Sidmouth Nature Explorers: Riverside Wood & Margaret's Meadow by Peter Orchard.
It was a sunny spring morning when about a dozen of us met to walk through 'Riverside Wood' and Margaret's Meadow. Riverside Wood is the name I have given to the strip of woodland between the meadow and the river to distinguish between the two as they are very different habitats.
This time we were privileged to have access to an area of the woodland that is not open to the public and were treated to a lot of spring flowers, especially yellow archangel but also bluebells, ramsons and pink purslane. We also discovered a black snail beetle which, although nit uncommon, is rarely seen as it is primarily a nocturnal species and our specimen was seemingly sleeping under the leaves of a yellow archangel plant. There were lots of river pond skaters on the water and many caddis fly over the river so there had obviously been a major hatching and it was good to deduce from that that the river here is relatively unpolluted.
A slime mould, a liverwort and a lichen were not of interest to many but they were to me!
Listed below are some of the highlight species, our 'Top Spots'.
Beautiful Demoiselle
Calopteryx virgo
In the serene waters and lush vegetation of freshwater habitats, a delicate jewel of the insect world glimmers in the sunlight—the beautiful demoiselle damselfly.
Black Snail Beetle
Silpha atrata
In the shadowy realms of forest floors and damp meadows, a tiny but intriguing creature roams, often unnoticed by the casual observer. Meet the Black Snail Beetle...
Caddis Fly
Trichopterid spp
In the realm of freshwater habitats, where rivers, streams, and ponds teem with life, a diverse and fascinating group of insects known as caddisflies (order Trichoptera) reign supreme.
Creeping Comfrey
Symphytum grandiflorum
In the realm of herbal allies and garden companions, few plants rival the resilience and versatility of creeping comfrey.
Crescent-cup Liverwort
Lunularia cruciata
In the lush and mossy realms of forests and woodlands, nestled among the damp crevices of rocks and trees, lies a captivating botanical marvel known as the crescent-cup liverwort…
Forest Star Moss
Mnium hornum
In the shaded realms of forest floors, where sunlight filters through the canopy above, a verdant tapestry unfurls, woven with intricate tendrils of greenery.
Pink Purslane
Portulaca pilosa
In the kaleidoscope of botanical wonders, few plants exude the radiant charm and resilience quite like Pink Purslane.
Shrubby Sunburst Lichen
Xanthoria candelaria
In the intricate world of lichens, where symbiotic relationships between fungi and algae create captivating organisms, few species capture the imagination quite like the Shrubby Sunburst Lichen
Wolfs Milk
Lycoperdon epidendron
In the heart of the forest, where sunlight filters through the canopy, lies a realm of wonder and fascination.
Yellow Archangel
Lamium galeobdolon
In the shady recesses of woodlands and beneath the canopy of ancient trees, a vibrant carpet of golden hues unfolds, casting a warm glow upon the forest floor.