Our August outing was postponed due to the intense heat, but the postponement did not take place as everyone was otherwise engaged!
Several recces of various locations were carried out to find a decent amount to identify and this proved to be The Tees Railway Path from Romaldkirk towards Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Wednesday, 9th September was predicted to be the best day of the week weather wise and it was. Nine of us went on a wild flower and berry identification stroll and were amazed at the number of wild flowers, 33 - Bramble, both red and white Clover, Convolvulus, Great Burnet, Harebell, Lady’s Bedstraw, Red Campion, Rosebay Willowherb (Fireweed), both Devil’s-bit and Field Scabious and Common Toadflax to name a few.
We also identified 6 berries: Beech nuts, Blackberry, Elderberry, Hawthorn, Rose Hips and Rowan/Mountain Ash.
To add to the interest of this walk we spotted an Agaracles mushroom, a wasp gall (nest) on a rose bush and a well camouflaged Grasshopper!
There were butterflies, a couple of grey Squirrels, some rabbits, oh and sheep in the fields.
All in all a very enjoyable afternoon rounded off with refreshments at Cotherstone Old Chapel Cafe and Shop.
Anne Thomson, Convenor