Botany Outing to Fishpond Wood 9 May 2023

Despite the daunting weather forecast our botanical visit to Bewerley on the outskirts of Pateley Bridge was dry, warm, and blessed with lovely sunny spells.
As we progressed through the deciduous woodland, carpets of bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) were replaced with swathes of flowering Ramsons (Allium ursinum) – spring has finally arrived! The Wild cherry trees (Prunus avium) with delicate blossoms were in full bloom and looked a picture in the dappled sunlight.

From the Whitewoods Wellbeing website  and the Upper Nidderdale Landscape Partnership website we learnt that Fishpond Wood is part of a once extensive network of pleasure gardens for the Yorke Family of Bewerley Hall which was demolished in 1925.
The layout of the paths and the pond at Fishpond Wood took advantage of the rocky millstone grit outcrops and the hillside location to sweep through this ancient and semi-natural woodland. Our sightings of Enchanter’s Nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) and Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) were both indicators of this ancient woodland.
Today the wood is owned by Dr Peter Brambleby who explained that there is a Woodland Management Plan, drafted and approved by the Forestry Commission. The Plan recognises the aim of becoming a “Natural Health Service” and using it for therapeutic, educational, and recreational purposes. I can confirm that it certainly fulfils this role. It is a wonderful place of peace and tranquillity.
Our group identified over 90 botanical species on our visit.
It was fascinating to see four varieties of Speedwell: Germander (Veronica chamaedrys), Heath (V. officinalis), Thyme-leaved (V. serpyllifolia) and Wood (V. montana). Common Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa) was another interesting find.

On a bank along the main footpath, it was exciting to locate a Stinking Hellebore (Helleborus foetidus). Despite the name, and the pungent smell when touched, the delicate cup like flowers with the purple edges on the green sepals distinguishes it from other Hellebores.

Around the pond the Marsh Marigolds (Caltha palustris) and Cowslips (Primula veris) gave a vibrant splash of colour complementing the blue of Bugle (Ajuga reptans).

We noted the fresh green of the young ferns included Broad Buckler-fern ( Dryopteris dilatata), Male-fern ( D. filix-mas) and Lady-fern (Athyrium filix-femina).
We had an informative discussion about distinguishing between Sticky Mouse-ear (Cerastium glomeratum) and Common Mouse-ear (C. fontanum). The compact clusters of flowers of the former contrasting with the loose clusters of the latter was very evident.

I do recommend a visit to the wood, which is peaceful and full of birdsong. The banks of foxgloves will be a mass of colour once in flower.

Report by Stella Hughes, Photos by Ian and Stella Hughes