The next botanical outing is to Binscarth Woods on 3rd November lead by Moira. We meet in the carpark opposite Baikies at 10.30am. A lot depends on the weather, usual kit of lenses, cameras, binoculars, waterproofs, lunch etc. Tea at the Pomona afterwards (TBA)

Low winter sunshine enhanced a very enjoyable and leisurely stroll through the leaf litter in Binscarth Woods yesterday morning. A surprising number of plants were still in flower including pink purslane, daisy and buttercup with lesser celandine bulbils already sprouting for next years display. Many colourful fungi were found with a very photogenic troop of "Earth Tongue" parading on some lovely moss clad rotting logs. Although most trees were bare, some trees still in their autumn glory provided a background for the photographers with a beech tree being particularly striking against the blue skies. Alders were clinging on to their cone-like fruit from this year but tight new catkins were formed ready for next spring. Lots of LBJs confused us but wrens and robins left us in no doubt as to their identity! Lunch at the Standing Stones Hotel rounded off a splendid outing. Thanks to Moira who organised it.
Who says winter is dead?

Botanical Group had an excellent walk from the Ness battery towards Warbeth today. Cool but dry. Plenty of birds to see and ID, seals, vole tracks and interesting geology. Dandelion, Daisy and Annual Meadow Grass in flower. Scurvy Grass not far behind. Nice lunch in the Standing Stones... next trip out will be a walk near Kirkwall in January 2011 organised by Sally

A good outing to South Ronaldsay was enjoyed inspite of the cool breeze. First we checked the well established Sea Kale plant which we were pleased to find in good health with two new young plants growing close by! Further along the beach we found several Oysterplant colonies already in bloom and the Blysmus sedge growing right down to the tideline. Seals, terns and lots of Eider duck around but not a chick in sight.
A nasty shower forced us into taking shelter at the Sands of Wright but it was time for lunch anyway!
A short walk along to the Millenium Stone by St Peter's kirk blew away any cobwebs. Beside the kirk is a wonderful planticru with beautifully tilled soil growing tatties, leeks, artichokes, salad crop and fruit bushes etc. - not a weed or stone to be seen.
To complete our outing we visited the Hoxa Tapestery Gallery (checking out how the new cafe was coming along) and the Loft and Workshop in the Hope rounding off with ice cream at the Orkney Winery on our way home!!!
Thanks to Effy for organising and Caroline for driving.
Sal