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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 Scotswood Road and Elswick Riverside.

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).

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.

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).

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).

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 NHSN’s 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.

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.

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).

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).

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).

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.

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.

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).