BSBI meeting at Llyn Fach

Karen & Alison at base of cliffs above Llyn Fach

To achieve better coverage of the lakes and cliffs at Craig-y-Llyn we split into two groups; Julian leading a group to Llyn Fawr (SN917034) with Charles and myself leading a group to Llyn Fach (SN905037). The following notes and images are from the Llyn Fach group taking on the midges of Neath Port Talbot. On our approach to the lake we were lucky to see a Chinese Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) crossing the forest track, this being my first observation of the species in the county.

Fir Clubmoss

Common Apple-moss (Bartramia pomiformis) frequent in cliff crevices

With the level of lake being high, sampling was difficult, but we did manage to find several of the key species for which the lake is noted including Spring Quillwort (Isoetes echinospora) and Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna).

Spring Quillwort
fish tank photography is cheaper than underwater gear!

The fringe of emergent vegetation included stands of Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata) and Water Horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile) grading into Molinia/Sphagnum mire, where a Small Pear-bordered Fritillary (Boloria selene) was noted during a short sunny spell.

Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary

The north-facing scree slopes and cliffs above the lake provided the most interest with noteworthy species logged including Beech Fern (Phegopteris connectilis), Brittle Bladder-fern (Cystopteris fragilis), Mountain Male-fern (Dryopteris oreades), Oak Fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris), Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris) & Fir Clubmoss (Huperzia selago).

Beech Fern

Oak Fern

Attendees at Llyn Fach: Alison Heath, Charles Hipkin, Ceri Richards, Kaz Wilkinson, Vanessa Williams & yours truly.

a sedge conference!