Threshfield quarry closed in 2000 and since then nature has been reclaiming it. There are areas of woodland, ponds, calcareous grassland and hazel coppice. There were remains of an old lime kiln and Hudsons trucks and rail tracks.
We started on the lane, looking at the verge and hedgerow. We found an abundance of Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) in flower, white Sweet Violet ( Viola odorata) and yellow Celandine (Ficaria verna).
Walking through a well grazed field we noticed tiny Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor) and possible Harebell leaves (Campanula rotundifolia).
Onward into the woodland area where there were plentiful Primroses (Primula vulgaris) .
In all we identified more than 80 plants and grasses. We were excited to find woodland favourites Town Hall Clock (Adoxa moschatella) and Herb Paris (Paris quadrifolia) as we walked back.
The weather stayed dry and it was a good opportunity to hone our ID skills, using our field keys and magnifying loupes. It was fun to catch up after the winter with a grand total of 14 botanists.
Our next trip is to Oxenber and Wharfe Woods on Tuesday 29 April.
Rosemary
