Simon Bennett writes.

About a dozen of us set off round Launde Park Wood with a couple of objectives in mind. Firstly, we were looking for species on the Leicestershire and Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy list of 100 Indicator Species [PDF], and secondly, there were two species in particular that we were looking for that are notable in that wood: Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris) and Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria). While Toothwort is not on the Rare Plant Register, it is only recorded from a small number of sites in VC55, mostly in Rutland. As we set off, we were joined by Nathalie, who had just been carrying out a survey of bat boxes in the wood and was pleased to be able to tell us that they had found Soprano Pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) and Brown Long-eared Bats (Plecotus auritus).

Walking down the main path into the wood, we were pleased to find Common Frog (Rana temporaria), one of the indicator species, in a pond. Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium oppositifolium) was a good find at the side of the track, but once one was accustomed to it, there were a surprising number of plants to be found. It is also one of the 100 indicator species. Grey Dagger Moth (Acronicta psi) caterpillar, one of those striking ones with a tuft, was another good find.

We probably heard more bird species than we saw, and Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler were both present as we walked to the 'Five Ways' at the centre of the wood, near which we found a single Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula) flower stem.

Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula) (Photo - Alan Cann)

Walking north up the path towards the part of the wood that is mainly Hazel coppice, we began to hear Marsh Tits, though they were difficult to see.

Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris) (Photo - Simon Bennett)

Walking along the ride to the east side of the wood, we turned north along the path next to the bank that marks the boundary of the wood. There are a number of coppiced Hazels (Corylus avellana) along the bank, and we found the Toothwort where a couple of us had previously seen it. We wondered why it was growing under that particular tree. However, as we walked back along the path, we found several other plants growing under other trees - not as well-developed or obvious as the first, but all coming up under Hazels.

Toothwort (Lathraea squamaria) (Photo - Richard Graves)

There were a lot of Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) (an indicator species) and Ramsons (Allium ursinum) (another indicator species) along that side of the wood in the coppice area. Alan and Dave were pleased to find the Ramsons Hoverfly (Portevinia maculata), which is either uncommon or under-recorded in VC55.

Dave and Alan with a Ramsons Hoverfly (Photo - Nathalie Cossa)

Ramsons Hoverfly (Portevinia maculata) (Photo - Dave Nicholls)

Wood Sage (Teucrium scorodonia) was another indicator species we found. We walked back to the cars at the edge of the wood and paused for a group photo. As we left the wood, we could hear a Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) singing. This is one of the Indicator Species. I heard another one, a Skylark (Alauda arvensis), as I was driving back near Loddington.

The group at the end of the walk (Photo - Nathalie Cossa)

A full report for members will be published in the next newsletter.

(Photo at top - Simon Bennett)