For my walk ... U3A Nature Explorers: April 2023

U3A Nature Explorers - Lockyer Observatory Grounds

10.00am Wednesday 5th April 2023

After a series of sunny, dry days it seemed almost inevitable that we would awake to the return of the rain for the monthly nature recorders walk! Despite the rain sixteen of us ventured on to the Lockyer Observatory Estate in search of anything living that we could name. Mercifully the rain was mainly light and more of an irritation than making the conditions impossible.

When entering the grounds of the Observatory you cannot help but notice the extensive lawns that surround the main buildings. Although they are kept mowed and tidy they should not be overlooked for plants of interest. There were a good number of common dog-violets amongst the grass and field woodrush was flourishing in places. 

The grass had been cut but from one or two areas that had been missed by the mower it was obvious that annual meadow grass has a good foothold here, indeed it may be the dominant grass present. Amongst the grass was a generous spreading of rough-stalked feather moss and patches of the attractive springy turf-moss.

The main species of note on the lawns was parsley-piert. Whilst not particularly rare this is a plant often overlooked. It likes bare ground and also arable land which means it was well suited to the more barren areas of lawn. Talking of 'barren' there was a small presence of barren strawberry along the path edge near the entrance to the grounds.

Leaving the main lawns and taking the path around the ground's borders the habitat changes markedly and its origins as heath become apparent with much gorse (European gorse) and purple moor grass present along with the neat feather moss which is another plant associated with heathland although it does occur commonly in other habitats too. Our path took us past various trees including Scots pine, downy birch and silver birch which are also frequently found on heaths.

In amongst the fallen branches and twigs we discovered a few fungi including the netted crust fungus, yellow brain fungus, fragrant funnel and glistening inkcap. It does not have to be autumn to bring out some species of fungi. Lichen were evident here too including Graphis scripta, a common species on shiny birch trunks.

All of the birds recorded were common species associated with woodland habitats with the most vocal being a chiffchaff who was hoping to make the observatory grounds his home for the summer. I think he has chosen well!

Our species list at the end totalled 49 which made it seem like a good morning's work; the full list can be seen here: U3A Events