Author Archives: Barbara

Eastham Woods, 1st February 2015

Posted on February 6, 2015 by Barbara

There was a very cold north wind today, making it feel much colder than the 6°C claimed on the display at North Park, Bootle. We decided to go for the relative shelter of Eastham Woods. On the Lever sports field … Continue reading →

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Winter wonderland

Posted on January 30, 2015 by Barbara

Tony Carter reports: I am frequently asked what mycologists do in the winter when fungi do not grow. But they do. Winter is when the bracket and crust fungi come into their own, many shedding their spores at this time … Continue reading →

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A fungal find at Calderstones

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Barbara

Tony Carter reports : On Tuesday 13th March I went for a quick walk round Calderstones Park before the threatened snow arrived. Under some Cupressus leylandii, at the Menlove Avenue end, I found a small patch of the Striate Earthstar Geastrum striatum … Continue reading →

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Port Sunlight, 11th January 2015

Posted on January 12, 2015 by Barbara

Our first walk this year was supposed to be a charity walk on the new Broom’s Cross Road, in aid of Jospice, but local press advised that it was “off” because the construction company hadn’t made sufficient progress with the … Continue reading →

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Last week in Formby – a rarity

Posted on December 12, 2014 by Barbara

Tony Carter reports: Last week, I decided to take a look at Raven Meols Hills in Formby as I hope to run a foray there next year. It has a good mix of sand dunes, conifer, birch scrub and heathland. … Continue reading →

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Fungal Opportunism

Posted on December 11, 2014 by Barbara

Tony Carter reports:  An interesting example of fungal opportunism was in evidence in Liverpool in November. At the place where I park my car every day, the fallen leaves had been swept from the pavement and piled into the gutter … Continue reading →

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Southport, 30th November 2014

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Barbara

Happily, it was a mild and sunny day with just a light wind, so we walked right down Southport Pier. The tide was out (when is it ever noticeably in?) and there were long views northwards to Lytham St Annes, … Continue reading →

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Stanley Park, 16th November 2014

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Barbara

We were greeted by a squawking Magpie at the park gates, and then had a look at the Shankly Gates on Anfield football ground and the Hillsborough Memorial, busy with tourists or mourners taking photographs. In the park, there was … Continue reading →

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Waterloo, 2nd November 2014

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Barbara

On a breezy day with a blue sky we walked down from Waterloo station to the beach, noting a Magpie already refurbishing its nest. There was a Red Admiral on the wall, probably looking for a crevice to hibernate in. … Continue reading →

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West Kirby, 26th October 2014

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Barbara

It was overcast and mild today, 15 or 16 degrees, but with a strong breeze.  Our first bird of note was a Buzzard over Bidston tip, seen from the train. In West Kirby the Mahonia was blooming in the brief … Continue reading →

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