Eleven of us braved the showers and a hailstorm when we identified 14 wild flowers at Cow Green Reservoir. Despite the rain the Spring Gentians put in an appearance which they sadly didn’t two years ago! We were delighted to find Teesdale Sandwort (a first for most of us) and Spring Sandwort which in Britain is known only from Teesdale. There were numerous swathes of colourful Mountain Pansies, Dog Violet and Bird’s Eye Primrose. We were surprised to find a solitary Water Avens in this location.
We adjourned to the Langdon Beck Hotel a bit cold and wet to dry out and enjoy a warming cuppa and cake or scone. Refreshed and warmed 9 of us had a dander down the lane opposite the Hotel and the surrounding area where we identified 29 wild flowers including Cowslips, Crosswort, both Red and White Dead-nettle, Dog’s Mercury, Marsh Marigolds/Kingcup and the highlight of the afternoon Early Purple Orchid.
A complete list of flowers has been sent to the Group members.
Our next wild flower identification will take place on Wednesday, 10th June - for further details please contact the Group Convenor.
Report by Anne Thomson