Dave Mason and Brian Byrne examine local plant species at the Herbarium at Cliffe Castle
Brian Byrne takes a closer look at local plant life
Dave Mason looks at a flower on an exotic Handkerchief tree
Brian Byrne with some plant specimens |
A whole world of plant life on your doorstep Helen Mead - Telegraph & Argus 23rd July 2008 Bradford is rich in wild flowers – but how many people know that its industrial heritage helped to bring that about? And who would guess that fig trees grow alongside Bradford Beck? These are just two of the fascinating botanical facts that make Bradford one of the most interesting and diverse areas for wild flora in the country. And one group is kept busy all year-round recording and studying this captivating subject, not only in the Bradford district, but across Yorkshire and the UK. Bradford Botany Group is made up of people of all ages who share a passion for wild flowers, their history, habitats, biology and conservation. "It is an endlessly fascinating subject,” says David Mason, the group’s chairman. “You are always learning, and it is so enjoyable.” Bradford is rich in “alien” plants, many arriving in the district as seeds embedded in the woollen fleeces imported from overseas. These include autumn-flowering narrow-leaved ragwort which originates in South Africa. “We have more of it than anywhere else in the country,” says group vice-president Brian Byrne. “It is endemic here, particularly in the Shipley and Baildon area – it has certainly naturalised.” Himalayan or Indian balsam has also asserted itself in the district, after being transported across continents on bales of wool. “It has spread through the water courses,” says Brian. Fig trees are also a direct result of the area’s industrial past. Warm water used for cooling industrial plant, and pollution in the form of effluent created warm, moist conditions in which the seeds could germinate. “You will find them not only in this district, but along all the rivers of the Pennines,” says Brian. “Two fruiting specimens can be found on the banks of Bradford Beck in Shipley,” adds David. The group’s 70 members, who live not only in Bradford, but across Yorkshire and Lancashire, range from professional ecologists to enthusiastic amateurs. Two vice county recorders who keep records of all local sightings for a national database, also number among its members. Regular summer field meetings are held, visiting a wide variety of locations and habitats mostly across the north of England, as well as monthly indoor meetings throughout winter, with talks, lectures, slideshows and workshop demonstrations. There is also chance to go on an annual weekend residential field study visit with the group, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. Members take pains to thoroughly research their subject, discovering amazing tales of how certain plants came to arrive in the district. Oxford ragwort, explains David, was introduced into the Oxford Botanic Garden from its native habitat, Mount Etna in Sicily, where it grows on the lava fields. “It freely seeds and found its way on to railway lines, where it was able to grow in the clinker, which was similar to its original volcanic habitat. This handsome plant has colonised Britain through the railways.” Factors such as global warming and the ease of foreign travel contribute to the spread of different species of plant. Former deputy head teacher David’s interest in botany was sparked in his early twenties when his wife, who loved wild flowers, taught him and their children the names of common plants. “I enjoyed looking at plants, and later wanted to extend my knowledge of botany so joined local classes.” Brian, a retired lecturer in engineering, wanted to be able to identify flowers and plants he came across while out walking in the Yorkshire Dales and at other locations. “I became increasingly frustrated at not knowing their names.” Now, he does not like to leave his Wrose home without an eyeglass to examine the wonders of the floral world. “When you get down to look at a flower head it is the most beautiful thing. You see colours and lines that guide the insect in. And some plants look really strange. Says David: “I think one of the delights of being a botanist is the open air – you can enjoy it almost anywhere because the floral world is so rich. When we meet, one of the first places we look is the car park.” Adds Brian: “We can spend ages in the car park, especially in a floriferous area.” Trips take in various environments, where different species grow. “We make sure there is a geographical mix,” says David. “We go to the coast, for example, to see dunal colonies, then to the limestone pavements of the Yorkshire Dales, and the grassland sites near Boston Spa.” As well as being able to identify different species, there is always the thrill of coming across a plant that the members have not seen before. Says Brian: “Some of the discoveries made by botanists are slow in being determined. Sometimes it can take years before a flower or tree is identified.” Adds David: “Some plants require a considerable amount of knowledge to recognise. And some plants may be common, but when it is the first time you see it, it is exciting.” He adds: “As an amateur you get excited finding your first orchid. I saw a lizard orchid on a trip to Cambridgeshire, which was really great to identify. You slowly build up knowledge, but you can start by finding your first marsh marigold, for example.” The group has links with Bradford Urban Wildlife Group, sharing the same president, wildflower expert Les Barnett. An exercise carried out by one group member, in conjunction with the Wild Flower Society, has found almost 1,400 plants in just one area of the Bradford district. “The society allows you to count garden plants that have naturalised, so that boosts the number,” says Brian. “The research has been carried out by one of our members who is so meticulous – if it is there he will find it.” Newly-identified species recently found within Bradford district include Ohio Buckeye from America and, from Asia, Indian Horse Chestnut. Says David: “It is such a dynamic subject – you don’t imagine botany as dynamic, but it is so interesting, and exciting.”
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The Bradford Botany Group celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The Group has strong links with the YWT and surveys YWT reserves on a regular basis.The species list compiled by our recorder is passed to the reserves officer for reserve records. Last summer Julian Small of Natural England showed members the special plants of the YWT Askham Bog reserve. In March, we visited the Low Wood Reserve near Keighley for a survey of mosses, lichens, liverworts and fungi. We were treated to a bonfire and baked potatoes by the warden, Dale Scott, and several volunteers. The BBG is planning an exhibition at Bradford Council’s Brackenhall Countryside Centre, Shipley Glen, Baildon, during 2009 and there will be monthly botanical walks from the centre.
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