Merseyside Nature (2013 September-October)
description
Transcript of Merseyside Nature (2013 September-October)
Articles from naturalists involved
with mammals, birds, bats amphibi-
ans, plants or fungi are welcome.
Stories from 250-1000 words with
accompanying photos will take us all
on your journey. Email your work to:
Sept/Oct around Court Hey Park
Special points of interest:
Phil Smith’s Wildlife Notes
Tony Carter’s Fascinating Fungi on
the Ainsdale Dunes. A sign of Global
Warming?
More of Tony’s Fascinating Fungi at
Clock Face Country Park
Hugh’s insight into the Season of
Mists and Meetings
Ben Deed talks about Bryophytes
Contents
Created by and for Volunteer Naturalists. Edited by Bob Jude and Hugh Harris Views expressed in this newsletter are those of individual authors.
Inside this issue:
Phil Smith’s Wildlife Notes 2-3
Tony Carter’s Fascinating
Fungi
4-5
Local Nature Reserves 6
Woodland Conservation
Theory
6
Liverpool Loop Line Survey 7
Lancashire Wildlife Trust 8
Friends of Court Hey Park 9
Merseyside Estuary Con-
servation Group
9
WeBS 10
Bryologising with Des 11-12
Events 13
Hugh Harris talks of Mists and Meet-
ings and learns about Woodland
Conservation Theory
Hugh, Fleur and Emma survey the
Liverpool Loop Line
Extract from Shoresearch News
Phil completes the Parnassia palus-
tris survey and spots Black Darter
dragonflies and Lapland Bunting
around the Dunes
Tony Carter continues his excellent
reports on fungi of the Sefton Coast
and Clock Face Country Park
Hugh reports on a Merseyside Estu-
ary Conservation Group general
meeting
WeBS continues with the help of new
volunteers counters
Ben Deed introduces us to Bryo-
phytes
Friends of MerseysideBiobank
Merseyside Nature
September/October
Left to right - Top to bottom
Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum)
Inkcap (Coprinus comatus)
Leaf Hopper (Cicadellidae)
Shield Bug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale)
Hairy Shield Bug (Dolycoris baccarum)
Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum)
Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
Mallow (Malva)
With measureable rainfall on about twelve days, mainly in
the first half of the month, September lacked the ex-
tremes of weather so often experienced during the year.
If not quite an “Indian Summer”, it culminated in several
pleasantly warm, dry days. However, autumn seems to
have come early this year, with leaf-fall by the end of the
month being more reminiscent of late October.
Much of my time was spent on the coastwide Grass-of-
Parnassus survey, which began in August. Apart from
counting plants in several dune-slacks,
Patricia Lockwood helped me to record lots of quadrats to
describe the preferred habitat of the plant. Results from
many other volunteers came in during the month and it
looks like we have a grand total of around 50,000 plants,
despite it being a relatively poor year for this species.
While surveying Grass-of-Parnassus, other interesting
plants were often encountered. Thus, a wet-slack in Ains-
dale Sandhills produced a new population of the nationally
declining Lesser Water-plantain, a welcome addition to
the thirteen colonies found during a coastwide survey in
2011.
Late summer is also a good time to look for our two sand-
dune gentians. As usual, the big slack south of Ainsdale
Discovery Centre produced some superb Field Gentians,
though there were only about 250 where over 1000 had
been counted a few years ago.
Similarly, numbers of Autumn Gentian in selected Birk-
dale frontal dune slacks had fallen from 685 spikes
counted in 2010 to only 147 now, though some of the plants
were impressively large and healthy-looking.
These reductions are probably due to the decline in Rab-
bits since a big myxomatosis outbreak in 2009. The gen-
tians rely on short, open vegetation for germination and
survival of seedlings. They don’t cope well with the taller
swards that grow in the absence of grazing.
Another smaller colony of Autumn Gentians at Birkdale
was just missed by a large off-road vehicle which had
been driven through the dunes and the adjacent Green
Beach, causing large ruts in places and smashing a Velvet
Trail board-walk. Sefton Council’s Coast & Countryside
staff tell me they are trying to trace the culprit.
A visit to Hightown in mid-month was rewarded by spec-
tacular numbers of the rare hybrid centaury, Cen-
taurium × intermedium.
Known only from Lancashire, Merseyside, Anglesey and
Merioneth, this cross between Common and Seaside
Centauries often flowers later than its parents, making it
easier to spot at this time of year.
Flocks of Pink-footed Geese were constantly flying over
to roost on the sea offshore, totalling an impressive
2500. The Alt sand-banks held high-tide gatherings of
about 300 Curlew and 140 Shelduck, while five Black-
tailed Godwits flew northwards, perhaps on route to
their more usual haunts at Marshside.
Wildlife notes September 2013 - Dr Phil Smith
Page 2 Merseyside Nature
Approximately 50,000
Parnassia palustris recorded
during the survey of the
Sefton Coast
Rabbits - Could be
considered important for
the dunes in maintaining
necessary habitats for
rare plants
Rare hybrid Centuary
spotted
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis )
Gentianella amarella
Pink footed Goose, D. Dunford, Wiki, 2013
However, my bird highlight of the month was an immature
Lapland Bunting at the southern end of Birkdale Green
Beach on 14th. Attracted by its distinctive call, I was able
to get close enough to see its characteristic stripy plum-
age and even take a confirmatory photograph.
Lapland Buntings are scarce visitors to our coasts from
Scandinavia, usually seen later in the autumn or winter.
Given suitably sunny weather, dragonflies can often be
found to at least the end of September. My regular visits
to slack no. 47 in the Birkdale frontals produced up to 10
Migrant Hawkers, a typical autumnal species.
Less usual, however, was a male Black Darter on 28th, a
dragonfly usually associated with peatlands but which
disperses widely in some years.
This was the first I had seen on the coast since 2008.
Nearby, the New Green Beach had lots of bright-green
Short-winged Coneheads, a southern bush-cricket that
arrived here in 2002 and has now spread all the way up
the coast to Cumbria.
My month ended with a visit to Ainsdale Sand Dunes Na-
tional Nature Reserve, where track-sides were brightened
by hundreds of Scarlet Pimpernels.
Nearby were a few plants of Smooth Cat’s-ear, a rare
speciality of the older dunes, while damper spots held the
strange-looking Marsh Cudweed. Two jewel-like Small
Coppers were welcome companions on my return walk.
Wildlife Notes - July 2013 - Dr Phil Smith
Page 3 Merseyside Nature
Black Darter
dragonfly spotted at
slack 47 Birkdale
Short-winged
Coneheads, another
introduced species
that has travelled
northward
Hundreds of Scarlet
Pimpernal brighten
the dunes at
Ainsdale
Black Darter (Sympetrum danae)
Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus)
Short Winged Conehead (Conocephalus dorsalis), Aiwok, Wiki
Black Tailed Godwit, B.Mcadam, Wiki
On Saturday 28th September, I led a
fungal foray at Ainsdale Sand Dunes
Nature Reserve on behalf of Natural
England.
It was here that we found about forty
species, mostly the more common
varieties such as Amanita muscaria
(Fly Agaric), Paxillus involutus
(Brown Rollrim), Lactarius tabidus
(Birch Milkcap) and Pholiota squar-
rosa (Shaggy Saclycap).
These are species a foray leader
hopes for when assisting a group of
novices.
However, one specimen, found by the
gate leading into the paddock, was
new to me.
Pure white and woolly, it was densely
covered in a powdery substance that
came off easily when handled.
I identified it to the group as a prob-
able Cystoderma (Powdercap),
which seemed logical at the time.
Later microscopic observation and
further research showed that it was
a Dapperling, (Cystolepiota pulveru-
lenta).
I had never seen one before. It is the
first record for Ainsdale and VC59.
Ainsdale rarely fails to surprise.
According to the British Checklist,
this species is normally found in
southern counties such as Oxford-
shire, Somerset and Devon.
Is this another species moving north
with a warming climate?
Mersey Narrows, The Wirral.
Our second new VSL (and ex-marine
graduate) Beckie, Wilcox, lead an-
other successful survey in August.
Beckie and the other surveyors
discovered plenty of interesting
species, such as barnacles, two
species of red seaweed and more
Sabellaria alveolata.
The rockpools at the Narrows are
teaming with life. The site is also a
“Protecting Wildlife for the Fu-
ture”
Shoresearch News is a pdf newslet-
ter from Living Seas and the Wildlife
Trust reporting on shoreline survey-
ing. Education and training courses
for volunteers are provided Booking
for events is essential.
The surveying area covers the tidal
habitats of Northwest England
Site of Special Scientific Interest and
Special Protection Area for birds as
it is an important feeding ground for
waders and a high-tide roost. There
is plenty of life to observe there
whatever the tide so well worth a
visit! Beckie sends a big “thank you”
to all.
Request a copy from Shoresearchnw
@cumbriawidlifetrust.org.uk
Extract From Shoresearch News - October 2013
Fascinating Fungi - Moving North? - Tony Carter
Page 4 Merseyside Nature
Tony Carter
records a new
fungi species along
the Sefton Coast
Is this a further
sign of global
warming?
Paxillus involutus Cystolepiota pulverulenta
Lactarius tabidus
Amanita muscaria
Pholiota squarrosa
On Monday, 14th October, I went to
Clock Face Country Park at the invi-
tation of a colleague who works with
Mersey Forest and played a part in
the establishment of the park. He
was interested to identify the fungi
he had observed during his visits.
The notice board told me that the
Park had been set up on the site of
the old Clock Face Colliery in 1990,
when it was planted out with a vari-
ety of trees to encourage wildlife.
Being such young woodland, I did not
think we would find much, particu-
larly as the dry weather seems to
have discouraged fungi in more
established woodland. I was in for a
surprise. Immediately upon arrival, I
found my first species in the car
park, Lepista flaccida (Tawny Fun-
nel). A large area of open grassland
was very productive.
We found three varieties of Hygro-
cybe (Waxcap), psittacina (Parrot),
conica (Blackening) and virginea
(Snowy) together with a number of
smaller fungi of various species.
The finds included the highly poison-
ous Clitocybe rivulosa, seen in the
picture growing with Clavulinopsis
helvola (Yellow Club). It is commonly
known as Fool’s Funnel and also
False Clitocybe Champignon, as it
regularly grows in rings with an
edible Marasmius (Fairy Ring Cham-
pignon). These fungi contain mus-
carine, which will make you very sick,
so it is not one to pick by mistake.
The broadleaf woodland produced a
selection of Leccinum scabrum
(Brown Birch Bolete), Lactarius
pubescens and turpis (Bearded and
Ugly Milkcaps) and Russula fragilis
(Fragile Brittlegill) while the conifer-
ous sections supported Suilus gre-
vileii (Larch Bolete), Lacatrius rufus
and deliciosus (Rufous and Saffron
Milkcaps, and Inocybe species
(Fibrecaps). One pine stump sported
a very fine Tricholompsis rutilans
(Plums and Custard).
Also found were three different
Tricholomas (Knights), cingulatum
(Girdled), scalpturatum (Yellowing)
and ustale (Burnt).
We collected and identified forty two
species in just two hours despite the
handicap of some severe rain show-
ers.
What surprised us was the number
of mycorrhizal fungi, those that grow
in association with tree roots pro-
ducing nutrients and stimulating
growth.
It can take many years for such
associations to develop. Modern
practice is to inoculate plants with
mycorrhizae, to establish and pro-
mote growth and this may well have
been done to encourage tree popula-
tion on an industrial site, such as
this.
Fascinating Fungi - Clock face Country Park - Tony Carter
Page 5 Merseyside Nature
Tony visits a
relatively new
woodland site at Clock
Face Country Park
and is pleasantly
surprised by the
productivity and
diversity
Lepista flaccida
Hygrocybe psittacina
Clitocybe rivulosa
Tricholompsis rutilans
Lactarius deliciosus
Tricholoma scalpturatum
Local Nature Reserves
Established in 2003, the Liverpool
Local Nature Reserves (LNRs)
Project is a partnership between
Liverpool City council and the
Wildlife Trust.
Four LNRs have been designated. All
are owned by the City Council which
manages them for their wildlife and
as a local community resource.
O.S. Explorer Map 275 1:25 000
Scale.
Croxteth Local Nature Reserve
Previously the Country Estate of Lord
Sefton, Croxteth Country Park is now
Liverpool's largest public open
space.
The LNR comprises 50ha of wood-
land, rough grassland and pasture
with several ponds and is bordered
by the River Alt.
Mull Wood, the largest woodland
block, is mainly English Oak and
Sycamore. It holds a good variety of
breeding birds, including Nuthatch
and occasionally Lesser Spotted
Woodpecker.
The ponds support an interesting
collection of plants, including Tubu-
lar Water-dropwort, and a range of
common dragonfly species.
Car park at SJ400943.
Childwall Woods and Fields
Originally part of the estate grounds
of Childwall Hall, the 24ha site is a
mixture of plantation woodland and
rough grassland.
The wood is ornamental in origin with
a mix of species including English
Oak, Sweet Chestnut and Beech. It
is noteworthy for its extensive native
Bluebell population.
The grasslands put on a spectacular
show of Common Spotted and
Southern Marsh Orchids in early
June.
Sixteen species of butterfly have
been recorded on the Fields. Within
Childwall Woods, the old carriage
drive is designated as a Regionally
Important Geological Site (RIGS) for
its exposed sandstone faces. En-
trance from Childwall Abbey Road at
SJ411890
Mill Wood & Alder Wood, Speke
On the edge of Speke estate and
adjoining open countryside, the 22ha
Mill Wood is owned by Liverpool City
Council but sits mostly within the
neighbouring districts of Halton and
Knowsley.
An ancient woodland dominated by
oak and birch, it holds one of only
three known populations of the Pur-
ple Hairstreak butterfly in North
Merseyside.
The rich woodland ground flora
includes Bluebell, Dog's Mercury,
Wood Sorrel and Yellow Pimper-
nel.
The adjoining meadows are some of
Liverpool's best grasslands, support-
ing Common Centaury, Bee Orchid,
Common Spotted Orchid, Ragged
Robin and various vetches. En-
trance from Alderfield Drive (by
heavy green steel access gate) at
SJ454837
hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013
Eric Hardy Reserve, Black Woods
and Childwall Woods.
We identified the general and specific
habitats/features in each woodland
reserve that makes a woodland good
for wildlife, made rapid assessments
of high – low diversity,
We looked at how management could
introduce habitat and wildlife diver-
sity into woodlands to maximise their
biodiversity.
On Saturday 28th September 2013,
Adam Graham of the Lancashire
Wildlife Trust introduced us to
Woodland Conservation Theory.
The morning’s theory based session
was presented by Adam in the
Ranger’s room at the Harvester pub
in Otterspool Drive to 14 volunteer
conservationists.
After lunch we travelled in the Wild-
life Trust’s minibus and volunteer
cars to visit three local woodland
reserves;
We explored habitat creation in the
Eric Hardy Reserve and increasing
diversity in Black Woods and rhodo-
dendron clearance in Childwall
Woods that has enabled new growth.
These were some of the practical
measures used to restructure and
regenerate our woods all ith the aim
of maximising biodiversity.
hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013
Woodland Conservation Theory - Hugh Harris
What’s in your Quadrat 1.10? - Hugh Harris
Page 6 Merseyside Nature
Liverpool Local
Nature Reserves
Lessons in Woodland
Conservation Theory
with Adam Graham
Around the Eric Hardy
Reserve, Black Woods
and Childwall Woods
Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi )
Orchid
We used the Joint Nature Conser-
vancy Council (JNCC) Phase 1 survey
methodology – a standardized sys-
tem widely used throughout Britain
that gives a consistent level of detail
and accuracy, so that results of one
survey may be compared with those
of another and maps and statistical
data may be readily interpreted.
Briefly the method is:-
Habitat maps. The vegetation is
recorded and mapped out on to
Ordnance Survey maps at a scale of
1:10,000, using specified habitat
types and standard colour codes.
Target notes. Brief descriptive
accounts of areas of interest.
Statistics. Compiled on the extent
and distribution of each habitat type.
The results are supported by a de-
scriptive and interpretive report.
Generally, our small group’s ‘parcel
of land’ in the ‘leafy suburbs’ and
outer estates was defined as Wood-
land and scrub and given the habitat
classification, hierarchical alphanu-
meric reference codes;
A1.1.2 – Woodland, Broad-leaved,
plantation. A1.1.1 – Woodland,
Broad-leaved, Semi-natural. A2.1 –
Scrub, Dense/continuous.
A green colour code is used.
Target notes were made on the
management of the biodiversity and
structure of A3.1 - parkland/
scattered broad-leaved trees
alongside the loop line which may be
useful for Phase 2 surveys.
The statistics compiled on the extent
and distributions of each habitat type
are held on computer.
Two weeks later, Fleur, Adam and I
visited the northern sector of the
Loop Line from Broad Lane (Norris
Green, SJ382941) to Seeds Lane
(Aintree, SJ372975) to complete our
Phase 1 JNCC survey.
According to protocol the surveyors
were changed for the intermediate
sectors. Our primary focus was to
codify the vegetation habitats along-
side the tarmac-surfaced Loop Line
and to identify the species along
what had evolved into a ‘movement
corridor’ for plants.
Another variation in habitat, C1.2
Scattered tall herb and fern was
evident.
Honesty (Lunaria annua), Common
bistort (Persicaria bistorta) and
Sea beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. Mari-
time) were observed among the
wildflowers and Angel’s bonnets
(Mycena arcangeliana) and Shaggy
Inkcap (Coprinus comatus) among
the fungi.
Consequently this sector is more
species-rich in plants to identify. The
general aspect along the embank-
ment is more open, exposed and
industrialised with areas of older
housing.
hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013
The Loop Line is a fantastic, popular
traffic free, wildlife route running
from Halewood to Aintree and on to
Southport on the Cheshire lines path.
This fabulous walking and cycling
route follows the old railway line.
From - to: Halewood to Aintree
Type: Disused railway path
Surface: Tarmac
National Cycle Network route
number:
The Liverpool Loop Line was aban-
doned in 1964 by British Rail and
became quite derelict until 1986
when plans were drawn up for its
conversion to a walking and cycling
route. Construction began in 1988,
and the final section to Aintree
opened in 2000.
The railway path provides a flat, well
surfaced green corridor through the
urban environment of east Liverpool,
and forms part of the award-winning
Trans Pennine Trail. The route takes
the form of a woodland park which
runs through rocky cuttings or high
on embankments with wide views
across the city.
There are many bus routes running
across and parallel to the path and
service frequencies are available
from Merseytravel. There are local
railway stations near to the route at
Hunts Cross, Halewood, Broad Green,
Rice Lane and Walton. On a damp
autumnal morning in early October,
Fleur, Emma and I visited the south-
ern sector of the Loop Line from
Lydiate Lane (Halewood, SJ436868)
to Lanfranc Way (Childwall.
SJ412897); to carry out a habitat
survey.
What’s in your Quadrat? 1.10 Liverpool Loop Line Survey - Hugh Harris
Page 7 Merseyside Nature
Surveying the
Liverpool Loop
Line
Autumn, the
season of mists
and meetings
Lawyers Wig, Shaggy Inkcap (Coprinus
comatus)
On Saturday 5th October I attended
‘Making a Difference’, the Volunteer
Conference of the Lancashire Wildlife
Trust at the Harington Building,
UCLan, Preston – an event I had
intended to visit since registering as
a volunteer several years ago.
A 57 minute train journey from Liver-
pool Lime Street and a short walk
through Preston town centre
brought me to the Conference venue.
Looking at the spaces in the car park
I thought I’ll drive there next year.
After registering I had a brief look at
the displays and stalls before enter-
ing the Lecture Theatre where we
were welcomed by Simon Colderley,
Volunteering Project Manager then
viewed a Keynote Presentation –
What volunteering means to the
Trust by Simon and Anne Selby, Chief
Executive of Lancashire Wildlife
Trust.
Both speakers appreciated and ac-
knowledged the contribution of their
volunteers and left us with the
words,
“Never doubt a small group can
change the world.”
Refreshments and then morning
Workshops; I had chosen ‘Talking
Records’ led by Eric Greenwood and
assisted by Dave Earl.
Eric is known for his magnum opus,
“The Flora of North Lancashire”, the
first definitive account of the past
and present occurrence of flowering
plants and ferns found in N. Lanca-
shire.
Eric talked about how his personal
collection of wildflower records
dating back hundreds of years have
been digitised through the talking
records project and what that means
for nature conservation going for-
ward.
Dave is recognisable by his charac-
teristic flat hat which he wears both
at outdoor meetings and indoor
workshops but more importantly for
his work as BSBI Vice-county Re-
corder for plants.
An excellent Buffet - style Lunch
was provided in the Students’ Refec-
tory and became an opportunity to
have a chat with other volunteers.
The afternoon began with the AGM
and followed the procedure of Treas-
urer’s Report, Chairman’s Review,
Council elections with proposers and
seconders and votes of thanks to
Trustees and staff.
My alternative option of afternoon
Workshop – Fundraising from
small grant sources presented by
Ruth Gaskell, Lancashire Wildlife
Trust Fundraising Officer took us
through the process of identifying
grant sources, what needs to be
done and what funders are looking
for, to help your group obtain the
funds they need to move forward.
The session was based on two ques-
tions:
1. Is your group ready for small grant
funding? And
2 Do you have all the information you
need?
Check-list hand outs were distrib-
uted to the group and an email at-
tachment of the Presentation slide-
show made available on request.
These resources were ideal for small
‘Friends of … ‘ type groups.
After afternoon refreshments, a
Special Presentation was made to
Ted Jackson retiring Chairman and
thanked by the Wildlife Trusts Council
for his 34 years’ service; his quali-
ties of friendship, inspiration, hu-
manity and vision.
He had seen the Trust grow into an
organisation of 850,000 members
with an annual turnover of £140m.
Individual volunteers were awarded
for their services and everyone
present received a Lancashire rose
bag with Trust merchandise which
was well-received.
A nice touch was the recognition
given to Catherine Haddon for her
behind-the-scenes contribution to
the Conference. Catherine had been
my first point of contact since be-
coming a volunteer/member of the
Trust and to-date was an email
message or voice on the telephone
and now the Conference had served
as a mechanism for meeting her.
Walking back to the station I had the
feeling of satisfaction of being part
of a larger organisation and that this
was one of the smoothest and best-
organised conferences I had at-
tended and would be coming back
next year.
hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013
Lancashire Wildlife Trust AGM - Hugh Harris
Page 8 Merseyside Nature
Making a Difference,
“Never doubt a
small group can
change the world.”
Fundraising from
small group
sources
Ted Jackson retires
as Wildlife Trust
Chairman after 34
years service
Recognition given to
Catherine Haddon
for her work behind
the scenes
This active Friends group, formed by
volunteers in 1995, is based in the
stable block in the park.
The group is a close community of
residents whose aim is to promote,
conserve and help develop the ecol-
ogically attractive and historic park
on the border of Liverpool and
Knowsley.
The group meets on the first Monday
of the month at 1.30pm to organise
events and recreational activities
throughout the year with their part-
ners; Knowsley Council and the Na-
tional Wildflower Centre.
The Gladstone Roots Project and
Pathways Project are just two of
the many projects that benefit the
local community.
November’s programme included:-
Saturday 2nd November, Mammal
Identification Court Hey Park.
10.00am start
Sat 16th November, Bird Feeders
Court Hey Park. 1.00 – 3.00pm
Sat 30th November, Christmas
Crafts Court Hey Park. 1.00 –
3.00pm Contact Knowsley Green
Space Ranger, Karen Brady on 0151
443 3114 or 07771550843 (Mobile) for
more details.
The Friends have produced and pub-
lished two excellent little booklets on
the history of the park;
“A Mansion in the Park”, The Glad-
stone family at Court Hey Park, Roby
1836 -1919 by David Roberts,
“A History of Court Hey Park” by
George Peet. Both books are on sale
in the Cornflower Café in the park
and all royalties and proceeds are
used to support the activities of the
Friends of Court Hey Park.
hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013
knowledge to describe developments
in the Ince Marsh mitigation project.
Paul Oldfield (Mersey Gateway) gave
us an overview of The Mersey Gate-
way project and its effects on the
environment.
Mathilde Baker-Schommer supported
the proposal for MNA’s Osprey nest
site and the creation of a Port
Sunlight River Park based on Brom-
borough’s Landfill Site development
project.
MECG’s new website was announced,
www.merseyestuary.org
We were briefed about Energy mat-
ters regarding Tidal Power and the
River Severn proposal and the Frod-
sham Wind Farm. Both Richard Watts
(Halton Wildfowlers) and I (Mersey
WeBS Survey Team) made observa-
tions where appropriate.
I was impressed by the range of
issues on the table and agreed with
the Chair that more voices and ex-
pertise are needed at meetings if the
MECG is to be an effective influence.
hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013
I attended the General meeting of the
Mersey Estuary Conservation Group
on Monday 14 October at Pickering’s
Pasture, Widnes as observer and
representative of BTO’s WeBS survey
count team.
The contacts were knowledgeable
and friendly; Gary Broad, Chair and
Mathilde Baker-Schommer,
Vice Chair welcomed me to my first
meeting. The serious environmental
issues on the Agenda were of inter-
est to conservationists and residents
concerned about the quality of life on
both shores of the river.
Gary Broad (Friends of Pickering’s
Pasture) brought us up to date on
the current position of Marine Con-
servation Zones (MCZs).
Brian Hulse (Frodsham and District
Wildfowlers Club) utilised his local
Friends of Court Hey Park Meeting: 7th October 2013 - Hugh Harris
Page 9 Merseyside Nature
Friends of Court
Hey Park
Hugh reports on
Mersey Estuary
Conservation
Group general
meeting
MECG develop
new website
Today, Sunday 20th October, Dermot
commented “Thanks to everyone who
turned out this weekend for us at
Stanlow. The weather was lovely,
hardly any rain and when the sun
came out I was too hot. Good num-
bers of birds and counters! We had
nine, which is the most the ferry will
hold, including four new counters
(Shaun, Mike, Robert and Wendy) as
well as Nick Godden, an RSPB Assis-
tant surveying the marsh and count-
ing birds.
Winter is approaching and the bird
numbers are rising. Teal (Anas
crecca) numbers are up and so are
the Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and of
course Mallard (Anas platrhynchos)
numbers with an expected increase in
November.
Redshank (Tringa tetanus) numbers
have stayed the same, but where
have the Black-tailed Godwit
(Limosa limosa) gone?
If it wasn’t for Toni and Ray’s count of
500 at New Ferry we would have had
only 114 in the whole estuary. Last
year in October there were only 43
and the year before 0. Rare birds
today were two Great White Egrets
(Ardea alba) seen at Stanlow Point
and on Ince Marshes.
Some interesting waders were seen
at Hale with both Curlew sandpiper
(Calidris ferruginea) and Little Stint
(Calidris minuta).
South shore counters – Ed
Samuels, Toni and Ray Sherlock, Mike
Turton, Terry Long, Bill Morton, John
Gascoigne, Margaret Coles, Nick
Pumphrey, Andy Ankers, Tom
Jameson, Shaun Hickey, Mike Buckley,
Dermot Smith and Ian Coote.
Dermot recorded his thanks to Ian
Coote for the stalwart contribution he
has made to WeBS over the past few
years when we were struggling for
counters. Ian is no longer able to
continue as a counter as his new job
involves working on Sundays.
North shore counters – Rob Cock-
bain, Warren Sumner, Howard Harris
Rob reported a good but windy day at
Pickering Pasture, Halebank.
There was a big increase in Mallard
(Anas platrhynchos) where they were
feeding on the acorns.
Only a few Canada Geese (Branta
canadensis) were about as a result of
three wildfowlers spread along the
Hale shore below the marshes on
Saturday morning.
Later the same day, a pheasant-
shoot on the edge of the marshes
both ’fright and flighted’ the geese
across the river, presumably towards
Frodsham and Ince.
A Pale-bellied Brent (Branta berni-
cia) was still present, also 7 Little
Stints (Calidris minuta) and at least 2
Curlew Sandpipers (Calidris fer-
ruginea) amongst the Dunlin (Calidris
alpina) and other waders.
A Peregrine (Falco peregrinus)
entertained us for some time with an
aerial display of attacking the local
Crows (Corvus corone) in the skies
above the marshes; and on one occa-
sion scoring a ‘hit’ by knocking the
larger Crow down into water.
Fortunately the Crow survived and
lived to fly another day. Because of
Peregrine activity many waders were
skittish and bird-count numbers were
under-estimated as some didn’t re-
turn.
A Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) occupied
a lot of our ‘watch-time’ sitting and
fishing from posts in the pool in front
of the hide. Many visitors appreciated
Rob’s invitation of observing the bird
through his powerful ‘scope and
Carol’s digital images of it on her
camera – who knows this, could be an
inspiration for future birders!
They certainly went away happy after
seeing their first Kingfisher.
Warren also reported an increase in
Mallards along the Oglet shore.
There were a good number of birds on
the Old Pier at Garston Dock (just
about viewable with the ‘scope from
Cressington) and included 80
Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostra-
legus)
Warren faced a hazard, whilst walking
his known route back through the
Plantation – a dog attack!
A German shepherd dog went for him,
snapped at his thigh twice, risking
possible serious injury, but couldn’t
get a grip on his waterproofs.
Mersey WeBS Survey Team - Hugh Harris
Page 10 Merseyside Nature
Great White Egret, T.Alter, Wiki
Kingfisher, M. Szczepanek, Wiki
According to the owner it did not like
him carrying a tripod! Fortunately, he
is only shaken but OK and went
straight home.
If we are not to lose our volunteer
WeBS counters then somehow we have
to encourage dog-owner responsibil-
ity. All Naturalists should be cautious
and assess likely risk in advance.
“Wear appropriate footwear with ankle
support. Dogs are more likely to at-
tack when victims back is turned, so if
situation becomes dangerous back
away
Do not run from large dogs - they can
out-run people and will attack from
behind. “
Extract from Generic Site Assessment,
National Nature Reserves Safety
Guidelines for Volunteers on site.
Bird Counting
with WeBS along
the Mersey
Shoreline
Earlier this month saw my first intro-
duction to some of the rarest bryo-
phytes and mosses in the UK!
This year Des has been asked to
carry out a survey for seven species
of moss and liverwort which have
conservation importance in the UK
and are found on the Sefton Coast,
Des kindly offered to show a small
group around the survey area and
introduced us to two of the species
he had been set the task of survey-
ing.
Petalophyllum ralfsii
Each species had a completely dif-
ferent story to tell, we started with
Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii),
the 'little lettuce' of the dunes. The
global distribution of this species
includes the British Isles and South
to the Mediterranean. In dry weather
it has the unusual habit of going
dormant underground!
Des took the group a short distance
from the Weld Road car park to a
large scrubbed dune slack, explaining
on route some of the requirements
of this species; it appears to like
damp dune slacks, where vegetation
is sparse but not completely absent,
a mosaic of bare sand and ground
cover.
We finally arrived at the dune where
historically a population of
'thousands' had been recorded, now
a population of tens remain and even
those are not happy, only reproduc-
ing vegetativley (clones of a single
plant). Des explained the likely cause
of this was the increase in scrub in
the slack, not just the larger vegeta-
tion, but the tighter mat of turf and
lack of bare sand.
Phil noted this was probably due to
the huge decline in rabbits which
would otherwise clear areas of
ground vegetation.
As a group, and as bryologists will
do, we spent some time crawling
around the slack looking for signs of
P. ralfsii in an area suggested by
Des. It didn't take long before the
first plant was found, I quickly de-
cided I had also found a specimen
only to be corrected by Des,
The plant I had found was a regular
companion of Petalwort, Pellia endi-
viifolia, another somewhat similar
liverwort (it had a thallus!), but with
a very interesting toothed tube.
As a guide for identification Des
suggested I look for the diagnostic
‘double fringe’ running along the
surface of the thallus.
Shortly after I discovered my first
Petalwort, much smaller than I had
imagined it would be, a small rosette
of thalli looking very much like a
lettuce!
After that we all seemed to get our
eyes in and shouts of 'found one!'
became more frequent.
With soggy knees we took the short
trip from Weld Road to the Marine
Lake and a few further sites where
Des had rediscovered this species,
though not in large numbers. This
helped us to identify the types of
habitats where, in the future, Petal-
wort might be found.
Bryum warneum
The flip side of the walk was for Des
to introduce us to the second listed
species he had re-discovered as part
of his survey, Bryum warneum (Sea
Bryum).
From near the Marine Lake we moved
to the shoreline and then onto the
'newest', 'new' and 'slightly older'
Green Beach frontal dunes.
Once there Des pointed out the sky-
ward roots of a great tree some 1km
in the distance.
Incredibly the Sefton Coast popula-
tion of this rare and little known
species extends continuously for the
full kilometre!
Bryologising with Des - Ben Deed
Page 11 Merseyside Nature
Des shares his
expertise about
nationally scarce
Bryophytes in a
walk of discovery
along the Sefton
Coast.
Bryum warneum (capsules and seta)
Pellia endiviifolia
A stretch little more than 10m wide,
it likely represents a population
larger than all the others in the
British Isles combined.
This species can only be identified in
the field when it is producing its
sporophytes. These comprise of a
brightly coloured capsule on an
exceptionally long seta (for a
Bryum), and is unlike any other spe-
cies which might be found in the
same location.
Bryum warneum is a specialist spe-
cies and while the current population
is huge it has also moved some
distance from where it was originally
discovered. Its specialism is in the
highly competitive environment of
frontal, 'green' dune systems.
This rare habitat sees plants com-
peting on a damp, high pH substrate
with high winds, inundation and the
near constant deposition of new sand
which they must grow through.
As new dunes are formed, as part of
the natural dune creation process,
the species rapidly colonises while
where the dune becomes stable it is
outcompeted, becomes vegetative
and ultimately disappears.
Bryum dyffrynense
Another treat was provided by Des
as he introduced us to populations of
a recently described species (2003),
Bryum dyffrynense.
Very little is known about the biology
of this species and not enough infor-
mation is available to ascertain its
current status in the UK but it ap-
pears to inhabit a very similar niche
to that of Petalophyllum ralfsii and
Bryum warneum.
This may suggest it needs similar
conservation support. Certainly one
to explore further!
Bryologising with Des - Ben Deed
Page 12 Merseyside Nature
Has this article
stimulated an new
interest in
Bryophytes?
Contact Ben Deed at
MerseysideBiobank
for further
information on
Bryophytes.
Dune formation: New Green Beech, Sefton Coast
Bryum dyffrynense
Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii )
(Note: particles of sand at centre of Thallus give scale )
Newest Green Beach
Events are run throughout the
year by Liverpool Museum.
These include Mammal Trapping at
Knowsley Park and other venues.
Please contact
uk for details and to book places.
Museum collections are open to
amateur naturalists and volunteers
(by appointment)
Other activity events
Knowsley: www.knowsley.gov.uk/
things-to-see-and-do/events.aspx
Liverpool Parks: liverpool.gov.uk/
leisure-parks-and-events
Wildlife Trust: www.lancswt.org.uk/
what-s-on
Court Hey Park:
www.courtheypark.co.uk
National Wildflower Centre:
www.nwc.org.uk/events
Shoresearchnews
www.cumbriawidlifetrust.org.uk
Merseyside Naturalist Association
The MNA organize informal nature
events including field trips, talks and
practical sessions
Visit www.mnapage.info for the pro-
gramme of events
Saturday 16th November 2013,
Pickerings Pasture Local Nature
Reserve
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your
own way there
Where we are meeting: 11.15 in
Pickerings Pasture car park. Liver-
pool ONE bus station for 82A at
10.06.
Cost: Free of charge.
Do I need to book? No, just turn up.
What do we expect to see? : Estu-
ary and woodland birds.
Should I bring a telescope? Tele-
scope optional.
Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain
with very good paths suitable for
walking shoes.
Mileage: 2 miles / 3 kilometres
Guided or free to roam? Guided,
leader Howard Mills 07710 21663.
Are toilets available? Toilets not
available at destination.
Map reference: SJ 488 836
Note: Joint meeting with Liverpool
RSPB
Saturday 30th November 2013,
Frodsham
Type: Outdoor meeting, make your
own way there
Where we are meeting: Frodsham
Station 11.05. Central Station for
10.00 train to Chester then Arriva
Trains Wales to Frodsham.
Cost: Free of charge but note that
the Chester to Frodsham leg is not
available on Merseytravel passes.
Do I need to book? No, just turn up.
What do we expect to see? : Eric
Hardy's dedicated woodland.
Events
Page 13 Merseyside Nature
HELP! BIRDERS STILL NEEDED
The Mersey Estuary is one of
Britain’s best wetlands. We know this
because each month we count the
waterfowl as part of the national
Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS).
However, we need ‘new blood’
volunteers. You don’t need to be an
experienced wildfowl counter,
though you should be able to identify
common waders and wildfowl. If you
think you can help then please email
Dermot Smith at
[email protected] or phone
07505 418832 for further details.
For more information plus recent
reports and photos visit the Mersey
Estuary WeBS page on facebook
Should I bring a telescope? Tele-
scope not useful.
Walking grade: Strenuous, could
include sections of rough terrain, stiff
climbs; uneven (or no) footpaths,.
Mileage: 6 miles / 10 kilometres
Guided or free to roam? Guided,
leader Alexander Mansfield.
Are toilets available? Toilets avail-
able at the Fordham pub.
Map reference: SJ 510 757
Liverpool Botanical Society
Saturday 7th December
Treasure House Theatre, Level 1 World
Museum
Uncommon Trees of Court Hey Park,
Rob Duffy
Saturday 11th January
Treasure House Theatre, Level 1 World
Museum
Caledonian Pine Forests
Peter Gately
Saturday 8th February
Treasure House Theatre, Level 1 World
Museum AGM plus members’ field
meetings photos
Neuroctena anilis
Eristalis
Visitors to Ivy at Court Hey Park
Syrphus