11 of us met on the outskirts of Grassington on a beautiful sunny day to explore the banks of the River Wharfe upstream of Grassington Bridge. This gave the newer, less-experienced members of the group an opportunity to start to get to grips with grasses, little white flowers and some of the yellow, dandelion-type flowers. The banks were full of flowers including stands of Field Scabious Knautia arvensis, Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum and Reed Canary Grass Phalaris arundinacea.
Field Scabious Knautia arvensis
Lesser Meadow-Rue-Thalictrum minus
Some of the highlights included a number of crucifers including Dame’s Violet Hesperis matronalis and Creeping Yellow-cress Rorippa sylvestris. We also found a lovely specimen of Common Water-Plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica by the edge of the river. We also found some Sand Leeks Allium scorodoprasum and Lesser Meadow-Rue Thalictrum minus.
Common Water-plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica
Over lunch we sat on the limestone bedrock and distinguished between Thyme-leaved Sandwort Arenaria serpyllifolio, Knotted Pearlwort Spergula nodosa and Fairy or Purging Flax Linum catharticum, all small white flowers that are easily confused.
We then headed back to Christine’s house for tea and cake to end a very lovely day revisiting many old favourites.
Jane
Our next trip is to Fewston or Swinsty reservoir on Tuesday 13 th August, we hope that you can join us.
