April expedition

This year one of the themes we will be focusing on is trees and the insects associated them. Elsewhere on this blog is a handy guide to each of the trees that we will be looking at during the year (there are a few more in preparation). 

On this expedition we walked along the High Bank and saw some of the spring features of Alder, Ash, Blackthorn and Hawthorn. The Alder was not quite in leaf but we learnt to recognise it by its black cones remaining from the autumn. The Ash was showing evidence of three seasons: some trees had keys still there from the autumn; others displayed some of the velvet winter buds; and a few were coming into leaf. We discussed the similarities and differences between Blackthorn, which was already in flower, and Hawthorn, which would not flower until May. Both of the rose family, we examined the Blackthorn flower. We contrasted its small oval leaves with the lobed and irregular leaves of the Hawthorn. We also discussed the possible uses of the fruit of each.

In the wooded areas we established the difference between the abundant Primrose, the ever-increasing Cowslip and the scarce False Oxlip, which has features of both Cowslip and Primrose. We also looked at the Common Dog-violet with its dark green heart-shaped leaves and the Wild Strawberry.

Earlier we examined the moths which had been trapped in Baltrasna overnight. The larva of each of the moths feeds on trees.

Date: 8 April 2017 Time: 12-1

Attendance: 13 (including 4 children)

What we observed and talked about —

Birds: Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler
Flowers: Common Dog-violet, Cowslip, False Oxlip, Primrose, Wild Strawberry
Moths:  Clouded Drab, March Moth, Hebrew Character, Twin-spotted Quaker
Trees: Alder, Ash, Blackthorn, Hawthorn