WFV June 24th 2025, Bell Sykes Hay Meadow, near Slaidburn

After two pick up stops eleven members headed towards the Forest of Bowland to
visit the Bell Sykes Hay Meadows. It was an overcast morning and showers soon
started. Showerproofs were worn all day but the showers were light and quickly over.
The excellent free conveniences in the car park were appreciated before walking
through the attractive village of Slaidburn and the flower spotting started.
From the old bridge over Croasdale brook we looked down on common valerian,
marsh thistle, reed canary grass and Himalayan balsam – pleasingly one only plant
of the latter in flower. Along the field paths were ground huggers: broad leaved
plantain, pineappleweed in profusion and silverweed. Flowering grasses lined the
walled field edge, cocksfoot, Yorkshire fog and meadow grasses predominated with
germander speedwell and common mouse- ear peeping out below. The flowers of
spear thistle supported shield bugs which we considered to be in late nymphal stage.
A rough and wetter section had meadow cranesbill, docks, field horsetail,
meadowsweet and yellow vetchling . At Holmehead bridge we saw common
polypody clothing tree branches, a young as then mystery fern and a very settled
green drake mayfly resting on the wall. Dotted loosestrife was examined followed by
the wall high spires of giant bellflower. The bells were not yet open but there was
sufficient evidence for identification which was subsequently confirmed by a later
blooming specimen. This was my plant of the day.
We had now reached the hay meadows recorded as the most extensive in
Lancashire. There was no sunshine but a profusion of colour stretched in all
directions on both sides of the path. In addition to species mentioned earlier, the
carpet had yellow rattle, great burnet from short stemmed to full flowering, red and
white clovers, lady’s mantle, eyebright and common sorrel while crested dog ‘s tail
and soft brome represented the grasses. While some strode onwards the botanists
were loathe to leave aware that lurking hidden were gems they had failed to see.
The swifts clearly favoured the meadows too as they whirled over our heads
providing the icing on the cake for some members. Approaching Bell Sykes farm the
bank of eyebright could not be missed. Its genus name, Euphrasia, comes from the
Greek meaning “to see well”.
We skirted the farmhouse, noted the scythe sharpener and took advantage to
compare the features of brittle bladder and black spleenwort ferns growing so
conveniently next to each other on the stone wall. Our mystery fern was brittle
bladder. Other ferns seen were maidenhair spleenwort and wall rue. A convenient
tree trunk provided seating for lunch.

We continued up hill to wetter areas where marsh bedstraw, lots of compact rush
and a solitary cuckoo flower were seen. A rhododendron in bloom lit up an
overgrown pathway, nearby were gooseberries and an unidentified plum tree. Great
mullein was verified and common spotted orchids seen. Now came the slog of the
day through long grass and over stiles until descending into one of the restoration
meadows and we started botanising again.
Whilst not as species rich nor as densely packed with flowers another splendid sight
met us. With less visible paths it seemed criminal to walk on the plants. It was
interesting to note high numbers of new plants for the day, for example, cats ear on
the higher level and rough hawksbeard lower down. Fairy flax and field wood rush
added variety with tufted hair, quaking and bent grasses joining the scene. Silver Y
moth was seen here. Other moths recorded were small magpie, chimney sweeper
and garden grass veneer. Butterflies were meadow brown, ringlet and a single red
admiral. Yards from rejoining the road we found our only sedge, common yellow.
Overall ninety three plant species were recorded.
Birds seen on this very botanical day were the aforesaid swifts, swallows and one
house martin, stonechats, reed bunting, meadow pipit, grey wagtail and dipper.
Larger ones were lapwing, oyster catcher and a buzzard.
Thanks to Julia for sharing botanical identification and for driving. Sally and Angela’s
recce kept us on the correct paths and thanks to all for patience and help given at
the more awkward spots on the walk. As John commented, flowers were in
abundance. A wonderful day for me.
Alice