Urban Flora Archives - James Common

Urban Flora of Newcastle & North Tyneside – 2025 Update

Though it beggars belief, I am now four years into creating the first Urban Flora for Newcastle and North Tyne – a project that has consumed the vast majority of my free time of late with an ungodly amount of time spent combing the city to record the wild and naturalised plants that grow here. With the help of several other local botanists, things are now coming together quite quickly with only around 40 or so squares left to visit before we can call time on the recording stage of the project and move on to the all-important writing phase (gulp).

The process of piecing together this Flora has been nothing short of eye-opening. For one, it has been incredible to observe the sheer diversity of plant life thriving in the UK’s seventh-largest conurbation and now that we’re well into the ordeal, some fascinating trends are beginning to emerge. From the city’s most abundant species to its rarest, there’s a great deal to explore.

With that in mind, now seemed like as good a time as any for another urban update…

Some Headlines

In total, my fellow botanists and I have now recorded a whopping 1,042 species, subspecies, or hybrids growing in a wild or naturalised state across the 190 monads of conurbation from 2018-2025. This is far higher than I anticipated at the launch of the survey and makes for impressive reading when considered as a proportion of the British flora. Of these, around 52% are native species and 42% are neophytes (recent introductions). A further 6% are archaeophytes – species introduced in prehistory. The number of alien species in particular seems unusually high compared to other studies, but as you’ll soon see, there are likely a few reasons for this.

Astute readers may notice two small changes to my methodology this time around. First, the inclusion of records from 2018–2021. Given the sheer scale of the survey, this seemed like a practical decision. In practice, it equates to just 27 records per monad on average, with most focused on key sites such as Gosforth Nature Reserve. Second, the expansion of the survey area. While still somewhat limited, it was pointed out by several esteemed colleagues, that I may as well go the whole hog and cover the entire conurbation. So that’s exactly what I’ve done.

So far, about 200 of the recorded plants have been observed on just a single occasion, while the rest range from local rarities to common and widespread species found in most squares. Many of these one-off sightings are as expected either garden escapes or casual discards from cultivation. Freak occurrences, if you will. But interestingly, a good number of native species fall into this category too, including rarities such as Lesser Water-parsnip Berula erecta, Moschatel Adoxa moschatellina, and Frosted Orache Atriplex laciniata. It’s very much a mixed bag.

The overall average number of species recorded per square in the conurbation now sits at 135 – perhaps closer to 140 when you exclude partial squares dominated by neighbouring vice-counties or open water. That’s a little lower than I’d like, and it suggests that certain species are still being missed in some areas. For that reason, the remainder of this year – and possibly early 2026 – will be spent ‘topping up’ the less-visited squares.

Autumn Fern *Dryopteris erythrosora*,
Jesmond Dene

Some New Neophytes

One of the most surprising aspects of the survey so far is that, even after three years of intensive recording (including contributions from botanists dating back to 2018), new species continue to appear all the time. There are quite a few, in fact. Recent additions include a young Japanese Shield-fern Polystichum polyblepharum growing on a muddy ledge in Jesmond Dene, Yellow Oxeye Buphthalmum speciosum invading grassland at Big Waters, and Wall Persicaria Persicaria capitata colonising masonry in North Shields. Others include Yellow Nonea Nonea lutea on waste ground in Shieldfield, and Warty Barberry Berberis verruculosa seeding itself from historic plantings in Jesmond Dene.

Some interesting new natives have also come to light since my last update – proof that there are still surprises to be found across the conurbation. These include Great Yellow-cress Rorippa amphibia, Ivy-leaved Crowfoot Ranunculus hederaceus, and Blinks Montia fontana.

Clearly, there’s still plenty left to discover on urban Tyneside.

Summer Snowflake *Leucojum aestivum*
Jesmond Dene

Are Newcastle and North Tyneside unique?

While the number of species recorded in the conurbation is notable – particularly the high proportion of neophytes – I’m not convinced that Newcastle is especially unique on a national scale. Were similar studies carried out in other urban areas of the UK, I suspect the results would be broadly comparable. That said, a few factors do appear to have an outsized impact on the plant diversity observed here. These include:

1. A wealth of industrial and reclaimed land with their associated disturbed and modified habitats
Some of the most diverse sites in the area are those with a history of industrial activity. These landscapes, shaped by extraction, dumping, or redevelopment, have contributed many notable finds. Key examples include Dune Helleborine Epipactis dunensis and Common Wintergreen Pyrola minor.

2. The tidal nature of the River Tyne and remnants of coastal habitats
Though perhaps less significant overall, the tidal stretch of the Tyne and small pockets of relic coastal habitat have introduced a range of halophytes that are absent from inland salted roads. Noteworthy species here include Prickly Saltwort Salsola kali, Sea-rocket Cakile maritima, Sea Couch Elymus athericus, and Sea Arrow-grass Triglochin maritima.

3. The persistence of other relic habitats in the urban landscape
Despite their often degraded state, the conurbation’s older woodlands and fragmented heathland patches continue to support species typically absent from urban settings. Among them are Sanicle Sanicula europaea, Heath Rush Juncus squarrosus, and Common Cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium.

4. The presence of Victorian-era wooded parks
Several of the city’s older parks, particularly Jesmond Dene, were originally managed in a naturalistic style and now managed as semi-natural settings. Jesmond Dene alone accounts for many of the more unusual records to date and though largely overtaken by native vegetation, it still supports an impressive list of exotics persisting or in many cases, reproducing. These include Gagnepain’s Barberry Berberis gagnepainii, Blue Anemone Anemone apennina, Shallon Gaultheria shallon, and Autumn Fern Dryopteris erythrosora.

5. Bird seed aliens within the urban flora
Less influential than the factors above but still noteworthy, at least 26 species recorded in the area are likely introductions via bird seed. This includes common escapees like Sunflower Helianthus annuus, as well as more surprising records such as Chia Salvia hispanica and Common Amaranth Amaranthus retroflexus.

Cut-leaved Dead-nettle *Lamium hybridum*,
Warwick Street

Some Missing Plants

Part of the fun of a project such as this is the opportunity to ‘chase down’ older recorders supplied by botanists in the area. Doing so has resulted in success in many instances but occasionally, the plant in question is not re-found. So far, around 40 plants have been listed as ‘missing’ from the conurbation.

Among these species are a few that were undoubtedly ephemeral in nature – Garden Anchuza Anchusa azurea and Winter Savory Satureja montana – while others have clearly been lost due to changes in the landscape. This appears to be the case for rarities in Deadly Nightshade Atropa belladonna, Ivy Broomrape Orobanche hederae and perhaps even Wood Millet Milium effusum which despite several searches, I cannot find in any of our older woods. A few more plants are more annoying in that they “should” be out there somewhere. I’m looking at you Grass Vetchling Lathyrus nissolia and Little Mouse-ear Cerastium semidecandrum.

Most Abundant Plants

As you might expect, over the course of the survey, certain plants have proven to be far more abundant across the conurbation than others. As is the case elsewhere in the UK, these tend to be adaptable generalists or species with clever strategies for seed dispersal.

Just for fun, the table below shows the twenty most frequently recorded species so far. I doubt there’ll be many surprises and suspect many of these will in fact occur in every square.

Species	Percentage Coverage
Annual Meadow-grass Poa annua	98.4%
Bramble Rubus fruticosus agg.	98.4%
Sycamore Acer pseudoplatanus	97.4%
Daisy Bellis perennis	97.4%
Cock’s-foot Dactylis glomerata	97.4%
Ribwort Plantain Plantago lanceolata	96.8%
Nettle Urtica diocia	95.8%
Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense	95.3%
Yarrow Achillea millefolium	95.8%
Broad-leaved Dock Rumex obtusifolius	94.7%
Smooth Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceus	94.2%
Dandelion Taraxacum agg.	93.7%
Common Ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris	93.2%
Cleavers Galium aparine	92.6%
Cow Parsley Anthriscus sylvestris	93.7%
Groundsel Senecio vulgaris	90.5%
Wood Avens Geum urbanum	90.0%
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna	90.0%
Elder Sambucus nigra	90.0%
Greater Plantain Plantago major	89.5%

Most Diverse Sites

Totting up the most diverse squares in the conurbation has been an interesting task. By large, the squares with the highest species diversity typically feature a wide range of habitats including large areas of relatively undeveloped land such as nature reserves or public parks.

The twelve squares with the greatest species diversity are listed below.

Name	Grid Ref	Species Count
Gosforth Nature Reserve	NZ2570	277
Lower Ouseburn Valley	NZ2664	276
Iris Brickfield	NZ2766	268
Heaton Park	NZ2665	260
Havannah (East)	NZ2271	257
Jesmond Dene	NZ2666	249
Scotswood Garden	NZ2064	232
Silverlink Park	NZ3170	245
Little Waters	NZ2373	240
Benwell	NZ2163	231
Leazes Park	NZ2464	221
Great Park (South)	NZ2270	218

Except for Gosforth Nature Reserve, which is predominantly natural in its composition, all of these squares contain a mix of relic natural or reclaimed land and urbanisation. Eleven out of twelve of these also contain wetland ecosystems of varying sizes, ranging from small ornamental ponds to lakes and minor rivers.

Plan of Attack

And there we have it – a brief update on the Urban Flora. We’re into the final stretch now, with surveying likely to wrap up by early 2026. Had others not joined in, I suspect I’d be at this much longer!

All that remains is to finish writing the darn thing and turn it into a book. With [very] little disposable income to fund this, I’ll need to be smart about how I go about it but I’ve got a few ideas for grants and free publishing avenues to follow up on in due course.

All that’s left is to say a massive thank you to everyone who’s helped so far whether directly, by sharing records or joining field visits, or indirectly through support and encouragement. There are many of you, and with support not always forthcoming from the places you might expect, your involvement has meant a great deal. Onwards…

Hard-fern *Blechnum spicant*,
Jesmond Dene

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).

Walks Through the Flora of Newcastle – Walker Riverside

This circular walk of 3.3 miles takes around 3 hours at the height of summer when most of the interesting plants are in bloom. Meandering through several diverse, if somewhat unsightly, urban habitats, it provides a fantastic introduction to the flora of Tyneside’s brownfield and former industrial plots.

Rather unceremoniously, the route begins on Glasshouse Street (occurs.tubes.goat) outside of the Newcastle Resource Recovery Centre or tip, to use more familiar terminology. Here, you may care to explore the closely-sheered verge for Field Madder (Sherardia arvensis), Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acris) and Small-flowered Crane’s-bill (Geranium pusilum) but otherwise, head East for approximately 100m along the Hadrian’s Wall path taking care to note the variety of naturalised alien shrubs present here. Several have gone on to run amuck since their introduction in decades past.

Here, you’ll note Franchet’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster franchetii), Late Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lacteus), Diel’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster dielsianus) and Darwin’s Barberry (Berberis darwinii), all of which are well at home along the scrubby bridleway. Before long, you’ll notice a well-trodden throughfare to your right, from which you will emerge intro a small car park on St. Lawrence Road. Seldom sprayed with herbicides, this carpark holds a notable mix of Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum), Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare) and Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris). Of these, the former is notable as a relatively rare species within the city limits.

**Canadian Fleabane** (*Erigeron canadensis*)

From here, cross the road to Dobson’s Crescent, following the road until you reach St. Peter’s Marina. About halfway down, you will notice yet another carpark dedicated in part to the storage of defunct boats. This unassuming patch of land is worthy of investigation as it is one of the few places you can note all three of the conurbation’s small-flowered fleabane species growing side-by-side. With ease, you should encounter Canadian Fleabane (Erigeron canadensis), Gurnsey Fleabane (Erigeron sumatrensis) and our native Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acris), alongside Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens), Atlas Poppy (Papaver atlanticum) and several other colonists.

At the marina, hug the banks of the Tyne and head East, over a wooden bridge along Hadrian’s Way. Of note here are Squirreltail Fecue (Vulpia bromoides), Water Bent (Polypogon viridis) and Glabrous Whitlowgrass (Erophila glabrescens) in paved areas, often alongside Greater Quaking-grass (Briza maxima) and Rock Crane’s-bill (Geranium macrorrhizum) that frequently escape nearby gardens.

**Greater Quaking-grass** (*Briza maxima*)

Passing the final house on Hadrian’s Way, you will arrive on a narrow riverside path with dense scrub to your left and riverbank and eventually, the Tyne, to your right. From this point, you’ll enjoy a slow walk of approximately 0.7 miles towards Walker Riverside Park. The scrub is an interesting mix of native colonists and established relics. Of the latter, four are hard to miss with Persian Ivy (Hedera colchica), Many-flowered Rose (Rosa multiflora) and Himalayan Clematis (Clematis montana) dominant over their respective areas. The fourth, Wilson’s Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), is present throughout and is quickly becoming a pest. Somewhat harder to spot is the White-stemmed Bramble (Rubus cockburnianus) that persists in places.

Do not spend all your time gazing inland, however, as the tracksides and riverbanks along this stretch of the walk hold much of interest. Black Horehound (Ballota nigra), Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa subsp. sylvestris) and Perennial Wall-rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia) are particularly prevalent along the path sides and amid the rubble strewn riverbank you’ll note plenty of naturalised Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) and coastal species such as Sea-aster (Tripolium pannonicum). But more on those seaside plants soon.

Two interesting plants that are much harder to see along this stretch are Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum), tucked away in the rubble heaps, and the hybrid horsetail, Equisetum x littorale, which can be found growing with Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) in select areas. Combing the riverside scrub should also produce Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and much rarer, Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) while patches of Keeled Garlic (Allium carinatum) persist in places.

Hadrian’s Way will broaden when you reach the first of several parking bays frequented by local anglers – this marks the start of Walker Riverside Park, a sizeable area of restored brownfield managed by Urban Green Newcastle. The pavements at this point are delightfully messy and home to a great many interesting and, in some cases, rare ‘weeds’. Almost immediately, you will notice stands of Ribbed Melilot (Melilotus officinalis) and Tall Melilot (Melilotus altissimus), growing side-by-side for handy comparison; Hop Trefoil (Trifolium campestre), Great Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) and Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris).

Members of the dead-nettle family can be most diverse and in addition to the common species, one regularly finds Cut-leaved Dead-nettle (Lamium hybridum) and Henbit Dead-nettle (Lamium amplexicaule) growing amid the slabs. All of these can be noted as you continue Eastward along the Tyne; though do stop if you notice a blue flower atop the riverside wall. This will be Peached-leaved Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) which has been established on-site for several years.

**Peached-leaved Bellflower** (*Campanula persicifolia*)

After around 100m (expect.stamp.plans) the path will narrow to such an extent to necessitate walking in single-file for a short distance. Along this stretch, the interesting weeds and alien shrubs continue with the addition of Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), Willow-leaved Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius) and Himalayan Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster simonsii). The real treat here, however, is a glimpse of the saltmarsh flora that would once have been far more widespread along the Tyne. Casting your eyes down the tidal defences you will note a clear transition from Sea-plantain (Plantago maritima) and Buck’s-horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus) in the upper reaches to Sea Aster (Tripolium pannonicum) in the splash zone and eventually Common Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima) and the samphire lookalike, Purple Glasswort (Salicornia ramosissima) in the exposed mud. You can inspect all of these plants again on the remnants of St. Anthony’s Landing Stage further downstream (factor.reach.mice) so do not feel obliged to slide down the bank. At the stage, now well overtaken by nature, keep your eyes peeled too for Annual Sea-blite (Suaeda maritima), Hybrid Couch (Elymus x laxus) and Spear-leaved Orache (Atriplex prostrata).

After exploring the relic saltmarsh, continue Hadrian’s Way via a short flight of steps lined to each side by dense shrubbery, and plenty of established Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum lanata). Doing so, you’ll eventually emerge into an open area marked by bountiful grassland to left and again, the Tyne to your right. This is the site of the former St. Anthony’s Lead Works and is perhaps the most interesting portion of the walk.

The grassland, scrub and riverbanks here sit atop the former St. Anthony’s Quay are especially floriferous, though the origin of many species is uncertain. A seed mix was undoubtedly applied many years ago, and has introduced several curiosities, but ballast and natural colonisation may also have played a part. With ease, you will note copious Common Restharrow (Ononis repens), Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare), Musk-mallow (Malva moschata), Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis) and Chalk Knapweed (Centaurea debeauxii), all of which likely stem from strewn seed. With care, you should also pick out Lucerne (Medicago sativa subsp. sativa), Spiny Restharrow (Ononis spinosa), and Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) while Wild Basil (Clinopodium vulgare) is increasingly common and Large-flowered Evening Primrose (Oenothera glazioviana) is a more recent colonist.

While it is possible to spend the entirely of your time along this stretch admiring the grassland, don’t – a look towards the river will not disappoint. The post-industrial banks here hold much of note including Hoary Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana), Traveller’s-joy (Clematis vitalba), Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acris), White Stonecrop (Sedum album) and Spreading Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster divaricatus). Perhaps most notable of all are healthy colonies of Flattened Meadow-grass (Poa compressa) which favours cracks and crevices in the stonework, and discrete patches of Keeled Garlic (Allium carinatum), presumably washed downstream from larger populations in Northumberland.

A final note here again centres on trees and shrubs and several of the species introduced in decades past have since gone on to seed or spread abundantly. Look out for Grey Alder (Alnus incana), False-acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and Japanese Rose (Rosa rugosa).

**Hoary Mustard** (*Hirschfeldia incana*)

At this point, and you will begin the return leg of the trip. Doubling back along Hadrian’s Way you will notice a mud path (successes.shades.pretty) linking the riverside to an unexplored area up hill. Follow this and after around 40m, you will emerge into a clearing. This will instantaneously strike you as a demolition site and indeed it is with this small area of rubble and concrete representing all that remains of the lead works. This is another highlight of the walk and holds many plants that are altogether rare in the wider conurbation. Some such as Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) and Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis) may have spread from nearby seeded areas, but others are trickier to explain. On a good day in summer, you should observe the bell-shaped blooms of Clustered Bellflower (Campanula glomerata), spreading patches of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), Quaking-grass (Briza media), Des Etang’s St. John’s-wort (Hypericum x desetangsii) and a healthy population of Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata). Wild Thyme (Thymus drucei) has also colonised areas of exposed stone and Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) is dominant across the whole area – a rare sight in these parts.

From this area, head West, passed some bollards intended to deter fly-tippers and out on to Pottery Bank. Attention should be paid to the small area of now rather rank grassland (yarn.hung.gladiators) immediately adjacent to the road which in past years has held both Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) and Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis). A little uphill, you will rejoin the Hadrian’s Wall Path which you will follow for roughly 1.5 miles back to St. Peter’s. Travelling back on this higher plane, you will find yourself surrounded by planted amenity woodland. While the canopy is uninspiring, the shrub layer is rather eclectic.

In addition to several of the cotoneasters mentioned previously, look out for Chinese Bramble (Rubus tricolor), Blue Holly (Ilex x meserveae), Box-leaved Honeysuckle (Lonicera pileata) and rampant Chenault’s Coralberry (Symphoricarpos x chenaultii). In places, ground cover is dominated by another introduction, Atlantic Ivy (Hedera hibernica) – though at least this is native – and do take heed of the small electricity substation (device.files.lifted). Here, you will encounter Newcastle’s only established population of Balkan Spurge (Euphorbia oblongata). Eventually, you will emerge by the tip where you began your journey.

Other interesting plants to look for along the way…

Fern-grass (Catapodium rigidum), Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), Swedish Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster x suecicus), Borrer’s Male-fern (Dryopteris borreri), Sheep’s-fescue (Festuca ovina), Meadow Crane’s-bill (Geranium pratense), Slender St. John’s-wort (Hypericum pulchrum), Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Hoary Ragwort (Jacobaea erucifolia), Salad Burnet (Poterium sanguisorba subsp. sanguisorba), Horse-radish (Armoracia rusticana), Green Field-speedwell (Veronica agrestis) and Hybrid Alder (Alnus x hybrida).

Exciting Botanical Discoveries in and Around Newcastle

Now that I’m over halfway through recording (and writing) an ‘Urban Flora’ for Newcastle and North Tyneside, you would think the surprises would have dried up somewhat. However, that does not seem to be the case. Despite visits to all monads across the conurbation and over 950 species recorded, new and exciting plants are turning up still. Whether they are entirely new species — sometimes for the city, sometimes for the county—or simply rare or unusual plants in new places, there has been much to enjoy in recent weeks. Here are a few recent highlights…

Rustyback (Asplenium ceterach)

Rustyback (Asplenium ceterach) is a Rare Plant Register species in VC67, meaning it is rare enough to warrant mentioning to a County Recorder whenever it is seen. Within the urban flora area, there is just one site for this species—an alleyway in Chirton—so I hadn’t expected to encounter it anywhere else. Imagine my surprise, then, when I stumbled across the rather lovely specimen pictured below (again in an alley) in Brunswick a few months back. Rumour has it that this fern is increasing in our region, so it will be interesting to see if it appears at yet more sites.

Snow-white Wood-rush (Luzula nivea)

Just over a month ago, Matt and I said out to explore Fordley Planta, a weird little community nature reserve located near Annitsford on the edge of the survey area. This turned out to be an interesting trip with local residents having guerrilla-planted several oddities in the otherwise unassuming little woodland. Few of these had spread beyond their initial position but one which had was Snow-white Wood-Rush (Luzula nivea), a plant native to the Alps and Pyrenees, seemingly well at home in North East England. In an hour’s exploration, we found several clumps of this attractive little plant. Dare it say that I prefer it to our native Great Wood-rush?

Galium x pomeranicum

This one is a little overdue with so much Hedge Bedstraw and Lady’s-bedstraw kicking about in Newcastle. Still, on a recent Natural History Society trip to Newcastle City Centre, I was pleased to encounter a nice example of this floriferous hybrid growing atop waste ground with both of its parents. Since then, it has turned up along Scotswood Road too where both of its parents have been introduced via an amenity seed mix.

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

For a short while now, a rampant honeysuckle overtaking a section of riverside scrub at Willington Gut, Wallsend, has been giving me sleepless nights. Knowing it was something ‘different’ but failing to catch it in flower (or fruit!) for two years straight, a few weeks back, I returned for another look. Thankfully, I caught the plant in bloom on this occasion and was able to confirm it as Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). This is a fairly frequent escapee in other parts of the country but until now, had not been reported at all in VC67. With several rather large plants present, it looked firmly established.

Common Wintergreen (Pyrola minor)

Far from common, for a few years now the only known population of this lovely little plant within the city was to be found at Gosforth Nature Reserve – I hadn’t expected to encounter it anywhere else. You can imagine my surprise then when during a trip to enjoy the displays of Dune Helleborine (Epipactis dunensis) at Newburn Riverside, I almost knelt on a patch while admiring the orchids. Once the site of the former Newburn Steelworks, this particular stretch of riverbank has developed a rather rich scrub community, likely atop soils heavily polluted with trace metals. Much of the site is due to be developed in the near future but I hope that this (and the helleborines) may avoid the bulldozers due to their positioning on the edge of the area.

Reversed Clover (Trifolium resupinatum)

Now this is an odd one. While exploring the town of Dudley a few weeks back, I opted to for a walk along the margins of some nearby arable fields where, among other unusual species such as Rye Brome (Bromus secalinus) I stumbled across the curious clover shown below. With a bit of digging, this was revealed to be Reversed Clover (Trifolium resupinatum), a grain or bird seed alien of Asian origin. How it got here is a bit of mystery though speaking with other botanists, it is likely to be been a crop contaminant.

Egyptian Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum)

An even more unusual find at Dudley came in the form of Egyptian Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum). Now, I confess, I hadn’t even heard of this one but again it looks to occur as a seed contaminant. However it got there, this marked the first record for South Northumberland.

Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella)

Something native now and while pottering about the site of the former Brenkley Colliery site near Dinnington, I was surprised to encounter a single Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella) growing beside a long neglected haulage track. This wouldn’t have been too noteworthy out in rural Northumberland where this species is uncommon but rather widespread, but in the city, it is an entirely different story. To date, this is the only record within the Newcastle city limits.

Lesser Water-parsnip (Berula erecta)

This has to be one of the highlights of the survey so far and a genuine surprise while walking a stretch of the Seaton Burn in the north of the conurbation. Lesser Water-parsnip (Berula erecta) is a terribly rare plant in South Northumberland and at one stage, was presumed locally extinct when its last known population at Ponteland died out. The population at Seaton Burn, spread out over 50m or so, is therefore rather notable and marks the first confirmed sighting of this riparian plant in a few decades, at least. Jampacked with other interesting aquatics, this stretch of river may turn up further noteworthy finds stills and represents some of the best wetland habitat to be seen locally.

Lesser Swine-cress (Lepidium didymum)

Despite it’s status as an abundant weed of damp and disturbed places in southern parts of the UK, Lesser Swine-cress (Lepidium didymum) is perplexingly scarce in the North East. So much so that it is another species featuring on the Rare Plant Register for South Northumberland. Perhaps this is truly the case or perhaps it is simply overlooked as either way, I have recorded it from three new sites in just two months. Firstly, from a flowerbed Kingston Park and later, from an abandoned car park at Arthur’s Hill. The final sighting, pictured below, came from disturbed ground in Jesmond Old Cemetery. I suspect it will turn up at further sites still.

Lawn Lobelia (Pratia angulata)

Concluding with what may be the most unexpected find of all and a few weeks back, a walk through an unassuming housing estate in Killingworth came up trumps with a sighting of Lawn Lobelia (Pratia angulata) unsurprisingly, growing out of a garden lawn. A rather attractive little flower, this species is native to New Zealand and is highly localised across the UK. How it came to reach the lawn in question is anyone’ could’s guess but either way, this marked the first known occurrence of this species in the vice-county. I’ve said it before, there is always something new to find in the city…

Speedwells (Veronica) in Newcastle and North Tyneside

In keeping with similar posts in this series exploring the plants uncovered during efforts to record the Urban Flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, this week I wanted to take a look at a slightly more modest group of plants familiar from urban spaces nationwide: Speedwells.

So far, I have recorded 16 species of Veronica in Newcastle and North Tyneside, a much more manageable number than the 72 grasses covered here. With their cheerful blue flowers and propensity to bloom for most of the year in urban settings, Speedwells are a charming family and more so than many other plants encountered locally, are associated with highly anthropogenic habitats. Flowerbeds, roadworks, path sides, pavements, and other areas of disturbed ground, all are worth a look.

As always, a big thank you to the iRecorders who have made their photos available for use in articles such as this. In this case, Chris Barlow, Pru Hamed, and David Jarema.

Native Speedwells

Of the speedwells encountered so far in the conurbation, only eight are British natives. The rest are either neophytes—recent human introductions—or archaeophytes introduced many years ago. Of the native species, only a handful can be described as ‘common’ throughout the area.

Foremost among these abundant species is Wall Speedwell (Veronica arvensis), recorded from 42 (25.6%) of monads so far. An annual of disturbed and cultivated habitats, this species is most often encountered growing within the hard, free-draining surfaces of walls, pavements, and wasteground but is equally at home in neglected flowerbeds and on the margins of amenity grasslands. Anecdotally, it is more abundant in suburban neighborhoods where the spraying of weeds is less common.

The next two species, Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys) and Thyme-leaved Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia), are grassland plants. The former, recorded from 31 (18.9%) monads, is still greatly under-recorded but has defied expectations somewhat by proving scarcer than anticipated across the area. Typically, it is found either in good-quality neutral grassland, often that of road verges, or as a weed in garden lawns. However, it also occurs on the edges of amenity woodland and within urban hedgerows. Thyme-leaved Speedwell, recorded from 24 (14.6%) monads, inhabits much the same habitat but appears genuinely scarcer. It seems to favor long-established grasslands in churchyards and parks but may pop up in any suitable grassland area. It should be noted that all plants encountered so far are of the subspecies Serpyllifolia. I would not expect to see subsp. humifusa here, nor have I.

**Wall Speedwell** (*Veronica arvensis*)
© James Common

Similar in appearance to Germander Speedwell, at least at first, Wood Speedwell (Veronica montana) is a real rarity in the conurbation with fewer than 10 records since 1990. The majority of these are centered on Newcastle’s wooded denes at Jesmond, Throckley, and Walbottle, with a few records from other older woodlands. So far, this species has been recorded from 5 (3%) monads, all of which, except for a small patch at Heaton Park, come from these areas. Even where present, this plant is rather scarce and seldom forms the extensive colonies seen elsewhere in the county—a result of habitat degradation?

While a common plant of acidic soils elsewhere in the country, Heath Speedwell (Veronica officinalis) is likewise rare in Newcastle and its surrounds, recorded from 3 (1.8%) monads so far. Since 2000, there have only been eight records of this attractive little plant, predominantly from land close to Gosforth Park, much of which was once heathland. It is also present within relic lowland heath at Havannah Nature Reserve, though the greatest densities can be found within Gosforth Nature Reserve.

Heath Speedwell (*Veronica officinalis*)
© Chris Barlow

The final three native speedwells recorded so far are all plants of wetland habitats. Two are very scarce indeed, with Marsh Speedwell (Veronica scutellata) recorded from just 2 (1.2%) monads around established wetlands at Gosforth and Havannah, and Blue Water-speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica) noted from just 1 (0.6%) monad at Gosforth Nature Reserve, where it grows on the muddy margins of recent SUDS.

Thankfully, Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) is more abundant, recorded from 13 (7.9%) monads so far. This species can be encountered in a variety of wetland habitats ranging from the edges of lakes and ponds, SUDS, and streamsides to ditches and small wet depressions in built-up areas. It also appears to be one of the first riparian species to colonise new ponds, as seen at Kingston Park and Great Park.

**Marsh Speedwell** (*Veronica scutellata*) © Chris Barlow

Archaeophytes

Thus far, I have only encountered two archaeophyte speedwells during the survey, and both are rather common within urban habitats. Ivy-leaved Speedwell (Veronica hederifolia) is a prolific colonist of cultivated land, found just about anywhere the ground has been disturbed but most often as a weed of pavements, flowerbeds, wall bases, and allotment plots. Examples in urban habitats tend to be of subsp. hederifolia, which tolerates more open habitats than subsp. lucorum, which thus far has only convincingly been recorded from shaded woodland and parks. Together, these have been recorded from 61 (37.2%) monads.

Green Field-speedwell (Veronica agrestis), recorded from 28 (17.1%) monads, is much more abundant than it ought to be given its inclusion on the Rare Plant Register for South Northumberland. Indeed, despite only being recorded about ten times between 2000 and 2018, it is proving to be a frequent plant of disturbed habitats, though notably those with drier, freer-draining substrates than similar species. It may well warrant downgrading from the register in due course.

**Ivy-leaved Speedwell** (*Veronica hederifolia*)
© Chris Barlow

Alien Speedwells

Non-native speedwells now, and we’ll start with the simplest one: American Speedwell (Veronica peregrina), recorded from just 1 (0.6%) monad. A weed of cultivated and urbanised land, this attractive little plant was found growing in long-forgotten planters outside the Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel in North Tyneside. How long it has been there is unclear, but this seems to be a new population of what is, by all accounts, a rather rare neophyte locally.

**American Speedwell** (*Veronica peregrina*) © Ed Stikvoort via Saxifraga

Other alien speedwells are far more numerous. Take Common Field-speedwell (Veronica persica), for example, which genuinely seems to be the most abundant Veronica within the conurbation, recorded from 89 (54.3%) monads thus far. An annual of cultivated and disturbed soils, this species has an uncanny knack for popping up just about anywhere, from flowerbeds and pavements to arable fields and the margins of amenity grasslands. It will surely prove to be much more abundant still.

The same cannot be said for a similar species, Grey Field-speedwell (Veronica polita), which, while sharing the same habitats, appears altogether rare, recorded from just 4 (2.4%) monads to date. Past records of this species within the city are very scarce indeed, and befitting this, it has been recorded only scantly from a wall in Wallsend, a trodden path-side at Walker, and a few other locations.

Last but not least, we have Slender Speedwell (Veronica filiformis), recorded from 19 (11.6%) monads. Given its status as a successful weed of mown and amenity grassland, this one really ought to be more widespread, and I suspect it is significantly under-recorded due to my inability to access private gardens. Indeed, so far, it has predominantly been recorded from front lawns, churchyards, playing fields, and odd scraps of grassland left undeveloped within housing estates. Where present, it can be terribly abundant.

**Slender Speedwell** (*Veronica filiformis*)
© Chris Barlow

The final two Veronicas worthy of mention are not speedwells at all but Hebes. As they fall within the same family, they warrant inclusion here. Both Narrow-leaved Hebe (Veronica salicifolia) and Hedge Veronica (Veronica x franciscana) are rare escapes from cultivation in the conurbation, recorded from 3 (1.8%) and 2 (1.2%) monads, respectively. In the case of the former, where present, it appears to seed readily from older amenity plantings, while the latter seems to derive from planted garden hedges and is most commonly encountered within cracks in walls.

And there we have it, a round-up of the various speedwells encountered so far within Newcastle and North Tyneside. I have no doubt the numbers included here will change as the survey progresses, but at the very least, the results so far point to a few interesting trends.

Urban Flora of Newcastle – 2024 so far

As many of you may be aware, since 2022, I’ve devoted a significant portion of my spare time to documenting what I affectionately terming an ‘Urban Flora’ for Newcastle and the adjacent areas of North Tyneside. With spring fast approaching and activities set to pick up, I wanted to provide an update on progress so far. To give you a sneak peek: this winter has proven unexpectedly eventful, with numerous exciting discoveries and some intriguing trends starting to emerge.

Supposedly ‘Rare Plants’

One of the most interesting aspects of undertaking a survey such as this is the trends beginning to take shape for specific plants. Some, for example, are revealing themselves to be far rarer than expected while others are unexpectedly common. So far, several species featured on the Rare Plant Register for South Northumberland have fallen into the latter camp. Green Field-speedwell (Veronica agrestis) is a good example, listed as a regional rarity yet occurring in 23 (13%) of all squares surveyed so far, usually in flowerbeds, pavements or on the edge of lawns. The story is similar for Cut-leaved Dead-nettle (Lamium hybridum) at 15 (8.8%) squares and Great Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) at 17 (10%).

Several other plants, while not covered by the Registar, have also proven more abundant than anticipated. Among these, Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) has now been recorded from 17 (10%) of squares and interestingly, Glabrous Whitlowgrass (Erophila glabrescens) which while only found in 7 (4%) squares so far, is turning up wherever purposely searched for. I suspect most of this is down to the historic neglect of our urban spaces when it comes to botanical recording, but it is nice to see my recording efforts beginning to make a difference.

The Spring Bulb Conundrum

Spring bulbs pose an interesting challenge when recording the urban flora. Commonly introduced in great drifts along roadsides, hurled over garden fences and left to run wild in churchyards, it can be quite difficult to determine what exactly to record. For the purposes of this flora, a subjective judgement has been made wherein relic or seemingly naturalised populations have been recorded and newer introductions not. This has yielded some interesting results so far.

Snowdrops have been a real flavour of 2024 so far and it has been interesting to note both Greater Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) and Green Snowdrop (Galanthus woronowii) at several sites. Equally crocuses, easily the most abundant spring bulb, have recieved quite a bit of attention. Spring Crocus (Crocus neapolitanus) genuinely seems the most abundant in all habitats, whether as a relic or escape, but it has been nice to note Snow Crocus (Crocus x hybridus) and Yellow Crocus (Crocus x luteus) among others.

Add to these a suite other species in Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica), Alpine Squill (Scilla bifolia), Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum) and most recently, Broad-leaved Grape-hyacinth (Muscari latifolium) and the late winter months have been most enjoyable. A nice warm-up for things to come in summer!

The Perks of New-Build Developments

Not something I thought I would write any time soon but I am quickly becoming enamoured with new-build developments. Particularly those under construction or only very recently completed. These estates with their copious areas of disturbed ground routinely yield some of the most diverse annual assemblaages in the city and so far this year, I have visited six. Parsley-piert (Aphanes arvensis), would appear rather rare in the city upon a glance at the distribution maps, but can be incredibly plentiful within these estates. Indeed, out of the five squares from which I have recorded it so far, four have been new-builds.

Other examples of plants strongly associated with these developments include Common Ramping-fumitory (Fumaria muralis), Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides), Field Pansy (Viola arvensis) and Great Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) while to a lesser extent, the same also applies to commoner plants like Charlock (Sinapis arvensis), Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) and Weld (Reseda luteola). I suspect some of these estates will yield further discoveries as the survey goes on and sadly for plants not reliant on disturbance, more land is dug up.

Cut-leaved Dead-nettle (*Lamium hybridum*)

A few Suprising Finds

One of the true delights of surveying urban plants is stumbling across something unexpected. Since my last update, there have been plenty of exciting discoveries some of which are summarised here.

Back in Autumn, two county firsts were recorded from the West of the city in Rescue Brome (Ceratochloa cathartica), over-taking a small area of verge and nearby gardens, and Henry’s Honeysuckle (Lonicera henryi), bird-sown in a patch of relic scrub. Both are neophytes. Succulents too have proven interesting this winter with a county-second record of Tasteless Stonecrop (Sedum sexangulare) growing beneath a hedge in Gosforth and several records of Rock Stonecrop (Petrosedum forsterianum) from atop graves in local cemeteries. Speaking of cemeteries, a local botanist also brought my attention to a self-sown specimen of Noble-fir (Abies procera) in Jesmond – not one I was necessarily expecting.

Many of the more recent ‘new’ plants have been neophytes and more precisely, garden or amenity escapes. In Woolsington, Argentine Needle-grass (Nassella tenuissima) was noted sowing itself away from planted amenity beds, and recent walks have yielded records of other oddities in Virginia Stock (Malcolmia maritima), Western Red-cedar (Thuja plicata) and a plausible patch of Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) which will need revisiting later in the season.

Non-natives aside, however, there have been some interesting finds on the native front too. On Sunday, I was pleased to encounter what appears to be the areas only patch of Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) growing on a bank at Willington and chasing a record from five years back, finally noted Whorled Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum) at Havannah Nature Reserve. Also worthy of note are the Early Dog-violets (Viola reichenbachiana) discussed in this blog post.

Neophytes vs Natives

Spurred on by a conversation with botanist, Trevor Dines, I have been looking a little closer at the split between natives and neophytes (and archaeophytes too for that matter) in Newcastle and neighboring areas. Interestingly, of the plants recorded so far, 470 are native species vs 322 introductions. Just 52 are archaeophytes, meaning an almost equal split between natives and ‘aliens’ in the city.

This would appear to be substantially higher than several of the similar studies I’ve read and the reason for this remains unclear. Perhaps Newcastle genuinely is home to more alien plants or more likely, I am yet to record a great many of the native species lurking out there. Having excluded all dubious trees and shrubs, as well as mass plantings of bulbs and any species even suspected of having been recently planted, I’d like to think I haven’t over-estimated the neophytes too much.

Challenges this year

With most of the 169 squares included in the survey now surveyed at least once, 2024 looks set to be a year of gap-filling. Specifically, relating to plants appearing scant in the dataset so far. Grasses need a concerted effort during peak flowering season, specifically to map the common species that are most visible at this time, and aquatics need dedicated surveying at key wetland sites. Some willowherbs too are oddly lacking, though this is largely because they flower for but a short period and surveying them comprehensively is proving a pain!

Furthermore, there are a fleet of ‘missing plants’ still to find, or not. Looking at records post-2011, there are still a great many species lacking from the present dataset – Good-King-Henry (Blitum bonus-henricus), Small Melilot (Melilotus indicus), Small Teasel (Dipsacus pilosus) and Hungarian Brome (Bromopsis inermis) to name but a few. Whether these plants are still out there or not remains to be determined but I am certainly not above a spot of twitching to find out.

Beyond that, though I dread to think it, it am going to have to start learning my hybrid flora. Beyond the 10-15 recorded so far, there are many more that *should* be out there in the city. Broad-leaved x American Willowherb (Epilobium x interjectum), Oxford Ragwort x Common Groundsel (Senecio x baxteri), Field Horsetail x Water Horsetail (Equisetum x litorale), etc. There are even several historic records of interesting hybrid Oraches (Atriplex spp.) by the Tyne which may still pop up during the survey. All of this considered, 2024 looks set to be a fun year!

A few Thank yous

Surveying an area of this magnitude by ones self is a rather daunting task. For this reason, I am incredibly grateful to the various local botanists, and more general naturalists, sharing records too. It is wonderful to see more people looking closer at our urban plants and, in no particular order, thanks are offered to John Durkin, Chris Barlow, Philip Griffiths, Lydia Koelmans, Pru Hamed, Philip Shorrock and Joe Dobinson for their contributions so far. They really have been a big help.

Urban Flora of Newcastle – Musing over maps

With recording for ‘Plants of Newcastle’ progressing well and new local botanists joining in, for the last few weeks, I’ve been able to catch up on some of the more mundane parts of the project. Top of that list was a need to ‘reaquaint’ myself with some sort of GIS programme, hopefully to save a few pounds when it comes to the final write-up.

Now, I am happy to admit I am rather rubbish at anything techy like this. I loathed GIS modules at university and haven’t touched any sort of mapping software in almost a decade. Still, downloading QGIS (supposedly one of the easiest to use platforms) I thought I’d give it a go. While they may be rough around the edges, I am pretty pleased with the result!

Below, I have included a few example maps created for some interesting urban plants, but what exactly do they tell us?

Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus)

Oxford Ragwort is perhaps the most consicous example of an established neophyte (human introduction) in Newcastle. The story of this tenacious little plant is well-known and according to records held by the BSBI, it arrived in the city sometime around 1960 where it was first recorded by George Swan from the Town Moor. Known to favour dry, rocky subsrtates (especially pavements and railway clincker) it is perhaps unsurprising that most of the records so far come from heavily urbanised areas. Indeed, it is exceptionally abundant in the city centre and suburbs but altogether scarce in more natural areas to the North and West. A trend to be expected, perhaps.

Guernsey Fleabane (Erigeron sumatrensis)

Guernsey Fleabane is a relatively new arrival in Newcastle, first recorded in 2009 by Mick Crawley. Across the UK, it is ungoing a dramatic expansion as it follows in the footsteps of Canadian Fleabane (Erigeron canadensis) to become a familiar weed of urban habitats. Since it was first noted on Dean Street, it appears to have expanded outward to colonise much of the city centre and neighboring districts, with the greatest concentrations on wasteground plots in Heaton, Walker and Jesmond. It will be interesting to see if these initial maps hold true, or whether it is already far more widespread.

Italian Alder (Alnus cordata)

Italian Alder is an incredibly popular amenity tree in Newcastle, frequently planted along streets, in muncipal landscaping schemes and seemingly, on restored industrial land. It is also a prolific seeder capable of colonising a whole host of disturbed and wasteground habitats. The records shown below represent seemingly self-sown specimens of Italian Alder and it is interesting to note a strong southerly bias. I suspect this corresponders to the high level of industry along the Tyne and our tendency to cover-up defunct sites with all manner of interesting trees?

Welsh Poppy (Papaver cambricum)

Welsh Poppy, native elsewhere in the UK but certainly not in Newcastle, is an interesting example of a plant that thrives in gardens. Indeed, most of the time, this attractive plant is observed as a colonist of flowerbeds, driveways and patios where I suspect is left by usually diligent weeders on account of its pretty flowers. It is interest to note that the distribtion of Welsh Poppy appears linked to the presence of larger gardens, with suburban areas holding large populations and relatively few records from the city centre. While not always the case, it also appears reluctant to colonise more natural areas.

Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum)

In contrast to Welsh Poppy which seems to favour artifical environments, I thought it would also be interesting to explore the distribution of a species associated with more natural ones – cue Lords-and-Ladies. Unspurisingly, almost all records of this popular woodland plant come from relic semi-natural woodland, namely in Newcastles denes at Walbottle, Throckley and Jesmond. I wouldn’t be suprised if this one crops up elsewhere, likely beneath a hedgerow, but it will be interesting to see if the same applies to other indcator species like Wood Anemone and English Bluebell.

New Year Plant Hunt: What’s flowering this winter?

I love the BSBI New Year Plant Hunt. Each year, this nifty citizen science project provides the perfect reason to head outside, brave the winter air, and find some interesting plants – not something I would have considered just a few years ago! Better still, the project is providing some valuable data about how our wild and naturalised plants are responding to a changing climate. A win win, really!

With only a few days of the holiday left, I confess I have gone a little crackers this year when it comes to the New Year Plant Hunt, with fourwalks in different corners of the local area. A nice way to burn off those Christmas calories perhaps?

Tynemouth

On Saturday morning, the first session of my new ‘Botanist’s Year’ course provided the perfect excuse for some group plant hunting. Meeting attendees at Tynemouth, we set about recording flowering plants growing in sea defences, coastal grassland, priory walls and nearby streets. Cutting a long story short, there wasn’t overly much to see with just 21 species noted in bloom. That said, some of these were rather nice with a good showing of Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), ample Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum) and even a solitary example of Fool’s-parsley (Aethusa cynapium) – I am not sure I have ever seen that one flowering in winter.

Of course, the reliable winter-blooms featured in our total too: Daisy (Bellis perennis), Annual Meadow-grass (Poa annua), Red Dead-nettle (Lamium purpureum) and Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris) to name but a few. The group also encountered a stray Garden Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) in a pavement crack – a surprisingly common occurence.

No visit to Tynemouth would be complete without a moment of appreciation for the copious amount of Wild Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) which grows on site as a relict of cultivation by local monks. They weren’t in flower on this occasion, mind you.

Heaton

For the last four years Matt and I have carried out an annual New Year Plant Hunt on the streets of Heaton, close to home. While being awful good fun, this has also allowed us to gain a good idea of localised changes in the flowering times of several species. Suffice to say, 2023 seems to be a bit of a poor year and in three hours, we recorded just 31 species compared to the 50+ of 2022. Perhaps it was was a touch of frost, or even over-zealous weeders?

The usual supects mentioned previous all featured in our Heaton hunt and by large, most of the plants found were ones you would expect to see in winter. Neophytes (human introductions) in Trailing Bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana), Adria Bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana) and Yellow Corydalis (Pseudofumaria lutea) that seem to flower year-round and typical winter wildflowers in Common Whitlowgrass (Erophila verna) and White Dead-nettle (Lamium album). It was, however, interesting to note several grasses still in flower with sightings of Water Bent (Polypogon viridis), False Oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) and Wall Barley (Hordeum murinum). I wonder what next year will bring?

Scotswood

The most botanically interesting hunt of the week now and a new route for Matt and I at Scotswood. Scotswood Road and its associated grassland, scrub and industrial plots is usually rather interesting and in total, we chalked up 31 flowering plants during our yomp. The ‘common ones’ featured heavily again with examples in Gorse (Ulex europeaus) and Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) but there were surprises also. On a particularly nice stretch of verge, we found both Field (Knautia arvensis) and Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria) in flower alongside Musk-mallow (Malva moschata). Quite a nice display for winter! Elsewhere, we noted Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) and Smooth Hawk’s-beard (Crepis capillaris) while Common Vetch (Vicia sativa) featured surprisingly frequently.

For once, it was actually the non-flowering plants that proved most interesting at Scotswood. Having sadly lost many of them to the mower in spring, it was fabulous to note well over 200 Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) rosettes on nearby areas of amenity grassland and some recent roadworks provided a sighting of Parsley-piert (Aphanes arvensis), an entirely new one for the urban flora!

Ouseburn

New Year’s Day now and the last New Year Plant Hunt organised through the Natural History Society of Northumbria. Setting off to explore the streets of Heaton and later, taking a detour to the Ouseburn Valley, we were thrilled to find 35 species of wild and naturalised plant in flower. Better still, the sun was shining – a rare thing of late!

Once again, the usual suspects were out in force but what was more interesting was the abundance of typically ruderal/arable plants blooming in forgotten corners and neglected planters. As a group, we were particularly excited to find Small Nettle (Urtica urens) and Green-field Speedwell (Veronica agrestis), followed closely by Ribbed Melilot (Melilotus officinalis), Cut-leaved Dead-nettle (Lamium hybridum) and Small-flowered Crane’s-bill (Geranium pusillum). Down by the Ouseburn, the first Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) of the year had emerged too. Always nice to see…

All in all, a lovely way to spend New Year’s Day and a great way to round off a busy week jampacked with plants!

Some Headlines

Some New Neophytes

Are Newcastle and North Tyneside unique?

Some Missing Plants

Most Abundant Plants

Most Diverse Sites

Plan of Attack

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Surprise Finds

Grasses

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Rustyback (Asplenium ceterach)

Snow-white Wood-rush (Luzula nivea)

Galium x pomeranicum

Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)

Common Wintergreen (Pyrola minor)

Reversed Clover (Trifolium resupinatum)

Egyptian Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum)

Autumn Gentian (Gentianella amarella)

Lesser Water-parsnip (Berula erecta)

Lesser Swine-cress (Lepidium didymum)

Lawn Lobelia (Pratia angulata)

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Native Speedwells

Archaeophytes

Alien Speedwells

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Supposedly ‘Rare Plants’

The Spring Bulb Conundrum

The Perks of New-Build Developments

A few Suprising Finds

Neophytes vs Natives

Challenges this year

A few Thank yous

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Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus)

Guernsey Fleabane (Erigeron sumatrensis)

Italian Alder (Alnus cordata)

Welsh Poppy (Papaver cambricum)

Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum)

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Tynemouth

Heaton

Scotswood

Ouseburn

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