Surveys 1

We have mentioned surveys in earlier posts. So what do we survey, you might ask? Well just about anything to do with nature and wildlife.

Wild Flowers and Plants

 There are important wild flower meadows at Gibside. These provide habitat for many species of insect, which in turn are an important part of the food chain for birds, bats and other mammals. The wild flower meadows are carefully managed to maintain this important food chain.

Meadow flowers in front of Gibside Hall

Parkfields



Typical meadow flowers - Lady Haugh



Ox-eye daisies on Lady Haugh

We record which plants are in flower at various locations around the estate, a grid reference for the location and numbers of each species. Below are some examples of the various flowers and plants we have recorded.

Bugle

Catkins

 

Common Dog Violet





Ragged Robin

 

Ramsons



Cowslip

Toothwort



Red Clover

Water Avens

Several species of orchid may be found at Gibside.

Common Spotted Orchid

Lower plant forms are also recorded (Horsetails, Ferns and Bracken).

Horsetails