Merseyside Nature (2013 September-October)

Merseyside Nature

September/October

Friends of MerseysideBiobank

Special points of interest:

Created by and for Volunteer Naturalists. Edited by Bob Jude and Hugh Harris Views expressed in this newsletter are those of individual authors .

Phil Smith’s Wildlife Notes Tony Carter’s Fascinating Fungi on the Ainsdale Dunes. A sign of Global Warming?

More of Tony’s Fascinating Fungi at Clock Face Country Park Hugh’s insight into the Season of Mists and Meetings Ben Deed talks about Bryophytes

Articles from naturalists involved with mammals, birds, bats amphibians, plants or fungi are welcome.

Stories from 250-1000 words with accompanying photos will take us all on your journey. Email your work to: newsletter@activenaturalist.org.uk Sept/Oct around Court Hey Park

Inside this issue: Phil Smith’s Wildlife Notes

2-3

Tony Carter’s Fascinating Fungi

4-5

Local Nature Reserves

6

Woodland Conservation Theory

6

Liverpool Loop Line Survey

7

Lancashire Wildlife Trust

8

Friends of Court Hey Park

9

Merseyside Estuary Conservation Group

9

WeBS

10

Bryologising with Des

11-12

Events

13

Left to right - Top to bottom Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) Inkcap (Coprinus comatus) Leaf Hopper (Cicadellidae) Shield Bug (Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale) Hairy Shield Bug (Dolycoris baccarum) Corn Marigold (Glebionis segetum) Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) Mallow (Malva)

Contents Phil completes the Parnassia palustris survey and spots Black Darter dragonflies and Lapland Bunting around the Dunes Tony Carter continues his excellent reports on fungi of the Sefton Coast and Clock Face Country Park

Hugh Harris talks of Mists and Meetings and learns about Woodland Conservation Theory

Hugh reports on a Merseyside Estuary Conservation Group general meeting

Hugh, Fleur and Emma survey the Liverpool Loop Line

WeBS continues with the help of new volunteers counters

Extract from Shoresearch News

Ben Deed introduces us to Bryophytes

Merseyside Nature

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Wildlife notes September 2013 - Dr Phil Smith With measureable rainfall on about twelve days, mainly in the first half of the month, September lacked the extremes of weather so often experienced during the year.

If not quite an “Indian Summer”, it culminated in several pleasantly warm, dry days. However, autumn seems to have come early this year, with leaf-fall by the end of the month being more reminiscent of late October.

Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis )

Approximately 50,000

Parnassia palustris recorded during the survey of the Sefton Coast Rabbits - Could be

Much of my time was spent on the coastwide Grass-ofParnassus survey, which began in August. Apart from counting plants in several dune-slacks, Patricia Lockwood helped me to record lots of quadrats to describe the preferred habitat of the plant. Results from many other volunteers came in during the month and it looks like we have a grand total of around 50,000 plants, despite it being a relatively poor year for this species.

While surveying Grass-of-Parnassus, other interesting plants were often encountered. Thus, a wet-slack in Ainsdale Sandhills produced a new population of the nationally declining Lesser Water-plantain, a welcome addition to the thirteen colonies found during a coastwide survey in 2011.

counted in 2010 to only 147 now, though some of the plants were impressively large and healthy-looking.

These reductions are probably due to the decline in Rabbits since a big myxomatosis outbreak in 2009. The gentians rely on short, open vegetation for germination and survival of seedlings. They don’t cope well with the taller swards that grow in the absence of grazing.

Another smaller colony of Autumn Gentians at Birkdale was just missed by a large off-road vehicle which had been driven through the dunes and the adjacent Green Beach, causing large ruts in places and smashing a Velvet Trail board-walk. Sefton Council’s Coast & Countryside staff tell me they are trying to trace the culprit.

A visit to Hightown in mid-month was rewarded by spectacular numbers of the rare hybrid centaury, Centaurium × intermedium.

Known only from Lancashire, Merseyside, Anglesey and Merioneth, this cross between Common and Seaside Centauries often flowers later than its parents, making it easier to spot at this time of year.

Flocks of Pink-footed Geese were constantly flying over to roost on the sea offshore, totalling an impressive 2500. The Alt sand-banks held high-tide gatherings of about 300 Curlew and 140 Shelduck, while five Blacktailed Godwits flew northwards, perhaps on route to their more usual haunts at Marshside.

considered important for the dunes in maintaining necessary habitats for rare plants Rare hybrid Centuary spotted

Gentianella amarella

Late summer is also a good time to look for our two sanddune gentians. As usual, the big slack south of Ainsdale Discovery Centre produced some superb Field Gentians, though there were only about 250 where over 1000 had been counted a few years ago.

Similarly, numbers of Autumn Gentian in selected Birkdale frontal dune slacks had fallen from 685 spikes

Pink footed Goose, D. Dunford, Wiki, 2013

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Wildlife Notes - July 2013 - Dr Phil Smith This was the first I had seen on the coast since 2008.

Nearby, the New Green Beach had lots of bright-green Short-winged Coneheads, a southern bush-cricket that arrived here in 2002 and has now spread all the way up the coast to Cumbria.

Black Darter dragonfly spotted at slack 47 Birkdale Short-winged Coneheads, another

Black Tailed Godwit, B.Mcadam, Wiki

However, my bird highlight of the month was an immature Lapland Bunting at the southern end of Birkdale Green Beach on 14th. Attracted by its distinctive call, I was able to get close enough to see its characteristic stripy plumage and even take a confirmatory photograph.

Lapland Buntings are scarce visitors to our coasts from Scandinavia, usually seen later in the autumn or winter.

introduced species Black Darter (Sympetrum danae)

My month ended with a visit to Ainsdale Sand Dunes National Nature Reserve, where track-sides were brightened by hundreds of Scarlet Pimpernels.

Less usual, however, was a male Black Darter on 28th, a dragonfly usually associated with peatlands but which disperses widely in some years.

northward Hundreds of Scarlet Pimpernal brighten

Nearby were a few plants of Smooth Cat’s-ear, a rare speciality of the older dunes, while damper spots held the strange-looking Marsh Cudweed. Two jewel-like Small Coppers were welcome companions on my return walk.

Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus)

Given suitably sunny weather, dragonflies can often be found to at least the end of September. My regular visits to slack no. 47 in the Birkdale frontals produced up to 10 Migrant Hawkers, a typical autumnal species.

that has travelled

Short Winged Conehead (Conocephalus dorsalis), Aiwok, Wiki

the dunes at Ainsdale

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Fascinating Fungi - Moving North? - Tony Carter On Saturday 28th September, I led a fungal foray at Ainsdale Sand Dunes Nature Reserve on behalf of Natural England.

Pure white and woolly, it was densely covered in a powdery substance that came off easily when handled.

I identified it to the group as a probable Cystoderma (Powdercap), which seemed logical at the time.

Later microscopic observation and further research showed that it was a Dapperling, (Cystolepiota pulverulenta).

Pholiota squarrosa

It was here that we found about forty species, mostly the more common varieties such as Amanita muscaria (Fly Agaric), Paxillus involutus (Brown Rollrim), Lactarius tabidus (Birch Milkcap) and Pholiota squarrosa (Shaggy Saclycap).

Tony Carter records a new fungi species along the Sefton Coast Is this a further

These are species a foray leader hopes for when assisting a group of novices.

However, one specimen, found by the gate leading into the paddock, was new to me.

sign of global warming?

Amanita muscaria

Cystolepiota pulverulenta

Paxillus involutus

I had never seen one before. It is the first record for Ainsdale and VC59.

Ainsdale rarely fails to surprise.

According to the British Checklist, this species is normally found in southern counties such as Oxfordshire, Somerset and Devon.

Is this another species moving north with a warming climate?

Lactarius tabidus

Extract From Shoresearch News - October 2013 “Protecting Wildlife for the Future” Shoresearch News is a pdf newsletter from Living Seas and the Wildlife Trust reporting on shoreline surveying. Education and training courses for volunteers are provided Booking for events is essential.

The surveying area covers the tidal habitats of Northwest England

Mersey Narrows, The Wirral.

Our second new VSL (and ex-marine graduate) Beckie, Wilcox, lead another successful survey in August.

Beckie and the other surveyors discovered plenty of interesting species, such as barnacles, two species of red seaweed and more Sabellaria alveolata.

The rockpools at the Narrows are teaming with life. The site is also a

Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area for birds as it is an important feeding ground for waders and a high-tide roost. There is plenty of life to observe there whatever the tide so well worth a visit! Beckie sends a big “thank you” to all.

Request a copy from Shoresearchnw @cumbriawidlifetrust.org.uk

Merseyside Nature

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Fascinating Fungi - Clock face Country Park - Tony Carter On Monday, 14th October, I went to Clock Face Country Park at the invitation of a colleague who works with Mersey Forest and played a part in the establishment of the park. He was interested to identify the fungi he had observed during his visits.

Tony visits a relatively new woodland site at Clock Face Country Park and is pleasantly

The notice board told me that the Park had been set up on the site of the old Clock Face Colliery in 1990, when it was planted out with a variety of trees to encourage wildlife.

Being such young woodland, I did not think we would find much, particularly as the dry weather seems to have discouraged fungi in more established woodland. I was in for a surprise. Immediately upon arrival, I found my first species in the car park, Lepista flaccida (Tawny Funnel). A large area of open grassland was very productive.

surprised by the productivity and diversity

Lepista flaccida

We found three varieties of Hygrocybe (Waxcap), psittacina (Parrot), conica (Blackening) and virginea (Snowy) together with a number of smaller fungi of various species.

The finds included the highly poisonous Clitocybe rivulosa, seen in the picture growing with Clavulinopsis helvola (Yellow Club). It is commonly known as Fool’s Funnel and also False Clitocybe Champignon, as it regularly grows in rings with an edible Marasmius (Fairy Ring Champignon). These fungi contain muscarine, which will make you very sick, so it is not one to pick by mistake.

Lactarius deliciosus

Clitocybe rivulosa

The broadleaf woodland produced a selection of Leccinum scabrum (Brown Birch Bolete), Lactarius pubescens and turpis (Bearded and Ugly Milkcaps) and Russula fragilis (Fragile Brittlegill) while the coniferous sections supported Suilus grevileii (Larch Bolete), Lacatrius rufus and deliciosus (Rufous and Saffron Milkcaps, and Inocybe species (Fibrecaps). One pine stump sported a very fine Tricholompsis rutilans (Plums and Custard).

Also found were three different Tricholomas (Knights), cingulatum (Girdled), scalpturatum (Yellowing) and ustale (Burnt).

Tricholompsis rutilans Hygrocybe psittacina

We collected and identified forty two species in just two hours despite the handicap of some severe rain showers.

What surprised us was the number of mycorrhizal fungi, those that grow in association with tree roots producing nutrients and stimulating growth.

Tricholoma scalpturatum

It can take many years for such associations to develop. Modern practice is to inoculate plants with mycorrhizae, to establish and promote growth and this may well have been done to encourage tree population on an industrial site, such as this.

Merseyside Nature

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What’s in your Quadrat 1.10? - Hugh Harris Local Nature Reserves Established in 2003, the Liverpool Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) Project is a partnership between Liverpool City council and the Wildlife Trust.

Four LNRs have been designated. All are owned by the City Council which manages them for their wildlife and as a local community resource.

O.S. Explorer Map 275 1:25 000 Scale.

Croxteth Local Nature Reserve Previously the Country Estate of Lord Sefton, Croxteth Country Park is now Liverpool's largest public open space.

The LNR comprises 50ha of woodland, rough grassland and pasture with several ponds and is bordered by the River Alt. Mull Wood, the largest woodland block, is mainly English Oak and Sycamore. It holds a good variety of breeding birds, including Nuthatch and occasionally Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.

The ponds support an interesting collection of plants, including Tubular Water-dropwort, and a range of common dragonfly species.

Car park at SJ400943.

Childwall Woods and Fields Originally part of the estate grounds of Childwall Hall, the 24ha site is a mixture of plantation woodland and rough grassland.

The wood is ornamental in origin with a mix of species including English Oak, Sweet Chestnut and Beech. It is noteworthy for its extensive native Bluebell population.

The grasslands put on a spectacular show of Common Spotted and Southern Marsh Orchids in early June.

Sixteen species of butterfly have been recorded on the Fields. Within Childwall Woods, the old carriage drive is designated as a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS) for its exposed sandstone faces. Entrance from Childwall Abbey Road at SJ411890

Mill Wood & Alder Wood, Speke On the edge of Speke estate and adjoining open countryside, the 22ha Mill Wood is owned by Liverpool City Council but sits mostly within the neighbouring districts of Halton and Knowsley.

An ancient woodland dominated by oak and birch, it holds one of only three known populations of the Purple Hairstreak butterfly in North Merseyside.

The rich woodland ground flora includes Bluebell, Dog's Mercury, Wood Sorrel and Yellow Pimpernel.

The adjoining meadows are some of Liverpool's best grasslands, supporting Common Centaury, Bee Orchid, Common Spotted Orchid, Ragged Robin and various vetches. Entrance from Alderfield Drive (by heavy green steel access gate) at SJ454837

hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013

Orchid

Liverpool Local Nature Reserves Lessons in Woodland Conservation Theory with Adam Graham Around the Eric Hardy Reserve, Black Woods and Childwall Woods

Woodland Conservation Theory - Hugh Harris On Saturday 28th September 2013, Adam Graham of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust introduced us to Woodland Conservation Theory.

The morning’s theory based session was presented by Adam in the Ranger’s room at the Harvester pub in Otterspool Drive to 14 volunteer conservationists.

After lunch we travelled in the Wildlife Trust’s minibus and volunteer cars to visit three local woodland reserves;

Eric Hardy Reserve, Black Woods and Childwall Woods.

We identified the general and specific habitats/features in each woodland reserve that makes a woodland good for wildlife, made rapid assessments of high – low diversity, We looked at how management could introduce habitat and wildlife diversity into woodlands to maximise their biodiversity.

We explored habitat creation in the Eric Hardy Reserve and increasing diversity in Black Woods and rhododendron clearance in Childwall Woods that has enabled new growth.

These were some of the practical measures used to restructure and regenerate our woods all ith the aim of maximising biodiversity.

Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi )

hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013

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What’s in your Quadrat? 1.10 Liverpool Loop Line Survey - Hugh Harris

Surveying the Liverpool Loop Line Autumn, the season of mists and meetings

Lawyers Wig, Shaggy Inkcap (Coprinus comatus)

The Loop Line is a fantastic, popular traffic free, wildlife route running from Halewood to Aintree and on to Southport on the Cheshire lines path.

This fabulous walking and cycling route follows the old railway line.

We used the Joint Nature Conservancy Council (JNCC) Phase 1 survey methodology – a standardized system widely used throughout Britain that gives a consistent level of detail and accuracy, so that results of one survey may be compared with those of another and maps and statistical data may be readily interpreted.

From - to: Halewood to Aintree Type: Disused railway path Surface: Tarmac National Cycle Network route number: The Liverpool Loop Line was abandoned in 1964 by British Rail and became quite derelict until 1986 when plans were drawn up for its conversion to a walking and cycling route. Construction began in 1988, and the final section to Aintree opened in 2000.

Briefly the method is:-

Statistics. Compiled on the extent and distribution of each habitat type.

Another variation in habitat, C1.2 Scattered tall herb and fern was evident.

The railway path provides a flat, well surfaced green corridor through the urban environment of east Liverpool, and forms part of the award-winning Trans Pennine Trail. The route takes the form of a woodland park which runs through rocky cuttings or high on embankments with wide views across the city.

The results are supported by a descriptive and interpretive report.

Generally, our small group’s ‘parcel of land’ in the ‘leafy suburbs’ and outer estates was defined as Woodland and scrub and given the habitat classification, hierarchical alphanumeric reference codes;

Honesty (Lunaria annua), Common bistort (Persicaria bistorta) and Sea beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. Maritime) were observed among the wildflowers and Angel’s bonnets (Mycena arcangeliana) and Shaggy Inkcap (Coprinus comatus) among the fungi.

A1.1.2 – Woodland, Broad-leaved, plantation. A1.1.1 – Woodland, Broad-leaved, Semi-natural. A2.1 – Scrub, Dense/continuous.

Consequently this sector is more species-rich in plants to identify. The general aspect along the embankment is more open, exposed and industrialised with areas of older housing.

There are many bus routes running across and parallel to the path and service frequencies are available from Merseytravel. There are local railway stations near to the route at Hunts Cross, Halewood, Broad Green, Rice Lane and Walton. On a damp autumnal morning in early October, Fleur, Emma and I visited the southern sector of the Loop Line from Lydiate Lane (Halewood, SJ436868) to Lanfranc Way (Childwall.

SJ412897); to carry out a habitat survey.

Habitat maps. The vegetation is recorded and mapped out on to Ordnance Survey maps at a scale of 1:10,000, using specified habitat types and standard colour codes.

Target notes. Brief descriptive accounts of areas of interest.

A green colour code is used.

Target notes were made on the management of the biodiversity and structure of A3.1 - parkland/ scattered broad-leaved trees alongside the loop line which may be useful for Phase 2 surveys.

The statistics compiled on the extent and distributions of each habitat type are held on computer.

Two weeks later, Fleur, Adam and I visited the northern sector of the Loop Line from Broad Lane (Norris Green, SJ382941) to Seeds Lane (Aintree, SJ372975) to complete our Phase 1 JNCC survey.

According to protocol the surveyors were changed for the intermediate sectors. Our primary focus was to codify the vegetation habitats alongside the tarmac-surfaced Loop Line and to identify the species along what had evolved into a ‘movement corridor’ for plants.

hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013

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Lancashire Wildlife Trust AGM - Hugh Harris

On Saturday 5 th October I attended ‘Making a Difference’, the Volunteer Conference of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust at the Harington Building, UCLan, Preston – an event I had intended to visit since registering as a volunteer several years ago.

A 57 minute train journey from Liverpool Lime Street and a short walk through Preston town centre brought me to the Conference venue.

Looking at the spaces in the car park I thought I’ll drive there next year.

After registering I had a brief look at the displays and stalls before entering the Lecture Theatre where we were welcomed by Simon Colderley, Volunteering Project Manager then viewed a Keynote Presentation – What volunteering means to the Trust by Simon and Anne Selby, Chief

Executive of Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Both speakers appreciated and acknowledged the contribution of their volunteers and left us with the words, “Never doubt a small group can change the world.”

Refreshments and then morning Workshops; I had chosen ‘Talking Records’ led by Eric Greenwood and assisted by Dave Earl.

Eric is known for his magnum opus, “The Flora of North Lancashire”, the first definitive account of the past and present occurrence of flowering plants and ferns found in N. Lancashire.

Eric talked about how his personal collection of wildflower records dating back hundreds of years have been digitised through the talking records project and what that means for nature conservation going forward.

Dave is recognisable by his characteristic flat hat which he wears both at outdoor meetings and indoor workshops but more importantly for his work as BSBI Vice-county Recorder for plants.

An excellent Buffet - style Lunch was provided in the Students’ Refectory and became an opportunity to have a chat with other volunteers.

The afternoon began with the AGM and followed the procedure of Treasurer’s Report, Chairman’s Review, Council elections with proposers and seconders and votes of thanks to Trustees and staff.

My alternative option of afternoon Workshop – Fundraising from small grant sources presented by Ruth Gaskell, Lancashire Wildlife Trust Fundraising Officer took us through the process of identifying grant sources, what needs to be done and what funders are looking for, to help your group obtain the funds they need to move forward.

The session was based on two questions: 1. Is your group ready for small grant funding? And 2 Do you have all the information you need?

Check-list hand outs were distributed to the group and an email attachment of the Presentation slideshow made available on request.

These resources were ideal for small ‘Friends of … ‘ type groups.

After afternoon refreshments, a Special Presentation was made to Ted Jackson retiring Chairman and thanked by the Wildlife Trusts Council for his 34 years’ service; his qualities of friendship, inspiration, humanity and vision.

He had seen the Trust grow into an organisation of 850,000 members with an annual turnover of £140m.

Individual volunteers were awarded for their services and everyone present received a Lancashire rose bag with Trust merchandise which was well-received.

A nice touch was the recognition given to Catherine Haddon for her behind-the-scenes contribution to the Conference. Catherine had been my first point of contact since becoming a volunteer/member of the Trust and to-date was an email message or voice on the telephone and now the Conference had served as a mechanism for meeting her.

Walking back to the station I had the feeling of satisfaction of being part of a larger organisation and that this was one of the smoothest and bestorganised conferences I had attended and would be coming back next year.

hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013

Making a Difference, “Never doubt a small group can change the world.”

Fundraising from small group sources Ted Jackson retires as Wildlife Trust Chairman after 34 years service Recognition given to Catherine Haddon for her work behind the scenes

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Friends of Court Hey Park Meeting: 7th October 2013 - Hugh Harris This active Friends group, formed by volunteers in 1995, is based in the stable block in the park.

Friends of Court

The Gladstone Roots Project and Pathways Project are just two of the many projects that benefit the local community.

The group is a close community of residents whose aim is to promote, conserve and help develop the ecologically attractive and historic park on the border of Liverpool and Knowsley.

November’s programme included:Saturday 2nd November, Mammal Identification Court Hey Park.

10.00am start

The group meets on the first Monday of the month at 1.30pm to organise events and recreational activities throughout the year with their partners; Knowsley Council and the National Wildflower Centre.

Sat 16th November, Bird Feeders Court Hey Park. 1.00 – 3.00pm Sat 30th November, Christmas Crafts Court Hey Park. 1.00 – 3.00pm Contact Knowsley Green Space Ranger, Karen Brady on 0151 443 3114 or 07771550843 (Mobile) for more details.

Hey Park

The Friends have produced and published two excellent little booklets on the history of the park; “A Mansion in the Park”, The Gladstone family at Court Hey Park, Roby 1836 -1919 by David Roberts, “A History of Court Hey Park” by George Peet. Both books are on sale in the Cornflower Café in the park and all royalties and proceeds are used to support the activities of the Friends of Court Hey Park.

hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013

Hugh reports on Mersey Estuary Conservation Group general meeting MECG develop new website

I attended the General meeting of the Mersey Estuary Conservation Group on Monday 14 October at Pickering’s Pasture, Widnes as observer and representative of BTO’s WeBS survey count team.

The contacts were knowledgeable and friendly; Gary Broad, Chair and Mathilde Baker-Schommer, Vice Chair welcomed me to my first meeting. The serious environmental issues on the Agenda were of interest to conservationists and residents concerned about the quality of life on both shores of the river.

Gary Broad (Friends of Pickering’s Pasture) brought us up to date on the current position of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs).

Brian Hulse (Frodsham and District Wildfowlers Club) utilised his local

knowledge to describe developments in the Ince Marsh mitigation project.

Paul Oldfield (Mersey Gateway) gave us an overview of The Mersey Gateway project and its effects on the environment.

I was impressed by the range of issues on the table and agreed with the Chair that more voices and expertise are needed at meetings if the MECG is to be an effective influence.

Mathilde Baker-Schommer supported the proposal for MNA’s Osprey nest site and the creation of a Port Sunlight River Park based on Bromborough’s Landfill Site development project.

hugh@MBAN/1.10.2013

MECG’s new website was announced, www.merseyestuary.org We were briefed about Energy matters regarding Tidal Power and the River Severn proposal and the Frodsham Wind Farm. Both Richard Watts (Halton Wildfowlers) and I (Mersey WeBS Survey Team) made observations where appropriate.

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Mersey WeBS Survey Team - Hugh Harris Today, Sunday 20th October, Dermot commented “Thanks to everyone who turned out this weekend for us at Stanlow. The weather was lovely, hardly any rain and when the sun came out I was too hot. Good numbers of birds and counters! We had nine, which is the most the ferry will hold, including four new counters (Shaun, Mike, Robert and Wendy) as well as Nick Godden, an RSPB Assistant surveying the marsh and counting birds.

Winter is approaching and the bird numbers are rising. Teal (Anas crecca) numbers are up and so are the Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and of course Mallard (Anas platrhynchos) numbers with an expected increase in November.

Redshank (Tringa tetanus) numbers have stayed the same, but where have the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) gone?

If it wasn’t for Toni and Ray’s count of 500 at New Ferry we would have had only 114 in the whole estuary. Last year in October there were only 43 and the year before 0. Rare birds today were two Great White Egrets (Ardea alba) seen at Stanlow Point and on Ince Marshes.

Some interesting waders were seen at Hale with both Curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) and Little Stint (Calidris minuta).

Great White Egret, T.Alter, Wiki

South shore counters – Ed Samuels, Toni and Ray Sherlock, Mike Turton, Terry Long, Bill Morton, John Gascoigne, Margaret Coles, Nick Pumphrey, Andy Ankers, Tom Jameson, Shaun Hickey, Mike Buckley, Dermot Smith and Ian Coote.

Dermot recorded his thanks to Ian Coote for the stalwart contribution he has made to WeBS over the past few years when we were struggling for counters. Ian is no longer able to continue as a counter as his new job involves working on Sundays.

North shore counters – Rob Cockbain, Warren Sumner, Howard Harris Rob reported a good but windy day at Pickering Pasture, Halebank.

There was a big increase in Mallard (Anas platrhynchos) where they were feeding on the acorns.

Only a few Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) were about as a result of three wildfowlers spread along the Hale shore below the marshes on Saturday morning.

Fortunately the Crow survived and lived to fly another day. Because of Peregrine activity many waders were skittish and bird-count numbers were under-estimated as some didn’t return.

According to the owner it did not like him carrying a tripod! Fortunately, he is only shaken but OK and went straight home.

If we are not to lose our volunteer WeBS counters then somehow we have to encourage dog-owner responsibility. All Naturalists should be cautious and assess likely risk in advance.

“Wear appropriate footwear with ankle support. Dogs are more likely to attack when victims back is turned, so if situation becomes dangerous back away

Kingfisher, M. Szczepanek, Wiki

A Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) occupied a lot of our ‘watch-time’ sitting and fishing from posts in the pool in front of the hide. Many visitors appreciated Rob’s invitation of observing the bird through his powerful ‘scope and Carol’s digital images of it on her camera – who knows this, could be an inspiration for future birders!

Later the same day, a pheasantshoot on the edge of the marshes both ’fright and flighted’ the geese across the river, presumably towards Frodsham and Ince.

They certainly went away happy after seeing their first Kingfisher.

A Pale-bellied Brent (Branta bernicia) was still present, also 7 Little Stints (Calidris minuta) and at least 2 Curlew Sandpipers (Calidris ferruginea) amongst the Dunlin (Calidris alpina) and other waders.

There were a good number of birds on the Old Pier at Garston Dock (just about viewable with the ‘scope from Cressington) and included 80 Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus)

A Peregrine (Falco peregrinus) entertained us for some time with an aerial display of attacking the local Crows (Corvus corone) in the skies above the marshes; and on one occasion scoring a ‘hit’ by knocking the larger Crow down into water.

Warren faced a hazard, whilst walking his known route back through the Plantation – a dog attack!

A German shepherd dog went for him, snapped at his thigh twice, risking possible serious injury, but couldn’t get a grip on his waterproofs.

Warren also reported an increase in Mallards along the Oglet shore.

Do not run from large dogs - they can out-run people and will attack from behind. “

Extract from Generic Site Assessment, National Nature Reserves Safety Guidelines for Volunteers on site.

hugh@MBAN1.10.2013

Bird Counting with WeBS along the Mersey Shoreline

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Bryologising with Des - Ben Deed Earlier this month saw my first introduction to some of the rarest bryophytes and mosses in the UK!

ing vegetativley (clones of a single plant). Des explained the likely cause of this was the increase in scrub in the slack, not just the larger vegetation, but the tighter mat of turf and lack of bare sand.

Phil noted this was probably due to the huge decline in rabbits which would otherwise clear areas of ground vegetation.

With soggy knees we took the short trip from Weld Road to the Marine Lake and a few further sites where Des had rediscovered this species, though not in large numbers. This helped us to identify the types of habitats where, in the future, Petalwort might be found.

Des shares his expertise about nationally scarce Bryophytes in a walk of discovery along the Sefton

This year Des has been asked to carry out a survey for seven species of moss and liverwort which have conservation importance in the UK and are found on the Sefton Coast, Des kindly offered to show a small group around the survey area and introduced us to two of the species he had been set the task of surveying.

Petalophyllum ralfsii Each species had a completely different story to tell, we started with Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii), the 'little lettuce' of the dunes. The global distribution of this species includes the British Isles and South to the Mediterranean. In dry weather it has the unusual habit of going dormant underground!

Des took the group a short distance from the Weld Road car park to a large scrubbed dune slack, explaining on route some of the requirements of this species; it appears to like damp dune slacks, where vegetation is sparse but not completely absent, a mosaic of bare sand and ground cover.

We finally arrived at the dune where historically a population of 'thousands' had been recorded, now a population of tens remain and even those are not happy, only reproduc-

As a group, and as bryologists will do, we spent some time crawling around the slack looking for signs of P. ralfsii in an area suggested by Des. It didn't take long before the first plant was found, I quickly decided I had also found a specimen only to be corrected by Des, The plant I had found was a regular companion of Petalwort, Pellia endiviifolia, another somewhat similar liverwort (it had a thallus!), but with a very interesting toothed tube.

Coast.

Bryum warneum The flip side of the walk was for Des to introduce us to the second listed species he had re-discovered as part of his survey, Bryum warneum (Sea Bryum).

As a guide for identification Des suggested I look for the diagnostic ‘double fringe’ running along the surface of the thallus.

Shortly after I discovered my first Petalwort, much smaller than I had imagined it would be, a small rosette of thalli looking very much like a lettuce!

After that we all seemed to get our eyes in and shouts of 'found one!' became more frequent.

Bryum warneum (capsules and seta)

From near the Marine Lake we moved to the shoreline and then onto the 'newest', 'new' and 'slightly older' Green Beach frontal dunes.

Once there Des pointed out the skyward roots of a great tree some 1km in the distance.

Incredibly the Sefton Coast population of this rare and little known species extends continuously for the full kilometre!

Pellia endiviifolia

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Bryologising with Des - Ben Deed A stretch little more than 10m wide, it likely represents a population larger than all the others in the British Isles combined.

This species can only be identified in the field when it is producing its sporophytes. These comprise of a brightly coloured capsule on an exceptionally long seta (for a Bryum), and is unlike any other species which might be found in the same location.

with high winds, inundation and the near constant deposition of new sand which they must grow through.

As new dunes are formed, as part of the natural dune creation process, the species rapidly colonises while where the dune becomes stable it is outcompeted, becomes vegetative and ultimately disappears.

This rare habitat sees plants competing on a damp, high pH substrate

Bryum warneum.

Has this article stimulated an new interest in Bryophytes?

Contact Ben Deed at

Bryum dyffrynense

Bryum warneum is a specialist species and while the current population is huge it has also moved some distance from where it was originally discovered. Its specialism is in the highly competitive environment of frontal, 'green' dune systems.

Very little is known about the biology of this species and not enough information is available to ascertain its current status in the UK but it appears to inhabit a very similar niche to that of Petalophyllum ralfsii and

This may suggest it needs similar conservation support. Certainly one to explore further!

Newest Green Beach

Bryum dyffrynense Another treat was provided by Des as he introduced us to populations of a recently described species (2003), Bryum dyffrynense.

Dune formation: New Green Beech, Sefton Coast

Petalwort (Petalophyllum ralfsii ) (Note: particles of sand at centre of Thallus give scale )

MerseysideBiobank for further information on Bryophytes.

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Events Events are run throughout the year by Liverpool Museum.

These include Mammal Trapping at Knowsley Park and other venues.

Please contact Tony.Parker@liverpoolmuseums.org. uk for details and to book places.

Museum collections are open to amateur naturalists and volunteers (by appointment)

Other activity events Knowsley: www.knowsley.gov.uk/ things-to-see-and-do/events.aspx Liverpool Parks: liverpool.gov.uk/ leisure-parks-and-events Wildlife Trust: www.lancswt.org.uk/ what-s-on Court Hey Park: www.courtheypark.co.uk National Wildflower Centre: www.nwc.org.uk/events Shoresearchnews www.cumbriawidlifetrust.org.uk HELP! BIRDERS STILL NEEDED The Mersey Estuary is one of Britain’s best wetlands. We know this because each month we count the waterfowl as part of the national Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS).

However, we need ‘new blood’ volunteers. You don’t need to be an experienced wildfowl counter, though you should be able to identify common waders and wildfowl. If you think you can help then please email Dermot Smith at dermot.smith71@gmail.com or phone 07505 418832 for further details.

For more information plus recent reports and photos visit the Mersey Estuary WeBS page on facebook

Merseyside Naturalist Association The MNA organize informal nature events including field trips, talks and practical sessions Visit www.mnapage.info for the programme of events Saturday 16th November 2013, Pickerings Pasture Local Nature Reserve Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there Where we are meeting: 11.15 in Pickerings Pasture car park. Liverpool ONE bus station for 82A at 10.06.

Cost: Free of charge.

Do I need to book? No, just turn up.

What do we expect to see? : Estuary and woodland birds.

Should I bring a telescope? Telescope optional.

Walking grade: Easy : flat terrain with very good paths suitable for walking shoes.

Mileage: 2 miles / 3 kilometres Guided or free to roam? Guided, leader Howard Mills 07710 21663.

Are toilets available? Toilets not available at destination.

Map reference: SJ 488 836 Note: Joint meeting with Liverpool RSPB Saturday 30th November 2013, Frodsham Type: Outdoor meeting, make your own way there Where we are meeting: Frodsham Station 11.05. Central Station for 10.00 train to Chester then Arriva Trains Wales to Frodsham.

Cost: Free of charge but note that the Chester to Frodsham leg is not available on Merseytravel passes.

Do I need to book? No, just turn up.

What do we expect to see? : Eric Hardy's dedicated woodland.

Should I bring a telescope? TeleVisitors to Ivy at Court Hey Park scope not useful.

Walking grade: Strenuous, could include sections of rough terrain, stiff climbs; uneven (or no) footpaths,.

Mileage: 6 miles / 10 kilometres Guided or free to roam? Guided, leader Alexander Mansfield.

Are toilets available? Toilets available at the Fordham pub.

Neuroctena anilis Map reference: SJ 510 757 Liverpool Botanical Society Saturday 7th December Treasure House Theatre, Level 1 World Museum Uncommon Trees of Court Hey Park, Rob Duffy Saturday 11th January Treasure House Theatre, Level 1 World Museum Caledonian Pine Forests Peter Gately Saturday 8th February Treasure House Theatre, Level 1 World Museum AGM plus members’ field meetings photos

Eristalis

Syrphus