James Common

Lord Armstrong and the Exotic Plants of Jesmond Dene

Jesmond Dene, nestled just two miles northeast of Newcastle city centre, is a true gem. With the River Ouse Burn at its heart, this picturesque area has witnessed remarkable transformations over the centuries. What began as a stretch of natural woodland evolved into an industrial hub, dotted with mills, before transitioning into a Victorian pleasure ground. Today, it stands as a cherished public park. While the dene’s history is rich and multifaceted—a story explored in depth elsewhere—it is its stint as a private estate that intrigues this curious botanist most of all.

Strolling through the overgrown dene today, one can’t help but marvel at the sheer diversity of plant life thriving here. Native woodland species, exotic ornamentals, garden escapes, and beloved Victorian classics all grow in abundance and truth be told, it is quite the puzzle to unravel how and when many of these fascinating botanicals arrived. In this post, we’ll attempt to do just that—exploring some of Jesmond Dene’s hidden botanical treasures and, at times speculatively, attempting to trace their origins. Let’s dive in…

Arrow Bamboo (*Pseudosasa japonica*) © James Common

Lord Armstrong’s Private Garden

While best known for his renowned residence at Cragside, Sir William George Armstrong (1810–1900) also left an indelible mark on Newcastle through his landscaping and development of Jesmond Dene. Born in Shieldfield, Newcastle, and originally trained as a solicitor, Armstrong married Margaret Ramshaw (1807–1893) of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in 1835. That same year, the couple built their home, Jesmond Dean, on a small portion of land that would later become part of the larger dene.

Over the following decades, particularly in the 1850s, Armstrong and his wife purchased large tracts of neighbouring land, gradually transforming the dene into a meticulously landscaped parkland. Armstrong’s alterations were ambitious and wide-ranging. Fascinated by water, he reshaped the River Ouse Burn by adding waterfalls, islands, and bridges, many of which remain iconic features of the area today. He also introduced a network of footpaths, still enjoyed by modern day walkers.

Equally significant, though perhaps less obvious, was his transformation of the dene’s flora. Armstrong imported plants from across the globe, enriching the landscape with exotic species and curious varieties, in doing so, greatly altering the park’s character.

A view of Jesmond Dene c1890 courtesy of Newcastle City Libraries

Armstrong’s passion for plants was well-documented, and, in keeping with the times, many of the species he introduced to his ‘woodland garden’ reflected the trends of Victorian landscaping. Rhododendrons (Rhododendron ponticum) were a particularly popular choice, as was Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), along with an array of exotic trees. Some of these, including impressive specimens of Wellingtonia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and Japanese Red Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica), still stand tall today. Look closer, and you’ll also find several unusual oaks, such as the Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and Lebanon Oak (Quercus libani). However, while these relics are striking, they are not the focus of this post.

In 1883, Lord Armstrong gifted the main area of Jesmond Dene to the Corporation of Newcastle upon Tyne for the benefit of its citizens. The following year, in 1884, the park was officially opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales. Since then, little has changed. Jesmond Dene remains well-used by locals but, aside from essential maintenance and a few successive introductions of equally unusual plants, it has been largely untended for over a century, allowing nature to reclaim much of the space – the very reason it is so difficult to tell new introductions from older ones!

Today, while still officially recognisd as a park, Jesmond Dene resembles more of a semi-natural urban woodland. It supports many species typical of ancient semi-natural woodlands, such as Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) and Ramsons (Allium ursinum) and its canopy is dominated by native trees, including English Oak (Quercus robur), Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). This façade of naturalness is so extensive that parts of the dene appear entirely wild. Yet, while many of the landscaped features remain— complete with their exotic introductions —much of Lord Armstrong’s original planting seems to have been lost to time. Or has it?

A view of Jesmond Dene c1910 courtesy of Newcastle City Libraries

A view of the bridge, Jesmond Dene, c1910 courtesy of Newcastle City Libraries

Over recent years, while exploring Jesmond Dene, I have stumbled across several remnants of its past life as a naturalistic garden — often in the most unexpected places. While some species have undoubtedly been lost, much still remains for those who know where to look. Though not strictly “wild” (although one could argue that any species persisting or spreading for over a century has earned that distinction), these exotic plants add an intriguing layer of interest to what is already the crown jewel of Newcastle’s green spaces.

In what will likely become a rather lengthy blog, I wanted to highlight some of these botanical relics…

The Exotic Plants of Jesmond Dene

Before going any further, please do take a look at this superb account published account on the History of Jesmond Dene. With mention of many of the plants introduced during Victorian times, this will form the basis for several of today’s assumptions.

Shrubs in Jesmond Dene

Perhaps the most obvious aspect of Armstrong’s legacy is the assortment of exotic trees scattered throughout Jesmond Dene and the neighbouring Armstrong Park. While undeniably fascinating, these trees are rather conspicuous and not the focus of this blog (though I have written about some of them previously here).

Far less prominent are the shrubs introduced as understory plants and hedging. Several exotic species, such as Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum), Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), and Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa), are widespread — so much so that it’s nearly impossible to miss them. Others, like Aucuba (Aucuba japonica), which forms large stands around Pet’s Corner and in Armstrong Park, and both Wilson’s Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida) and Box-leaved Honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata), are easier to spot if you know where to look.

Himalayan Honeysuckle (*Leycesteria formosa*)
© James Common

Even more intriguing are those shrubs that have blended seamlessly with the naturally occurring vegetation. Take the Berberis family for example — a spiny set of shrubs typically originating from Asia or South America. In a summary of plants recorded in Jesmond Dene in 1894, only two species are mentioned: Oregon-grape (Berberis aquifolium) and Darwin’s Barberry (Berberis darwinii), the latter, of course, named in honour of Charles Darwin.

While the original plantings of Oregon-grape appear to have disappeared, the species is still very much present in the Dene today and seedlings can readily be found in several parts. Whether these stem from Armstrong’s introductions, or more recent plantings in the 1980’s and 90’s remains to be seen. Darwin’s Barberry persists in several locations too, most notably near Castle Farm Road. Beyond these, other Berberis species seem to have quietly flown under the radar. For instance, several stands of the attractive Chinese Barberry (Berberis julianae) can be found, especially near the entrance to Armstrong Park, while Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) has been noted in the upper reaches of the dene. The origins of both are hazy at best.

More recently, specimens of Gagnepain’s Barberry (Berberis gagnepainii) were observed near the quarry (rail.hired.silks) where one can also find some nice examples of Warty Barberry (Berberis verruculosa), both plants absent from early records. Both of these seem to be later introductions by park custodians. The same can also be said for the fragrant Christmas Box (Sarcococca confusa) growing nearby – not a Berberis but a nice plant nonetheless.

Gagnepain’s Barberry (*Berberis gagnepainii*)
© James Common

Other groups of plants mentioned in early accounts of Jesmond Dene include Hawthorns and Cotoneasters. Starting with the Hawthorns, the 1894 plant list references Crataegus oxycantha — a now obsolete name that broadly encompassed both Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). While plenty of native Common Hawthorn thrives throughout the dene, visitors can still find examples of Midland Hawthorn hidden in plain sight, particularly in the grotto and along Red Walk. Though they appear quite similar to the untrained eye, these Midland Hawthorns were surely part of Armstrong’s original introductions.

Midland Hawthorn (*Crataegus laevigata*) © Pru Hamed

But what about the Cotoneasters? Given their ability to spread independently, several species found in Jesmond Dene may have colonised the area more recently. Among these are Willow-leaved Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius) and Himalayan Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster simonsii). Far more intriguing, however, is the presence of Purple-flowered Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster atropurpureus), observed growing within the riverside masonry along Red Walk. This species has not been recorded elsewhere in the region, and given its apparent age, it may well originate from original plantings in the dene.

Jesmond Dene is home to many other exotic shrubs, nestled discreetly within the landscape. Among the more striking species are Yellow Azalea (Rhododendron luteum), hidden in the thickets west of Paddy Freeman’s Park (punchy.wins.usage), and Wrinkled Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum), found nearby at stuck.lamp.soak. The former is mentioned in early accounts, while older examples of the latter must surely stem from Armstrong’s day. Recent records also suggest the presence of the related Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus), though, alas, I have yet to locate it myself.

Three other shrubs I have observed, however, are Juneberry (Amelanchier spp.), Asian Firethorn (Pyracantha rogersiana) and Shallon (Gaultheria shallon). Interestingly, the latter has become a problematic invasive species at Armstrong’s other residence at Cragside. In Jesmond Dene, you can find Shallon uphill from solo.shack.feels. Along Red Walk, you may also spot examples of Weigela (Weigela florida), Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius), and Rose-of-Sharon (Hypericum calycinum), all of which have presumably stood the test of time. All three are mentioned in that historic account of the denes flora.

Wrinkled Viburnum (*Viburnum rhytidophyllum*)
© James Common

Whilst not strictly a shrub (though large than most) also worth a look on your next walk along the Ouse Burn are the large stands of bamboo. The most impressive sit in Armstrong Park and after much mind-changing, I think these could be Arrow Bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica). This would fit with the initial planting plan.

Three final species worth mentioning are all Rubus species, or brambles. First, across the Ouse Burn from Pet’s Corner, a spring visit may reward visitors with the striking pink blooms of Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), a North American species that is now happily naturalising at colleague.darker.pines, or thereabouts. This was a popular plant in Victorian times and in the North East, appears most frequently in the grounds of older stately homes.

At several points in the dene, you can also spot sprawling patches of Chinese Bramble (Rubus tricolor), a species long favored in landscaping. Given Armstrong’s fondness for oriental plants, this may date back to Victorian times. Finally, at mercy.lend.spray, you will find a long-neglected garden completely overtaken by White-stemmed Bramble (Rubus cockburnianus), a particularly attractive species endemic to China. Given the vast area it occupies, it’s clear that this bramble has been established for quite some time but for how long exactly, I am unsure.

Groundcover

Of course, when planting a whole host of trees and shrubs, you need something pretty to sit under them. The Armstrong’s planted many such things including several Gentians, Heaths and orchids now lost to time. That said, if anyone stumbles across a Lady’s-slipper Orchid, please let me know – supposedly these too were introduced on mass!

What remains today of Armstrong’s planted groundcover largely consists of tenacious, hardy species. Throughout the dene, you’ll encounter both Greater Periwinkle (Vinca major) and Lesser Periwinkle (Vinca minor) in various areas, as well as Atlantic Ivy (Hedera hibernica) and Persian Ivy (Hedera colchica) adorning the woodland floor in several spots. It’s perhaps unsurprising that these species have persisted, but look closer, and you’ll also find surprises.

Persian Ivy (*Hedera colchica*) © James Common

One such surprise is a sprawling colony of Abraham-Isaac-Jacob (Trachystemon orientalis) at slot.puff.stale. This unusual plant, native to Bulgaria and surrounding regions, is well-established in the dene and must surely have been introduced as a botanical curiosity. It is no longer common in cultivation today and would be a very odd choice indeed for modern park keepers given its tendency to overtake neighbouring areas.

Similarly, while walking along Red Walk, it’s possible to see several Asiatic plants growing amid tangles of brambles and other native weeds. Rodgersia (Rodgersia podophylla) is present here, as is Japanese Astilbe (Astilbe japonica), while in some areas, particularly on some of the higher more remote slopes, stands of Carpet-box (Pachysandra terminalis) can also be observed. The isolation of these sporadic plants, far from tended beds, suggests that they too could have been present here for quite some time. Conversations with park custodians seem to support this idea though it is difficult to know for certain given the successive plantings undertaken over the years.

Carpet-box (*Pachysandra terminalis*) © David Jarema

The above curiosities are not the only ones worth mentioning. By the stepping stones at face.edgy.sticky, a glance at the sodden, moss-covered banks of the Ouse Burn should reveal another fascinating plant: Kidney Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirsuta). This perennial thrives in high humidity and is typically found in damp, shaded environments such as woods, ravines, and north-facing cliffs. It was likely introduced as a rockery plant and has since established itself in several areas of the dene, alongside another similar species, Londonpride (Saxifraga × urbium). Interestingly, an intermediate form of the two species also exists in the dene and may represent a hybrid—a subject worth investigating in the future.

Another species present in the dene, Fringecups (Tellima grandiflora), would also fit with this style of Victorian planting but is now so well naturalised in parts of our region that tracing its origin becomes incredibly challenging.

Londonpride (*Saxifraga × urbium*) © David Jarema

Last, but by no means least, Jesmond Dene’s ferns deserve mention. The dene hosts several native species, including Hard Fern (Blechnum spicant) and Lady-fern (Athyrium filix-femina), but it also features introduced varieties. At the site of an old fernery, presumably created by the Armstrong’s, nature has reclaimed much of the area, yet the wider area still holds intriguing plants like Copper Shield-fern (Dryopteris erythrosora). Whether this species is an descendant of original plantings or of something planted more recently is impossible to assess. It is a pretty one though and I’d like to think it may have stood the test of time.

Copper Shield-fern (*Dryopteris erythrosora*) © James Common

Elsewhere in the dene, you’ll notice many examples of Soft Shield-fern (Polystichum setiferum). While this species is native to southern parts of the UK, in the North it generally appears as an introduced plant. Interestingly, it is one of the few ferns specifically mentioned in Armstrong’s original planting plans. Over the years, it has gone on to colonise many parts of the dene.

Spring Bulbs

Another rather charming group of plants worth mentioning are the spring bulbs, valued today just as they were in Victorian times for their colorful early-season displays. While records are sparse regarding exactly what was introduced to the dene during Armstrong’s time, early accounts do mention “squills, crocuses, and similar plants,” which were added for their visual appeal. Some of these plantings still persist today.

At cycle.erase.calm, or nearby, a stroll later in the year should reveal some attractive stands of Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale), while a springtime visit will uncover patches of Green Snowdrop (Galanthus woronowii) now well at home in the woodland. In various parts of the dene, Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus) and Early Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) can also be found. The most impressive colony of the latter grows near the entrance to Armstrong Park, where the species appears to have become well-established.

Scattered patches of Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and Greater Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) too may also trace their origins to the dene’s Victorian plantings but we cannot know for sure.

Green Snowdrop (*Galanthus woronowii*) © James Common

The squills mentioned in those early accounts have all but disappeared, with one notable exception: a small population of Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) in Armstrong Park. Its vivid blue flowers make for a striking and unusual sight amidst the site’s native woodland flora. Records from 2003 also note the presence of this species in the northern part of the dene.

Two more striking species are also worth highlighting. At video.stole.counts, visitors can find a small population of Dog’s-tooth Violet (Erythronium dens-canis). First recorded here in 2004 (although known about for much longer), its origins remain unclear, though it could be remnant of the park’s early tenure as a garden. Not far away, at being.many.horns, scattered examples of Blue Anemone (Anemone blanda) grow alongside our native Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa). The positioning of both species suggests they are not recent additions but rather remnants of historical plantings, perhaps in Armstrong’s day, perhaps more recently.

And there we have it—a tour of Jesmond Dene’s exotic plant life. In truth, aside from the rhododendrons, laurels, yews, and bamboos, it is difficult to say with certainty whether any of the fascinating exotics present in the dene can definitively be traced back to Lord Armstrong. I’d have loved to offer a more conclusive answer, but then again, who doesn’t enjoy a good mystery?

One thing is certain, however: Jesmond Dene is entirely unique on a local level. It is part woodland, showcasing countless examples of our native flora, and part garden, adorned with an array of exotic plants. This rare blend makes it an endlessly intriguing place to explore, and I sincerely hope it continues to be maintained in this spirit for generations to come.

Finally, it’s worth noting that new discoveries are still being made in the dene—or, at the very least, old treasures are being rediscovered. So don’t be surprised if, on your next walk, you stumble across something altogether unexpected, quietly tucked away in a thicket.

Wildflowers in Winter: The New Year Plant Hunt 2025

As is customary at year’s end, much of my time over the last week was spent darting about the local area plant hunting as part of the BSBI’s New Year Plant Hunt. Now in its fourteenth year, this fantastic citizen science project not only provides valuable data about how our flora is coping in the face of changing weather patterns but also provides the perfect excuse to head out botanising at time when most people simply wouldn’t.

With one solo hunt under my belt and two fantastic group events led for BSBI and Natural History Society of Northumbria members, now seemed like a good time to recap what has been an incredibly productive couple of days.

North Shields

Saving the routine NYPH routes for the upcoming group walks, on 29 December I thought I would head somewhere different, opting for a short metro journey to North Shields for a poke about the various industrial plots fringing the Tyne in its final stages. I’m glad I did with no less than 55 species recorded in flower – a high total for the chilly North East in late December.

Many of the plants seen were those you would expect in winter, among these ubiquitous species such as Daisy (Bellis perennis), Dandelion (Taraxacum agg), Ivy (Hedera helix) and Gorse (Ulex europeaus). The commonplace aliens put on a good show too with Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus) blooming in pavement cracks, Canadian Fleabane (Erigeron canadensis) about neglected gardens and Water Bent (Polypogon viridis) along the margins of several main roads. There were, however, more unexpected finds to be had too. For example, a south-facing bank in the centre of town produced an unusual double act of Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare) and White Campion (Silene latifolia), the former typically a plant of mid-summer, and the grassland abutting Meadow Well metro station a very early example of Cowslip (Primula veris).

The ponds in North Shield’s ‘Linear Park’ also proved worth a gander with both Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) and Monkeyflower (Erythranthe guttata) hanging on and later in the survey, Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa subsp. sylvestris) was encountered on an area of derelict land at Royal Quays. A good start I’d say…

St. Peter’s Basin

On 30 December, the time came for the first of this year’s group hunts and meeting with NHSN members in the east of Newcastle, we set about exploring a wide range of habitats including cycleways, ballast hills, marina pavements and even the unceremonious outskirts of the local tip. All proved fruitful with 59 species noted in bloom.

The common and familiar plants once again dominated proceedings but here too there were plenty of interesting discoveries. Around the industrial units, Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) and Guernsey Fleabane (Erigeron sumatrensis) proved plentiful and a stretch of verge outside the tip held blooming Field Madder (Sherardia arvensis), Medium-flowered Winter-cress (Barbarea intermedia) and Green Field-speedwell (Veronica agrestis). Nearby, the margins of Hadrian’s Cycleway held Balkan Spurge (Euphorbia oblongata) and Atlantic Ivy (Hedera hibernica) and around nearby residences, Pale Pink-sorrel (Oxalis incarnata) and Eastern Rocket (Sisymbrium orientale) were still going strong.

Perhaps the greatest surprise of the day came in the form of a solitary example of Broad-leaved Willowherb (Epilobium montanum) blooming in a sheltered spot at the base of a garden wall. This is a species typically encountered in flower during July and August, and a very queer sight during the winter months.

Wild Parsnip (*Pastinaca sativa subsp. sylvestris*)

Heaton

On 1 January, the time came for a re-run of a NYPH route surveyed in most of the last five years. Taking to the streets of Heaton with a wonderful group in toe (including the fab Charlotte Rankin), pickings were somewhat slimmer with 43 species observed. Here, a mosey around a nearby park provided Hazel (Corylus avellana) and some delightfully neglected gardens a suite of more unusual species in Barren Brome (Anisantha sterilis), Mind-your-own-business (Soleirolia soleirolii) and Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus).

In Heaton Park, both Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) and Early Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) put in an appearance, the former almost a month earlier than in 2024, and Wavy Bitter-cress (Cardamine flexuosa) was a nice find from a member of the group nestled amid flowering patches of the far commoner (at least in urban settings) Hairy Bitter-cress (Cardamine hirsuta).

Exploring North East Nature in 2024

It has become a bit of a tradition on this blog to share a round-up of the previous year’s highlights, discoveries and memorable moments. Indeed, it is always nice to look back and reflect, and nicer still to revisit similar posts from 2015 onwards (even if I do cringe a bit at my writing back then). As 2024 draws to a close, lets go again with some highlights of the past 12 months, both here on Common by Nature and across the wider North East.

As ever, a massive thank you to the friends, colleagues, naturalists and likeminded locals who have helped make 2024 another enjoyable and productive year. The natural history community is a thing of beauty and I am so very grateful for the advice, support and nuggets of wisdom offered once again!

Recording the Urban Flora

This one won’t surprise you – I’ve harped on about urban plants several times on this blog in 2024 [try here and here]. As many of you know, the vast majority of my time outside of work this year has been spend recording and writing an Urban Flora for Newcastle and North Tyneside – something I hope to finally bring to fruition in 2025.

This year alone, I have visited over 100 monads in the city, logged some 17,000 plant records and noted no less than 800 species growing in a wild and naturalised state among the terraces, alleyways and brownfield plots of Tyneside. Still, after several years of recording, it never ceases to amaze me just how diverse our cities actually are. From relic native plants such as Lesser Water-parsnip thriving in an urban burn and Autumn Gentian colonising a former spoil heap to hardy invaders, there is ever so much to see. Indeed, the total count for the survey area now stands at 1,020 species – that’s a fair chunk of the British flora!

A project like this would not be possible without the support of others so a huge thank you to everyone who has shared a record on iRecord this year. Particularly to Chris Barlow and James Bowyer for their helpful surveys.

Japanese Honeysuckle (*Lonicera japonica*)

Special Places

The same places crop up time and time again in these roundups; though that is not necessarily a bad thing. We all have our favourites and for me, 2024 provided opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the the two that matter most to me: Lindisfarne and Upper Teesdale.

I have visited Lindisfarne on no less than seven occasions this year, alone, with friends, with groups, you name it. Still, there has been an awful lot of of new spectacles to enjoy. Inspired by the Metherell’s superb book, Small Adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum azoricum) finally revealed itself and at last, I made time to seek out the vice-county’s only example of Common Sea-lavender (Limonium vulgare). Add to that my first encounter with the island’s Coralroot Orchids (Corallorhiza trifida) and record counts of Frog Orchid (Dactylorhiza viridis) and you have the makings of a very happy botanist.

Teesdale too has been a enjoy, with careful scouring finally revealing Moonwort (Botrychium lunaria) and Shady Horsetail (Equisetum pratense). Of course, fantastic displays of Spring Gentians (Gentiana verna) were not to be scoffed at too.

Away from these places, there have been exciting excursions to Hadrian’s Wall in search of Waxcaps, Hareshaw Linn for ferns, and many, many more wonderful outings. I have been spoiled.

Fantastic people and Events

If there is one part of my ‘day job’ I love best, it is the opportunity to get out and about sharing natural history with others. This year, I have had the pleasure of leading some 80 sessions across the North East, visiting some wonderful places with many inspiring people.

The highlight this year has definitely been the education courses, including my new ‘Botanist’s Year’ programme delivered for NHSN which saw almost 20 visits to botanical hotspots across the region and covered everything from snowdrops and cotoneasters to willowherbs and pesky yellow composites. I am not sure about the attendees, but I had a blast. Add to this our 200 Plants and Counting Course, returning Urban Botany course and standalone sessions on grasses, trees and even a few insects, and 2024 has been a pretty productive year. I definitely feel more confident in this regard – had you known me a few years past, you would know this hasn’t always been the case.

Closer to home, NHSN’s super Gosforth’s Wild Web project has meant plenty of walks, talks and ID sessions in urban parts of Newcastle. I’ve particularly enjoyed spending time with the Friends of Hebburn Riverside Park and several bioblitzes held in Newcastle’s city parks. Truly, there is no such thing as a dull day at the office…

The BSBI New Year Plant Hunt back in January

interesting Plants

As you might expect, most of this year’s interesting discoveries have taken place in and around the city. Still, there have been several and some of them at least were rather notable. Rummaging this year has revealed a good few ‘county firsts’ in the form of Egyptian Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Chia (Salvia hispanica), Lawn Lobelia (Pratia angulata), False Buck’s-beard (Astilbe japonica) and several more.

Away from the dodgy aliens, it was exciting to note Lesser Water-parsnip (Berula erecta) at Seaton Burn, a plant once thought extinct in VC67, and new populations of Rare Plant Register and local scarcities such as Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella), Common Wintergreen (Pyrola minor), and Rustyback (Asplenium ceterach).

All of this goes without mentioning the botanical ‘twitches’ that have taken place in 2024. Especially memorable are encounters with Lady Claremont’s Spleenwort (Asplenium x clermontiae) and Lobed Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis) but there have been many.

Rediscovering this Blog

This blog has changed much since it launched in 2011. Where once it was a journal of sorts it has now become a repository for any random thought that pops into my head – identification sheets, project updates, trip reports, exciting finds, you name it. My writing here had waned somewhat over recent years but this year, it seems to have made somewhat of a resurgence. Mainly because a good few people keep reading it!

Though it beggars belief, this year, Common By Nature has been visited some 42,000 times (a 200% increase on last year) by around 34,000 individual visitors. While it is true that I have put a little more effort in, I am not entirely sure what has caused this. I still giggle that a post I published in 2022 on ‘The Best Plant ID Apps‘ continues to draw in around 100 readers per day.

I guess what I am trying to say is thank you for reading!

The Best Plant App for Beginner Botanists: Comprehensive EditionMay 15, 2025James Common

Comparing Plant ID Apps for Beginner BotanistsMay 13, 2022James Common

Comparing Insect ID Apps for Budding EntomologistsNovember 3, 2024James Common

Down the Rabbit Hole

As someone with ASD, I confess that I am prone to heading down rabbit holes from time to time. Usually, these forays last for a few weeks before dissipating, never to emerge again. Recently however, a few of these deep dives appear to be sticking and may even become a key focus in the future.

On a light note, one of these ‘fads’ seems to have become snowdrops! Besides an obligatory glance each spring, these plants seldom got a look in before but now, seem to have become somewhat of a seasonal obsession. So much so that our tiny yarden in Heaton is now home over a dozen species and several more cultivars won in hard fought eBay auctions. This has since resulted in a great many hours spent combing the wider countryside in search of new or unrecorded species and in some cases, unique varieties. Just look at the wonderful yellow one below…

On a more serious [and far more stressful] note, I seem to have also stuck with Cotoneasters. Why, I am not sure, likely my husband would prefer it if I hadn’t given how many weekends this year have been spent searching for and identifying them – sometimes successfully. Regardless, I do love them and recently shared a concise atlas for the species found growing wild on Tyneside.

Rumour has it I’ll also be talking about them to BSBI members in a few months time…

Hollyberry Cotoneaster (*Cotoneaster bullatus*)

Looking Ahead

It is always nice to set a few resolutions for the New Year, and to publish them here so i can be held accountable when inevitably, some of them fail to come to fruition. That said, in 2025 I do have a few aspirations…

Finish the urban flora! With around 50 ‘top up’ surveys still to complete, much of next year will be spent exploring our urban plants. I do, however, hope to wrap up the project in 2025, finish writing and hopefully, find a publisher willing to print such a thing. If any readers have any ideas in this regard, I’d love to hear from you…
More, more, more! I’ve already mentioned how much I love getting out there [in good company] to explore our region’s wildlife. In 2025, I am excited to launch several new courses as part of my role with NHSN. So far, new additions included standalone sessions on willowherbs and trees, a new grasses courses taking place over four instalments, and even a programme dedicated to wetland plants. That should keep me busy. I’m also excited to lead a wee holiday for the fabulous Greenwings.
Possibly a FISC. For the last few years, I’ve been interested in putting my botanical skills to the test and taking a FISC exam with the BSBI. Next year I might just do this, we’ll see.
Rediscovering insects. Aside from ladybirds, my interest in insects has waned a little in recent years, thanks largely to a core focus on botany. Next year, however, I am keen to do both and have resolved to dust off the moth trap and sweep net and start recording invertebrates once again. So far, contenders for this insect moths, hoverflies and bees.
Write more! Given this blogs slight resurgence this year, next year I want to dedicate much more time to sharing content on Common by Nature. What format that will take, I am unsure, but should time allow, you can expect much more in 2025. I’ll also be focusing attention on my new BlueSky account if anyone would like to join me on there…

A Guide to Cotoneasters in Newcastle and North Tyneside

I have a special fondness for cotoneasters, though I’m not entirely sure why. Perhaps it’s because they offer something of interest in every season, or simply because they don’t receive as much attention as other plant groups. Either way, I seem to spend a fair amount of time writing about them on this blog, and longer still roaming the city, taking samples and vexing myself over their identification.

Cotoneasters are often considered one of the “trickier” plant groups to identify, and, as a result, are under-recorded across much of the UK, including here in Tyneside. Yet, they are fast becoming a notable part of our urban flora, and their diversity makes them deserving of more focused attention. Particularly given the fact that some species – including C. horizontalis and C. microphyllus – show a tendency to become invasive under specific circumstances.

This brief “cotoneaster guide” aims to highlight the distribution and diversity of the cotoneaster species found in Newcastle and North Tyneside. It is not an exhaustive list —there are undoubtedly more species out there waiting to be discovered— but it aims to provide information on localised distributions for interested botanists, whether local or farther afield.

Within this PDF, you’ll find maps, identification tips, and general habitat observations. However, this should not be considered a full “guide.” For that, I recommend Cotoneasters: A Comprehensive Guide to Shrubs for Flowers, Fruit, and Foliage by Fryer and Hylmö (2009), which remains the best resource on this group. Other fantastic resources, likely to be of help to botanists, include The Alien Plants of Belgium and of course, Stace’s New Flora of the British Isles.

If you’d like to share a Cotoneaster record, feel free to email me at jamesmcommon@gmail.com or add your sighting to iRecord, where it will be picked up by a local vice-county recorder.

Download the Cotoneaster Guide

Comparing Insect ID Apps for Budding Entomologists

With several apps out there to choose from, just where do you turn when trying to identify a troublesome insect?

My previous post focusing on the best plant identification apps has quickly turned into one of my highest preforming blogs ever with some 15,500 views to date. It seems that has technology improves, and mobile apps become a permanent part of the naturalist’s arsenal, there is a growing desire to find the best digital assistant for wildlife recording on the go. Cue a new post!

Photo-based apps are growing in popularity across all wildlife groups and despite some turning their noses up at the idea, they are here to stay and have the possibility to engage and encourage an incredibly diverse audience. From teachers and students to citizen scientists and even, dare I say it, established naturalists, many are turning to apps to identify puzzling finds, confirm their identifications and corroborate identifications made using field guides. Moreover, technology is developing all of the time meaning apps previous dismissed as inaccurate are growing ever more reliable.

Apps associated with plants and birds are fairly commonplace and many people use them, but less discussed is the possibility of using apps to identify insects – perhaps the most diverse and tricky group of all. Despite the challenges of insect identification, there are several apps out there designed to demystify the process. In this post, I thought I would run a little experiment comparing some of the most popular…

First, some ground rules

One image only – some apps allow for multiple images but we’ll not be doing that here
Decent(ish) images – Poor quality images, lacking key features, pose problems for even the best apps (and naturalists!)
Verified species – apps will be tested only on species with a confirmed ID courtesy of an expert verifier
Native species only – I wanted to test this on insects likely to be encountered in the UK.

Meet the Insect App Test subjects

Oak Bush-cricket (Meconema thalassinum)
Brown China-mark (Elophila nymphaeata)
Patchwork Leafcutter Bee (Megachile centuncularis)
Platycheirus rosarum – a hoverfly
Riponnensia splendens – a hoverfly
Larch Ladybird (Aphidecta obliterata)
Capsus ater – a true bug

While some of these are easier than others, I have resisted the urge to include extremely common and familiar species which most apps will surely get right. Instead, the range of insect groups included should hopefully put our candidate apps to the test.

Oak Bush-cricket
(*Meconema thalassinum*)

Comparing Insect Apps

Apps that identify the insect as their first choice will receive 1 point. If the correct insect is identified but shown as an outlying choice, we’ll deduct points for each subsequent tier. For example, Larch Ladybird coming in as the 4th most likely option would early 0.6 points. I may give extra points in some places if the apps manage to impress me…

	Oak Bush-cricket	Brown China-mark	Patchwork Leafcutter Bee	Platycheirus rosarum	Riponnensia splendens	Larch Ladybird	Capsus ater	Score (0-6)
ObsIdentify	✔ 1	✔1	✔ 0.9	✔ 1	✔ 1	✔ 1	✔ 1	6.9/7
Seek	✖	✔1	✖ 0.2 (It did get the family!)	✖	✖	✖	✖	0.2/7
Picture Insect	✔ 1	✔ 1	✔ 1	✔1	✖	✔ 1	✔ 1	6/7
Google Lens	✔ 1	✔ 1	✖ 0.2 (again, it got the family)	✖ 0.2	✖	✖ 0.2 (points for ‘ladybird’)	✖	2.6/7

ObsIdentify vs Picture Insect

And so we have our winner, or at least winners. Both ObsIdentify and Picture Insect performed extremely well during the first test and truth be told, there isn’t much between them. Let’s try them on a few more insects…

For this, we’ll trial the apps on the lovely Green Long-horn (Adela reaumurella), another true bug, Calocoris roseomaculatus, and the tiny Meadow Ladybird (Rhyzobius litura). A reasonably testing bunch!

	Green Long-horn	Calocoris roseomaculatus	Meadow Ladybird	Score (0-6)
ObsIdentify	✔1	✔ 0.9	✔ 0.9	2.8/3
Picture Insect	✔1	✖ 0.2 (it brought up a very similar species)	✖ 0.2 (again, a similar species but failed to mention this one)	1.4/3

ObsIdentify (9.7/10)

Hands down the best app for insect identification

ObsIdentify performed extremely well across all insect groups and must be considered the ‘go to’ app for identifying insects. Based on the positive reviews shared elsewhere, it is perhaps unsurprising that it identified the easier Oak Bush-cricket and Brown China-mark correctly, but it surprised by accurately ID’ing the two hoverflies. Hoverfly identification can often be an arduous affair so extra brownie points here.

Of the points 0.3 points deducted in total, on all occasions this was due to a separate but similar species being put forward as its primary identification. However, in all three cases, the true species was listed in second place which at least allows users to quickly compare species and reach a judgment for themselves.

On a more practical note, ObsIdentify is very user-friendly and provides no end of handy information that some users might find interesting. It also works on more than just insects and overall, is a well-rounded and very helpful app. Top marks!

Impressive 100% confirmation of *Platycheirus rosarum* but do excuse the difference in names

Picture Insect (7.4/10)

Another good choice for insect enthusiasts but jut falling short

Picture Insect is a perfectly sound app and performs better than most. In the first round of testing, it excelled with the more familiar species and resulted in correct identifications when presented with more challenging species, particularly Capsus ater and Platycheirus rosarum. Both of these proved too much for apps further down the list.

A solid choice for second place, the app only fell short at the last hurdle, failing to identify Calocoris roseomaculatus and Meadow Ladybird very nearly nailed by ObsIdentify. Indeed, neither species were shown in the four available suggestions shown by Picture Insect, but it did at least put us in the right ball park.

While a good choice for use on common and familiar species, I did find the app somewhat annoying on account of the frequent pop-ups prompting paid subscription. The interface is also a little more complex that our winning option.

Correct identification of Brown China-mark

Google Lens (2.6/7)

This one ought to do better…

Google Lens is perhaps the most widely used app on this list, with a great many people using it for everything from foodstuffs to wildlife. Given the infrastructure behind it, it ought to have outperformed some of the less well-resourced apps but alas, failed at almost every hurdle.

Points were awarded for its success in identifying Oak Bush-cricket and Brown China-mark but beyond these, it succeeded only in correctly identifying several species to family level. If, like me, you like to know specifics, it probably isn’t for you.

Seek (1.1/7)

Not again iNaturalist…

When it comes to purpose-built wildlife identification apps, Seek by iNaturalist is perhaps the most widely known (and used) of all. Indeed, I frequently encounter students using the app at the recommendation of their lecturers and have chanced upon a fair number of naturalists using it the field. They shouldn’t bother.

Oh iNaturalist, what went wrong yet again? If you read my previous post on plant ID apps, you’ll know that Seek came almost last. It performed almost as negatively this time, succeeding only with the Brown China-mark. This is somewhat troubling given its widespread use and ties with what is fast becoming the most widespread biological recording app in the UK. Yikes.

I would avoid Seek save for its use in positive environmental engagement. Like iNaturalist who developed it, it makes wildlife recording fun and would be a great choice for weekend walks with the kids if little else.

Identifying Oxalis

Get started identifying the widespread Wood-sorrels (Oxalis) you’re most likely encounter in a new, simplified crib

Thank you all so much for continuing to read and download recent entries in this series of accessible plant cribs. It has been a while since I shared one (they are very much a project for the darker months) so I thought I would get back into the swing of things by sharing another challenging plant family.

After tackling common grasses the last time around, now seemed like a good time to focus on something a little more colourful – introducing our pesky urban Wood-sorrels (Oxalis)

The wood-sorrels are an interesting group of low-growing, largely perennial plants with five-petaled flowers in shades of pink, red, white and yellow. While our native Wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella) is very much a plant of woodlands, most are plants of human-influenced habitats – think pavements, gutters, flowerbeds and driveways. In my native Newcastle, around 8 species are infrequently encountered about these habitats, though several others are likely to occur too. The simplified key below covers those most likely to be encountered in the North East but please note, there are several rarer ones out there.

Key factors to focus on when identifying oxalis are flower colour (which can help separate them nicely into groups), flower detail, leaflet number and leaf detail.

Identifying Oxalis

Oxalis are a moderately diverse bunch. Here, we’ll aim to cover the species botanists are most likely to encounter while out and about in urban areas across the North East; though the information shared should apply equally well elsewhere in the UK. This crib focuses the following species:

Upright Yellow-sorrel
Procumbent Yellow-sorrel
Least Yellow-sorrel
Wood-sorrel
Pale Pink-sorrel
Common Pink-sorrel
Large-flowered Pink-sorrel
Broad-leaved Pink-sorrel
Four-leaved Pink-sorrel
Annual Pink-sorrel

Download the Crib

Enjoying this series? Please consider sharing this page with friends or better still, providing a back-link so that more people can find it. If you have any suggestions for further groups to cover, I’d love to hear from you.

*Oxalis exilis* © Jelle van Dijk, via Saxifraga

Bullate Leaved Cotoneasters with Red/Orange Fruits

In this new series of blogs, I hope to condense the available information associated with different groupings of cotoneasters. This will include wild and naturalised species but also some available in horticulture and thus, likely to occur in the future. References are provided.

Medium shrubs to small trees with subcoriaceous leaves boasting a strongly bullate [blistered] upper surface and often, deeply impressed veins. Most fall into series Bullati (Flinck & B. Hylmö) but several other superficially similar species known to occur are also included.

Of these cotoneasters, only Hollyberry Cotoeaster (Cotoneaster bullatus) and Bullate Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster rehderi) are known to occur widely in the UK and are often confused. Several other species, most notably Bois’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster boisianus) and Firebird Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster ignescens) are known to occur more scantly but may have been overlooked. More species still are available in horticulture and grown in botanical gardens and arboretums and as such, as liable to occur in the future.

Fruits Red

	C. bullatus	C. rehderi	C. obscurus
Fruit	Globose or obovoid, 7-8mm, rich red, shiny, glabrescent, calyx lobes depressed; nutlets 5 (rarely 4).	Globose or depressed globose, 8-11mm, bright red, shiny, calyx lobes flat; nutlets 4-5.	Obovoid, 7-9mm, red to maroon, shiny, glabrous, calyx lobes flat; nutlets 3-4.
Flowers	12-30 flowered. Corolla closed or with small opening, petals red and pale pink with a greenish pink border; filaments pale pink, anthers white.	10-30 flowered. Corolla closed, petals red or maroon with pink border; filaments pink, anthers white.	7-12 flowered. Corolla closed, petals pink and greenish white with some red; filaments red and pink, anthers white.
Leaf size	55-90mm x 26-46mm	70-210mm x 45-90mm	25-45mm x 12-28mm
Leaf above	Bullate, initially reddish brown, shiny, initially pilose; veins 6-9 impressed.	Strongly bullate, mid-green, shiny, slightly pilose, veins 8-11 impressed.	Bullate, dark green, slightly shiny, initially strigose; veins 3-5 impressed.
Leaf below	Villous, especially on midrib.	Lightly green, initially yellowish strigose.	Somewhat reticulate, yellowish tomentose-villous.
Branchlets	Maroon, initially yellowish pilose	Maroon and lenticellate, initially pilose.	Maroon, initially yellowish pilose
UK Status	2388 records (Sept 2024)	3612 records (Sept 2024)	10 records (Sept 2024)
Comment	Common in some parts	Perhaps the most likely species to be found in all habitats across the UK.	Rather unlikely

A comparison of Cotoneaster bullatus and select similar species recorded in the UK

Similar Species in Cultivation

Cotoneaster emeiensis has large leaves reminiscent of C. rehderi (120-160mm x 55-60mm) and could be easily confused. It has slightly smaller fruits (8-9mm) and it’s flowers differ with petals that are red with a brownish-red base and a pink border. It is now available for sale in the UK, and has been planted at select botanical gardens.

Cotoneaster ataensis has smaller leaves than the species above (35-50mm x 25-33mm) but shares the rich red fruits. It differs in having 3-9 flowers, each with an open corolla and petals which are red with a blackish-purple base and a pink border. Fryer & Hylmö (2009) state that this species is widespread in cultivation but often mislabelled as C. bullatus.

Cotoneaster atuntzensis could be mistaken for either C. bullatus or C. rehderi. It has shortly obovoid fruits (8-9mm) with 3-4 nutlets and petals which are pale pink and greenish with an off white border.

Bullate Cotoneaster (*Cotoneaster rehderi*)

Hollyberry Cotoneaster (*Cotoneaster bullatus*)
© lern via iRecord

Fruits Orange-red to Orange

	C. ignescens	C. boisianus	C. sikangensis
Fruit	Obovoid or depressed globose, 9-10mm, orange-red, shiny, sparsely pilose, calyx lobes flat; nutlets 3-4.	Obovoid, 9-11mm, orange-red, base pilose, calyx lobes flat; nutlets 4-5.	Obovoid, 9-11mm, orange-red, subglabrous, calyx lobes flat; nutlets 3-5 (mostly 5).
Flowers	3-13 flowered. Corolla with small opening, petals reddish brown with a pink or off-white border; filaments red and pink, anthers white.	9-18 flowered. Corolla closed, petals red with a dark red base and pale pink border; filaments red and pink, anthers white.	3-15 flowered. Corolla closed or with small opening, petals pink with greenish brown or white stripe, border off-white; filaments pale pink, anthers white.
Leaf size	38-50mm x 23-28mm (subcoriaceous)	46-60mm x 22-32mm (chartaceous)	26-40mm x 13-24mm (subcoriaceous)
Leaf above	Bullate, dark green, shiny, strigose; veins 5-7 impressed.	Slightly bullate, dark green, dull, pilose-strigose; veins 6-8 impressed.	Bullate, dark green, shiny, pilose-strigose; veins 4-6 impressed.
Leaf below	Densely whitish pilose-villous	Reticulate, yellowish pilose.	Densely villous-pilose
Branchlets	Maroon, initially pilose-strigose.	Maroon, strigose-pilose.	Maroon, initially yellowish pilose
UK Status	9 records (Sept 2024)	36 records (Sept 2024)	Not yet recorded
Comment	Highly unlikely	Grows easily from seed in my experience so perhaps one to hunt for!	Apparently available in horticulture

A comparison of Cotoneaster ignescens and select similar species recorded in the UK

Bois’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster boisianus)
via Manual of the Alien Plants of Belgium

References

Dickoré, W.B. & Kasperek, G. (2010). Species of Cotoneaster (Rosaceae, Maloideae) indigenous to, naturalising or commonly cultivated in Central Europe. Willdenowia 40: 13-45
Verloove, Filip. (2014). Het genus Cotoneaster in België. Dumortiera. 103. 3-29.
Fryer, J.; Hylmö, B. (2009). Cotoneasters: a comprehensive guide to shrubs for flowers, fruit, and foliage. Timber Press, Portland.
Verloove F. (2024). Manual of the Alien Plants of Belgium. Botanic Garden Meise, Belgium.

Walks Through the Flora of Newcastle – Lower Ouse burn

Inspired by ongoing efforts to record the urban flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, I wanted to make some of what has been discovered so far accessible to those interested in exploring the city for themselves.

These blogs will explore some of the best botanical walks the conurbation has to offer – perfect for planning your next outing in the urban jungle. Here, we’ll explore the up and coming Lower Ouse Burn Valley with its industrial relics and eclectic urban flora.

The Lower Ouseburn Valley lies on the edge of Newcastle City Centre. Once one of the city’s first industrial suburbs, this area was shaped by the coal, glass, and pottery industries that once dominated the banks of the Ouse Burn. Its role as an industrial hub persisted until the mid-19th century, when many buildings began to fall into dereliction. Today, it features an intriguing mix of planted amenity woodland, urban shrubberies, brownfield sites, residential areas, ruderal land, and grassland.

Your walk begins at the Cycle Hub at global.takes.blocks. From here, head west along Cycle Route 72, pausing to enjoy the uncommon pavement plants along the route. Eastern Rocket (Sisymbrium orientale) is frequent in this area, along with Water Bent (Polypogon viridis), Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa subsp. sylvestris), and halophytes such as Danish Scurvygrass (Cochlearia danica). After crossing the bridge at ducks.eaten.boxing, you’ll find a large area of derelict land on the northern bank of the Tyne, home to many species characteristic of Newcastle’s urban spaces. Look out for Weld (Reseda luteola), Hen-bit Dead-nettle (Lamium amplexicaule), Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), Guernsey Fleabane (Erigeron sumatrensis), and Hop Trefoil (Trifolium campestre). Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) has also been recorded here, likely introduced by well-meaning locals, and the thin soils here often support stunning displays of Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia).

**Sun Spurge** (*Euphorbia helioscopia*) © Chris Barlow

Once you’ve explored this area, retrace your steps back across Cycle Route 72 and take the path along the western bank of the Ouse Burn. Although this area is dominated by office blocks, it’s surprisingly rich in plant life. Check the stonework fringing the burn for Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa) growing in the cracks, and look down at the gabions for natives like Wild Celery (Apium graveolens), Common Scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis), Hemlock Water-Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), and Spear-leaved Orache (Atriplex prostrata), all tolerant of the brackish conditions typical of the lower river. If you spot orange flowers along the stonework, this may be Kamchatka Stonecrop (Phedimus kamtschaticus), first recorded at this site in 2024.

Before continuing your walk, take a close look at the crumbling wall at flats.vivid.paint, home to a large colony of Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata). Also, check the ornamental planters in the office forecourts, which, depending on local gardeners’ activity, may contain interesting arable plants. In the past, these have included Wild Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. raphanistrum), Small Nettle (Urtica urens), Fool’s-parsley (Aethusa cynapium), Cut-leaved Dead-nettle (Lamium hybridum), and even Common Fiddleneck (Amsinckia micrantha). Now, head back to the cycle route, cross the bridge, and follow the path along the eastern bank of the Ouse Burn at Maling Street, where your walk truly begins.

**Common** **Fiddleneck** (*Amsinckia micrantha*) © James Common

The industrialised riverbanks between the Tyne Bar and Panhaggarty Bridge are eclectic and fascinating, with the stonework hosting a unique mix of native plants and successful urban neophytes. As you walk, look for species like Polypody (Polypodium vulgare), Small-flowered Crane’s-bill (Geranium pusillum), Squirreltail Fescue (Vulpia bromoides), Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), Tall Melilot (Melilotus altissimus), Sticky Groundsel (Senecio viscosus), and Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens). Less common are Meadow Fescue (Schedonorus pratensis) and Green Field-speedwell (Veronica agrestis), the latter being an unusual addition to the flora here. Keep an eye out too for bird seed aliens such as Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Six-row Barley (Hordeum vulgare), which may have sprouted thanks to locals feeding waterfowl.

Exploring the naturalised shrubs in this area is also rewarding, with expanding colonies of Hjelmqvist’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster hjelmqvistii) and Swedish Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster x suecicus), as well as Wall Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) and Willow-leaved Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius).

**Narrow-leaved Ragwort** (*Senecio inaequidens*) © Irene Zaina

When you reach Panhaggarty Bridge, cross the Ouse Burn again and follow the burn-side path that fringes Ouse Burn Farm to the east. The frequent transfer of goods and produce here has led to the colonisation of several interesting species, such as Balm (Melissa officinalis), Cockspur (Echinochloa crus-galli), and Chives (Allium schoenoprasum). The Ouse Burn itself is particularly noteworthy for its floating conservation islands, which host riparian plants like Purple-loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), Hemlock (Conium maculatum), Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris), Water Figwort (Scrophularia auriculata), and Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus). Interestingly, Gypsywort may have colonised naturally, supported by records from N.J. Winch in the 1800s. These islands also harbour two invasive species: Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Under Byker Bridge, observe the well-established colony of Pot Marigold (Calendula officinalis), which grows alongside Trailing Bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana).

Continue along the burn to the small meadow at heap.grin.hails. If you see a cow, don’t be alarmed—Willow is friendly! This managed grassland is a hidden gem, home to Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Square-stalked St. John’s-wort (Hypericum tetrapterum), and more common plants such as Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), Common Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa), and Ragged-robin (Silene flos-cuculi). The pond at adopt.lively.turkey is still maturing but already holds Common Stonewort (Chara vulgaris) and several Carex species.

**Himalayan Balsam** (*Impatiens glandulifera*) © Chris Barlow

To finish your walk, cross the small stone bridge leading back to the eastern bank of the Ouse Burn and follow the path towards the wooded area south of Newcastle’s City Stadium. Along the way, you may spot Black Horehound (Ballota nigra) and Chicory (Cichorium intybus) growing beside the path. In the wood, and along the edges of the metro line running east towards Heaton, you’ll encounter self-sown cotoneasters, including Tree Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster frigidus), Stern’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sternianus), and Spreading Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster divaricatus), the latter colonising the stonework of an old railway bridge further east. The wood itself hosts several interesting alien species, such as Fatsia (Fatsia japonica), Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea), and carpets of Atlantic Ivy (Hedera hibernica), which, though not strictly alien, was surely introduced here. In winter, the wood delights with displays of Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), while later in the year, you might spot Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine).

A few other interesting plants to spot along the way…

Other interesting plants to look for along the way include Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare), Mexican Fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus), Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum), Beaked Hawk’s-beard (Crepis vesicaria), Bullate Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster rehderi), Common Stork’s-bill (Erodium cicutarium), Shining Crane’s-bill (Geranium lucidum), Hedgerow Crane’s-bill (Geranium pyrenaicum), Hoary Ragwort (Jacobaea erucifolia), and Oregon-grape (Mahonia aquifolium).

**Chicory** (*Cichorium intybus*) © Chris Barlow

Walks Through the Flora of Newcastle – Big Waters & Brenkley

Inspired by ongoing efforts to record the urban flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, I wanted to make some of what has been discovered so far accessible to those interested in exploring the city for themselves. Cue a new series!

These blogs will explore some of the best botanical walks the conurbation has to offer – perfect for planning your next outing in the urban jungle. Here, we’ll explore the former mining sites of Big Waters and Brenkley Colliery, with a brief detour to Seaton Burn, but first a huge thanks to Chris Barlow for the photography needed to illustrate this post – I must learn to take better photos!

A Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) managed jointly by Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) and Urban Green Newcastle, Big Waters is home to the largest subsistence pond in region, formed over collapsed mine workings from the 1920s. With plenty of open water, reedbed, neutral grassland and wet woodland, it is a most interesting place to visit. That said, it is the Eastern side managed by Urban Green Newcastle that is most interesting. You’ll start there, though the NWT side is of note for its rich sedge community which among other things includes White Sedge (Carex canescens), Common Yellow-sedge (Carex demissa) and Oval Sedge (Carex leporina). You will avoid hopping fences, won’t you?

Your walk will begin in the carpark at seeing.helpfully.meanders. From here, take the less-trodden path into the wood for a brief pitstop at the boardwalk at instincts.honestly.offices. Here, the small pond to either side holds Rigid Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) and White Water-lily (Nymphaea alba) alongside more common wetland fare in Purple-loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Broad-leaved Pondweed (Potamogeton natans). Better yet, this area is one of the few places in the conurbation where you can enjoy Greater Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) – a rather rare plant in North East England, if the maps are to be believed.

**Broad-leaved Pondweed** (*Potamogeton natans*)
© Chris Barlow

Next, head up a small flight of rickety stems and follow the trail through the small wood until you emerge at starters.concerned.lift. At this point, follow the lakeshore taking care to look out any unusual aquatic plants washed closer to shore. Fennel Pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata) is particularly common, as is Canadian Waterweed (Elodea canadensis) but you may also encounter Horned Pondweed (Zannichellia palustris) and Curled Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus). The banks here can be interesting too with plentiful Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris), Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), Perforate St. John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) and other common plants. If you look closer at the Hypericum, you may well encounter Des Etang’s St. John’s-wort (Hypericum x desetangsii) also, though it’s other parent, Imperforate St. John’s-wort (Hypericum maculatum) is strangely lacking if my experience is anything to go by.

Continuing on this route, before long, you’ll enter a new monad and should continue, over a small bridge, into an area of grassland beginning at products.most.flick. By the burn, be sure to check the stepping stones for more Greater Duckweed, often forming mixed-species mats with its common cousin, Common Duckweed (Lemna minor), and some infrequent marginals in Amphibious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia), Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) and Clustered Dock (Rumex conglomeratus). These species are common across Big Waters but this is as good a place as any to spot them.

The grasslands at Big Waters are rather diverse and home to a rich suite of species including Yellow Oat-grass (Trisetum flavescens), Lesser Stitchwort (Stellaria graminea), Zigzag Clover (Trifolium medium), Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii). Explore these, but be sure to return to the burnside path for an eclectic mix of naturalised garden escapes.

**Agrimony** (*Agrimonia eupatoria*)
© Chris Barlow

How many of these species came to exist here is a bit of a mystery but depending on the timing of your visit, around butlers.equity.professes you can observe a queer mix of Purple Cranes-bill (Geranium x magnificum), Druce’s Crane’s-bill (Geranium x oxonianum), Dotted Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata) and Hybrid Barrenwort (Epimedium x versicolor). If you should notice a rather imposing tussock of grass, this is likely to be Golden Oats (Celtica gigantea) which was first recorded from the site in 2024 by local naturalist, Chris Barlow. Chris has since gone on to find Yellow Oxeye (Buphthalmum speciosum) in the same area so what exactly is happening here is anyone’s guess! Big Waters gardening club?

**Golden Oats** (*Celtica gigantea*)
© Chris Barlow

Continue beside the Hartley Burn until you reach the motorway, noting the impressive Traveller’s-joy (Clematis vitalba) at rust.informer.slab. From this point, you’ll loop back, walking the opposite site of the burn as you head back towards the lake. Along the way, lookout for Grey Alder (Alnus incana), Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) and other commonplace additions to former coalfields. When you reach the lake, it is worth investigating the eroded bank at struts.factory.grips where visitors commonly feed the resident waterfowl. Sightings here have included commonplace plants such as Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum) but also relative scarcities such as Cockspur (Echinochloa crus-galli). From here, you’ll want to follow the path North, through a small wood, to fists.rifled.wrist, where you will reach a bridleway from which you will travel West to the site of the former Brenkley Colliery. A rather inaccessible but diverse site that can be accessed, somewhat naughtily, via some arable fields at sideboard.explored.revealing.

**Traveller’s-joy** (*Clematis vitalba*)
© Chris Barlow

From this point, head North along the margins of the sprawling wheat field, ensuring you hug the margins so not to trample the farmers crops. Doing so, you will have the opportunity to observe many crop weeds including commonplace plants like Scarlet Pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis) and Scentless Mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum) but several scarcities too. In this field, and in the broader area, a little work can reveal Great Brome (Anisantha diandra), Black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) and Marsh Cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum), all of which are rather rare in Greater Newcastle. When you reach powerful.trudges.tedious, you have reached the colliery and short of a hurdle through the hedge, the next leg of your botanical voyage can begin.

**Scarlet Pimpernel** (*Lysimachia arvensis*)
© Chris Barlow

Brenkley Colliery is an interesting if somewhat neglected site. In parts, the meadows here are acidic in nature dominated by Betony (Betonica officinalis), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta), Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica), Common Sedge (Carex nigra) and Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis). In other parts, you will find copious Fairy Flax (Linum catharticum) alongside Common Spotted Orchid, Lady’s-bedstraw (Galium verum) and tracts of Yellow Oat-grass; all of which, together, hint at more calcareous conditions. Uncommon plants here include Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis), Des Etangs’ St. John’s-wort and best of all, Newcastle’s only known example of Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella) – a surprising find during recent surveys.

**Autumn Gentian** (*Gentianella amarella*)

Brenkley is degrading fast it would seem, largely on account of encroaching scrub. Inaction means that this locally unique site may be lost in due course so perhaps it is best to enjoy it while you can. Or perhaps it will be protected. Who knows?

At this stage, you may wish to curtail your journey, heading back the way you came to Big Waters and onwards to home. However, if you’re not yet finished, you could opt for a walk East along the old colliery road towards Seaton Burn and Little Waters. Doing so will reward you with copious amounts of Blue Water-Speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) in a path side ditch at detective.suitably.canyons, while continuing to the bridge in Seaton Burn itself will yield what may well be Newcastle/North Tynside’s most diverse aquatic plant community. At waltzed.mailboxes.stream look out for the county’s only known population of Lesser Water-Parsnip (Berula erecta), a Rare Plant Register species, and other uncommon plants such as Curled Pondweed and Horned Pondweed. A rather chunky water-starwort here may well turn out to be Blunt-fruited Water-starwort (Callitriche obtusangula) but needs further investigation. Water-violet (Hottonia palustris) also grows in this square but alas, I can’t reveal everything in posts such as this can I?

**Lesser Water-Parsnip**
(*Berula erecta*)

Walks Through the Flora of Newcastle – The Streets of Heaton

Inspired by ongoing efforts to record the urban flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, I wanted to make some of what has been discovered so far accessible to those interested in exploring the city for themselves. Cue a new series!

These blogs will explore some of the best botanical walks the conurbation has to offer – perfect for planning your next outing in the urban jungle. Here, we’ll explore the streets of Heaton (I promise you, there is more to those terraces than meets the eye!)

The streets of Heaton, a suburb of Newcastle, are both significant for their botanical diversityand broadly representative of the messy, terraced neighbourhoods found across Tyneside. My daily walk during lockdown, the area has been very well botanised, but you could easily encounter many of these plants in parts of Wallsend, Walker, Jesmond or Elswick. You’ll begin your walk on at the base of Simonside Terrace (burns.thick.bonds).

Setting out, you will walk up Simonside Terrace towards Chillingham Road, paying attention to the weedy front gardens tended (or not) by Heaton’s burgeoning population of students. Here, you will experience what can only be described as the true ‘urban flora’ of Newcastle. Among commoner plants, in summer, expect to see Guernsey Fleabane (Erigeron sumatrensis) and Canadian Fleabane (Erigeron canadensis) growing within cracks in the pavement, Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus) adorning walls in the company of Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) and Water Bent (Polypogon viridis) growing in an assortment of nooks and crannies.

**Trailing Bellflower** (*Campanula poscharskyana*)

On the North-facing side of the terrace, look out for carpets of Mind-your-own-business (Soleirolia soleirolii) spreading between shaded gardens and Pale Pink-sorrel (Oxalis incarnata) colonising flowerbeds. You can also expect ample Welsh Poppy (Papaver cambricum), Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia), Purple Toadflax (Linaria purpurea), Trailing Bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana) and Pink Purslane (Claytonia sibirica), which has colonised gravelled gardens here in recent years.

At caked.towns.glee, turn right and head back in the same direction via the first back alley you encounter. Seldom sprayed, these alleyways can be a veritable gold mine of interesting plants, of all persuasions. In walls, expect to see Fern-grass (Catapodium rigidum), Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) and Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis), as well as self-sown Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and perhaps even Annual Beard-grass (Polypogon monspeliensis) – a bird seed alien which has been growing ever more frequent of late. Continue across Whitefield Terrace to another alley directly abutting the nearby Iris Brickfield allotments where you will enjoy, depending on the antics of local allotmenteers, a wide range of waifs and strays cast out from local vegetable plots. In Spring, the margins here hold Garden Grape-hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum), Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) and Three-cornered Garlic (Allium triquetrum) presumably hurled over the fence as bulbs. Common weeds include Fat-hen (Chenopodium album), Common Orache (Atriplex patula) and Pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria judaica); while Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is recurrent in bare areas. You might even spot the impressive Grape-vine (Vitis vinifera) that, having been turfed out of an allotment plot, has flourished in the hedge here for several years.

**Garden Grape-hyacinth** (*Muscari armeniacum*)

From this point, it is worth going off piste and exploring more of the nearby terraces. Each comes with its own unique set of plants and more than a few highlights. At gold.slimy.vine you will find an impressive variety of ferns on Rokeyby Terrace including Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens), Hart’s-tongue (Asplenium scolopendrium), Wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) and better yet, Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum) and Polypody (Polypodium vulgare). On Tosson Terrace, Greater Quaking-grass (Briza maxima) is expending rapidly and has colonised the grounds of a nearby school and all about, pavement cracks hold treasures such as Squirreltail Fescue (Vulpia bromoides), White Melilot (Melilotus albus) and the self-sown offspring of garden plants. Two of the most frequent being Argentine Vervain (Verbena bonariensis) and Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus).

Whichever route you take, your next port of call will be the nearby Iris Brickfield Park. Fairly unassuming, at least by the standards of Newcastle’s other amenity spaces, the park holds all the trappings you might expect with playing fields, a play area, manicured lawns and rows of ornamental trees – several of which including False-acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) and Mougeot’s Whitebeam (Sorbus mougeotii) are known to spread themselves about somewhat. Notably, the park also holds several ‘wild’ areas with the grassland here gradually developing into a rather nice meadow. Expect Lesser Stitchwort (Stellaria graminea), Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor), Zigzag Clover (Trifolium medium), Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella), Goat’s-beard (Tragopogon pratensis) and obvious patches of Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima). Much more intriguing, however, is the small pond at item.humid.firms.

Subject to little upkeep, this pond has developed a fascinating aquatic community over the years, born of natural colonisation and perhaps, a helping hand from nearby residents. By large, it is dominated by stands of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) but in parts, you will also find Branched Burr-reed (Sparganium erectum), Purple-loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Water Mint (Mentha aquatica). The real gems here are much rarer but with careful exploration, you can find Marsh Willowherb (Epilobium palustre), Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus), Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus), Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) and much more. Indeed, this small and unassuming pond exemplifies perfectly the value of even the smallest shred of natural habitat in the urban setting. Before moving on, move a few paces to remind.baked.duke where you can enjoy the city’s only known clump of Marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis). How it got here remains somewhat of a mystery.

Branched Burr-reed (*Sparganium erectum*)

Exit the park at glass.city.wisely on to Rothbury Terrace and head North towards Benfield Road. On route, be sure to peer through the fence separating the road from the nearby railway line. Over the years, this has developed a rich scrub community consisting of many natives, including Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), and assorted aliens ranging from Mock-orange (Philadelphus coronarius) and Escallonia (Escallonia rubra) to Hollyberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster bullatus). Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) and Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) can also be observed.

A major thoroughfare, the flora on Benfield Road is different to that of the area’s quieter streets. Walking North-West, you should note a wide range of species in cracks, crevices and untidy corners including Eastern Rocket (Sisymbrium orientale), Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides), Sticky Groundsel (Senecio viscosus) and Scarlet Pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis). Walk until the road joins the Coast Road, one of Newcastle’s most significant transport links where, thanks to winter gritting, a rich halophyte community has developed.

**Sticky Groundsel** (*Senecio viscosus*)

Without straying far from the junction, here you will find a representative suite of salt-lovers including Danish Scurvy-grass (Cochlearia danica), Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Buck’s-horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus), Sea Aster (Tripolium pannonicum) and Lesser Sea-spurrey (Spergularia marina). Look closer at the roadsides you might also notice Sea Fern-grass (Catapodium marinum) at its only local outpost. Oddities occur here too, presumably due to the constant passage of traffic. In recent years, these have included Argentine Needle-grass (Nassella tenuissima) and Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) but you never know what might pop up.

**Californian Poppy** (*Eschscholzia californica*)

From this point, you have two options: curtail your journey, or follow the Coast Road West to the junction of Benton Road where you may visit Heaton Cemetery. Doing so will provide an opportunity to enjoy a range of succulent species associated with the undisturbed stonework of aged graves. White Stonecrop (Sedum album) and Biting Stonecrop (Sedum acre) are most plentiful but crisscrossing the site, you should also observe colonies of Reflexed Stonecrop (Petrosedum rupestre) and Rock Stonecrop (Petrosedum forsterianum). In keeping with many urban cemeteries, areas of disturbed ground (usually near new burial sites) can be worth investigating for species such as Green Field-speedwell (Veronica agrestis) but do be respectful.

At this point, all that remains is to head back via Chillingham Road, noting further weeds along the way. New additions will include Adria Bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana) and Yellow Corydalis (Pseudofumaria lutea) in exterior a garden walls and a pavement-dwelling Curry-plant (Helichrysum italicum) at stuck.slimy.appear.

Other interesting plants to look for along the way…

Perennial Wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia), Red Goosefoot (Oxybasis rubra), Fig-leaved Goosefoot (Chenopodium ficifolium), Lawson’s Cypress (Cupressus lawsoniana), Ivy-leaved Speedwell (Veronica hederifolia), Shining Crane’s-bill (Geranium lucidum), Garden Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), Garden Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium), Balm (Melissa officinalis) and Atlas Poppy (Papaver atlanticum).

**Yellow Corydalis** (*Pseudofumaria lutea*)

Walks Through the Flora of Newcastle – Elswick & scotswood Road

This level 3.5-mile circular walk takes in what were once the industrial heartlands of Newcastle and travels through several key urban habitats. Your walk will begin at the Skinnerburn Road car park (cubs.camp.effort) from which you will set out West along the Hadrian’s Wall Path on the Northern bank of the Tyne. You will follow this for roughly 1.5 miles and for the first portion of your journey, much of the botanical interest will derive from the narrow band of scrub that fringes the river. Formed through the gradual colonisation of tidal defences and riverbank this habitat holds one of the richest neophyte assemblages in the city.

Almost immediately upon starting out (remind.dirt.entire) a look at this scrub community will reveal an assortment of bird-sown cotoneaster species. Late Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lacteus) and Willow-leaved Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius) are most obvious, but here too are Waterer’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster x watereri) and Wall Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis). Among these, you should also note Chinese Barberry (Berberis julianae) at one of its only outposts in the city and interestingly, Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) which, presumably having escaped nearby amenity planting, forms a unique understorey beneath the alien shrubs. Here too, closer inspection will reveal Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola) and Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. robbiae). A variety of self-sown alien trees also feature including Italian Alder (Alnus cordata), Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) and Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria).

**Late Cotoneaster** (*Cotoneaster lacteus*)

As you walk the riverside path, be sure to cast your eyes downward, through the scrub, to the walls and exposed mud closest to the Tyne. All along this stretch it is possible to observe relic saltmarsh flora consisting of Sea Aster (Tripolium pannonicum), Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Buck’s-horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus) and Common Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima). Common Scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis) occurs much more scantly, and one of the highlights of the walk, Wild Celery (Apium graveolens) can be seen emerging from gaps in the riverside stonework.

Beyond these, the rest of until approximately rides.jets.solo will be spend admiring the scrub and tracksides. Low-growing plants to look out for along the way include Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens), Wood Sage (Teucrium scorodonia), False Brome (Brachypodium sylvaticum), Perennial Wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) and Cut-leaved Dead-nettle (Lamium hybridum). In the scrub, you will note an almost overwhelming variety of cotoneasters including, in addition to those mentioned already, Bearberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dammeri), Hjelmvist’s Cotoneaser (Cotoneaster hjelmqvistii), Bullate Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster rehderi), Hollyberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster bullatus), Himalayan Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster simonsii) and Franchet’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster franchetii) – all of which make this a good place to look closer at this tricky group of plants. At placed.slower.wisdom, be sure to look out for Broad-leaved Whitebeam (Sorbus latifolia) growing on the banks where it is presumably bird-sown from planted populations in County Durham.

**Broad-leaved Whitebeam** (*Sorbus latifolia*)

At rides.jets.solo keep a watchful eye for Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) growing on the margins of the mown amenity grassland here and at belong.global.span for Glabrous Whitlowgrass (Erophila glabrescens) amid the pavements. Otherwise, the next point of interest comes at puns.noise.oddly where the path slopes upward towards William Armstrong Drive. Here, you will spot the city’s only example of Fig (Ficus carica) overhanging the river, perhaps even adorned with fruit. With a bit of careful meandering here, you can further explore the small area of bank here with the aim of finding two scarce natives: Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and Spindle (Euonymus europaeus). Exploration of the little inlet here should turn-up more Wild Celery alongside Spear-leaved Orache (Atriplex prostrata) and Danish Scurvygrass (Cochlearia danica) on the tidal mud. You should also add another cotoneaster to your rapidly increasing tally with Small-leaved Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster microphyllus).

From here, continue up Willam Armstrong Road until it merges with Scotswood Road. Cross the road and you will be presented with a long-neglected area of roadside shrubbery at orders.mint.plant. Most of the shrubs here are planted and are of little interest, but what grows beneath them is far more interesting. In summer, open areas and messy marginal zones here hold a thriving population of Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) growing alongside Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata) and Musk-mallow (Malva moschata).

A little further west, a larger expanse of grassland at the junction of the B1305 is worth exploring and holds many of the species associated with Tyneside’s re-seeded industrial plots. Expect Lady’s-bedstraw (Galium verum), Hedge Bedstraw (Galium album) and their hybrid Galium x pomeranicum; Chalk Knapweed (Centaurea debeauxii), Quaking-grass (Briza media), Yellow Oat-grass (Trisetum flavescens), Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare), Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis), Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) and Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare).

**Yellow-wort**
(*Blackstonia perfoliata*)

From here, all that remains is to travel back East on Scotswood Road. At cares.scare.shaky and slick.plant.glee, grassland areas hold more of the same calcareous species explored earlier, while roadsides and waste ground plots hold an interesting assortment of weeds. Along your way, look out for Eastern Rocket (Sisymbrium orientale), Great Lettuce (Lactuca virosa), Long-headed Poppy (Papaver dubium), Large-flowered Evening-primrose (Oenothera glazioviana), Squirreltail Fescue (Vulpia bromoides), and Water Bent (Polypogon viridis).

To return to the car park, turn off Scotswood Road down Dunn Street. Along the way, look out for Stern’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sternianus) in the rail side scrub and yet more Cut-leaved Dead-nettle in any areas of disturbed ground. A final point of interest is the diverse willowherb community that develops atop any area of waste or derelict ground. Expect an abundance of Short-fruited Willowherb (Epilobium obscurum), Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), Hoary Willowherb (Epilobium parviflorum), Broad-leaved Willowherb (Epilobium montanum), American Willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum) and Square-stalked Willowherb (Epilobium tetragonum). It is worth looking for hybrids too – the hybrid between Great x Hoary Willowherb (Epilobium x subhirsutum) has been recorded nearby.

Other interesting plants to look for along the way…

Lesser Sea-spurrey (Spergularia marina), Darwin’s Barberry (Berberis darwinii), Swedish Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster x x suecicus), Hybrid Couch (Elymus x laxus), Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia distans) and Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa).

**Eastern Rocket** (*Sisymbrium orientale)*

Walks Through the Flora of Newcastle – Gosforth Nature Reserve

Managed by the Natural History Society since 1924, Gosforth Nature Reserve is perhaps the most fruitful and interesting green space in the city. Much of this is due to the presence of several key habitats condensed in what is a relatively small area. On this walk, you’ll explore areas of open water and reedbed, marshland and recent semi-natural woodland and smaller areas of meadow and relic heath. At just over 1 mile, this circular route takes about 2 hours with plenty of time to pause and enjoy the wildlife.

You’ll start at the reserve entrance (dollar.tile.scales) where before heading in, you may wish to spend a few moments scrutinising the species rich verge directly behind you. This holds populations of Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans), Betony (Betonica officinalis) and Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare) among commoner plant life and is notable for the presence of Adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) and some lovely displays of Cowslip (Primula veris) come spring. Southern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) has also popped up in the near area of late is liable to expand further. Now head on in via the friendly volunteers at the Welcome Hut (paying the entry fee or showing a membership card) and through two sets of gates and into the woodland. Here, turn left towards the field boundary at winner.locals.fortunate.

**Adder’s-tongue** (*Ophioglossum vulgatum*)

The first portion of this walk is not all that interesting, in truth – the woodland here lacks many of the axiophytes associated with ancient woodland and instead, is dominated by common ferns such as Broad Buckler-fern (Dryopteris dilatata). Still, walking the boundary ride, you might note Zigzag Clover (Trifolium medium), Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola), Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineous), Three-nerved Sandwort (Moehringia trinervia) and Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima) and a little further on, a newly created woodland meadow. While in its infancy, this patch holds Pignut (Conopodium majus), Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor) and select other titbits. Things will pick up when you reach a junction in the path and a trail leading through an area of willow carr. Take this path, pausing beneath the willows where the sodden ground holds Hairy-brome (Bromopsis ramosa) and Wood Meadow-grass (Poa nemoralis). In just a few paces, you’ll emerge into the reedbed – once said to be the largest in South Northumberland.

Sympathetic management mean that in places, the reedbed holds a diverse range of riparian and emergent plant species. In summer, you should note plenty of Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), often adorned with clambering Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara). Beneath the taller herbs, the understory holds Tufted Forget-me-not (Myosotis laxa), Marsh-bedstraw (Galium palustre) and Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), as well as Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile). Don’t get too distracted, however, for the best is still to come.

At undulation.such.visits you’ll find the reserve’s pond-dipping platform. This is far and away the best place at which to observe the site’s scarcer aquatic flora. Expect Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua), Celery-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus), Broad-leaved Pondweed (Potamogeton natans) and Common Water-starwort (Callitriche stagnalis). Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre) is also present with this small platform being the best place to observe it in all the city. From here, head back on yourself and continue on the boundary ride, past the Beck Hide, until you reach the rear of the reserve at studio.riches.broad. Here you will find a rather lovely SuDS Pond and its associated plant life.

**Marsh Cinquefoil** (*Comarum palustre*)

New species in the pond here will include Canadian Waterweed (Elodea canadensis), Blinks (Montia fontana), and Common Club-rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) but the real focal point here comes at fans.remark.dine where you can enjoy a small colony of Melancholy Thistle (Cirsium heterophyllum). After seeing this, return across the pond and follow the path a short distance to the meadow lost.orchestra.mouth where there is a great deal more to see.

First, turn right and follow the path a few paces into a small, open area next to the reserve’s viewing screen. This is a productive spot with Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and their hybrid, Dactylorhiza x venusta. You can also enjoy Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), growing alongside naturalised Fox-and Cubs (Pilosella aurantiaca), and in scrubby areas nearby, Bifid Hemp-nettle (Galeopsis bifida) – a rather rare plant in the conurbation. More noteworthy still are the ragworts present with both Marsh Ragwort (Jacobaea aquatica) and its hybrid with Common Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), easily found. You may find that most of the plants encountered are in fact Jacobaea x ostenfeldii.

Now return the way you came, into the larger meadow. At shed.gallons.form acid soils give rise to a unique community of plants including Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), Betony, Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and rarely, Heath Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) growing alongside the abundant orchid species. Heath Wood-rush (Luzula multiflora) also persists here, as does Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica). Look closely at this stage and you should easily find the only known example of Lemon-scented Fern (Oreopteris limbosperma) in all of Newcastle.

This is also a good spot to test your sedge identification skills with a representative suite of species including, by not limited to, Common Yellow-sedge (Carex demissa), Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca), Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea), Hairy Sedge (Carex hirta), Brown Sedge (Carex disticha) and Common Sedge (Carex nigra).

**Devil’s-bit Scabious**
(*Succisa pratensis*)

Meadow flora changes as you near the next SuDS. Owing to a past seed mix, here groundcover is dominated by Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus var. sativus), Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and other plentiful species. At frames.apples.tigers, a look in the pond should add Blue Water-speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica), Small Pondweed (Potamogeton berchtoldii) and Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) to the proceedings and perhaps Bladder-sedge (Carex vesicaria). More Bifid Hemp-nettle can also be found in marginal areas.

From this point, follow the path into the wood to a junction at mops.levels.agents. You know have two options: follow the path to your left for a longer walk through the woodland, or head straight on skirting the lake shore. We’ll do the latter, though taking the alternate route is worthwhile in spring for Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea), Wild Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus) and other woodland species recently introduced on site. The margins of the clearings along this trail, where the felling of non-native Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) has enabled select species to regenerate, offer plants such as Heath Groundsel (Senecio sylvaticus) and Common Hemp-nettle (Galeopsis tetrahit).

**Heath Groundsel**
(*Senecio sylvaticus*)

Following your chosen route, several notable plants can be found along the tracksides including Heath Speedwell (Veronica officinalis), Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile) and more Tormentil, along with some sizeable populations of Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) that look delightful in late Spring. At share.tester.begin do pay attention to the wetland woodland where, among the trunks of Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) you may spot Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris), Remote Sedge (Carex remota) and other interesting plants.

At this stage, you will continue the track, over a rather scenic area of boardwalk, until you reach yet another junction in the trail. At this junction, look out for Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) by the path sides but otherwise, all that remains is to take the central path back to the reserve entrance.

Other interesting plants to look for along the way…

Hairy St. John’s-wort (Hypericum hirsutum), Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), Mare’s-tail (Hippuris vulgaris), Quaking-grass (Briza media), Marsh Speedwell (Veronica scutellata), Slender St. John’s-wort (Hypericum pulchrum), Tuberous Comfrey (Symphytum tuberosum) and Mountain Currant (Ribes alpinum).

Bird Seed Aliens in the Urban Flora

Bird feeding is a great way to attract birds to a garden, park or wildlife site and a great many of us do it, whether through garden feeders or by broadcasting seed for pigeons and waterfowl. Depending on where seed is sourced, and the treatment it has been subjected to, seed mixes can result in a whole manner of unusual and in some cases exotic plants appearing in urban habitats.

In 1985, a study by Hanson and Mason, published in Watsonia, found that 30 species of plants regularly appear as bird seed aliens. This has only increased in more recent years as botanists across the UK report a growing number of plants springing up from scattered seed. You can find a few interesting titbits on these species here and here.

While recording for the upcoming ‘Urban Flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside’, I have noticed my fair share of these interesting aliens, most prominently around urban lakes where passers-by are known to feed ducks and geese. Inspired, I thought I would highlight some of these here.

Surprise Finds

We’ll start with a trip to Leazes Park in Newcastle City Centre this weekend past. Leazes is a very popular, high footfall site sporting a rather large lake and a local cafe known to supply seed packets for visitors to feed to local waterfowl. It is no surprise then that it has proven itself a most interesting place to hunt for bird seed aliens.

Combing the lake shore, two more surprising finds came in the form of Hemp (Cannabis sativa) and Chia (Salivia hispanica). Hemp is indigenous to Eastern Asia but has spread around the the world as a cultivated cash crop. Browsing the net, it does, however, occur quite commonly as a contaminant even if this is the first time I have found it in a wild state. Chia is much more interesting, at least in a local context, as this record marked its first known occurrence in South Northumberland (VC67).

Growing alongside these unexpected finds was a suite of more familiar “bird seed aliens.” Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a widespread casual species in the city, recorded in about 20 grid squares so far. Niger (Guizotia abyssinica), another frequent sight, often appears wherever bird seed is offered.

Common Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus) and Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) are much scarcer but have now appeared in Leazes Park for three consecutive years, likely due to ongoing reintroduction. Ragweed, also known as “Hay Fever Weed” in many parts of the world, is particularly unwelcome in certain areas due to its allergy-inducing pollen.

Speaking of Leazes Park, it has been interesting to note the fluctuations in populations of certain bird seed aliens. In past years, Thorn-apple (Datura stramonium) has been observed arising from seed and more interestingly, the archaeophyte Vervain (Verbena officinalis) was recently found by botanist, Philip Griffiths. While not conclusive, it seems likely that the latter also occurs as a contaminant of seed mixes.

These are just a few of the flowering plants observed recently and thought to stem from bird seed. Others I have observed across Newcastle include Common Fiddleneck (Amsinckia micrantha) and Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) growing around the green at Eldon Square Shopping Centre, presumably born of food spread for pigeons. There must be more out there…

**Common Fiddleneck**
(Amsinckia micrantha)

Grasses

Alien grasses are an interesting bunch and many are thought to stem from birdseed. Some of the more frequent are those which make up the bulk of the seed mixes purchased including Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Two-row Barley (Hordeum distichon), Six-row Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and Oat (Avena sativa). All are a familiar sight in pavements near gardens where birds are fed. Millet (Panicum miliaceum) is less common, but likewise appears wherever birds are fed with regularity.

Just occasionally, more interesting alien grasses can be found also. Of these, two of the most prominent are Cockspur (Echinochloa crus-galli), photographed here below by Pru Hamed, and Canary-grass (Phalaris canariensis). The former species appears to be increasing annually as a weed of gutters, wall bases and lake shores, while the second remains a casual plant of disturbed ground close to habitation.

Another interesting grass is Annual Beard-grass (Polypogon monspeliensis). Despite very few local records, this attractive little grass is showing signs of expansion in select neighbourhoods across Newcastle, usually in paved areas close to habitation. Unlike those above, it is self-perpetuating once established and has returned on my street in Heaton now for several years.

A final species worthy of mention is Rye Brome (Bromus secalinus). Now, this species occurs scantly as a crop weed in the Newcastle area but recently, I have found it twice in less typical habitat close to gardens. It doesn’t seem to be widely reported as a bird seed alien but must surely occur in this way.

Walks Through the Flora of Newcastle – Silverlink Circular

Inspired by ongoing efforts to record the urban flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, I wanted to make some of what has been discovered so far accessible to those interested in exploring the city for themselves. Cue a new series!

These blogs will explore some of the best botanical walks the conurbation has to offer – perfect for planning your next outing in the urban jungle. Here, we’ll explore Silverlink which while not strictly within the city limits, sits just without and forms part of the wider conurbation.

This is a short, circular walk taking in one of the best botanical sites in North Tyneside. At just 1.2 miles and level throughout, it is very accessible and on a good day in June or July, may result in a tally of around 170 species.

The Biodiversity Park is a small but interesting nature reserve created in the late 1990’s with funding from nearby developers. It was meticulously designed by ecologists and architects to include ponds, woodland, hedgerows, meadows and an impressive piece of landscape art that we will discuss later, while also incorporating several small areas of existing natural land. Your walk begins in the small carpark opposite the Village Hotel (landowner.plants.tint) in Cobalt Business Park.

It is often joked that botanists seldom make it out of the carpark on their outings and here, that will surely be the case with areas of ornamental planting, untouched since 1997, left to develop and spread. Only the hardiest have survived with an impressive patch of Blue Globe-thistle (Echinops bannaticus) immediately visible, alongside a glut of Druce’s Crane’s-bill (Geranium × ⁠oxonianum). You should also note Purple-loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Dotted Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata), alongside a thriving population of Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa). From the carpark, take the Northernmost of the three major pathways. By doing so, you will pass a small area of grassland to your immediate right which harbours Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and Water Figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) and eventually on to another portion of path surrounded on both sides with trees. Walking this path, you will pass a large but mostly inaccessible pond, with viewing only possible at romantics.mixture.supposing.

Even with only some of the pond visible, you should note an interesting array of riparian and aquatic plants, most of which are said to have colonised the site naturally. Expect Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), Amphibious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia), Floating Sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans), Broad-leaved Pondweed (Potamogeton natans) and Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua) among more abundant species. You will then need to backtrack a few meters until you re-join the trail, continuing your way until you pass a neglected interpretation panel and eventually, exit the park. Now you’ll find yourself on a section of Waggonway which you should follow south, skirting the park, for 200m or so.

**Purple-loosestrife** (*Lythrum salicaria*)

Along the Waggonway you will note several uncommon plants growing in areas of disturbance. Among these, Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris), Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea). The shelterbelts contain many seedlings of alien trees and shrubs, including Late Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lacteus), Mougeott’s Whitebeam (Sorbus mougeotii) and Hybrid Alder (Alnus x hybrida), while the Hybrid Willow (Salix × ⁠ smithiana) and White Poplar (Populus alba) are spreading via runners. At proves.barn.reinstate you will encounter a particularly bountiful patch of grassland home to Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare), Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acris), Fairy Flax (Linum catharticum) and Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata). Immediately behind this area, ranker grassland holds Zigzag Clover (Trifolium medium).

From here, look behind you and you will note a path leading back into the Biodiversity Park, located almost at the foot of prominent pylon. Taking this path, you will arrive in a small area of meadow. This expanse of grassland is particularly rich with the dominant plant life comprising Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), Cat’s-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) and Lady’s-bedstraw (Galium verum) alongside Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca) and various grasses.

In June, this is particularly productive spot for Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) but keen-eyed orchid hunters should also find Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and their hybrid, Dactylorhiza x venusta. More recently, Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata) have colonised also. Equally of interest is the abundance of hypericum here with closer inspect revealing that most of the plants here are Des Etangs’ St. John’s-wort (Hypericum × ⁠desetangsii). Once you have explored the meadow, follow the obvious track back to the main footpath and head South until you hit a junction in the path, being sure to note Common Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa), Tall Melilot (Melilotus altissimus) and Meadow Crane’s-bill (Geranium pratense) along the way.

**Northern Marsh-orchid** (*Dactylorhiza purpurella*)

Turning right at the junction, you will emerge into a far larger open area marked by a sloping, grassy hill to your right and several small ponds to your left. These ponds are noteworthy in hosting Tufted Forget-me-not (Myosotis laxa), Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), Common Water-starwort (Callitriche stagnalis) and Ivy-leaved Duckweed (Lemna trisulca) but much more interesting is the slope immediately opposite. This represents all that remains of the impressive landscape sculpture created in 1997. Interestingly, this was constructed of one-half sandstone and one-half limestone meaning that in the years since, a sharply contrasting flora has formed across both areas of exposed rock consisting of seeded introductions and natural colonists.

Much of the sandstone area has been overtaken by scrub but look closely and you will note areas of Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica), Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Wood-sage (Teucrium scorodonia) and Water Avens (Geum rivale). Beneath a solitary birch sites the conurbations only know specimen of Heath Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia borealis), perhaps imported as an happy accident among the substrate. Close to this area, you can also find Tyneside’s only population of the rare Pale St. John’s-wort (Hypericum montanum) growing atop parts of the former sculpture.

Atop calcareous areas, you will surely note Betony (Betonica officinalis), Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), Quaking Grass (Briza media), Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata), Salad Burnet (Poterium sanguisorba subsp. sanguisorba) and Chalk Knapweed (Centaurea debauxii) while much more localised are Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) and Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis). Bare areas here hold too the only local population of typically coastal subspecies of Red Fescue, Festuca rubra subsp. juncea.

Taking the central path up the hill and towards the sun dial, you will pass through a large area of neutral grassland dominated by Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Hedge Bedstraw (Galium album) and more abundant species before reaching a flight of ramshackle steps leading to the dial itself. Look, though the flora here is less interesting save for a fantastic display of Cowslips (Primula veris) in late spring. Much more interesting is the path downhill to the sites largest pond where you may note more Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera). The pond itself is much more accessible and scrutiny will reveal Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and Coloured Water-lily (Nymphaea x marliacea) both introduced, and colonists in Spiked Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis). From here you have two options.

Taking the path your right will lead you through woodland and a few sizeable patches of Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) back to the carpark where you began your journey. Head left, however, and you emerge from the park intro Cobalt Business Park with its industrial units and associated amenity areas. Vacant lots here are worthy of exploration and can hold many of the plants commonly associated waste ground, with species such as Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides), Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), Common Cudweed (Filago germanica) and Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) occurring among more abundant weeds.

A final note for those with time to spare is the nearby Village Hotel Pond located just North East of your starting position. Older than the others on site, this has developed a rich riparian community consisting of Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua), Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus), Grey Club-rush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata) and Bladder Sedge (Carex vesicaria), among other associated plants, and nearby ditches host Great Yellow-cress (Rorippa amphibia), Hybrid Horsetail (Equisetum × ⁠litorale), and False Fox-sedge (Carex otrubae).

Other interesting plants to look for along the way…

Thyme-leaved Sandwort (Arenaria serpyllifolia), Pignut (Conopodium majus), Slender St. John’s-wort (Hypericum pulchrum), Hoary Ragwort (Jacobaea erucifolia), Toad Rush (Juncus bufonius), Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus pedunculatus), Creeping-jenny (Lysimachia nummularia), Hoary Plantain (Plantago media), Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica) and American Elder (Sambucus canadensis).

Lord Armstrong’s Private Garden

The Exotic Plants of Jesmond Dene

Shrubs in Jesmond Dene

Groundcover

Spring Bulbs

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North Shields

St. Peter’s Basin

Heaton

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Recording the Urban Flora

Special Places

Fantastic people and Events

interesting Plants

Rediscovering this Blog

Down the Rabbit Hole

Looking Ahead

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First, some ground rules

Meet the Insect App Test subjects

Comparing Insect Apps

ObsIdentify vs Picture Insect

ObsIdentify (9.7/10)

Picture Insect (7.4/10)

Google Lens (2.6/7)

Seek (1.1/7)

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Identifying Oxalis

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Fruits Red

Similar Species in Cultivation

Fruits Orange-red to Orange

References

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Surprise Finds

Grasses

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