BORDER BRYOLOGISTS

20th
October

Holling Grange Dingle
We will explore Holling Grange Dingle near Abbey Dore in south-west Herefordshire. The brook cuts a steep section through limestone at SO c.370314, where we hope to find alternating bands of calcareous and more acidic substrate and a corresponding variation in bryophyte species. There is woodland too, with some old trees (including Small-leaved Lime) for epiphytes. Park at The Meadowlands (previously called Upper House Farm) (SO 361318) which can only be reached from the south-west, via the minor road from Abbey Dore to Newton.

24th
November

Glazeley
At Glazeley, 3 miles south of Bridgnorth, Shropshire, we will explore the churchyard and an arable field, plus the banks, bed and tributaries of Borle Brook and the surrounding mixed woodland. Wellington boots are recommended, as we will need to cross the Borle Brook a couple of times.

Meet in the car park at Glazeley Church (SO 703882). Approaching from the south, after driving through Glazeley village and out into the country, look out for a small red post box on the right-hand side of the road, which is partly concealed by a telegraph pole. The entrance to the churchyard is only about 10 to 15 metres beyond this post box. There is a red telephone box right next to the entrance to the church. If the church’s car park has more than five vehicles in it when you arrive, please drive on past the car park along a straight driveway, through the gate at the end, and park by the Old Rectory. Please do not leave the gate open, as dogs may escape.

19th
January

Coed Nantyrhynnau
We will explore mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland at Coed Nantyrhynnau (SO 1685) on the Kerry Ridgeway in eastern Montgomeryshire. Forestry tracks with wet ditches alongside are interesting bryological habitats and there is also a small area of boggy heath. Park at the entrance to a forestry track at SO 169853 beside the B4368.

16th
February

Pentwyn
Sue Thornton and Chloe Jackson have invited us to Pentwyn Radnorshire Wildlife Trust reserve. Pentwyn is a mixture of mostly semi-improved grassland to the south, then upland acidic grassland and rush pasture extending north, giving way to upland heath. There are some small patches of conifer plantation and native woodland, and the young River Lugg flows from Beacon Hill through with an adjacent waterfall and steep-sided little gorge (SO 1773/1774).

Turn off the B4356 opposite Llugwy Farm. Go up the lane, past a bungalow on the left. Then take the right turn up a slope where there is parking available by the green agricultural shed. Park in front of the shed on the right at the top of the drive (SO 183727).

16th
March

Knightsford Bridge
On this joint meeting with the Worcestershire Moss Group, we will follow a circular route of about 4.5 km long from Knightsford Bridge along the wooded bank of the River Teme, over farmland and pasture, and through woodland on Ankerdine Hill.

Park in the large layby at Knightsford Bridge (SO 736557) beside the A44 road from Leominster to Worcester. Refreshments may be available from the Talbot Inn in Knightwick at the start and end of the route.