While those who came along to the Fungus Foray enjoyed blue skies and sunshine, we who gathered for the Blenheim Community Path on Sunday 19 November weren’t so fortunate. Grey sky, drizzle and a chilly wind greeted us, but undaunted, seven doughty Field Club members set off for what turned out to be quite a fruitful venture.
Walking was easy, along a gravel path, and a pleasant change from boggy conditions everywhere else. The rain brought interest, however, encouraging the last remaining seeds in teasels to germinate in situ to form tiny vivid green leaflets.
The initial part of the path is lined with evergreens, yew, box and laurel, and runs between the river and a stream before opening up to cross the bridge over the River Glyme; the water was very high after the rain, tumbling with considerable turbulence over a weir and joining the River Evenlode.
Further on the path is surrounded by deciduous woodland of beech, lime, sycamore, maple and sweet chestnut. There appear to be several species of lime, some with the ‘skirt’ of twiggy growth around the base of the trunk, known as ‘epicormic’, while others had none. To either side of the path are tree trunks piled high, presumably felled when constructing the path. These make a perfect habitat for a wide variety of fungi. Some were hard to identify but still in good condition despite all the rain. A few sleepy 2-spotted ladybirds were hiding under thistle heads to keep dry.
Lingering brings chill, so a hasty return to warm up was necessary. We were halted by an unusual bell-like call which led us to three little grebes (dabchicks) ducking and diving beside the rushes. Approaching the lake there was a good view of a great white egret posing elegantly and to its right a grey heron. Mixed flocks of mallard and tufted ducks were also noted.
Few other birds were observed, although a siskin was heard in the woodland.
Despite the weather, the walk was interesting and enjoyable and one that will certainly bring interest during all seasons.
The (relatively short) species list can be found here.
J. Reid 21 November 2023
WEST OXFORDSHIRE FIELD CLUB 