Herb-Paris Paris quadrifolia is a perennial plant of damp, moderately calcareous woodlands. Blooming in late spring, it is a striking and distinctive species featuring a whorl of four ovate leaves. In May, a single flower emerges on an upright stem – a star-shaped bloom composed of four yellow-green petals and four green sepals, topped by a dark ‘berry’ and a crown of eight golden stamens.
Known as oneberrie in historic accounts, Herb-paris was first properly described in England by the father of English botany, William Turner (1508-1568), who wrote of his discovery:
‘The herb that hath bene taken for lyberdes bayne, groweth plentuousely besyde morpeth in Northumberland in a wod called cottyngwod’.
Never one to pass up an encounter with a special plant, this week, a chance visit to Morpeth as part of a course I’m leading provided the perfect opportunity to visit Cottingwood for myself.
Herb-Paris Paris quadrifolia at Cottingwood
Cottingwood is a small woodland nestled in the heart of Morpeth, Northumberland. That it has survived in a relatively unaltered state is something of a miracle – the deep, steep-sided valley offering protection from the spread of the affluent housing developments that have sprung up around it in the years since Turner visited. Today, it remains in relatively good condition and is home to many plants typically associated with ancient woodland: Bluebell, Wood Sedge, Great Horsetail, and others. Some areas of the wood appear well-trodden, but elsewhere, dense vegetation gives the impression that few people venture into this special and historically significant patch of greenery.
After navigating a few banks and narrow trails, we came upon a damp flush where, to our delight, the distinctive flowers of paris appeared in surprising abundance – growing in precisely the same spot where Turner described the plant centuries ago.
Herb-Paris Paris quadrifolia at Cottingwood
If the survival of Cottingwood itself is surprising, then the continued presence of Herb-paris at this little site borders on the miraculous. Now a rare species, it is often confined to particularly special habitats — its spread hindered by its own unique biology (it does, after all, produce only one seed annually). Even so, what a privilege it was to sit in the very same spot as one of our most eminent botanical forebears, admiring this weird, wonderful, and undeniably beautiful plant.
Spring flowers don’t come much better than this…
Herb-Paris Paris quadrifolia and Ramsons Allium ursinum
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).
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 CommonFiddleneck (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.
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).
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.professesyou 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?
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.
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.
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?
Inspired by ongoing efforts to record the urban flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, I wanted to make some of what has been discovered so far accessible to those interested in exploring the city for themselves. Cue a new series!
These blogs will explore some of the best botanical walks the conurbation has to offer – perfect for planning your next outing in the urban jungle. Here, we’ll explore the streets of Heaton (I promise you, there is more to those terraces than meets the eye!)
The streets of Heaton, a suburb of Newcastle, are both significant for their botanical diversityand broadly representative of the messy, terraced neighbourhoods found across Tyneside. My daily walk during lockdown, the area has been very well botanised, but you could easily encounter many of these plants in parts of Wallsend, Walker, Jesmond or Elswick. You’ll begin your walk on at the base of Simonside Terrace (burns.thick.bonds).
Setting out, you will walk up Simonside Terrace towards Chillingham Road, paying attention to the weedy front gardens tended (or not) by Heaton’s burgeoning population of students. Here, you will experience what can only be described as the true ‘urban flora’ of Newcastle. Among commoner plants, in summer, expect to see Guernsey Fleabane (Erigeron sumatrensis) and Canadian Fleabane (Erigeron canadensis) growing within cracks in the pavement, Oxford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus) adorning walls in the company of Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) and Water Bent (Polypogon viridis) growing in an assortment of nooks and crannies.
On the North-facing side of the terrace, look out for carpets of Mind-your-own-business (Soleirolia soleirolii) spreading between shaded gardens and Pale Pink-sorrel (Oxalis incarnata) colonising flowerbeds. You can also expect ample Welsh Poppy (Papaver cambricum), Sun Spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia), Purple Toadflax (Linaria purpurea), Trailing Bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana) and Pink Purslane (Claytonia sibirica), which has colonised gravelled gardens here in recent years.
At caked.towns.glee, turn right and head back in the same direction via the first back alley you encounter. Seldom sprayed, these alleyways can be a veritable gold mine of interesting plants, of all persuasions. In walls, expect to see Fern-grass (Catapodium rigidum), Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) and Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis), as well as self-sown Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and perhaps even Annual Beard-grass (Polypogon monspeliensis) – a bird seed alien which has been growing ever more frequent of late. Continue across Whitefield Terrace to another alley directly abutting the nearby Iris Brickfield allotments where you will enjoy, depending on the antics of local allotmenteers, a wide range of waifs and strays cast out from local vegetable plots. In Spring, the margins here hold Garden Grape-hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum), Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) and Three-cornered Garlic (Allium triquetrum) presumably hurled over the fence as bulbs. Common weeds include Fat-hen (Chenopodium album), Common Orache (Atriplex patula) and Pellitory-of-the-wall (Parietaria judaica); while Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is recurrent in bare areas. You might even spot the impressive Grape-vine (Vitis vinifera) that, having been turfed out of an allotment plot, has flourished in the hedge here for several years.
From this point, it is worth going off piste and exploring more of the nearby terraces. Each comes with its own unique set of plants and more than a few highlights. At gold.slimy.vineyou will find an impressive variety of ferns on Rokeyby Terrace including Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens), Hart’s-tongue (Asplenium scolopendrium), Wall-rue (Asplenium ruta-muraria) and better yet, Black Spleenwort (Asplenium adiantum-nigrum) and Polypody (Polypodium vulgare). On Tosson Terrace, Greater Quaking-grass (Briza maxima) is expending rapidly and has colonised the grounds of a nearby school and all about, pavement cracks hold treasures such as Squirreltail Fescue (Vulpia bromoides), White Melilot (Melilotus albus) and the self-sown offspring of garden plants. Two of the most frequent being Argentine Vervain (Verbena bonariensis) and Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus).
Whichever route you take, your next port of call will be the nearby Iris Brickfield Park. Fairly unassuming, at least by the standards of Newcastle’s other amenity spaces, the park holds all the trappings you might expect with playing fields, a play area, manicured lawns and rows of ornamental trees – several of which including False-acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) and Mougeot’s Whitebeam (Sorbus mougeotii) are known to spread themselves about somewhat. Notably, the park also holds several ‘wild’ areas with the grassland here gradually developing into a rather nice meadow. Expect Lesser Stitchwort (Stellaria graminea), Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor), Zigzag Clover (Trifolium medium), Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella), Goat’s-beard (Tragopogon pratensis) and obvious patches of Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima). Much more intriguing, however, is the small pond at item.humid.firms.
Subject to little upkeep, this pond has developed a fascinating aquatic community over the years, born of natural colonisation and perhaps, a helping hand from nearby residents. By large, it is dominated by stands of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and Reed Sweet-grass (Glyceria maxima) but in parts, you will also find Branched Burr-reed (Sparganium erectum), Purple-loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Water Mint (Mentha aquatica). The real gems here are much rarer but with careful exploration, you can find Marsh Willowherb (Epilobium palustre), Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus), Jointed Rush (Juncus articulatus), Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) and much more. Indeed, this small and unassuming pond exemplifies perfectly the value of even the smallest shred of natural habitat in the urban setting. Before moving on, move a few paces to remind.baked.duke where you can enjoy the city’s only known clump of Marsh-mallow (Althaea officinalis). How it got here remains somewhat of a mystery.
Exit the park at glass.city.wisely on to Rothbury Terrace and head North towards Benfield Road. On route, be sure to peer through the fence separating the road from the nearby railway line. Over the years, this has developed a rich scrub community consisting of many natives, including Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare), and assorted aliens ranging from Mock-orange (Philadelphus coronarius) and Escallonia (Escallonia rubra) to Hollyberry Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster bullatus). Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum x superbum) and Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) can also be observed.
A major thoroughfare, the flora on Benfield Road is different to that of the area’s quieter streets. Walking North-West, you should note a wide range of species in cracks, crevices and untidy corners including Eastern Rocket (Sisymbrium orientale), Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides), Sticky Groundsel (Senecio viscosus) and Scarlet Pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis). Walk until the road joins the Coast Road, one of Newcastle’s most significant transport links where, thanks to winter gritting, a rich halophyte community has developed.
Without straying far from the junction, here you will find a representative suite of salt-lovers including Danish Scurvy-grass (Cochlearia danica), Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Buck’s-horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus), Sea Aster (Tripolium pannonicum) and Lesser Sea-spurrey (Spergularia marina). Look closer at the roadsides you might also notice Sea Fern-grass (Catapodium marinum) at its only local outpost. Oddities occur here too, presumably due to the constant passage of traffic. In recent years, these have included Argentine Needle-grass (Nassella tenuissima) and Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) but you never know what might pop up.
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…
Inspired by ongoing efforts to record the urban flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, I wanted to make some of what has been discovered so far accessible to those interested in exploring the city for themselves. Cue a new series!
These blogs will explore some of the best botanical walks the conurbation has to offer – perfect for planning your next outing in the urban jungle. Here, we’ll explore Scotswood Road and Elswick Riverside.
This level 3.5-mile circular walk takes in what were once the industrial heartlands of Newcastle and travels through several key urban habitats. Your walk will begin at the Skinnerburn Road car park (cubs.camp.effort) from which you will set out West along the Hadrian’s Wall Path on the Northern bank of the Tyne. You will follow this for roughly 1.5 miles and for the first portion of your journey, much of the botanical interest will derive from the narrow band of scrub that fringes the river. Formed through the gradual colonisation of tidal defences and riverbank this habitat holds one of the richest neophyte assemblages in the city.
Almost immediately upon starting out (remind.dirt.entire) a look at this scrub community will reveal an assortment of bird-sown cotoneaster species. Late Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lacteus) and Willow-leaved Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster salicifolius) are most obvious, but here too are Waterer’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster x watereri) and Wall Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis). Among these, you should also note Chinese Barberry (Berberis julianae) at one of its only outposts in the city and interestingly, Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus) which, presumably having escaped nearby amenity planting, forms a unique understorey beneath the alien shrubs. Here too, closer inspection will reveal Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola) and Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. robbiae). A variety of self-sown alien trees also feature including Italian Alder (Alnus cordata), Swedish Whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) and Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria).
Late Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lacteus)Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola)Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus)
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.solowill 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.
Atrides.jets.solokeep 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).
Fig (Ficus carica)Fig (Ficus carica)
From here, continue up Willam Armstrong Road until it merges with Scotswood Road. Cross the road and you will be presented with a long-neglected area of roadside shrubbery at orders.mint.plant.Most of the shrubs here are planted and are of little interest, but what grows beneath them is far more interesting. In summer, open areas and messy marginal zones here hold a thriving population of Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) growing alongside Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata) and Musk-mallow (Malva moschata).
A little further west, a larger expanse of grassland at the junction of the B1305 is worth exploring and holds many of the species associated with Tyneside’s re-seeded industrial plots. Expect Lady’s-bedstraw (Galium verum), Hedge Bedstraw (Galium album) and their hybrid Galium x pomeranicum; Chalk Knapweed (Centaurea debeauxii), Quaking-grass (Briza media), Yellow Oat-grass (Trisetum flavescens), Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare), Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis), Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) and Wild Marjoram (Origanum vulgare).
From here, all that remains is to travel back East on Scotswood Road. At cares.scare.shaky and slick.plant.glee, grassland areas hold more of the same calcareous species explored earlier, while roadsides and waste ground plots hold an interesting assortment of weeds. Along your way, look out for Eastern Rocket (Sisymbrium orientale),Great Lettuce (Lactuca virosa), Long-headed Poppy (Papaver dubium), Large-flowered Evening-primrose (Oenothera glazioviana), Squirreltail Fescue (Vulpia bromoides), and Water Bent (Polypogon viridis).
To return to the car park, turn off Scotswood Road down Dunn Street. Along the way, look out for Stern’s Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sternianus) in the rail side scrub and yet more Cut-leaved Dead-nettle in any areas of disturbed ground. A final point of interest is the diverse willowherb community that develops atop any area of waste or derelict ground. Expect an abundance of Short-fruited Willowherb (Epilobium obscurum), Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum), Hoary Willowherb (Epilobium parviflorum),Broad-leaved Willowherb (Epilobium montanum), American Willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum) and Square-stalked Willowherb (Epilobium tetragonum). It is worth looking for hybrids too – the hybrid between Great x Hoary Willowherb (Epilobium x subhirsutum) has been recorded nearby.
Other interesting plants to look for along the way…
Lesser Sea-spurrey (Spergularia marina), Darwin’s Barberry (Berberis darwinii), Swedish Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster x x suecicus), Hybrid Couch (Elymus x laxus), Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia distans) and Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa).
Inspired by ongoing efforts to record the urban flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, I wanted to make some of what has been discovered so far accessible to those interested in exploring the city for themselves. Cue a new series!
These blogs will explore some of the best botanical walks the conurbation has to offer – perfect for planning your next outing in the urban jungle. Here, we’ll explore NHSN’s Gosforth Nature Reserve.
Managed by the Natural History Society since 1924, Gosforth Nature Reserve is perhaps the most fruitful and interesting green space in the city. Much of this is due to the presence of several key habitats condensed in what is a relatively small area. On this walk, you’ll explore areas of open water and reedbed, marshland and recent semi-natural woodland and smaller areas of meadow and relic heath. At just over 1 mile, this circular route takes about 2 hours with plenty of time to pause and enjoy the wildlife.
You’ll start at the reserve entrance (dollar.tile.scales) where before heading in, you may wish to spend a few moments scrutinising the species rich verge directly behind you. This holds populations of Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans), Betony (Betonica officinalis) and Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare) among commoner plant life and is notable for the presence of Adder’s-tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) and some lovely displays of Cowslip (Primula veris) come spring. Southern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) has also popped up in the near area of late is liable to expand further. Now head on in via the friendly volunteers at the Welcome Hut (paying the entry fee or showing a membership card) and through two sets of gates and into the woodland. Here, turn left towards the field boundary at winner.locals.fortunate.
The first portion of this walk is not all that interesting, in truth – the woodland here lacks many of the axiophytes associated with ancient woodland and instead, is dominated by common ferns such as Broad Buckler-fern (Dryopteris dilatata). Still, walking the boundary ride, you might note Zigzag Clover (Trifolium medium), Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola), Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineous), Three-nerved Sandwort (Moehringia trinervia) and Stinking Iris (Iris foetidissima) and a little further on, a newly created woodland meadow. While in its infancy, this patch holds Pignut (Conopodium majus), Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor) and select other titbits. Things will pick up when you reach a junction in the path and a trail leading through an area of willow carr. Take this path, pausing beneath the willows where the sodden ground holds Hairy-brome (Bromopsis ramosa) and Wood Meadow-grass (Poa nemoralis). In just a few paces, you’ll emerge into the reedbed – once said to be the largest in South Northumberland.
Sympathetic management mean that in places, the reedbed holds a diverse range of riparian and emergent plant species. In summer, you should note plenty of Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Water Mint (Mentha aquatica) and Common Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), often adorned with clambering Bittersweet (Solanum dulcamara). Beneath the taller herbs, the understory holds Tufted Forget-me-not (Myosotis laxa), Marsh-bedstraw (Galium palustre) and Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), as well as Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile). Don’t get too distracted, however, for the best is still to come.
At undulation.such.visitsyou’ll find the reserve’s pond-dipping platform. This is far and away the best place at which to observe the site’s scarcer aquatic flora. Expect Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua), Celery-leaved Buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus), Broad-leaved Pondweed (Potamogeton natans) and Common Water-starwort (Callitriche stagnalis). Marsh Cinquefoil (Comarum palustre) is also present with this small platform being the best place to observe it in all the city. From here, head back on yourself and continue on the boundary ride, past the Beck Hide, until you reach the rear of the reserve at studio.riches.broad. Here you will find a rather lovely SuDS Pond and its associated plant life.
New species in the pond here will include Canadian Waterweed (Elodea canadensis), Blinks (Montia fontana), and Common Club-rush (Schoenoplectus lacustris) but the real focal point here comes at fans.remark.dine where you can enjoy a small colony of Melancholy Thistle (Cirsium heterophyllum). After seeing this, return across the pond and follow the path a short distance to the meadow lost.orchestra.mouth where there is a great deal more to see.
First, turn right and follow the path a few paces into a small, open area next to the reserve’s viewing screen. This is a productive spot with Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and their hybrid, Dactylorhiza x venusta. You can also enjoy Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), growing alongside naturalised Fox-and Cubs (Pilosella aurantiaca), and in scrubby areas nearby, Bifid Hemp-nettle (Galeopsis bifida) – a rather rare plant in the conurbation. More noteworthy still are the ragworts present with both Marsh Ragwort (Jacobaea aquatica) and its hybrid with Common Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), easily found. You may find that most of the plants encountered are in fact Jacobaea x ostenfeldii.
Jacobaea x ostenfeldii with parentsBifid Hemp-nettle (Galeopsis bifida)Betony (Betonica officinalis)
Now return the way you came, into the larger meadow. At shed.gallons.formacid soils give rise to a unique community of plants including Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), Betony, Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) and rarely, Heath Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata) growing alongside the abundant orchid species. Heath Wood-rush (Luzula multiflora) also persists here, as does Sneezewort (Achillea ptarmica). Look closely at this stage and you should easily find the only known example of Lemon-scented Fern (Oreopteris limbosperma) in all of Newcastle.
This is also a good spot to test your sedge identification skills with a representative suite of species including, by not limited to, Common Yellow-sedge (Carex demissa), Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca), Carnation Sedge (Carex panicea), Hairy Sedge (Carex hirta), Brown Sedge (Carex disticha) and Common Sedge (Carex nigra).
Meadow flora changes as you near the next SuDS. Owing to a past seed mix, here groundcover is dominated by Bird’s-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus var. sativus), Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and other plentiful species. At frames.apples.tigers, a look in the pond should add Blue Water-speedwell (Veronica anagallis-aquatica), Small Pondweed (Potamogeton berchtoldii) and Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) to the proceedings and perhaps Bladder-sedge (Carex vesicaria). More Bifid Hemp-nettle can also be found in marginal areas.
From this point, follow the path into the wood to a junction at mops.levels.agents. You know have two options: follow the path to your left for a longer walk through the woodland, or head straight on skirting the lake shore. We’ll do the latter, though taking the alternate route is worthwhile in spring for Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), Primrose (Primula vulgaris), Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea), Wild Daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus) and other woodland species recently introduced on site. The margins of the clearings along this trail, where the felling of non-native Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) has enabled select species to regenerate, offer plants such as Heath Groundsel (Senecio sylvaticus) and Common Hemp-nettle (Galeopsis tetrahit).
Following your chosen route, several notable plants can be found along the tracksides including Heath Speedwell (Veronica officinalis), Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile) and more Tormentil, along with some sizeable populations of Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) that look delightful in late Spring. At share.tester.begindo pay attention to the wetland woodland where, among the trunks of Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) you may spot Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris), Remote Sedge (Carex remota) and other interesting plants.
At this stage, you will continue the track, over a rather scenic area of boardwalk, until you reach yet another junction in the trail. At this junction, look out for Broad-leaved Helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) by the path sides but otherwise, all that remains is to take the central path back to the reserve entrance.
Other interesting plants to look for along the way…
Hairy St. John’s-wort (Hypericum hirsutum), Common Fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), Mare’s-tail (Hippuris vulgaris), Quaking-grass (Briza media), Marsh Speedwell (Veronica scutellata), Slender St. John’s-wort (Hypericum pulchrum), Tuberous Comfrey (Symphytum tuberosum) and Mountain Currant (Ribes alpinum).
Inspired by ongoing efforts to record the urban flora of Newcastle and North Tyneside, I wanted to make some of what has been discovered so far accessible to those interested in exploring the city for themselves. Cue a new series!
These blogs will explore some of the best botanical walks the conurbation has to offer – perfect for planning your next outing in the urban jungle. Here, we’ll explore Silverlink which while not strictly within the city limits, sits just without and forms part of the wider conurbation.
This is a short, circular walk taking in one of the best botanical sites in North Tyneside. At just 1.2 miles and level throughout, it is very accessible and on a good day in June or July, may result in a tally of around 170 species.
The Biodiversity Park is a small but interesting nature reserve created in the late 1990’s with funding from nearby developers. It was meticulously designed by ecologists and architects to include ponds, woodland, hedgerows, meadows and an impressive piece of landscape art that we will discuss later, while also incorporating several small areas of existing natural land. Your walk begins in the small carpark opposite the Village Hotel (landowner.plants.tint) in Cobalt Business Park.
It is often joked that botanists seldom make it out of the carpark on their outings and here, that will surely be the case with areas of ornamental planting, untouched since 1997, left to develop and spread. Only the hardiest have survived with an impressive patch of Blue Globe-thistle (Echinops bannaticus) immediately visible, alongside a glut of Druce’s Crane’s-bill (Geranium × oxonianum). You should also note Purple-loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and Dotted Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata), alongside a thriving population of Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa). From the carpark, take the Northernmost of the three major pathways. By doing so, you will pass a small area of grassland to your immediate right which harbours Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and Water Figwort (Scrophularia auriculata) and eventually on to another portion of path surrounded on both sides with trees. Walking this path, you will pass a large but mostly inaccessible pond, with viewing only possible at romantics.mixture.supposing.
Even with only some of the pond visible, you should note an interesting array of riparian and aquatic plants, most of which are said to have colonised the site naturally. Expect Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica), Amphibious Bistort (Persicaria amphibia), Floating Sweet-grass (Glyceria fluitans), Broad-leaved Pondweed (Potamogeton natans) and Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua) among more abundant species. You will then need to backtrack a few meters until you re-join the trail, continuing your way until you pass a neglected interpretation panel and eventually, exit the park. Now you’ll find yourself on a section of Waggonway which you should follow south, skirting the park, for 200m or so.
Along the Waggonway you will note several uncommon plants growing in areas of disturbance. Among these, Bladder Campion (Silene vulgaris), Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) and Wild Mignonette (Reseda lutea). The shelterbelts contain many seedlings of alien trees and shrubs, including Late Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lacteus), Mougeott’s Whitebeam (Sorbus mougeotii) and Hybrid Alder (Alnus x hybrida), while the Hybrid Willow (Salix × smithiana) and White Poplar (Populus alba) are spreading via runners. At proves.barn.reinstateyou 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).
Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acris)Viper’s-bugloss (Echium vulgare)
From here, look behind you and you will note a path leading back into the Biodiversity Park, located almost at the foot of prominent pylon. Taking this path, you will arrive in a small area of meadow. This expanse of grassland is particularly rich with the dominant plant life comprising Rough Hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus), Cat’s-ear (Hypochaeris radicata) and Lady’s-bedstraw (Galium verum) alongside Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca) and various grasses.
In June, this is particularly productive spot for Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) but keen-eyed orchid hunters should also find Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella) and their hybrid, Dactylorhiza x venusta. More recently, Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata) have colonised also. Equally of interest is the abundance of hypericum here with closer inspect revealing that most of the plants here are Des Etangs’ St. John’s-wort (Hypericum × desetangsii). Once you have explored the meadow, follow the obvious track back to the main footpath and head South until you hit a junction in the path, being sure to note Common Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa), Tall Melilot (Melilotus altissimus) and Meadow Crane’s-bill (Geranium pratense) along the way.
Turning right at the junction, you will emerge into a far larger open area marked by a sloping, grassy hill to your right and several small ponds to your left. These ponds are noteworthy in hosting Tufted Forget-me-not (Myosotis laxa), Water Forget-me-not (Myosotis scorpioides), Common Water-starwort (Callitriche stagnalis) and Ivy-leaved Duckweed (Lemna trisulca) but much more interesting is the slope immediately opposite. This represents all that remains of the impressive landscape sculpture created in 1997. Interestingly, this was constructed of one-half sandstone and one-half limestone meaning that in the years since, a sharply contrasting flora has formed across both areas of exposed rock consisting of seeded introductions and natural colonists.
Much of the sandstone area has been overtaken by scrub but look closely and you will note areas of Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica), Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Wood-sage (Teucrium scorodonia) and Water Avens (Geum rivale). Beneath a solitary birch sites the conurbations only know specimen of Heath Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia borealis), perhaps imported as an happy accident among the substrate. Close to this area, you can also find Tyneside’s only population of the rare Pale St. John’s-wort (Hypericum montanum) growing atop parts of the former sculpture.
Atop calcareous areas, you will surely note Betony (Betonica officinalis), Small Scabious (Scabiosa columbaria), Quaking Grass (Briza media), Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata), Salad Burnet (Poterium sanguisorba subsp. sanguisorba) and Chalk Knapweed (Centaurea debauxii) while much more localised are Great Burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis) and Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis). Bare areas here hold too the only local population of typically coastal subspecies of Red Fescue, Festuca rubra subsp. juncea.
Taking the central path up the hill and towards the sun dial, you will pass through a large area of neutral grassland dominated by Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), Hedge Bedstraw (Galium album) and more abundant species before reaching a flight of ramshackle steps leading to the dial itself. Look, though the flora here is less interesting save for a fantastic display of Cowslips (Primula veris) in late spring. Much more interesting is the path downhill to the sites largest pond where you may note more Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera). The pond itself is much more accessible and scrutiny will reveal Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) and Coloured Water-lily (Nymphaea x marliacea) both introduced, and colonists in Spiked Water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) and Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis). From here you have two options.
Taking the path your right will lead you through woodland and a few sizeable patches of Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) back to the carpark where you began your journey. Head left, however, and you emerge from the park intro Cobalt Business Park with its industrial units and associated amenity areas. Vacant lots here are worthy of exploration and can hold many of the plants commonly associated waste ground, with species such as Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides), Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola), Common Cudweed (Filago germanica) and Common Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) occurring among more abundant weeds.
A final note for those with time to spare is the nearby Village Hotel Pond located just North East of your starting position. Older than the others on site, this has developed a rich riparian community consisting of Greater Spearwort (Ranunculus lingua), Gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus), Grey Club-rush (Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani), Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata) and Bladder Sedge (Carex vesicaria), among other associated plants, and nearby ditches host Great Yellow-cress (Rorippa amphibia), Hybrid Horsetail (Equisetum × litorale), and False Fox-sedge (Carex otrubae).
Other interesting plants to look for along the way…
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 Jesmond Dene.
Starting out at ancient woodland, the Ouse Burn valley at Jesmond Dene and Armstrong Park, has changed much over the years. In the 19th century, the valley was home major industrial workings including quarries, watermills, and an iron foundry – elements that have greatly contributed to its present-day aesthetic. In the the 1850s, William George Armstrong, later Lord Armstrong of Cragside, Northumberland, purchased the valley and alongside his wife, enclosed the land for use as private parkland. Managed as a naturalistic garden, Armstrong introduced many and more exotic plants to the dene during his tenure, before eventually gifting the site to the people of Newcastle in 1883.
Since Armstrong’s day, the dene has been managed as a public park, though many of these curious introductions remain, if you know where to look. Together with the site’s native flora, they make Jesmond Dene one of the most eclectic and interesting walks in all of the city, if one of the longer ones at around 3 miles circular.
Your walk begins at the entrance to Armstrong Park from Jesmond Vale Lane (hunt.sounds.pages). In spring, the grassy verge on the Northern most side of the lane is a sight to behold on account of the plentiful spring bulbs left to spread over the decades. The two most numerous are Early Crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) and Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), but Spring Crocus (Crocus neapolitanus) are plentiful and Greater Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii) and Green Snowdrop (Galanthus woronowii) remain as relics. Heading into the park, you can also observe Snow Crocus (Crocus x hybridus) and Yellow Crocus (Crocus x luteus) dotted absent any obvious pattern, through wooded areas and glades, presumably having outlived their initial, formal arrangements.
Following either one of the paths through the park, either the mid-section or upper-most trail will do, you will notice a wide range of trees and shrubs associated with landscaped Victorian estates. Several of these such as Turner’s Oak (Quercus x turneri) and Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) have persisted absent spread. Others are now soundly naturalised with two of the more prominent being Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) and Highclere Holly (Ilex x altaclerensis). Other curiosities here include Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) and the curious holly cultivar Ilex aquilifolium ‘Ferox’. Points of interest in the understory during this initial leg include Great Forget-me-not (Brunnera macrophylla) and Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis), both presumably of more recent garden origin.
Dependent on the season of your visit, highlights of this first parkland trail include an expansive area of Winter Heliotrope (Petasites pyrenaicus) at curl.rings.soils; Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) adorning a rock ledge at live.spend.take and what was, until this flora at least, Newcastle’s only known population of Great Horsetail (Equisetum telmateia) at trial.mutual.encounter. However, the true highlight comes in the park’s latter reaches where, in a trend that will continue throughout your walk, a range of ancient woodland axiophytes begin to appear.
During this stretch, expect Lords-and-Ladies (Arum maculatum), Ramsons (Allium ursinum), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa), among commoner woodland fare. At quiet.brief.nature, be sure to keep a watchful eye for Cabbage Thistle (Cirsium oleraceum) in a damp flush – the origins of this curious plant are unclear, but it may well have persisted here, unnoticed, since Armstrong’s time. From here, all that remains to continue out of the park to Armstrong Bridge, before making the gradual descend into Jesmond Dene via the sloping path towards Red Walk. Along this trail, lookout for another relic, Blue Anemone (Anemone apennina), blooming in spring.
Once you reach the Red Walk, you will find yourself in a large open area named the Coalman’s Field, formerly planted as an arboretum and home to a great many exotic trees. Do play close attention to the wall by the nearby café, in recent years this has been colonised by Meadow Saxifrage (Saxifraga granulata) that has escaped the café’s ‘green roof’. From here, you have several options as to where to head next. You may need to zigzag slightly to catch all the highlights. First, head towards Pet’s Corner before turning left over small wooden bridge. At the bridge, look towards the burn for some interesting relics in Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa), freely seeding itself in the banks, and Wilson’s Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida), as well as several native ferns in Lady-fern (Athyrium filix-femina), Borrer’s Male-fern (Dryopteris borreri) and Hart’s-tongue (Asplenium scolopendrium).
Near the fenced compound, just over the bridge, both Green Snowdrop and Autumn Crocus (Crocus nudiflorus) are established in the wood; though needless to say this depends on timing. Follow the trail North past the compound until you reach employ.tricky.riders. Here, lookout for a sizeable stand of Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) with its splendid pink blooms and cast an eye towards the riverbank where you may see Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) and a modest population of Abraham-Issac-Jacob (Trachystemon orientalis) – more on that one later.
Following this short trail, you will eventually hit a T-junction. Take the stairs down towards the burn where, for a short while, you will skirt the margins of Pet’s Corner. Plants to look out for here include Spotted Laurel (Aucuba japonica), Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and plenty of Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula). Before long, you will remerge on to the Red Walk, having conveniently avoided the throngs at the petting zoo. Now, you will follow the main thoroughfare deeper into the dene.
At themes.cuts.nuns, or around about, you’ll notice a set of steps leading upward to the next tier of the dene. Do not take these but instead, loiter at there base where you’ll note expanding populations of Few-flowered Garlic (Allium paradoxum) and Three-cornered Garlic (Allium triquetrum), both beautiful but highly invasive colonists. Here too you may note the non-native form of Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides subsp. robbiae) and the first of many suspect Carpet Box (Pachysandra terminalis) which seems to thrive here and may well be a hangover from Victorian times given Armstrong’s apparent penchant for Japanese gardening. Indeed, during the next leg of the Red Walk, you may note small areas of False-bucks-beard (Astilbe japonica) and Rodgersia (Rodgersia podophylla) nestled amid native plant species – both presumably introduced by Armstrong.
Continue on the path until you meet a derelict building at tiger.unfair.pipes noting along your way Yellow-flowered Strawberry (Potentilla indica), Tutsan (Hypericum androsaemum), Garden Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon subsp. argentatum) and more lovely axiophytes including, on this occasion, Wood Speedwell (Veronica montana) and the locally scarce Giant Bellflower (Campanula latifolia), which while sporadic, frequently appears on the banks of the Ouse Burn.
Your next stop will be the Jesmond Dene Mill and nearby artificial waterfall. This is a scenic point at which to pause, and exploration of the nearby area will reveal several notable plants including seedlings of Oregon-grape (Mahonia aquifolium) and Wrinkled Viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) and interesting ferns in Golden-scaled Male-fern (Dryopteris affinis), Soft Shield-fern (Polystichum setiferum) and the first of many Hard Shield-ferns (Polystichum aculeatum) to be observed during your visit. Around the mill, sightings may also include self-sown Western Red-cedar (Thuja plicata) and Lawson’s Cypress (Cupressus lawsoniana), as well as Greater Celandine (Chelidonium majus) by the tracksides.
Continue on your way until you reach a solitary private home. Noting some patches of White-stemmed Bramble (Rubus cockburnianus) that have escaped the garden in recent years, cast your eyes back towards the burn where you will find the Ouse Burn Stepping Stones. A foray across is recommended but do be careful as they can be slippery in places.
Immediately over the river, you will encounter a permanently wet slope, perhaps created as a Victorian rockery, where you should encounter the Dene’s largest population of Kidney Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirsuta), another local speciality. Here it grows with Londonpride (Saxifraga x urbium), our native Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage and several fern species. This is also a good spot to look for Giant Bellflower, if you missed it earlier. Once satiated, head across the stepping stones and continue your way, crossing a small road into what is, by all accounts, the wildest part of the dene. You may wish to pause at signal.trying.composers to admire several plants of Bear’s-breech (Acanthus mollis) which were dumped from a nearby garden in 2022 and have since firmly established themselves on the bank.
The next stretch of trail takes you as far as the bridge at Castle Farm Road. Along the way, expect more of the same with interesting ferns and axiophytes. Of note along this stretch is a small population of Hard-fern (Blechnum spicant) at one of its only Newcastle outposts and in spring, the bluebells are worth investigating with both Blubell and Spanish Bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) present alongside the much more numerous Hybrid Bluebell (Hyacinthoides x massartiana). Do look out for some interesting, pure white native Bluebells at this stage while at the foot of the bridge, you may catch site of the yellow flowers of Marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris), one of the few wetland plants to persist in the now heavily polluted Ouse Burn.
At this point, you may wish to turn back – this has been a rather long walk after all. For intrepid botanists, however, the upper reaches of Jesmond Dene still hold much of interest. Realistically, it may be better to do this walk in two stages but here, we will continue unabated up a flight of steps and through a tunnel, emerging on the opposite side of the bridge. Here you will find yourself surrounded by Abraham-Isaac-Jabob which seems to be doing rather well here of late.
Kidney Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirsuta)
This final short stretch of the dene receives little upkeep or footfall and as such, remains one of the better places to observe the city’s ancient woodland flora. Expect more of the axiophytes mentioned previous alongside Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis), Common Dog-violet (Viola riviniana), False-brome and better still, the rare Wood-melick (Melica uniflora) clinging on in areas of disturbance. The close proximity of gardens mean that a suite of other neophytes have colonised this part of the dene including reoccurring populations of Italian Lords-and Ladies (Arum italicum) and Spring Snowflake (Leucojum vernum). Indeed, new curiosities are appearing all the time as demonstrated by a burgeoning population of Balm (Melissa officinalis) discovered in 2024.
Emerging from the Dene at this point will allow you to easily catch a bus back to your starting point, but the walk back along the uppermost path offers and entirely new set of plants where the drier, more open conditions are perfect for Great Wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica), Wood Meadow-grass (Poa nemoralis), Wood-sage, Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea). Along your way, you should catch sight of several more of the denes unusual relics including Shallon (Gaultheria shallon), Martagon Lily (Lilium martagon) and Dusky Crane’s-bill (Geranium phaeum) but that, I fear, is more than enough for one day save for a pitstop where the path returns to Pet’s Corner.
While they are tricky to find, at video.stole.counts, a Spring visit may reward you with the exquisite flowers of Dog’s-tooth Violet (Erythronium dens-canis), said by local botanists to have grown in the Dene for 30 years or more. This is yet another highlight of this weird but wonderful part of the city.
Other interesting plants to look for along the way…
Newcastle, my hometown, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. While it might not seem obvious at first, the city’s streets, parks, nature reserves, and even industrial zones offer plenty to enjoy throughout the year. In the next instalment of a new series on this blog, I’ve put together a curated list of ten places in Newcastle you should visit to enjoy wildlife. Some are well-known, while others might surprise you. And don’t worry, I promise there won’t be a Kittiwake in sight – they already get plenty of attention elsewhere!
1: Jesmond Dene
Jesmond Dene, a picturesque park located in the heart of Newcastle, has a rich history that can be traced back to the 19th century. The park owes much to industrialist and businessman Lord Armstrong, who, in the mid-1800s, transformed the previously private estate into a public park for the enjoyment of the local community. Armstrong’s vision was to create an urban escape that harmoniously blended natural beauty with innovative landscaping. I’d like to think he succeeded…
Much of the interest in the dene centres on its birds. Kingfishers are a firm fixture of the Ouse Burn here and Grey Wagtail and Dipper can also be found. Add to these a typical mix of woodland birds, and treats like Tawny Owl and Sparrowhawk and you have the makings of a great day’s birding. There are mammals here too, though they are more elusive. Local people often report Roe Deer and Otters are occasionally sighted on the burn. Wander at dusk, and you’re also likely to encounter bats.
What about plants I hear you say? Owing to its roots as a naturalistic garden, the dene is quite eclectic. As well as host of woodland indicator species – Bluebell, Wood Anemone, Dog’s-mercury and the like – you can also expect to see a whole host of modern colonists, from White-stemmed Bramble and Autumn Crocus to Italian Lords-and-Ladies. These aside, a personal favourite of mine has to be the North American Salmonberry, a relative of the Raspberry, that blooms in the Dene each spring. While non-native plants aren’t always to be celebrated, here they add another layer of complexity to an already interesting site.
Established as a nature reserve in 1998, Havannah and Three Hills, formerly the site of a drift mine and slag heaps linked to the Hazelrigg Colliery, is designated as a Site of Local Conservation Interest. This urban oasis is notable for its diverse range of habitats, a relative rarity in Newcastle. Notably, it holds one of only two remaining areas of lowland heath in the city, marked by extensive areas of Heather. Elsewhere, the landscape comprises restored woodlands, grasslands, and small ponds.
Havannah is important for its wildlife, especially as the last known spot in Newcastle where Red Squirrels can be found. Though their numbers have declined recently, sightings from 2024 confirm they’re still around. Other mammals like Weasel, Brown Hare, Roe Deer, and Red Fox can also be seen from time to time and birdwatchers will enjoy the site too thanks to species such as Yellowhammer and Linnet, typically rare in the city. The pond attracts various birds, with the occasional visit from a Little Egret.
Invertebrates add to Havannah’s ecological significance. The heathland supports Dingy Skipper, alongside other specialists like Mother Shipton, while the varied habitats contribute to a thriving community of ladybirds, notably featuring species such as Striped and Heather Ladybirds.
Plants can be interesting too with seasonal highlights including the fluffy heads of Common Cottongrass, the flowers of Northern Marsh Orchid, and the yellow blooms of the scarce Dyer’s Greenweed during the summer months.
Scrub habitat at HavannahIt is worth checking the noticesStriped Ladybird (Myzia oblongoguttata)18-spot ladybird (Myrrha octodecimguttata)
3: Walker Riverside Park
Nestled on the banks of the Tyne River adjacent to Walker, this diverse site encompasses a popular yet somewhat overlooked riverside park under the management of Urban Green Newcastle. The landscape here includes calcareous grassland atop abandoned industrial ground, amenity woodland, intertidal mudflats, and various disturbed habitats. Within the park, remnants of the former St. Anthony’s Tar Works are rich in wildflowers like Wild Basil, Greater Knapweed, Small Scabious, Clustered Bellflower, and Sainfoin. Along the riverside walls, one can find Musk Thistle, Perennial Wall-rocket, and other noteworthy species. Additionally, areas of relic saltmarsh offer a glimpse of coastal flora, including Purple Glasswort, Sea-aster, and other salt-loving species.
The abundance of wildflowers at Walker is mirrored by a diverse insect community. Similar to Havannah, Dingy Skipper butterflies inhabit the area, accompanied by Common Blue, Small Skipper, and Small Copper. The bee, hoverfly, and moth communities add interest too, while the location recognised as the sole local outpost of the Speckled Bush-cricket. A new arrival in the city!
Located close to the River Tyne, sightings of Grey Seal, Common Seal, and even Otter are not uncommon here either.
Managed by the Natural History Society of Northumbria, Gosforth Nature Reserve is perhaps the oldest nature reserve in North East England. An urban oasis, it features many habitats altogether rare in the wider city including fen, wet woodland, expansive reebeds and even some vibrant meadow areas.
The reserve’s larger wildlife is its greatest draw with visitors regularly reporting sightings of Otter, Red Fox, Roe Deer, Weasel and Stoat. More secretive are the Badgers and several bats species, while birds too are diverse. Depending on the season, highlights may include Bittern, Water Rail, Little Egret, Barn Owl and Green Woodpecker. In the warmer months, large numbers of Swallows and martins can be seen and far rarer visitors appear on occasion, among them Marsh Harrier and Hobby.
Gosforth Nature Reserve is similarly noteworthy for its smaller inhabitants. Insects can be exceptionally diverse with a great many dragon and damselflies and of course, a wide-range of butterflies. The latter includes Purple Hairstreak and White-letter Hairstreak and often, Holly Blue. In Spring, look out for Clarke’s Mining Bee on willow flowers and in high summer, Oak Bush-crickets adorning the trunks of trees in the wood.
Finally, if flowers are your forte, the reserve supports its fair share. Look out for the pompon-like flowers of Devil’s-bit Scabious, the tall yellow blooms of Greater Spearwort and several species of orchid among others.
The Lower Ouseburn Valley is a thing of beauty. An amalgamation of industry, dereliction and rejuvination, it perfectly demonsrates the value human centric habitats can hold for biodiversity. Local CIC, Wild Intrigue, share so much lovely content on the the Ouse Burn and the surrounding area that expansion seems unecessary but suffice to say, for the budding botanist, it is a very interesting site. There a few places locally where you can see scarce natives and archaeophytes such as Gypsywort, Water Figwort, Green Field-speedwell and Small Nettle growing side-by-side with such well established recent escapes. Hjelmqvist’s Cotoneaster, Tall Melilot, Giant Hogweed, and so much more, there is no better place to experience the ‘new’ flora of Newcastle.
For those not so fascinated by botanicals, there is a great deal to see. The Ouse Burn itself holds Otter (check out these AMAZING images), Kingfisher, Grey Wagtail, Dipper and resident pair of Mute Swans that insist on breeding in awkward positions each year, much to the delight of residents.
Insect wise, look out for large gatherings of ladybirds on the Ouseburn’s ornamental shrubs. Sure, most will be the non-native Harlequin Ladybird but recent records show Cream-spot, Orange, 7-spot, Pine and so many other species.
As someone who visits the Ouseburn area regularly, I must confess, this site is my guilty pleasure. Jampacked with wildlife and people too, it shows how both can live together in relative tranquility.
Fiddleneck (Amsinckia micrantha)Yellow-wort (Blackstonia perfoliata)A typical view of the Ouse Burn
6: Big Waters Country Park
I love this one. A Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserve shared with Urban Green Newcastle, it is one of the best places in Newcastle to observe our native flora. The ponds are wonderfully diverise with Rigid Hornwort and Fennel Pondweed and the grasslands packed with scarcities such as Fairy Flax and Agrimony. Alas, this isn’t a botanical blog so I will endevor to delve deeper…
Big Waters is most notable for its birdlife. In Winter, you can expect to see an eccelctic mix of wildfowl including Pochard, Teal, Wigeon, Shovler and Goleneye, even the odd Pintail and Whooper Swan. In fact, the site is well known for attracting local rarities including a returning American Wigeon which routinely delights crowds come Autumn and Winter.
Beyond birdlife, this is a phenominal site to observe insects. Bees include Tawny Mining Bee, Buffish Mining Bee, Vestal Cuckoo Bee and more, while ladybirds include the rare 18-spot, a specialist of conifer trees. There are too many records to summarise here but it is worth checking out iRecord for the records of Chris Barlow who has shared much about the site.
A botanical montage from a Summer’s day at Big Waters
7: Scotswood Road
Positioned along Scotswood Road, a significant thoroughfare leading into the city from the west, lies an unexpected haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Despite their urban location, the grasslands, scrub, and wooded areas along the road are rather diverse, providing a home for various species.
An abundance of wildflowers in the grasslands here attracts many insects, especially butterflies. Dingy Skipper, uncommon in the nearby area, are plentiful in spring and later, other butterfly species like Common Blue, Small Skipper, Large Skipper, Meadow Brown, and Ringlet can be seen. Bees are also plentiful here, including Buffish and Chocolate Mining Bees, along with seven species of bumblebees. Lucky observers might even spot the Mother Shipton moth – a grassland specialist with at first, may appear more like a butterfly in flight.
Insects aside, Scotswood Road boasts a variety of wild plants, particularly species associated with calcareous grassland. In the summer, visitors can enjoy sepcies such as Small Scabious, Greater and Chalk Knapweed, Hoary Plantain, Wild Basil, and Kidney-vetch. Bee Orchids are also thriving in the area, with hundreds spotted nearby in 2023.
Surprisingly, an industrial estate well and truly earns its place among the city’s top spots for wildlife enthusiasts. Despite its somewhat neglected appearance, this area offers a remarkable experience throughout the year. Its main allure lies in the fact that it is one of Newcastle’s premier locations to observe wild orchids. During summer, visitors can easily spot varieties such as Bee Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Northern Marsh Orchid, and Broad-leaved Helleborine. However, the real gem is the flourishing populations of Dune Helleborine, an rather rare plant with some of its densest concentrations found along the River Tyne. The little video below should give a flavour of what to expect…
But orchids aren’t the only floral treasures here. Newburn boasts an array of local specialties including Nettle-leaved Bellflower, Marsh Pennywort, Viper’s-bugloss, and the delicate Blue Fleabane, thriving in the chalky remnants of former industrial sites.
This site is also an underappreciated haven for urban birdwatchers. Green Woodpecker, a rarity in Newcastle, is a frequent visitor, alongside Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, and Peregrine. In winter, Jack Snipe can be found amidst rushes, while the numerous Alders attract sizable flocks of Siskin and Lesser Redpoll. Gazing across the Tyne towards Gateshead, one might even catch sight of a majestic Red Kite on the wing.
Another park managed by Urban Green Newcastle, and perhaps my favorite of them all, is Iris Brickfield. Despite its small size, this small, green island showcases the rich variety of life that can thrive in tiny spaces.
Thanks to careful management, the park boasts an abundance of wildflowers, with around 220 species recorded in the past year alone. Some notable ones include Sweet Violet, Yellow-rattle, Green Field-speedwell, Field Scabious, and Wood Anemone, among many others. The park also features a lovely small pond, where you can spot Bog Bean, Purple Loosestrife, Mare’s-tail, and other wetland plants not often encountered in the city. Somewhat outdated now, I previously shared a post detailing the flora of this park.
Where there’s water, there’s wildlife. From amphibians like Common Frog and Smooth Newt to dragonflies like Broad-bodied Chaser, there’s plenty to see.
Insects are abundant too, with thriving colonies of several solitary bees such as the Tawny Mining Bee, Buffish Mining Bee, and Gooden’s Nomad Bee. Holly Blue butterflies grace the park in spring, while ladybirds are a year-round highlight. The pond is known to harbor Water Ladybirds, and you might spot 10-spot, Pine, and 2-spot Ladybirds among the trees on site.
Sugley Dene is a new discovery for me, one I started exploring in 2023. It’s one of the few remaining areas of ancient semi-natural woodland in Newcastle, offering a glimpse into the landscape of times past.
The woodland is thriving with ancient woodland wildflowers like Great Wood-rush, Wood Anemone, and Bluebell. If you look closely, you’ll also find two grasses typical of older woodlands: Wood Melick and Wood Millet. Thanks to its damp and shady environment, Sugley Dene is a haven for ferns, including Lady-fern, Hard Shield-fern, Hart’s-tongue, Hard-fern, and Soft Shield-fern.
Since it’s visited by few people and quite distant from nearby roads, Sugley Dene is an ideal spot to experience the dawn chorus. The melodies of birds like Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, and Song Thrush create a beautiful symphony each spring, making it a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the early morning tranquility.
Northumberland, my home county, is a haven for botanists, offering a rich tapestry of landscapes that range from windswept hills and expansive moors to coastal dunes, wetlands, and impressive woodlands. As a lifelong resident, I may be a tad biased, but the flora here truly spoils enthusiasts for choice.
To help inspire your next stroll in nature, I thought I’d share a curated list of ten great places to enjoy wildflowers in Northumberland. While some may be familiar, a couple might just surprise you, hopefully adding an extra layer of discovery to your next botanical adventure.
As a quick disclaimer, I should add now that list is not exhaustive. There are many other great places out there to be explored…
1: The Snook, Holy Island
Lindisfarne, a part-time island off the North Northumberland coast, needs little introduction. Revered for its religious significance, rich history, and breathtaking scenery, the island is undoubtedly Northumberland’s premier botanical hotspot, offering an abundance that exceeds the scope of a single visit.
Among Lindisfarne’s diverse habitats, ‘The Snook’ stands out with its slacks, grey dunes, and saltmarsh. This peninsula, distinguished by a solitary house famous for its role in the ITV series Vera, is home to botanical treasures too numerous to detail here.
For orchid enthusiasts, early summer unveils a spectacular display of Common Spotted Orchid, Early and Northern Marsh Orchids, alongside various hybrids, Common Twayblade, and a profusion of Marsh Helleborine. Recently demoted to a sub-species but still rather species, drier spots also hold populations of Lindisfarne Helleborine – once thought of as a Northumbrian endemic.
Beyond orchids, The Snook boasts exceptional diversity. Highlights include the rare Seaside Centaury, the delicate Bog Pimpernel, and Scots Lovage, teetering on the southern edge of its range in Northumberland. Brookweed, an unassuming yet notable plant, thrives here, alongside Autumn Gentian and smaller wonders like Lesser Clubmoss, Variegated Horsetail, and Black Bog-rush (okay, these aren’t wildflowers but they are interesting!).
While visiting the Snook, you may also like to pop into the nearby dunes where species like Pyramidal Orchid, Bee Orchid, Blue Fleabane and Viper’s-bugloss also await.
East Chevington, a Northumberland Wildlife Trust reserve perched atop a former mine overlooking scenic Druridge Bay, is well worth a visit. Featuring expansive wetlands, reedbeds, dunes, and grassland, the site is a haven not only for more obvious wildlife but also for a diverse array of plants which we’ll explore here.
As one of the rare pockets of high-quality coastal grassland in South Northumberland, the reserve has an intriguing flora. Standouts include Lesser Butterfly-orchid, Dyer’s Greenweed, Pyramidal Orchid, not to mention Marsh Helleborine and Sea Bindweed, rediscovered at the site in 2023. And, of course, one can’t easily overlook expanses of Bloody Crane’s-bill, Northumberland’s county flower, adorning pathsides and grassy areas.
Beyond the more prominent blooms, attentive visitors will be rewarded with sightings of Zigzag Clover, Fairy Flax, Celery-leaved Buttercup, Long-headed Poppy, and a myriad other plants. For an extra treat, a brief detour to the nearby beach unveils the hardy coastal flora of the county, featuring Prickly Saltwort and other specialists like Sea-rocket and Sea Sandwort.
Accessible to all, like many Wildlife Trust reserves, East Chevington invites exploration.
The town of Warkworth, nestled close to Amble on the Northumberland coast, is picturesque in its own right. However, the nearby dunes, saltmarsh and coastal grasslands, somewhat overlooked compared to more famous sites like Holy Island, possess much more to be admired.
In late spring, the dune slacks come alive with the countless flowering spikes of the Early Purple-orchid and as summer unfolds, visitors can delight in another local specialty, Maiden Pink, as its diminutive flowers peek out amidst a tapestry of interesting, albeit less vibrant, grasses and sedges.
A close inspection of the sward at Warkworth reveals a miniature world with species like Little Mouse-ear, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Common Stork’s-bill, and an assortment of delicate eyebrights. Yet, larger blooms are equally abundant. Keep an eye out for Viper’s-bugloss, the frothy flowers of Hoary Cress, and treats like Wild Basil and Burnet Rose.
The strandline and saltmarsh at Warkworth add another layer of interest with a rich community of salt-loving plants. Among these, Sea Sandwort, Sea Purslane, Spear-leaved Orache, and the ever-charming Thrift. Undoubtedly, Warkworth is a special place and there undoubtedly new species to be found.
Maidan Pink (Dianthus deltoides) at Warkworth
4: Embleton Quarry Nature Reserve
Embleton Quarry Nature Reserve, a hidden gem often overshadowed by more well-known sites on this list, boasts a quiet charm. Managed with dedication by local volunteers, this small but tranquil reserve has much to offer visiting botanists.
Orchids take center stage at Embleton (don’t they always?) and are represented by Common Spotted, Northern Marsh, and, notably, Bee Orchid. Beyond these fan favorites, the site stands out for harboring populations of Purple Ramping-fumitory and White Ramping-fumitory, alongside a cheery array of familiar species such as Wild Teasel, Red Bartsia, Salad Burnet, and Weld.
Much of Embleton’s interest lies its close proximity to residential areas, responsible for introducing a mix of garden escapes. While none have become invasive, the reserve hosts several botanical oddities like Lamb’s-ear, Garden Peony, Poet’s Daffodil, and Hidcote Comfrey, among a plethora of other aliens.
For those with a penchant for exploration, a visit to the nearby Embleton Churchyard unveils another fascinating plant — Deadly Nightshade, thriving as one of its only Northumberland strongholds.
White Campion (Silene latifolia)Hidcote Comfrey (Symphytum x hidcotense)Poet’s Daffodil (Narcissus poeticus)Scarlet Pimpernel (Lysimachia arvensis)Northern Marsh-orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella)Garden Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum)
5: Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
Newbiggin and its surrounds stand out as an ecologically rich area that might just surprise visitors. A northward walk from Church Point reveals a varied landscape encompassing sandy shoreline, relic dunes, and the rough grassland of the golf course. Here, several notable wildflower species can be found including the diminutive Bird’s-foot, a member of the pea family, the coastal specialist Purple Milk-vetch, and just occasionally, Bee Orchids. The Church Point car park itself is noteworthy, teeming with Hoary-cress, Thrift, Dwarf Mallow, and other interesting plants.
Exploring the sandy shoreline may yield four species of Orache, among them Frosted Orache and Babbington’s Orache. Additionally, common coastal plants such as Buck’s-horn Plantain and Sea Milkwort are abundant. Heading higher up, the cliffs offer Sea Campion, while the golf course holds rarer species such as Good-King-Henry, Northern Marsh-orchid, Burnet Rose, and Pencilled Crane’s-bill — a notable escapee at the site.
Managed by the National Trust, Allen Banks boasts a distinctive blend of ancient woodland and ornamental planting, reflecting the influence of the past custodians on the estate. Renowned as one of the premier locations in Northumberland to investigate our ancient woodland flora, the site offers much of interest with highlights of Bird’s-nest Orchid, Early-purple Orchid, and the peculiar-looking Toothwort.
A stroll along the wooded banks of the Allen introduces visitors to other indicators of ancient woodland, including Goldilock’s Buttercup, Bitter Vetch, Wood Crane’s-bill, and Great Horsetail. The presence of Calaminarian Grassland, characterised by its soil polluted with industrial metals, adds another layer of interest. In this area, delicate Mountain Pansies flourish.
For those seeking a longer walk, a well-signposted trail to Morralee Tarn is recommended. Once a Victorian boating lake, it has transformed into a rich wetland habitat. Timing your visit right may reward you with sightings of White Water-lily, Mare’s-tail, and the intriguing Marsh Cinquefoil.
Letah Wood, believed to be Northumberland’s last surviving ‘Daffodil wood,’ offers a spectacular display with its abundant Wild Daffodils blanketing the woodland floor each spring.
Beyond the captivating display of Daffodils, the wood boasts a rich diversity of woodland wildflowers. Visitors can expect to encounter Giant Bellflower, Wood Anemone, Pignut, Lords-and-Ladies and the iconic English Bluebell. A special highlight for those exploring the woodland is the much rarer Herb-paris.
Additionally, Letah Wood is a haven for those interesting in trees, ferns and bryophytes. While these aspects are beyond the scope of this post, they contribute to the overall richness of the wood.
Wild Daffodiils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. pseudonarcissus) at Letah Wood
8: Hen Hole, College Valley
The Hen Hole stands out as arguably the most spectacular gorge in Northumberland, and earns its place as one of the county’s top botanical sites. While its remoteness may pose a challenge, the awe-inspiring scenery and diverse flora make it well worth the effort. Before embarking on the journey, be sure to pack sturdy walking boots and ample snacks for the hike that awaits!
Hen Hole has been visited by many notable botanists over the years, from Baker & Tate to George Swan, and is celebrated for its rare arctic-alpine plants, including Alpine Saw-wort and Roseroot. While these flowers are elusive, the journey toward the gorge from Mounthooley offers more obvious specialities such as Alpine Willowherb, Pale Forget-me-not, Starry Saxifrage, and Butterwort. Be sure to stick close to the College Burn – most of the more interesting plants seldom grow far from water.
The more abundant flora of Hen Hole includes familiar species like Heath Bedstraw, Goldenrod, Heath Spotted-orchid, Wild Thyme, and Wood Crane’s-bill. Beyond those, however, the gorge treats visitors to superb views, scenic waterfalls, and a plethora of other wildlife, ensuring that the journey is rewarding in any season.
Cullernose Point, located between Craster and Howick, is a relatively small but ecologically significant coastal site. As part of the Northumberland Coast Path, it provides easy access for visitors interested in exploring its clifftop grasslands, which boast noteworthy populations of Purple Milk-vetch and Spring Squill – a charming little bulb with bright blue, starry flowers.
Beyond these botanical highlights, the clifftop grasslands support additional plants including Sea Mouse-ear, Thrift, Wild Thyme, Heath Milkwort, Heath Groundsel, and other flora characteristic of coastal environments.
The small size of this site mean it is often better suited as a pitstop, perhaps on route to more floriferous sites further North?
Spring Squill (Scilla verna)
10: Scotch Gill Wood, Morpeth
Scotch Gill Wood, situated just outside the market town of Morpeth, stands out as a prime example of semi-natural ancient woodland. Notably, this woodland offers a much more accessible destination for those interested in exploring our woodland flora.
The wood is home to a variety of plant species characteristic of older woodlands. Careful exploration might reveal Toothwort, Goldilocks Buttercup, Spurge-laurel, Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem, and the intriguing Mochstatel, among others.
In addition to the vibrant species listed above, Scotch Gill Wood hosts several less colorful but equally interesting plants, notably the Rough Horsetail. Damp areas within the wood add another layer of botanical interest with the occurrence of Hemlock Water-dropwort, Brooklime, and Large Bittercress.
The accessibility of Scotch Gill Wood makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a woodland walk without venturing too far from civilisation.
Yellow Star-of-Bethlehem (Gagea lutea)
Planning a trip in search of wildflowers? Remember to record them. Doing so helps conservationists monitor populations and protect rich and important sites like those mentioned in this post.
For a little more information on logging your finds, please see below.
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.
Talking plantainsCommon Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)Garden Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)A great bunchWild Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)
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?
One very wet botanistWhite Dead-nettle (Lamium album)Common Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)Trailing Bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana)Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)
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!
Gorse (Ulex europeaus)Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)Pretending to like plants…Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis)Musk-mallow (Malva moschata)
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!
Creeping Buttercup (Ranunculus repens)Peering at plants in wallsCommon Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)Who’d have thought planters could be so diverse?Admiring Small Nettle (Urtica urens)Botanising Heaton’s side streetsSticky Groundsel (Senecio viscosus)
Take a closer look at the coastal plants or halophytes spreading along roadsides to colonise the city.
The term ‘halophyte’ refers to a plant tolerant of higher than usual salt levels. Typically, this means coastal plants that are regularly exposed to sea spray, submersion by saline water or soils saturated with salt.
As you might imagine, the distribution of these hardy plants would once have been limited to salt marsh, cliffs and other habitats by the sea though now, this is changing. Owing to the large quantities of salt spread to ward off ice along our roads, several of these typically coastal plants have now made the jump inland to occupy inhospitable margins of roads in our towns and cities.
While recording for ‘The Plants of Newcastle‘ it has become increasingly clear that our urban halophytes are not restricted to the few familiar species so many of us encounter on a daily basis. In this blog, I thought we’d take a closer look at some of the most frequent.
Buck’s-horn Plantain (Plantago coronopus)
A perennial of short-cropped often trambled habitats, Buck’s-horn Plantain has historically been associated with two distinct habitats. It occurs widely around Britain’s coastline where it inhabits sea walls, dunes and shingle but is also known from heathland and other inland habitats in the South. In Northern England, it is very much a coastal plant but now, is occurring more widely as a colonist of urban habitats close to roads.
Across Newcastle, I am now seeing this plant pop up on roadside verges close to major transport links, typically where grassy areas are subject to regular mowing. It is most often encountered on the margins of such places where dominant grasses have been killed off by regular salting.
Buck’s-horn Plantain is best identified by its distinctive rosettes of lanceolate, lobed leaves.
The aptly named Sea Plantain is another typically coastal species. Here, you’ll most often spot it on the upper reaches of salt marsh, atop sea walls or strewn across shingle beaches. It also occurs in upland areas of Scotland and Northern England where it inhabits species-rich pasture and streambanks. Traditionally, it was absent from much of the lowlands but this again is changing.
Like Buck’s-horn Plantain, this one does well on short-cropped grassy verges regularly exposed to salt kicked up by passing vehicles. Locally, it remains scarcer than the former species but in Newcastle at least, is showing signs of colonisation in several areas including Gosforth and Heaton, typically a stone’s throw from major roads.
Sea Plantain can be separated from other plantago species by its long, smooth strap-like leaves.
An annual grass of dry, bare places by the sea, Sea Fern-grass is a pretty scarce plant in North East England, even on the coast. Like the other plants on this list, however, across the UK it appears to be colonising inland sites along salt-treated roads, particularly in Southern England.
In Newcastle, a sizeable population of this coastal grass can be found on the concrete sidings of the aptly named Coast Road in Heaton, as well is in nearby pavements and the bare margins of grass verges. Due to the similarities between this and Catapodium rigidum, it may well be under-recorded and is one worth searching for while botanising the city.
Sea Fern-grass can be separated from the far commoner Fern-grass (Catapodium rigidum) by its larger spikelets.
Another coastal grass and one which is rapidly colonising our urban spaces. As its name suggests, Reflexed Saltmarsh-grass is most commonly encountered in muddy habitats on the coast, typically on the upper edges of saltmarsh. Inland, it favours stonework, pavements and areas of heavy soil close to salt-treated roads.
In Newcastle, at least, this is one of the more abundant halophytes and can be found right across the city, typically along major roads which are subject to the most intensive treatment in winter.
Interestingly, a close relative, Common Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia maritima), remains largely restricted to coastal habitats, both here and further afield across the UK. I wonder why?
A rather beautiful member of the daisy family, Sea-aster is most commonly associated with grazed salt marshes and coastal creeks. It is known to be reluctant to spread inland via salt-treated roads but has been observed to do so in isolated parts of the country.
Locally, I have observed this plant growing in gutters and roadside depressions close to busy main roads, presumably where water saturated with salt gathers for extended periods of time. It is far from the commonest halophyte in the city but does pop up from time to time, though seldom in large quantities.
Vying with Danish Scurvygrass for the title of our commonest urban halophyte, Lesser Sea-spurrey is an incredibly common sight in urban pavements, roadsides and verges. A sprawling plant with attractive pink and white flowers, it would once have been associated solely with muddy shingles and grassland by the sea.
In Newcastle, this one can occur almost anywhere. The greatest concentrations are likely to be spotted along roads but I have also observed in alleys, side streets, garden walls and occasionally, on driveways – presumably where residents apply salt.
Of all the coastal plants on the march in our towns and cities, this one has undergone perhaps the most remarkable expansion over recent years.
The standout urban halophyte and a plant which needs very little introduction, Danish Scurvygrass has undergone a remarkable expansion since the 1970s to colonise most towns and cities across the UK.
A member of the cabbage family with chubby, heart-shaped leaves and attractive lilac flowers, this plant flowers from February onwards adding a touch of colour to pavements and roadsides at a time when little else is in bloom.
Hinted at in its name, Danish Scurvygrass, alongside Common Scurvygrass (Cochlearia officinalis), was once used to prevent scurvy aboard ships due to its high Vitamin C content.
Historically a plant of beaches, shingle and saltmarshes, Spear-leaved Orache is now a very common sight inland. For quite some time, it has occurred as a ‘weed’ of agricultural land, refuse tips and wasteground plots but in recent years has also spread along our urban roadsides.
A tad more abundant than another orache featured later in this list, this one is still very much in the process of colonising our cities. Data from the BSBI now shows it occurring in almost all 10km squares across England, with notable increases in Ireland and Wales.
In Newcastle, Spear-leaved Orache is a prominent sight in gutters and concrete sidings within the ‘spray zone’ of most major roads.
A second orache now and one which is rapidly colonising a plethora of urban habitats both in Newcastle and further afield.
With distinctive, slender leaves, Grass-leaved Orache is one Atriplex that shouldn’t confuse passing botanists and typically inhabits silty habitats by the sea. Like the others on this list, it is increasing inland most notably along our roads. This spread has been most pronounced since the 1980s and now, it is a fairly common sight in urban areas; though in in experience, it remains scarcer than the aforementioned Spear-leaved Orache.
A rarer one now and a plant which remains very scarce indeed in urban habitats. So much so that it barely warrants inclusion on this list!
Annual Sea-blite is a succulent plant typically encountered in the upper and middle zones of salt marshes. It seldom occurs inland and unlike the other halophytes on this list, is reluctant to colonise salt-treated roadsides. That said, it does occur in the city.
While recording for the Plants of Newcastle I was genuinely surprised to encounter S. maritima in walls and stonework at several points along the River Tyne. Most notably on the Newcastle/Gateshead Quayside. Now, the Tyne remains fairly saline here so perhaps this should come as little surprise but it is included nevertheless due to its occurrence some distance from ‘typical’ habitat. Indeed, where I have observed it, it has been growing well out of reach of the Tyne’s saline waters. I do wonder if it may appear at further sites in the near future.
A project update following a busy old year surveying the urban flora of Newcastle.
As many readers of this blog will know, for the past twelve months I’ve been dedicating almost all of my free time to what I am loosely calling an ‘Urban Flora of Newcastle’. This, I hope, will at some stage become a publication that sets out the abundance and distribution of all wild plants growing within the city limits, along with information on our botanical hotspots, habitats and other key features. Well, after a hectic year, now seemed like a good time for an update.
I already have written about this project several times (here, and here, for example). With so much time in the field, you might think that I’d have cracked it by now but truly, things are only getting more interesting as new species crop up, interesting sites are discovered and certain trends become clearer. We’ll start with the headline facts, however…
The Survey
At this stage, I have now spent 245 hours in the field and carried out 110 visits to 90 of the 143 monads that make up Newcastle-upon-Tyne. No easy feat while working a full-time job, I tell you. Some of these squares (I will call them that for simplicity) have been visited upward of five times while others, just once. I will need to visit each multiple times in all seasons to do even a remotely good job.
During my time rummaging around in the city’s alleys, car parks, side streets and occasionally, more appealing green spaces, I have now recorded 790 species growing in a wild or naturalised state. Of these, roughly a quarter are neophytes – human introductions. A far smaller portion arre what we would call archaeophytes, the historic introductions, while most are simply native plants etching out a living in the city. An interesting mix to say the least.
With several more recorders now regularly surveying the city, these records are now being supplemented by new additions to the BSBI database and iRecord which should go some way to painting an accurate picture of the flora here. With the best will in the world, a single person cannot find every plant in every square…
It will come as no surprise to learn that a select bunch of plants have thus far been found in each and every square. These are often habitat generalists or those who have adjusted to life perfectly in the urban environment. So far, they include White Clover (Trifolium repens), Wood Avens (Geum urbanum), Annual Meadow-grass (Poa annua), Nettle (Urtica diocia), Cleavers (Galium aparine), Smooth Sow-thistle (Sonchus oleraceus), Daisy (Bellis perennis), Dandelion (Taraxacum agg.) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.).
Following close behind these is another suite of species which may well prove omnipresent. Examples include Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Broad-leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius), Greater Plantain (Plantago major), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare).
Only Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) have surprised me with their abundance as a component of our urban flora. Otherwise, much of this could have been guessed in advance!
Birdseed Aliens
Over recent weeks, I’ve been paying closer attention to areas where the feeding of birds is commonplace. Such places often hold a wealth of cultivated and contaminant plants linked to stray seeds. This has proven worthwhile with plenty of records of the common escapees in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Oat (Avena sativa), Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Six-row Barely (Hordeum vulgare) and interestingly, Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), a stowaway from North America.
These places have also yielded surprises too with Canary-grass (Phalaris canariensis) found on a street in Heaton, Cockspur (Echinochloa crus-galli) at two locations, Two-row Barely (Hordeum distichon) and yet more Niger (Guizotia abyssinica). I do wonder what might emerge in such situations during the rest of the survey.
Earlier, I mentioned trends becoming clearer. One such trend comes from my own biased underestimation of the abundance of certain plants I had assumed were rare in the city. Marsh Woundwound (Stachys palustris), while far scarcer than Hedge Woundwort (Stachys sylvatica), seems to grow in a far wider range of habitats than previously thought, including entirely dry ones, while Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a surprisingly abundant pavement plant.
Other examples include the recent colonist Water Bent (Polypogon viridis), which seems to be gaining ground almost daily and Great Lettuce (Lactuca virosa) which while listed on the county Rare Plant Register, grows almost anywhere.
Perhaps I am just ‘getting my eye in’ but equally, Relfexed Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia distans) seems far more widespread than anticipated along salted roadsides too. The list goes on.
New additions
Aside from the interesting aliens listed above, the past few weeks have brought several firsts for the urban flora. Vervain (Verbena officinalis) in Leazes Park, found by Philip Griffiths, Flax (Linum usitatissimum) on a residential street and Ivy-leaved Cyclamen (Cyclamen hederifolium) oddly growing on a verge beneath an underpass in the city centre. The latter did not look obviously planted and may stem from when the road was created.
On a recent trip to Big Waters, a nature reserve managed by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Matt and I were lucky to find several areas of Great Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza), rare up here, as well as Rigid Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum). Havannah Nature Reserve, ever throwing out interesting plants, revealed Marsh Cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum) and Gosforth Nature Reserve surprised with Blue Water-plantain (Veronica anagallis-aquatica).
Closer to home in more gritty, urban habitats the surprises have continued also. Chasing an old record from Gordon Young, I was pleased to encounter Sea Fern-grass (Catapodium marinum) growing on a roadside wall in Heaton while Chick Pea (Cicer arietinum) staddling a wall in an inner-city cemetery at Fenham came as somewhat of a surprise.
Another oddity comes from Cabbage Thistle (Cirsium oleraceum) in woodland at Armstrong Park – I wonder how long that has been lurking there? Truly, you never know what will crop up in the city!
Cabbage Thistle (Cirsium oleraceum)Fodder Vetch (Vicia villosa)Greater Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza)Cider Gum (Eucalyptus gunnii) seeded in a city centre pavement
Emerging Priorities
While botanising the city, there have been several groups I have ignored until now and a few communities that have been poorly surveyed. That means that once I have finished my initial sweep of all squares this year, there’ll be several blank spots to fill in 2024.
Aquatic plants – so far these have only been lightly surveyed where specimens are located close to banks or at least within reach with the aid of wellies. I’ll soon be investing in a grapnel to hopefully begin a more thorough exploration of these next year. There must be some exciting pondweeds lurking in the city’s pools and lakes…
Polypodies – thus far, all polpodies have been aggregated but with the help of our new microscope, I plan on taking a closer look at these soon. Those in the city’s wooded denes must surely be Common Polypody (Polypodium vulgare) but those on city walls may yet prove different.
Spirea agg – I’m rather rubbish at these but with several naturalised spirea existing in various corners of the city, I’ll be making a concerted effort to learn very soon. Starting with that growing on the railway lines by my house!
Grasses – I’d like to feel that I’ve put a good dent in the city’s grasses in 2023. However, it is difficult to record each and every one while simultaneously recording everything else. Next year, I think many squares will need revisiting with the sole intention of recording grasses (and possibly carex too).
These targets aside, I look forward to another year spent exploring our urban flora. It really is incredible what can be found within build-up, seemingly inhospitable environments and the relics of our natural ones strewn among them. With 39,000 words written so far, I sincerely hope I am able to do something with this beyond just blogging about it in due course!
Get started identifying the wild and naturalised clovers likely to be recorded in Northumberland.
A distinctive group of flowers familiar from garden lawns, roadside verges and other everday habitats, as well as more typically wild places, clovers are a recognisable bunch. Members of the pea family, fabaceae, they sport familiar clustered flowerheads and trifoliate leaves and some of them at least, represent some of the wildflowers we’re most likely to encounter on our daily walks wherever we find ourselves.
In a change to these plant identification posts, this time I am including a short talk recorded for the Natural History Society of Northumbria sharing a few tips for identifying the clovers likely to be encountered across North East England. Around 9 of them to be precise, though of course, there are several more out there.
I’ll be sharing more of these videos here over the weeks and months to come as, I confess, they are far easier to put together than a lengthy post on plant ID. I hope you enjoy it and perhaps feel inspired to start identifying clovers yourselves. Give it a go!
Keen to explore other wildflower groups? Why not check out previous posts on speedwells, ragworts and snowdrops.
