Wildlife at Walker Riverside

Of all of the places I regularly visit in Newcastle, Walker riverside has to be my favourite. Owing to a mix of abdanonment and neglect, it just about the most diverse local site I know of for plants and insects, and is well worth a visit if you’re able to look past the disgarded beer bottles and other unsavory items.

Heading to Walker last Thursday morning, a four-hour rummage on the South-facing banks of the Tyne yielded a number of interesting sightings – the riverside (seeded) meadows and forgotton corners alive with wildflowers.

Grassland towards the Eastern edge of the site

Starting out to the West, and I was immediately struck by the abundance of Common Mallow in bloom along the riverbanks, pink flowers mixing nicely with the similarly abundant blooms of Oxford Ragwort and Purple Toadflax – both attractive non-natives. It was nice to find a new stand of Black Horehound in flower here too, and attention turned breifly to the trees here with Italian Alder and Wayfaring Tree both notable on the river banks.

Further along, towards the carpark, Hedgerow Crane’s-bill and Common Toadflax were observed too. The highlight here, however, was surely a rather striking bellflower found growing in the stone walls that line the riverbank. This was later revealed to be Peach-leaved Bellflower, a new species for me.

Walking East along the Tyne, you soon come to a striking stretch of riverside grassland adorning the former site of the St. Anthony’s Tar Works. Seeded at some point in the past to aid in it’s restoration, this particular stretch is incredibly diverse and never fails to reveal something new.

The plant community here is dominated by a number of particularly abundant species including Wild Carrot, Common Restharrow, Common Knapweed, Birds’-foot Trefoil and Wild Mignonette but look closer, and a host of other species reveal themselves. Today, interesting discoveries included Musk Mallow, Small Scabious, Field Bindweed and Lucerne. The small expanse of Greater Knapweed discovered last year was also in ful bloom, though I failed to find the Wild Basil noted previously.

With so many wildflowers in full bloom, insects were incredibly numerous. Ringlet and Meadow Brown represented the most numerous butterflies, closely followed by Small Skipper and Common Blue, while freshly emerged Six-spot Burnets were plentiful and myriad unidentified grasshoppers lept from the vegatation. Slightly more surprising, a beautiful Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing was observed roosting on the underside of an Aspen leaf.

Bumblebees were too numerous to count here, the bulk of these comprising Common Carder, White-tailed, Buff-tailed and Red-tailed, with a few Early Bumblebees thrown in for good measure. A fleeting glimpse of what was likely a male Red-tailed Cuckoo Bee was exciting; though I was unable to get any closer. Whereas the mining bees abundant here in May have now vanished, they have been replaced with leafcutters. Patchwork Leafcutter Bee was spotted first, followed by six female Willughby’s Leafcutter Bee feeding on restharrow. A male Fork-tailed Flower Bee whizzed past breifly and a small bee potted on Wild Carrot was likely a male Orange-legged Furrow Bee.

Willughby’s Leafcutter Bee, *Megachile willughbiella*

Set back slightly from the river and connected by a steep muddy path, a small area of wasteground marks the site of what was likely a former building. Despite being used (frequently, it would seem) as a site at which to dump unwanted waste, it does make for an interesting pitstop.

Here, Kidney-vetch was incredibly numerous and was popular with the local bees. More interesting discoveries included farely large areas of Sainfoin and mutilple plants of Clustered Bellflower. Both plants I’d never seen before. A slightly surprise came from a rather large patch of garden Nasturtiums – clearly having thrived after being turfed out in someone’s garden waste.

Common Sainfoin, *Onobrychis viciifolia*

Here too, small patches of Wild Thyme clung to rubble heaps and Slender St. John’s-wort was also observed. Small Tortoiseshell and Speckled Wood were noted too, whereas just across the road, another area of grassland turned up Field Scabious and Meadow Crane’s-bill. The former of which appeared popular with the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnets which, like their six-spotted cousins, were out in force during the visit.

Clustered Bellflower, *Campanula glomerata*

Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet, *Zygaena lonicerae*

Bees and botany at Newbiggin

A short while ago, a sunny Saturday afternoon provided the perfect opportunity for a June venture to the Northumberland coast. Deciding against sites we visit frequently, it was decided that we would head to Newbiggin for a closer look at the plants and insects that abound along a stretch of coastline we seldom visit.

Departing the bus at church point, we were immediately struck by a mighty profusion of blooming Hoary Cress, with countless foamy flowers strewn across the car park, adorning pavement, verges and once manicured flower beds alike. Here too, it was interesting to find two garden escapes: Silver Ragwort, with its lovely pale foliage, and Pink-sorrel, a particularly vibrant oxalis native to South American.

Stopping briefly by the rocky beach here, it was nice to see the delicate but beautiful flowers of Sea Milkwort while the strandline held what I think might be Frosted Orache. The queer-looking succulent leaves of Sea Sandwort were a nice find nearby, as was a substantial patch of Good King Henry growing amid the cliff-top grassland a little further North.

Walking North along the margin of the golf course, the number of bees on show was quite remarkable. Common bumblebee species, mostly, though we did notice several male Vestal Cuckoo Bees, all looking rather fresh and colourful. Given the number seen during our walk (around 16) it was likely these had just emerged. Nearby here, a rather large red-tailed bee turned out to be Red-tailed Cuckoo Bee – only my second of the year and still quite a scarce bee locally. A male Fork-tailed Flower Bee was also a nice spot here.

Further North still, a large expanse of Sea Thrift provided an opportunity to admire yet more insects. Green-veined White were numerous and a couple more Fork-tailed Flower Bees were seen. More exciting still was what appeared to be a small colony of Chocolate Mining Bees nesting in the exposed soil of the cliff. After a breif wait (and a very undignfied pursuit with a net) their cuckoo, Marsham’s Nomad Bee, was also found.

As you near the hulking power station at Lynemouth, the small cliffs meander down into a sandy bay and here, making the most of the countless blooms of Mouse-ear Hawkweek and other plants growing on the exposed sand, a number of Sandpit Mining Bees were seen, alongside the rather striking wasp shown below. Thanks to a speedy identification by an expert online, this turned out to be Ancistrocerus scoticus or the Maritime Mason Wasp. A fitting choice of location!

Here too, a sharp-tailed bee of some description was also potted as it inspected the nest holes of a potential victim. While it impossible to be sure, it seems likely that this was Dull-vented Sharp-tailed Bee – a new one for me.

Nearing the power station, we decided to detour back up to rough edges of the golf course to take a closer look at the plants here. A good job as we immediately stumbled across a sizable patch of Purple Milk-vetch. A rare plant in Northumberland, and one that suffers from poor management of coastal grasslands, it was interesting to note the greatest densities growing on the golf course itself where mowing had removed much of the taller vegatation. Lets just hope the mowers don’t return before it seeds…

Here too, a number of Northern Marsh Orchids were seen, alongside a glut of Burnet Rose and stacks of Bloody Crane’s-bill – the county flower of Northumberland. Our attention was also grabbed by a particularly large orchid with spotted leaves, looking superfisically similar to marsh orchids growing nearby yet, at the same time, completely different. We chalked this up to a hybird between Northern Marsh Orchid and Common Spotted Orchid.

What else did we encounter? Well, it was interesting to find a solitary patch of Snow-in-summer growing in the dunes, silver foliage contrasting sharply with the surrounding grasses. A rather beefy crane’s-bill growing on a patch of wasteland by the power station looked like a good candidate for French Crane’s-bill and a small, stocky umbellifer confused me no end at first but was later revealed to be Wild Parsnip. An 11-spot Ladybird resting on a fence post proved a nice way to end a productive coastal walk.

11-spot Ladybird, *Coccinella undecimpunctata*

A trip into the wildlife garden

Much as it did for great many people, I suspect, lockdown led to an increasing focus on gardening in our household. The focus for us being to transform our little urban yard into something appealing, for both wildlife and ourselves. I wrote about our mini-rewilding efforts a little last year (here) but realising that I hadn’t mentioned the topic since, wanted to provide a progress check.

For us, the major focus of this spring was to incorporate more wildflowers into our space. Sure, dahlias, marigolds and sedums look nice but they offer limited value for wildlife. Whilst we still have all of the above, and a range of more typical garden plants, the ratios have shifted.

The veg patch was first to go, sown in early 2020 with a native meadow mix, it didn’t do much in its first year. The clover did well but little else. This year, however, it has thrived with Oxeye Daisy, Red Campion, Red Clover and Black Medick vying to see who can grow the tallest. If you rummage in the understory, you can find other species in their too – Bladder Campion, Redshank and White Clover – but by large, the other species sown (including my long-awaited Musk Thistles) appear to have been shaded out. No matter – our 6ft seed grown Cotton Thistle has the spiny element covered!

Whilst growing a range of commonplace wildflowers, this year we also wanted to grow a few more unusual species, if only to prove that we could. Henbane was sown as an experiment in Autumn, and is just about to bloom, while both Small Teasel and Moth Mullein are doing well. Chuck in others such as Great Burnet, Salad Burnet and Common Bistort and it seems we’ve succeeded in our initial trial run!

Planning ahead for next year, it looks like we will be taking the cultivation of wildflowers to a new extreme. Already, four species of Mullein have been sown – Twiggy, Dark, Hoary and Moth for those interested. Where we’ll put these huge plants is a little beyond me, but we’ll manage.

Tucked away in the greenhouse there’s also White Horehound, Sea Campion, Field Pansy, Scot’s-lovage, Motherwort and (more) Henbane. I may need to open an online store, especially with the Mountain Pansy and Spotted Hawkweed seeds yet to arrive.

Our challenge next year will be to grow the native Herb Paris seeds purchased recently but I suspect they may turn out to be a tad picky.

Scot’s-Lovage, Henbane and Cotton Thistle seeds

But what about the wildlife? This isn’t after all a gardening blog. Well, at our last tally, we have now recorded 155 species in and around the garden since last spring.

Bees have certainly been a stand out highlight and it has been great to welcome back Fork-tailed Flower Bee, Patchwork Leafcutter and Bronze Furrow Bee alongside the more regular solitary bees and bumblebees.

In the last few weeks, we have also recorded two new bees here with Willughby’s Leafcutter Bee and Davies’ Colletes both shown below. Add to these 11 species of hoverfly, sawflies, solitary wasps and four species of butterfly, and the airspace here has been fairly busy.

We didn’t concentrate much on moths in 2020, owing to the installation of a new LED street light overlooking our yard. This year, however, we have persevered and have recorded several new species, albeit in low numbers. The Scalloped Hazel, Lychnis and Figure of Eighty shown below were particular highlights, though the others shown were most welcome. In particular, the Cinnabars, which have occurred in unusually high numbers this year.

It also appears that planting mint and oregano was a good idea and a few weeks back, I was delighted to spot a pair of beautiful Mint Moths, Pyrausta aurata in this case, showing an interest in these. Fingers crossed that they managed to breed – they really are a delight.

lsewhere, there’s bee a lot to see, including egg-laying Green Shieldbugs, sprawling webs of juvenile Garden Spiders and an all too brief Orange Ladybird that sped off quickly when I reached for the camera.
The 14-spot Ladybird adorning our Buddleja was thankfully more obliging.

14-spot Ladybird, *Propylea quatuordecimpunctata*

North Shields: brownfield bliss

I’ll admit it, I have a strange fascinating with brownfield sites. Not just because some of these places – spoil heaps, forgotten corners and abandoned urban land – often have an interesting back story, but because wildlife often thrives on these forsaken spaces. Indeed, whereas today it is possible to walk for miles in areas typically thought of as wild (our sheep-grazed uplands ring a bell) and see very little, on brownfield, it is often impressive just what you can find crammed into a relatively small space.

With this in mind, and having spotted an intriguing splodge of green while perusing Google Maps, last weekend saw using heading to urban North Shields to investigate the brownfield land surrounding Royal Quays Outlet Centre.

Northern Marsh Orchid, *Dactylorhiza purpurella*

En route to our chosen destination, a short detour through the carpark of a now abdanoned retail unit brought the first sightings of the day. Here, on a small patch of rough grassland seemingly left to its own devices, the tall, purple blooms of Northern Marsh Orchid were spotted from some distance away. Closer inspection revealing dozens of these charasmatic plants, just coming into bloom. Here too, Common Blue butterflies were seen and a single Small Heath (my first of the year) rested breifly atop a patch of Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Best of all here, a single Dingy Skipper was spotted and as ever, proved difficult to pin down at first.

In the North East, and particularly around Newcastle and North Tyneside, the Dingy Skipper is a species strongly associated with brownfield sites where its foodplant, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, often grows in abundance. It remains a rare butterfly locally, as well as local conservation priority species, and it is always worth submitting a record to ERIC North East if you encounter one.

Moving on, we soon arrived at our destination and set about admiring the vegetation adorning the overgrown rubble heaps by the site entrance. Bristly Oxtongue, with its wonderfully spikey foliage, was an interesting find here, as were Salad Burnet and Wild Mignonette. Colonists included Green Alkanet and Red Valarian, were also seen, while a queer-looking plant with attractive, frothy flowers turned out to be Hoary Cress, a new one for me.

Still somewhat lethargic from the night before, a number of interesting bees were quickly spotted. Warming themselves on the leaves of Broad-leaved Dock, Chocolate Mining Bees were seen and nearby, a striking black and yellow nomad bee was revealed (unsurprisingly) to be Marsham’s Nomad Bee, a cuckoo of the former species. A leafcutter bee, likely Patchwork Leafcutter, whizzed past briefly and a few Early Mining Bees were observed. Bumblebees noticed included Common Carder, White-tailed and Early, and our first Orange-tip butterflies of the visit put in an appearance.

Griffith’s Spurge, *Euphorbia griffithii*

Rounding a bend and emerging into an open area close to the existing water treatment plant, we were greeted by an impressive display of wildflowers. Here, great drifts of Ox-eye Daisy and Meadow Buttercup caught the eye first, interspersed with Lesser Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Common Knapweed and other common species. The rich, blue flowers of Columbine stood out like a sore thumb and a conspicuous flame-red plant drew our attention. Clearly a spurge of some kind, its identity remained a mystery until our return home with the ever-helpful botanists of Twitter revealing it to be Griffith’s Spurge, a garden escape.

Here too, many more Northern Marsh Orchids were seen, and a closer look at what seemed to be a newly formed pond revealed Water Horsetail, Common Spike-rush and Pendulous Sedge. Among other plants, Yellow-rattle was obvious on the margins here and insects included Common Blue, Large Red Damselfly and another Dingy Skipper. The first of several seen from this point in.

Further in, we encountered another small pond, forming this time on the concrete foundations of what was likely a former building. Here, Lesser Spearwort was an interesting find among other aquatic species but really, most of our time here was spent marvelling at the wider picture of succession in action, with nature gradually reclaiming many of the remaining human relics on site.

Orange-tailed Mining Bee, *Andrena haemorrhoa*

Soon enough, it came time to leave – this was only meant to be a fleeting visit. Whilst an abundance of life was encountered over what was a relatively short, one and a half-hour visit, I suspect we are only scratching the surface of what could be found here.

The nature of places such as this is often ephemeral, and if the word is to be believed, this particular site could soon be developed. A shame, really, but not unexpected. I suspect that to many, its loss would be preferable to development elsewhere on land thought of as more typically green.

Wildlife on the River Coquet: Rothbury to Thropton

With the sun shining and temperatures topping twenty degrees, last weekend we opted for a visit to somewhere a little different. Arriving at Rothbury just shy of 10.00 am, and setting off on would turn out to be a delightful six-mile walk West along the River Coquet, it was the botanical diversity of the riverside here that struck us first.

The old stone walls that fringe the North bank river by the town’s main bridge were our first stop and held expansive clumps of Yellow Corydalis alongside Trailing Bellflower, Maidenhair Spleenwort, and Wall-rue, while at their base, Common Mallow, Crosswort and Meadow Crane’s-bill were found.

A little upstream and a slightly more exciting find was Greater Celandine – a species I had not encountered before in the North East. Here too, the nettle-like leaves of Black Horehound were seen and a rather delicate, highly toothed nettle made us pause for thought. Could it be Small Nettle? It would seem so thanks to a quick confirmation from the county recorder. Slightly further West, where the river exits the town, we also encountered Red Currant.

Continuing west along the river, the path side vegetation became lusher. A highlight here was the sight of two Green Dock Beetles locked in an embrace atop a stand of Broad-leaved Dock. A small but exquisite metallic green beetle, they certainly brought a smile to our faces.

Telling of a more open, damp setting, the riverbanks here held Dame’s-violet and Honesty, as well as some lovely Water Avens. Ground Elder was plentiful, possibly even invasive, and both Ground Ivy and Greater Stitchwort were admired.

Green Dock Beetle, *Gastrophysa viridula*

Soon we reached a large area of open pasture where the river turns briefly South, and while the pasture itself held little other than Meadow Buttercup and an assortment of grasses, the riverbanks themselves were more diverse. Here, Hemlock Waterdropwort was found and the white variant of Common Stork’s-bill grew on the sandier areas alongside a good number of Forget-me-nots. The species of which I was unable to determine.

Owing to a profusion of Gorse, insects here were far more numerous. Focusing briefly on bees, Garden Bumblebee and Gypsy Cuckoo Bee were seen and a small bee spotted feeding on the aforementioned Gorse was likely Yellow-legged Furrow Bee. 7-spot Ladybirds were also seen, as were a few Orange-tip; though the highlight had to be an impressive Two-banded Longhorn Beetle rescued as it floated upside down in a small pool.

Common Stork’s-bill, *Erodium cicutarium*

Keen to stay on the Northern side of the river, we soon took a detour back to the road, intent on walking the remaining distance to the smaller town of Thropton. The roadside vegetation here was rather lovely with Red Campion and White Campion blooming in abundance, interspersed with the odd plant of Bladder Campion. Common Poppy was also seen, as was a mullein species, while the grassy verges also yielded Common Vetch, Bush Vetch and more Crosswort. Further towards our destination, an old stone wall held a large quantity of White Stonecrop.

While walking the roadside, what I suspect was Buffish Mining Bee was also potted briefly while nectaring on Cow Parsley, and Common Carder, White-tailed Bumblebee and Early Bumblebee were noted, predominately on blooming Hawthorn.

Buffish Mining Bee, *Andrena nigroaenea*

Reaching Thropton, we soon set about poking about the more urban areas, admiring various pavement plants and rummaging about the riverside here. Wood Spurge was a nice find by the roadside and it was interesting to note Purple Rock Cress growing freely in the pavement – clearly having absconded from a nearby garden wall. Red Valarian appeared to be taking hold here too, and Welsh Poppy was numerous. More interesting was a smaller member of the Valarian family: Cornsalad. Likely Common Cornsalad but having read that it is impossible to accurately ID these in bloom, I’ll give up now.

A quick look on the nearby riverbanks yielding a bonny Columbine, doubtless with some garden genes thrown in, as well as both Water Avens and Wood Avens growing side by side. After a little searching, we also found what could be a candidate for Hybrid Avens growing where the two species overlapped.

Close to Thropton, a small burn can be followed North through an area of fairly unexciting pasture. We did just this and while the fields themselves were uneventful, a small wet flush, well-poached by passing bovines, came up trumps. Here Marsh Marigold and Water Mint were conspicuous, and Cuckooflower abundant. An eye-catching white brassica was revealed to be Large Bitter-cress – a new one for me – and it was nice too to encounter a good size swath of Brooklime. The dominant sedge here was tentatively identified by Greater Pond Sedge but really, it could be anything.

Heading back through the town, more Greater Celandine was found, this time invading some delightfully messy flowerbeds. By the local bus stop, Red Mason Bees could be seen visiting a nest site in the dilapidated masonry and a colony of Chocolate Mining Bee was found in the exterior wall of a particularly impressive house. It was exciting to also note the cuckoo of the latter species, Marsham’s Nomad Bee, lurking outside a nest hole.

Having had our fill of Thropton, we soon set off back towards the Coquet, unexpectantly stumbling across an expansive (and beautiful) area of riverside grassland. Here, Bottle Sedge was found in a path side ditch and sandier areas by the river hosted a lovely community of Birds-foot Trefoil, Lesser Trefoil, Cut-leaved Crane’s-bill, Common Vetch and an assortment of clovers. With both White Clover and Red Clover easily picked out, a rather ‘odd’ looking plant soon caught my attention. The pinkish tone of the flowers and lack of white markings on the foliage left me to wonder if it could be Alsike Clover?

With so many flowers in bloom, the insect community here was fantastic. Both Large Red Damselfly and Azure Damselfly were soon found, and a number of exquisite Small Copper flew speedily across the grassland. Present in good numbers but less numerous than the Orange-tips that adorned Cuckooflower blooms across the plentiful damp places. Upwards of eight 7-spot Ladybirds were also found alongside the tiny yet remarkably similar individual pictured below. Having initially written this off as a stunted 7-spot, I now believe it to be 11-Spot Ladybird, an elusive species commonly associated with dune ecosystems. No dunes here, for sure, but the sandy nature of the riverbanks gives some hope.

Finally, on to the undisputed highlight of the trip and the same area of wildflowers also came up with trumps with not one but four Bilberry Bumblebees. Whilst it came as a surprise to note this species low down by the river, we were not all that far from the bilberry-clad hills one would associate with this species.

A striking bumblebee with a delightful, flame-red abdomen, this has to be one of my favourite UK species. A fitting way to end a fantastic summer walk in an area entirely new to us.

Where to watch wildlife in the North East: Silverlink Biodiversity Park

In a new series of articles, we’ll be taking a look at the best places to watch wildlife in North East England.

By no means comprehensive but hopefully informative, these posts are intended to provide inspiration on where to visit in the North East to observe and enjoy nature, as well as detailing some of the wildlife you can expect to enjoy at these sites.

Based on the reports and sightings of North East naturalists and personal experience, I hope these posts might provide inspiration when choosing the destination of your next wild walk in the region.

Silverlink Biodiversity Park

A hidden gem in the heart of urban Tyneside, Silverlink Biodiversity Park is a fantastic spot at which to enjoy nature in the North East. Created in 1996 on the site of a former rubbish tip, the site was declared a local nature reserve in 2006.

Boasting a diverse array of habitats condensed into a small area of only 18 hectares, Silverlink supports woodland, hedgerow, wetland and grassland habitats. The latter of which being particularly worthy of a visit during the summer months due to an excess of invertebrates and vibrant plant life.

Invertebrates

One of the defining features of this urban oasis is its invertebrate community. The grassland areas here are particularly diverse and, in summer, hold a notable population of Dingy Skipper butterflies. Other butterflies to be seen here include good numbers of Common Blue, Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Large Skipper; while Comma, Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and the three more abundant ‘whites’ are all represented.

On warmer days in June and July, day-flying moths can be very abundant including a thriving colony of Six-spot and Narrow-bordered Five Spot Burnets – the larval casings of which can often be spotted perched atop grass stems throughout the meadow area. Other species seen include Latticed Heath, Mother Shipton and Silver Y.

Silverlink Biodiversity Park is notable locally for Odonata and dragonflies and damselflies on-site include Common Darter, Southern Hawker, Broad-bodied Chaser, Large Red, Common Blue and Azure Damselfly. A Lesser Emperor, marking only the second-ever county record, was found at the site in 2019.

The lesser recorded insect groups at Silverlink Biodiversity are equally worthy of attention. Of these, hoverflies are conspicuous and recent trips have revealed species such as Cheilosia illustrata, Scaeva pyrastri and plenty of the eye-catching and abundant Heliophilus pendulus.

Plant life

Botany at Silverlink Biodiversity Park is a real pleasure. For many, it is the sites Bee Orchids that hold the greatest appeal and in good years, many of these beautiful flowers can be seen throughout the sites grassland areas. In damp spots, Northern Marsh Orchid can also be found; while Common Spotted Orchid may appear anywhere across the site.

The grasslands of Silverlink are particularly interesting during high summer when species such as Viper’s Bugloss, Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Kidney Vetch and Common Knapweed are in full bloom. There is also a nice area of Quaking Grass, Zigzag Clover and pockets of the quirky-looking Bladder Campion.

Damper, more verdant areas of the site hold small areas of Ragged Robin, Bittersweet, Marsh Thistle and Water Mint, with species such as Water Figwort popping up occasionally and an expansive area of prehistoric-looking Butterbur also present.

Given its urban location, it is also not unusual to find adventive, non-native species at Silverlink and this year alone, I have encountered Oriental Poppy, Globe Thistle and two unusual forms of ornamental Crane’s-bill.

Birdlife

Silverlink is not particularly notable for birdlife but the site still does hold a good range of species. Typical woodland species such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Jay can be seen; while Sparrowhawk, Buzzard and Kestrel can be observed on site. Lucky visitors may also spot Long-eared Owl.

The small pools present on-site hold breeding Coot, Moorhen and Mallard and occasionally host Tufted Duck, Grey Heron and Gadwall. Only once have I heard Water Rail on-site; though with some relatively large sections of riparian vegetation, it is likely they can be seen year-round.

These small ponds demonstrated their potential to pull in interesting birdlife in 2017 when a stunning drake Ferruginous Duck was found on site. More on that here.

Ferruginous Duck (*Aythya nyroca*) at Silverlink Biodiversity Park

Mammals

A nice array of mammals can be seen at Silverlink, including Roe Deer, Hedgehog and Red Fox. The small pockets of woodland hold Grey Squirrel; while small mammals seen here include Common Shrew, Wood Mouse and Bank Vole. Rabbits are less plentiful than they once were but remain, and visitors may encounter Weasel and Stoat across the site.

Exploring the Fascinating Flora of Lindisfarne

I have visited the Holy Island of Lindisfarne many times to admire the sites birdlife, chase rarities and even seek out insects, but never to appreciate its diverse and interesting flora.

Lindisfarne is well known as an excellent site for those interested in botany, it’s unspoilt beaches, sprawling dune slacks, fields and expansive areas of salt marsh reminiscent of a time before man altered Britain’s coastal habitats beyond recognition. Home to many intriguing and, in some cases, scarce species, the botanical community here is diverse enough to keep visitors enthralled for hours. As it did us on overdue visit this week.

Brace yourselves, this could be a long one…

Arriving on Lindisfarne and heading first for the quiet reaches of The Snook, we set off in search of the islands most sought after plant species: the Lindisfarne Helleborine. First discovered on Holy Island in 1958, this understated but beautiful orchid is endemic here and in July, blooms in small numbers across the Western tip of the island.

During a half-hour search of the Snook, we were able to locate just a single orchid. Stumbling across the delicate, green and white flower atop a small mound where it grew conspicuously amongst the Marram. Perhaps a little muted, at least compared to the island’s larger, showier orchids, but a pleasure to behold nevertheless.

Moving on to investigate the nearby dune slacks, it seemed we had timed our visit perfectly to coincide with the emergence of another, arguably more appealing orchid: the Marsh Helleborine. Blooming in their hundreds right across the Western tip of the island, these orchids made for quite the sight – purplish flowers contrasting with the suppressed tones of many other Helleborines, and boasting an exceedingly frilly ‘lip’. These locally abundant flowers are by all accounts a real beauty.

Now well and truly hostage to the ‘orchid fever’, a search for the islands other orchid species revealed good numbers of vibrant Pyramidal Orchid, now reaching their peak; while other species observed included Common Spotted Orchid, Northern Marsh Orchid and Common Twayblade – the latter three now appearing somewhat haggard and spent. No matter.

Orchids are special but by no means are the be-all and end-all of the trip to Lindisfarne, and during our stay, many other interesting species were to be found. None more so than a single specimen of Scots Lovage found nestled in a sheltered area of the dunes. An Arctic plant, Northumberland marks the most Southerly limit of its UK range and records from Lindisfarne have been few and far between since 1985.

Here too, the succulent stalks of Sea Sandwort protruded from the bare sand, reminiscent of something you would find in the houseplant section of your local garden centre.

Back in the dune slacks and we were delighted to encounter the deep-pink flowers of Seaside Centaury; whilst a low-growing purple flower turned out to be Purple Milk-vetch, another first for this amateur botanist. I confess, I almost mistook it for one of the countless Self-heal flowers showing en masse here…

Common Valarian and Tansy were observed here too and the wetter areas were flush with the delicate yellow flowers of Lesser Spearwort and the curious, circular leaves of Marsh Pennywort.

At ground-level, Creeping Willow was conspicuous and a few large areas of blooming Hop Trefoil provided interest.

Departing the Western reaches of Lindisfarne, we headed East to the village. Passing through, it was difficult not to appreciate the plant diversity present in the high garden walls – old stone painted a wonderful mix of greens by the fronds of countless ferns. Here, we found a good range of common species, including Wall-rue, Maidenhair Spleenwort and Polypody; while it was nice to see both Biting and White Stonecrop in bloom. The island’s abundant Wallflowers had gone over, now displaying a glut of pea-like seed pods.

Departing the thronging village streets, a long walk around the Eastern side of the island ensued, taking in the iconic castle en route. In the vicinity of the castle, we stumbled across a nice clump of blooming Harebell alongside Thrift and a pretty example of what I think could be Dwarf Mallow – far daintier than its hulking cousin found growing here too. The castle walls were draped in an impressive display of Red Valarian and both Sea and Buck’s-horn Plantain were noted.

Attempting to curtail this particular botanical tale, towards the North Shore of the island highlights included large expanses of Wild Thyme and Common Cottongrass, as well as what I think could have been Slender Thistle (I really must practice my thistles). Grassier areas proved productive too with an impressive display of Meadow Vetchling interspersed with the pink blooms of Red Bartsia and, in select places, the familiar flowers of Field Scabious. Finally, the buried remnants of an old wall held Carline Thistle – a species I have seen further afield but never before in my native Northumberland.

Of course, no trip to Lindisfarne would be complete absent an encounter with the omnipresent Pirri-Pirri-bur which blights the island. Originating from Australia, this tenacious invader was observed right across the site; though only twice did I fall foul of its hooked burs. Controlling this species presents many problems and it seems unlikely that it will be going anywhere anytime soon, despite the best efforts of those who manage the reserve.

Of course, where there are wildflowers, there will also be pollinators and it would be rude not to cast the spotlight on a few of the insects observed throughout the day. In particular, this superb Dark-green Fritillary delighted as it nectared from the blooms of Creeping Thistle. Other butterflies observed include many Small Heath, Ringlet, Meadow Brown and Common Blue, alongside smaller numbers of Small Tortoiseshell, Red Admiral and Large White.

Wonderful Wildflowers at Bishop Middleham Quarry

A Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Durham Wildlife Trust nature reserve encompassing a disused magnesian limestone quarry, I have read about Bishop Middleham Quarry for years. People, it seems, visit the site from far and wide to experience the fantastic flora on offer here. As well as for an abundance of colourful insects.

It is the bedrock here that gives the site such appeal. The quarry itself ceased work in 1934 and was left to restore naturally, providing a rare opportunity for magnesian limestone plant species to colonise and stay put. The quarry holds a number of quite rare species, restricted by the scarcity of limestone habitats in the wider countryside, but rarity aside provides an opportunity to marvel at a vibrant community of plants, insects and other wildlife. It really is a fantastic site.

Arriving at the site with orchids on the brain, it wasn’t long before we encountered our first. Scattered across the upper-tier of the quarry grassland, Common Spotted Orchids bloomed in their dozens – tall spikes of alternating shades of pink, purple and white looking lovely amid swaying stems of Quaking Grass and the blooms of Restharrow, Common Rock Rose and Bird’s-foot Trefoil.

Here, we stumbled across a beautiful, pure white specimen – the alba variant of this common species?

Scattered among the paler blooms of the spotted orchids, the deep-purple flowers of Northern Marsh Orchid were easy to make out. Less numerous, by far, but nice to see. Perhaps more exciting, however, was a single flower of Pyramidal Orchid found only metres into the reserve. A new species for me, a joy to behold and the first of many seen throughout our visit.

Still only metres from the reserve entrance, we soon encountered the day’s target species: Dark-red Helleborine. Bishop Middleham Quarry is known as the best place in the UK to observe this limestone-loving orchid and, sure enough, we encountered hundreds during our stay. Perhaps we were a little early as many had yet to open; though some pioneering plants were in full bloom. Thankfully!

Prying ourselves away from the helleborines, it was not long before we stumbled across two new orchids. On the quarry floor, the egg-shaped leaves and fading flower spikes of Common Twayblade were immediately apparent – not exactly striking by orchid standards but nice to see. Here too, a few Fragrant Orchids were found, another first for me and definitely deserving of a sniff to test their validity. The verdict? They did smell rather nice!

The least abundant orchids on-site were Bee Orchids but, having been pointed in the direction of a particular slope by a kind passer-by, we soon found three spikes in full flower. A plant that warrants little exposition and never fails to earn a smile. Here too, more Pyramidal Orchids were found.

As someone with very much limited knowledge of plants, Bishop Middleham Quarry also provided an opportunity to get to grips with a number of less-specialist species I seldom encounter around my usual haunts. It was nice to be able to compare Small and Field Scabious found growing side-by-side in a more verdant area of the site; while a tall yellow flower could well have been Agrimony. Perforate St. John’s-wort was numerous but we failed to find (or at least, identify) the scarcer Pale St. John’s-wort which is said to grow here. A fine reason for another visit, I think.

Whilst trying (and failing) to locate Moonwort, I was pleased to stumble across a single flowering Harebell; while the strange, pea-like stalks of what I think was Yellow-wort were found on an old spoil heap. Other species observed included Wild Thyme, Greater Knapweed, Mouse-ear Hawkweed, Red Valarian and Wild Strawberry.

Whilst many of our walks focus on plant life these days (I’m not sure what has happened to me, in truth) we did find the time to admire some of the insect life present on site. Butterflies were incredibly numerous with plenty of Ringlet and Meadow Brown seen, alongside smaller numbers of Small Skipper, Common Blue, Speckled Wood, Small Heath and Small Tortoiseshell. Moths on the wing included Six-spot Burnet, Latticed Heath and Shaded Broad-bar.

A brief scan of the plentiful Hogweed tops on site revealed a few common hoverflies including Heliphilus pendulus, Volucella pellucens and Marmalade Hoverfly. Here too a grasshopper was apprehended (with great difficulty) and tentatively identified as Common Green Grasshopper owing to the in incurved, cream-coloured line on its shoulder.

None of the sites famous Northern Brown Argus were seen on this occasion but, with countless other items of interest observed, a fantastic day was had.

Bishop Middleham Quarry is an exceptional, altogether beautiful site. A fine testament to what can happen when sites exploited by humans are returned to nature. I will definitely be visiting the site again in the future, even if it does involve more frequent trips (dare I say it) south of the Tyne!

Chasing Urban Orchids

Few wildflowers capture the imagination quite like our orchids. They’re beautiful, of course, but also sufficiently scarce to provide a little jolt of excitement whenever you happen across one. They are also the only group of plants – to the best of my knowledge – that manages to unite all natural history enthusiasts, whether they be birders, lepidopterists, mammal-watchers or anyone else, under a single banner of botanical appreciation.

I stumbled across my first urban orchid of the year a fortnight past in my local park – a towering and luscious Northern Marsh Orchid rising skywards from the rough grass that adorns the peripheries of my local pond. Inspired, for the past fortnight, I have set about checking the various local sites to which I make annual pilgrimages in search of these vibrant little flowers.

First up, a trip in search of what is usually the most abundant species around me during mid-June: the Common Spotted Orchid. Well, this year, they appear far from common, with only a handful observed at a regular site and none at all at another. Perhaps they have been delayed somewhat by the unseasonably dry spring we have endured? Regardless of the reasons behind their reduced numbers, those we did see looked wonderful, their pointy, lilac flowerheads adding a welcome splash of colour among the alternating greens of the Juncus.

Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)

If Common Spotted Orchids appear scarce this year, Northern Marsh Orchid appears to be doing rather well. Following the initial sighting in the local park, I have encountered these much sturdier-looking orchids at three sites this week, and in good numbers. Many appear stunted and small compared with the towering spikes familiar from previous years but all maintain their lurid, purple appeal.

Northern Marsh Orchids may seem uniformly ‘purple’ from a distance but, looking closer, the repeated pattern of deep purple ribbons sat atop a violet backdrop makes for quite the beautiful sight.

Northern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza purpurella)

I have written before about my fondest for Bee Orchids, perhaps one of our most iconic and sought after native wildflowers. Keen to seek out this year’s fix, this week I set off to a favourite local haunt where, in 2019, upwards of sixty stalks of this much-celebrated bloom were observed. A familiar trip which, unusually, ended in disappointment.

Three visits to Silverlink Biodiversity Park over recent days failed to yield a single orchid across what is usually a fairly productive area of flower-rich grassland. Despite the recent rains, the ground here remained baked dry and I couldn’t find a single leaf, never mind a flower. Here, even the abundant Birds’-foot Trefoil seem suppressed and stunted due to the reason drought and, in the closing minutes of our third trip, we eventually gave up hope.

It was only when my partner decided to look once again at the margins of one of the nearby ponds did our luck change. Here, among the marsh orchids more characteristic of such damp places, two bee orchids stood proud, determined to buck the wider trend on site.

Bee Orchids need little exposition: they’re sublime, intricate and a little intoxicating, the very reason so many seek them out each year. Savouring the sight of the two pioneering blooms, I was simply happy to have enjoyed them for another season.

Hopefully, next year, Bee Orchids will once again rise en masse across this one small meadow. We’ll see…

Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera)

Into the Wild Woods at Allen Banks

Spurred on by the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions in England, this weekend past saw us venture forty-five minutes inland to the wild reaches of Allen Banks. An ancient woodland site situated on the banks of the River Allen and maintained by the National Trust.

Now, I visit Allen Banks at least once every year to make the most of the aged woodland setting and enjoy the species that come hand-in-hand with such places. This visit, however, felt extra special following months couped up at home with only short, urban walks from which to derive enjoyment. After a few minutes of gazing upwards at the canopy of old oak, ash and towering beech trees, it was clear I had made the right decision.

Allen Banks is a fantastic location at which to enjoy a suite of scarce Northumbrian birds and, sure enough, upon entering the wood, the song of a Pied Flycatcher drifted down from the canopy of a, particularly tall beech. One of four heard during the course of the day. Elsewhere, a Sparrowhawk rode the thermals above the river and riparian species – Dipper and Grey Wagtail – held our attention for some time.

Rather unusually, birds were not the purpose of the day’s visit, however, and we soon set off uphill intent on some botanising around Morralee Tarn. On route, we were pleased to note a single Early Purple Orchid blooming amid a rather desolate patch of brash. A new species for me and one which stood out like a sore thumb, the purple flower spike contrasting sharply with the browns and greys of the fallen timber.

Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula)

At the tarn, we noted another new species for this [very] amateur botanist: Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage, a rather lovely, moisture-loving plant characteristic of stream-sides and damp places in upland Northumberland. Other plant species observed here included Wood Ruff, Mare ‘s-tail, Marsh Marigold, Marsh Cinquefoil and introduced White Water Lily. I confess I was unable to identify the small Stitchwort species growing around the pool margins; though a patch of Wild Strawberry in bloom was less tricky.

On the tarn-side vegetation, Large Red Damselflies rested, freshly emerged and looking rather radiant; while the shallows held the tadpoles of Common Toad and what was likely a Palmate Newt.

Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium), Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) and Large Red Damselfly (Pyrrhosoma nymphula)

Heading downhill this time and west along the river, the diversity of ferns on show in the lower reaches of the wood was impressive. Hart’s-tongue and Polypody were identifiable though the rest, not so much. As such, we made do with appreciating the somewhat primordial sight before dashing off in search of something a little more colourful.

Upstream, we spent a good hour combing the tussocky grassland of a riverside meadow having been stopped dead in our tracks by a sprawling patch of delicate Mountain Pansy – more on these later. Here, the queer-looking flowers of Crosswort were obvious, as were plenty of English Bluebells; though more interesting were the sunny, yellow flowers of Yellow Pimpernel. A low-growing plant with a Northumberland distribution limited [in the most part] to inland sites such as this.

Yellow Pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum), Mountain Pansy (Viola lutea), Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Crosswort (Cruciata laevipes)

With plenty of wildflowers in bloom, there were a great many invertebrates to admire here too. The best of which, a rather large and colourful sawfly apprehended for closer inspection. Advice from the knowledgable folk on Twitter would suggest this is Tenthredo maculata, a rather impressive, if intimidating looking beastie and a species with few records in the North East.

Other insects observed were Gipsy Cuckoo Bee, Orange-tip, Green Long-horn and the unusual, outlandishly hairy fly shown below. After some excited Googling, I suspect this is Tachina ursina.

A Sawfly (Tenthredo maculata) and a fly (Tachina ursina)

Crossing the river further upstream and doubling back towards the car park, we were surprised to stumble upon a glade chock-full of purple blooms. Mountain Pansies, yet again, blooming en masse right across the clearing. Closer inspection of these beautiful little flowers revealed an impressive mix of colour forms: deep purple, violet and yellow.

Further reading on this eye-catching viola seems to suggest that they grow and proliferate so well here due to the presence of heavy metals in the soil – a relic of the [thankfully] long-gone days of lead mining in the county.

Mountain Pansies (Viola lutea)

Setting off towards the car, it was wonderful to see another, a far larger swath of Early Purple Orchid blooming on a south-facing bankside. These, alongside the countless flowers of Ramsons, Wood Speedwell, Dog Violet, Wood Ruff and Red Campion painting the woodland a vibrant mix of colours. A stark reminder of what could and should be in woodlands across Northumberland.

Another new species on walk home came in the form of a dense clump of Wood Crane’s-bill; while Barren Strawberry was also noted and it proved impossible not to pause briefly to admire the deep-blue spikers of Bugle protruding from the riverside grasses.

A Tale of Two Plant Hunts

The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland’s (BSBI) New Year Plant Hunt is an annual event in which botanists, experts and amateurs alike, head out to record the plant species bucking the time-honoured trend and blooming in the depths of winter. Now in its ninth year, the four-day survey is both great fun and an important means by which to assess how changing weather patterns are altering the behaviour of our wildflowers. If you would like to take part, tomorrow is your last chance, at least until 2021.

Having enjoyed my attempt in 2019, I was keen to once again take part in the NYPH this year. What I had not anticipated, however, was that I would end up leading a group walk as part of a friendly competition here in the North-East between botanically-minded members of the Natural History Society of Northumbria. A challenge that would see an expert group, led by a former BSBI President, no less, traversing the picturesque dune slacks of Lindisfarne; while a slightly less practised group, led by myself, would take on the parks, roadsides, and front weed-strewn front gardens of Newcastle.

Setting out on New Years Day, it immediately became apparent that non-native species would form a cornerstone of our collective, botanical haul. Indeed, the streets of Heaton, my own district of Newcastle, revealed a kaleidoscopic mix of aliens, each having breached the confines of their garden prisons long ago. Red Valarian, tall and lusciously pink, bright yellow Oxford Ragwort and the star-shaped blue heads of Trailing Bellflower conspicuous against the greys and browns of concrete and brick. Looking closer, other colonists became apparent also: Canadian and Mexican Fleabane, Yellow Corydalis and Snapdragon. Later in the walk, Pru, a member of our group, also pointed out a new species for me, Mock Strawberry, a yellow flowering native of South Asia. Newcastle, it seems, like a great many of our cities represents somewhat of a botanical United Nations, boasting species from almost all corners of the globe.

Of course, native species also featured as part of our foray. Mainly the tenacious ‘weeds’ that are widely known to persevere throughout the winter months: Shepard’s Purse, Groundsel, Hogweed, Feverfew and the omnipresent Annual Meadow Grass. That said, it was surprising to find the delicate white blooms of Wild Strawberry clinging on in the relative shelter of Jesmond Dene, a local woodland, and the minute, octopus-like female flowers of Hazel greatly brightened up our morning.

All in all, our merry band of urban plant-hunters finished on an unseasonally high total of 40 species. As did the team roving on Lindisfarne, it turns out. With a great day had by all, it would be rude to scoff at an amicable draw.

Mock Strawberry, Wild Strawberry, Hazel and Feverfew

Fast forward to Thursday and keen to head out with my newly acquired hand lens and Collin’s guide to British flora, and a jaunt to the coast beckoned. What transpired was a lovely (and uncharacteristically sunny) three hours at Tynemouth, ultimately culminating in a grand total of 43 flowering plants. The highlight of which had to be Alexanders in bloom – a regionally scarce species abundant at this site due, I am led to believe, to the culinary taste of the monks who once inhabited the long-abandoned Tynemouth Priority.

Elsewhere, I chanced upon two new species for me: Seaside Daisy and Buck’s-horn Plantain. The former, a native of California persevering along a small stretch of stonework near the priory, and the second, a pretty cool native species whose leaves (at least in my mind) resemble more the serrated bill of a Sawfish, as opposed to the horns of a buck. I am unsure how I have overlooked this plant until now – it’s pretty distinct.

Left to right: Alexanders, Seaside Daisy & Buck’s-horn Plaintain

All in all, this year’s New Year Plant Hunt provided a great opportunity to get out and about and appreciate the diversity of local flora. While also providing an opportunity to learn from and socialise with a number of local botanists far more knowledgeable than I. A win-win!

If you would like to cast your peepers over the results of this year’s hunt or, like me, keep a watchful eye on what others have seen in your area, you can check out the BSBI results page here: https://nyph.bsbi.org/results.php

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Silverlink Biodiversity Park

Invertebrates

Plant life

Birdlife

Mammals

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