WFV, Roundhay Park, Leeds, 4.11.25

This was an enjoyable day out for 11 people despite the inclement weather, which was cloudy with
periods of drizzle but mild. However, it did not detract from our enjoyment of the variety of autumn
tints, the red/yellow/brown/green of the trees and extensive leaf litter also fruits that were spread
on the woodland floor. As Steve told us Roundhay is the fourth largest urban park in the British Isles.
Historically it was a medieval hunting ground for deer but was bought by Thomas Nicholson in 1803
who made it in to his country estate with a grand house, avenue of trees and the planting of exotic
tree species.
There is much to enjoy, however our plan was to take the path alongside the newly created trail of
carved wooden sculptures of the birds and animals that could be seen in this ancient woodland. The
tree species beech, oak, sweet chestnut, silver birch was truly magnificent growing to a considerable
height in the competition for light within this ancient woodland. Noteworthy was the considerable
amount of standing dead wood, excellent for insects. The group delighted in the number of fungi
growing on and in between the logs scattered on the woodland floor. The species recorded by John
were: Hairy Curtain Crust, Yellowing Curtain Crust, Smoky Bracket, Sulphur Tuft, Deer Shield, Purple
Brittlegill, Peeling Oysterlings, Hen of the Woods, Ganodermas (Artist’s or False Artist’s Bracket),
Hoof Fungus, Birch Polypore, Inkcaps either Common or Glistening), Purple Jelly Disc, White
Domecaps.
Following lunch taken near to the Upper Lake we ventured into “the Himalayan Valley”
characterised by rhododendrons and a gorge. We subsequently inspected an area of tree planting.
Our day was rounded off by a walk through the parkland and around Waterloo Lake (a small group
gravitated towards the Mansion House café where the group of walkers joined them later).
Bird species were limited to a variety of tits in the woodland, gulls, a family of swans and wigeon on
the Upper Lake, parakeet and cormorant around Waterloo Lake.
Thanks especially to Nina our driver and Steve for is help in planning our day out in North Leeds.
Margaret