Reading & District Natural History Society

Aston Rowant – 16 May 2012

Jan Haseler — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:59:37 +0000

Chris Ash led a walk round the southern part of Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve on Wednesday 16^th May, starting from the Cowleaze Wood car park. The dew pond at the top of the reserve was uncharacteristically full and even had a resident Mallard. A Dingy Skipper butterfly was nectaring on Dandelion flowers in the first field. The hillside to the south was the site of an unsuccessful experiment in using goats for scrub control – they failed to tackle the scrub, but needed supplementary feeding in winter. Cowslips were abundant in the steep south-facing field, the leaves of Common Spotted-orchids were showing well and there were several rings of St George’s Mushrooms. Iin the next west-facing field was a wonderful display of Early-purple Orchids. The open grassland situation came as a surprise to those who had only seen these flowers in woodland before. Tiny-flowered Early Forget-me-not and Common Whitlowgrass were in flower on some of the ant hills. Juniper bushes which had been planted about 15 years ago and were doing well inside a rabbit-proof fence were inspected. Leaving the field at the bottom, there was a Hornbeam with an impressive display of witch’s broom. The return route came back up through grassland closer to the motorway, first through a sheep-grazed field and then through steeper chalk grassland where a number of Grizzled Skipper butterflies were seen. Finally, back along a sheltered track at the top of the reserve, Blackcaps and a Garden Warbler were singing, an Orange-tip and a few more Grizzled Skippers were found and black St Mark’s flies were abundant. Most of the group then went to the Carriers Arms at Watlington for lunch.

Pictures by Chris Ash and Jan Haseler

Harefield Copse, Tilehurst – 28 April 2012

Jan Haseler — Sat, 05 May 2012 08:59:03 +0000

Renée Grayer led a field trip to Harefield Copse and Boxgrove Wood, Tilehurst on the cold wet afternoon of Saturday 28^th April. The walk started out from Little Heath at the junction of Pincents Lane and City Road. The route followed a footpath through a horse-grazed field, where Renée pointed out that the first field buttercups to come into flower in spring were Bulbous Buttercups, with reflexed sepals. The path led into Harefield Copse, where the Bluebells were close to their best. Scattered amongst them were Yellow Archangel, Goldilocks Buttercup, Woodruff and Wood Anemone, with both Early Dog-violet and Common Dog-violet in flower close to the path. A diversion along a smaller side path revealed a big clump of Early-purple Orchids and a number of Wild Service-trees. Dropping down through the woods, Wych Elm and the uncommon Southern Wood-rush were seen. The bottom of the woods were wetter, with some particularly slippery clay patches on the footpath. Here Moschatel, Enchanter’s-nightshade and Primrose were found, together with Red Currant and Gooseberry bushes and another patch of Early-purple Orchids. An abrupt boundary at a wood bank from carpets of Bluebells to a big patch with no Bluebells hinted at a different history for the adjacent bits of woodland. An area which had recently been cleared of conifers was covered by a sea of Wood Spurge. On the climb back up through the woods, Wood Melick, Sanicle and Three-nerved Sandwort were added to the species tally.

Pictures by Rob Stallard

RDNHS excursion to Harefield Copse (SU652726), Mount Skyver Wood (SU651728) and Boxgrove Wood (SU650730), 28/04/12

Plant species observed:

Acer campestre Field Maple
Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel, Townhouse Clock
Ajuga reptans Bugle
Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard
Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone
Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley
Arum maculatum Cuckoo Pint, Lords and Ladies
Bryonia dioica White Bryony
Buxux sempervirens Box
Carex sylvatica Wood Sedge
Circaea lutetiana Enchanter’s-nightshade
Clematis vitalba Traveller’s-joy
Conium maculatum Hemlock
Cornus sanguineus Dogwood
Corylus avellana Hazel
Cytisus scoparius Broom
Dactylis glomerata Cock’s-foot
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove
Dipsacus fullonum Teasel
Dryopteris dilatata Broad Buckler-fern
Euonymus europaeus Spindle
Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge
Fagus sylvatica Beech
Galeopsis tetrahit Common Hemp-nettle
Galium aparine Cleavers
Galium odoratum Woodruff
Geranium robertianum Herb-Robert
Geum urbanum Wood Avens
Glechoma hederacea Ground-ivy
Hedera helix Ivy
Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell
Ilex aquifolium Holly
Lamiastrum galeobdolon Yellow Archangel
Lamium album White Dead-nettle
Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle
Luzula forsteri Southern Wood-rush
Lysimachia nemorum Yellow Pimpernel
Melica uniflora Wood Melick
Mercurialis perennis Dog’s mercury
Moehringia trinervia Three-nerved Sandwort
Orchis mascula Early-purple Orchid
Plantago major Greater Plantain
Primula vulgaris Primrose
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn
Pteridium aquilinum Bracken
Ranunculus acris Meadow Buttercup
Ranunculus bulbosus Bulbous Buttercup
Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine
Ribes rubrum Red Currant
Ribes uva-crispa Gooseberry
Rumex sanguineus Wood Dock
Sambucus nigra Elder
Sanicula europaea Sanicle
Scrophularia nodosa Figwort
Sorbus torminalis Wild Service-tree
Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion
Ulmus glabra Wych Elm
Urtica dioica Common Nettle
Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell
Veronica montana Wood Speedwell
Veronica serpyllifolia Thyme-leaved Speedwell
Vinca major Greater Periwinkle
Viola reichenbachiana Early Dog-violet
Viola riviniana Common Dog-violet

Fungi:
Calocybe gambosa St George’s Mushroom
Daldinia concentrica King Alfred’s Cakes or Cramp Ball

Birds:
Phasianus colchicus Pheasant
Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff
Picus viridis Green Woodpecker
Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap
Turdus philomenos Song Thrush

List by Renée Grayer

Clayfield Copse – 15 April 2012

Jan Haseler — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:25:59 +0000

There was a strong northerly breeze blowing on the afternoon of Sunday, April 15, bringing with it a few short showers of rain and hail. Nevertheless, 23 members assembled by Clayfield Copse, next to Caversham Park, to look at spring flowers, led by Michael Keith-Lucas. No-one could have been disappointed – most of the spring flowers that could have been expected were there and in flower, giving proof, if any were needed, that it is not always necessary to travel far to visit good sites. To be able to learn from the knowledge and experience of our leader was an added bonus. We learned how to distinguish the two common violets, the Common Dog Violet Viola riviniana, and the Wood Dog Violet Viola reichenbachiana, the polyploid and diploid forms of Lesser Celandine Ranunculus ficaria, the male and female Dog’s Mercury Mercurialis perennis, male and female Yew trees Taxus baccata, and why Sorbus torminalis is called in English the Wild Service Tree. Differences between the floras of Blackhouse Wood, which is ancient woodland, and Clayfield Copse, part of which was old park land which had been neglected and become woodland, were noticed. The old park land still had some Lebanon Cedars Cedrus libani to emphasise the point. Besides the Wild Service Tree, two other unusual members of the Rosaceae were noticed – the Wild Pear Pyrus pyraster, and the Wild Apple Malus sylvestris subsp. sylvestris. The Goldilocks Buttercup Ranunculus auricomus and an unusual Comfrey which when keyed out proved to be the White Comfrey Symphytum orientale added to our lists. Green Woodpeckers Picus viridis were seen and heard throughout the afternoon, and at one stage there were several voles, scuttling among the fallen wood and leaf litter.

Report by David Cliffe

Pictures by Rob Stallard

Species List – flowering plants

Taxus baccata Yew
Cedrus libani Lebanon Cedar
Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone
Ranunculus auricomus Goldilocks Buttercup
Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine
Viola reichenbachiana Wood Dog Violet
Viola riviniana Common Dog Violet
Alliaria petiolata Garlic Mustard
Cardamine pratensis Cuckoo Flower
Lunaria annua Honesty
Primula veris Cowslip
Primula vulgaris Primrose
Malus sylvestris subsp. sylvestris Wild Apple
Prunus avium Wild Cherry
Pyrus pyraster Wild Pear
Prunis spinosa Blackthorn
Sorbus aucuparia Rowan
Sorbus torminalis Wild Service Tree
Ribes rubrum Redcurrant
Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge
Mercurialis perennis Dog’s Mercury
Geranium robertianum Herb Robert
Sanicula europaea Sanicle (leaves only)
Symphytum orientale White Comfrey
Stachys sylvatica Hedge Woundwort (leaves only)
Glechoma hederacea Ground Ivy
Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell
Veronica montana Wood Speedwell
Scrophularia nodosa Common Figwort (leaves only)
Lonicera periclymenum Honeysuckle (leaves only)
Hyacinthoides non-scriptus Bluebell
Ruscus aculeatus Butcher’s Broom
Arum maculatum Lords-and-Ladies
Corylus avellana Hazel (in leaf)
Betula pendula Silver Birch
Carpinus betulus Hornbeam
Cornus sanguinea Dogwood
Daphne laureola Spurge Laurel (in fruit)
Melica nutans Wood Melick
Carex pendula Pendulous Sedge
Carex sylvatica Wood Sedge

Species List – fungi
Daldinia concentrica King Alfred’s Cakes

List by David Cliffe

Ufton Nervet – 24 March 2012

Jan Haseler — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 09:25:35 +0000

The sun was pleasantly warm when Jan Haseler led a circular walk from Ufton Nervet on Saturday 24^th March. Alexanders was growing luxuriantly beside the lane through the village. The walk started out westwards along a footpath through fields. First stop was the site of a medieval moated manor house. Frogs, clumps of frog-spawn and chains of toad-spawn were seen in the moat and Chiffchaffs were calling from the trees. Next stop was Ufton Court. A Treecreeper was spotted in the avenue of trees leading up to the house. An enormous old oak pollard nearby is reckoned to be more than 500 years old. One of the fishponds was full of yellow Skunk Cabbage heads. As the ancient sunken trackway leading west from Ufton Court dropped down from gravel onto clay, the ground became damp underfoot. Primroses were flowering in abundance on the banksides and in the adjoining copses. A Lords-and-Ladies plant was in flower and Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage and Wood-sorrel were seen. On the bankside further up were Barren Strawberry and Ground-ivy. At Old Farm, the route dropped back north-eastwards across a field of Rye Grass, then followed a track below a line of copses. The first Blackthorn blossom was appearing on the sunny sides of the hedges and pale yellow Sallow blossom was attracting the bees. A few very early Bluebells were already in flower. Tall seed heads of Small Teasel were showing above a patch of disturbed ground next to the track. The walk continued southwards up a lane, with white Sweet Violets and a very early Greater Stitchwort in flower on the banks. Another footpath crossed a field with Giant Puffballs, before dropping down into Sewards Gully, where flowering Moschatel and the leaves of Pignut were seen. The warm sunshine had brought out early butterflies and Brimstone, Comma, Peacock and Red Admiral were all seen during the walk.

Pictures by Rob Stallard

RDNHS excursion to Ufton Nervet, 23/03/12

Plant species observed:

Adoxa moschatellina Moschatel, Townhouse Clock
Anemone nemorosa Wood Anemone
Arabidopsis thaliana Thale Cress
Arum maculatum (leaves) Cuckoo Pint (Lords and Ladies)
Bellis perennis Daisy
Cardamine hirsuta Hairy Bitter-cress
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage
Conopodium majus (leaves)   Pignut
Dipsacus pilosus (Last year’s fruit heads)   Small Teasel
Euphorbia amygdaloides Wood Spurge
Galium aparine Cleavers
Glechoma hederacea Ground-ivy
Hedera helix Ivy
Hyacinthoides non-scripta Bluebell
Lamium album White Dead-nettle
Lamium purpureum Red Dead-nettle
Mercurialis perennis Dog’s mercury
Oxalis acetosella Wood-sorrel
Pentaglottis sempervirens Green Alkanet
Potentilla sterilis Barren Strawberry
Primula vulgaris Primrose
Prunus spinosa Blackthorn
Ranunculus ficaria Lesser Celandine
Senecio vulgaris Groundsel
Smyrnium olusatrum Alexanders
Stellaria holostea Greater Stitchwort
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion
Ulex europaeus Gorse
Veronica beccabunga (leaves)   Brooklime
Veronica hederifolia Ivy-leaved Speedwell
Veronica montana Wood Speedwell
Veronica persica Common Field-speedwell
Vinca minor Lesser Periwinkle
Viola odorata (with white flowers)   Sweet Violet

Fungi:

Calvatia gigantea (last year’s remains) Giant Puffball

Lichens:

Daldinia concentrica
Flavoparmelia caperata Common Greenshield Lichen
Parmelia sulcata
Physcia tenella
Punctelia subrudecta
Xanthoria parietina

Birds:

Carduelis chloris Greenfinch
Certhia familiaris Treecreeper
Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch
Parus major Great Tit
Phasianus colchicus Pheasant
Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff
Sitta europaea Nuthatch
Troglodytes troglodytes Wren

Insects, including Butterflies:

Bombylius major Bee Fly
Coccinella septempunctata 7-Spotted Ladybird
Gonepteryx rhamni Brimstone
Inachis io Peacock Butterfly
Polygonia c-album Comma
Vanessa atalanta Red Admiral

Amphibians

Rana temporaria Common Frog
Bufo bufo Common Toad (toad-spawn)

list by Renée Greyer and James Wearn

Dinton Pastures – 21 March 2012

Jan Haseler — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:14:55 +0000

Ricki Bull led a walk through Dinton Pastures Country Park and then along the River Loddon on Wednesday 21^st March. The Sallows were covered in pale golden blossom and the Blackthorns were coming into flower. A Chiffchaff was calling from close to the track between White Swan and Black Swan lakes. A Kingfisher was spotted on the River Loddon, next to Lavell’s Lake. There were many clumps of Loddon Lilies growing on the banks of the river and just coming into flower. Close inspection showed the tiny teeth on the edges of the flower stem, which distinguish the wild flowers from their cultivated relations. From the Ron Bryant hide, the group were able to look out over the lake at Lea Farm, where a pair of Goldeneyes and a Redshank were amongst the sightings. The walk continued downstream along the bank of the Loddon. A Fox was spotted in the field across the river, with an agitated Moorhen on the bank below. As the temperature rose in the brightening sunshine, butterflies started to appear – patrolling Brimstones, plus Peacocks, Commas and a Red Admiral. The walk terminated at the Wheelwrights Arms, where most people stayed to lunch.

The Coombes – Saturday 25 February

Jan Haseler — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:21:52 +0000

Lesley Dunlop led a walk to look at the geology of The Coombes, near Barkham, on Saturday 25th February. The walk started at the top of the site, on river terrace gravels which had been laid down about 250,000 years ago. An exposed bank showed flint-origin gravel, with the pebbles in a mixture of shapes and sizes. 2 Goldcrests in a bush at the side of the track displayed their fiery orange caps and drumming woodpeckers were heard. The route then led down into the woods and onto the Bagshot Sands, which had been laid down in a marine environment 49 – 44 million years ago. The strong orange colouring of an exposed bank of sand indicated that it had a high iron content. There were occasional beds of flat rounded pebbles, which would have been laid down near a beach. Some creatures, perhaps bees, had excavated round holes in the sand. Bluebells, Honeysuckle and Wood Sage were growing in this part of the wood. As the path descended towards the bottom of the woods, the conditions became boggy and streams began to appear. This marked the start of the London Clay, laid down 56 – 49 million years. The ground flora became notably richer, with Wood-sorrel, Lesser Celandine, Barren Strawberry, Herb-Robert, Greater Stitchwort, Lords-and-Ladies and Dog’s Mercury. Another track led uphill, back onto the Bagshot Beds. There were many animal burrows dug into the banks at the side of the track and 2 Roe Deer were seen in an adjoining field. Back at the top of the site, on the river terrace gravels, was an area of recent excavations. Lesley explained that the gravels laid down in the Kennet and Thames valleys are made up almost entirely of flint, but the Loddon gravels also include sandstone fragments from the Greensand of the Weald, and a number of these were found.

Churn – 15 February 2012

Jan Haseler — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:07:39 +0000

It was mild but windy when Martin Sell led a walk at Churn on the Berkshire Downs on 15^th February. As the 15-strong party walked up towards the Ridgeway, singing Skylarks and Corn Buntings were heard and there were big flocks of Fieldfares, Lapwings and Chaffinches. A Hare was sitting up in the middle of a field of winter wheat. It waited long enough for everyone to get good views, before running away across the field. Highlight of the walk were 3 Short-eared Owls which got up from rough grass next to the track, then settled on posts on a nearby fence. A herd of 11 Roe Deer was seen in the middle of another big field of wheat, with some feeding and some lying down. The railway enthusiasts were able to reminisce about their last journeys on the former Didcot to Newbury line, whose route was crossed twice on the walk back to the cars. Everyone then went to the Red Lion at Blewbury for lunch.

Pictures by Ray Reedman and Jan Haseler

Avon Valley and New Forest – 29 January 2012

Jan Haseler — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:41:55 +0000

On Sunday 29 January, Martin Sell led a joint field trip with the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) to the Avon Valley near Ringwood and the New Forest. The initial meeting point was the bridge over the River Avon at Ibsley. In a nearby field were several hundred Mute Swans, plus one Bewick’s Swan and one Whooper Swan. Next stop was Blashford Lakes, a nature reserve of the Hants and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. A hide in a wood of birch and alder looked out over feeders which were being used by Redpolls, Siskins and a selection of other finches and tits. Lunch was eaten in another hide, looking out over a lake with Goosanders, displaying Goldeneyes, distant Black-tailed Godwits and a bankside Fox. The final destination was Blackwater Arboretum in the New Forest. In late afternoon, Hawfinches fly in and perch on the tops of the trees before going to roost. Their bulky bodies and short tails give them a distinctive torpedo-shaped outline. Crossbill was another good find here.

Pictures by Ray Reedman and Jan Haseler

Species list for Avon Valley and Blackwater Arboretum

Ibsley

Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus
Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Greylag Goose Anser anser
Canada Goose Branta canadensis
Stonechat Saxicola torquata

Blashford Lakes

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Dabchick Tachybaptus ruficollis
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Wigeon Anas penelope
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Gadwall Anas strepera
Pintail Anas acuta
Shoveler Anas clypeata
Teal Anas crecca
Pochard Aytha ferina
Goldeneye Bucephela clangula
Goosander Mergus merganser
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus
Great Tit Parus major
Coal Tit Parus ater
Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
Nuthatch Sitta europaea
Treecreeper Certhia familiaris
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Siskin Carduelis spinus
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
Redpoll Carduelis flammea

Blackwater Arboretum

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

Tyle Mill – 18 January 2012

Jan Haseler — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:45:26 +0000

On the damp but mild morning of 18^th January, Chris Bucke led a walk which started from Tyle Mill, followed the lane south to Sulhampstead then turned right onto the footpath towards Ufton Green and Padworth. The land to the left of the path sloped uphill, while there were signs of springs down to the right. A flock of about 10 Skylarks was seen. One of the arable fields had a number of Musk Thistles, mostly covered by spiders’ webs. Another field had a selection of different plants in flower, including Pineappleweed, Field Pansy and Red Dead-nettle. Samples of the stout and hairy Common Mouse-ear and the more delicate Common Chickweed were taken for closer study in the pub afterwards. Snowdrops were in flower at Ufton Green.

The gravel pits near Padworth did not have a great variety of water fowl, but species seen included a few Greylag Geese, Shovelers, Pochards and Great Crested Grebes. The exposed bank of the River Kennet had a dark layer, which Chris identified as peat which had formed behind a beaver dam in the distant past. Guelder-rose berries on bushes at the side of the path were bright red, but rather shrivelled. After crossing the river at Aldermaston Wharf, the route followed the towpath of the Kennet and Avon Canal back to the start. Fieldfares and Redwings were seen in the bankside trees and big clumps of Greater Tussock-sedge were identified. A Kingfisher flew along the canal and then perched in a bankside Hawthorn, showing its chestnut breast. Most of the party then went to the Fox and Hounds at Theale for lunch.

Ridgeway near Aldworth – 10 December 2011

Jan Haseler — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 15:50:25 +0000

There was ice on the puddles, but the sun was shining and the air was still when Fred Taylor led a walk round Lowbury Hill in the Berkshire Downs on Saturday 10^th December. A flowering poppy was a surprise find as the group started off up the track above Starveall, near Aldworth. Also in flower at the field edge were Scentless Mayweed, Shepherd’s-purse and Groundsel. Along the base of the hedge were a few clumps of Spurge-laurel, and this too was in flower, with its inconspicuous small green flowers.

There were big flocks of Starlings, Lapwings and Golden Plovers on the grass above Juniper Valley. The big surprise of the day was the number of species which were in flower on the racehorse gallops, including Cowslips, Common and Greater Knapweed, Field Scabious and Clustered Bellfower – very unexpected for the middle of December. A number of fungi were found, including white waxcaps and Field Blewits in the grassland. Some of the hedgerows had been drastically flailed back. Where they had been left, they carried heavy crops of sloes, hawthorn berries and the bright red strings of Black Bryony berries and these were attracting large flocks of Fieldfares and a few Redwings.

Pictures by Ray Reedman and Jan Haseler

Plants in flower

Common Poppy Papaver rhoeas
White Campion Silene latifolia
Shepherd’s-purse Capsella bursa-pastoris
Cowslip Primula veris
Spurge-laurel Daphne laureola
Burnet-saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga
Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium
Wild Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
Wild Carrot Daucus carota
White Dead-nettle Lamium album
Clustered Bellflower Campanula glomerata
Field Scabious Knautia arvensis
Common Knapweed Centaurea nigra
Greater Knapweed Centaurea scabiosa
Nipplewort Lapsana communis

Birds

Red Kite Milvus milvus
Buzzard Buteo buteo
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Skylark Alauda arvensis
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
Redwing Turdus iliacus
Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Linnet Carduelis cannabina