Rocky Lock

Rocky lock

Rocky Lock is just downstream from Greensforge on the Staffs and Worcs canal. This is one of the sections of the canal which is cut through sandstone, which can be seen forming the cliff on the opposite bank. The cliff supports a healthy growth of plants and lichen.

May in April

May in April

Hawthorn blossom (“May”) flowering yesterday in what must be a favoured spot. Most bushes don’t even have signs of the buds yet.

Razor strop fungus in Sutton Park

Razor strop fungus

Birch polypores could be used to sharpen old-fashioned cut-throat razors. The birch tree these were growing on was by the road in Sutton Park. The trunk was in effect a ten foot tall stump, lacking any branches.

Razor strop fungus

Apple buds

Apple buds

Leaf buds on an apple tree, here from the Garden of Moseley Old Hall.

Lichen covered sandstone cutting

Lichen covered sandstone cutting

Vigorous lichens were growing on this sandstone face made by a small cutting carrying Tinkers Castle Road over the top of the ridge west of Seidson.