For my walk ... U3A Nature Explorers: February 2023
U3A Nature Explorers - Harcombe Lane 10.00 - 12.00 Wednesday 1st February 2023 Twenty two of us gathered at Snobrook Cross to walk east along Harcombe Lane to Knowle House. It was overcast with some sunny intervals but although the weather forecast indicated it was warmer than recent days it did not feel it to me in the chilly wind! This is a walk of two halves. The first stretch along the lane has hedgerow shrubs, trees and the brook to the left (north side) and a high bank with hedge to the right (or south). Although only a few feet apart these form two very different habitats and so gives double the interest and enjoyment. The most noticeable feature for me was that the shady, north facing bank had countless fern plants of five species; common polypody, hart's-tongue, male-fern, broad buckler fern and a small patch of hard fern. These were far less evident on the other side of the road. In February there is little sign of flowering plants on the bank but on the other side ther...