way to fields besides a good sized patch of Good-king-henry .
Of all of the places I regularly visit in Newcastle, Walker riverside has to be my favourite. Owing to a mix of abdanonment and neglect, it just about the most diverse local site I know of for plants and insects, and is well worth a visit if you’re able to look past the disgarded beer bottles and other unsavory items.
Heading to Walker last Thursday morning, a four-hour rummage on the South-facing banks of the Tyne yielded a number of interesting sightings – the riverside (seeded) meadows and forgotton corners alive with wildflowers.
Grassland towards the Eastern edge of the site
Starting out to the West, and I was immediately struck by the abundance of Common Mallow in bloom along the riverbanks, pink flowers mixing nicely with the similarly abundant blooms of Oxford Ragwort and Purple Toadflax – both attractive non-natives. It was nice to find a new stand of Black Horehound in flower here too, and attention turned breifly to the trees here with Italian Alder and Wayfaring Tree both notable on the river banks.
Further along, towards the carpark, Hedgerow Crane’s-bill and Common Toadflax were observed too. The highlight here, however, was surely a rather striking bellflower found growing in the stone walls that line the riverbank. This was later revealed to be Peach-leaved Bellflower, a new species for me.
Walking East along the Tyne, you soon come to a striking stretch of riverside grassland adorning the former site of the St. Anthony’s Tar Works. Seeded at some point in the past to aid in it’s restoration, this particular stretch is incredibly diverse and never fails to reveal something new.
The plant community here is dominated by a number of particularly abundant species including Wild Carrot, Common Restharrow, Common Knapweed, Birds’-foot Trefoil and Wild Mignonette but look closer, and a host of other species reveal themselves. Today, interesting discoveries included Musk Mallow, Small Scabious, Field Bindweed and Lucerne. The small expanse of Greater Knapweed discovered last year was also in ful bloom, though I failed to find the Wild Basil noted previously.
With so many wildflowers in full bloom, insects were incredibly numerous. Ringlet and Meadow Brown represented the most numerous butterflies, closely followed by Small Skipper and Common Blue, while freshly emerged Six-spot Burnets were plentiful and myriad unidentified grasshoppers lept from the vegatation. Slightly more surprising, a beautiful Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing was observed roosting on the underside of an Aspen leaf.
Bumblebees were too numerous to count here, the bulk of these comprising Common Carder, White-tailed, Buff-tailed and Red-tailed, with a few Early Bumblebees thrown in for good measure. A fleeting glimpse of what was likely a male Red-tailed Cuckoo Bee was exciting; though I was unable to get any closer. Whereas the mining bees abundant here in May have now vanished, they have been replaced with leafcutters. Patchwork Leafcutter Bee was spotted first, followed by six female Willughby’s Leafcutter Bee feeding on restharrow. A male Fork-tailed Flower Bee whizzed past breifly and a small bee potted on Wild Carrot was likely a male Orange-legged Furrow Bee.
Set back slightly from the river and connected by a steep muddy path, a small area of wasteground marks the site of what was likely a former building. Despite being used (frequently, it would seem) as a site at which to dump unwanted waste, it does make for an interesting pitstop.
Here, Kidney-vetch was incredibly numerous and was popular with the local bees. More interesting discoveries included farely large areas of Sainfoin and mutilple plants of Clustered Bellflower. Both plants I’d never seen before. A slightly surprise came from a rather large patch of garden Nasturtiums – clearly having thrived after being turfed out in someone’s garden waste.
Common Sainfoin, Onobrychis viciifolia Common Sainfoin, Onobrychis viciifolia
Here too, small patches of Wild Thyme clung to rubble heaps and Slender St. John’s-wort was also observed. Small Tortoiseshell and Speckled Wood were noted too, whereas just across the road, another area of grassland turned up Field Scabious and Meadow Crane’s-bill. The former of which appeared popular with the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnets which, like their six-spotted cousins, were out in force during the visit.
