Botany Outing to Hebden Gill 23 May 2023

On a beautiful dry, sunny day nineteen members met in Hebden to walk upstream along the road following the Hebden Beck. This was a new venue for us.

Through the gate Hawthorn trees (Crataegus monogyna) were at their best and in full bloom. Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) was in flower and whitening the roadside. Meadow Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) the tallest and most graceful of our common buttercups and Creeping Buttercup (R.repens), our only one with creeping and rooting runners, were growing on the beck side of the road. Bulbous Buttercup (R.bulbosus) with down-turned sepals was seen later during our lunch break.

Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Marsh Thistle (C. palustre) and Creeping Thistle ( C. arvense) were in the same area together with Bush Vetch (Vicia sepium) with it’s blue/purple flowers, Thyme – leaved Speedwell (Veronica serpyllifolia) and Germander Speedwell ( V. chamaedrys).

We studied three docks. Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) with narrow leaves with strongly wavy margins, Wood Dock (R. sanguinrus) with more pointed leaves and Broad Leaved Dock ( R. obtusifolius) with sturdy leaves heart shaped at the base.

Lunch was taken by a waterfall at the edge of the beck side. Here our one and only Early Purple Orchid (Orchis muscula) was spotted.

After lunch we continued along the road seeing Brooklime ( Veronica beccabunga) and Water Cress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum) both growing in water. Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea), with its deeply-cut cleft white petals, was growing amongst Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta).

On reaching the bridge a patch of yellow, spotted down by the water’s edge, was identified as Yellow Pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum).

A final surprise of several clumps of Spring Sandwort (Sabulina verna), a new Latin name I’m told, grew on what must be near lead mine spoil from Yarnbury.

We retraced our steps and all headed back to enjoy drinks and cakes outside The Old School House in Hebden.

Report and botany pictures by Pam Rutherford.   Lunchtime picture by Ian Hughes