BORDER BRYOLOGISTS

11th
October

Kington
Mosses and liverworts live all around us, in towns as well as the countryside, and we will confirm this at our first meeting of the winter by exploring Kington in north-west Herefordshire where walls, pavements, trees and a stream provide a wealth of species.

Park in the town and meet in the churchyard at SO 291567.

8th
November

Hawkstone Park
A joint meeting with the North Wales Non-Flowering Plant Group at Hawkstone Park, 3-4 miles east of Wem in Shropshire, where 100 acres include woodland, Roman copper mines, a 13th century castle ruin, and follies built in the 18th century.

Turn off the A49 for the village of Weston, drive through the village and park at the Hawkstone Park follies visitor centre (SJ 575287). The Visitor Centre is accessed from the road between Weston and Hodnet. Coming from Weston, take the first turn to the left after passing right-turns to the Citadel and then Bury Farm. Look for big white gates that have Hawkstone Park on the wall next to them in white letters. Coming from the other direction, take the second turn on the right after the road junction to Marchamley and a right-hand track opposite Rakehill Lodge.

17th
January

Fron Heulog, Pentre Llifior
Tim and Annis Ward have no bryological records for their otherwise well-recorded ground at Fron Heulog, Pentre Llifior, near Berriew, Montgomeryshire (SO 145979). Habitats include disturbed soil near the house, a small wooded dingle, a pool, and species-rich grassland.

From Berriew, take the road towards Bettws Cedewain for about 3 miles, past a Methodist chapel at Pentre Llifior. Turn sharp right up a narrow lane after a further 300 metres. Fron Heulog is through grey security gates on the right-hand side. Press the call button for admittance.

28th
February

Yeldon Farm, Menithwood
A joint meeting with the West Midland Bryophyte Group at Yeldon Farm, Menithwood, Worcestershire, courtesy of Michael and Susan Northwood. The farm has woodland, a brook along the farm boundary, pasture, orchard, scattered trees and man-made habitats by the farm buildings.

Meet in the layby beside the A433 at SO 706677 from where we will share cars to the farm.

14th
March

Llanbwchllyn Lake
Llanbwchllyn Lake, near Painscastle, Radnorshire by kind invitation from Stephen and Judy Mullard. We will examine wet pasture and woodland and the margin of the lake. Wellington boots are essential, as some of the ground will be very wet.

Park beside the lane at SO 115466.