Tuesday 14th June 2016 - Nob End

Nob End is a small site almost totally enclosed by the rivers Croal and Irwell and the former Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal. It is close to Moses Gate Country Park and near Little Lever and Farnworth.

According to Wikipedia, 'the site was used around 1850-70 as a tip for toxic alkaline waste from the production of sodium carbonate (soda ash.) The waste, known as "galligu", was a blue sludge dominated by calcium sulphide and smelling of bad eggs. The surface of the waste has since weathered down to calcium carbonate, and calcicolous vegetation has colonised the site. As natural limestone grassland does not occur in Greater Manchester, many of the species found are rare in the county.'

Subsequently, Nob End became an SSSI in 1988 and a Local Nature Reserve in 2000.

There were many interesting plants, particularly orchids, seen on this visit.

Marsh Orchid - northern or southern (Dactylorhiza)

It was good to be able to enter from Cemetary Road, over the new bridge replacing the old Wilson's bridge that was closed for a few years. Just over this bridge we found the first orchids - marsh orchids (without identifying whether they were southern or northern marsh).

Common Broomrape (Orobanche minor)

Common Broomrape (Orobanche minor)

A little further on, close by the main path, we noticed the first of a number of spikes of the common broomrape. Sometimes known as clover broomrape - this gives away its host plant. It contains no chlorophyll, so obtains its nutrients by parasitising other plants, and this particular brromrape uses members of the pea family.

7-spot Ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata)

A pair of ladybirds seemed pre-occupied and very tolerant of the local paparazzi.

Marsh Helleborine (Epipactis palustris)

Over the other side (towards NW corner) of the site a fair number of Marsh Helleborine are just coming into bud.

Twayblade (Neottia ovata)

There were about 3 spikes of Twayblade.

Early Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza incarnata)

Perhaps a few more spikes of Early Marsh Orchid.

Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii)

Common-spotted Orchid is just beginning to flower. Expect to see many more of these in the next couple of weeks.

Other plants seen included : Guelder-rose, Giant Hogweed, Yarrow, Daisy, Smooth Hawk's-beard, Hemp-agrimony, Oxeye Daisy, Dame's-violet, Meadow Vetchling, Common Bird's-foot-trefoil, Black Medick, Zigzag Clover, Red Clover, White Clover, Tufted Vetch, Bush Vetch, Cut-leaved Crane's-bill, Selfheal, Lamb's-ear, Hedge Woundwort, Fairy Flax, Foxglove, Ribwort Plantain, Crested Dog's-tail, Common Bistort, Love-in-a-mist, Wild Strawberry, Wood Avens, Trailing Tormentil and Water Figwort

and birds: Swift, Cormorant, Wood Pigeon, Goldfinch, Wren and House Martin

Coot (Fulica atra)

Coot egg

A short drive to Moses Gate Country Park for a few minutes just before dusk, was worthwhile. This coot and nest were very close to the main lake - hope it is not too late for a successful hatch.
 
Other birds seen included: Mallard, Canada Goose, Mute Swan and Black-headed Gull

In the few metres between the car park to the lake we noticed many unfamiliar plants - very low with basal rosettes and small cruciferous flowers. Turned out to be Marsh Yellow-cress. Hemlock Water-dropwort was also seen in some profusion on the river bank - as it has been for many years.

A successful trip, with sightings of most of the species sought. The only one missing was Blue-eyed Grass. Obviously worth another trip in a couple of weeks,