Barry had helpfully obtained a booklet with historical and current information about the Fletcher Moss Gardens, providing points of interest to look at. We were also joined by Alan Hill - a key and enthusiastic member of the 'Friends of Fletcher Moss Park and Parsonage Gardens', and he provided more information about the gardens and their development.
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| Fletcher Moss - Parsonage Gardens |
While the gardens were managed to provide a wonderful display of varied flora and trees, a few species were spotted that may have found their own way there. One such was Fringe Cups, a member of the saxifrage family. A few years ago, this seemed notable when spotted growing in the wild, but it now seems to be spreading quickly - we had seen in quite a few locations recently.
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| Fringe Cups (Tellima grandiflora) |
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| Fletcher Moss - Parsonage Gardens |
Something else that seemed to have found its own way here, and is now becoming more common is the Rose-ringed (or Ring-necked) Parakeet. It also brings controversy, particularly as it has been suggested that it may affect the populations of other birds which nest in holes in trees - by taking over such properties. However it is not yet clear how much they affect other species.
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| Rose-ringed (or Ring-necked) Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) |
In some large lime trees near the entrance to Parsonage Gardens, large clumps of mistletoe can be seen. This is an unusual sight in the Greater Manchester area - we are aware of only about half a dozen sites in the area with mistletoe. Let us know if you find more.
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| Mistletoe (Viscum album) |
We spent much time in the 'formal' garden areas, although we were too late to see the fritillaries on full flower. We then took a short walk into the wilder areas of Stenner Woods and Millgate Fields. A Grasshopper Warbler had been reported but we did not manage to see or hear it. A Heron was mobbed by crows. Other plants noted include: Ladies Smock, Green Alkanet, Spring Beauty, Marsh Horsetail, Marsh Marigold, Great Bittercress, Lesser Stitchwort, Wood Stitchwort, Pick-a-back Plant (
Tolmiea menziesii - another member of the Saxifrage family), Three-cornered Leek, Pendulous Sedge, White Dead-nettle and Ramsons.
A very pleasant evening, with much of interest, both in the gardens and the wilder woodland.
