Meeting details

Leader: Sharon Pilkington

Cheddar Gorge is a very rich site for bryophytes and we have visited part of the complex – Black Rock – in the past. This time we will explore other parts of the upper, main gorge, exploring accessible limestone rocks and exposures, ancient limestone woodland, moss-drenched Mendip walls and possibly the only substantial tract of north-facing rich limestone grassland in N. Somerset. Numerous rarities have been found in this area including Plasteurhynchium striatulum, Bryum canariense, Entosthodon pulchellus, E. mouretii, Serpoleskea confervoides and Cololejeunea rossettiana. There are also old records of Conardia compacta and what is now recognised as Trichostomum herzogii.

This meeting will involve walking across very uneven and potentially slippery terrain, possible climbing over walls, fences and rocks and some walking along the road through the gorge. Sturdy footwear with a good grip is strongly recommended.

Park near the top of Cheddar Gorge at ST48185451 in one of the large laybys on the B3135 where a public right of way joins the road from the Black Rock valley.

If you’d like to come along, please email Sharon Pilkington (sharon.pilkington1@(at)btinternet.com).