At the request of Dr. Steph Tyler MBE and pending president of the Botanical Society of the British Isles (BSBI) I had the privilege of leading a group of botanists around the Lasgarn Wood near Abersychan recently on what was very sunny April day.
The Lasgarn Wood is very close to my heart as it was the playground of my youth and where I cut my teeth as a budding naturalist. Siting on the limestone band that encircles the south Wales coalfield it is still possible to see evidence of mine workings that helped sustain historic industrial activity in these parts. Here shallow surface quarrying can still be viewed amongst the closed canopy Beech woodland with its sprawling ancient woodland indicator plants, another reminder of the close links between our industrial and natural heritage.
The footpath climb from our meeting point at Waterworks Lane was steep, but provided the group with good views of the fresh green leaves of beech woodland regeneration. Here path-side plants included Soft and Hard Shield Ferns, Early Dog Violet as well as providing a early opportunity for the group to discuss the difference between northern and southern Wych Elm - a debate that clearly emphasized the collective knowledge present on this walk.
Beyond the Beech the woodland grades into patches of Sessile Oak and Birch with its understorey of Billberry and Heather before we broke into the squinting mornings sunlight that was provided by a recent conifer plantation clear-fell and its convenient haul road track. A few Red Wood Ant were noted stirred by the warming spring sunshine along with Orange Tip and Peacock butterflies. The group embarked on the examination of several conifer trees where a further discussion about species and hybridization ensured.
Progressing southward along the forestry track toward our lunchtime resting spot was punctuated by stops to check Lady's Mantle, Yellow Rattle and to view several Dark Edged Bee Fly. Following our re-fuelling break we returned to the forestry track but headed northwards towards a poorly recorded area. Once again there was plenty to occupy the botanists including possibly a 100+ rosettes of Common Spotted and Southern Marsh Orchid, a species of Aster, Fox and Cubs and the dreaded Himalayan Balsam. Willow Warbler were in fine song.
Where the track terminated we descended into another area of mature beech woodland close to the top of Waterworks Lane. This woodland is notable for its carpet of woodland plants none more so than Ramsons that in places cascades in abundance to smother the woodland floor. Toothwort used to occur in this woodland but was not visible on this occasion. Crosswort was found as were left the woodland to drop down past the decommissioned Welsh Water reservoir. A large patch of this plant was known from the grassy bank of the reservoir but recent, and wholly unnecessary management, had reduced this hitherto species rich bank to a botanical desert. So much for Welsh Water's public bodies biodiversity duty!
After over four hours in the field we arrived back at our meeting point and I took the opportunity to photograph a large Morel fungi possibly Morchella esculenta nestled at the base of a hedgerow. We said our farewells but not before I encouraged the group to consider revisiting this part of the vice county of Monmouthshire in the future.
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