Trip reports
Report on Indoor Meeting - a talk by David Mitchell, Ecologist, Natural England
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
The presentation began with Dave giving some details of his childhood in Washington, Co Durham, which was then a village, and some comment as to his involvement with wildlife, and other escapades at that time. Dave was employed as an ecologist by North Tyneside Council from 1986 and during this employment was, at least part of the time, based at the Rising Sun Country Park and involved in the council's Unitary Development Plan where he was responsible for identifying 50 wildlife sites in the borough. Members were informed of the historical background of the Rising Sun Country Park which included its ancient history as a bog land and more latterly a coal mining site (leading to subsidence), waste disposal site, and use as an area for the hospital which now forms part of the park centre. The coal mine opened in 1906 and was one of the largest mines of its type in Europe. Closure was in 1969. George Stephenson had tested engines such as the Blucher on the wagon way (a pathway can still be followed), and the rail gauge used has become accepted world wide. All of these points underlining the site's importance in terms of both natural history and industrial archaeology and all leading to the area we now know as the Country Park.
The presentation then took us on a guided tour around the park as it is today, focusing on significant habitats and considering ecological factors. Swallow Pond was our first stop and it was acknowledged that this pond, formed in 1953 by mining subsidence, is probably well known by many members. The focus this evening was not upon birdlife, but plant life, and how such plants throughout their evolutionary development had adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. Plants considered included Common Reed Phragmites australis, Bullrush Typha latifolia, Flag Iris Iris pseudacorus, Greater Spearwort Ranunculus lingua, Gypsywort Lycopus europaeus and Amphibious Bistort Persicaria amphibia.
Hadrian Park Pond, the only natural remaining section of the ancient bog land which remains, was also considered. This area has been a good habitat for Crested Newts. Unfortunately the menace of the alien water plants appear to have a strong hold here and it has proven very difficult to control. This jeopardises the habitat of the Crested Newts.
The huge pit heap which was on the site was thought to pose a risk to aircraft, and the top third of this heap was removed. The remainder now forms a grassed hill. The removed waste was spread and trees were planted. Many of them were alien species including Lodge Pole Pine Pinus contorta and Grey Alder Alnus incana, and some of these have now been removed. Chemicals still spill from the waste and cause a barren area, but even this has led to a small micro habitat. The symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi was discussed in some detail. Lichens, dual organisms consisting of both fungi and algae, were also discussed. Lichens found in the park include Pixie Cup Cladonia fimbriata, Devils Match Cladonia Cristtatella and Dog Lichen Peltigera canina.
The grassland close to Swallow Pond was created when fire wiped out woodland in the area. Rosebay Willow Herb Chamerion angustifolium, or 'fireweed' as it is commonly known, is found here with a host of other plants including the hemi-parasites (depending partly on the roots of other plants) Eyebright Euphrasia species and Red Bartsia Odonites vernus. This is also an area where orchids can be found including the difficult to identify hybrid species! It was interesting to learn that Bee Orchid Ophrys apifera has been found in this area in the past.
The presentation ended overlooking Swallow Pond with a cup of tea and cake. Sadly it was just a digital image!
The leader explained that the speaker had refused any fee for this presentation and offered thanks on behalf of the Local Group membership for what had been a most interesting and informative evening. Members showed there appreciation in the usual manner and a small presentation was made to Dave.
The leader closed the meeting by offering thanks to members and non members alike for their support. He added that a further interesting indoor meeting programme had been finalised for 2009 and that he hoped that members would continue to offer their full support.
Brian Moorhead.