Tellima grandiflora (Fringe cups) a garden escape, originally from America, is taking over Stenner Woods. It thrives in damp, shady places like this and in the right situation is a real thug. I've seen it in other similar locations in the NW and although it's not unattractive, beware of this plant!
Large Bitter-cress accompanying the Wood Stitchwort, Few-flowered Leek and Three-cornered Garlic in the woods. Also the Water Avens clump in the park is spreading nicely.
Snowdrops and Crocus pushing through at the Millgate Lane entrance. The Mistletoe ball in the Parsonage Gardens is so huge now, I wouldn't be surprised if it comes crashing down sometime soon.
Snake head fritillary single plant in flower in the woods clearly an escapee, Green Alkanet, Golden Saxifrage, Wood Stitchwort, Marsh Marigold, Bluebell, Lesser Celandine all in flower. Lord and Ladies Ramsons coming through. Common Shrew and Field Vole.
The two balls of mistletoe still doing well, wood anemone, ramsons, lesser stitchwort, marsh marigold, lesser celendine, Garlic Mustard, Cow Parsley, Green Alkanet all in flower
Spectacular display of Scarlet Elfcups in Stenner Woods. Best viewed looking down into the wet woodland from the Millgate field path. At least 600+ cups close to the brick manhole/chamber. A shame to see a group of foragers walking through the woodland this afternoon.
Just re-read previous post; meant to be Water Avens not Wood Avens This morning: Yellow Slime Mould, Physarum polycephalum found on a rotting tree stump. It could possibly have been Fuligo septica (dog vomit slime mould), they're difficult to tell apart. I've previously come across Reticularia lycoperdon in this area, and at CWP.
Primrose seen this morning, it was tiny, but a Primrose nonetheless. Snowdrops are in their prime and the Crocus are snapping at their heels. Broom been in flower for a few weeks now, Spring begins again
Noticed a new bunch of Mistletoe in the park this morning; growing at the top of one of the Black Poplars. There's been a large bunch in the Parsonage Gardens for years now; this could be one of its offspring, maybe thanks to the local Mistle Thrushes.
