WFV, Silsden walk, 17.3.26

Eleven members used public or own transport to meet Sue in Silsden on what proved to be the warmest day of the year so far.  Today’s walks introduced most of us to new stretches of the Leeds/ Liverpool canal. It was a delight to walk in the sunshine along the dry, litter free towpath and to see signs of Spring unfolding. 

The morning walk was westwards away from buildings of the former industrial age. Soon we spotted our only fungi of the day, cramp balls sharing a stump with some tatty turkey tail. Ignoring the planted narcissi species, the most colourful and best noticed flowering plant was butterbur (main image) often with flowerheads protruding in profusion through the grass verges. As sexing this plant is so difficult I cannot say if we had any northern female plants. Those I looked at closely all had anthers with pollen, but the so-called females also have some male florets!  Whatever the gender, small tortoiseshell, peacock, red admiral and comma butterflies were enjoying their abundant nectar supply. Lesser celandines shone in the fields and common field speedwell flowers were fully open. All year flowerers such as dandelions, groundsel, red dead nettle, shepherd’s purse and common chickweed were easy to see.

Mallard, an occasional pair but mainly groups of males outnumbered other water birds. A couple of mute swans and two greylag geese swam past. We were surprised to see a tufted duck on the canal. An oystercatcher was heard and female pheasants spotted in the fields as well as a guinea fowl pottering in the undergrowth at our meeting spot.

Steps were retraced and most headed towards the town centre and pond, our planned lunch stop. Personal observations here were a speckled wood butterfly, common whitlow grass, ivy leaved speedwell and golden saxifrage. Ants were very active on the stone walls and a wren was heard.

The afternoon walk covered a similar distance eastward beside the canal with a return along tree and hedge bound lanes making the days total walking distance about three miles. A buzzard circled above and a redwing was spotted. Other small birds recorded today were chaffinch, great and long tailed tits, goldfinch, robin, dunnock and blackbird. Flowering currant, dog’s mercury and a cow parsley plant with early flowers were added to the list.  Some trees of both Hazel and Alder still had visible pollen.

It is good to know that Marilyn, who felt unable to continue into the afternoon, has seen her doctor and is following medical advice. Thanks must go to Steve who provided valuable help and support to Marilyn and to Margaret for taking Marilyn home.

Thanks to Sue for the choice of routes and leading and additionally for supporting and advising Marilyn.

Alice