WFV, Temple Newsam, Leeds, 29th October 2024

What a wonderful day- sunshine, warmth and superb colours! We were a group of ten for this lovely autumnal walk in the grounds of Temple Newsam House in East Leeds.

Our plan for the day included a visit to the Courtyard and descend to the Lakes passing a small Arboretum on our way. We continued to the Walled Garden where we enjoyed our lunch sitting on benches (a considerable choice) before visiting the glasshouses with their tropical plants and the national collection of chrysanthemums. In the afternoon we continued our exploration of the woodland and search for more fungi!

The colours of the trees were vibrant and included a variety of native and non -native species. They included the Dawn Redwoods, the tulip tree, maples and cedars.

The warm conditions had brought out a host of ladybirds. Bird life was somewhat limited but included sparrowhawk, parakeets and a good number of gulls and ducks. A red kite circled above the Walled Garden.

Fungi enthusiasts recorded the following fungi species amongst tree bark, grassland and woodland. In the woodchip of the Walled Garden, Redled Roundhead and also (a first for John) Blueleg Brownie were found. Other fungi species included Fragrant Funnel, Clouded Funnel, Rooting Shank, Scaly Earthballs, Wood Blewit, Lilac Bonnet, Oak Milkcap, Smoky Bracket, Shaggy Parasol and Amethyst Deceivers,

We were fortunate in having a local lad Steve to guide and inform us. Thanks to everyone for their contribution in making this a good day out for us all. Margaret