In our first Nats field
trip of 2015, those sixteen of us, both young and less young, who ventured out
following the storms were rewarded with blue skies, majestic trees and the
opportunity to get close to flora and fauna on display in the depths of
winter. As on our safari in May 2014 we
followed ‘The Tree Gazing Trail’ developed by the Bath Royal Literary and
Scientific Institution (BRLSI) in partnership with Mark Cassidy, BNES
Arboricultural Officer.
The walk began with a
close inspection of the mosses to be found in the exposed roots of the copper beech
(Fagus sylvatica purpurea) the first
tree of the walk and a Victorian speciality.
The tallest tree in Victoria Park, the London plane (Platanus x hispanica) provided an
opportunity to examine the moss and lichen making their home in the peeling
bark. Windfall proved a helpful way of examining lichen including Physcia adscendens, which can be
distinguished by the whiskers on its helmet like ends. Our exploration was interrupted by the
chattering of a flock of redwing (Turdus
iliacus). Further wildlife encounters delighted the group: we were
entertained by an extremely tame grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in the dell that was quite keen to approach
us in search of food. Robins (Erithacus rubecula) were also keen to
make their presence known and seemed unafraid of the human interlopers. It was a real treat to be so close to our
feathery friends. Crataegus monogyna ‘Biflora’ it flowers
twice a year once in May and again around December. Interestingly the high
winds had scattered the fruit of the Ginkgo
biloba (Maidenhair tree); both
male and female trees are located towards the end of the trail. The fruit is quite noxious in more ways than
one. It has a distinctive smell, some
describe it as being rather like dog faeces, and the skin for the unfortunate
30% can cause a rather nasty reaction! Definitely one to be approach with
caution!!
We were delighted to
see the Glastonbury thorn(Left) in flower; living up to the name of
In summary, a glorious
afternoon full of surprises and mid-winter delights.
Kate Souter
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