On Wednesday 23/6 the Bradford Botany Group conducted some valuable survey work at Low Moor Banks. At present the plant/tree species list for the site stands at 151 and the more new species that are recorded the better the conservation for the site will be.
As the experts got to work even the new up and coming botanists were on their knees enjoying one of the 3 Bee Orchids on show.
Interestingly only one Bee Orchid was found in their usual place just off the main path and the other three were found at their old site at the top of the area in a glade by the Alder trees.
There were plenty of ” Oh! now this is interesting ” as the group progressed. Andrew from the group had the important job of not only identifying but recording all the species found.
Whilst I was trying to learn from the expert botanist I was also keeping an eye out for any moths, butterflies and birds.
And thankfully there were plenty of Narrow-bordered five-spot burnet about and I even had help in finding them from the ‘ very young botanists!
When we got the top of the site there was a discussion about a Sedge species that had been found and some leaves were taken for further examination. Then one of the group turn to me and said ” If this is what I think it is….This will be the best site in Yorkshire for the species!
Music to my ears…
On a previous visit to the site I had found 4 Southern Marsh orchids but a further three were found which was great news.
As more and more species were added to the list my ears pricked up as I heard a brief call of a Lesser Whitethroat ( An uncommon bird in the Bradford area ).
It then called again from the same location. This is great news and given the date suggests the species may have bred. A further visit is planned.
So it was an excellent and enjoyable night and judging by the excitement on some of the botanists faces…I can’t wait to receive the complete list of species found and fingers crossed there will be some new species to add to the growing list at Low Moor Banks.
I will update when I receive the completed list of species found.
