This Blog covers nature sightings and related news in the Calderdale area.
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Saturday 11 January 2020

Ten Woodland Mosses

Plenty of interest shown in this subject with fifteen people attending this walk led by Peachy Steve.
Although Steve admitted to not being an expert on the subject he was able to show us more than ten different woodland mosses and describe the unique identifying features of each in the wonderful environs of Triangle Woods following the old railway line.
Besides the mosses it was good to see Lesser Celandine beginning to carpet the woodland floor as well as shoots of Bluebell piercing the soil.
A lone Grey Heron stood guard on the bank of the lake at Thorpe House.

Photo Mick Harrop

Photo Steve Blacksmith
Mosses are a devil to sort out when you're new to it, but Peachysteve is a good teacher, starting us off on 10 common ones, (except he provided us with a sheet with 15 on!)
We looked at all fifteen and with practice, it should be possible to get to know them.
The internet is a great help if you don't have the latest book on the subject. 
Mosses are intricate and beautiful close-up, but can also be stunning on a landscape scale.
I wandered off at one point and found this big stand of (Common Smoothcap?) under the trees.
SB

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