BSBINews - BSBI Archive - Botanical Society of the British Isles
BSBINews - BSBI Archive - Botanical Society of the British Isles
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<strong><strong>BSBI</strong>News</strong><br />
September 2009 No. 112<br />
Edited by Trevor James & Gwynn Ellis
Group photograph <strong>of</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> members on <strong>the</strong> steps <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Guildhall, Berwick at <strong>the</strong> 2009 AGM<br />
(seep. 61)<br />
White-flowered Polemonium caeruleum, nr Horton-in-Ribblesdale (v.c.64) with close-up<br />
<strong>of</strong> flowers. Both photos N.A. Thompson ' 2008 (see p. 11)
Editorial & Diary................................................... 2<br />
Notes<br />
Taraxacum cymbifolium in Scotland<br />
.......................................... M.B. Usher & 1. Richards 3<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r site for Allium schoenoprasum (Chives)<br />
in S. Northumb .................................. G. Young 4<br />
'Juncus fasciculatus Koch (?)' in Cliffe<br />
Castle Museum, Keighley .............. .. M. Wilcox 5<br />
Juncus acutiflorus ................................. M. Wilcox 7<br />
Epipactis leptochila complex in Britain<br />
................................ J. Richards & J. Squirrell 8<br />
On <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> railway banks .... ........... J. Combes 9<br />
Alchemilla micans at Keepershield Quarry,<br />
S. Northumb. (v.c.67) .................. J. Richards 10<br />
Polemonium caeruleum .............. N.A. Thompson 11<br />
New records <strong>of</strong> Monotropa on an industrial<br />
site at Newport .................... T.G. Evans et al 12<br />
Progress report on habitat management projects<br />
......................................................... B. Laney 13<br />
Squirrel-stripping <strong>of</strong> trees ...................... J. Oliver 14<br />
Rare species at Barry Docks, Glamorgan (v.c.4l)<br />
................................. S.1. Tyler & T.G. Evans 18<br />
Tliple trouble over Onobrychis identification<br />
................................................... E.J. Clement 19<br />
Colonisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ramparts and walls <strong>of</strong><br />
Berwick-upon-Tweed ............ D. W. Shimwell 20<br />
Teratology - a revival? ...................... J. Presland 23<br />
The abortive 'Penguin' Flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong><br />
........................................................... D. Alien 25<br />
Symphytum - a corrigendum ................ c. Westall 27<br />
Gravel weeds by Loch Linnhe ........ ...... F. Anstey 27<br />
'Forensic botany' - a correction .. D.Hawksworth 27<br />
<strong>Botanical</strong> Crossword 13...................................... 28<br />
Aliens<br />
Habitat <strong>of</strong> Cochlearia megalosperma naturalised<br />
in Britain ................................ .. M. Braithwaite 29<br />
Stranger on <strong>the</strong> shore .............. ........ S.1. Bungars 30<br />
Planted aliens ............................ ........ .A. C. Leslie 30<br />
Vegetative identification <strong>of</strong> Buddleja species<br />
....................................................... .1. Poland 31<br />
<strong>Botanical</strong> delights at Seafield Park, Fareham<br />
(v.c.ll) .............................................. P. Budd 32<br />
Urtica membranacea Poiret in Cambridgeshire<br />
(v.c.29) ........................................ A.c. Leslie 33<br />
First <strong>British</strong> record for self-sown Melica altissima?<br />
...................................................... P.R. Green 34<br />
Small Project Grant Reports<br />
Plant communities <strong>of</strong> urban river walls and<br />
embankments ........ ..................... R.A. Francis 34<br />
Botany in Literatnre - 51<br />
Arthur Conan Doy le's 'The Adventure <strong>of</strong> Wisteria<br />
Lodge' .................................... M.E. Souchier 35<br />
CONTENTS<br />
Requests & <strong>of</strong>fers<br />
Volunteer Co-ordinator needed for new survey <strong>of</strong><br />
alien plants ...................................... P. Brown 38<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> journals for free ............................ F. Slater 38<br />
Publications for disposaL ...................... .1. Osley 39<br />
Spare copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> journals for disposal<br />
....................................................... V. Livesey 39<br />
West Cork B & B ................................. S. Cobley 39<br />
Flowers and Photography Holidays in Menm'ca<br />
.......................................................... P. Dunn 39<br />
Notices<br />
2010 Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowships 40<br />
Excursion to Almeria - ApriI201O ...... T. Farino 40<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> trip to Mallorca April 201O .......... J. Bailey 41<br />
Estonia: bogs, fens & mires, July 2010<br />
................................ 1. Bennallick & P. Green 41<br />
Field meeting reports: 2008<br />
Lindisfarne area (v.c.68)C. Me<strong>the</strong>rell & M. Smith<br />
42<br />
Field meeting reports: 2009<br />
Conifer Day, CYlil Hart Arboretum (v.c.34)<br />
................................. c. Kitchen & T. Titchen 45<br />
Chiltern Hills <strong>of</strong> mid-Bucks (v.c.24) ...... C, Boon 46<br />
E. Norfolk & Suffolk (v.c.c. 25, 27).A. Copping 47<br />
Parsonage Moor and Dry Sandford Pit, Berkshire<br />
(v.c.22) .................. .1. Edgington & J. Killick 48<br />
Nidderdale (v.c.64) and Wensleydale (v.c.65)<br />
.............. P. Abbott, L. Robinson & K. Walker 49<br />
Bog and fen in Co. Clare (v.c.H09)<br />
.......................................... S. Ward & S. Parr 50<br />
Report <strong>of</strong> overseas field meeting - 2009<br />
Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile ....... .T. Farino et al 51<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> Spring Conference Report........................ 59<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> new Honorary Member<br />
Ann Conolly .......................................... J. Bailey 65<br />
News <strong>of</strong> Members<br />
Y olande Heslop-Harrison .................... .. J. Bailey 66<br />
Paul Green .............................................. .1 Green 66<br />
Book Notes<br />
<strong>British</strong> field crops ................................ S. Francis 66<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong>IWFS Presidents' Prize ....... M. Braithwaite 67<br />
Recorders and Recording<br />
Panel <strong>of</strong> Referees and Specialists. M. C. Sheahan 68<br />
Panel <strong>of</strong> Vice-county Recorders ............ D. Pearman 68<br />
Obituary notes ...................................... M. Briggs 68<br />
Important Notice<br />
Results <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> questionnaire about <strong>the</strong><br />
Annual Exhibition Meeting .............. J. Bailey 69<br />
Notes from <strong>the</strong> Officers<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> Plant Unit.. ................................ K. Walker 70<br />
Co-ordinator's Corner ......................... A. Lockton 71<br />
Drawings <strong>of</strong> wildflower seedlings<br />
Urtica dioica .......................................... S. Evans 74<br />
Deadline for contribution to News 113............... 75<br />
Cover picture- Taraxacum cymbifolium on steep grassy slope (665m) on Ben Vrackie, Perthshire.<br />
Photo M. Usher © 2008 (see p. 3)
2 Editorial/Diary<br />
EDITORIAL<br />
TREVOR JAMES (Receiving Editor), 56 Back Street, Ashwell, Baldock, Herts., SG75PE<br />
Tel.: 01462742684; trevorjjames@btinternet.com<br />
GWYNN ELLIS (General Editor), 41 Marlborough Road, Roath, Cardiff, CF235BU<br />
Tel. 02920496042; rgellis@ntlworld.com<br />
What a treat <strong>the</strong> Spring Conference and AGM at<br />
Berwick-upon-Tweed was for <strong>the</strong> 86 members<br />
and guests who attended. The very full Saturday<br />
programme included many interesting and<br />
informative talks. One which stood out because<br />
<strong>of</strong> it's taxonomic significance was <strong>the</strong> paper by<br />
James Cullen on <strong>the</strong> taxonomy <strong>of</strong> Rhododendron<br />
ponticum (Rhododendron) as naturalised in<br />
Britain. This should have been given at <strong>the</strong><br />
October conference on 'Understanding our alien<br />
flora' but had to be postponed because <strong>of</strong> illness.<br />
A summary <strong>of</strong> this and all <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r events <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
weekend are on pages 59-64 <strong>of</strong> this issue. Our<br />
President is to be congratulated on organising<br />
such a successful event.<br />
The editors would like to commend members on<br />
<strong>the</strong> variety and <strong>the</strong> overall stimulating interest <strong>of</strong><br />
things that have been submitted for this issue and<br />
to encourage <strong>the</strong>m to continue to do so. Please<br />
remember that all submissions should be made<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Receiving Editor (TJ) , and not to <strong>the</strong><br />
General Editor (GE). May we also remind all<br />
contributors that photos need to be good quality<br />
JPEGs, sent as separate files and not embedded<br />
in emails or documents. We still get quite a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se.<br />
We are grateful to new member Colin Jacobs for<br />
<strong>the</strong> following information on 'message-boards'<br />
and how to access <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
'I was pleased to see <strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> mentioned in<br />
several threads on <strong>the</strong> BBC Springwatch internet<br />
messageboard during <strong>the</strong> Springwatch TV<br />
Programme at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> May. I hope that by<br />
Diary<br />
publicising <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> in this way <strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> may<br />
get many more new members. With over 4<br />
million viewers I expect <strong>the</strong>re were a lot who<br />
used <strong>the</strong> message board. One thread bemoaned<br />
<strong>the</strong> fact that plants are never mentioned on<br />
Springwatch but if anyone wants to learn botany<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> are a good, if not <strong>the</strong> best, Botany<br />
society to join in <strong>the</strong> UK. What a great free way<br />
<strong>of</strong> advertising <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> society.<br />
Go to www.bbc.co.uk/springwatch <strong>the</strong>n to<br />
messageboards and register a username. An<br />
email will be sent to your address, you click on<br />
<strong>the</strong> link and you can <strong>the</strong>n add to any threads.'<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r new member, Stuart CampbeIl, put a<br />
request in <strong>the</strong> last issue for some copies <strong>of</strong><br />
Watsonia. He emailed - '<strong>BSBI</strong> News received<br />
safely last Friday; members kindly phoned me<br />
on <strong>the</strong> same day (and o<strong>the</strong>rs over <strong>the</strong> weekend)<br />
and both issues <strong>of</strong> Watsonia secured. The system<br />
works!! Thanks to all who responded'<br />
Afield key to <strong>the</strong> grasses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> East Midlands:<br />
Barry Dickerson' s address for ordering a copy <strong>of</strong><br />
this key should have read - B. Dickerson, 27<br />
Andrew Road, Eynesbury, St Neots, Cambs.,<br />
PEl9 2QE. Our apologies to anyone who had<br />
difficulty contacting him.<br />
Grasses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong>, <strong>BSBI</strong> Handbook 13,<br />
should be published by <strong>the</strong> time you read this<br />
and will be posted very shortly. Fumitaries <strong>of</strong><br />
Britain and Ireland and The Vegetative Key to<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> Flora were both posted to members<br />
in May.<br />
N.B. These dates are <strong>of</strong>ten supplementary to those in <strong>the</strong> 2009 Calendar in <strong>BSBI</strong> Year Book<br />
2009 and include provisional dates <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong>' s Permanent Working Committees.<br />
7 Oct Records Committee, London 7 Nov* Scottish Exhibition & AGM<br />
90ct Committee for Wales, Aberystwyth 11 Nov Council, London<br />
13 Qct Publications Committee, London 21 Novt Annual Exhibition Meeting, London<br />
28 Oct Executive Committee, London<br />
4 Nov Database Subcommittee, Leicester<br />
7 Nov Committee for Scotland<br />
* Note change <strong>of</strong> venue (see enclosed lflet)<br />
t Note change <strong>of</strong> date (see enclosed lflet)
Notes - Taraxacum cymbifolium in Scotland 3<br />
NOTES<br />
Taraxacum cymbifolium in Scotland<br />
MrCHAEL B. USHER, School <strong>of</strong> Biological and Environmental Sciences, University <strong>of</strong> Stirling,<br />
Stirling, FK94LA<br />
JOHN RICHARDS, High Trees, South Park, Hexham, NE46 lBT<br />
Taraxacum cymbifolium (a dandelion) has<br />
been known from a single locality in Scotland.<br />
Dudman & Richards (1997) state that this is<br />
"at 1,000m (3,200ft) in <strong>the</strong> south-west corrie<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ben Lawers, Perth, on calcareous schist".<br />
The register <strong>of</strong> rare plants, kept by <strong>the</strong> Nature<br />
Conservancy Council prior to 1991, gave a<br />
single 6-figure grid reference, which corresponds<br />
with Dudman & Richards' description.<br />
T. cymbifolium is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> six species <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
genus Taraxacum in section Taraxacum, all <strong>of</strong><br />
which are confined in <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong> to <strong>the</strong><br />
mountains <strong>of</strong> Scotland. Three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> species<br />
could be described as being relatively widely<br />
distributed in Scotland, one with a very<br />
restricted distribution, and two have been<br />
recorded in only a single lOkm grid square<br />
(T. cymbifolium and T. clovense).<br />
T. cymbifolium has a most unusual distribution.<br />
As Dudman & Richards (1997) say, "this<br />
species shows a remarkable disjunct distribution<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Arctic. The Ben Lawers station is<br />
10° latitude south <strong>of</strong> any o<strong>the</strong>r in Europe".<br />
Checking out <strong>the</strong> species name on a<br />
commonly used intemet search engine, a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> websites mention <strong>the</strong> species.<br />
These include www.sva1bardflora.net. which<br />
maps it as occurring on Bear Island, and<br />
www.srgc.org.uk, which refers to it as <strong>the</strong><br />
'Bear Island Dandelion'. It is, however, given<br />
<strong>the</strong> name 'Ben Lawers Dandelion', both by<br />
Sell & Murrell (2006) and in<br />
www.biodiversityscotland.gov.uk.Itis<br />
recorded as being in <strong>the</strong> IUCN category<br />
'vulnerable' by www.plantnetwork.org, but<br />
this classification might be better as 'data<br />
deficient'. Sell & Murrell (2006) record <strong>the</strong><br />
species as occurring in Faeroes, Iceland,<br />
Norway and Svalbard (but <strong>the</strong> latter reference<br />
is probably to Bear Island ra<strong>the</strong>r than Sva1bard<br />
sensu stricto), and www2.nrm.se also records<br />
it from Finland.<br />
Given <strong>the</strong>se comments about <strong>the</strong> species, it<br />
is notable that it is now known to occur in at<br />
least a second site in Scotland. On 16 th May<br />
2008 MBU was searching for some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
earlier-flowering alpine plants on Ben<br />
V rackie, Perthshire. A number <strong>of</strong> dandelions<br />
were in flower, but he did not attempt identifications<br />
in <strong>the</strong> field. Two specimens <strong>of</strong> apparently<br />
different species were collected, pressed<br />
and later identified by JR. As he said in a<br />
letter to MBU, "<strong>the</strong>re is no doubt that <strong>the</strong><br />
creme de la creme is a second station for that<br />
most extreme disjunct (Svalbard, N. Iceland)<br />
T. cymbifolium" (see Front Cover). The<br />
specimen is now in <strong>the</strong> herbarium <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Royal<br />
Botanic Garden Edinburgh (E).<br />
The location was at an altitude <strong>of</strong> approximately<br />
665m, at national grid reference<br />
NN950629, on a steep, grassy, herb-rich slope.<br />
It was growing in a mixed population with<br />
T. brachyglossum, and lower down <strong>the</strong><br />
mountain, at an altitude <strong>of</strong> about 400m, a<br />
second species <strong>of</strong> section Taraxacum was<br />
growing (T. ceratolobum). Unfortunately<br />
MBU did not make a count <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> possible<br />
number <strong>of</strong> T. cymbifolium in this grassy sward<br />
- a fur<strong>the</strong>r visit in 2009 proved to be too early<br />
to find any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dandelions in flower.<br />
From a conservation perspective, this dandelion<br />
species is now known from two sites in<br />
Scotland, approximately 34 km apart, and at<br />
different altitudes. There appear to be few<br />
pressures on <strong>the</strong>se popu1ations, o<strong>the</strong>r than by<br />
trampling by people searching for <strong>the</strong> more<br />
widely known rare alpine plants. Clearly what<br />
is needed is a survey <strong>of</strong> T. cymbifolium in its<br />
two localities, and in time an estimate <strong>of</strong><br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong> sizes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> populations are<br />
changing. There would also be merit in<br />
searching for this species in o<strong>the</strong>r base-rich<br />
communities in <strong>the</strong> Scottish Highlands and at<br />
a variety <strong>of</strong> altitudes. It is now known from
4 Notes - Taraxacum cymbifolium in Scotland / Ano<strong>the</strong>r site for Allium schoenoprasum in v.c.67<br />
two localities that are very frequently visited<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir rare arctic-alpine plants, and both<br />
localities have very base-rich substrates by<br />
Scottish montane standards. There remains<br />
<strong>the</strong> possibility that <strong>the</strong> species, which flowers<br />
in May, could be found on o<strong>the</strong>r mountains<br />
with such habitats and collections <strong>of</strong> arcticalpine<br />
plants.<br />
References:<br />
DUDMAN, A.A. & RICHARDS, A.J. (1997).<br />
Dandelions <strong>of</strong> Great Britain and Ireland.<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong>. Handbook No. 9.<br />
SELL, P. & MURRELL, G. (2006). Flora <strong>of</strong><br />
Great Britain and Ireland. Volume 4,<br />
Campanulaceae - Asteraceae. Cambridge<br />
University Press, Cambridge.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r site for Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) in S. Northumb.<br />
(v.c.67)<br />
GORDON YOUNG, 81 Lynn Road, Billy Mill, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 8HP<br />
Northumberland has long been known to have<br />
Allium schoenoprasum (Chives) at three sites:<br />
Walltown and Great Bavington in <strong>the</strong> south <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> county (v.c.67), and Spindlestone in <strong>the</strong><br />
north (v.c.68). However, reference was made<br />
to an undated record for Winshields Crags in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Flora <strong>of</strong> Northumberland (Swan, 1993).<br />
This was attributed to William Robertson, a<br />
Newcastle botanist who did his botanising<br />
mainly in <strong>the</strong> Newcastle and Tynedale areas.<br />
Living in <strong>the</strong> early part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 19 th century (he<br />
died in in <strong>the</strong> late 1840s), he entered records as<br />
annotations to his personal copy <strong>of</strong> The<br />
botanist's guide through <strong>the</strong> counties <strong>of</strong><br />
Northumberland and Durham VoU (Winch,<br />
Thomhill & Waugh, 1805). In this guide,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re were no records at all for Allium<br />
schoenoprasum. Robertson, however, made<br />
two entries for <strong>the</strong> species (both <strong>of</strong> which he<br />
attributed to J.Thompson), and one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />
was for "Winshields Crags, near to Twice<br />
Brewed" - a roadside public house. As was<br />
stated in <strong>the</strong> Flora <strong>of</strong> Northumberland,<br />
nothing more was known about this site,<br />
although, in <strong>the</strong> Northumberland Wildlife<br />
Trust Whin Grassland Survey report in 1980,<br />
East Bog Farm was suggested as being <strong>the</strong><br />
possible 19 th century site.<br />
However, in 2001, when cattle and sheep<br />
were removed from <strong>the</strong> countryside because<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, <strong>the</strong><br />
farmer at East Bog Farm (NY7467), on <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
dip-slope <strong>of</strong> Win shields Crags, and some<br />
400m from Twice Brewed, made a report to<br />
<strong>the</strong> National Trust (<strong>the</strong> landowners) <strong>of</strong> what he<br />
thought was Chives. The following year,<br />
Andrew Poad, <strong>the</strong> National Trust property<br />
manager, visited <strong>the</strong> site with <strong>the</strong> N.T. ecologist,<br />
and confirmed <strong>the</strong> sighting.<br />
This is quite an exciting 'find', as <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
no records for this site in <strong>the</strong> subsequent<br />
county Floras (Winch, 1831; Baker & Tate,<br />
1868). In fact, in <strong>the</strong> latter, <strong>the</strong> species is<br />
stated to be "rarely, or quite extinct in some <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> old stations". At East Bog it is to be found<br />
on five <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> exposed whin outcrops, and in<br />
reasonable quantity. On a national basis, <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> UK.'s 3,900+ lOkm squares, Allium<br />
schoenoprasum is to be found in 18, with<br />
Nortumberland having three. This now stands<br />
at 19 and four respectively.<br />
References:<br />
BAKER, J.G. & TATE, G.R. (1868). A new<br />
flora <strong>of</strong> Northumberland and Durham, with<br />
sketches <strong>of</strong> its climate and physical geography.<br />
Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Northumb. 2:<br />
1-316.<br />
SWAN, G.A. (1993). Flora <strong>of</strong> Northumberland.<br />
Natural History <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> Northumbria.<br />
WINCH, NJ. (1831). Flora <strong>of</strong> Northumberland<br />
and Durham. Hodgson, Newcastle-upon<br />
Tyne.<br />
WINCH, NJ., THORNHILL, J. & WAUGH, R.<br />
(1805). The botanist's guide through <strong>the</strong><br />
counties <strong>of</strong> Nortumberland and Durham.<br />
Vol. 1. Hodgson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Notes - Juncus fasciculatus Koch in Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley, Skip ton 5<br />
'Juncus fasciculatus Koch (?)' in Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley,<br />
Skipton<br />
MICHAEL WILCOX, 32 Shawbridge Street, Cli<strong>the</strong>roe, BB7 lLZ (michaelpw22@hotmail.com)<br />
A funGus specimen in Cliffe Castle Museum<br />
(CCM), labelled 'funcus Jasciculatus Koch<br />
(?)', from Glamorgan, v.cAl, was <strong>of</strong> great<br />
interest, as <strong>the</strong> specimen appeared to be funcus<br />
pygmaeus Rich. funcus pygmaeus has apparently<br />
only ever been known from <strong>the</strong> Lizard in<br />
Cornwall, v.c.l. The au<strong>the</strong>nticity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> specimen<br />
may have been in doubt and fur<strong>the</strong>r steps<br />
were taken to discover if <strong>the</strong> specimen was<br />
genuine.<br />
Firstly, <strong>the</strong> specimen was found by <strong>the</strong> well<br />
known Yorkshire botanist, EA. Lees (Arnold<br />
Lees). The date given was May 1872 and, as<br />
can be seen from <strong>the</strong> label, (fig. 1, p. 7) it<br />
describes <strong>the</strong> location as; 'Sandy moor, near sea<br />
between Oystermouth and Pennard Castle,<br />
Glamorgan' . The label is actually stuck over<br />
<strong>the</strong> specimen and is in Arnold Lees' own hand<br />
writing. The label appeared to be very white, as<br />
if modern, but could not be, as <strong>the</strong> handwriting<br />
is Lees' and it has since discoloured, (by taking<br />
<strong>the</strong> specimen out three times), suggesting it was<br />
just because it had been in <strong>the</strong> dark all this time.<br />
The name 'funcus buJonius' has been written<br />
on <strong>the</strong> sheet in 'ink' in <strong>the</strong> lower right corner,<br />
but no details are given, though it seems to be a<br />
modern [in-]correction. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> doubts<br />
surrounding <strong>the</strong> specimen was to discover if<br />
Lees was in Wales at that time and to find out<br />
more information on <strong>the</strong> name, '1. Jasciculatus<br />
Koch (?)'.<br />
The description on <strong>the</strong> label seems to be<br />
fairly specific, at least in <strong>the</strong> location given,<br />
and is clearly not a mistake for anywhere in<br />
Cornwall. The issue <strong>of</strong> whe<strong>the</strong>r Arnold Lees<br />
was in <strong>the</strong> area seems to be unquestionable, as<br />
Draba aizoides, was collected in 1871 by Lees<br />
from '<strong>the</strong> walls <strong>of</strong> Pennard Castle', a well<br />
known site. Specimens <strong>of</strong> this latter species<br />
have been seen in both MANCH and <strong>the</strong><br />
herbarium at <strong>the</strong> Leeds Discovery Centre.<br />
The name 'funcus Jasciculatus' is a complicated<br />
situation mostly surrounding <strong>the</strong><br />
f. buJonius agg., with <strong>the</strong> associated species<br />
now part <strong>of</strong> funcus subg. Agathyron, section<br />
Tenageia; though it has implications relating<br />
to f. pygmaeus also, which is in funcus subg.<br />
funcus section Ozophyllum (Kirschner, 2002a,<br />
b). However, f. pygmaeus is distinct from all<br />
taxa in <strong>the</strong> f. buJonius agg., as it has unitubular<br />
leaves, whereas those in <strong>the</strong> f. buJonius agg.,<br />
have bifacial leaves. Largely in <strong>the</strong> UK, <strong>the</strong><br />
treatment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> f. buJonius agg. has been<br />
divided in to three taxa: J. Joliosus Desf.,<br />
f. buJonius L. and f. ambiguus Guss., (Cope &<br />
Stace 1978, Stace 1997). Currently, <strong>the</strong> first<br />
two species appear to have been retained under<br />
those names, though <strong>the</strong> latter species has now<br />
revelied to f. ranarius Songeon & E.P. Perrier<br />
in Kirschner (2002b), and is accepted as such<br />
here.<br />
Within <strong>the</strong> f. buJonius agg., <strong>the</strong> name<br />
'Jasciculatus' is also associated with f. hybridus<br />
Brot., an alien taxon rarely ever seen in <strong>the</strong> UK.<br />
The name 'Jasciculatus' has occurred at various<br />
ranks relating to f. buJonius, f. ranarius (within<br />
f. buJonius s.l.), and f. tingitanus Maire &<br />
Weiller, a non-native that is very similar to and<br />
in <strong>the</strong> same section as 1. pygmaeus. Both <strong>the</strong>se<br />
latter two species have unitubular leaves. The<br />
names relating to 'Jasciculatus' given in<br />
Kirschner (2002a, b) are given below under<br />
each taxon <strong>the</strong>y relate to:<br />
funcus subg. Agathyron section Tenageia:<br />
f. hybridus: 1. Jasciculatus Bertol., Fl. Ital.<br />
4: 190 (1839), nom illeg.<br />
f. buJonius ssp.Jasciculatus<br />
K. Richt., PI. Eur. 1: 176<br />
(1890), nom illeg.<br />
f. ranarius: f. buJonius var. Jasciculatus<br />
Koch, syn. FI. Baden 1: 336<br />
(1857), nom illeg., non<br />
Thunb. (1820).<br />
Juncus subg. Juncus section Ozophyllum:<br />
J. tingitanus: J. Jasciculatus Schousb., ex<br />
E.Mey., syn. Junc. 28 (1822),<br />
nom illeg., non Schrank (1789).<br />
It is worth noting here that <strong>the</strong> name 'var.<br />
congestus' is likely to refer to some plants in<br />
this group as <strong>the</strong> name 'Jasciculatus' relates to
6 Notes - Juncus fasciculatus Koch in Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley, Skipton<br />
having a 'fasciculate' (congested) inflorescence.<br />
The name is given under f. bufonius<br />
and f. ranarius, usually at varietal or unranked<br />
status respectively (Kirschner, 2002b).<br />
As <strong>the</strong> Cliffe Castle specimen was from<br />
Britain it is unlikely that <strong>the</strong> name was intended<br />
for f. tingitanus, (and it does not belong to that<br />
species based on <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tepals and<br />
an<strong>the</strong>rs). The name 'fasciculatus' is likely to<br />
have been applied in error for one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> species<br />
in <strong>the</strong> f. bufonius agg. The most likely misapplication<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> name by F.A.Lees was for that<br />
given under f. ranarius, since he was unsure <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> authority ("Koch (?)") and it seems <strong>the</strong> rank<br />
also (given as a species by Lees), and<br />
f. ranarius usually has small clusters <strong>of</strong> flowers.<br />
Even today <strong>the</strong> most likely error for<br />
f. pygmaeus would be f. ranarius<br />
(f. ambiguus), which, although part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
f. bufonius agg. (only as a variant at <strong>the</strong> time <strong>of</strong><br />
Lees), was at that time not separated from<br />
f. bufonius s.s., although it suggests Lees and<br />
possibly o<strong>the</strong>rs thought it different from<br />
f. bufonius s.l. Today <strong>the</strong> separation is clearer<br />
for <strong>the</strong> species in <strong>the</strong> f. bufonius agg., (Stace<br />
1997) (although <strong>the</strong> group is still a complex <strong>of</strong><br />
possibly evolving species) and in any case<br />
f. bufonius and f. pygmaeus belong to different<br />
Sections, (see leaf types above and Kirschner<br />
(2002a, b) for o<strong>the</strong>r differences). No species in<br />
<strong>the</strong> f. bufonius complex has unitubular leaves.<br />
The CCM specimen has unitubular leaves, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> tepal type is that <strong>of</strong> f. pygmaeus. There is<br />
no doubt it is that species.<br />
An examination <strong>of</strong> plants with <strong>the</strong> name<br />
funcus bufonius var. fasciculatus in LIV (five<br />
plants found) showed that three are<br />
f. ranarius, one is f. bufonius and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
one is f. foliosus. This suggests that <strong>the</strong><br />
congested inflorescence, while typical for<br />
f. ranarius, is also found in o<strong>the</strong>r members <strong>of</strong><br />
this group. Whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>se would grow true or<br />
not is uncertain as I have seen no modern<br />
records for <strong>the</strong> latter two species with<br />
'fasciculate' inflorescences. If <strong>the</strong>y were to<br />
grow true <strong>the</strong>n perhaps <strong>the</strong> names 'var.fasciculatus'<br />
for f. bufonius and 'var. congestus' for<br />
f.foliosus would be as good as any!<br />
It seems clear that <strong>the</strong> specimen in Cliffe<br />
Castle is f. pygmaeus and, while <strong>the</strong> prove-<br />
nance and habitat may be disputed, it seems to<br />
be a genuine collection <strong>of</strong> this species,<br />
mistaken for a f. bufonius-like plant. In<br />
MANCH a specimen [EM305628] has been<br />
seen <strong>of</strong> f. pygmaeus that is labelled; "funcus<br />
pygmaeus, Land's End, Cornwall, W. Curnow,<br />
1877 -" and so it may have occurred outside<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lizard on more than one occasion and<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r validates <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> it having<br />
occurred in Wales. However, <strong>the</strong>re were two<br />
botanists with <strong>the</strong> name 'Wo Curnow' and <strong>the</strong><br />
name Land's End was <strong>of</strong>ten used for <strong>the</strong><br />
Lizard. Notwithstanding this, <strong>the</strong>re is also<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r specimen [EM95462] <strong>of</strong> a W.M.<br />
Curnow (written, wm Curnow, as are o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
specimens <strong>of</strong> this collector) and this is labelled<br />
'The Lizard, June 61877' and suggests that W.<br />
Curnow was <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Cornish botanist and <strong>the</strong><br />
collection may have been genuine for Land's<br />
End. J. Cunnack precedes <strong>the</strong>se two in<br />
MANCH with a 'Lizard' collection <strong>of</strong> June<br />
1873 [EM305648].<br />
It may be worth looking at o<strong>the</strong>r herbarium<br />
specimens, particularly those under <strong>the</strong> names<br />
given above for <strong>the</strong> f. bufonius agg., to see if it<br />
may have been overlooked and occurred<br />
elsewhere. The Cliffe Castle specimen<br />
suggests an extension <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> range for this<br />
diminutive little rush, albeit retrospectively. A<br />
search in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> south Wales might be<br />
worthwhile. Like <strong>the</strong> scattered distribution <strong>of</strong><br />
f. capitatus, since refound in Anglesey<br />
(Pearman et al., 2002), and recently re-discovered<br />
in Land's End Cornwall by Ian Bennallick<br />
(pers. comm.: Rose Murphy), it seems<br />
plausible that f. pygmaeus, a vulnerable and<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten ephemeral species, may have once<br />
occurred in Wales and Land's End in Cornwall.<br />
Acknowledgements:<br />
Special thanks to Dr Gerard McGowan <strong>of</strong><br />
CCM, and Dr T. Rich. Also thanks to Drs<br />
C.D.Preston, C.A.Stace, and to Clare Stringer<br />
(Leeds Discovery Centre-Museum) and<br />
Dr Leander Wolstenholme (MANCH), staff at<br />
LIV, and Rose Murphy.<br />
References:<br />
COPE, T.A. & STACE, C.A. (1978). The funcus<br />
bufonius L. aggregate in western Europe.<br />
Watsonia 12: 113-128.
Notes - Juncus fasciculatus Koch in Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley, Skipton I funGus acutifolius 7<br />
KIRSCHNER, J. (2002a). 'Juncaceae 2: funcus<br />
subg. funcus'. Species Plantarum: Flora <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> World. Part 7: 1-336.<br />
KIRSCHNER, J. (2002b). 'Juncaceae 3: funcus<br />
subg. Agathryon'. Species Plantarum: Flora<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> World. Part 8: 1-192.<br />
PRESTON, C.D., PEARMAN, D.A. & DINES,<br />
T.D. (eds.). (2002). New atlas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong><br />
& Irish flora. Oxford University Press,<br />
Oxford.<br />
STACE, C.A. (1997). New flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong><br />
<strong>Isles</strong> (2 nd ed.). Cambridge University Press,<br />
Cambridge.<br />
Fig. 1. funGus pygmaeus Rich. Specimen in Cliffe Castle Museum<br />
luncus acutiflorus<br />
MIKE WILCOX, 32 Shawbridge Street, Cli<strong>the</strong>roe, BB7 lLZ (michaelpw22@hotmail.com)<br />
funcus acutiflorus (Sharp-flowered Rush) is<br />
recorded as a widespread and very common<br />
species in most areas. Its hybrid, f. x surrejanus,<br />
with f. articulatus (Jointed Rush), is<br />
recorded as scattered and much less common,<br />
some areas recording it more than o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
However, I suspect that <strong>the</strong> hybrid is more<br />
common than <strong>the</strong> species in many areas, (as I<br />
have seen only a few convincing plants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
species). In order to assess <strong>the</strong>se two taxa I<br />
would be grateful for specimens particularly<br />
(only) <strong>of</strong> f. acutiflorus (although, if you think<br />
it is a hybrid I don't mind seeing this as well);<br />
but collect from any stand <strong>of</strong> rushes thought to<br />
be one or <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r. They need no special<br />
pressing, no need for <strong>the</strong> whole plant, collect<br />
from <strong>the</strong> upper leaf on <strong>the</strong> stem including <strong>the</strong><br />
inflorescence. Many plants can fit on A4<br />
sheets loosely sellotaped, as many as you like,<br />
save up over <strong>the</strong> season (Aug-Oct only) to post<br />
in one go. Postage paid - I challenge you to<br />
find f. acutiflorus (please)! Fur<strong>the</strong>r work<br />
might reveal if any partially fertile plants are<br />
hybrids or <strong>the</strong> species as well.
8<br />
Notes - Epipactis leptochila complex in Britain<br />
Epipactis leptochila complex in Britain<br />
JOHN RrCHARDS, High Trees, South Park, Hexham NE46 lBT (hightreesga:den@btinternet.com)<br />
JANE SQUIRRELL, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh EH3 5LR (J.SqUlrrell@rbge.ac.uk)<br />
In <strong>BSBI</strong> News 111: 12-14 (April, 2009), Simon<br />
Harrap attempts to bring up to date and clarify<br />
<strong>the</strong> present situation regarding several helleborine<br />
taxa in Britain, including Epipactis<br />
leptochila (Narrow-lipped Helleborine),<br />
E. dunensis (Dune Helleborine), E. dunensis<br />
ssp. tynensis (Tyne Helleborine), E. sancta<br />
(Lindisfarne Helleborine), and E. muelleri.<br />
Simon Harrap rightly points out that modem<br />
authoritative accounts in general use, such as<br />
Preston et al. (2002) and Stace (2004) have<br />
become outmoded in this regard. A molecular<br />
analysis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se taxa (Squirrell et aI., 2002)<br />
encouraged some Continental authors<br />
(Delforge & Gevaudan, 2002; Kreutz, 2007) to<br />
subject <strong>British</strong> populations to taxonomic treatments<br />
that have not been publicised widely,<br />
although <strong>the</strong>y were discussed in part by<br />
Hollingsworth et al. (2006).<br />
We agree with Simon Harrap that it is time<br />
that <strong>the</strong> present consensus with respect to <strong>the</strong>se<br />
taxa is made known more widely. However,<br />
we do not fully concur with all <strong>of</strong> his conclusions,<br />
or those <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Continental authorities. In<br />
particular, we would like to emphasise that all<br />
<strong>the</strong> taxa under discussion here are very closely<br />
related, and can usefully be regarded as belonging<br />
to <strong>the</strong> same species complex (for which <strong>the</strong><br />
prior name would be E. leptochila s.l.).<br />
Never<strong>the</strong>less, at present this complex has<br />
been split, and first we would like to re-emphasise<br />
those matters that are common<br />
ground, and with which we agree.<br />
• Epipactis leptochila and E. dunensis are<br />
very closely related, but at present are best<br />
treated at specific rank.<br />
• E. leptochila s.s. is a plant primarily <strong>of</strong><br />
sou<strong>the</strong>rn beech woods and does not occur<br />
north <strong>of</strong> Shropshire.<br />
• Plants from wasteland sites in North<br />
Lincs., SE Yorks. and South Lancs. (<strong>the</strong><br />
latter not mentioned by Harrap) are<br />
E. dunensis, as are plants associated with<br />
metal spoil or metalliferous river gravels in<br />
nor<strong>the</strong>rn England.<br />
• E. muelleri does not currently grow in<br />
Britain (a few individuals that may have<br />
been this species were found on <strong>the</strong> south<br />
coast <strong>of</strong> Sussex in <strong>the</strong> 1970's)<br />
Populations <strong>of</strong> 'E. dunensis' on Scottish bings<br />
(re-colonised coal spoil) are more complex.<br />
Morphologically <strong>the</strong>re are plants <strong>the</strong>re with<br />
<strong>the</strong> appearence <strong>of</strong> E. dunensis, but <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
also plants with intermediate morphologies.<br />
Genetic analysis showed that E. dunensis-like<br />
plants in Scotland lacked <strong>the</strong> classic<br />
homozygous and uniform genetic signature <strong>of</strong><br />
English E. dunensis. Instead <strong>the</strong>y are heterozygous<br />
for <strong>the</strong> same set <strong>of</strong> alleles as was found<br />
in sympatric plants <strong>of</strong> E. helleborine and<br />
E. helleborine var. youngiana. Scottish<br />
'E. dunensis' may be relict hybrids <strong>of</strong><br />
E. dunensis with E. helleborine s.1., or <strong>the</strong>y<br />
may represent independent origins <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
E. dunensis phenotype.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong>re are two taxa discussed by<br />
Simon Harrap with which we would take<br />
issue. Classic E. dunensis from <strong>the</strong> west coast<br />
dunes <strong>of</strong> Cumberland and Lancashire is<br />
morphologically inseparable from plants from<br />
metalliferous sites in <strong>the</strong> South Tyne valley<br />
('E. dunensis ssp. tynensis'). These two taxa<br />
could not be separated by <strong>the</strong>ir isozyme<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>iles, had identical sequences <strong>of</strong> chloroplast<br />
DNA, and differed only by 1 bp (<strong>the</strong><br />
minimum possible substitution) in <strong>the</strong> trnL<br />
region <strong>of</strong> nuclear DNA. This was interpreted<br />
as 'a single origin followed by a mutational<br />
divergence'. We submit that as this is <strong>the</strong> only<br />
detectable difference between <strong>the</strong> taxa (apart<br />
from geography and ecology), no case can be<br />
made for <strong>the</strong> 'Tyne Helleborine'. Inland<br />
plants from sites in nor<strong>the</strong>rn England should<br />
be regarded as E. dunensis.<br />
The question <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> identity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plants on<br />
Lindisfarne, in North Northumberland, is<br />
more problematic. These resembled west<br />
coast E. dunensis in <strong>the</strong>ir isozyme pr<strong>of</strong>ile, but<br />
displayed an unique chloroplast DNA
Notes - Epipactis leptochila complex in Britain I On <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> railway banks 9<br />
sequence which was unlikely to have derived<br />
from o<strong>the</strong>r sequences in this group. Never<strong>the</strong>less,<br />
<strong>the</strong> 'Lindisfarne Helleborine' (E. sancta)<br />
is not as distinct from west coast E. dunensis,<br />
molecularly, as E. dunensis is from E. leptochila<br />
and E. muelleri.<br />
If <strong>the</strong> 'Lindisfarne Helleborine' were<br />
morphologically identical to west coast<br />
E. dunensis, this would raise <strong>the</strong> interesting<br />
question as to whe<strong>the</strong>r two plants <strong>of</strong> different<br />
origins but closely convergent morphology<br />
should be regarded as <strong>the</strong> same or different<br />
species. However, it is <strong>the</strong> opinion <strong>of</strong> JR that<br />
<strong>the</strong> 'Lindisfarne Helleborine' does not resemble<br />
E. dunensis very closely, having in particular<br />
a less dense inflorescence with fewer<br />
flowers, which is relatively longer in relation<br />
to <strong>the</strong> leafy part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stem. This contention<br />
requires detailed analysis, and until this is<br />
published, we would welcome <strong>the</strong> taxon<br />
E. sancta with some considerable caution. At<br />
present, we regard it as a useful 'workname'<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r than a proven species.<br />
References:<br />
DELFORGE, P. & GEVAUDAN, A. (2002).<br />
'Contribution taxonomique et nomenclaturale<br />
au groupe d'Epipactis leptochila'. Les<br />
On <strong>the</strong> flora <strong>of</strong> railway banks<br />
Naturalistes Belges, hors-serie - special:<br />
Orchidees. 83 (Orchid 15): 19-35.<br />
HOLLINGSWORTH, P.M., SQUIRRELL, I,<br />
HOLLINGSWORTH, M.L., RICHARDS, AJ. &<br />
BATEMAN, R.M. (2006). Taxonomic complexity,<br />
conservation and recrurent origins <strong>of</strong> selfpollination<br />
in Epipactis (Orchidaceae). In: IP.<br />
BAILEY & R.G. ELLIS (eds.). Current<br />
taxonomic research on <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> and Europeanflora.<br />
pp.27-44. <strong>BSBI</strong>, London.<br />
KREUTZ, C.AJ. (2007). Epipactis dunensis<br />
(T. & T.A. Stephenson) Godfrey subsp.<br />
tynensis Kreutz, eine neue Epipactis-sippe<br />
aus Nordengland und Sudschottland. 1. Eur.<br />
Orchid. 39(1): 123-134.<br />
PRESTON, C.D., PEARMAN, D.A. & DINES,<br />
T.D. (2002). New atlas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> & Irish<br />
flora. Oxford University Press, Oxford.<br />
SQUIRRELL, I, HOLLINGSWORTH, P.M.,<br />
BATEMAN, R.M., TEBBEITT, M.C. &<br />
HOLLINGSWORTH, M.L. (2002). Taxonomic<br />
complexity and breeding system transitions:<br />
conservation genetics <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Epipactis leptochila<br />
complex. Molecular Ecology 11:<br />
1957-1964.<br />
STACE, C.A. (2004). 'Interactive flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong>.' ETI (CD-ROM).<br />
JEAN COMBES OBE, 5 Cr<strong>of</strong>ton, Woodfield Lane, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2BH<br />
I have never learnt to drive, so I travel everywhere<br />
by train from my home in Surrey, and I<br />
am a diligent observer <strong>of</strong> wild plants from train<br />
windows. I have three daughters, who live in<br />
Sussex, Birmingham and Lancashire respectively,<br />
and I visit <strong>the</strong>m from time to time. I<br />
have also visited Scotland 25 times, and have<br />
observed many floral delights from <strong>the</strong> train.<br />
In March and April, en route to Sussex, I see<br />
masses <strong>of</strong> bank-side Primula vulgaris<br />
(Primrose). This is my favourite wild flower,<br />
so obviously <strong>the</strong> sight delights me. Travelling<br />
up to London from my Surrey home <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
miles <strong>of</strong> Equisetum telmateia (Great Horsetail)<br />
on <strong>the</strong> banks, and many aliens, including<br />
Artemisia verlotiorum (Chinese Mugwort),<br />
Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort), Conyza<br />
canadensis (Canadian Fleabane) and Solidago<br />
canadensis (Canadian Golden-rod).<br />
Going to stay at Birmingham, <strong>the</strong> train<br />
travels along a cutting through <strong>the</strong> Chiltern<br />
Hills, and a delightful chalk flora can be seen,<br />
including Thymus spp. (thymes), Viola spp.<br />
(violets), Campanula spp. (bell-flowers), and<br />
Origanum vulgare (Marjoram), etc.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> high-speed train to Lancashire and<br />
Scotland, <strong>the</strong> great speed <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> train hinders<br />
identification, except when it slows down. One<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first signs <strong>of</strong> reaching Scotland is Oreopteris<br />
limbosperma (Lemon-scented Fern), with<br />
its yellow-green fronds, but <strong>the</strong> many o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Scottish delights are too numerous to mention.<br />
Car drivers must obviously focus on <strong>the</strong> road<br />
ahead, so <strong>the</strong>y miss most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> roadside<br />
plants, and I arrive at my many destinations<br />
thinldng rail travel is <strong>the</strong> best method <strong>of</strong> transport,<br />
and, <strong>of</strong> course, is better for <strong>the</strong> environment<br />
too.
10 Notes - Alchemilla micans at Keepershield Quarry, S. Northumb. (v.c.67)<br />
Alchemilla micans at Keepershield Quarry, S. Northumb. (v.c.67)<br />
JOHN RrCHARDS, High Trees, South Park, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 lBT<br />
(Hightrees garden @btinternet.com)<br />
Alchemilla micans Buser, previously known as<br />
A. gracilis Opiz, is <strong>the</strong> most recently discovered<br />
and most localised <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rare lady's<br />
mantles <strong>of</strong> north-east England. It was originally<br />
discovered by Pr<strong>of</strong>essor G.A. Swan at a<br />
site known as The Scroggs (NY8972), about<br />
10 km north-west <strong>of</strong> Hexham in 1976. It has<br />
since been recorded in three o<strong>the</strong>r sites in <strong>the</strong><br />
same area. At one, a road-verge, <strong>the</strong>re are only<br />
about five plants. The o<strong>the</strong>r two sites are close<br />
to one ano<strong>the</strong>r. They are heavily grazed so <strong>the</strong><br />
plants are very small, and probably contain not<br />
more than 150 plants. All <strong>the</strong> sites are grasslands<br />
over shallow soils overlying Whin Sill<br />
(dolerite), particularly close to <strong>the</strong> junction<br />
between <strong>the</strong> Whin Sill and adjacent limestones.<br />
The original site, <strong>the</strong> Scroggs contained <strong>the</strong><br />
largest population, which in good (wet) springs<br />
could contain several hundred plants, usually<br />
very dwarfed by rabbit grazing, drought and<br />
low nutrients. Close by, <strong>the</strong> flat Whin Sill was<br />
exposed in horizontal plates, around which a<br />
number <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r localised species occurred<br />
including Scleranthus annuus (Annual<br />
Knawel), Trifolium striatum (Striated Clover),<br />
Geranium columbinum (Long-stalked Crane' sbill)<br />
and Allium vineale (Crow Garlic).<br />
However in dry years, <strong>the</strong> population <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
a1chemilla could become very much reduced.<br />
On one occasion I could only find about 20<br />
individuals.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> Scroggs, A. micans occurred toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
with three o<strong>the</strong>r species <strong>of</strong> alchemilla,<br />
A. filicaulis ssp. vestita, and on deeper soils,<br />
A. xanthochlora and A. glabra. It is readily<br />
separable from <strong>the</strong> last two species by being<br />
notably hairy on <strong>the</strong> upper surface <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leaf.<br />
Unlike A. filicaulis ssp. vestita, <strong>the</strong> upper parts<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> inflorescence (peduncles and pedicels)<br />
are glabrous, although a proportion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
urceoles do have some hairs, in contradiction<br />
to most published descriptions. With practice<br />
it can also be distinguished from A. filicaulis<br />
ssp. vestita by <strong>the</strong> yellow-green leaf-colour<br />
(blue-green in <strong>the</strong> latter). From <strong>the</strong> potentially<br />
much larger rare species which also have<br />
leaves hairy above (although much less so), but<br />
glabrous inflorescences, A. acutiloba and<br />
A. subcrenata, A. micans is best distinguished<br />
by <strong>the</strong> narrower funnel-shaped base to <strong>the</strong><br />
urceole when in mature fruit, longer filiform<br />
pedicels (especially in fruit), and <strong>the</strong> ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />
erect hairs on <strong>the</strong> petioles, although <strong>the</strong> latter<br />
character is by no means constant.<br />
The Scroggs was adjacent to a large<br />
whinstone quarry, although hidden behind a<br />
belt <strong>of</strong> trees. In <strong>the</strong> 1990s, <strong>the</strong> quarry owners,<br />
<strong>the</strong>n Alan Davison Construction, reactivated a<br />
dormant permission for mineral extraction<br />
rights involving <strong>the</strong> ground to <strong>the</strong> west <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
quarry, including <strong>the</strong> Scroggs. The quarry <strong>the</strong>n<br />
changed hands in 1994 when it was bought by<br />
ARC, part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hanson group and owners <strong>of</strong><br />
nearby Swinburne quarry. Hanson consulted<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Northumberland Wildlife Trust<br />
(NWT) , Natural England, Northumberland<br />
County Council and specialist ecologists<br />
Humphries Rowell regarding <strong>the</strong> translocation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plants and it was agreed that <strong>the</strong> most<br />
interesting plant communities, including all <strong>the</strong><br />
Alchemilla micans, should be transplanted<br />
onto bare level Whin Sill within <strong>the</strong> Keepershield<br />
Quarry, in a marginal site that would<br />
form part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> final restoration plan for <strong>the</strong><br />
site and would remain unquarried.<br />
This work was undertaken by Humphries<br />
Rowell <strong>of</strong> Leicester over two years from 1998<br />
to 2000 at a total cost <strong>of</strong> £70,000. The turf at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Scroggs was stripped and stored, and <strong>the</strong><br />
shallow topsoil taken to <strong>the</strong> new site, where <strong>the</strong><br />
turf was relaid. Separately, all <strong>the</strong> a1chemilla<br />
plants were dug up by volunteer students from<br />
Germany, potted temporarily, and <strong>the</strong>n<br />
replanted in <strong>the</strong> new site (as only A. micans and<br />
A. filicaulis ssp. vestita can be found at <strong>the</strong> new<br />
site, it seems that <strong>the</strong> students only preserved<br />
plants that had leaves that were hairy above).<br />
I confess that I was sceptical about <strong>the</strong> likely<br />
success <strong>of</strong> this exercise, and thought privately<br />
that <strong>the</strong> main <strong>British</strong> locality for A. micans had
Notes - Alchemilla micans at Keepershield Quarry, S. Northumb. (v.c.67) I Polemonium caeruleum 11<br />
probably been lost. Despite ongoing interest<br />
from Natural England, and one early site visit<br />
by representatives <strong>of</strong> NWT, little if any information<br />
about <strong>the</strong> success <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> scheme had<br />
filtered through to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Botanical</strong> community, a<br />
process not helped by <strong>the</strong> considerable security<br />
attending access to <strong>the</strong> Keepershield site.<br />
Although it is a priority BAP species, no information<br />
as to its current status is found for<br />
ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> 2005 or 2008 surveys, nor does <strong>the</strong><br />
Plantlife website reveal any accurate information.<br />
I have meant to visit <strong>the</strong> site for several years,<br />
and finally arranged a meeting with Bruce<br />
Lowdon, <strong>the</strong> Unit Manager for Hanson Aggregates<br />
who now own <strong>the</strong> Quarry, on June 9 th<br />
2009. The North-East <strong>of</strong> England had enjoyed<br />
a particularly dry spring, so that although some<br />
rain had fallen during <strong>the</strong> previous week, most<br />
Whin sites were sere and <strong>the</strong> annual communities<br />
typical <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> shallowest soils were in poor<br />
condition.<br />
Bruce Lowdon proved to be very welcoming,<br />
and was knowledgeable about <strong>the</strong> translocation,<br />
and indeed many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plants that had<br />
been moved. It would be fair to say that he was<br />
very proud <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> translocated site, and I<br />
thought he had every right to be. The translocated<br />
site is about 2 ha in extent. Most <strong>of</strong> it is<br />
high quality Whin grassland with a high diversity,<br />
but in which species such as Sanguisorba<br />
minor (SaId Burnet), Galium verum (Lady's<br />
Bedstraw), G. cruciata (Cross-wort), Helictotrichon<br />
pubescens (Downy Oat-grass), Briza<br />
media (Quaking Grass), Koeleria macrantha<br />
(Tufted Hair-grass), Carex flacca (Glaucous<br />
Sedge), Thymus polytrichus (Common<br />
Thyme), Primula veris (Cowslip) and Centaurea<br />
nigra (Common Knapweed) were<br />
abundant, while Orchis mascula (Early Purple<br />
Polemonium caeruleum<br />
Orchid) also occurred. At one end, limestone<br />
rocks had been imported from <strong>the</strong> limestone<br />
side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> original site to form a low cliff, and<br />
in this several species <strong>of</strong> fern had established.<br />
Alchemillas in excellent health and vigour<br />
abounded throughout <strong>the</strong> site. These were<br />
roughly half A. micans and half A. filicalis<br />
ssp.vestita. Although most plants were flowering,<br />
many small seedlings <strong>of</strong> both species<br />
could be found. There were not less than 500<br />
flowering size plants <strong>of</strong> both species present;<br />
maybe more.<br />
Cleverly, soil depths, slopes and aspects had<br />
been varied at <strong>the</strong> far (west) end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> site, and<br />
here could be found <strong>the</strong> remains <strong>of</strong> abundant<br />
annual communities, including <strong>the</strong> locally rare<br />
Geranium columbinum. Several healthy<br />
patches <strong>of</strong> Trifolium striatum were also found,<br />
but no Scleranthus annuus. The latter species<br />
was difficult to find at <strong>the</strong> original site during<br />
dry years, so it may not have been lost.<br />
In my opinion this translocation has been a<br />
resounding success, and might well serve as a<br />
model should similar exercise prove necessary<br />
elsewhere. What has been created from<br />
scratch is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best examples <strong>of</strong> a whin<br />
grassland still in existence. My only reservation<br />
is that <strong>the</strong> communities have now reached<br />
<strong>the</strong> point at which <strong>the</strong>y would benefit from<br />
autumn and winter grazing (at present <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
locally strimmed at <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> season).<br />
Bruce Lowdon is well aware <strong>of</strong> this, and<br />
promises to initiate discussions with local<br />
farmers. Unfortunately, <strong>the</strong> adjacent land is<br />
presently ungrazed by <strong>the</strong> tenant.<br />
Bruce Lowdon welcomes prearranged visits<br />
by interested parties, and <strong>the</strong>re is much more to<br />
admire than just Britain's rarest lady's mantle.<br />
He can be contacted on 01434 681893 or<br />
07764241936.<br />
NORMAN A.THOMPSON, 6 The Grove, Marton-in-Cleveland, Middlesbrough, TS78AA<br />
Donald Pigott wrote in <strong>the</strong> January <strong>BSBI</strong><br />
News (110: 23): "My study <strong>of</strong> native habitats<br />
in England had shown <strong>the</strong>m to be almost always<br />
on steep, north-facing, <strong>of</strong>ten ra<strong>the</strong>r unstable<br />
slopes, with seepage <strong>of</strong> water ... "<br />
I found <strong>the</strong> white variety <strong>of</strong> Polemonium<br />
caeruleum (Jacob's-ladder) on 19 th June 2008.<br />
The clump was growing on <strong>the</strong> roadside verge<br />
on <strong>the</strong> main road from Horton-in-Ribblesdale,<br />
far from steep slopes and cliffs (see inside<br />
Front Cover).
12 Notes - New records <strong>of</strong> Monotropa hypopitys ssp. hypophegea at Newport (v.c.35)<br />
New records <strong>of</strong> Monotropa hypopitys ssp. hypophegea (Yellow<br />
Bird's-nest) on an industrial site at Newport (v.c.35)<br />
TREVOR G. Ev ANS, La Cuesta, Mountain Road, Chepstow, Gwent, NP 16 5BS,<br />
ROGER JAMES, SINEAD LYNCH & STEPHANIE 1. TYLER<br />
On 10 th July 2009 Trevor Evans (TGE), Stephanie<br />
Tyler (SJT) and Roger James (RJ),<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r with Sinead Lynch from Newport<br />
City Council, visited <strong>the</strong> lagoons and<br />
surrounding areas at <strong>the</strong> former Alpha Steel<br />
(now Mir) works at Newport (ST337845) to<br />
carry out a botanical survey. In <strong>the</strong> mid-<br />
1980s, Martyn Jones, TGE and SJT had botanised<br />
at <strong>the</strong> site, when thousands <strong>of</strong> plants <strong>of</strong><br />
Epipactis palustris (Marsh Helleborine)<br />
occurred on deposited material around <strong>the</strong> red<br />
lagoons and 500-1000 Dactylorhiza praetermissa<br />
(Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Marsh-orchid), Anacamptis<br />
pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchid) and Ophrys<br />
apifera (Bee Orchid) grew in surrounding<br />
grassland (Evans, 2007). Much tipping has<br />
occurred at <strong>the</strong> site in <strong>the</strong> intervening years,<br />
destroying much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> immediate surroundings<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lagoons. Areas <strong>of</strong> grassland have<br />
also developed into Betula pendula (Silver<br />
Birch), B. pubescens (Downy Birch) and Salix<br />
cinerea (Grey Willow) scrub.<br />
We found many fewer orchids - a scattering<br />
<strong>of</strong> Epipactis palustris and hybrid Dactylorhiza<br />
fuchsii x D. maculata (Common Spotted x<br />
Heath Spotted-orchids), a small number <strong>of</strong><br />
Dactylorhiza praetermissa, and two flowers<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ophrys apifera. However, in a narrow strip<br />
<strong>of</strong> scrub woodland carpeted with Hedera helix<br />
(Ivy) RJ noted some 'broomrapes'. We were<br />
excited to see about 100 emerging Monotropa<br />
hypopitys (Yellow Bird's-nest). Later, at a<br />
different location, we found three more<br />
Monotropa concentrations numbering about<br />
300 plants. SJT <strong>the</strong>n noticed a patch <strong>of</strong> Pyrola<br />
sp. (wintergreen) with 10-20 flowering spikes,<br />
but all still in bud in denser birch woodland.<br />
Unknown to us at <strong>the</strong> time, Hea<strong>the</strong>r Colls,<br />
when taking a botanical walk around <strong>the</strong><br />
nearby Newport Wetlands Reserve on 7th July<br />
had discovered ano<strong>the</strong>r 100 plant popUlation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Monotropa in scrub birch/willow<br />
woodland on ash from <strong>the</strong> former Uskmouth<br />
Power Station.<br />
On 17th July TGE and SJT returned to <strong>the</strong><br />
Mir site to check <strong>the</strong> subspecies <strong>of</strong> Monotropa<br />
and to see whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> Pyrola buds had<br />
opened. The Monotropa was ssp. hypophegea,<br />
and it was evident that two areas with<br />
Monotropa were in <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> a circle around<br />
Salix cinerea and birch bushes. The wintergreen<br />
proved to be P. rotundifolia (Roundleaved<br />
Wintergreen).<br />
In Monmouthshire (v.c.35) Monotropa is a<br />
rarity, being confined to limestone woodland<br />
under Fagus sylvatica (Beech) at Blackcliff<br />
(Evans, 2007). The discovery <strong>of</strong> this species<br />
at two former industrial sites near Newport is<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore <strong>of</strong> some interest and reminiscent <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> discovery <strong>of</strong> Monotropa hypopitys ssp.<br />
hypophegea in 2004 by P. Jones in a fairy ring<br />
on pulverised fly-ash under birch and willow<br />
trees at Pwll near Burry Port in West Glamorgan.<br />
Jones (2008) discussed <strong>the</strong> relationship<br />
between Monotropa and Tricholoma fungi.<br />
Pryce (2005) reported on a visit in July 2004<br />
to see <strong>the</strong> recently discovered popUlation <strong>of</strong><br />
Monotropa at Pwll. On that visit both Pyrola<br />
minor (Common Wintergreen) and P. rotundifolia<br />
were also found. In Monmouthshire,<br />
Pyrola rotundifolia was known from just one<br />
site (Evans, 2007), so <strong>the</strong> discovery <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
species at Mir Works is also <strong>of</strong> note.<br />
The future <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lagoons and surrounding<br />
areas at Mir Works near Newport are uncertain.<br />
Foreign investors have bought this area<br />
from Mir and presumably intend to develop it.<br />
Apart from <strong>the</strong> species noted above, <strong>the</strong> site<br />
has much else <strong>of</strong> interest - extensive patches<br />
<strong>of</strong> Lathyrus sylvestris (Narrow-leaved<br />
Everlasting-pea) and abundant Lotus glaber<br />
(Narrow-leaved Bird's-foot-trefoil), as well as<br />
occasional plants <strong>of</strong> Sisymbrium altissimum<br />
(Tall Rocket). More than 140 plant species<br />
were found in July 2009.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> phone Phyl Abbot informed TGE that<br />
Grass Wood, Yorkshire, also produced an
Notes - New records <strong>of</strong> Monotropa at Newport (v.c.35) I Progress report on habitat management 13<br />
projects<br />
unexpected, large colony <strong>of</strong> Monotropa this<br />
year. Are <strong>the</strong>re any more surprise populations?<br />
References:<br />
EVANS, T.G. (2007). The Flora <strong>of</strong>Monmouthshire.<br />
The Chepstow <strong>Society</strong>.<br />
JONES, P. (2008). Monotropa hypopitys<br />
(Yellow Bird's-nest) and tree/fungus<br />
partners. <strong>BSBI</strong> News 109: 40.<br />
PRYCE, R. (2005). Carmar<strong>the</strong>nshire Recording<br />
Week, Glynhir. <strong>BSBI</strong> News 99: 59.<br />
Progress report on habitat management projects<br />
BRIAN LANEY, 5 South Close, Long Buckby, Northants., NN6 7PX<br />
Since 2001 <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> voluntary habitat<br />
management projects I am involved in seems<br />
ever growing. In 2009 some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> projects<br />
seem to be paying <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
Arabis glabra (Tower Mustard) has done<br />
very well at its site south <strong>of</strong> Gerrard's Cross in<br />
Bucks., with at least 200 rosettes and 26<br />
flowering plants on <strong>the</strong> 2 nd August 2009, in an<br />
open disturbed strip that was created for <strong>the</strong><br />
species back in November 2008 by myself and<br />
Dave Shute. Rabbits do occur on <strong>the</strong> site and<br />
some flower heads do get knocked back, but<br />
disturbance <strong>the</strong>y create can awaken dormant<br />
Tower Mustard seed. I am hoping with help<br />
from fellow botanists to create fur<strong>the</strong>r open<br />
strips for this species in late 2009.<br />
Allium oleraceum (Field Garlic) has also<br />
done extremely well on <strong>the</strong> A3400 roadside<br />
bank in Warwickshire in 2009. On <strong>the</strong> 27th<br />
July I lost count at around 1032 flowering<br />
plants, <strong>the</strong> best count I have had at this site for<br />
this species since I started working on <strong>the</strong> site<br />
back in 2001. Even though <strong>the</strong> bank is cleared<br />
in November by myself and o<strong>the</strong>r helpers, it<br />
must have been completely cut some time in<br />
June this year by <strong>the</strong> grass cutting contractors.<br />
This has not been a bad thing for <strong>the</strong> species as<br />
<strong>the</strong> vegetation was short on my July visit and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Field Garlic has benefited from this late<br />
cutting this year.<br />
Orchis anthropophora (Man Orchid) at<br />
Ufton Fields, its only site in Warwickshire, is<br />
gradually increasing in number. A few years<br />
ago myself and Paul Stanley could only locate<br />
one rosette <strong>of</strong> this species. Since my involvement<br />
with habitat management for <strong>the</strong> species<br />
at Ufton Fields, <strong>the</strong> population is up to 15<br />
rosettes this year, a number <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se being<br />
juvenile rosettes around more mature ones.<br />
There was one nice flowering specimen, much<br />
admired by members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hardy Orchid<br />
<strong>Society</strong>, who were queuing to photograph it on<br />
a meeting I was leading for <strong>the</strong> society on <strong>the</strong><br />
13 th June. The Man Orchid areas are caged<br />
during flowering time but are opened up<br />
during <strong>the</strong> winter to let <strong>the</strong> grazing rabbits<br />
back in. Any long vegetation is also cut and<br />
raked <strong>of</strong>f.<br />
Himantoglossum hircinum (Lizard Orchid)<br />
near Bristol in Gloucestershire is doing O.K.,<br />
even though <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> flowering plants<br />
each year drops a bit. Fellow botanists have<br />
recorded seven flowering plants this year.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> wintergreen rosettes<br />
in February 2009 stood at 36. A number <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se were new rosettes, buried in blackthom<br />
scrub, which was cleared to let more light onto<br />
<strong>the</strong>se rosettes. The roadside bank for this<br />
species is cut and raked <strong>of</strong>f in February each<br />
year, which is also a good time to locate<br />
rosettes <strong>of</strong> this species, which need <strong>the</strong> scrub<br />
or rank vegetation cleared away from <strong>the</strong>m. I<br />
do hope one year <strong>the</strong> medium-sized<br />
Sycamores on <strong>the</strong> Lizard Orchid bank do get<br />
removed. The large fallen sycamore leaves<br />
bury even large Lizard Orchid rosettes quite<br />
easily!<br />
Sadly on a number <strong>of</strong> visits to Brogborough<br />
in Beds, I could not locate any plants this year<br />
<strong>of</strong> Melampyrum arvense (Field Cow-wheat).<br />
I have been involved with this species, cooperating<br />
with Graham Bellamy, <strong>the</strong> Beds.<br />
Conservation Officer and o<strong>the</strong>rs over recent<br />
years, trying to get habitat management conditions<br />
just right for this species here. I do hope<br />
this species is not completely lost from<br />
Bedfordshire.<br />
I must thank all <strong>the</strong> help I have had from<br />
fellow botanists and <strong>the</strong>ir useful advice over<br />
<strong>the</strong> years.
Notes - Squirrel-stripping <strong>of</strong> native, naturalised, plantation and exotic trees 15<br />
purpurea (1), Cercidiphyllum japonicum (2),<br />
luglans cinerea (1), Salix acutifolia (2), Salix<br />
cap rea (2), Salix irrorata (1), Salix pentandra<br />
(4) (see Colour Section, Plate 1). All were<br />
wholly or mainly skeletonised down to <strong>the</strong><br />
tree-guard level. All recovered from below.<br />
Despite dense twigginess, <strong>the</strong> two Cercidiphyllum<br />
(Katsura) trees were vulnerable. One<br />
was wholly ring-barked, but amazingly still is<br />
leafy above <strong>the</strong> ring-barking zone after a full<br />
year! (See Colour Section, Plate 1).<br />
Basal ring-barking and deaths<br />
Chamaecyparis thyoides (1), Cupressus<br />
macrocarpa (1). Grey squirrels were almost<br />
certainly responsible for o<strong>the</strong>r conifer deaths,<br />
due to basal ring-barking, but I cannot wholly<br />
exclude contributions from rabbits, hares, rats<br />
and voles, all present and keen to sharpen <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
incisors on <strong>the</strong> rarest trees. I rescued <strong>the</strong><br />
largest rare Paulowniafargesii before squirrel<br />
basal ring-barking was complete (basal<br />
circumference 70cm, 60% ring-barked). Two<br />
Populus alba (White Poplar) trees died after<br />
patchy squirrel damage, but <strong>the</strong>re seem to<br />
have been secondary infections contributing to<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir demise.<br />
High ring-barkings and fractured main<br />
stems, trees surviving<br />
Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia (4), Populus<br />
xgenerosa (2), Salix alba ssp. caerulea (1).<br />
Skeletonised 3 -Srn lengths <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> tops <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />
seven trees were broken by <strong>the</strong> wind and<br />
visible form <strong>the</strong> A4 road in May 2009. An<br />
eighth tree, a Populus 'Columbia', was badly<br />
gnawed and stripped on one side at 1m. In a<br />
subsequent gale, <strong>the</strong> tree suffered a greenstick<br />
fracture at that point and has survived, now at<br />
a 60° angle, but supported by willows (see<br />
Colour Section, Plate 1).<br />
Conspicuously defended trees in <strong>the</strong> arboretum<br />
Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) has its<br />
hard, sharp 5-lOcm spines in ones and threes,<br />
said to be effective in deterring raccoons!<br />
Robinia pseudoacacia also has sharp thorns<br />
set as opposed pairs. The six representatives<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Crataegus genus all have twiggy defensive<br />
zarebas set with thorny armature. Prunus<br />
xfruticans, <strong>the</strong> unpopular local Wiltshire<br />
hybrid between Damson and Sloe, has thorns<br />
so dense, sharp and hard that <strong>the</strong>y sometimes<br />
penetrate tyres. Of <strong>the</strong> conifers represented, it<br />
is hard to imagine how a squirrel could<br />
penetrate <strong>the</strong> defences <strong>of</strong> Abies pinsapo<br />
(Spanish/Hedgehog Fir).<br />
Three genera not yet attacked<br />
I have selected for consideration three wellrepresented<br />
but contrasting genera:<br />
Pyrus (pears): six species, eight taxa, 40<br />
individual trees; foliage irresistible to herbivores,<br />
but no trees targeted by squirrels; dense,<br />
twiggy, tough bark; some weak thorns.<br />
Prunus: 11 species, 13 taxa, 70 individual<br />
trees; very few defended by thorns (see above<br />
for one); health and safety regulations forbid<br />
humans from working with Prunus laurocerasus<br />
(Cherry Laurel) within any confined space<br />
because <strong>of</strong> release <strong>of</strong> HCN (Prussic Acid)<br />
from <strong>the</strong> bitter, cyanogenic glycosides in<br />
leaves, shoots and bark (Frohne & Pfander,<br />
1984. It seems likely that o<strong>the</strong>r trees from <strong>the</strong><br />
genus, e.g. Prunus avium (Wild Cherry) have<br />
similar bitter components in <strong>the</strong> bark, at least<br />
providing some deterrence to squirrels. No<br />
arboretum Prunus was seen to suffer any<br />
obvious experimental bites.<br />
Tilia (limes, basswood): 33 species, 79 taxa,<br />
250 trees, <strong>the</strong> best-represented genus in <strong>the</strong><br />
arboretum. So far I have not found or been<br />
informed <strong>of</strong> reports <strong>of</strong> grey squirrel attacks on<br />
<strong>the</strong>se big and beautiful trees (from which <strong>the</strong><br />
family <strong>of</strong> Linnaeus had taken <strong>the</strong>ir name).<br />
Like Rob Guest (see quote above), I have<br />
never seen grey squirrel damage to any lime<br />
within or beyond <strong>the</strong> arboretum. Limes all<br />
have juicy bark, which is even more easily<br />
stripped than willow bark, summer or winter.<br />
Pigott (2005) gives details <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> bast<br />
(or bass) by man, <strong>the</strong> fibrous inner lime bark.<br />
There were two squirrel dreys in <strong>the</strong> arboretum,<br />
both situated in high, narrow-angle forks<br />
<strong>of</strong> Tilia species - but all stripping and gnawing<br />
on o<strong>the</strong>r tree species.<br />
Controls<br />
Shooting, poisoning and trapping (squirrel<br />
hoppers) are discussed in detail in several<br />
publications (FARS, 2009; Forestry Commission,<br />
1996; Pepper, 1990). Most reports are
16 Notes - Squirrel-stripping <strong>of</strong> native, naturalised, plantation and exotic trees<br />
pessimistic, with <strong>the</strong> exception <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />
<strong>of</strong> total eradication <strong>of</strong> grey squirrels in<br />
Anglesey. I suspect <strong>the</strong>re could be dangers,<br />
uncertainties and impracticabilities in <strong>the</strong> (re-)<br />
introduction <strong>of</strong> arboreal predators, such as<br />
beech and pine-martens. Our cat killed two<br />
adult and three young grey squirrels in three<br />
days by ambush and raiding a drey, but two<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r local cats suffered injuries, including eye<br />
damage, in tree raids.<br />
Lure crops, (e.g. sycamores and Norway<br />
maples) are <strong>of</strong> very limited value. The table<br />
shows that 45 Aeer were not attacked, whereas<br />
65-72 non-Aeer trees were damaged. In order<br />
to protect some rare tree taxa against deer and<br />
grey squirrels, I use a method which would be<br />
commercially impractical, and aes<strong>the</strong>tically<br />
inappropriate for specimen trees. Very closely<br />
adjacent pear trees (best), apples (too spreading)<br />
or hawthorns (too fiercely rampant) act as<br />
guard trees and prevent ring-barking and<br />
skeletonising. In response to <strong>the</strong> basal<br />
gnawing and stripping by grey squirrels, I<br />
have ceased clearing nettles and o<strong>the</strong>r tall<br />
weeds from around trunk bases.<br />
Summary<br />
With <strong>the</strong> probable exception <strong>of</strong> densely thorny<br />
species, no tree species can be considered<br />
wholly immune from biting and stripping by<br />
grey squirrels, which attack trees (over 2m in<br />
height) <strong>of</strong> all ages, and at all levels. The best<br />
that can be said is that genera such as Aeer and<br />
Fagus tend to be more susceptible than Tilia<br />
(inexplicably), Pyrus and Prunus. In this<br />
study, <strong>the</strong> most vulnerable genus by total<br />
numbers and percentage <strong>of</strong> trees damaged or<br />
severely damaged was Populus. P. nigra ssp.<br />
betulifolia (most trees about 17 years since<br />
planting) was, by far, <strong>the</strong> species suffering <strong>the</strong><br />
highest number <strong>of</strong> harmed specimens, usually<br />
at high levels. Eleven trees from two Aeer and<br />
five Salix species were skeletonised, all eleven<br />
recovering from <strong>the</strong> base; but lesser damage<br />
could kill conifers. In 216 years, 39 different<br />
types <strong>of</strong> tree were damaged, 19 severely so.<br />
Postscript: bridging <strong>the</strong> gap? - a botanical<br />
mystery<br />
Total ring-barking cuts <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> phloem and<br />
cambium, and kills trees above <strong>the</strong> level <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
ring-barking, whe<strong>the</strong>r or not <strong>the</strong>y re-sprout<br />
from below. Depending on <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong><br />
foliage <strong>of</strong> conifers so-damaged shows<br />
evidence within 1-2 months. Ring-barked<br />
broadleaved trees wi<strong>the</strong>r and die above <strong>the</strong><br />
ring-barked zone sooner. Sycamores so-damaged<br />
show <strong>the</strong> evidence within days in spring,<br />
summer or early autumn, following grey<br />
squirrel stripping.<br />
One tree in my arboretum has behaved<br />
differently. A Cercidiphyllum japonicum<br />
(Katsura) was severely stripped in or before<br />
May 2008, with total ring-barking <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main<br />
trunk for at least 50cm above <strong>the</strong> tree-guard.<br />
An adjacent sister Katsura was also badly<br />
stripped, but not wholly ring-barked. Both<br />
trees are about 7m tall. There is no strip <strong>of</strong><br />
continuous bark linking <strong>the</strong> ring <strong>of</strong> branches at<br />
<strong>the</strong> bottom <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> photo <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> ring-barked tree<br />
to <strong>the</strong> peeled strips at <strong>the</strong> top. After 18<br />
months, <strong>the</strong> foliage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> top Srn <strong>of</strong> both trees<br />
looks identical and healthy. Not only that, but<br />
attached strips and islands <strong>of</strong> bark above <strong>the</strong><br />
ring-barked zone show <strong>the</strong> slightly swollen<br />
edges or lips <strong>of</strong> healing bark tissues, characteristic<br />
<strong>of</strong> wounded tree trunks, or recovery<br />
below ring-barked zones.<br />
I still expect <strong>the</strong> top 5m <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tree to die<br />
("absolutely no chance whatsoever" -<br />
independent commentator), but after 18<br />
months it is little different from <strong>the</strong> sister tree.<br />
Acknowledgements:<br />
My thanks for help from Katy Cena and Rob<br />
Guest.<br />
References:<br />
FARS [Friends <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Anglesey Red Squirrel].<br />
(2009). 'Grey squirrel damage to woodland'<br />
(Web information: www.redsquirrels.info/<br />
barkstripping .html Accessed 17/6/2009.<br />
Mainly ch. 4.<br />
FORESTRY AUTHORITY. (1996). Controlling<br />
grey squirrel damage to woodlands. Forestry<br />
Commission Research Information Note<br />
180(1).<br />
FROHNE, D. & PFiNDER, HJ. (1983). Colour<br />
atlas <strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> poisonous plants. Wolfe Publishing<br />
Ltd., London and Stuttgart.<br />
PEPPER, H.W. (1990). Grey squirrel damage<br />
control with waifarin. Forestry Commission<br />
Research Information Note 180 (2).<br />
PIGOTT, D. (2005). Lime. Sage Press, Rye.
18 Notes - Rare species at Barry Docks, Glamorgan (v.c.4l)<br />
Rare species at Barry Docks, Glamorgan (voc.4l)<br />
STEPHANIE J. TYLER, Yew Tree Cottage, Lone Lane, Penallt, Monmouthshire, NP254AJ<br />
TREVOR G. EVANS, La Cuesta, Mountain Road, Chepstow, Gwent, NP16 5BS<br />
Barry Docks in Glamorgan has long been by us on 29 th July 2008, on a grassy bank at<br />
known as an interesting site for native and ST127667 (see Colour Section, Plate 1). This<br />
alien species. SJT carried out fieldwork at pea is also local, with only two records from<br />
Barry Docks as part <strong>of</strong> an Environmental South Wales depicted in <strong>the</strong> National Atlas.<br />
Impact Assessment for a proposed develop- On 18 th June 2009 we noted <strong>the</strong> same patch in<br />
ment, mainly along <strong>the</strong> eastern harbour wall flower and two o<strong>the</strong>r patches nearby on <strong>the</strong><br />
and immediately inland <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seawall, bank along <strong>the</strong> access track. O<strong>the</strong>r aliens<br />
monthly between October 2007 and Septem- included two interesting grasses - Cynosurus<br />
ber 2008, and again from March 2009 until echinatus (Rough Dog's-tail), <strong>of</strong> which two<br />
September 2009. TGE accompanied SJT on patches were found along <strong>the</strong> breakwater<br />
three occasions. The harbour wall and break- track, and Anisantha madritensis (Compact<br />
water, in ST1266, support both maritime and Brome).<br />
calcareous grassland plants. This note reports Ruderal vegetation on banks <strong>of</strong> coal waste<br />
on some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> more interesting plants, was dominated by Lepidium draba (Hoary<br />
notably aliens, that were found. Cress) and L.latifolium (Dittander),Hirschfel-<br />
Stace (1991, 1997) noted that <strong>the</strong> only site in dia incana (Hoary Mustard) and Dipsacus<br />
Britain and Ireland for Echium rosulatum (Lax fullonum (Teasel), with occasional Diplotaxis<br />
Viper's-bugloss) was Barry Docks, where he tenuifolia (Perennial Wall-rocket). Extensive<br />
noted 'it may now be extinct'. In October areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> breakwater bank have been<br />
2007 SJT found more than 50 plants, many colonised by Rubus spp. (brambles),Buddleja<br />
still flowering, along <strong>the</strong> harbour wall track davidii (Butterfly-bush), Clematis vitalba<br />
and <strong>the</strong> track running from a container yard (Wild Clematis) and o<strong>the</strong>r shrubs, much<br />
along <strong>the</strong> eastern edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> harbour to <strong>the</strong> sea restricting <strong>the</strong> grassland track at <strong>the</strong> base. Five<br />
wall. In 2008 a similar number <strong>of</strong> plants was clumps <strong>of</strong> Helleborus foetidus (Stinking<br />
found. On 12th June 2009 SJT counted 35 Hellebore) were found on <strong>the</strong> bank.<br />
plants in 30m <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> outer harbour wall and The calcareous grassland, restricted to a<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r 15 plants in c.l20m along <strong>the</strong> access narrow strip between <strong>the</strong> sea wall and coal tip,<br />
track on <strong>the</strong> eastern edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> harbour. supported a wide range <strong>of</strong> native plants, such<br />
There were also several plants on <strong>the</strong> seaward as Centaurea scabiosa (Greater Knapweed)<br />
side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tip face and three plants behind <strong>the</strong> and C. nigra (Common Knapweed), Centautip<br />
face inland <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sea wall. At least three rium erythraea (Common Centaury), Blackplants<br />
were also seen in 2009 along <strong>the</strong> stoniaperfoliata(Yellow-wort),Linumbienne<br />
entrance road to <strong>the</strong> docks (see Colour (Pale Flax), Daucus carota (Wild Carrot) and<br />
Section, Plate 1). Spiran<strong>the</strong>s spiralis (Autumn Lady's-tresses),<br />
Reseda alba (White Mignonette) was quite along with taller species such as Tanacetum<br />
frequent in rocks and on soil just behind <strong>the</strong> vulgare (Tansy), Senecio jacobaea (Ragwort),<br />
sea wall from <strong>the</strong> harbour entrance eastwards S. erucifolius (Hoary Ragwort), Foeniculum<br />
to <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> docks, and it was abundant vulgare (Fennel), Picris hieracioides<br />
on banks <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> coal tip and on piles <strong>of</strong> rubble. (Hawkweed Ox-tongue) and P. echioides<br />
At least 12 plants were found in 2007 along (Prickly Ox-tongue). Alien species, such as<br />
<strong>the</strong> sea wall, whilst in 2009 <strong>the</strong> count exceeded Securigera varia (Crown Vetch) and<br />
20 plants. Flowers were evident as early as 1 st Medicago falcata (Sickle Medick), were also<br />
March 2009 (see Colour Section, Plate 1). present.<br />
A large patch (3x2m) <strong>of</strong> Lathyrus tuberosus The maritime influence was evident in <strong>the</strong><br />
(Tuberous or Fyfield Pea) was found in flower flora by <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> Trifolium squamosum
Notes - Rare species at Barry Docks (v.cAl) / Triple trouble over Onobrychis identification 19<br />
(Sea Clover), large patches <strong>of</strong> Trifolium<br />
seabrum (Rough Clover), Elytrigia a<strong>the</strong>riea<br />
(Sea Couch), Carex arenaria (Sand Sedge)<br />
and Plantago eoronopus (Buck's-horn<br />
Plantain), <strong>the</strong> latter being dominant over large<br />
areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> entrance track and harbour wall<br />
track, where <strong>the</strong> ground is stony. Catapodium<br />
maritimum (Sea Fern-grass) grew along <strong>the</strong><br />
harbour wall track and in <strong>the</strong> shade <strong>of</strong> some<br />
rocks and concrete blocks.<br />
Two o<strong>the</strong>r interesting national rarities have<br />
been found by Sharon Pilkington elsewhere in<br />
Barry Docks.<br />
Triple trouble over Onobrychis identification<br />
ERIC J. CLEMENT, 54 Anglesey Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO 12 2EQ<br />
The first record <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Onobryehis vieiifolia<br />
Scop. aggregate in Britain is to be found in<br />
John Gerard's The Herball : 1064 (1597). He<br />
describes it as "Onobryehis sive Caput-Gallinaeeum,<br />
upon Barton Hill, fower miles from<br />
Lewton in Bedfordshire on both sides <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
hill". Also here (p.1062) was Astragalus<br />
danieus (Purple Milk-vetch). To quote such<br />
an obscure locality, it was clearly an unusual<br />
find, and not part <strong>of</strong> a farmer's crop.<br />
C.Abbott, in Flora Bedfordiensis (1798), still<br />
regarded it as rare. Much later, J.GDony's<br />
Flora <strong>of</strong> Bedfordshire (1953) found it, as an<br />
escape, as "common", but for <strong>the</strong> "native<br />
form", just four localities are given. Similarly<br />
C.Merrett, in Pinax rerum naturalium Britannieum<br />
(1666), wrote: "In some mountainous<br />
parts <strong>of</strong> Surrey, plentifully".<br />
The cultivated strain was introduced from<br />
France into England in c.1650, under <strong>the</strong><br />
French name 'St Foyn', which quickly<br />
corrupted into 'Saintfoin', and finally<br />
'Sainfoin'. Can Margot Souchier provide us<br />
with some early, precise literature references<br />
for both countries? I notice that J.E.Smith<br />
remarks in The English Flora (ed. 2), 3: 293<br />
(1829) that <strong>the</strong> name 'Cock's-head' "by which<br />
it was before known as a native <strong>of</strong> England is<br />
become obsolete", giving way to <strong>the</strong> cropplant<br />
name "Saint-foin".<br />
This historical record was (unfairly) summarised<br />
in Stace's New flora (ed. 2): 405 (1997)<br />
as: "Possibly native". Surprisingly, <strong>the</strong><br />
"native form" never attracted a scientific name<br />
in Britain (and hence went largely un-recorded)<br />
until 2009, when P.D.Sell and G.Murrell's<br />
Flora 3: 38-39 provided us with no less than<br />
three subspecies <strong>of</strong> 0. viciifolia, two <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />
alien. As few members can afford <strong>the</strong> work<br />
(publisher, please note!), I will quote <strong>the</strong>ir key<br />
(in a modified, trichotomous format):<br />
Stems robust, ± erect; lflets 15-35 x 4-8mm,<br />
oblong to elliptic-oblong; corolla 12-<br />
16mm. Hay crop relicts. - ssp. vieiifolia<br />
Stems slender, decumbent or ascending;<br />
lflets 10-30 x 2-7mm, linear-oblong;<br />
corolla 1O-12mm. Wild flower mixes.<br />
- ssp. deeumbens (Jord.) P.D.Sell<br />
Stems slender, prostrate; lflets 5-15 x 2-<br />
5mm, linear-oblong; corolla 8-12mm.<br />
Native <strong>of</strong> broken chalk turf.<br />
-ssp. eoUina (Jord.) PD.Sell<br />
The lack <strong>of</strong> discrete characters in <strong>the</strong> key is<br />
typical <strong>of</strong> many Onobryehis taxa in Eurasia.<br />
But, maybe, more careful field observations<br />
may reveal o<strong>the</strong>r differences. I strongly<br />
suspect that ssp. viciifolia has a chromosome<br />
number <strong>of</strong> 2n=28, whereas <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two have<br />
2n=14. If so, this could show up as minute<br />
differences in an<strong>the</strong>r, pollen and stomata sizes.<br />
Continental literature suggests that <strong>the</strong> crop<br />
plant can be separated from <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two by<br />
possessing leaflets becoming ± flat (not<br />
persistently V-shaped), with <strong>the</strong>ir tips<br />
minutely mucronate (not ± acuminate), inflorescence<br />
before flowering long-ovoid (not<br />
fusiform), peduncles 1-2 x <strong>the</strong> subtending leaf<br />
(not 2-3 x) and fruit 5-8mm, with 6-8 marginal<br />
teeth <strong>of</strong> 0-1mm length (not 4-6mm, with 4-6<br />
marginal teeth <strong>of</strong> 0.5-2mm length). O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
identification characters may exist in tiny<br />
differences in relative petal lengths (<strong>the</strong> standard,<br />
<strong>the</strong> near-obsolete wings and <strong>the</strong> keel), and<br />
even <strong>the</strong> stance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> petals (<strong>the</strong> standard is<br />
more strongly rolled backwards in ssp. viciifolia?).<br />
Flower colour reports are conflicting. I
20 Notes - Triple trouble over Onobrychis identification I Colonisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ramparts and walls <strong>of</strong><br />
Berwick -upon-Tweed<br />
should add that E.Milne-Redhead (Kew) and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs have confirmed <strong>the</strong> constancy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
native form when in cultivation, and no intermediates<br />
(hybrids?) have been claimed.<br />
Unhappily, P.W.Ball, in Flora Europaea, 2<br />
(1968): 187-191, and 441 (Index), differs in<br />
his nomenclatural choice. He 'lumps'<br />
o. collina lord., O. viciifolia var. collina<br />
(lord.) St.-Lager, O. decumbens lord. and<br />
o. viciifolia var. decumbens (lord.) Rouy all<br />
into O. arenaria (Kit.) DC. ssp. arenaria,<br />
giving a distribution from C. France to E.<br />
Europe. This decision is widely accepted,<br />
although O. viciifolia ssp. arenaria (Kit.)<br />
Thell. was proposed back in 1912. I hasten to<br />
add that, if we all should stick to specific<br />
names only, <strong>the</strong> subspecific 'clutter' all disappears!<br />
Use <strong>the</strong> Group concept that I have<br />
proposed in <strong>the</strong> past.<br />
An author citation <strong>of</strong> o. decumbens Wallr. is<br />
given in Index Kewensis (1895), with<br />
O. decumbens lord. given as a synonym. I<br />
presume this has been rejected on reliable<br />
grounds.<br />
English names have yet to be selected.<br />
'Cock's-head' already exists, but 'English<br />
Sainfoin' may be preferable. 'French (or<br />
Cultivated) Sainfoin' seems a good choice<br />
(but it appears not to be known as a definite<br />
native anywhere in <strong>the</strong> world - a south-west<br />
Asian origin is possible, or is it a cultigen?).<br />
That leaves us only with 'Decumbent<br />
Sainfoin' .<br />
Whatever <strong>the</strong> name, we have herein a<br />
precious native, and so far removed from o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
populations that it could be an endemic<br />
variant. It demands our attention, before it is<br />
lost from yet more locations. Already<br />
O. arenaria is a protected species in Germany.<br />
Colonisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ramparts and walls <strong>of</strong> Berwick-upon-Tweed by<br />
native and alien trees and shrubs<br />
D.W. SHIMWELL, High House Farm, Satley, Bishop Auckland, DL13 4HL<br />
(shimwell44@tiscali.co.uk)<br />
The pamphlet A history and guide to<br />
Berwick's wild flowers, published by The<br />
Berwickshire Naturalists' Club (2006),<br />
comments upon <strong>the</strong> "fastidious tidiness'<br />
which 'has removed most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> weedy<br />
species and severely depleted <strong>the</strong> meadow<br />
species" on <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn ramparts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> town<br />
since <strong>the</strong> earliest times <strong>of</strong> local botanical<br />
recording in <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nineteenth<br />
century. The Elizabethan ramparts comprise<br />
lengths <strong>of</strong> curtain wall revetment (or scarp)<br />
running roughly in an arc <strong>of</strong> a circle between<br />
two terminal mounds - Meg's Mount and<br />
King's Mount - and punctuated by three<br />
arrowhead shaped bastions - Cumberland,<br />
Brass and Windmill Bastions. Each bastion<br />
has two flankers which were single storey<br />
enclosures with two embrasures for cannon,<br />
and functioned as protected gun positions<br />
from where to enfilade or fire along <strong>the</strong> revetment<br />
between bastions. On top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bastions<br />
are enormous earth platforms called cavaliers,<br />
which were added to <strong>the</strong> defences in 1639 to<br />
mount <strong>the</strong> main guns. The ramparts provide a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> habitats, each with its own specific<br />
ecological features: <strong>the</strong> outer ditch, <strong>the</strong> imposing<br />
stone revetment, topped by <strong>the</strong> steeplysloping,<br />
grassy parapet, and backed by <strong>the</strong><br />
closely manicured, amenity grass banquettes,<br />
along which <strong>the</strong> main access footpaths run.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> late afternoon <strong>of</strong> Saturday, 9 th May<br />
2009, as a part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> Spring Conference<br />
on 'Alien trees and shrubs', I joined a field<br />
excursion which battled against almost galeforce<br />
winds along <strong>the</strong> length <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ramparts,<br />
being unable to give <strong>the</strong> flora little more than<br />
a cursory glance. When Sunday morning<br />
dawned bright and calm, I took <strong>the</strong> opportunity<br />
to revisit <strong>the</strong> ramparts and to make observations<br />
on <strong>the</strong> flora with a lesser risk <strong>of</strong> being<br />
blown from <strong>the</strong> parapet. I was able to concur<br />
with <strong>the</strong> fastidious tidiness factor (FTF) as<br />
playing a major role in determining <strong>the</strong><br />
relative paucity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flora, particularly with<br />
respect to <strong>the</strong> colonisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> revetment<br />
stonework by seedlings and saplings <strong>of</strong> both
Notes - Colonisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ramparts and walls <strong>of</strong> Berwick-upon-Tweed 21<br />
native and alien trees and shrubs. The uncommonness<br />
is partly due to <strong>the</strong> nature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
bonding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> large, dressed, sandstone<br />
blocks with narrow, well-mortared joints and<br />
<strong>the</strong> comparative lack <strong>of</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
blocks. The stonework <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> flankers is<br />
generally built <strong>of</strong> coarser sandstones and as a<br />
result is more prone to wea<strong>the</strong>ring and colonisation<br />
by bryophytes and higher plants. It also<br />
provides better locations than <strong>the</strong> revetment<br />
for perching birds, and hence <strong>the</strong> dissemination<br />
<strong>of</strong> berried plants. In a total length <strong>of</strong> over<br />
one kilometre, I was able to record only<br />
twenty individual plants <strong>of</strong> nine species, five<br />
<strong>of</strong> which are considered alien by Clement and<br />
Foster (1994). The number <strong>of</strong> individual<br />
plants is in sharp contrast with <strong>the</strong> total<br />
numbers recorded on <strong>the</strong> much shorter lengths<br />
<strong>of</strong> wall around <strong>the</strong> Parish Churchyard and<br />
those <strong>of</strong> Coxon Lane Car Park, on <strong>the</strong> site <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> former Good Templar Hall, both localities<br />
being within 100 metres <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ramparts.<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> two sites are quite different from<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r in terms <strong>of</strong> both species and<br />
frequency <strong>of</strong> species. For example, Buddleja<br />
davidii (Butterfly-bush) is rare on <strong>the</strong> churchyard<br />
wall, yet dominant on <strong>the</strong> car park walls;<br />
Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) is <strong>the</strong> most<br />
common species on <strong>the</strong> former, but absent in<br />
<strong>the</strong> latter location. Similarly, Sycamore was<br />
<strong>the</strong> most commonly encountered species on<br />
<strong>the</strong> rampart walls, but I did not see Buddleja.<br />
Rampart walls from King's Mount to Meg's<br />
Mount (20 plants/9 species/5 aliens): Acer<br />
pseudoplatanus 6; Cotoneaster horizontalis<br />
(Wall Cotoneaster) 4; Fraxinus ornus (Manna<br />
Ash) 3; Rosa canina agg. (Dog-rose) 2; Fraxinus<br />
excelsior (Ash), Ribes sanguineum<br />
(Flowering Currant), Rubus fruticosus agg.<br />
(bramble), Sambucus nigra (Elder), Sorbus<br />
intermedia (Swedish Whitebeam) 1,<br />
(excluding <strong>the</strong> popUlation <strong>of</strong> young Sycamore<br />
and Elder growing on <strong>the</strong> grassy parapet,<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> northwest revetment <strong>of</strong> Meg's<br />
Mount).<br />
Cromwellian Parish Churchyard Walls (51<br />
plants/6 species/3 aliens): Acer pseudoplatanus<br />
17; Sambucus nigra 16; Sorbus aria<br />
(Whitebeam) 8; Ulmus glabra (Wych Elm) 7;<br />
Cotoneaster horizontalis 2; Buddleja davidii 1.<br />
Good Templar Hall (Coxon Lane) Car Park<br />
(48 plants17 species/5 aliens): Buddleja<br />
davidii 27; Cotoneaster simonsii (Himalayan<br />
Cotoneaster) (+ inderminate plants) 9;<br />
Cotoneaster horizontalis 7; Rubus fruticosus<br />
2; Fuchsia magellanica (Fuchsia), Leycesteria<br />
formosa (Himalayan Honeysuckle), Sambucus<br />
nigra 1.<br />
Without doubt, <strong>the</strong> most interesting record in<br />
<strong>the</strong>se three samples is that <strong>of</strong> Fraxinus ornus,<br />
two individuals <strong>of</strong> which were seen on <strong>the</strong><br />
stonework <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> eastern flanker <strong>of</strong> Windmill<br />
Bastion and one nearby on its parapet. The<br />
seed source is clearly one <strong>of</strong> two parent trees<br />
planted less than twenty metres away as<br />
shelter for <strong>the</strong> formal circle <strong>of</strong> shrub borders<br />
and seats at <strong>the</strong> western end <strong>of</strong> The Ditches.<br />
One specimen is a mature standard tree, some<br />
six metres tall and with a trunk girth at breast<br />
height (gbh) <strong>of</strong> 1.6m; <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r is depauperate<br />
and cankered at a height <strong>of</strong> 1.3m where <strong>the</strong><br />
gbh is 0.7m. No juvenile seedlings and<br />
saplings were seen growing beneath <strong>the</strong><br />
parents or in adjacent shrub borders. Both<br />
specimens are hermaphrodite plants and were<br />
flowering pr<strong>of</strong>usely on 10 th May 2009.<br />
Considerable research has been recently<br />
undertaken by <strong>the</strong> EU funded project FRAXI<br />
GEN (2005) into <strong>the</strong> breeding biology <strong>of</strong><br />
populations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> three European Ash<br />
species, Fraxinus excelsior in nor<strong>the</strong>rn and<br />
central Europe, and F. angustifolia (Narrowleaved<br />
Ash) and F. ornus in central Europe<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean region. Manna Ash is<br />
androdioecious, a rare breeding system, in<br />
which some populations contain individual<br />
trees which bear hermaphrodite flowers and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs which are male only, or staminate.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r populations are apparently ei<strong>the</strong>r wholly<br />
hermaphrodite or wholly staminate and,<br />
obviously, only <strong>the</strong> hermaphrodites set fruit.<br />
The occurrence <strong>of</strong> staminate flowers in mixed<br />
populations is considered to be an adaptation<br />
to increasing <strong>the</strong> likelihood <strong>of</strong> wind pollination<br />
(W allander, 2001), but <strong>the</strong> true situation<br />
is far from clear . Working on populations in<br />
sou<strong>the</strong>rn France, a region in which <strong>the</strong> species
22 Notes Colonisation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ramparts and walls <strong>of</strong> Berwick-upon-Tweed<br />
is rapidly expanding its range, Dommee et al.<br />
(2002) have demonstrated self-compatibility<br />
in hermaphrodite flowers, whilst Wallander<br />
(2008) notes both anemophily and ambophily,<br />
that is, both wind pollination and insect pollination<br />
by syrphid flies and small beetles. The<br />
fruit (samara) is usually dispersed by wind,<br />
seldom to a distance greater than 30m<br />
(FRAXIGEN, 2005), but <strong>the</strong>re is strong<br />
evidence that dispersal by water is mainly<br />
responsible for its rapid invasion along river<br />
systems in sou<strong>the</strong>rn France (Thebaud and<br />
Debussche, 1991).<br />
Anemophily, ambophily or self-compatibility,<br />
whichever is <strong>the</strong> case at Berwick, <strong>the</strong>re can<br />
be no doubt that this native tree <strong>of</strong> Mediterranean<br />
Europe, north Africa and south-west<br />
Asia (Polunin, 1969) produces viable fruits<br />
that are able to colonise suitable habitats, at a<br />
latitude <strong>of</strong> 55 0 46'. It has long been known to<br />
be hardy in Britain, but <strong>the</strong>re seem to be few<br />
records <strong>of</strong> its fruiting and regeneration. It<br />
would be interesting to know to which <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
five native chloroplast genome hap10types <strong>the</strong><br />
plants belong (FRAXIGEN, 2005), or if <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fifteen cultivars listed by<br />
McArdle and Santamour (1984), or <strong>of</strong> an<br />
additional four cultivars <strong>of</strong>fered for sale by<br />
Barcham Trees <strong>of</strong> Ely. Whatever, dare one<br />
suggest that its regeneration at such a latitude<br />
is an indication <strong>of</strong> climate change? It is a fact<br />
that would seem to imply at least three incentives<br />
for future action. First, its status in Stace<br />
(1997) should perhaps be elevated from <strong>the</strong><br />
'o<strong>the</strong>r species' category to merit a full description.<br />
Secondly, it may be possible to find out<br />
from society members whe<strong>the</strong>r regeneration<br />
from seed has been observed or reported in<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r parts <strong>of</strong> Britain and Ireland. One gets <strong>the</strong><br />
impression that garden and street trees are<br />
mainly <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> showy, whiter-flowered, staminate<br />
type, ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> more dowdy, greenish-white<br />
hermaphrodite type, which is<br />
labelled by European landscape gardeners as<br />
being a liability on account <strong>of</strong> its propensity to<br />
produce many unwanted seedlings, particularly<br />
in samara mast years (Mitchell and More,<br />
1985, FRAXIGEN 2005). If this view is<br />
accepted in Britain, <strong>the</strong>n regeneration is likely<br />
to be only localised. Thirdly, <strong>the</strong> question<br />
arises whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> regeneration from seed<br />
observed at Berwick-upon-Tweed might be<br />
encouraged and developed as a small breeding<br />
programme which makes use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> private<br />
spaces <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unused bastion flankers?<br />
References:<br />
CLEMENT, EJ. & FOSTER, M.C. (1994). Alien<br />
plants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong>. <strong>Botanical</strong> <strong>Society</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong>, London.<br />
DOMMIE, B., GESLOT, A., THOMPSON, ID.,<br />
REILLE, M. & DENELLE, N. (2002). Androdioecy<br />
in <strong>the</strong> entomophilous tree Fraxinus<br />
ornus (Oleaceae). New Phytologist 143:<br />
419-426.<br />
FRAXIGEN (2005). Ash species in Europe:<br />
biological characteristics and practical<br />
guidelines for sustainable use. Oxford<br />
Forestry Institute, University <strong>of</strong> Oxford.<br />
McARDLE, AJ. & SANTAMOUR, F.S. IR.<br />
(1984). Checklists <strong>of</strong> cultivars <strong>of</strong> European<br />
Ash (Fraxinus) species. Journal <strong>of</strong> Arboriculture<br />
10: 21-32.<br />
MITCHELL, A. & MORE, D. (1985). The<br />
complete guide to trees <strong>of</strong> Britain and nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Europe. Limpsfield, Surrey.<br />
POLUNIN, O. (1969). Flowers <strong>of</strong> Europe: a<br />
field guide. Oxford University Press, Oxford.<br />
THE BERWICKSHIRE NATURALISTS' CLUB.<br />
(2006). A history and guide to Berwick's<br />
wildflowers. Berwick.<br />
STACE, C.A. (1997). New flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong><br />
<strong>Isles</strong>. 2 nd ed. Cambridge University Press,<br />
Cambridge.<br />
THffiAUD, C. & DEBUSSCHE, M. (1991).<br />
Rapid invasion <strong>of</strong> Fraxinus ornus L. along<br />
<strong>the</strong> Herault River system in sou<strong>the</strong>rn France:<br />
<strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> seed dispersal by water.<br />
Journal <strong>of</strong> Biogeography 18: 7-12.<br />
WALLANDER, E. (2001). Evolution <strong>of</strong> wind<br />
pollination in Fraxinus (Oleaceae) - an<br />
ecophylogenetic approach. PhD Thesis,<br />
Goteburg University, Sweden. (http://<br />
herbaria .plants .ox .ac .uklfraxigen/fraxinus)<br />
WALLANDER, E. (2008). 'Systematics <strong>of</strong><br />
Fraxinus (Oleaceae) and evolution <strong>of</strong><br />
dioecy'. Plant Systematics and Evolution<br />
273: 25-49.
Notes - Teratology - a revival? 23<br />
Teratology - a revival?<br />
JOHN PRESLAND, 175c Ashley Lane, Winsley, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire BA15 2HR<br />
Introduction<br />
Abnormalities in plants have evoked a wide<br />
range <strong>of</strong> human responses, from fascination<br />
verging on adoration to abhorrence at departures<br />
from a God-given scheme. Their study<br />
achieved some prominence in <strong>the</strong> 19 th and<br />
early 20 th Century, under <strong>the</strong> name<br />
'teratology', but has only occasionally been<br />
noticed since. The last major work was<br />
Worsdell's (1915-16), and Heslop-Harrison<br />
(1952) may be <strong>the</strong> only pr<strong>of</strong>essional botanist<br />
to have published anything on <strong>the</strong> subject<br />
since those early days. Even he <strong>of</strong>fered no<br />
particular reason for a revival. The subject has,<br />
however, received a recent boost by <strong>the</strong> initiation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> periodical That Plant's Odd by<br />
Martin Cragg-Barber (now Martin Barber) in<br />
1993. It has now run to over 40 issues. Out <strong>of</strong><br />
that work has come a book providing a<br />
systematic up-to-date account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> field<br />
(Presland, Oliver & Barber, 2009). This<br />
article describes a few abnormalities selected<br />
from <strong>the</strong> many in that book and raises some <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> associated issues.<br />
Examples <strong>of</strong> abnormalities<br />
A double-flowered Centaurium erythraea<br />
(Common Centaury)<br />
Double flowers have <strong>the</strong> petals or o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
conspicuous floral parts much increased in<br />
number compared with a normal flower. A<br />
good example was on a Common Centaury on<br />
a steep bank on a protected roadside verge at<br />
Winsley in Wiltshire (Colour Section, Plate 2).<br />
It had ten petals instead <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> usual five, and<br />
perhaps an extra two or more below.<br />
Proliferation in Taraxacum sp. (Dandelion)<br />
Proliferation is <strong>the</strong> growth <strong>of</strong> plant organs in<br />
places where <strong>the</strong>y do not normally occur. An<br />
additional leaf, flower stalk and flower<br />
appeared on what is normally an unadorned<br />
flower stem in a garden in Bradford-on-Avon<br />
in 2006. A photo (Colour Section, Plate 2)<br />
shows <strong>the</strong> normal and abnormal forms.<br />
Peloria in Linaria vulgaris (Common Toadflax)<br />
Peloria is a term coined by Linnaeus for just<br />
this abnormality, discovered in Sweden in<br />
1742. It is Greek for "monster". The most<br />
useful definition is <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> radially<br />
symmetrical flowers in plants whose flowers<br />
are normally bilaterally symmetrical. Bilaterally<br />
symmetrical (or zygomorphic) means that<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is only one vertical line through which<br />
cutting <strong>the</strong> flower in half will produce identical<br />
halves (or, to be pedantic, mirror images). The<br />
condition contrasts with radially symmetrical<br />
(or actinomorphic) in which any vertical cut<br />
through <strong>the</strong> centre produces at least roughly<br />
identical halves - as in buttercups. In Linaria<br />
species, <strong>the</strong> petals are normally joined into a<br />
tube dividing at <strong>the</strong> top into an upper lip and a<br />
lower lip, with a single nectary spur descending<br />
from <strong>the</strong> bottom, <strong>the</strong> result being a bilaterally<br />
symmetrical structure. In a peloric Linaria<br />
vulgaris, which I found at Winsley (Colour<br />
Section, Plate 2), <strong>the</strong> two lips were replaced by<br />
five lobes and <strong>the</strong>re were five spurs at <strong>the</strong> base.<br />
Both <strong>the</strong>se changes can be envisaged as corresponding<br />
to five hypo<strong>the</strong>tical petals arranged in<br />
a radially symmetrical pattern. The normal<br />
form has four stamens in two pairs, again part<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bilaterally symmetrical pattern. In <strong>the</strong><br />
peloric plant <strong>the</strong>re were five, corresponding to<br />
<strong>the</strong> five hypo<strong>the</strong>tical petals. The orange bulge<br />
which is at <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lower lip in a normal<br />
flower is replaced in <strong>the</strong> peloric form by one at<br />
<strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> each lobe, united into a regular circular<br />
mouth, looking like pouting lips from above.<br />
A chimera in Daucus carota (Wild Carrot)<br />
A chimera is an organism whose tissues are <strong>of</strong><br />
two genetically different kinds. For instance,<br />
<strong>the</strong> surface tissues may be <strong>of</strong> one kind and <strong>the</strong><br />
deeper lying tissues <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r (a periclinal<br />
chimera), or a sector or sectors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stem and<br />
leaves may be different from <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
plant (a sectorial chimera). It is named after a<br />
character from Greek mythology that was part<br />
lion, part goat and part serpent. A sectorial
24<br />
chimera on a Wild Carrot inflorescence from<br />
Barry Docks in 1986 is shown in <strong>the</strong> photo<br />
Colour Section, Plate 2). One sector is red,<br />
one white and <strong>the</strong>re is a pink zone which may<br />
be overlap between <strong>the</strong> two sectors or be a<br />
third sector.<br />
What can we learn from teratology?<br />
Masters (1869), in perhaps <strong>the</strong> best known<br />
early teratological treatise, claimed teratology<br />
was important because:<br />
• Many cases can be considered reversions<br />
to <strong>the</strong> ancestral form and thus help determine<br />
affinities between plants.<br />
• Cases can be <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> new races and<br />
species.<br />
• Cases can throw light on <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong><br />
development.<br />
• Irregularities may be useful for new garden<br />
forms or crops.<br />
Plainly, irregularities may be useful for new<br />
garden forms or crops. Garden plants are<br />
sometimes deviations from <strong>the</strong> normal form <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> species concerned, which have been<br />
maintained by horticulturalists. Though it is<br />
more usual for crops to be bred selectively for<br />
particular normal variations that are desirable,<br />
abnormalities may be useful in some cases.<br />
We know almost nothing for certain about<br />
how particular plants species evolved.<br />
However, if a number <strong>of</strong> different species in a<br />
family all produce deviations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same<br />
form, it is arguable that this indicates a<br />
common ancestry. This could be <strong>the</strong> case in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Scrophulariaceae, where a number <strong>of</strong><br />
different species, particularly <strong>of</strong> Linaria, can<br />
develop peloria. This may resemble an ancestral<br />
condition from which <strong>the</strong> normal form<br />
evolved. We do not need this deviation to tell<br />
us that <strong>the</strong> different species <strong>of</strong> Linaria are<br />
related and are likely to have a common ancestor.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> ancestor is no longer around<br />
to be seen, and <strong>the</strong> peloric flower <strong>of</strong>, say, <strong>the</strong><br />
abnormal flower described in Linaria<br />
vulgaris, may be <strong>the</strong> nearest thing to it that we<br />
are likely to encounter.<br />
It is not clear how abnormalities could throw<br />
light on <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> development. A normal<br />
Linaria has never been peloric, and a normal<br />
Notes Teratology a revival?<br />
Cowslip has never been fasciated. Such<br />
abnormalities do reflect <strong>the</strong> plasticity <strong>of</strong> plants<br />
during <strong>the</strong>ir development and enable us to<br />
document it more thoroughly, but <strong>the</strong>y don't<br />
really explain it.<br />
Just as abnormalities can be selected by<br />
horticulturalists to become new cultivars, so<br />
<strong>the</strong>y could be selected according to Darwin's<br />
<strong>the</strong>ory <strong>of</strong> evolution by succeeding in competition<br />
with normal specimens, and thus produce<br />
new species. Such an occurrence would be<br />
very rare, since most aberrations are no help in<br />
survival and <strong>of</strong>ten hinder it. However, current<br />
views <strong>of</strong> evolution include <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> its<br />
occurrence through rare changes <strong>of</strong> a radical<br />
nature. The subject is too large to be taken<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r here. However, De Vries (2005)<br />
claims to have produced new species in <strong>the</strong><br />
genus Oeno<strong>the</strong>ra by selective breeding <strong>of</strong><br />
departures from <strong>the</strong> normal form. There is, <strong>of</strong><br />
course, still no satisfactory definition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
concept <strong>of</strong> a species, so it is not too difficult to<br />
claim that a particular form is a new one.<br />
In our book, Jack Oliver notes that most<br />
obvious mutants or "sports" are doomed to a<br />
solitary existence as transient curiosities.<br />
Most are ill-equipped to face competition in<br />
<strong>the</strong> wild. If <strong>the</strong>y can be vegetatively propagated,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y need horticultural or agricultural<br />
protection or nurturing. However Jack<br />
describes six Wiltshire aberrant taxa which<br />
defy <strong>the</strong> trends and show sustained botanical<br />
significance ra<strong>the</strong>r than existing as "dead-end"<br />
phenomena. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se is <strong>the</strong> polystachion<br />
<strong>of</strong> Equisetum palustre (Marsh Horsetail).<br />
Horsetails normally have only one fertile cone<br />
at <strong>the</strong> tip <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir central bottlebrush stem.<br />
More rarely, E. palustre can have one or two<br />
smaller cones on branch tips. In Wiltshire and<br />
west Berkshire, patches or.populations can be<br />
found in which <strong>the</strong> peripheral branch tip cones<br />
are arranged in whorls, <strong>the</strong> whorled polystachions.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> Cotswold Water Park near<br />
Ashton Keynes in August 2006, separate<br />
patches <strong>of</strong> 2-whorl polystachions were easily<br />
found at different sites. In addition, <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
<strong>the</strong> occasional 3-5 whorl polystachions. A<br />
4-whorl polystachion is shown in Colour<br />
Section, Plate 2. We do not know how fertile
Notes - Teratology - a revival? / The abortive 'Penguin' Flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong> 25<br />
<strong>the</strong> lateral cones were, but <strong>the</strong> vegetative<br />
growth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se uniquely aberrant colonies<br />
was <strong>of</strong>ten <strong>the</strong> dominant ground cover in <strong>the</strong><br />
immediate localities. These polystachions<br />
continue to thrive beyond a quarter <strong>of</strong> a century,<br />
can reproduce <strong>the</strong>mselves and can hold<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own in <strong>the</strong> wild against competition.<br />
Jack felt that a plant bearing <strong>the</strong>m was a good<br />
candidate for varietal taxonomic status.<br />
Whatever <strong>the</strong> rules for classification, it seems<br />
to be a good example <strong>of</strong> potential evolution in<br />
action, and Nature breaking her own pre-existing<br />
patterns.<br />
To conclude<br />
Teratology is a subject which fascinates many,<br />
has horticultural application and may have<br />
potential for illuminating some developmental<br />
and evolutionary processes. It is more common<br />
now for <strong>the</strong> phenomena it studies to be treated<br />
as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wider topic <strong>of</strong> plant variation.<br />
Briggs and WaIters (1997), for instance, in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
textbook on variation, virtually ignore it.<br />
Divisions between areas <strong>of</strong> study, are, however,<br />
largely man-made and can change. Those who<br />
work with fungi, for instance, used to be<br />
botanists but are now mycologists. It is hoped<br />
that publication <strong>of</strong> recent work in <strong>the</strong> area will<br />
stimulate o<strong>the</strong>rs to look for examples and to<br />
record and draw and photograph <strong>the</strong>m or press<br />
and dry specimens - whatever <strong>the</strong> label under<br />
which <strong>the</strong>y operate. Contributions <strong>of</strong> this kind<br />
should be sent to <strong>the</strong> editor <strong>of</strong> That Plant's<br />
Odd: Martin Barber, 1 Station Cottages,<br />
Hullavington, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14<br />
6ET (martin@ worldmutation. demon.co.uk)<br />
(tel.: 07800 583999).<br />
References:<br />
BRIGGS, D. & WALTERS, SM. 1997. Plant<br />
Variation and Evolution (3 rd ed.),<br />
Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.<br />
DE VRIES, H. 2005. Species and varieties:<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir origin by mutation. Ebook #7234.<br />
HESLOP-HARRISON, J. 1952. 'A reconsideration<br />
<strong>of</strong> plant teratology'. Phyton 4: 19-34.<br />
HOPKIRK, T. & CRAGG-BARBER, M. 1999.<br />
Flora Anomala Updated. That Plant's Odd,<br />
Chippenham.<br />
MASTERS, M.T. 1869. Vegetable teratology:<br />
an account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> principle deviations from<br />
<strong>the</strong> usual construction <strong>of</strong> plants. Robert<br />
Hardwicke, for <strong>the</strong> Ray <strong>Society</strong>, London.<br />
*PRESLAND, J., OUVER, J. & BARBER, M.<br />
2009. Abnormalities in plants. Wiltshire<br />
<strong>Botanical</strong> <strong>Society</strong>, Bradford-on-Avon.<br />
WORSDELL, W.C. 1915-1916. The principles<br />
<strong>of</strong> plant teratology. Vols. 1 and 2. Ray<br />
<strong>Society</strong>, London.<br />
*Available from Summerfield Books.<br />
The abortive 'Penguin' Flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong><br />
DAVID ALLEN, Lesney Cottage, Middle Road, Winchester, Hampshire, S022 5E]<br />
Five years ago (in <strong>BSBI</strong> News 97: 61), Mary<br />
Briggs expressed curiosity about an illustrated<br />
'Flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong>' in an astonishing 20<br />
volumes that had received passing mention in<br />
<strong>the</strong> obituary in The Times <strong>of</strong> Frances Partridge,<br />
<strong>the</strong> last surviving member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 'Bloomsbury<br />
Group', who had recently died at <strong>the</strong> impressive<br />
age <strong>of</strong> 103. She found herself far from<br />
alone in having never heard <strong>of</strong> such a venture<br />
or, for that matter, <strong>of</strong> its would-be author.<br />
In response to her note, however, several<br />
members wrote to say that <strong>the</strong>y had known<br />
Mrs Partridge personally and were able to<br />
confirm that she had continued to be an ardent<br />
field botanist till well into her nineties. It also<br />
turned out that ano<strong>the</strong>r member even<br />
possessed a pro<strong>of</strong> copy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first volume <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> publication in question, so it must have<br />
proceeded at least that far (<strong>BSBI</strong> News 100:<br />
57-58).<br />
As a full-scale biography was reportedly in<br />
preparation, it seemed likely that more would<br />
be learned from that in due course about this<br />
intriguingly little-known episode in <strong>the</strong> annals<br />
<strong>of</strong> botanical literature. Four years later, that<br />
prospective volume has now duly materialised,<br />
with Ann Chisholm revealed as <strong>the</strong><br />
author; and, sure enough, between pages 203<br />
and 221, at intervals, <strong>the</strong> sorry inside story can<br />
at last be pieced toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
It transpires that <strong>the</strong> project had its birth in<br />
1944 (not 1942, as stated in <strong>the</strong> obituary), and
26 Notes - The abortive 'Penguin' Flora a/<strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong><br />
that it was Penguin Books that made <strong>the</strong> initial<br />
approach to Mrs Partridge. As so <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
happens, some paintings <strong>of</strong> outstanding<br />
quality - in this case <strong>of</strong> <strong>British</strong> wild flowers -<br />
had come to <strong>the</strong> notice <strong>of</strong> a publisher, and it<br />
was now seeking someone able and willing to<br />
produce a text to accompany <strong>the</strong>m. Although<br />
that firm was closely identified with <strong>the</strong> lowpriced<br />
paperbacks that had been <strong>the</strong> publishing<br />
sensation <strong>of</strong> 1935 and were by <strong>the</strong>n already a<br />
household name, it could well be that its<br />
founder, AlIen Lane, hankered after a complement<br />
to that success in <strong>the</strong> shape <strong>of</strong> beautifully-produced<br />
books with ravishing colour<br />
plates, <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> kind that 19 th century predecessors<br />
had brought out to lasting acclaim (an<br />
ambition which we know his contemporary<br />
and rival, Billy Collins, nursed as well).<br />
Natural history was a field that traditionally<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered excellent scope for that line <strong>of</strong> publishing,<br />
and it may have been no coincidence that<br />
only a year or two earlier Nelson had brought<br />
out a lusciously-illustrated one-volume work<br />
on <strong>British</strong> birds, at a far from prohibitive price,<br />
by re-using <strong>the</strong> paintings originally produced<br />
for a fore-runner on <strong>the</strong> eve <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> First World<br />
War. It was, similarly, in <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> World<br />
War 2 that George Lodge and David Bannerman<br />
are known to have hatched <strong>the</strong> idea <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir magnificent 12-volume work on <strong>the</strong> birds<br />
<strong>of</strong> Britain and Ireland that appeared eventually<br />
in 1953-1963 from Oliver & Boyd. Perhaps<br />
wartime austerity was productive <strong>of</strong> pipedreams<br />
in <strong>British</strong> publishing circles at just<br />
around that time. It does appear, at any rate,<br />
that <strong>the</strong> wild flowers project was very much<br />
AlIen Lane's personal initiative, for it was<br />
with him that <strong>the</strong> author evidently dealt<br />
throughout, and it was to her house that he<br />
drove to meetings in its connection, instead <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r way around, as would be more usual.<br />
The artist proved to be a young man recently<br />
out <strong>of</strong> art school, a Richard Chopping, and he<br />
and Mrs Partridge luckily took to one ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
at once and became firm friends. "Exquisite"<br />
though she found his paintings, he soon turned<br />
out to be taking a worryingly long time to<br />
finish each one. As <strong>the</strong> plan was to cover<br />
every species <strong>of</strong> higher plant on <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong><br />
<strong>Isles</strong> list, and to accord every painting a whole<br />
page, that rate <strong>of</strong> progress implied it would be<br />
12 years before <strong>the</strong> intended 20 volumes were<br />
completed. When this news was broken to<br />
AlIen Lane, some two years after <strong>the</strong> start, he<br />
was taken aback. Paper was still in short<br />
supply, and conditions continued to be difficult<br />
for <strong>the</strong> book trade more generally; but it<br />
may also have been that <strong>the</strong> publisher had<br />
been under a misapprehension that <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
roughly as many kinds <strong>of</strong> wild flowers<br />
needing to be depicted and described as <strong>the</strong>re<br />
were <strong>of</strong> birds. His immediate reaction, at any<br />
rate, was to rule that <strong>the</strong> coverage had to be<br />
reduced, and <strong>the</strong> trees were to be <strong>the</strong> sacrificial<br />
victims. Though <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two protested<br />
vehemently, <strong>the</strong>y did so in vain. Perhaps<br />
fearing that this economy measure would<br />
endanger <strong>the</strong> project's scientific standing,<br />
Lane never<strong>the</strong>less suggested <strong>the</strong>y find a<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional botanist to act as adviser. As a<br />
result, Noel Sandwith, renowned for a firstclass<br />
knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>British</strong> flowering plants<br />
dating from childhood, was recruited to <strong>the</strong><br />
team and regularly accompanied <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two<br />
on <strong>the</strong>ir specimen-hunting forays.<br />
Even so, AlIen Lane continued to have<br />
misgivings, and, by <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>of</strong> 1949, with<br />
<strong>the</strong> publishing trade experiencing a 40% rise<br />
in production costs under <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Korean War inflation, he was finally forced to<br />
face <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> venture was irretrievably<br />
uneconomic. By that time, <strong>the</strong> first volume<br />
was in pro<strong>of</strong> and <strong>the</strong> text for <strong>the</strong> next four was<br />
already written, so <strong>the</strong> decision to proceed no<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r came as a shattering blow. Outraged,<br />
Frances Partridge turned to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
Authors for help, and at least had <strong>the</strong> satisfaction<br />
<strong>of</strong> extracting £1,500 from Penguin Books<br />
by way <strong>of</strong> recompense for <strong>the</strong> five years <strong>of</strong><br />
work she had put in. How much, if anything,<br />
<strong>the</strong> artist received, however, <strong>the</strong> biography<br />
does not disclose.<br />
In retrospect, a multi-volume project had<br />
probably been a mistake from <strong>the</strong> start, given<br />
<strong>the</strong> still high cost <strong>of</strong> colour-printing at that<br />
period. Sixteen years later, George Rainbird
Notes - The abortive 'Penguin' Flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong> / Symphytum - a corrigendum /<br />
Gravel weeds by Loch Linnhe (v.c.97) / 'Forensic botany' - a correction<br />
was to show what could never<strong>the</strong>less have<br />
been done, if only AlIen Lane had thought <strong>of</strong><br />
compressing all <strong>the</strong> paintings into just a single<br />
volume - as W. Keble Martin had had <strong>the</strong><br />
forethought to make feasible when he started<br />
his own painting <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong> flora,<br />
many years earlier. With just <strong>the</strong> one, quartosized,<br />
portable product to push, with a set <strong>of</strong><br />
paintings probably hardly less exquisite, and<br />
no less comprehensive in <strong>the</strong>ir coverage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong> flora, Rainbird succeeded in<br />
propelling that through <strong>the</strong> supposed cost-ceil-<br />
Symphytum - a corrigendum<br />
ing for fine colour printing by resorting to<br />
every marketing ploy available, to achieve <strong>the</strong><br />
mass sale that was necessary. The number <strong>of</strong><br />
copies <strong>of</strong> 'Keble Martin' that would eventually<br />
be bought totalled not far short <strong>of</strong> a<br />
million and a half.<br />
Reference:<br />
CHISHOLM, A. (2009). Frances Partridge:<br />
<strong>the</strong> biography. Weidenfeld & Nicolson,<br />
London.<br />
CHRISTOPHER WESTALL, 1 Rushford Avenue, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, Staffs., WV50HZ<br />
(westa1l792@btinternet.com)<br />
Subsequent to my piece about <strong>the</strong> genus<br />
Symphytum in <strong>the</strong> last issue <strong>of</strong> BSBl News<br />
(111: 33), it has been pointed out to me that I<br />
should have been more precise about <strong>the</strong><br />
determination <strong>of</strong> S. asperum. There are<br />
indumentum characters and calyx characters<br />
that have to be taken into account. Also I<br />
overlooked <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> 'Norfolk<br />
Comfrey' (<strong>BSBI</strong> News 105: 6-9) also has all<br />
leaves petiolate.<br />
Gravel weeds by Loch Linnhe (v.c.97)<br />
FAITH ANSTEY, The Old Smithy, Dalguise, by Dunkeld, Perthshire, PH80JX<br />
Last year we acquired a log cabin by <strong>the</strong> shore<br />
<strong>of</strong> Loch Linnhe (v.c.97), which was<br />
surrounded by about 100 square metres <strong>of</strong><br />
freshly-laid gravel. This remained untouched<br />
until, in July this year, I decided to weed it.<br />
Sprouting through <strong>the</strong> gravel, I found a total <strong>of</strong><br />
53 species: six tree/shrub seedlings, 12<br />
grasses/sedges/rushes, one fern (too immature<br />
to be identified with certainty) and 34 forbs.<br />
'Forensic botany' - a correction<br />
The most unexpected <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> latter was Conopodium<br />
majus (Pignut), but as <strong>the</strong> land had<br />
formerly been cr<strong>of</strong>t grazing, it was presumably<br />
in <strong>the</strong> seedbank below: interesting to see it<br />
just inches away from a clump <strong>of</strong> Isolepis<br />
setacea (Bristle Club-rush), for example. The<br />
only species clearly <strong>of</strong> garden origin were<br />
Meconopsis and a Cotoneaster.<br />
PROFESSOR D .LHA WKSWORTH CBE, University <strong>of</strong> Gloucestershire.<br />
I just noticed <strong>the</strong> "Forensic botany" item in <strong>BSBI</strong><br />
News 111: 21. I think it is most unfortunate that<br />
<strong>the</strong> note did not mention that <strong>the</strong> "female forensic<br />
botanist" featured, Patricia EJ. Wiltshire, lli a<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> member herself <strong>of</strong> some 16 years standing.<br />
With regard to <strong>the</strong> actual case (murder <strong>of</strong> Joanne<br />
Nelson) referred to in <strong>the</strong> feature, it was not Mr<br />
Jones (<strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> recorder), but a botanist at <strong>the</strong><br />
University <strong>of</strong> Hull who helped in that case.<br />
However, Ms Wiltshire has had help from<br />
several <strong>BSBI</strong> recorders and English Nature<br />
personnel in <strong>the</strong> past.<br />
I felt that <strong>the</strong> record should be put straight.<br />
27
28 <strong>Botanical</strong> Crossword 13<br />
Across<br />
BOTANICAL CROSSWORD 13<br />
7. Weld a deer's breakage (6)<br />
8. You and I were responsible, it's said, for<br />
having removed plants growing in <strong>the</strong> wrong<br />
place (6)<br />
9. Look over leaf through scope (4)<br />
10. Just like paper to injure with debts (8)<br />
11. Filter drug to make able to reproduce (7)<br />
13. Mistakenly exalt a distinction between e.g.<br />
Taraxacum and Crepis (5)<br />
15. Species <strong>of</strong> rich rock produced by nonflowering<br />
plants (5)<br />
17. Offer a bribe for species <strong>of</strong> Arecaceae? (3,<br />
4)<br />
20. It's about getting head round it, head-like<br />
(8)<br />
21. Not on level grass (4)<br />
22. What Galium aparine burs may do to your<br />
clo<strong>the</strong>s (6)<br />
23. Create hybrid Potentilla, for example (6)<br />
byCRUCIADA<br />
Down<br />
1. Fur<strong>the</strong>r education's prompt to grass (6)<br />
2. Style that's part <strong>of</strong>leaf (4)<br />
3. Bonnets you will be told to wear, ga<strong>the</strong>ring<br />
this type <strong>of</strong> seed (7)<br />
4. Make minor adjustment to hardwood case<br />
for whisky (5)<br />
5. Temptress puts fish on wall <strong>of</strong> fruit (8)<br />
6. Be green, perhaps, over time, like Callitriche<br />
leaves (6)<br />
12. Fatal at <strong>the</strong> end (8)<br />
14. Medicine - real dose distilled from Erica<br />
for instance (7) ,<br />
16. Everlasting joy to be had at <strong>the</strong>se gates,<br />
maybe (6)<br />
18. A French male comes in behind time<br />
waxing and waning (6) ,<br />
19. Like conifer seeds in <strong>the</strong> buff (5)<br />
21. Swollen-rooted plant may exist as alien (4)
Aliens - Habitat <strong>of</strong> Cochlearia megalosperma naturalised in Britain 29<br />
ALIENS<br />
Habitat <strong>of</strong> Cochlearia megalosperma naturalised in Britain<br />
MICHAEL BRAITHWAITE, Clarilaw, Hawick, Roxburghshire, TD98PT<br />
Cochlearia megalosperma (Maire) Vogt<br />
(Cochlearia glastifolia L. var. megalosperma<br />
Maire (Tall Scurvygrass), which is endemic to<br />
Morocco and south-east Spain, has been<br />
reported in Britain as "well naturalised by road<br />
at Humbie Kirk (East Lothian), found 1994,<br />
also in cultivated and waste ground in Notts.".<br />
It is reported as having first come to be<br />
naturalised in Britain by escaping from <strong>the</strong><br />
Pharmacy Garden on <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong><br />
Nottingham campus, to where it had been sent<br />
as seed from a collection at Gatersleben. The<br />
source <strong>of</strong> later colonies is not known, but it<br />
was being <strong>of</strong>fered for sale by Salley Gardens<br />
organic herb nursery, which is not far from <strong>the</strong><br />
university and had obtained seed from <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
This species has now been found naturalised<br />
by <strong>the</strong> River Tweed at Tweedmill in v.c.S1<br />
Berwickshire (NTS4), on rocks dripping with<br />
water, apparently at variance with this suggestion<br />
<strong>of</strong> a ruderal habitat, so comment seems<br />
called for.<br />
A series <strong>of</strong> superb images <strong>of</strong><br />
C. megalosperma in Spain is presented in <strong>the</strong><br />
Flora <strong>of</strong> Almeria web site at http://www.<br />
floresdealmeria.comljoyas/cochlearia-megalosperma.<br />
html. Here it is depicted growing<br />
by a tiny rocky stream in <strong>the</strong> hills in more or<br />
less immediate contact with <strong>the</strong> water (noted<br />
to be a rare habitat in Almeria). This is not<br />
unexpected for a plant that can grow as an<br />
annual or short-lived perennial to l.S-2.0m in<br />
a season.<br />
The Tweedmill plant was first found in 2006<br />
by Georgina Hargreaves when salmon-fishing<br />
with her husband. It could have been carried<br />
to this site by <strong>the</strong> extreme floods in October<br />
200S, but <strong>the</strong> ghillie's recollection suggests it<br />
may have arrived a few years earlier. The<br />
excellent photos she sent me in 200S, when<br />
she saw it again in greater quantity, showed<br />
that it was growing on rocks, but not that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
were especially wet (see Colour Section, Plate<br />
3). I did not visit <strong>the</strong> site until2S th April 2009,<br />
when I noted: 'It is ra<strong>the</strong>r amazing. There are<br />
great patches <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plant, typically Sx 1m each<br />
along lS0m <strong>of</strong> a dripping, crumbling rock<br />
face, cut by gullies, where most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plants<br />
are. The whole is more or less shaded by<br />
trees. The plant seems to have been spreading<br />
fast, but to have now colonised almost all <strong>the</strong><br />
suitable habitat at this locality. Associates<br />
include Eupatorium cannabinum (Hemp<br />
Agrimony), Cardamine amara (Great Bittercress),<br />
Chrysosplenium oppositifolium<br />
(Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage) and<br />
Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam).<br />
Stems are already 1m tall and <strong>the</strong> dead stems<br />
from last year are consistent with <strong>the</strong> height <strong>of</strong><br />
1.S to 1.Sm reported to me. This is a rare<br />
habitat and <strong>the</strong>re was no sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plant in<br />
dryer habitats nearby'.<br />
Humbie, v.c.S2 (NT46) is not too far away,<br />
so I visited <strong>the</strong> site for C. megalosperma on<br />
26 th May 2009 to see <strong>the</strong> habitat <strong>the</strong>re for<br />
myself. The plant was up to 2.0m high and<br />
just coming into flower, and was growing<br />
luxuriantly at <strong>the</strong> immediate foot <strong>of</strong> a wall 3m<br />
tall (it is <strong>the</strong> wall <strong>of</strong> a former walled garden)<br />
for about SOm. There was noticeable percolation<br />
<strong>of</strong> ground water in a number <strong>of</strong> places<br />
from <strong>the</strong> bank behind. These places were just<br />
where <strong>the</strong> Cochlearia was growing. There<br />
was no spread into <strong>the</strong> verge adjacent to <strong>the</strong><br />
wall, which was dominated by Symphytum<br />
tuberosum (Tuberous Comfrey). There is a<br />
wooded dean close by with a variety <strong>of</strong> good<br />
habitats. I saw plenty <strong>of</strong> S. tuberosum <strong>the</strong>re<br />
too, but <strong>the</strong>re was no sign <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cochlearia.<br />
The C. megalosperma habitat at Humbie,<br />
with its dripping stone, thus has many similarities<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Tweedmill site. In addition, both<br />
are sheltered and more or less south-facing, so<br />
<strong>the</strong>y are places that tend to be warm, and this<br />
may favour a plant from sou<strong>the</strong>rn climes,<br />
which needs to ripen seed that will germinate
30 Aliens - Habitat <strong>of</strong> Cochlearia megalosperma naturalised in Britain / Stranger on tbe shore /<br />
Planted aliens<br />
in <strong>the</strong> autumn and grow on as a rosette in <strong>the</strong><br />
winter.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> Nottingham colonies<br />
described by Julian Shaw are in garden ground<br />
and ruderal habitats nearby, so <strong>the</strong> habitat<br />
choice is not clear-cut.<br />
While I might wish to pass over <strong>the</strong> difficulties<br />
I had in identifying this plant, as <strong>the</strong>y stem<br />
in part from my custom <strong>of</strong> using <strong>the</strong> first<br />
edition <strong>of</strong> 'Stace' (which, unlike <strong>the</strong> second<br />
edition, does not include this species), I must<br />
thank those who have helped me, especially<br />
Dr Dmitrij German, a specialist in Brassicaceae<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Barnaul University in Russia,<br />
who identified <strong>the</strong> plant correctly as belonging<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Cochlearia glastifolia aggregate, but<br />
also Petr Pysek and Jiff Danihelka in <strong>the</strong><br />
Stranger on <strong>the</strong> shore<br />
Czech Republic, Teresa Farino in Spain, Pr<strong>of</strong>.<br />
Mark Williamson in York, Tim Rich in<br />
Cardiff, Douglas McKean in Edinburgh and<br />
Helen Jackson in Musselburgh.<br />
References:<br />
SHAW, J.M.H. & KONUKLUGIL, B. (1994).<br />
Alien pharmaceutical plants at Nottingham.<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> News 65: 42.<br />
SHAW, J.M.H. (1994). Cochlearia glastifolia<br />
naturalised at Nottingham. <strong>BSBI</strong> News 67:<br />
56-57 (with line drawing).<br />
STACE, C.A. (1991). New flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong><br />
<strong>Isles</strong>. Cambridge University Press,<br />
Cambridge.<br />
STACE, C.A. (1997). New flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong><br />
<strong>Isles</strong>, (2 nd ed.). Cambridge University Press,<br />
Cambridge.<br />
STEPHEN J. BUNGARD, Ceol-na-Mara, West Suisnish, Isle <strong>of</strong> Raasay, IV40 8NX<br />
(suisnish@waitrose.com)<br />
In June 2006 I discovered a patch <strong>of</strong> a crucifer<br />
growing strongly at <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> shore near<br />
Armadale on <strong>the</strong> Isle <strong>of</strong> Skye. Since it was<br />
unknown to me and I couldn't key it out from<br />
any literature in my possession, I sent images<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plant and its distinctive fruits to various<br />
fellow botanists, including at least one with a<br />
special interest in crucifers. However, this<br />
drew a complete blank.<br />
I took pressed specimens and large photographs<br />
to <strong>the</strong> Scottish Annual Meeting in<br />
Edinburgh that year and was delighted when<br />
Ian Hedge identified it as a Peltaria (a Shieldwort).<br />
There was some doubt about whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
it was P. angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Shieldwort)<br />
or P. alliacea (Garlic Cress). A photograph<br />
and fur<strong>the</strong>r specimen taken in 2009<br />
allowed Ian Hedge to confirm that <strong>the</strong> plant is<br />
P. alliacea.<br />
Planted aliens<br />
Correspondence with Eric Clement provided<br />
no information <strong>of</strong> previous records in <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong>. This plant is native to eastern<br />
Europe and I have seen it described as an<br />
invasive weed in north America. How it came<br />
to be on Skye is something <strong>of</strong> a mystery, but it<br />
can be bought from nurseries, and local sources<br />
suggest that it has been grown in hotel grounds<br />
in Portree, about forty miles from <strong>the</strong> site. The<br />
shore at Armadale has some o<strong>the</strong>r plants <strong>of</strong><br />
garden origin (e.g. Aquilegia & Gunnera) so<br />
<strong>the</strong> Peltaria seems most likely to have come<br />
from a garden, ei<strong>the</strong>r by seed or as a throw-out.<br />
The three photographs (see Colour Section,<br />
Plate 3) show <strong>the</strong> general appearance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
plant; a fruit, which explains why members <strong>of</strong><br />
this genus are called shieldworts; and <strong>the</strong><br />
diagnostic upper stem leaves, which are<br />
sessile, cordate and sagittate.<br />
ALAN C. LESLIE, 109 York Street, Cambridge, CBI2PZ<br />
Am I <strong>the</strong> only member to be concerned about<br />
<strong>the</strong> way planted aliens are being indiscriminately<br />
recorded and claimed as 'new county<br />
records'? Increasingly, I see in county records<br />
lists plants which are acknowledged as clearly<br />
planted, but which are haled as new to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
counties. Whilst I understand <strong>the</strong> desire to be<br />
aware <strong>of</strong> and identify all that one finds, and
Aliens - Planted aliens I Vegetative identification <strong>of</strong> Buddleja species 31<br />
that a great deal more than is <strong>of</strong>ten admitted is<br />
actually planted, I feel it is devaluing our<br />
historical records <strong>of</strong> alien plants in our flora to<br />
lump evidently planted individuals with<br />
records for plants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> same species that<br />
have succeeded in reproducing <strong>the</strong>mselves, by<br />
whatever means, out <strong>of</strong> cultivation. One can<br />
argue <strong>of</strong> course about where cultivation begins<br />
and ends, and it is not always easy to be sure<br />
about status. But it seems we have let <strong>the</strong>se<br />
difficulties weigh so heavily that we have<br />
given up even trying to distinguish <strong>the</strong> most<br />
obvious cases. If, as can happen, recorders<br />
<strong>the</strong>n do not state that <strong>the</strong> record is clearly <strong>of</strong><br />
planted origin, we have no chance <strong>of</strong> picking<br />
up and following <strong>the</strong> naturalisation <strong>of</strong> new<br />
species in our flora. By all means record what<br />
one finds planted, but surely we do not have to<br />
make <strong>the</strong>m part <strong>of</strong> our formal lists and claim<br />
new <strong>British</strong> records every time a local Council<br />
gets hold <strong>of</strong> some novelty to plant on a village<br />
green or along <strong>the</strong> local bypass. If I go and<br />
plant <strong>the</strong> Balearic endemic Carex rorulenta,<br />
which thrives in my garden, onto <strong>the</strong> dry,<br />
sunny bank in my local park, can I <strong>the</strong>n write<br />
that up as new to Britain? Surely not, yet in<br />
effect that is what is happening. These<br />
remarks come from someone as keen an alien<br />
recorder as anyone, but I and all <strong>the</strong> alien plant<br />
enthusiasts I have known would never claim<br />
new records if <strong>the</strong>y were not convinced <strong>the</strong><br />
plant <strong>the</strong>y saw had got <strong>the</strong>re o<strong>the</strong>r than by <strong>the</strong><br />
deliberate hand <strong>of</strong> man. It may seem a fine<br />
line to draw but I find fellow enthusiasts have<br />
no trouble understanding its value. Without it<br />
one might just as well list everything you grow<br />
in <strong>the</strong> garden, and if a species is missing from<br />
your county flora, just go out and plant it on a<br />
local roadside and hey presto you can put it on<br />
your list.<br />
Indeed I think this uncritical attitude towards<br />
alien records has led many into a ready acceptance<br />
that it does not really matter how any<br />
plant gets to where we find <strong>the</strong>m and thus <strong>the</strong><br />
recent trend to promote so-called wild flower<br />
mixes being sown everywhere, whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong><br />
supposed local origin or not, is again making<br />
a nonsense <strong>of</strong> plant distributions and our<br />
ability to interpret and draw conclusions about<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir ecology. We should not be condoning<br />
such practices in <strong>the</strong> countryside.<br />
Vegetative identification <strong>of</strong> Buddleja species<br />
JOHN POLAND, 91 E<strong>the</strong>lburt Ave., Southampton, Hants S016 3DF<br />
(jpp197@alumni.soton.ac.uk)<br />
Since <strong>the</strong> publication <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Vegetative Key to<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> Flora (Poland & Clement, 2009),<br />
inevitably a few more vegetative characters<br />
for separating similar species have come to<br />
light. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se include <strong>the</strong> identification<br />
<strong>of</strong> naturalised Buddleja species. Although<br />
everyone will be familiar with B. davidii<br />
(Butterfly-bush), fewer may be familiar with<br />
<strong>the</strong> widely planted B. globosa (Orange-balltree)<br />
unless in flower. Below is a simple<br />
vegetative key based primarily on <strong>the</strong> rugosity<br />
('wrinkliness') <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leaves. The hybrid<br />
(B. weyeriana (Weyer's Butterfly-bush)) is<br />
intermediate in all respects (including flower<br />
characters not included in this key). A third<br />
species <strong>of</strong> frequently planted Buddleja:<br />
B. alternifolia (Alternate-leaved Butterflybush),<br />
is quite distinct in having alternate<br />
leaves, as <strong>the</strong> name suggests, and consequently<br />
is not keyed out here. B. fallowiana,<br />
B. lindleyana and B. spectabilis are considered<br />
too rare to be included.<br />
Shrub evergreen (or ± so). Lvs 0pp., too<strong>the</strong>d, white- or yellow-felted below with stellate<br />
hairs<br />
.Lvs strongly rugose above, with 3° veins raised below, yellow- or white-felted below,<br />
crenate. Twigs mostly without interpetiolar stipules ....................................... Buddleja globosa<br />
.Lvs not or weakly rugose above, with 3° veins not or weakly raised below, white-felted<br />
below, serrate. Twigs mostly with interpetiolar stipules .................................. Buddleja davidii
32 Aliens - <strong>Botanical</strong> delights at Seafield Park, Fareham (v.c.ll)<br />
<strong>Botanical</strong> delights at Seafield Park, Fareham (v.c.ll)<br />
PHIL BUDD, 488 Bitterne Road East, Bitterne, Southampton, SO 18 5EP<br />
During <strong>the</strong> course <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> spring and summer <strong>of</strong><br />
2008, I was contracted to carry out an invertebrate<br />
survey for Fareham Borough Council in<br />
south Hampshire (v.c.11). My survey covered<br />
four public sites, including an area <strong>of</strong> about<br />
lOha <strong>of</strong> scrub, rough grassland and amenity<br />
land close to <strong>the</strong> Solent coast at Seafield Park,<br />
Stubbington (SU550020). Historically <strong>the</strong> site<br />
was an area <strong>of</strong> cultivated land dug in W orId<br />
War 2 as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 'Dig for Victory'<br />
campaign, and <strong>the</strong>n maintained as allotments<br />
for a relatively short period, extending into <strong>the</strong><br />
1950's and possibly 1960's. Since <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong><br />
area had grassed over and turned into patchy<br />
scrub.<br />
In 2007 contractors working on behalf <strong>of</strong><br />
Fareham Borough Council cleared a large area<br />
<strong>of</strong> invading mixed scrub to try to restore a<br />
more open grassland habitat. This scrub<br />
consisted <strong>of</strong> Rubusfruticosus agg. (Bramble),<br />
Ulex europaeus (Gorse), Cytisus sp. (Broom),<br />
Spartiumjunceum (Spanish Broom), Cortaderia<br />
selloana (Pampas-grass), Pyracantha sp.<br />
(Firethorn), etc. Later that summer one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
rangers noticed some very attractive, but<br />
unfamiliar, flora emerging in one particular<br />
cleared area adjacent to a footpath.<br />
On 15 th July 2008, during preparations for a<br />
public moth event nearby, I noticed some<br />
unusual flora in an area about 15x30m in<br />
extent. I noticed <strong>the</strong> odd sprig <strong>of</strong> Lactuca<br />
sativa (Lettuce), as well as Centaurea cyanus<br />
(Cornflower), something pink that looked like<br />
Clarkia, and various o<strong>the</strong>r annuals still in leaf.<br />
When I questioned <strong>the</strong> ranger she said that<br />
most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unusual plants that she had seen in<br />
2007 were in this same area.<br />
On 28 th July, during a break in <strong>the</strong> invertebrate<br />
surveying, I examined <strong>the</strong> area more<br />
closely. Although many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> unfamiliar<br />
species were yet to flower, I did recognise <strong>the</strong><br />
sage Salvia viridis (Annual Clary), Nigella<br />
damascena (Love-in-a-mist), Lavatera trimestris<br />
(Royal Mallow) and Coreopsis tinctoria<br />
(Annual Tickseed). In addition a very attractive<br />
'Chrysan<strong>the</strong>mum' was later named as<br />
Ismelia carinata (Tricolour Chrysan<strong>the</strong>mum)<br />
two different Clarkia species were found, as<br />
was a scarlet-flowered flax that turned out to<br />
be Linum grandiflorum (Crimson Flax).<br />
A follow-up visit to <strong>the</strong> site with Eric<br />
Clement on 11 th August revealed fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
species now in flower, including three plants<br />
<strong>of</strong> Ammi visnaga (Toothpick Plant), Consolida<br />
ajacis (Larkspur) and also Gypsophila<br />
elegans (Annual Baby's-breath). In addition,<br />
<strong>the</strong> two Clarkia species were determined as<br />
C. amoena (Godetia) and C. unguiculata<br />
(Clarkia). Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed<br />
Susan), Callistephus chinensis (China Aster)<br />
and Xeran<strong>the</strong>mum annuum (Immortelle) were<br />
amongst <strong>the</strong> new species identified, but still<br />
not in bloom. Eric was very impressed with<br />
<strong>the</strong> array <strong>of</strong> flora in this small area, and since<br />
many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se plants are varieties and species<br />
rarely seen in gardens today, he thought it<br />
likely that <strong>the</strong>y had germinated from buried<br />
seed that had remained viable for perhaps as<br />
long as half a century.<br />
By 31 st August both <strong>the</strong> Callistephus and <strong>the</strong><br />
Xeran<strong>the</strong>mum were in flower. For those not<br />
familiar with it, X. annuum is a somewhat<br />
silvery-greyish cornflower-like annual with<br />
carnation-pink flowers. By 7th September<br />
both pink and white flowered varieties <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
somewhat more familiar Cosmos bipinnatus<br />
(Mexican Aster) had appeared a short distance<br />
away, and some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nigella had come to<br />
fruit and could be re-determined as N. sativa<br />
(Black-cumin). Around this time, Eric<br />
Clement visited <strong>the</strong> site with Mike Shaw, who<br />
took <strong>the</strong> excellent photographs that accompany<br />
this article (see Colour Section, Plate 4).<br />
On 16 th November I noticed that <strong>the</strong>Xeran<strong>the</strong>mum<br />
annuum and Coreopsis tinctoria were<br />
still in bloom, despite <strong>the</strong> early frosts.<br />
Three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> species were certainly new to<br />
SU50, i.e.: Ammi visnaga, Callistephus<br />
chin ens is and Cosmos bipinnatus. According<br />
to <strong>the</strong> database held by Martin Rand (v.c.Il<br />
recorder), <strong>the</strong> Ammi visnaga is only <strong>the</strong> second<br />
Hampshire record, <strong>the</strong> first being dated 1970.
Aliens - <strong>Botanical</strong> delights at Seafield Park (v.c.ll) I Urtica membranacea Poiret in v.c.29. 33<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r species seen, Xeran<strong>the</strong>mum<br />
annuum was so unusual that it was not recognised<br />
by 'MapMate', and may well have been<br />
new to Hampshire altoge<strong>the</strong>r. Unfortunately<br />
I have not yet found time to see what has come<br />
up here this year. On last year's evidence it<br />
may be better to wait until August or September<br />
before doing so.<br />
Urtica membranacea Poiret in Cambridgeshire, v.c.29<br />
MAN C. LESLIE, 109 York Street, Cambridge, CB1 2PZ<br />
Two sites for <strong>the</strong> annual Mediterranean nettle<br />
Urtiea membranaeea have recently been<br />
discovered in <strong>the</strong> city <strong>of</strong> Cambridge. The<br />
details <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong>se finds are as follows: a) numerous<br />
plants in crack between pavement and <strong>the</strong><br />
front wall <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sir Isaac Newton public<br />
house and <strong>the</strong> adjacent hair salon ("Lyndsey<br />
McDermott"), Castle Street, Cambridge,<br />
(52/44415933), 22 nd March 2009, A.C. Leslie<br />
- later discovered to be in smaller quantity in<br />
car parks behind <strong>the</strong>se buildings; b) numerous<br />
plants in cracks between pavement and <strong>the</strong><br />
brick wall <strong>of</strong> a house on <strong>the</strong> east side <strong>of</strong><br />
Herbert Street, at its sou<strong>the</strong>rn end (<strong>the</strong> building<br />
is actually <strong>the</strong> side <strong>of</strong> 187 Chesterton<br />
Road), Cambridge, (52/45465955), 29 th<br />
March 2009, A.c. Leslie (CGE) , also<br />
scattered on ei<strong>the</strong>r side <strong>of</strong> Herbert Street as far<br />
as numbers 16 and 17, as well as around <strong>the</strong><br />
base <strong>of</strong> an Aeer negundo (Ashleaf Maple)<br />
planted in <strong>the</strong> pavement at <strong>the</strong> south end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
street.<br />
In <strong>BSBI</strong> News 103: 29-30 (2006) Ann<br />
Boucher and James Partridge described apparently<br />
<strong>the</strong> first <strong>British</strong> record for this alien<br />
nettle, made in April that year from a street in<br />
Warwick (v.c.38), in circumstances clearly<br />
very similar to those described here. In <strong>the</strong><br />
Cambridge sites, <strong>the</strong> species seems naturalised;<br />
both populations are best developed at<br />
<strong>the</strong> base <strong>of</strong> warm, west-facing walls and <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
early flowering may mean <strong>the</strong>y have a fighting<br />
chance <strong>of</strong> setting seed before <strong>the</strong> first wave <strong>of</strong><br />
Council spraying. There is no evident source<br />
for <strong>the</strong> plant in ei<strong>the</strong>r place and <strong>the</strong> spread <strong>of</strong><br />
plants locally suggests <strong>the</strong>y have been in each<br />
site for a couple <strong>of</strong> years at least. The illustrations<br />
in <strong>BSBI</strong> News 103 show <strong>the</strong> characters <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> plant well. The following is a description<br />
taken from <strong>the</strong> Cambridgeshire material:<br />
An erect monoecious annual; stems 3-40cm<br />
tall, simple in very small plants but o<strong>the</strong>rwise<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten with spreading-ascending branches from<br />
<strong>the</strong> base, <strong>of</strong>ten purple in full sunlight, with<br />
sparse, simple, ra<strong>the</strong>r weakly stinging hairs.<br />
Leaves broadly ovate, up to 77x75mm (but<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten much smaller), truncate to cordate at <strong>the</strong><br />
base, deeply and sharply too<strong>the</strong>d, a ra<strong>the</strong>r deep<br />
almost glossy green above, ciliate, <strong>the</strong> upper<br />
surface with sparse, spreading, long, stinging<br />
hairs and ra<strong>the</strong>r more numerous, very short<br />
simple hairs, much less hairy below; petioles<br />
from about half as long as <strong>the</strong> blade to longer<br />
than <strong>the</strong> blade in mid-stem leaves. At <strong>the</strong><br />
nodes, on each side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stem, is a pale, ovate<br />
stipule, up to 7mm long, sometimes bifid at<br />
<strong>the</strong> tip, which is interpreted as <strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong><br />
fusion between stipules from each opposing<br />
leaf. The clustered, unbranched, erecto-patent,<br />
terminal male racemes much exceed <strong>the</strong><br />
petioles and are <strong>of</strong>ten tinged purple, making<br />
<strong>the</strong>m conspicuous, especially when contrasted<br />
with <strong>the</strong> white an<strong>the</strong>rs; <strong>the</strong> male flowers are<br />
borne unilaterally on an expanded, pale green<br />
membrane (hence <strong>the</strong> specific epi<strong>the</strong>t); on<br />
vigorous stems <strong>the</strong>re will be whorls <strong>of</strong> male<br />
racemes at one or two nodes below <strong>the</strong> apex<br />
and <strong>the</strong>se can be longer and curve downwards.<br />
The much shorter, spreading to sharply<br />
reflexed, female racemes are borne below <strong>the</strong><br />
male flowering nodes. Flowering March to<br />
April.<br />
Despite searching <strong>the</strong> area around and<br />
between <strong>the</strong>se two sites no o<strong>the</strong>r plants have<br />
been found. However it seems likely that this<br />
species may be overlooked elsewhere both<br />
within Cambridgeshire and elsewhere in <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong>. A hybrid with U. urens<br />
(V. xtremolsii Sennen) is claimed in Spain<br />
and might be <strong>the</strong> next target to aim for!
34 Aliens - First <strong>British</strong> record for self-sown Melica altissima? / Small Project Grant Reports-<br />
Plant communities <strong>of</strong> urban river walls and embankments<br />
First <strong>British</strong> record for self-sown Melica altissima?<br />
PAUL R. GREEN, 46 Bewley Street, New Ross, Co. Wexford (paulnewross@eircom.net)<br />
In <strong>BSBI</strong> News 111, an article by Ionathan<br />
Shanklin and Alan Leslie: 'Melica altissima<br />
found in Cambridgeshire (v.c.29)', reports<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Melica altissima L. 'Atropurpurea'<br />
Ionathan found appears to be <strong>the</strong> first <strong>British</strong><br />
record <strong>of</strong> self-sown plants <strong>of</strong> any form <strong>of</strong> this<br />
species.<br />
I can report that I found <strong>the</strong> same form<br />
self-sown on <strong>the</strong> roadside outside Ascog<br />
Garden (NS 1072.6297) on <strong>the</strong> island <strong>of</strong> Bute<br />
(v.c.100), on 27th August 2005. Also seeded<br />
onto <strong>the</strong> roadside was Verbena bonariensis<br />
(Argentinian Vervain). Both were growing in<br />
Ascog Garden, where, I take it, <strong>the</strong>y had both<br />
escaped from.<br />
Reference:<br />
SHANKLIN, I. & LESLIE, A. (2009). Melica<br />
altissima found in Cambridge (v.c.29). <strong>BSBI</strong><br />
News 111: 38<br />
SMALL PROJECT GRANT REPORTS<br />
Plant communities <strong>of</strong> urban river walls and embankments<br />
ROBERT A. FRANCIS, Department <strong>of</strong> Geography, King's College London, Strand, London,<br />
WC2R2LS<br />
River walls in urban areas have been observed<br />
to support vegetation, but no studies have<br />
looked at <strong>the</strong> plant species that are found on<br />
river walls, or <strong>the</strong> biodiversity <strong>of</strong> such plant<br />
communities. This may prove <strong>of</strong> interest, as<br />
urban river walls may represent one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> few<br />
remaining habitats for riparian plant species in<br />
highly urbanised systems. As an initial investigation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plant species found on <strong>the</strong> walls<br />
<strong>of</strong> a heavily engineered urban river, field<br />
surveys <strong>of</strong> plant species growing on <strong>the</strong> walls<br />
and embankments <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> River Thames<br />
through central London took place in August<br />
2008. 92 walls over 16 sites along <strong>the</strong> Thames<br />
between Mortlake and Woolwich were<br />
surveyed, with 500m <strong>of</strong> wall frontage<br />
surveyed at each site. A total <strong>of</strong> 90 plant<br />
species was found, most with low frequency<br />
and abundance, with a few notable exceptions<br />
(Buddleja davidii (Butterfly-bush), Conyza<br />
sumatrensis (Guernsey Fleabane), Lycopus<br />
europaeus (Gypsywort), Parietaria judaica<br />
(Pellitory-<strong>of</strong>-<strong>the</strong>-wall) and Rumex hydrolapathum<br />
(Water Dock) were all frequent on <strong>the</strong><br />
walls).<br />
The majority <strong>of</strong> species had ruderal and/or<br />
competitor functional strategies, and were<br />
mainly species that occur in urban waste<br />
grounds or gardens, with <strong>the</strong> exception <strong>of</strong> a<br />
low number (11) <strong>of</strong> riparian/aquatic species.<br />
Plant diversity was significantly higher on<br />
brick walls than on sheet piling, though <strong>the</strong><br />
majority <strong>of</strong> walls surveyed supported some<br />
plant species, regardless <strong>of</strong> construction<br />
material. Plant establishment and diversity<br />
were primarily linked to fractures in <strong>the</strong> wall<br />
surface, or gaps where mortar had degraded<br />
and formed gaps for seeds to lodge and roots<br />
to subsequently develop. Species diversity<br />
was also higher on those sections <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wall<br />
above <strong>the</strong> mean high tide line, presumably due<br />
to <strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> flow disturbance. Urban river<br />
walls <strong>the</strong>refore support a range <strong>of</strong> plant<br />
species and may represent suitable habitat for<br />
novel habitat improvements. A paper summarising<br />
<strong>the</strong> findings <strong>of</strong> this survey has been<br />
submitted to Landscape and Urban Planning,<br />
and hopefully a more descriptive report will<br />
follow in Watsonia.
Botany in Literature - 51- Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Adventure <strong>of</strong> Wisteria Lodge' 35<br />
BOTANY IN LITERATURE - 51<br />
Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Adventure <strong>of</strong> Wisteria Lodge' - eine<br />
kleine Botanik - (and very few plants ... )<br />
MARGOT E. SODCHIER, 26A Dryden A venue, London, W7 1 ES<br />
'The Adventure <strong>of</strong> Wisteria Lodge', <strong>the</strong> first <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Sherlock Holmes stories in <strong>the</strong> volume His<br />
Last Bow* (1917), was completed by Conan<br />
Doyle on <strong>the</strong> 17 th <strong>of</strong> April 1908, with a view to<br />
its being published in <strong>the</strong> Strand Magazine<br />
Summer issue <strong>of</strong> that year, but, instead, it was<br />
kept back, appearing in two parts in <strong>the</strong><br />
September (1. The Singular Experience <strong>of</strong> Mr<br />
John Scott Eccles) and October (2. The Tiger <strong>of</strong><br />
San Pedro) issues. Set deep in <strong>the</strong> Surrey<br />
countryside, between Esher and Oxshott, it is A<br />
Study in Scarlet (see Conan Doyle 2001a;<br />
Souchier, 2007a) type <strong>of</strong> adventure, entering<br />
into <strong>the</strong> Conradian world <strong>of</strong> immigrants and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir policies, and <strong>the</strong>reby telling <strong>of</strong> an act <strong>of</strong><br />
revenge being carried out for crimes and injustices<br />
committed in distant lands. This time <strong>the</strong><br />
tyrant, Don Murillo, hails from Spain, as does<br />
<strong>the</strong> avenger, Garcia, although he is acting at <strong>the</strong><br />
bequest <strong>of</strong> an Englishwoman, <strong>the</strong> governess,<br />
"Miss Bumet", whose proper name, as widow<br />
<strong>of</strong> a Spaniard, is Signora Victor Durando. In<br />
creating his characters, for what Holmes admits<br />
to Inspector Gregson is "on <strong>the</strong> face <strong>of</strong> it" a "not<br />
very complex" case, Conan Doyle drew on<br />
details from his own personal life. John Scott<br />
Eccles, <strong>the</strong> staunchly Conservative Englishman<br />
coming from Lee, an area <strong>of</strong> Blackheath where<br />
Conan Doyle's second wife, Jean Leckie, had<br />
family, and <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> Durando, being derived<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Italian runner Dorando Pietri, whose<br />
case <strong>of</strong> disqualification from <strong>the</strong> Olympic<br />
Games held in London in July 1908 Conan<br />
Doyle took up. Thus, whe<strong>the</strong>r from casualness,<br />
or a deliberate attempt to hide <strong>the</strong> origin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
name, Conan Doyle gave an Italian name to a<br />
Spaniard, and, changing <strong>the</strong> name, as he did, in<br />
pro<strong>of</strong> [seemingly] misspelt it (Lycett, 2007).<br />
Wisteria Lodge itself, as we learn, is an old<br />
tumbledown fair-sized house "standing back<br />
from <strong>the</strong> road, with a curving drive which was<br />
banked with high evergreen shrubs". In a<br />
marked state <strong>of</strong> disrepair, with a grass-grown<br />
drive, and a "blotched and wea<strong>the</strong>r-stained<br />
door", it is hardly <strong>the</strong> grand English manor, so<br />
it is perhaps not surprising that it is in actual<br />
fact sans <strong>the</strong> Wisteria (or at least no mention<br />
is made <strong>of</strong> it). Garcia, <strong>the</strong> tenant <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> lodge,<br />
all too rapidly befriends Eccles, and invites<br />
him to stay at <strong>the</strong> lodge, in order, it later turns<br />
out, to provide himself with an alibi. The<br />
story is told conventionally enough by <strong>the</strong><br />
narrative <strong>of</strong> Watson, but it is due to <strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong><br />
any striking action on <strong>the</strong> behalf <strong>of</strong> Holmes,<br />
which perhaps marks it, if one is to be candid,<br />
as a less than satisfying Holmes adventure.<br />
This may be due to <strong>the</strong> fact that Holmes goodnaturedly<br />
shares <strong>the</strong> limelight with Inspector<br />
Baynes <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Surrey Constabulary, "a stout,<br />
puffy, red man, whose face was only<br />
redeemed from grossness by two extraordinarily<br />
bright eyes, almost hidden behind <strong>the</strong><br />
heavy creases <strong>of</strong> cheek and brow", who<br />
chuckles and flushes with pleasure when<br />
Holmes praises him for his methodical and<br />
clever work. Thus, although Holmes actually<br />
solves <strong>the</strong> mystery, it is simultaneously done<br />
so by Baynes, with <strong>the</strong> result that Holmes is<br />
somewhat compromised and <strong>the</strong> reader<br />
deprived not only <strong>of</strong> Holmes's glory, but, as it<br />
is, in a sense, we who sit comfortably in Baker<br />
Street, "competent and assured", and "it is<br />
ourselves who are <strong>the</strong>re, full <strong>of</strong> a tremendous<br />
capacity for wisdom, complacent in <strong>the</strong><br />
presence <strong>of</strong> our humble Watson", (and it is<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore "our tobacco in <strong>the</strong> Persian slipper")<br />
with <strong>the</strong> "swirling fog without and <strong>the</strong> acrid<br />
smoke within" (Edgar W. Smith quoted by<br />
Anonymous in Conan Doyle, 1976), we too<br />
are deprived <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> glory.<br />
There is also, as already intimated, a certain<br />
lack <strong>of</strong> precision, which, as <strong>the</strong> following<br />
extract shows, makes <strong>the</strong> story less convincing<br />
(although no less <strong>of</strong> "a tangled skein"), and
36 Botany in Literature - 51- Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Adventure <strong>of</strong> Wisteria Lodge'<br />
thus less riveting than some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> more wellhoned<br />
adventures:<br />
One morning he [Holmes] spent in town,<br />
and I learned from a casual reference that<br />
he had visited <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> Museum. l Save<br />
for this one excursion, he spent his days in<br />
long and <strong>of</strong>ten solitary walks, or in chatting<br />
with a number <strong>of</strong> village gossips whose<br />
acquaintance he had cultivated.<br />
"I'm sure, Watson, a week in <strong>the</strong> country<br />
will be invaluable to you," he remarked. "It<br />
is very pleasant to see <strong>the</strong> first green shoots<br />
upon <strong>the</strong> hedges and <strong>the</strong> catkins on <strong>the</strong><br />
hazels once again. 2 With a spud,3 a tin<br />
box,4 and an elementary book on botany,S<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are instructive days to be spent." He<br />
prowled around with this equipment<br />
himself, but it was a poor show <strong>of</strong> plants 6<br />
which he would bring back <strong>of</strong> an evening.<br />
Notes:<br />
1. <strong>British</strong> Museum: It is not until <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
story, when Holmes enlightens Watson (in<br />
customary fashion) as to <strong>the</strong> significance <strong>of</strong><br />
"The tom bird, <strong>the</strong> pail <strong>of</strong> blood, <strong>the</strong> charred<br />
bones, all <strong>the</strong> mystery <strong>of</strong> that weird kitchen?",<br />
that he reveals that <strong>the</strong> purpose <strong>of</strong> his<br />
visit to <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> Museum was to consult<br />
"Eckermann's Voodooism and <strong>the</strong> Negroid<br />
Religions". The Museum (BM), which<br />
opened in Bloomsbury, London, in January<br />
1759 in Montague House from <strong>the</strong> bequest<br />
<strong>of</strong> Hans Sloane, also features in The Hound<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Baskervilles in respect to Stapleton<br />
(a.k.a. Vandeleur; by way <strong>of</strong> clarification,<br />
this name is derived from "<strong>the</strong> respected<br />
African explorer and Irish Guardsman<br />
Lieutenant-Colonel Cecil Vandeleur" (d.<br />
1901) (Lycett, 2007» as an authority on<br />
Entomology (see Conan Doyle, 1999: 138;<br />
Souchier, 2007b: 28).<br />
The setting <strong>of</strong> a room as a museum is used<br />
by Conan Doyle not only in The Hound <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Baskervilles (ibid.: 132-3; Souchier, I.e.),<br />
but in 'The Adventure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Three<br />
Garridebs' (Conan Doyle, 2007: 387 (Case<br />
Book), viz.:<br />
The room was as curious as its occupant. It<br />
looked like a small museum. It was both<br />
broad and deep, with cupboards and cabinets<br />
all round, crowded with specimens,<br />
geological and anatomical. Cases <strong>of</strong><br />
butterflies and moths flanked each side <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> entrance. A large table in <strong>the</strong> centre was<br />
littered with all sorts <strong>of</strong> debris, while <strong>the</strong> tall<br />
brass tube <strong>of</strong> a powerful microscope bristled<br />
up amongst <strong>the</strong>m ...<br />
(For a fur<strong>the</strong>r Watsonian reference to a<br />
microscope note 'Sherlock Holmes had been<br />
bending for a long time over a low-power<br />
microscope' (Conan Doyle, 2007: 504<br />
(Case-Book) and for details on microscopes<br />
generally, see Souchier in <strong>BSBI</strong> News 111:<br />
46-49 (2009».<br />
2. green shoots upon <strong>the</strong> hedges and <strong>the</strong><br />
catkins on <strong>the</strong> hazels once again: The story<br />
is set in March, hence, as Watson relates,<br />
apropos <strong>of</strong> a nocturnal expedition, <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
a sharp wind and a fine rain beating down<br />
upon our faces ... "<br />
3. a spud: Gardeners, and ostensibly amateur<br />
botanists, are known to insert <strong>the</strong> blade <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir knife into a potato as a means <strong>of</strong><br />
safeguarding <strong>the</strong>mselves from injury. There<br />
are, however, o<strong>the</strong>r uses.<br />
4. a tin box: An essential item for <strong>the</strong> Victorian<br />
naturalist for carrying botanical specimens<br />
in. Such a box is used by Stapleton in<br />
The Hound <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Baskervilles (Conan<br />
Doyle, 1999: 55; Souchier, 2007b: 28).<br />
5. an elementary book on botany: It is doubtful<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r one would take precisely such a<br />
volume outside; more likely a field guide<br />
would be employed to greater advantage.<br />
6. a poor show <strong>of</strong> plants: Not a single plant, at<br />
least botanically speaking, is mentioned in <strong>the</strong><br />
episode. Of course, this maybe explained by<br />
Holmes's avowed confession <strong>of</strong> his true<br />
purpose: "My frrst days in <strong>the</strong> village were<br />
devoted to a series <strong>of</strong> walks, in which in <strong>the</strong><br />
intervals <strong>of</strong> my botanical researches I made a<br />
reconnaissance <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong> large houses and an<br />
examination <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> family history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
occupants". However, in A Study in Scarlet,<br />
Watson's list (Conan Doyle, 2001a: 18;<br />
Souchier, 2007a: 23) reveals Holmes's<br />
knowledge <strong>of</strong> Botany to be "Variable". In<br />
'The Resident Patient' (Conan Doyle, 2001b:<br />
416 (Memoirs», Watson states <strong>of</strong> Holmes
Botany in Literature - 51- Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Adventure <strong>of</strong> Wisteria Lodge' 37<br />
"Appreciation <strong>of</strong> Nature found no place<br />
among his many gifts, and his only change<br />
was when he turned his mind from <strong>the</strong> evildoer<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> town to track down his bro<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> country", a sentence which is repeated<br />
verbatim in 'The Adventure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cardboard<br />
Box' (Conan Doyle, 2007: 46 (His Last<br />
Bow) ). Yet, as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> his<br />
character, which I have already remarked<br />
upon (Souchier, 2007b: 27), when, in 'The<br />
Adventure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Naval Treaty' Holmes<br />
exclaims "What a lovely thing a rose is!",<br />
Watson comments "He walked past <strong>the</strong> couch<br />
to <strong>the</strong> open window, and held up <strong>the</strong> drooping<br />
stalk <strong>of</strong> a moss rose, looking down at <strong>the</strong><br />
dainty blend <strong>of</strong> crimson and green. It was a<br />
new phase <strong>of</strong> his character to me, for I had<br />
never before seen him show any keen interest<br />
in natural objects".<br />
Perhaps it is that <strong>the</strong> retired Holmes in 'The<br />
Adventure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lion's Mane' provides an<br />
answer to <strong>the</strong> conundrum himself when he<br />
says, narrating his own adventure on this<br />
occasion: "It occurred after my withdrawal to<br />
my little Sussex home, where I had given<br />
myself up entirely to that soothing life <strong>of</strong><br />
Nature for which I had so <strong>of</strong>ten yearned during<br />
<strong>the</strong> long years spent amid <strong>the</strong> gloom <strong>of</strong><br />
London". (Conan Doyle, 2007: 462 (Case<br />
Book)), and proceeds in accordance with this<br />
declaration to solve <strong>the</strong> mystery, whereby <strong>the</strong><br />
miscreant, which "can be as dangerous to life<br />
as, and far more painful than, <strong>the</strong> bite <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
cobra" is actually scientifically named via an<br />
extract from a book by <strong>the</strong> author <strong>of</strong> "Out <strong>of</strong><br />
doors", <strong>the</strong> "famous observer, J.G. Wood":<br />
If <strong>the</strong> ba<strong>the</strong>r should see a loose roundish<br />
mass <strong>of</strong> tawny membranes and fibres,<br />
something like very large handfuls <strong>of</strong>lion's<br />
mane and silver paper, let him beware, for<br />
this is <strong>the</strong> fatal stinger, Cyanea capillata.<br />
"Could our sinister acquaintance be more<br />
clearly described?"<br />
(ConanDoyle, 2007: 484 (Case-Book)), previous<br />
to which Holmes has cried out "Cyanea ...<br />
Cyanea! Behold <strong>the</strong> Lion's Mane" (which is<br />
via <strong>the</strong> zoological vernacular more fully<br />
known as Lion's Mane Jellyfish, although it is<br />
to Cyanea lamarckii Peron & Lesueur, which<br />
it closely resembles, o<strong>the</strong>r than in colour,<br />
(C. lamarckii being blue-white, instead <strong>of</strong><br />
C. capillata's brick-red-yellow), that <strong>the</strong><br />
cautionary note "It can inflict severe stings" is<br />
appended (Campbell, 2005: 87), thus raising<br />
<strong>the</strong> question as to whe<strong>the</strong>r C. cap illata<br />
(Linnaeus) also stings or whe<strong>the</strong>r Conan<br />
Doyle, in choosing <strong>the</strong> species with <strong>the</strong><br />
vernacular (and a memorable one at that),<br />
confused <strong>the</strong> facts.<br />
Perhaps, one might argue, Holmes is better<br />
<strong>of</strong>f producing his monographs on various<br />
topics (see Souchier, 2007a: 24), including<br />
bee-keeping and <strong>the</strong> volume Practical<br />
Handbook <strong>of</strong> Bee Culture, a copy <strong>of</strong> which,<br />
when posing as <strong>the</strong> Irish-American Altamont<br />
in <strong>the</strong> adventure 'His Last Bow', he presents<br />
to <strong>the</strong> German Van Bork, who was <strong>the</strong>n<br />
"gripped at <strong>the</strong> back <strong>of</strong> his neck by a grasp <strong>of</strong><br />
iron, and a chlor<strong>of</strong>ormed sponge was held in<br />
front <strong>of</strong> his writhing face". (Conan Doyle,<br />
2007: 229 (His Last Bow)): Holmes at his best!<br />
*The problem <strong>of</strong> pronunciation presented by<br />
<strong>the</strong> clever double-entendre <strong>of</strong> bow is solved<br />
very nicely by Conan Doyle himself: "I fear<br />
that Mr Sherlock Holmes may become like<br />
one <strong>of</strong> those popular tenors who, having<br />
outlived <strong>the</strong>ir time, are still tempted to make<br />
repeated farewell bows to <strong>the</strong>ir indulgent<br />
audiences". (Conan Doyle, 2007: 247 (Case<br />
Book: preface)).<br />
References:<br />
BROWN, P.A. (2009). The Natural History<br />
Museum, London's Entomology Collections:<br />
The Origin or What has been. NatSCA<br />
[National Sciences Collections Association]<br />
News 17, (August): 29-33.<br />
CAMPBELL, A. (2005). Phillip's Guide to<br />
Seashores and Shallow Seas <strong>of</strong> Britain and<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Europe. Phillip's, London.<br />
CONAN DOYLE, A. (1976). The Complete<br />
Sherlock Holmes Treasury [a facsimile <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> original publication in Strand Magazine,<br />
1901-1905]. Avenel Books, New York.<br />
CONAN DOYLE, A. (1999). The Hound <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Baskervilles. Wordsworth Editions Limited,<br />
Ware, Hertfordshire.<br />
CONAN DOYLE, A. (2001a). A Study in<br />
Scarlet. Penguin Classics, London.
38 Botany in Literature - 51- Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Adventure <strong>of</strong> Wisteria Lodge' /<br />
Requests & Offers - Volunteer Co-ordinator needed for survey <strong>of</strong> alien plants / <strong>BSBI</strong>journals for free<br />
CONAN DOYLE, A. (2001b). The Adventures<br />
<strong>of</strong> Sherlock Holmes and The Memoirs <strong>of</strong><br />
SherlockHolmes. Penguin Classics, London.<br />
CONAN DOYLE, A. (2007). His Last Bow and<br />
The Case-Book <strong>of</strong>SherlockHolmes. Penguin<br />
Red Classics, London.<br />
LYCETT, A. (2007). Conan Doyle: The Man<br />
Who Created Sherlock Holmes. Weidenfeld<br />
and Nicolson, London.<br />
SOUCHIER, M.B. (2007a). Botany in Literature<br />
- 45: Conan Doyle's A Study in Scarlet<br />
REQUESTS & OFFERS<br />
- Sherlock Holmes and Botany - Affinities<br />
with Freud. <strong>BSBI</strong> News 105: 22-24.<br />
SOUCHIER, M.B. ( 2007b). Botany in Literature<br />
- 45 [sic]: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle -<br />
Botany and Botanists in (1) The Hound <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Baskervilles and (2) The Lost World and<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r Stories - Naturalism and Doyle's<br />
oscillation between Botany, Zoology (and<br />
Entomology). <strong>BSBI</strong> News 106: 27-29.<br />
V olunteer Co-ordinator needed for new survey <strong>of</strong> alien plants<br />
PETER BROWN, 34 Longfields, Ely, CB63DN<br />
(petermjbrown@googlemail.com) (Tel.: 01353 610668)<br />
A new survey focusing on non-native species<br />
is being launched in 2010. The <strong>BSBI</strong> is<br />
helping with this web-based project, which<br />
will involve <strong>the</strong> public in recording a small<br />
selection <strong>of</strong> non-native species. The project is<br />
a collaboration between <strong>the</strong> Biological<br />
Records Centre, <strong>the</strong> National Biodiversity<br />
Network Trust and <strong>the</strong> GB Non-native Species<br />
Secretariat, and involves <strong>the</strong> recording<br />
schemes for various plants and animals.<br />
The two primary aims <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project are to<br />
inform <strong>the</strong> public on non-native species, and<br />
to ga<strong>the</strong>r additional useful data on <strong>the</strong> distribution<br />
and ecology <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> chosen species. Two<br />
plant species and four animal species will be<br />
<strong>the</strong> initial focus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project, but fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
species may be added later.<br />
Members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> public will be asked to<br />
submit records <strong>of</strong> ei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> two easily-identified<br />
non-native terrestrial plants (species to be<br />
confirmed but see Colour Section, Plate 3) via<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> journals for free<br />
an online recording form, with <strong>the</strong> facility to<br />
upload a photograph <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir sighting.<br />
A keen co-ordinator for <strong>the</strong> new survey is<br />
required, with work starting in spring or early<br />
summer 2010. The role would be carried out<br />
from home, involving a few hours a week, and<br />
will involve dealing with <strong>the</strong> processing <strong>of</strong><br />
records via a secure webpage. The position is<br />
voluntary (unfortunately no funding is available<br />
for a paid position).<br />
The basic requirements <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> post are:<br />
• Plant identification skills - identification<br />
from photographs will be needed.<br />
• Basic computer pr<strong>of</strong>iciency.<br />
• Access to a computer, with use <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
intemet (ideally broadband).<br />
• A few hours spare time per week.<br />
No handling <strong>of</strong> plant specimens will be<br />
required. If you are interested, please get in<br />
touch with me, <strong>the</strong> project organiser, by early<br />
October 2009, for fur<strong>the</strong>r information.<br />
FRANK SLATER, 38 Kilfield Road, Bishopston, Swansea, SA3 3DN<br />
(slater.frank@btintemet.com)<br />
Anyone interested in a complete set <strong>of</strong> Watsonia<br />
from Vol. 11, Part 3 to now i.e. Vo!. 27,<br />
Part 3, including indices, plus <strong>BSBI</strong> News and<br />
Welsh Bulletin? They can be picked up from<br />
my Swansea home - postage would no doubt<br />
be expensive.
Echium rosulatum (Lax Viper's-bugloss) © 2009 Lathyrus tuberosus (Tuberous Pea) © 2009 Reseda alba (White Mignonette) © 2008<br />
Bay Willow, verticals partly<br />
skeletonized by grey squirrel<br />
stripping (see p. 15)<br />
All photos taken at Barry Docks (v.c.41) by T.O. Evans (see p. 18)<br />
Katsura Tree, grey squirrel<br />
ringbarking<br />
(see p. 15)<br />
Zelkova serrata, grey squirrel<br />
stripping (ringbarked near base)<br />
(see p. l7)<br />
All photos taken at Clatford Arboretum, Wilts. by J. Oliver © 2008<br />
Populus 'Columbia', grey squirrel<br />
not beaver damage!<br />
(see p. 15)<br />
n<br />
o<br />
0'<br />
>=<br />
..,<br />
CIJ<br />
Cl><br />
Cl<br />
g.<br />
:::s
Peltaria alliacea at Annadale, Isle <strong>of</strong> Skye (v.c.l04) with fruit inset © 2006 and detail <strong>of</strong> leaf base © 2009. All photos S Bungard (see p. 9)<br />
Cochlearia megalosperma at Tweedmill (v.c.S1) with close-up <strong>of</strong> flowers and fruit.<br />
Both photos Mrs G. Hargreaves © 200S (see p. 29)<br />
Potential plant for public participation nonnative<br />
species survey: LYSlchiton americanus<br />
(American Skunk-cabbage). Photo © GB<br />
Non-native Species Secretariat (see p. 3S)<br />
n<br />
o<br />
0'<br />
..., c::<br />
CIl<br />
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Ammi visnaga (Toothpick Plant)<br />
Callistephus chinensis (China<br />
Aster) Clarkia amoena (Godetia)<br />
Clarkia unguiculata (Clarkia)<br />
Ismelia carinata Rudbeckia hirta<br />
(Tricolour Chrysan<strong>the</strong>mum) Lavatera trimestris (Royal Mallow) (Black-eyed Susan) Salvia viridis(Annual Clary)<br />
All photos taken at Seafield Park, S. Hampshire (v.c.lI) by M. Shaw © 2008 (see p. 32)<br />
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Requests & Offers - Publications for disposal / Spare copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> journals for disposal / 39<br />
West Cork B & B / Flowers and Photography Holidays in Menorca<br />
Publications for disposal<br />
JOHN OSLEY, 30 Ffordd Tan'r Allt, Abergele, Clwyd, LL22 7DQ<br />
The following pUblications are surplus to my<br />
requirements. If anyone wishes to have <strong>the</strong>m<br />
before I send <strong>the</strong>m for recycling (deadline one<br />
month from <strong>the</strong> date <strong>of</strong> this <strong>BSBI</strong> News), <strong>the</strong>y<br />
are ei<strong>the</strong>r welcome to make arrangements (via<br />
e-mail: john<strong>the</strong>bot@yahoo.co.uk or j.osley@<br />
ccw.gov.uk) to collect, ei<strong>the</strong>r from my home<br />
address in Abergele or <strong>of</strong>fice address in Mold<br />
or for <strong>the</strong> cost <strong>of</strong> postage (mainland UK only):<br />
Plantlife Members' Magazine 1990 (1) to<br />
2006 (44) in three green binders.<br />
Bulletin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> Mycological <strong>Society</strong><br />
Volume 8 (Spring 1974) to Volume 20<br />
(October 1986).<br />
Mycologist (A5 format) Volume 1 (January<br />
1987) to Volume 7 (November 1993) and<br />
(A4 format) Volume 8 (February 1994) to<br />
Volume 20 (part 3) (August 2006).<br />
Field Mycology Volume 1 (2000) to Volume<br />
7 (2006) (parts 1& 2 only).<br />
Bulletin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> Bryological <strong>Society</strong><br />
Volume 51 (February 1988) to Volume 81<br />
(July 2003).<br />
Field Bryology Volume 82 (March 2004) to<br />
96 (October 2008).<br />
Journal <strong>of</strong> Bryology (medium format) Volume<br />
16 (1990) to Volume 20 (1998) and (large<br />
format) Volume 21 (1999) to Volume 30<br />
(2008).<br />
Spare copies <strong>of</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> journals for disposal<br />
DR V ALERIE LIVESEY, Y Felin, Cwmrheidol, Aberystwyth, SY233NA<br />
Tel: 01970 880564; v.livesey@btinternet.com<br />
I have a good range <strong>of</strong> Watsonia, <strong>BSBI</strong><br />
Abstracts, <strong>BSBI</strong> News and Welsh Bulletins for<br />
'rehoming', due to shortage <strong>of</strong> space. Too<br />
many books and journals and no more room<br />
for bookshelves! Collection preferred, as<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are ra<strong>the</strong>r a lot. Or could split into bits to<br />
post perhaps, if postal charges are refunded.<br />
West Cork B & B<br />
Watsonia Vol13 (3) Jan 1981 - Vo126(3) Feb<br />
2007<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> Abstracts Part 11 (July 1981) - 29<br />
August 2001<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> News No. 27 Apr 1981- No. 105 Apr<br />
2007<br />
Welsh Bulletin No. 44 Winter 1986 - No. 80<br />
June 2007<br />
MRS SUSAN COBLEY, Ravens Oak, Derryishal, Bantry, West Cork, Ireland<br />
(Tel: 00353 2753809) ( info@ravens-oak.com) (www.ravens-oak.com)<br />
Owned by <strong>BSBI</strong> member, all modern facilities<br />
and lovely garden. Convenient, scenic<br />
location 10 minutes from Bantry and central<br />
for exploring West Cork.<br />
Flowers and Photography Holidays in Menorca<br />
PHILIP DUNN, 'Treesbank', Tongland Road, Kirkcudbright, DG64UU<br />
Tel: 01557 331343, http://www.inspiration-holidays.comlbotany-holidays<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> Vice-county Recorder David Hawker &<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional photographer Philip Dunn have<br />
teamed up to <strong>of</strong>fer Flowers and Photography<br />
Holidays in lovely Menorca. The 2010 date is<br />
7 th - 14th May. Learn more about <strong>the</strong> wild<br />
flowers <strong>of</strong> Menorca and how to photograph<br />
<strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Small discount for <strong>BSBI</strong> members.
40 Notices - 2010 Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowships / Excursion to Almerfa - April 2010<br />
NOTICES<br />
2010 Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowships<br />
We have been asked to draw people's attention<br />
to <strong>the</strong> call for applications for <strong>the</strong>se<br />
Fellowships. These are available for UK<br />
citizens, to enable <strong>the</strong>m to travel overseas "to<br />
undertake study projects related to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ession, trade or particular interest". The<br />
current round has ten categories, and applications<br />
need to be made ru!h October. The<br />
categories most likely to be relevant to<br />
botanists might be: 'Adventure, exploration<br />
and leaders <strong>of</strong> expeditions', 'Education, and<br />
Excursion to Almeria - April 2010<br />
vocational training', 'Environment, food and<br />
rural affairs', and 'Science, engineering and<br />
enterprise'. Grants average over £5,000 each,<br />
covering travel and living expenses for a visit<br />
<strong>of</strong> 4-8 weeks. Fur<strong>the</strong>r information can be<br />
found at www.wcmt.org.uk or by contacting<br />
<strong>the</strong> Winston Churchill Memorial trust, 15<br />
Queen's Gate Terrace, London, SW7 5PR<br />
(020 7584 9315) (email: <strong>of</strong>fice@wcmt.<br />
org.uk).<br />
TERESA FARING, Apartado de Correos 59, 39570 Potes, Cantabria, Spain;<br />
(Tel.: +34942735154) (teresa@iberianwildlife.com)<br />
A one-week field meeting in south-eastern Spain<br />
is proposed for spring 2010, to run from Thursday<br />
15 th April to Thursday 22 nd April.<br />
Almerfa is perhaps <strong>the</strong> most arid region <strong>of</strong><br />
Western Europe, experiencing more than 3,100<br />
hours <strong>of</strong> sunlight and just 250mm <strong>of</strong> precipitation<br />
annually. Not surprisingly, <strong>the</strong> vegetation is very<br />
distinctive, harbouring many endemic species.<br />
Of <strong>the</strong> thousand-odd species <strong>of</strong> vascular plant<br />
known to occur in <strong>the</strong> Cabo de Gata natural park,<br />
for example, around 12% are unique to Iberia.<br />
From our base in <strong>the</strong> fishing village <strong>of</strong> San<br />
Jose, in <strong>the</strong> western sector <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cabo de Gata<br />
park, we are ideally placed to explore all <strong>the</strong><br />
principal habitats <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> region. Coastal sanddunes<br />
harbour clumps <strong>of</strong> Ziziphus lotus and<br />
several endemic species <strong>of</strong> Salsola, parasitized<br />
by <strong>the</strong> curious Cynomorium coccineum<br />
(Cynomorium), plus Mesembryan<strong>the</strong>mum<br />
nodiflorum and M. crystallinum (Ice-plant),<br />
Otanthus maritimum (Cottonweed), Frankenia<br />
corymbosa, Limonium sinuatum, Thymelaea<br />
hirsuta and Andryala ragusina, while stony<br />
steppes behind <strong>the</strong> shore boast Limonium<br />
lobatum, Genista umbellata, Haplophyllum<br />
linifolium and <strong>the</strong> endemic, winter-flowering<br />
Androcymbium europaeum.<br />
We will also explore <strong>the</strong> volcanic hinterland <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> park, where <strong>the</strong> vegetation includes several<br />
plants known only from Cabo de Gata - Ulex<br />
canescens, Teucrium charidemi and Antirrhinum<br />
charidemi - as well as Periploca laevigata,<br />
May tenus senegalensis (May tenus), Phlomis<br />
purpurea ssp. almeriensis, Phlomis lychnitis,<br />
Withania frutescens and <strong>the</strong> cactus-lilce Caralluma<br />
europaea. Excursions fur<strong>the</strong>r inland will<br />
take in <strong>the</strong> badlands <strong>of</strong> Tabernas - <strong>the</strong> backdrop<br />
to many a 'Spaghetti Western', where notable<br />
plants include Euzomodendron bourgaeanum,<br />
Limonium insigne, Cistanche phelypaea ssp.<br />
lutea and Lygeum spartum (Albardine) - as well<br />
as <strong>the</strong> nearby Sierras <strong>of</strong> Glidor and Los Filabres,<br />
where enclaves <strong>of</strong> more typically Mediterranean<br />
vegetation can be found.<br />
We will be staying at <strong>the</strong> Hotel Santuario in <strong>the</strong><br />
fishing village <strong>of</strong> San Jose, where all rooms are<br />
en suite and most have a terrace or balcony. The<br />
cost will be 1,075 € per person, plus a singleroom<br />
supplement <strong>of</strong> 125 €, to cover half-board<br />
accommodation, picnic lunches, transport by<br />
hired minibus throughout, all entry fees and <strong>the</strong><br />
services <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leaders (Teres a Farino and James<br />
Parry), but excluding flights to Almeria and<br />
travel insurance (obligatory). Deposits can be<br />
paid in sterling, and <strong>the</strong> balance converted to<br />
sterling at <strong>the</strong> time it is due, using<br />
www.oanda.com. For fur<strong>the</strong>r details, please<br />
contact me by post, phone or email, as given<br />
above.
Notices - <strong>BSBI</strong> trip to Mallorca I Estonia - bogs, fens & mires! 41<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> trip to Mallorca - approximate dates 2Ist - 26 th April 2010<br />
DR JOHN BAILEY, Biology Department, University <strong>of</strong> Leicester, LE1 TRH Upb@le.ac.uk)<br />
Richard Gornall and myself have been taking<br />
parties to Mallorca to study <strong>the</strong> wildlife <strong>the</strong>re for<br />
many years, and have a good knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
plants and where to find <strong>the</strong>m. Accommodation<br />
will be full board in <strong>the</strong> 3-star Hotel Pollensa<br />
Park Hotel in Puerto Pollensa, which is on <strong>the</strong><br />
coast <strong>of</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn Mallorca and close to <strong>the</strong><br />
historic town <strong>of</strong> Pollensa. The north <strong>of</strong> Mallorca<br />
abounds with spectacular limestone mountains<br />
and gorges, which in turn are host to some very<br />
rare and extraordinary species. Special attention<br />
is given to <strong>the</strong> Balearic endemics. We would<br />
expect to see up to five species <strong>of</strong> Ophrys, five<br />
hedgehog plants, Dracunculus muscivorus,<br />
Cytinus, <strong>the</strong> famous Naufraga balearica and a<br />
host <strong>of</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r interesting and attractive plants.<br />
We also plan a visit to <strong>the</strong> idyllic Botanic Garden<br />
in SaIler. In addition to <strong>the</strong> tonic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean<br />
in <strong>the</strong> spring, this trip also <strong>of</strong>fers excellent<br />
bird-watching opportunities. Whilst no climbing<br />
is required, <strong>the</strong>re will be some walking up and<br />
down hillsides on uneven ground, so a reasonable<br />
level <strong>of</strong> fitness is required.<br />
If interested in joining this excursion please<br />
contact me at <strong>the</strong> address above.<br />
Estonia: bogs, fens & mires! July 5 th - 15 th 2010<br />
Leaders: rAN BENNALLlCK AND PAUL GREEN<br />
Lahemaa's atmospheric landscape <strong>of</strong> bogs,<br />
forests and unspoilt bays, with still traditional<br />
fishing villages, has been spared <strong>the</strong> ravages <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> 20 th century by dint <strong>of</strong> being <strong>the</strong> first<br />
national park designated in <strong>the</strong> former Soviet<br />
Union. 34 out <strong>of</strong>36 <strong>of</strong> Estonia's orchids occur<br />
on <strong>the</strong> limestones <strong>of</strong> Saaremaa Island. Dark<br />
Red Helleborine and Fly Orchid are<br />
widespread and we'll see <strong>the</strong> Baltic endemics<br />
Dactylorhiza longifolia and Dactylorhiza<br />
ru<strong>the</strong>i. We will find Fen Orchid and Dactylorhiza<br />
curvifolia amongst fine displays <strong>of</strong><br />
Marsh Helleborine and Musk Orchid. Colonies<br />
<strong>of</strong> Silver-studded and Large Blues live amid a<br />
colourful mosaic <strong>of</strong> bellflowers, campions and<br />
cinquefoils. Of particular interest will be <strong>the</strong><br />
extensive complexes <strong>of</strong> mires, fens and raised<br />
bogs made accessible by a series <strong>of</strong> trails and<br />
boardwallcs. A rich and distinctive community<br />
makes this its home, from Sundews and Oneleaved<br />
Bog Orchids to <strong>the</strong> endemic Rhinanthus<br />
osiliensis and <strong>the</strong> skullcap Scutellaria hastifolia.<br />
Estonia has a wealth <strong>of</strong> sedges probably<br />
unmatched in Europe. <strong>British</strong> rarities such as<br />
Carex flava and elegant Carex buxbaumii sit<br />
alongside less familiar species such as Carex<br />
rhynchophysa and Carex globularis. Chamaedaphne<br />
calyculata will be going over but o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
Ericaceae will be in full bloom including Bog<br />
Rosemary, Labrador Tea and both species <strong>of</strong><br />
Cranberry. Paths through lichen and Cowberry<br />
under open pine forests will reveal Creeping<br />
Lady's-tresses, and lovely Twinflower are no<br />
less attractive than seven Wintergreens, whilst<br />
roadsides are awash with stands <strong>of</strong> four species<br />
<strong>of</strong> Cow-wheats, among <strong>the</strong>m colourful Crested<br />
Cow-wheat and <strong>the</strong> garish purple and yellow<br />
Melampyrum nemorosum.<br />
The focus <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> holiday is <strong>the</strong> flora; also<br />
dragonflies and butterflies. Walking is relaxed<br />
and easy; up to three or four miles a day and<br />
always at a slow pace, perfectly suited to<br />
photographers. Included in <strong>the</strong> price are all<br />
flights, all transport, meals and accommodation<br />
in Estonia and <strong>the</strong> services <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leaders.<br />
Drinks, tips and items <strong>of</strong> a personal nature<br />
including insurance, are not included. Group<br />
size: minimum five and maximum 15. Only<br />
one leader will accompany a group <strong>of</strong> six or<br />
less. Accommodation, for <strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
tour is at <strong>the</strong> 16 th century Kohala Manor. Set in<br />
peaceful countryside with ponds, rivers, woods<br />
and fields, <strong>the</strong>re will be plenty <strong>of</strong> fauna and<br />
flora to interest us. All rooms have en suite<br />
facilities. The climate is warm and sunny with<br />
occasional evening thunderstorms. Flower,<br />
dragonfly, butterfly, bird and mammal checklists<br />
are available.<br />
For fur<strong>the</strong>r information and a tour itinerary: call<br />
01298 83563 or visit www.greentours.co.uk
42 Field meeting reports: 2008 - Lindisfarne area (v.c.68)<br />
FIELD MEETING REPORTS: 2008-2009<br />
Reports <strong>of</strong> field meetings are collated by Dr<br />
Alan ShowIer, and copy for <strong>the</strong>se should be sent<br />
to him direct, not to <strong>the</strong> editors <strong>of</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> News.<br />
His address is: 12 Wedgwood Drive, Hughenden<br />
2008<br />
Valley, High Wycombe, Bucks., HP14 4PA (tel.:<br />
01494562082). Copy for day meetings should<br />
generally be up to 500 words, and for weekend<br />
meetings, up to 1000 words.<br />
Lindisfarne area, N. Northumberland (v.c.68), 13 th - 17th August<br />
CHRlS METHERELL (v.c. Recorder) and MARY SMITH<br />
Wednesday, 13 th August<br />
On a sunny afternoon a substantial number <strong>of</strong><br />
botanists ga<strong>the</strong>red in <strong>the</strong> car park at<br />
Warkworth Dunes for <strong>the</strong> first afternoon's<br />
stroll <strong>of</strong> what was to prove both a pr<strong>of</strong>itable<br />
and sometimes exhausting week! Looking<br />
around it was obvious that we had an excellent<br />
mix <strong>of</strong> local botanists and those from fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
afield. Maps and hit lists were handed out and<br />
<strong>of</strong>f we set. We were split into five teams to<br />
allow a wide coverage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ground.<br />
Erigeron acer (Blue Fleabane) was found in<br />
four sites ('sites' refers to lOm square records<br />
throughout), Allium oleraceum (Field Garlic)<br />
in two and Calystegia soldanella (Sea<br />
Bindweed) in three. This last had not been<br />
seen here since 1977 and so were particularly<br />
useful finds. Regrettably, we failed to confirm<br />
old records <strong>of</strong> Lathryus japonicus (Sea Pea),<br />
Eryngium maritimum (Sea-holly) and Atriplex<br />
praecox (Early Orache), though we were<br />
probably too late in <strong>the</strong> year for <strong>the</strong> last one.<br />
We had more success with Dianthus deltoides<br />
(Maiden Pink), famous in <strong>the</strong> dune slacks,<br />
seen in six sites, and with Parapholis strigosa<br />
(Hard-grass) at one <strong>of</strong> its only two sites in<br />
v.c.68. Martyn Stead also spotted Lathyrus<br />
latifolius (Broad-leaved Everlasting-pea), last<br />
recorded here in 1987, despite it being a wellbotanised<br />
area.<br />
In all 70 sites were accumulated, 39 being<br />
new records for NU2505, <strong>the</strong> least recorded<br />
lkm square within <strong>the</strong> area.<br />
En route to Lindisfarne, <strong>the</strong> convoy <strong>of</strong> cars<br />
stopped to admire and photograph Asplenium<br />
xclermontiae (Maidenhair Spleenwort x Wallrue)<br />
at its only station in <strong>the</strong> UK (and possibly<br />
Europe?). The single plant was flourishing<br />
this year, after a couple <strong>of</strong> poor seasons.<br />
On arrival at <strong>the</strong> Lindisfarne Hotel we were<br />
greeted by Michael Braithwaite, who had<br />
found Cardamine corymbosa (New Zealand<br />
Bitter-cress) in <strong>the</strong> hotel car park! This was<br />
not new to <strong>the</strong> vice-county but new to <strong>the</strong><br />
island.<br />
Those who did not already know each o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
became acquainted over dinner, which was<br />
enlivened by some bottles <strong>of</strong> wine.<br />
Afterwards several <strong>of</strong> us went on a dusk<br />
walk. The most remarkable alien for those not<br />
familiar with this area was Acaena novae-zealandiae<br />
(Pirri-pirri-bur). We soon got to know<br />
it, and cursed it <strong>of</strong>ten. Assorted Euphrasia<br />
(eyebrights) were found and debated. This<br />
complex group became a sub-<strong>the</strong>me <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trip<br />
for Chris.<br />
Thursday, 14th August<br />
On ano<strong>the</strong>r bright day three groups set out to<br />
record <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn and central sections <strong>of</strong><br />
Ross Links. The SE section <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dunes had<br />
already been visited in 2008, but that left a<br />
very large area for which <strong>the</strong>re were few localised<br />
records.<br />
The north end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> links was visited by two<br />
groups. Strangely we found very little Equisetum<br />
variegatum (Variegated Horsetail), which<br />
had been recorded in <strong>the</strong> past; however we<br />
accumulated eight sites for Astragalus danicus<br />
(Purple Milk-vetch), a TPP species, and an<br />
excellent find was Carex viridula ssp. viridula<br />
(Small-fruited Yellow-sedge), last recorded<br />
here in 1968, <strong>the</strong> only site found during <strong>the</strong><br />
week. Ano<strong>the</strong>r RPR species, Cynoglossum<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficinale (Hound's-tongue) was recorded
Field meeting reports: 2008 Lindisfarne area (v.c.68) 43<br />
from 86 sites. Similarly, Salsola kali (Prickly<br />
Saltwort) was found in 43 sites. Two<br />
Gentianella species: G. amarella ssp. septentrionalis<br />
(Autumn Gentian) and G. campestris<br />
(Field Gentian), feature on <strong>the</strong> RPR, and were<br />
well-recorded during <strong>the</strong> day. Samolus<br />
valerandi (Brookweed) was last seen here in<br />
1991, but we had to wait until <strong>the</strong> end to find<br />
one large patch around a pond.<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r RPR species recorded were: Erigeron<br />
acer (1 site), Euphrasia confusa (1 site) and<br />
Euphrasia tetraquetra (3 sites).<br />
Several species from old records were<br />
searched for: Anagallis minima (Chaffweed),<br />
Pyrola rotundifolia (Round-leaved Wintergreen),<br />
Radiola lino ides (Allseed), Apium<br />
inundatum (Lesser Marshwort), Botrychium<br />
lunaria (Moonwort), and Hyoscyamus niger<br />
(Henbane), but <strong>the</strong>y all eluded us, if <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
<strong>the</strong>re at all.<br />
However, both Bob Ellis's and Kevin<br />
Walker's survey teams made single records<br />
for Ornithopus perpusillus (Bird's-foot),<br />
although Bob is not now sure that this was not<br />
an error for A. danicus. If correct, this is a<br />
particularly exciting find, as <strong>the</strong> plant is very<br />
rare in v.c.68, with only one old site many<br />
miles away from Ross Links. Additionally,<br />
Michael Braithwaite noted possible Viola<br />
canina (Heath Dog-violet) hybrids.<br />
We accumulated 120 sites, an amazing total<br />
and a grand record total <strong>of</strong> 520 taxa, <strong>of</strong> which<br />
331 were new records for one or more <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
lkrn squares making up <strong>the</strong> larger site.<br />
Meanwhile John Richards visited Dunstanburgh,<br />
providing, amongst a long list <strong>of</strong> sites,<br />
several for Torilis nodosa (Knotted Hedgeparsley)<br />
and Euphrasia tetraquetra, both TPP<br />
species. However, John was also able to<br />
report a number <strong>of</strong> species, previously known<br />
in <strong>the</strong> area, which could not be refound, or for<br />
which no suitable habitat now existed. For<br />
example, a pond known to have contained<br />
Potamogeton coloratus (Fen Pondweed) had<br />
been drained, and suitable habitat no longer<br />
existed for Scleranthus annuus (Annual<br />
Knawel).<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r dusk walk followed dinner for a few<br />
<strong>of</strong> us. We wanted to see if we could find<br />
Epipactis sancta (Lindisfarne Helleborine),<br />
now accepted as a separate endemic species.<br />
We got ra<strong>the</strong>r wet in <strong>the</strong> subaquatic slacks, but<br />
eventually we saw some chicken-wire 'hats',<br />
in most <strong>of</strong> which were brown remains <strong>of</strong><br />
orchids, which we assumed were our targets.<br />
We were underwhelmed, but <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r orchids<br />
(E. palustris (Marsh Helleborine), Dactylorhiza<br />
fuchsii (Common Spotted-orchid) and<br />
D. purpurella (Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Marsh-orchid)) were<br />
beautiful.<br />
Friday, 15 th August<br />
Today <strong>the</strong> group was split into three teams,<br />
each heading in a different direction. The<br />
main body set <strong>of</strong>f up Cheviot, specifically<br />
intending to visit <strong>the</strong> Hen Hole Corrie<br />
(different geology) to do some square bashing.<br />
The route proved interesting, both <strong>the</strong> drive<br />
into <strong>the</strong> College Valley Estate and especially<br />
<strong>the</strong> ascent through thigh-high rushes and<br />
grasses, slippery with recent rain, and no path<br />
after <strong>the</strong> first lOOm. This was exhausting or<br />
exhilarating, depending on one's fitness. At<br />
<strong>the</strong> rocky outcrop at 700m altitude we were<br />
allowed to eat lunch, in <strong>the</strong> rain and mountaintop<br />
wind, at 2: 15pm. Descending into <strong>the</strong><br />
watersmeet <strong>of</strong> Hen Hole Corrie was even more<br />
exciting or terrifying, but one <strong>of</strong> us slid down<br />
on her butt, which was much easier and safer<br />
than trying to walk. Although a relatively<br />
well-recorded area, records needed to be<br />
added to <strong>the</strong> existing list for <strong>the</strong> main tetrad,<br />
NT8.2V, whose taxa rose from 41 to 127. We<br />
also bashed NT8.2W to a lesser extent, whose<br />
taxa rose from 13 to 129, including a single<br />
site record for Myosotis stolonifera (Pale<br />
Forget-me-not), an RPR target. We were<br />
particularly pleased to record Carex bigelowii<br />
(Stiff Sedge), ano<strong>the</strong>r RPR species, although<br />
we did not have time to conduct an extensive<br />
search for more. Several sites for Diphasiastrum<br />
alpinum (Alpine Clubmoss) were<br />
accumulated. Regrettably, poor time management<br />
by <strong>the</strong> leader (!) meant that we did not<br />
have sufficient time to search for many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
target species. It also meant that we caught<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r ra<strong>the</strong>r unpleasant piece <strong>of</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r on<br />
<strong>the</strong> way down, and this, combined with <strong>the</strong>
44 Field meeting reports: 2008 - Lindisfarne area (v.c.68)<br />
amount <strong>of</strong> water in <strong>the</strong> burn made <strong>the</strong> descent,<br />
shall we say, entertaining!<br />
Bob Ellis and Kevin Walker set <strong>of</strong>f in<br />
pursuit <strong>of</strong> Crepis mollis (Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Hawk'sbeard),<br />
both an RPR and TPP plant. Although<br />
<strong>the</strong>y ranged far and wide, visiting <strong>the</strong> area<br />
around Langleeford, and <strong>the</strong> Upper Coquet<br />
Valley (which made <strong>the</strong>m ra<strong>the</strong>r late for<br />
dinner) only one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> known sites came up<br />
trumps. This was an excellent meadow near<br />
Langleeford, although <strong>the</strong>y reported that <strong>the</strong><br />
Coquet Valley site looked promising and<br />
might be revisited. Ano<strong>the</strong>r interesting record<br />
was for Myosotis secunda (Creeping Forgetme-not),<br />
a TPP species not previously known<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Langleeford area.<br />
Michael and Paddy Braithwaite opted for a<br />
lowland day, visiting Dunstanburgh and<br />
Newham Fen. The latter produced excellent<br />
site records for Carex lasiocarpa (Slender<br />
Sedge), Potamogeton coloratus, Salix<br />
myrsinifolia (Dark-leaved Willow) and<br />
Molinia caerulea ssp. arundinacea (Purple<br />
Moor-grass). Indeed, Michael brought back a<br />
specimen <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> latter for us to argue about<br />
over dinner. Dunstanburgh turned out not to<br />
be so interesting; however it turned up two<br />
fur<strong>the</strong>r site records for Torilis nodosa, at<br />
different locations from those recorded by<br />
John Richards <strong>the</strong> day before. They also<br />
provided a record which, although in itself not<br />
remarkable, shows just how much work<br />
remains to be done in North Northumberland:<br />
Galium palustre ssp. elongatum (Common<br />
Marsh-bedstraw). Astoundingly <strong>the</strong>re are no<br />
previous records <strong>of</strong> this plant from Newham<br />
Fen!<br />
We had ordered dinner at <strong>the</strong> Crown and<br />
Anchor, but we had to phone to say we would<br />
all be late. However, we got <strong>the</strong>re eventually,<br />
tired and hungry, although those who had<br />
studied <strong>the</strong> coastal areas had a sunny, easy,<br />
day. We sank back in <strong>the</strong> warm comfort <strong>of</strong> a<br />
little alcohol, good food and plenty <strong>of</strong> botanical<br />
discussions.<br />
Saturday, 16 th August<br />
This was our first day <strong>of</strong> serious Holy Island<br />
botany, and a hot one too. We grew in<br />
numbers as locals joined us over <strong>the</strong> two days<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> weekend. We began by working <strong>the</strong><br />
slacks in <strong>the</strong> dune system at <strong>the</strong> west end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Island, known as The Snook. This was where<br />
we seriously cursed <strong>the</strong> Acaena that stuck to<br />
socks, rucksacks, anything that went near <strong>the</strong><br />
ground. One person eventually abandoned a<br />
pair <strong>of</strong> socks that were too stuck up to be<br />
worth restoring. Each slack had been<br />
allocated a number and marked on an aerial<br />
photograph and armed with <strong>the</strong>se, several<br />
parties set <strong>of</strong>f into <strong>the</strong> dunes. The first lesson<br />
learned was that it would have been a good<br />
idea to mark grid lines on <strong>the</strong> photograph to<br />
aid identification <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> numbered slacks!<br />
Notwithstanding this a number <strong>of</strong> slacks were<br />
monitored and a large number <strong>of</strong> sites for RPR<br />
species accumulated. Equisetum variegatum<br />
proved much more abundant than on Ross<br />
Links, with 10 sites, and l3 sites for Euphrasia<br />
tetraquetra, including some magnificent<br />
specimens, showing just what a distinctive<br />
plant it can be in <strong>the</strong> right environment.<br />
However <strong>the</strong> winner for <strong>the</strong> most records went<br />
to Gentianella amarella ssp. septentrionalis,<br />
with no less than 34 sites!<br />
After <strong>the</strong> heat <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dunes, it was a relief in<br />
<strong>the</strong> afternoon to hit <strong>the</strong> slight breeze on <strong>the</strong><br />
north coast <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> island. Two groups found<br />
<strong>the</strong> same patch <strong>of</strong> Pulicaria dysenterica<br />
(Common Fleabane), probably <strong>the</strong> only one on<br />
<strong>the</strong> island and one <strong>of</strong> only a handful in <strong>the</strong><br />
Vice-County. Lots more sites <strong>of</strong> Gentianella<br />
amarella ssp. septentrionalis and several new<br />
sites for Blysmus compressus (Flat-sedge)<br />
were found, which, over <strong>the</strong> week, proved to<br />
be much commoner on <strong>the</strong> Island than expected.<br />
But <strong>the</strong> finds <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> afternoon were<br />
undoubtedly Polygonum oxyspermum ssp. raii<br />
(Ray's Knotgrass), which had not been found<br />
on <strong>the</strong> north coast before: <strong>the</strong> fifth site for <strong>the</strong><br />
v.c.; and a very interesting hybrid Equisetum,<br />
which provoked much thought.<br />
At 7pm we were back at <strong>the</strong> Crown and<br />
Anchor, but not as tired or hungry as <strong>the</strong> day<br />
before. So we mostly chose more subtle dishes<br />
this time, ra<strong>the</strong>r than huge hearty ones.<br />
Sunday, 17th August<br />
This was our last day in v.c.68. We began by<br />
examining <strong>the</strong> south shore, to see whe<strong>the</strong>r we
Field meeting reports: 2008 - Lindisfarne area (v.c.68) / 45<br />
2009 - Conifer Day, Cyril Hart Arboretum, West Gloucestershire (v.c.34)<br />
could find Blysmus rufus (Saltmarsh Flatsedge).<br />
We couldn't! Eventually <strong>the</strong> group<br />
became strung out along <strong>the</strong> west shore <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
mainland <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> island, some stopping to view<br />
Zostera noltii (Dwarf Eelgrass), for which <strong>the</strong><br />
mudflats around <strong>the</strong> Island are well-known,<br />
whilst o<strong>the</strong>rs shared an excellent discussion <strong>of</strong><br />
Atriplex hybridity by Bob Leaney, which<br />
resulted in <strong>the</strong> discovery <strong>of</strong> A. xhulmeana<br />
(Spear-leaved Orache x Grass-leaved Orache)<br />
which was a first v.c. record (with thanks to Dr<br />
Leaney for his subsequent correspondence in<br />
connection with this plant).<br />
In <strong>the</strong> afternoon some people had to leave to<br />
get back to <strong>the</strong> mainland while <strong>the</strong> tide level<br />
allowed, some went sightseeing, and <strong>the</strong><br />
remainder set <strong>of</strong>f in different directions.<br />
Paddy Braithwaite and Mary Smith studied<br />
<strong>the</strong> east shore and recorded Sorbus intermedia<br />
(Swedish Whitebeam), for which <strong>the</strong>re is only<br />
one previous v.c. record, ano<strong>the</strong>r site for<br />
Torilis nodosa and ano<strong>the</strong>r site for Salsola kali<br />
near <strong>the</strong> Castle. The main group toured <strong>the</strong><br />
remaining sections <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> north shore, and<br />
were rewarded, amongst <strong>the</strong> Gentianella and<br />
Blysmus records, with Dactylorhiza viridis<br />
(a.k.a. Coeloglossum viride, Frog Orchid),<br />
which was last recorded on <strong>the</strong> island in 1991.<br />
2009<br />
John Swindells, ever vigilant, noted Galinsoga<br />
growing in a garden in <strong>the</strong> village, but<br />
did not note <strong>the</strong> species. If it turns out to be<br />
Galinsoga quadriradiata (Shaggy-soldier), it<br />
will be a new v.c. record, although G. parviflora<br />
(Gallant-soldier) has been seen on <strong>the</strong><br />
island before.<br />
Dinner was in <strong>the</strong> Lindisfarne Hotel for our<br />
last night. The wine flowed while we ate <strong>the</strong><br />
salmon and <strong>the</strong> strawberry shortcake, and<br />
reminiscences <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> few days were shared and<br />
final plant details discussed. The surprise<br />
entertainment followed. Chris, our leader,<br />
with three Northumbrian colleagues, gave us a<br />
short concert on <strong>the</strong> Northumbrian pipes and<br />
drum! This recital was much enjoyed and<br />
appreciated by all, and was a fitting end to an<br />
excellent few days. Thank you, Chris, from all<br />
<strong>of</strong> us.<br />
Postscript:<br />
Fiona Aungier had monitored <strong>the</strong> Blysmus<br />
compressus at Cockburnlaw later, and had<br />
included some excellent photographs, one <strong>of</strong><br />
which is shown in <strong>the</strong> Colour Section, Plate 2.<br />
John Richards visited Ross Links with a group<br />
later and found several more plants including<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r site for Carex viridula ssp. viridula.<br />
Conifer Day, Cyril Hart Arboretum, West Gloucestershire<br />
(v.c.34), 15 th March<br />
CLARE KITCHEN & TONY TrTCHEN, with help from MARK KITCHEN<br />
The morning was spent at <strong>the</strong> Cyril Hart<br />
Arboretum in <strong>the</strong> Forest <strong>of</strong> Dean, Gloucestershire<br />
with <strong>the</strong> kind permission <strong>of</strong> The Forestry<br />
Commission, who have planted <strong>the</strong> arboretum<br />
with a representation <strong>of</strong> commonly planted<br />
conifer trees, as well as some specimen trees<br />
<strong>of</strong> more unusual species. Fifteen members<br />
and <strong>the</strong> leaders attended <strong>the</strong> meeting. John<br />
Poland had allowed us to trial his key to <strong>the</strong><br />
vegetative features and we were able to familiarise<br />
ourselves with <strong>the</strong> terms used in it. The<br />
party concentrated <strong>the</strong>ir attention on those<br />
taxa most frequently planted in <strong>the</strong> Forest.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> afternoon, having become thoroughly<br />
acquainted with <strong>the</strong>se common trees, we<br />
proceeded to Shakemantle Quarry, where we<br />
were able to use our newly acquired skills to<br />
identify several invasive species established<br />
<strong>the</strong>re. Amongst <strong>the</strong>se were Pseudotsuga<br />
menZleS!l (Douglas Fir), Thuja plicata<br />
(Western Red-cedar), Pinus nigra ssp. laricio<br />
(Corsican Pine), Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine)<br />
and Picea abies (Norway Spruce). In addition<br />
we found a fur<strong>the</strong>r two-needled pine species<br />
which we were not able to name confidently as<br />
it was too young to show all <strong>the</strong> features. We<br />
also noted some young Larix trees clinging to
46 Field meeting reports: 2009 - Conifer Day, Cyril Hart Arboretum (v.c.34) I Chiltern Hills (v.c.24)<br />
<strong>the</strong> sides <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> quarry, too high up on <strong>the</strong> face<br />
to be safely inspected. Investigation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
steep beech covered slopes above <strong>the</strong> quarry<br />
revealed young plants <strong>of</strong> Tsuga heterophylla<br />
(Western Hemlock-spruce) growing amongst<br />
a few plants <strong>of</strong> Calluna vulgaris (Hea<strong>the</strong>r) and<br />
Luzula sylvatica (Great Wood-rush).<br />
Chiltern Hills <strong>of</strong> mid-Bucks (v.c.24), 16 th May<br />
About 30 attendees met with <strong>the</strong> leaders, Roy<br />
Maycock, Aaron Woods, Rodney Sims and<br />
Gareth Luscombe in <strong>the</strong> new bam at College<br />
Lake reserve. College Lake, and <strong>the</strong> nearby<br />
Pits tone Fen, were among <strong>the</strong> first worked-out<br />
chalk pits in <strong>the</strong> country to be conserved and<br />
developed into nature reserves. After brief<br />
introductory talks on <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
reserves, <strong>the</strong> arable weed project and what<br />
plants we should see during <strong>the</strong> day, plus a<br />
welcome cup <strong>of</strong> c<strong>of</strong>fee and biscuits, <strong>the</strong> group<br />
walked in Indian file along <strong>the</strong> busy road to<br />
<strong>the</strong> first site, Pitstone Fen reserve, which is a<br />
small calcareous fen.<br />
Although ra<strong>the</strong>r early in <strong>the</strong> season for many<br />
plants to be in full flower, <strong>the</strong>re was an excellent<br />
general flora present. The first plant <strong>of</strong><br />
interest was an extensive colony <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> hybrid<br />
horsetail Equisetum xlitorale (E. fluviatile x<br />
arvense) (Water x Field Horsetail) (identity<br />
later confirmed by Pat Acock). As well as<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r wetland plants, such as Eupatorium<br />
cannabinum (Hemp-agrimony), Lycopus<br />
europaeus (Gipsywort) and Ranunculus<br />
trichophyllus (Thread-leaved Water-crowfoot),<br />
<strong>the</strong>re was a good selection <strong>of</strong> calcicoles<br />
<strong>of</strong> drier habitats, such as Agrimonia eupatoria<br />
(Agrimony), Cirsium acaule (Dwarf Thistle),<br />
Leucan<strong>the</strong>mum vulgare (Oxeye Daisy),<br />
Polygala vulgaris (Common Milkwort),<br />
Primula veris (Cowslip) and Sherardia arvensis<br />
(Field Madder). The orchids present were<br />
many Dactylorhizafuchsii (Common Spottedorchid),<br />
leaves showing only, and two plants,<br />
in bud, <strong>of</strong> D. praetermissa (Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Marshorchid).<br />
Also, in full flower, were many<br />
Listera ovata (Common Twayblade). At <strong>the</strong><br />
far end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> reserve were <strong>the</strong> magnificent<br />
leaves <strong>of</strong> Cirsium eriophorum (Woolly<br />
Thistle). The two commonest plants in full<br />
flower were Carex flacca (Glaucous Sedge),<br />
CHRIS BOON<br />
which was everywhere, and large patches <strong>of</strong><br />
Fragaria vesca (Wild Strawberry).<br />
After a picnic lunch at College Lake, <strong>the</strong><br />
party was shown <strong>the</strong> Arable Weed Nursery,<br />
where <strong>the</strong> most showy plant was Ranunculus<br />
arvensis (Corn Buttercup). Also in <strong>the</strong> beds<br />
were Agrostemma githago (Corncockle),<br />
Lithospermum arvense (Field Gromwell),<br />
Scandix pecten-veneris (Shepherd's-needle)<br />
and Valerianella locusta (Common Cornsalad).<br />
Over many years seeds from <strong>the</strong>se<br />
nursery plants have been scattered on a field<br />
nearby and all <strong>the</strong>se plants were observed<br />
<strong>the</strong>re in a more natural habitat.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> walk back to <strong>the</strong> car park for <strong>the</strong><br />
second part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day's excursion we were<br />
shown Lithospermum purpureocaeruleum<br />
(Purple Gromwell) and, in a disturbed area<br />
near <strong>the</strong> lake, a large area <strong>of</strong> Tetragonolobus<br />
maritimus (Dragon's-teeth). The latter looked<br />
very well established but its origin on <strong>the</strong> site<br />
is unknown.<br />
After a short journey by car and a delightful<br />
walk to <strong>the</strong> chalk downland near Ivinghoe<br />
Beacon to Income Hole we were rewarded by<br />
<strong>the</strong> fea<strong>the</strong>ry fruits <strong>of</strong> Pulsatilla vulgaris<br />
(Pasqueflower) and, in flower, two plants <strong>of</strong><br />
Tephroseris integrifolius (Field Fleawort).<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r species <strong>of</strong> interest were Hippocrepis<br />
comosa (Horseshoe Vetch), Polygala vulgaris<br />
(Common Milkwort) and several Sorbus aria<br />
(Common Whitebeam) in full flower. At <strong>the</strong><br />
final stop on Steps Hill <strong>the</strong>re was a good<br />
colony <strong>of</strong> Gentianella anglica (Early<br />
Gentian). Initially only two plants were seen<br />
but eventually at least a dozen were found, all<br />
in bud. Returning to <strong>the</strong> car park, in <strong>the</strong> rain,<br />
we passed some good specimens <strong>of</strong> Lithospermum<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficinale (Common Gromwell) to round<br />
<strong>of</strong>f a very enjoyable visit to Buckinghamshire.
Field meeting reports: 2009 - East Norfolk and East Suffolk (v.c.c. 25, 27) 47<br />
East Norfolk and East Suffolk (v.c.c. 25,27), 6 th June<br />
A full complement <strong>of</strong> 15 members met at<br />
Wortham Ling, an area <strong>of</strong> sandy heathland in<br />
v.c.25, for this grass identification day.<br />
Anisantha, Bromus, Festuca and Vulpia were<br />
<strong>the</strong> main focus <strong>of</strong> attention, and <strong>the</strong> leader<br />
began by explaining <strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grass<br />
plant by using locally ga<strong>the</strong>red material <strong>of</strong><br />
Anisantha diandra (Great Brome) andA. sterilis<br />
(Barren Brome), which he distributed<br />
among members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> group. In addition<br />
specimens <strong>of</strong> A. madritensis (Compact<br />
Brome) and A. tectorum (Drooping Brome)<br />
collected during May in Spain were passed<br />
round for comparison. Heavy rabbit grazing<br />
and lack <strong>of</strong> rain had reduced <strong>the</strong> Ling to near<br />
desert so <strong>the</strong> stay <strong>the</strong>re was brief, talcing in a<br />
Bromus population conforming to Stace's<br />
description <strong>of</strong> B. xpseudothominei (Lesser<br />
S<strong>of</strong>t-brome ), where it is known to have<br />
persisted for over 50 years , and a roadside<br />
colony <strong>of</strong> Vulpia ciliata ssp. ambigua<br />
(Bearded Fescue). The latter was augmented<br />
by plants <strong>of</strong> V. myuros (Rat's-tail Fescue)<br />
collected <strong>the</strong> previous day in Lowest<strong>of</strong>t and<br />
one <strong>of</strong> V fasciculata (Dune Fescue) brought to<br />
<strong>the</strong> meeting from Southwold by Graham Peck.<br />
Curiously we were unable to find any<br />
V. bromoides (Squirrel-tail Fescue)! In<br />
passing we noted dwarfed plants <strong>of</strong> Aira<br />
caryophyllea (Silver Hair-grass) and<br />
A. praecox (Early Hair-grass), as well as<br />
Koeleria macrantha (Crested Hair-grass),<br />
whose panicles were in various stages <strong>of</strong><br />
development.<br />
The party <strong>the</strong>n moved to Shelfanger Town<br />
Meadows (v.c.27), unimproved damp grassland<br />
bisected by a stream. The area was<br />
dominated by flowering Ranunculus acris<br />
(Meadow Buttercup), presenting a 'sea <strong>of</strong><br />
yellow' in which were found Bromus commutatus<br />
(var. commutatus and var. pubens Wats.)<br />
(Meadow Brome) as well as B. racemosus<br />
ARTHUR COPPING<br />
(Smooth Brome). The latter proved quite<br />
elusive, and was very short, with <strong>the</strong> panicles<br />
bearing few spikelets, possibly a consequence<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> drying out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> site. In one place<br />
B. commutatus and B. hordeaceus ssp. hordeceus<br />
(S<strong>of</strong>t-brome) were growing intermingled<br />
, obligingly revealing <strong>the</strong>ir differences. To<br />
complete <strong>the</strong> Bromus picture, <strong>the</strong> leader<br />
passed round a cultivated plant <strong>of</strong> B. lepidus<br />
(Slender S<strong>of</strong>t-brome), which seems now to be<br />
very rare in <strong>the</strong> wild. Festuca pratensis<br />
(Meadow Fescue), F. arundinacea (Tall<br />
Fescue) and xFestulolium loliaceum (Hybrid<br />
Fescue) completed <strong>the</strong> targeted Shelfanger<br />
taxa. After lunch we moved to Knettishall<br />
Country Park in West Suffolk (v.c.26), an<br />
extensive heath on <strong>the</strong> border <strong>of</strong> Breckland.<br />
There waves <strong>of</strong> Deschampsia flexuosa (Wavy<br />
Hair-grass) greeted us, but amongst it grew<br />
Festuca ovina (Sheep's fescue) and<br />
F. filiformis (Fine - leaved Sheep's-fescue).<br />
At this point cultivated material <strong>of</strong> F. longifolia<br />
(Blue Fescue), sourced in Guernsey and <strong>the</strong><br />
Suffolk Breckland, as well as F. brevipila<br />
(Hard Fescue), originally from Felixstowe,<br />
were circulated for comparison, toge<strong>the</strong>r with<br />
F. heterophylla (Various-leaved Fescue), to<br />
contrast with <strong>the</strong> F. rubra (Red Fescue) we<br />
had seen at intervals during <strong>the</strong> day. We <strong>the</strong>n<br />
moved west in <strong>the</strong> country park, where <strong>the</strong> soil<br />
was more basic, and saw Helictotrichon<br />
pubescens (Downy Oat-grass) and H. pratense<br />
(Meadow Oat-grass) growing toge<strong>the</strong>r. In<br />
conclusion, before dispersing and as a relief<br />
from agrostology, we admired a patch <strong>of</strong><br />
Astragalus danicus (Purple Milk-vetch)<br />
dotted among <strong>the</strong> short turf. The society<br />
wishes to thank Mr WJ.Butler <strong>of</strong> Shelfanger<br />
Hall for granting access to Shelfanger Town<br />
Meadows and permitting us to park cars at <strong>the</strong><br />
Hall.
48 Field meeting reports: 2009 - Parsonage Moor and Dry Sandford Pit (v.c.22) /<br />
Nidderdale (v.c.64) and Wensleydale (v.c.65)<br />
Parsonage Moor and Dry Sandford Pit, Berkshire (v.c.22), 27th<br />
June<br />
The surface geology <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Cothill region, west<br />
<strong>of</strong> Abingdon, consists <strong>of</strong> Jurassic "coral rag"<br />
overlying deposits <strong>of</strong> oolitic sandstone. At<br />
Parsonage Moor, digging <strong>of</strong> post-glacial peat<br />
deposits has allowed a base-rich fen to develop<br />
within more acid surroundings, while at Dry<br />
Sandford, quarrying activity reached <strong>the</strong> water<br />
table in some places, resulting in a mire fed by<br />
calcareous springs surrounded by species-rich<br />
grassland. Both sites are SSSIs and BBOWT<br />
reserves. On an oppressively warm day 17<br />
members explored <strong>the</strong>ir remarkable flora with<br />
John Killick, <strong>the</strong> Recorder for Oxfordshire,<br />
who lives nearby. We donned wellingtons to<br />
wade through Parsonage Moor in <strong>the</strong> morning,<br />
while after lunch we visited Dry Sandford Pit<br />
in <strong>the</strong> company <strong>of</strong> Steve Grigson, <strong>the</strong> volunteer<br />
warden.<br />
Parsonage Moor immediately yielded one <strong>of</strong><br />
its iconic species, Schoenus nigricans (Black<br />
Bog-rush), toge<strong>the</strong>r with funcus subnodulosus<br />
(Blunt-flowered Rush) and Oenan<strong>the</strong> lachenalii<br />
(Parsley Water-dropwort), <strong>the</strong> latter rarely<br />
found so far inland. Where <strong>the</strong> ground was not<br />
submerged, Pedicularis palustris (Marsh<br />
Lousewort) and Anagalis tenella (Bog Pimpernel)<br />
were in flower, and Pinguicula vulgaris<br />
(Common Butterwort) in fruit. These species<br />
are quite rare in central England. Among <strong>the</strong><br />
sedges were Carex distans (Distant Sedge),<br />
C. pulicaris (Flea Sedge) and C. rostrata<br />
JOHN EDGINGTON & JOHN KILUCK<br />
(Bottle Sedge), while searches <strong>of</strong> drier ground<br />
yielded Cirsium dissectum (Meadow Thistle)<br />
and Serratula tinctoria (Saw-wort). A good<br />
find was Eriophorum latifolium (Broad-leaved<br />
Cottongrass), easily distinguished from<br />
E. angustifolium by its rough peduncle. We<br />
failed, however, to find totally convincing<br />
specimens <strong>of</strong> Dactylorhiza traunsteineri<br />
(Narrow-leaved Marsh orchid) which has been<br />
recorded here.<br />
Previous reconnaissance had located two <strong>of</strong><br />
Dry Sandford Pit's specialities, Triglochin<br />
palustre (Marsh Arrow-grass) and Equisetum<br />
variegatum (Variegated Horsetail), so <strong>the</strong> afternoon<br />
began by going straight to <strong>the</strong>se, trying<br />
not to damage <strong>the</strong> fragile calcareous mire<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y grow. This was dominated to a<br />
remarkable extent by <strong>the</strong> massed flowers <strong>of</strong><br />
Epipactis palustris (Marsh Helleborine) - over<br />
10,000 plants at <strong>the</strong> last census - and dense<br />
colonies <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stonewort Chara hispida. This<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r stoneworts also grow at Parsonage<br />
Moor, as does Potamogeton coloratus (Fen<br />
Pond weed) , found in a nearby pool. Like <strong>the</strong><br />
Equisetum, its nearest stations are over a<br />
hundred miles away. Specimens were taken <strong>of</strong><br />
a Polypody that looked suspiciously like <strong>the</strong><br />
hybrid Polypodium xshivasiae, before <strong>the</strong> day<br />
ended with tea under <strong>the</strong> shade <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> largest<br />
bush <strong>of</strong> Berberis vulgaris (Barberry) any <strong>of</strong> us<br />
had seen.<br />
Nidderdale (v.c.64) and Wensleydale (v.c.65) 4th - 5 th July<br />
PHYL ABBOTT, LINDA ROBINS ON & KEVIN WALKER<br />
Even at an altitude <strong>of</strong> 400m at Greenhow in<br />
Nidderdale, we soon realised we were in<br />
dockland. Right by <strong>the</strong> parking area were<br />
several examples <strong>of</strong> Rumex longifolius<br />
(Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Dock). While driving to <strong>the</strong> site<br />
from <strong>the</strong> south, several <strong>of</strong> us had noticed<br />
R. pseudoalpinus (Monk's Rhubarb), with its<br />
broad cordate leaves. Both species have large,<br />
sturdy heads <strong>of</strong> flowers and fruits. As we<br />
entered Duck Street Quarry, a disused<br />
limestone quarry, now a privately owned nature<br />
reserve, <strong>the</strong> first plant we examined was <strong>the</strong><br />
glabrous Lady's-mantle easily identified as<br />
Alchemilla glabra. Later we found large leaved<br />
A. xanthochlora, with hairy petiole and leaf<br />
undersurface and with pointed leaf lobes, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> smaller A. filicaulis ssp. vestita, with<br />
rounded leaf lobes. The numerous Listera<br />
ovata (Twayblade) made it difficult to spot <strong>the</strong><br />
far less frequent Coeloglossum viride (Frog<br />
Orchids) lurking amongst <strong>the</strong>m. Bill helped<br />
with <strong>the</strong> hawkweeds, most <strong>of</strong> which were forms
Field meeting reports: 2009 - Nidderdale (v.c.64) and Wensleydale (v.c.65) 49<br />
<strong>of</strong> Hieracium vulgatum. We moved across <strong>the</strong><br />
road to a small field to feast our eyes on a<br />
glorious crimson mass <strong>of</strong> Cirsium heterophyllum<br />
(Melancholy Thistle) which made a splendid<br />
foreground to <strong>the</strong> willows Salix cinerea ssp.<br />
cinerea, S. cinerea ssp. oleifolia (Grey<br />
Willow), and what is probably <strong>the</strong> only specimen<br />
<strong>of</strong> S. lanata (Woolly Willow) growing in<br />
a wild situation in England. It is believed to<br />
have been introduced many years ago and is<br />
now well naturalised. Back to <strong>the</strong> quarry for<br />
lunch, <strong>the</strong>n a few roadside plants en route to<br />
Cock Hill lead mine, an industrial heritage site.<br />
The first Rosa mollis (Downy Rose) we saw<br />
may have had a few canine genes but <strong>the</strong>re were<br />
more convincing specimens nearby. Myrrhis<br />
odorata (Sweet Cicely) leaves were crushed<br />
and <strong>the</strong> aniseed scent provoked an exchange <strong>of</strong><br />
recipes, using parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plant instead <strong>of</strong> sugar<br />
in fruit pies. While we were admiring Cephalaria<br />
gigantea (Giant Scabious) and Geranium<br />
x oxonianum (Druce's Crane's-bill), which had<br />
escaped from <strong>the</strong> garden across <strong>the</strong> road,<br />
Graeme keyed out Sedum hispanicum (Spanish<br />
Stonecrop), which was adorning a nearby wall.<br />
Cochlearia pyrenaica ssp. pyrenaica (Pyrenean<br />
Scurvygrass) was on <strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> a roadside<br />
ditch. A short walk over more acidic terrain,<br />
due to glacial drift, brought us down to <strong>the</strong> mine<br />
site where <strong>the</strong>re was a more calcicole flora<br />
again. A splendid display <strong>of</strong> Cystopteris fragilis<br />
(Brittle Bladder-fern) enhanced <strong>the</strong> entrance<br />
<strong>of</strong> an adit. Both Minuartia verna (Spring<br />
Sandwort) and <strong>the</strong> similar Sagina nodosa<br />
(Knotted Pearlwort) were scattered across <strong>the</strong><br />
area. We managed to find two disappointingly<br />
poor specimens <strong>of</strong> Dryopteris submontana<br />
(Rigid Buckler Fern). On <strong>the</strong> uphill walk back<br />
to <strong>the</strong> cars a good excuse to pause for breath<br />
was provided by <strong>the</strong> entirely yellow form <strong>of</strong><br />
Viola lutea (Mountain Pansy) and Mentha<br />
xvillosonervata = M. spicata x M. longifolia<br />
(Sharp-too<strong>the</strong>d Mint), which has distinctive<br />
whitish leaves but was not yet in flower. We<br />
moved across to Upper Wharfedale where<br />
Kevin showed us <strong>the</strong> meadow where he had<br />
monitored Crepis mollis (Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Hawk'sbeard)<br />
last year. There was Crepis paludosa<br />
(Marsh Hawk's-beard) for comparison, as well<br />
as several o<strong>the</strong>r "yellow daisies". The wea<strong>the</strong>r<br />
had stayed fine all day and we only had a heavy<br />
shower while we were waiting for our table to<br />
be ready at <strong>the</strong> Fountaine Inn at Linton where<br />
we had a good meal in good company.<br />
On Sunday we re-convened at <strong>the</strong> Ballowfield<br />
Local Nature Reserve in Wensleydale,<br />
and, having made our way round a group <strong>of</strong><br />
hippies who had been camping <strong>the</strong>re, we<br />
admired <strong>the</strong> orchids: Dactylorhiza fuchsii<br />
(Common Spotted-orchid), D. purpurella<br />
(Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Marsh-orchid) and, <strong>of</strong> course,<br />
hybrids. The reserve includes large areas <strong>of</strong><br />
calaminarian grassland supporting colonies <strong>of</strong><br />
Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift), Thlaspi caerulescens<br />
(Alpine Pennycress), Minuartia verna<br />
(Spring Sandwort) and Botrychium lunaria<br />
(Moonwort). By <strong>the</strong> stream, Bill Thompson<br />
spotted <strong>the</strong> hybrid Equisetum xlitorale (Shore<br />
Horsetail), possibly <strong>the</strong> first record for <strong>the</strong><br />
vice-county. Under <strong>the</strong> guidance <strong>of</strong> Deborah<br />
Millward, we <strong>the</strong>n made our way up to <strong>the</strong> ridge<br />
above Haw Bank, which was resplendent with<br />
Helian<strong>the</strong>mum nummularium (Rockrose).<br />
However, we were searching for Orobanche<br />
alba (Thyme Broornrape). There was no sign<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> four spikes which Deborah had seen a<br />
week earlier, but eventually Graeme earned his<br />
gold star when he spotted two very small specimens<br />
hiding amongst <strong>the</strong> Thyme. On <strong>the</strong> way<br />
down John Newbould spotted ano<strong>the</strong>r "odd"<br />
Horsetail on some mineral workings. Although<br />
yet to be confirmed, this looked like Equisetum<br />
xrothmaleri. If so, it would be <strong>the</strong> second new<br />
county record for <strong>the</strong> day! We <strong>the</strong>n moved on<br />
to Marsett, where <strong>the</strong> first target was Carum<br />
carvi (Caraway) on <strong>the</strong> village green. This was<br />
duly sniffed and tasted, which reminded some<br />
<strong>of</strong> us <strong>of</strong> wartime Britain when seedcake was an<br />
occasional tea-time treat. Then on to Marsett<br />
Rigg SSSI, a steep species-rich hillside reserve<br />
covered in flushes. funcus acutiflorus (Sharpflowered<br />
Rush) was dominant in <strong>the</strong> damper<br />
areas, but <strong>the</strong> Orchids seen earlier were <strong>the</strong>re<br />
too, as well as a good population <strong>of</strong> Dactylorhiza<br />
viridis (Frog Orchid) and Gymnadenia<br />
conopsea ssp. borealis (Heath Fragrant<br />
Orchid). A "silvery" Lady's-mantle noticed<br />
last year by Linda Robinson turned out to be<br />
Alchemilla glaucescens. This was strikingly<br />
pale, due to <strong>the</strong> fact that it is hairy on <strong>the</strong> upper
50 Field meeting reports: 2009 - Nidderdale (v.c.64) and Wensleydale (v.c.65) /<br />
Bog and fen in Co. Clare (v.c.H09)<br />
surface <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leaves as well as below, and even<br />
<strong>the</strong> pedicels in <strong>the</strong> tight cluster <strong>of</strong> flowers are<br />
hairy. This is an excellent record for a species<br />
that is very uncommon outside v.c. 64. The<br />
flushes were rich in sedges, and good specimens<br />
<strong>of</strong> Carex hostiana (Tawny Sedge),<br />
C. viridula ssp brachyrhyncha (Long-stalked<br />
Yellow-sedge) and <strong>the</strong> hybrid C. xfulva were<br />
all duly noted, growing with C. pallescens (Pale<br />
Sedge), C. nigra (Common Sedge), C. panicea<br />
(Carnation Sedge), C. flacca (Glaucous Sedge)<br />
and C. dioica ((Dioecious Sedge). O<strong>the</strong>r<br />
goodies included Primulafarinosa (Bird's-eye<br />
Primrose) and Trollius europaeus<br />
(Globeflower). We were gradually edgeing<br />
towards a Hawthorn where Pseudorchis albida<br />
(Small White Orchid) was known to be. Sure<br />
enough, we found half a dozen, past <strong>the</strong>ir best,<br />
but still with a few flowers remaining. A good<br />
finale, and to see us cheerily on our way home<br />
<strong>the</strong>re was some Schrecklich comment about<br />
Tussilago goingfarfaraway!<br />
Bog and fen in Co. Clare (v.c.H09), 11th - 12th July<br />
STEPHEN WARD & SHARON PARR,joint v.c. recorders for Co. Clare<br />
Grey skies and Common Gulls with newly<br />
fledged chicks heralded our arrival. We stood at<br />
<strong>the</strong> edge <strong>of</strong> a fen, with whale-backs <strong>of</strong> limestone<br />
protruding amidst beds <strong>of</strong> Cladium (Saw-sedge)<br />
and Phragmites (Common Reed) which stretch<br />
some four miles away to <strong>the</strong> south-west. To <strong>the</strong><br />
north is <strong>the</strong> scenic backdrop <strong>of</strong> Mullagh Mor .<br />
Whilst <strong>the</strong>re is much more to fieldwork than<br />
clocking-up species, it is a measure <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> diversity<br />
<strong>of</strong> Rinecaha (R3692) that, in a walk <strong>of</strong> less<br />
than half-a-mile, we recorded 138 species in<br />
vegetation ranging from limestone pavement<br />
and rich fen to acid bog. Highlights included<br />
Eriophorum latifolium (Broad-leaved Cottongrass;<br />
funcus subnodulosus (Blunt-flowered<br />
Rush); all three species <strong>of</strong> Drosera (sundews);<br />
Utricularia minor (Lesser Bladderwort) and<br />
U. intermedia (Intermediate Bladderwort);<br />
orchids, including Dactylorhiza fuchsii<br />
(Common Spotted-orchid), D. incarnata ssp.<br />
pulchella (Early Marsh-orchid), D. maculata<br />
(Heath Spotted-orchid), Epipactis helleborine<br />
(Marsh Helleborine), Gymnadenia conopsea<br />
(Fragrant Orchid); Gentiana verna (Spring<br />
Gentian) in seed on <strong>the</strong> limestone grasslands;<br />
Calluna (Hea<strong>the</strong>r) with Nar<strong>the</strong>cium ossifragum<br />
(Bog Asphodel), Rhynchospora alba (White<br />
Beak-sedge) and Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern),<br />
Schoenus nigricans (Black Bog-rush), and<br />
Selaginella selaginoides (Lesser Clubmoss); as<br />
well as a variety <strong>of</strong> sedges, including Carex<br />
dioica (Dioecious Sedge), C. echinata (Star<br />
Sedge), C. hostiana (Tawny Sedge), C. leporina<br />
(=ovalis) (Oval Sedge), C. pulicaris (Flea<br />
Sedge) and C. viridula ssp. brachyrrhyncha<br />
(Long-stalked Yellow-sedge).<br />
Lunchtime found us sheltering from <strong>the</strong> rain<br />
borne on an increasingly blustery westerly gale,<br />
which somewhat curtailed our afternoon recording.<br />
Beside Loch Muckanagh, where <strong>the</strong> land is<br />
cattle-grazed, we recorded 145 species, by<br />
which time we were soaked. Here, highlights<br />
included Utricularia vulgaris (Common<br />
Bladderwort), Anacamptis pyramidalis<br />
(Pyramidal Orchid), Carex rostrata (Bottle<br />
Sedge), Potentilla fruticosa (Shrubby Cinquefoil)<br />
and Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (Frogbit).<br />
The next day, we visited Dromore Woods<br />
NNR and ventured down to <strong>the</strong> banks <strong>of</strong> River<br />
Fergus, flanked with Schoenoplectus lacustris<br />
(Common Club-rush), with <strong>the</strong> occasional<br />
Baldellia ranunculoides (Lesser Water-plantain)<br />
and Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush). In<br />
Dromore Loch, both Nuphar lutea (Yellow<br />
Water-lily) and Nymphaea alba (White Waterlily)<br />
were in flower, and Lythrum salicaria<br />
(Purple Loosestrife) gave vivid splashes <strong>of</strong><br />
purple. Heavy showers alternated with bright<br />
sun, but <strong>the</strong> exceptionally high water levels<br />
limited exploration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> wetlands.<br />
The group comprised Sharon Parr, Fiona<br />
Devery, Michael Archer, Jenny Seawright,<br />
Megan Morris, Margaret Marshall, Mary<br />
Vaughan and Stephen Ward.<br />
Footnote:<br />
On a visit to Rinecaha just four days later,<br />
Sharon recorded Utricularia australis<br />
(Bladderwort) in flower, making a total <strong>of</strong> four<br />
Utricularia species in all.
Report <strong>of</strong> overseas field meeting - 2009 - Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile (Spain) 51<br />
REPORT OF OVERSEAS FIELD MEETING - 2009<br />
Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile (Spain), 13 th May - 20 th May<br />
Thirteen members joined leaders Teresa<br />
Farino and Jon Cox for a week to explore this<br />
relatively unknown area <strong>of</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn Spain,<br />
which straddles <strong>the</strong> confluence <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
provinces <strong>of</strong> Palencia (P), Burgos (Bu) and<br />
Cantabria (S). The high limestone plateaux <strong>of</strong><br />
this region are known as pdramos, where <strong>the</strong><br />
'bones' <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> land protrude through <strong>the</strong> thin<br />
soils, creating a charismatic landscape <strong>of</strong> crags<br />
and buttresses, interspersed with low-intensity<br />
cereal cultivations, species-rich grasslands<br />
and fragments <strong>of</strong> evergreen oak forest. We<br />
also visited more montane habitats in <strong>the</strong><br />
Cordillera Cantiibrica to <strong>the</strong> north - both on<br />
limestone and siliceous bedrock - as well as<br />
<strong>the</strong> impressive river canyon carved out by <strong>the</strong><br />
infant Ebro.<br />
Mid-May normally sees <strong>the</strong> cereal fields <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> paramos teeming with arable weeds, but<br />
we found <strong>the</strong> season to be abnormally late,<br />
following one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> hardest winters in recent<br />
years. All agreed, however, that despite <strong>the</strong><br />
lack <strong>of</strong> colourful displays <strong>of</strong> poppies and<br />
cornflowers, <strong>the</strong>re was more than enough <strong>of</strong><br />
botanical interest to keep us on our toes.<br />
The taxonomy used in <strong>the</strong> following report<br />
follows Flora Iberica as far as possible.<br />
Teresa and Jon would like to extend <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
heartfelt thanks to Lynne Farrell for collating<br />
each day's findings in <strong>the</strong> evenings, resulting<br />
in a total species list for <strong>the</strong> week <strong>of</strong> almost<br />
600 taxa.<br />
13 th May - Hoyos del Tozo (Bu)<br />
Having collected everyone from Madrid<br />
airport, we drove up <strong>the</strong> Al to Burgos, <strong>the</strong>n<br />
spent an hour or so botanising on a dry<br />
limestone plateau and small canyon near<br />
Hoyos del Tozo, on <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn margin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Paramo de La Lora. In what was to become<br />
<strong>the</strong> pattern for <strong>the</strong> week, no sooner had <strong>the</strong><br />
minibuses ground to a halt than botanists<br />
fanned out in all directions, in search <strong>of</strong> bot anical<br />
gems. Those <strong>of</strong> us who stayed fairly close<br />
to <strong>the</strong> vehicles in <strong>the</strong> first instance found a<br />
wealth <strong>of</strong> orchids - many <strong>of</strong> which were <strong>of</strong><br />
inordinately small stature following <strong>the</strong> hard<br />
winter - including Anacamptis moria;<br />
(=Orchis moria; Green-winged Orchid),<br />
Orchis anthropophora (=Aceras anthropophorum;<br />
Man Orchid), Dactylorhiza insularis<br />
(Barton's Orchid), Ophrys tenthredinifera<br />
(Sawfly Ophrys), Ophrys lutea (Yellow<br />
Ophrys) and Ophrys sphegodes (Early Spiderorchid).<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r monocots growing here<br />
were stately Asphodelus albus and A. aestivus<br />
(White and Common Asphodels), Aphyllan<strong>the</strong>s<br />
monspeliensis (Blue Aphyllan<strong>the</strong>s) and<br />
Muscari comosum (Tassel Hyacinth). The<br />
low-growing, white-flowered Spiraea hypericifolia<br />
ssp. obovata was <strong>the</strong> predominant<br />
shrub on <strong>the</strong> plateau, in <strong>the</strong> shelter <strong>of</strong> which<br />
grew a number <strong>of</strong> scarce <strong>British</strong> species,<br />
notably Viola kitaibeliana (Dwarf Pansy),<br />
Trinia glauca (Honewort) and Carex humilis<br />
(Dwarf Sedge). Incredibly, some attempt had<br />
been made to cultivate cereals on <strong>the</strong> exceedingly<br />
thin soils here, with <strong>the</strong>se more disturbed<br />
areas turning up <strong>the</strong> shepherd's-needle<br />
Scandix australis ,Asterolinon linum-stellatum<br />
(Asterolinon) and Neatostema apulum<br />
(Yellow Gromwell).<br />
The walls <strong>of</strong> a small limestone gorge nearby<br />
were decorated with bushes <strong>of</strong> Amelanchier<br />
ovalis (Snowy Mespilus) in full flower, among<br />
which flourished <strong>the</strong> eye-catching creamy<br />
flowers - up to 4cm in diameter - <strong>of</strong> Thalictrum<br />
tuberosum, plus Hornungia petraea<br />
(Hutchinsia), <strong>the</strong> fleshy-leaved Saxifraga<br />
cuneata (see Back Cover) and Globularia<br />
vulgaris (Common Globularia). Such was <strong>the</strong><br />
enthusiasm engendered by this first taste <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
pdramos that it took quite some time to round<br />
everyone up to drive <strong>the</strong> final few kilometres<br />
to our hotel in <strong>the</strong> converted convent <strong>of</strong> Santa<br />
Maria de Mave, but eventually we were<br />
tucking in to our first delicious evening meal<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> week.
52 Report <strong>of</strong> overseas field meeting - 2009 - Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile (Spain)<br />
14th May 2009 - Las Tuerces (P)<br />
Our first full day in <strong>the</strong> field dawned fair, but<br />
with a brisk north-easterly wind. We drove<br />
just a short distance to <strong>the</strong> foot <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
limestone 'sculpture city' <strong>of</strong> Las Tuerces,<br />
where Leslie gave us a succinct introduction to<br />
<strong>the</strong> willows growing along <strong>the</strong> margins <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Rio Pisuerga, for <strong>the</strong> most part Salix atrocinerea,<br />
Salix fragilis (Crack Willow) and<br />
S. purpurea (Purple Willow). The river itself<br />
sported lush ribbons <strong>of</strong> Ranunculus penicillatus<br />
(Stream Water-Crowfoot).<br />
We spent <strong>the</strong> morning strolling through <strong>the</strong><br />
village <strong>of</strong> Villaescusa de las Torres, where <strong>the</strong><br />
dry-stone walls were festooned with Sedum<br />
dasyphyllum (Thick-leaved Stonecrop),<br />
Telephium imperati, Saxifraga tridactylites<br />
(Rue-leaved Saxifrage) and Campanula erinus<br />
(Annual Bellflower). The more natural rockgardens,<br />
by contrast, were a gloriously colourful<br />
melange <strong>of</strong> yellow-flowered Stachys recta<br />
(Perennial Yellow Woundwort), <strong>the</strong> Iberian<br />
endemic toadflax Linaria badalii and <strong>the</strong><br />
composite Pallenis spinosa, startling blue<br />
Linum narbonense (Beautiful Flax), Marrubium<br />
vulgare (White Horehound) and <strong>the</strong> star<strong>of</strong>-Bethlehem<br />
Ornithogalum narbonense.<br />
The dominant shrubs here were <strong>the</strong> horribly<br />
spiny Genista scorpius, Amelanchier ova lis<br />
and Jasminumfruticans (Wild Jasmine), while<br />
<strong>the</strong> margins <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> track hosted annuals such as<br />
Papaver argemone (Prickly Poppy), Silene<br />
conica (Sand Catchfly), Petrorhagia prolifera<br />
(Proliferous Pink), Euphorbia serrata,<br />
Scandix pecten-veneris (Shepherd's-needle),<br />
Anchusa arvensis (Bugloss) and Centranthus<br />
calcitrapae (Annual Valerian). Those <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
group who were investigating a parallel route<br />
along <strong>the</strong> crest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> adjacent limestone ridge<br />
were rewarded with a brief glimpse <strong>of</strong> a small<br />
Lataste's Viper, as well as that rare <strong>British</strong><br />
umbellifer Bupleurum baldense (Small<br />
Hare's-ear).<br />
After lunch we explored <strong>the</strong> labyrinth <strong>of</strong><br />
limestone pillars and buttresses on <strong>the</strong> summit<br />
<strong>of</strong>Las Tuerces. One <strong>of</strong> our target species was<br />
<strong>the</strong> curious little fern Asplenium seelosii ssp.<br />
glabrum - a ra<strong>the</strong>r scarce species in Spain -<br />
for which Teresa had found an old record from<br />
<strong>the</strong> area, despite it not being listed as present<br />
in Palencia in Flora Iberica. Martin's sharp<br />
eyes soon located <strong>the</strong> first specimen, and we<br />
went on to discover a dozen or so clumps<br />
growing in shady nooks on <strong>the</strong> north-facing<br />
exposures <strong>of</strong> several outcrops.<br />
The wind-swept upper plateau <strong>of</strong> Las<br />
Tuerces boasted Ranunculus gramineus and<br />
R. paludosus (Grass-leaved and Jersey Buttercups),<br />
silvery-leaved Plantago monosperma<br />
ssp. discolor, Valeriana tuberosa, with small,<br />
pink heads, <strong>the</strong> montane cornflower Centaurea<br />
triumfetti, <strong>the</strong> conspicuous yellow flowers<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> viper's-grass Scorzonera hispanica, <strong>the</strong><br />
Afro-Iberian endemic Poa ligulata and<br />
Ophrys fusca (Dull Ophrys), as well as drifts<br />
<strong>of</strong> diminutive Muscari neglectum (Common<br />
Grape-hyacinth) and Tulipa sylvestris ssp.<br />
australis (Wild Tulip), <strong>the</strong> latter unfortunately<br />
past <strong>the</strong>ir best. Areas <strong>of</strong> seepage harboured<br />
Schoenus nigricans (Black Bog-rush) and<br />
Adiantum capillus-veneris (Maidenhair Fern).<br />
15 th May - Fontibre and Alto Campoo (S)<br />
For a complete change <strong>of</strong> scenery, we drove<br />
north to Alto Campoo, at <strong>the</strong> head <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> valley<br />
that runs west from Reinosa towards <strong>the</strong> peak<br />
<strong>of</strong> Tres Mares, stopping briefly en route at<br />
Fontibre: <strong>the</strong> source <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rio Ebro, from<br />
which <strong>the</strong> Iberian Peninsula gets its name.<br />
Despite being essentially a poplar plantation,<br />
Fontibre boasts a ra<strong>the</strong>r rich ground flora,<br />
among which we located Ophioglossum<br />
vulgatum (Adder's-tongue), Helleborus<br />
foetidus (Green Hellebore), Saxifraga granulata<br />
(Meadow Saxifrage), Cruciata laevipes<br />
(Crosswort) and many o<strong>the</strong>r shade-tolerant<br />
species familiar from <strong>the</strong> UK. Brighter<br />
splashes <strong>of</strong> colour announced <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong><br />
purplish Pulmonaria longifolia (Narrowleaved<br />
Lungwort) and yellow Symphytum<br />
tuberosum (Tuberous Comfrey).<br />
More interesting, however, for most <strong>of</strong> us,<br />
were <strong>the</strong> splendid specimens <strong>of</strong> Orchis pallens<br />
(Pale-flowered Orchid) and O. provincialis<br />
(Provence Orchid), <strong>the</strong> former with broad,<br />
unspotted leaves and robust spikes <strong>of</strong> lemonyellow<br />
flowers, and <strong>the</strong> latter with short,<br />
relatively few-flowered spikes <strong>of</strong> delicate,<br />
long-spurred flowers, <strong>the</strong> lip <strong>of</strong> each being
Report <strong>of</strong> overseas field meeting - 2009 - Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile (Spain) 53<br />
speckled with orange. Some well-grown<br />
plants <strong>of</strong> Polygonatum multiflorum<br />
(Solomon's-seal), clumps <strong>of</strong> pale-blue Scilla<br />
verna (Spring Squill) and a sheet <strong>of</strong> Fritillaria<br />
pyrenaica (Pyrenean Snakeshead), <strong>the</strong> flowers<br />
sadly well past <strong>the</strong>ir best, completed <strong>the</strong> list <strong>of</strong><br />
monocots found here.<br />
Teresa confessed to some anxiety as to what<br />
we would find at <strong>the</strong> head <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> valley, above<br />
<strong>the</strong> Alto Camp60 ski station, because<br />
snowfalls had been heavy and lingering.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> sun shone and snowmelt-fed<br />
streams cascaded over <strong>the</strong> igneous rocks and<br />
peaty soils, revealing <strong>the</strong> first flushes <strong>of</strong> a flora<br />
quite different to that <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> limestone we<br />
visited most o<strong>the</strong>r days. The short turf at<br />
around 2,OOOm was studded with <strong>the</strong> nodding<br />
pink-purple heads <strong>of</strong> Erythronium dens-canis<br />
(Dog's-tooth-violet) and drifts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> smallest<br />
<strong>of</strong> all trumpet daffodils, Narcissus jacetanus<br />
ssp. vasconicus, with straight cylindrical<br />
trumpets and thin, transparent or browning,<br />
spa<strong>the</strong>s, as well as a few <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tiny hooppetticoat<br />
daffodil: N. bulbocodium ssp. nivalis.<br />
Leslie pointed out that, like many montane<br />
species, <strong>the</strong>se narcissi have <strong>the</strong> simplest<br />
genetic make-up, both being diploids.<br />
Here too we came across splendidly floriferous<br />
clumps <strong>of</strong> Spring Gentian (Gentiana<br />
verna) , as well as Thlaspi caerulescens<br />
(Alpine Penny-cress), Pinguicula grandiflora<br />
(Large-flowered Butterwort), Ajuga pyramidalis<br />
(Pyramidal Bugle) and Cruciata glabra.<br />
Several pteridophytes were seen only here<br />
during <strong>the</strong> week, notably Selaginella selaginoides<br />
(Lesser Clubmoss) Cryptogramma<br />
crispa (Parsley Feru) , Dryopteris oreades<br />
(Mountain Male-fern) and, curiously, given<br />
<strong>the</strong> granite bedrock, Polystichum lonchitis<br />
(Holly-fern) .<br />
A little fur<strong>the</strong>r down <strong>the</strong> valley we paused to<br />
examine <strong>the</strong> head-high scrub <strong>of</strong> pink-flowered<br />
Erica australis (Spanish Heath; in full bloom),<br />
white-flowered E. arborea (Tree Heath; still<br />
in bud) and <strong>the</strong> greenweed Genista obtusiramea,<br />
endemic to north-western Iberia, among<br />
which were growing less l<strong>of</strong>ty Erica vagans<br />
(Cornish Heath), Calluna vulgaris (Ling),<br />
Pterospartium tridentatum, with undulate,<br />
too<strong>the</strong>d wings on <strong>the</strong> stems, and Genista<br />
anglica (Petty Whin). A second stop at <strong>the</strong><br />
Mirador de la Joyanca turned up some delightful<br />
Narcissus triandrus (Angel's-tears), as<br />
well as <strong>the</strong> striking Daboecia cantabrica (St<br />
Dabeoc's Heath), plus Moenchia erecta<br />
(Upright Chickweed), Arenaria montana<br />
(Large-flowered Sandwort) and white-flowered<br />
Potentilla montana, whose leaves are<br />
too<strong>the</strong>d only at <strong>the</strong> tip.<br />
On our return trip to Mave we visited an area<br />
<strong>of</strong> wet, acid pastures to <strong>the</strong> north <strong>of</strong> Salcedillo,<br />
dominated by Nardus stricta (Mat-grass).<br />
Colour was provided by pink and purple<br />
Lathyrus linifolius (Bitter-vetch), Vicia<br />
orobus (Upright Vetch), Pedicularis sylvatica<br />
(Lousewort), Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath<br />
Spotted-orchid) and some lovely pale-rosetinted<br />
Orchis morio, plus yellow Pedicularis<br />
schizocalyx (an Iberian endemic), Scorzonera<br />
humilis (Viper's-grass), Dactylorhiza<br />
sambucina var. lutea (Elder-flowered Orchid)<br />
and Narcissus bulbocodium ssp. bulbocodium.<br />
There was just enough time left for a quick<br />
visit to <strong>the</strong> Romanesque collegiate church at<br />
Cervatos, which is renowned for <strong>the</strong> 'erotic'<br />
gargoyles that decorate <strong>the</strong> eaves; frankly we<br />
were astonished that such graphic sculptures<br />
should adorn a place <strong>of</strong> worship!<br />
16 th May - Paramo de La Lora (Bu & S)<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> day started with heavy cloud, it<br />
steadily improved to become sunny and warm,<br />
but was very windy throughout. Our first stop<br />
was on a grassy hillside amongst limestone<br />
outcrops on <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn margin <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Paramo, where we found striking clumps <strong>of</strong><br />
Adonis vernalis (Yellow Pheasant's-eye) and<br />
<strong>the</strong> lovely scarlet peony Paeonia <strong>of</strong>ficinalis<br />
ssp. microcarpa. Orchids were abundant, in<br />
particular Orchis purpurea (Lady Orchid),<br />
o. mascula (Early Purple Orchid), Anacamptis<br />
morio and Orchis anthropophora, plus<br />
Ophrys lutea, O. jusca and O. sphegodes.<br />
Along <strong>the</strong> edges <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cereal fields we<br />
encountered Ranunculus arvensis (Corn<br />
Buttercup), with its 'spiny' carpels, <strong>the</strong> Iberian<br />
endemic mignonette Reseda barrelieri,<br />
Androsace maxima (Annual Androsace) and<br />
Asperula arvensis (Blue Woodruff).
54 Report <strong>of</strong> overseas field meeting - 2009 - Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile (Spain)<br />
From Sargentes de la Lora, we turned north<br />
along dusty tracks and parked on <strong>the</strong> Paramo<br />
de La Lora proper: slabs <strong>of</strong> baked limestone,<br />
punctuated only by scattered rocky outcrops,<br />
a few small copses <strong>of</strong> stunted Quercus ilex ssp.<br />
ballota (Western Holm Oak) and some diffident<br />
attempts at cultivation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> thin soils.<br />
There was little vegetation above knee<br />
height, but <strong>the</strong> predominant woody species<br />
were Juniperus communis (Common Juniper),<br />
Spiraea hypericifolia ssp. obovata, Genista<br />
hispanicus ssp. occidentalis (Spanish Gorse)<br />
and G. scorpius. Ranunculus gramineus and<br />
Linum narbonense were accompanied by<br />
Iberis saxatilis, <strong>the</strong> Spanish endemic stork's<br />
bill Erodium daucoides (see Back Cover) and<br />
Parentucellia latifolia (Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Red Bartsia).<br />
Wherever <strong>the</strong>re was enough soil to sustain<br />
<strong>the</strong>m, <strong>the</strong>re were dense drifts <strong>of</strong> orchids,<br />
principally <strong>the</strong> Orchis and Ophrys species<br />
seen earlier, but with <strong>the</strong> addition <strong>of</strong> Neotinea<br />
maculata (Dense-flowered Orchid), and <strong>the</strong><br />
yellow Dactylorhiza insularis.<br />
Lunch was taken atop a small limestone<br />
cliff, at <strong>the</strong> base <strong>of</strong> which flourished a huge<br />
colony <strong>of</strong> Cystopterisfragilis (Brittle Bladderfern).<br />
In <strong>the</strong> afternoon, some members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
group explored a nearby stream, encountering<br />
a flora a little more familiar to us from nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Europe: Carex paniculata (Greater<br />
Tussock-sedge), Carex viridula ssp. brachyrrhyncha<br />
(= c. lepidocarpa; Long-stalked<br />
Yellow-Sedge), lemon-yellow Tetragonolobus<br />
maritimus (Dragon's-teeth) and a solitary<br />
spike <strong>of</strong> Neottia ovata (= Listera ovata;<br />
Twayblade).<br />
Turning 'homewards', we visited one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
many Neolithic dolmens <strong>of</strong> La Lora, its central<br />
chamber lined with huge vertical slabs <strong>of</strong><br />
stone; <strong>the</strong>se laborious constructions are<br />
thought to have been <strong>of</strong> great religious or<br />
ritual significance to <strong>the</strong> people <strong>of</strong> that time.<br />
Nearby was a spring <strong>of</strong> clear water, around<br />
which we found <strong>the</strong> attractive crucifer Sisymbrella<br />
aspera ssp. aspera, Mentha pulegium<br />
(Pennyroyal), Senecio aquaticus (Marsh<br />
Ragwort) and a lemon-yellow hoop petticoat<br />
daffodil, which Leslie declared to be <strong>the</strong> tetraploid<br />
Narcissus bulbocodium ssp. citrinus.<br />
17th May - Puerto de Piedrasluengas (P)<br />
Sunday saw us heading back towards <strong>the</strong><br />
mountains, this time to <strong>the</strong> limestone-dominated<br />
pass <strong>of</strong> Piedrasluengas (1 ,355m).<br />
Emerging from Quercus pyrenaica (Pyrenean<br />
Oak) woodlands around Cervera de Pisuerga,<br />
we headed up into <strong>the</strong> stream-side meadows<br />
just below <strong>the</strong> pass, where large numbers <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> spectacular Narcissus pseudonarcissus<br />
were growing amongst vivid clumps <strong>of</strong><br />
Euphorbia hyberna (Irish Spurge), and we<br />
indulged in a little Narcissus-based taxonomic<br />
controversy: were <strong>the</strong>y in fact ssp.leonensis or<br />
nobilis? Cardamine raphanifolia (Greater<br />
Cucko<strong>of</strong>lower), Trollius europaeus<br />
(Globeflower) and Dactylorhiza incarnata<br />
(Early Marsh-orchid) were just coming into<br />
bloom along <strong>the</strong> margins <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> stream.<br />
From <strong>the</strong> mirador at <strong>the</strong> head <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pass,<br />
surrounded by beechwoods and jagged<br />
limestone crags, we admired <strong>the</strong> view <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Picos de Europa to <strong>the</strong> north. Soon we were<br />
hopping from crag to crag in search <strong>of</strong> alpine<br />
delights, but again <strong>the</strong> lateness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> season<br />
was evident, even on <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rly exposures.<br />
The nor<strong>the</strong>rn Spanish endemic Saxifraga<br />
canaliculata was everywhere, but barely in<br />
bud, while <strong>the</strong> lime-encrusting Saxifraga<br />
paniculata (Livelong Saxifrage) had to rely on<br />
its undoubted vegetative appeal. However,<br />
Anemone pavoniana was flowering very<br />
prettily on <strong>the</strong> cliffs and <strong>the</strong>re were bright<br />
splashes <strong>of</strong> yellow from <strong>the</strong> crucifer Erysimum<br />
duriaei. Both species are unique to <strong>the</strong><br />
Cordillera Cantabrica. O<strong>the</strong>r crucifers in<br />
flower were <strong>the</strong> dainty Pritzelago (= Hutchinsia)<br />
alpina ssp. auerswaldii, growing alongside<br />
'pincushions' <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> local endemic Draba<br />
dedeana, and we were also delighted with <strong>the</strong><br />
Iberian endemic grass Oreochloa confusa,<br />
distinguished by its neat, two-ranked spikes.<br />
More widespread montane plants here<br />
included sheets <strong>of</strong> Potentilla crantzii (Alpine<br />
Cinquefoil), Ribes alpinum (Mountain<br />
Currant), <strong>the</strong> delicate pink-and-white Potentilla<br />
micrantha and Astragalus depressus<br />
(Sprawling Milk-vetch). Acinos alpinus<br />
(Alpine Calamint) and Chaenorhinum origanifolium<br />
(Malling Toadflax) looked good
Report <strong>of</strong> overseas field meeting - 2009 - Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile (Spain) 55<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r on <strong>the</strong> rocks, and several early spikes<br />
<strong>of</strong> Himantoglossum hircinum (Lizard Orchid)<br />
decorated one sunny slope. As we descended<br />
to <strong>the</strong> road, <strong>the</strong> banks were full <strong>of</strong> deep-purple<br />
Viola bubanii (Violet Mountain Pansy), yet<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r nor<strong>the</strong>rn Spanish endemic.<br />
Despite <strong>the</strong> exciting novelties <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
morning, <strong>the</strong> highlight <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day for many <strong>of</strong><br />
us was <strong>the</strong> afternoon's walk through a small<br />
valley to <strong>the</strong> south <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pass: a little Arcadia<br />
<strong>of</strong> stream, meadow and beechwood. In<br />
damper spots we found white-flowered<br />
Ranunculus aconitifolius (Aconite-leaved<br />
Buttercup) and nodding Geum rivale (Water<br />
Avens), with Geranium sylvaticum (Wood<br />
Crane's-bill) and Crepis paludosa (Marsh<br />
Hawk's-beard) yet to bloom. On one crag,<br />
Arabis scabra (Bristol Rock-cress) could be<br />
admired, while <strong>the</strong> beechwoods were carpeted<br />
with flowering Scilla lilio-hyacinthus<br />
(Pyrenean Squill), in fair imitation <strong>of</strong> an<br />
English bluebell wood (see Back Cover), but<br />
dotted through with Hepatica nobilis<br />
(Hepatica), Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine),<br />
Corydalis cava (Hollow-root), Cardamine<br />
impatiens (Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress) and<br />
Primula elatior (Oxlip).<br />
In <strong>the</strong> woodland glades, <strong>the</strong> leaves <strong>of</strong>Adenostyles<br />
alliariae (Adenostyles), Lilium martagon<br />
(Martagon Lily) and Paris quadrifolia<br />
(Herb-Paris) gave promise <strong>of</strong> things to come,<br />
as did <strong>the</strong> sheets <strong>of</strong> glaucous-leaved Allium<br />
scorzonerifolium (= A. stramineum) in <strong>the</strong><br />
adjacent meadow. It was with horror, <strong>the</strong>refore,<br />
that we learned that <strong>the</strong> road here was<br />
due to be straightened and widened, almost<br />
certainly resulting in <strong>the</strong> destruction <strong>of</strong> this<br />
beautiful spot, and all in <strong>the</strong> interest <strong>of</strong> speeding<br />
up - and no doubt increasing - traffic<br />
between <strong>the</strong> central plains and <strong>the</strong> coast.<br />
Having reconvened at a site for Aconitum<br />
lamarckii, <strong>the</strong> Iberian endemic Ranunculus<br />
gouanii (Gouan's Buttercup) and Fly Honeysuckle<br />
(Loniceraxylosteum), we set <strong>of</strong>f for <strong>the</strong><br />
Romanesque church <strong>of</strong> San Salvador de<br />
Cantarnuda. Although we expected this to be<br />
a strictly cultural activity, <strong>the</strong> north wall <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
building turned up one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> real botanical<br />
surprises <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> week: Dryopteris submontana<br />
(Rigid Buckler-fern).<br />
Our final stop <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day was at ano<strong>the</strong>r little<br />
Romanesque chapel near Barrio de Santa<br />
Maria: a village that boasts an enormous<br />
number <strong>of</strong> nesting White Storks. As some <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> group admired <strong>the</strong> intricately carved<br />
capitals <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> chapel, o<strong>the</strong>rs examined <strong>the</strong><br />
crop <strong>of</strong> ruderal and arable weeds in <strong>the</strong><br />
surrounding cereals, to be rewarded by<br />
Thlaspi perfoliatum (Perfoliate Penny-cress),<br />
Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower) and a scarletflowered<br />
pheasant's-eye - in <strong>the</strong> absence <strong>of</strong><br />
ripe fruits, ei<strong>the</strong>r Adonis flammea or A. aestivalis<br />
ssp. squarrosus - as well as a new grass<br />
for <strong>the</strong> week, suspected by Arthur to be<br />
Hordeum hystrix.<br />
18 th May - Hoces del Ebro (Bu)<br />
This was certainly <strong>the</strong> most strenuous day <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> week, involving an llkm walk through <strong>the</strong><br />
spectacular limestone canyon <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Roces del<br />
Ebro. Stuart Redley (Teresa's co-leader from<br />
our Benasque tour in 2008) and Graeme Deas<br />
also spent <strong>the</strong> day with us, providing extra<br />
botanical expertise.<br />
While Teresa and Jon refuelled <strong>the</strong> vehicles,<br />
<strong>the</strong> group explored a small area <strong>of</strong> acid heathland<br />
near Respenda de Aguilar (P), which was<br />
dominated by <strong>the</strong> beautiful Erica umbellata,<br />
Lavandula stoechas (French Lavender) and<br />
<strong>the</strong> white-flowered 'sun-rose' Halimium<br />
umbellatum. Arthur informed us that among<br />
<strong>the</strong> more interesting grasses here were Mibora<br />
minima (Early Sand-grass), Micropyrum<br />
tenellum (Gravel Fescue), Vulpia unilateralis<br />
and Aira elegantissima. As well as <strong>the</strong> rare<br />
<strong>British</strong> species Veronica triphyllos (Fingered<br />
Speedwell), we also found <strong>the</strong> skull <strong>of</strong> a large<br />
canine by <strong>the</strong> roadside and speculated as to<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r it could have been that <strong>of</strong> a Wolf, as<br />
this part <strong>of</strong> Spain is known to harbour a<br />
healthy population <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se carnivores.<br />
We stopped for elevenses in <strong>the</strong> dry Mediterranean<br />
scrub, high above <strong>the</strong> Ebro gorge,<br />
where we saw at least three species <strong>of</strong> juniper:<br />
luniperus communis, 1. phoenicea (Phoenician<br />
Juniper) and 1. oxycedrus (Prickly<br />
Juniper), although ra<strong>the</strong>r more eye-catching<br />
were <strong>the</strong> low clumps <strong>of</strong> yellow-flowered,
56 Report <strong>of</strong> overseas field meeting - 2009 - Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile (Spain)<br />
silvery-leaved Argyrolobium zanonii, Leuzea<br />
conifera (Cone Knapweed) and Allium roseum<br />
(Rosy Garlic).<br />
At <strong>the</strong> start <strong>of</strong> our trek, in Pesquera de Ebro,<br />
we set <strong>of</strong>fthrough open fields full <strong>of</strong> magnificent<br />
stands <strong>of</strong> delicate Silene nutans<br />
(Nottingham Catchfly), Coronilla scorpioides<br />
(Annual Scorpion-vetch), <strong>the</strong> umbellifer<br />
Laserpitium eliasii, <strong>the</strong> shrubby plantain<br />
Plantago sempervirens, <strong>the</strong> distinctive grass<br />
Aegilops geniculatus and Ophrys scolopax<br />
(Woodcock Ophrys). On reaching <strong>the</strong> banks<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ebro, we marvelled at <strong>the</strong> substantial<br />
patches <strong>of</strong> Lathraea clandestina (Purple<br />
Toothwort) that were parasitizing <strong>the</strong> roots <strong>of</strong><br />
some <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> Populus nigra (Black Poplar) trees.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r dominant canopy species<br />
<strong>of</strong> this riverine forest was Fraxinus angustifolia<br />
(Narrow-leaved Ash), <strong>the</strong> shrub layer and<br />
ground flora was ra<strong>the</strong>r similar to that <strong>of</strong> an<br />
English woodland, albeit belied by an<br />
abundance <strong>of</strong> scarce <strong>British</strong> species such as<br />
Lithospermum purpureocaeruleum (= Buglossoides<br />
purpureocaerulea; Purple Gromwell),<br />
Melittis melissophyllum (Bastard Balm) and<br />
Scirpoides holoschoenus (Round-headed<br />
Club-rush), and firmly disproven by clumps <strong>of</strong><br />
Petrocoptis pyrenaica ssp. glaucifolia (Blueleaved<br />
Petrocoptis) and Sarcocapnos enneaphylla<br />
on a shady crag.<br />
Eventually <strong>the</strong> shady deciduous forest gave<br />
way to more open, evergreen vegetation,<br />
where we picnicked amid pink cushions <strong>of</strong><br />
Saponaria ocymoides (Rock Soapwort) and<br />
yellow Helichrysum stoechas, with a pair <strong>of</strong><br />
Egyptian Vultures circling overhead. Afterwards<br />
we made a brief side excursion to see<br />
Fumana ericoides, Ajuga ehamaepitys<br />
(Ground-pine), Orobanche gracilis (Slender<br />
Broomrape) and Limodorum abortivum<br />
(Violet Limodore).<br />
After lunch, most members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> group<br />
continued on through <strong>the</strong> gorge, with Teresa<br />
examining each and every Limodorum en<br />
route in <strong>the</strong> hopes <strong>of</strong> locating <strong>the</strong> L. trabutianum<br />
(Trabut's Limodore) she had found<br />
here in <strong>the</strong> past, but sadly none had <strong>the</strong> very<br />
short spur typical <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> species. We did,<br />
however, encounter many o<strong>the</strong>r botanical<br />
gems along <strong>the</strong> way, including Equisetum<br />
variegatum (Variegated Horsetail), <strong>the</strong> birthwortAristolochia<br />
paucinervis, <strong>the</strong> silver-hairy<br />
mercury Mercurialis tomentosa, Arabis<br />
turrita (Tower-cress), Sorbus domestiea (True<br />
Service-tree), <strong>the</strong> linear-leaved, salmon-pinkflowered<br />
Lathyrus cieera and much larger,<br />
pink-flowered Lathyrus latifolius (Broadleaved<br />
Everlasting-pea), as well as Cephalan<strong>the</strong>ra<br />
rubra (Red Helleborine) in bud.<br />
19 th May - Olleros de Pisllerga (P) and Peiia<br />
Amaya (Bll)<br />
Our last day in <strong>the</strong> pdramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Castile arrived. First, by popular vote, we<br />
visited <strong>the</strong> local market in Aguilar de Campoo,<br />
joining <strong>the</strong> influx <strong>of</strong> local inhabitants already<br />
making <strong>the</strong>ir way into <strong>the</strong> arcaded square.<br />
Lynne, however, spent this time delving into<br />
<strong>the</strong> depths <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rio Pisuerga, turning up<br />
Groenlandia densa (Opposite-leaved<br />
Pondweed), while Arthur and Gerard<br />
rummaged along <strong>the</strong> banks, producing Carex<br />
acuta (Slender Tufted-sedge), C. acutiformis<br />
(Lesser Pond-sedge) and C. riparia (Greater<br />
Pond-sedge).<br />
After <strong>the</strong> market, we stopped to explore<br />
some hay-meadow-like grasslands in Olleros<br />
de Pisuerga. The most productive field<br />
supported a good population <strong>of</strong> Rhinanthus<br />
minor (Yellow-rattle), which had successfully<br />
reduced <strong>the</strong> vigour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grasses, thus<br />
enabling less competitive plants to gain a<br />
foothold. As a result, we located Lathyrus<br />
aphaca (Yellow Vetchling), Malva moschata<br />
(Musk Mallow), a healthy population <strong>of</strong> Carex<br />
divisa (Divided Sedge), which is exceedingly<br />
rare in <strong>the</strong> UK, and <strong>the</strong> star-<strong>of</strong>-Bethlehem<br />
Ornithogalum orthophyllum. John also found<br />
Equisetum ramosissimum (Branched Horsetail):<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r exceptionally scarce <strong>British</strong><br />
species, although its status as a native plant in<br />
<strong>the</strong> UK is doubtful. Our attempt to visit <strong>the</strong><br />
renowned 6 th century 'cave church' here was<br />
foiled by <strong>the</strong> fact that <strong>the</strong> sacristan had broken<br />
her leg, but we did find Paronychia polygonifolia<br />
and Convolvulus lineatus growing<br />
around <strong>the</strong> entrance, and Arthur collected a<br />
species <strong>of</strong> Agrostis that he'd never seen before.
Report <strong>of</strong> overseas field meeting - 2009 - Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile (Spain) 57<br />
We ate Teresa's last splendid picnic lunch in<br />
<strong>the</strong> attractive gardens <strong>of</strong> El Convento, after<br />
which some <strong>of</strong> us flitted between flowerbeds,<br />
just like <strong>the</strong> butterflies we were trying to<br />
photograph. Not surprisingly, garden varieties<br />
<strong>of</strong> Dianthus barbatus (Sweet-William) and<br />
Hesperis matronalis (Dame's-violet) attracted<br />
<strong>the</strong> most insects, including Hummingbird<br />
Hawk-moths (Macroglossum stellatarum),<br />
Queen <strong>of</strong> Spain Fritillaries and a ra<strong>the</strong>r<br />
languid Cardinal (Argynnis pandora) , whose<br />
image was captured beautifully by Liz.<br />
After lunch we headed for <strong>the</strong> hills for <strong>the</strong><br />
last time, our destination <strong>the</strong> magnificent twotiered<br />
limestone buttresses <strong>of</strong> Pefia Amaya.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> way, we stopped briefly in <strong>the</strong> extensive<br />
arable fields to <strong>the</strong> south, finding Pisum<br />
sativum (Garden Pea) and Vaccaria hispanica<br />
(Cow Basil), plus many <strong>of</strong> our old favourites:<br />
Ranunculus arvensis, Papaver argemone,<br />
Scandix pecten-veneris and S. australis.<br />
From <strong>the</strong> village <strong>of</strong> Amaya we drove almost<br />
to <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> buttress, where <strong>the</strong> more agile<br />
members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> group made a beeline for <strong>the</strong><br />
high crags. Most <strong>of</strong> us, however, lingered on<br />
<strong>the</strong> limestone pavement, where <strong>the</strong> greatest<br />
diversity <strong>of</strong> flowers was to be found. Here we<br />
encountered Ranunculus ollissiponensis, <strong>the</strong><br />
clump-forming Dianthus pungens ssp. brachyanthus,<br />
Paronychia kapela ssp. kapela, with<br />
its white, papery bracts, an abundance <strong>of</strong><br />
Arabis scabra and Draba dedeana, <strong>the</strong><br />
delightful little Legousia hybrida (Venus'slooking-glass)<br />
and a scattering <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> diminutive<br />
Senecio minutus. More spectacularly,<br />
Annette and Shirley located some splendid<br />
specimens <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Iberian endemic stork's-bill<br />
Erodium glandulosum. Our journey home<br />
was interrupted by a visit to <strong>the</strong> fabulous<br />
portico <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> church in Rebolledo de La<br />
Torre: one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most magnificent examples<br />
<strong>of</strong> Romanesque architecture in <strong>the</strong> province.<br />
The chef had prepared a splendid paella for<br />
our last meal at El Convento. It was tinged<br />
with regret, however, as we contemplated<br />
having to leave this extraordinary region, with<br />
its dramatic scenery and myriad places where<br />
botanical treasures were still flourishing.<br />
20 th May - Milagros (Bu) and Embalse de<br />
Pedrezuela (M)<br />
An early start gave us a little time in hand as<br />
we headed back to Madrid, so we stopped for<br />
c<strong>of</strong>fee in Milagros, where a quick examination<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> car park turned up <strong>the</strong> ruderal crucifers<br />
Descurainia sophia (Flixweed) and Calepina<br />
irregularis (White Ball Mustard), as well as<br />
Matthiola fruticulosa (Sad Stock), Reseda<br />
phyteuma (Corn Mignonette) and Lithodora<br />
fruticosa (Shrubby Gromwell).<br />
Once through <strong>the</strong> tunnel that traverses <strong>the</strong><br />
Guadarrama at Somosierra, we turned <strong>of</strong>f west<br />
for one last foray into <strong>the</strong> dry Mediterranean<br />
vegetation near <strong>the</strong> Embalse de Pedrezuela.<br />
The sandy soils here supported shrubby<br />
Lavandula stoechas, Thymus mastichina<br />
(Round-headed Thyme) and Osyris alba<br />
(Osyris), between which flourished more<br />
colourful Lupinus angustifolius (Narrowleaved<br />
Lupin), <strong>the</strong> annual, yellow-flowered<br />
toadflax Linaria spartea, Campanula rapunculus<br />
(Rampion Bellflower), C. lusitanica and<br />
<strong>the</strong> lemon-yellow composite Andryala integrifolia.<br />
Here Gerard collected a Stipa species taller<br />
than he was, which Arthur said was probably<br />
S. gigantea, and promptly added it to his<br />
bulging suitcase, full <strong>of</strong> specimens. Arthur<br />
has attended four <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> five previous <strong>BSBI</strong><br />
trips to Spain led by Teresa, from which he has<br />
furnished her with herbarium specimens <strong>of</strong> no<br />
less than 167 taxa <strong>of</strong> rushes, grasses and<br />
sedges, with Eric Clement providing confirmation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> identification <strong>of</strong> critical or<br />
doubtful material. No doubt many more taxa<br />
were added during this most recent foray, and<br />
Teresa looks forward to receiving <strong>the</strong> latest<br />
batch in due course.<br />
This report was written by Paul Bartlett, Liz<br />
Clark, Arthur Copping, Gerard Dirkse, John<br />
Edgington, Teresa Farino, Lynne Farrell,<br />
Annette Ford, Sue Helm, Sophie Hochstenbach,<br />
Martin and Clare Rand, Leslie Tucker<br />
and Shirley Watson, and was edited by Teresa<br />
Farino.
58 Report <strong>of</strong> overseas field meeting - 2009 - Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castile (Spain)<br />
Pteridophytes seen during <strong>the</strong> Paramos <strong>of</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Castille <strong>BSBI</strong> field meeting, 13 th _20tll May<br />
2009: John Edgington<br />
Sela/?inella sela/?inoides Peaty flushes, Alto Campoo (S)<br />
Equisetum variegatum<br />
calcareous seeps by hydro-electric plant, Roces del Ebro (Bu**); det. PJ,<br />
Acock<br />
Equisetum ramosissimum Roces del Ebro (Bu); field near Olleros de Pisuerga (P)<br />
Equisetum arvense<br />
Equisetum x litorale<br />
(E. arvense x E. fluviatile)<br />
flush above Villaescusa de las Torres (P*); fen below Piedrasluengas<br />
(P*); Roces del Ebro (Bu)<br />
marshy field-edges north <strong>of</strong> Mave Station (P)<br />
Equisetum .f1uviatile fen below Piedrasluengas (P)<br />
Equisetum palustre<br />
Ophioglossum vulgatum<br />
flush above Villaescusa de las Torres (P*); fen below Piedrasluengas<br />
(P*); Roces del Ebro (Bu)<br />
deciduous woodland, Fontibre (S)<br />
Polypodium interjectum epiphytic in beechwood south <strong>of</strong> Puerto de Piedrasluengas (P**)<br />
Polvpodium vuiJmre rocks, Alto Campoo (S)<br />
Cryptogramma crispa<br />
boulder scree, Alto Campoo (S)<br />
Adiantum capillus-veneris<br />
Pteridium aquilinum<br />
Aselenium trichomanes ssI!. quadrivalens<br />
Asl21enium trichomanes sso. vachvrachis rock crevices, Las Tuerces (p* *)<br />
flushed rocks above Villaescusa de las Torres (P); ditto by hydro-electric<br />
plant in Roces del Ebro (Bu)<br />
road to Alto Campoo (S); Paramo de la Lora (Bu); woodland at Pesquera<br />
de Ebro (Bu)<br />
rock crevices: Royos del Tow (Bu); Las Tnerces (P); Paramo de la Lora (Bn);<br />
Puerto de Piedrasluengas (P); Roces del Ebro (Bu); Pefia de Amaya (Bu)<br />
Asplenium adiantum-nigrum rock crevices, Alto Campoo (S); wall <strong>of</strong> cave chnrch, Olleros de Pisnerga (Bu)<br />
Asplenium seelosii sSP. f!labrum rock crevices, Las Tuerces (P**)<br />
Asplenium ruta-muraria<br />
rock crevices: Royos del Tozo (Bu); Las Tuerces (P); Paramo de la Lora<br />
(Bu); Pnerto de Piedrasluengas (P); Races del Ebro (Bn)<br />
Asplenium scolopendrium shady rock cleft, Las Tuerces (P**); near Valdelateja, Roces del Ebro (Bu)<br />
rock faces, <strong>of</strong>ten in full sun: Villaescusa de las Torres & Las Tuerces (P);<br />
Asplenium ceterach Paramo de la Lora (Bu); Puerto de Piedrasluengas(P); Pesquera de Ebro<br />
(Bu); Pefia de Amaya (Bu)<br />
Cystopteris fragilis ssp. jragilis<br />
damp shady places: Las Tuerces (P); Alto Campoo (S); Paramo de la Lora<br />
(Bul; Puerto de Piedrasluengas (P); Pefia de Amaya (Bu)<br />
Athyrium Jilix,femina beechwood south <strong>of</strong> Puerto de Piedrasluengas (P)<br />
Dryopteris.filix-mas beechwood south <strong>of</strong> Puerto de Piedrasluengas (P)<br />
Dryopteris oreades montane scree, Alto Campoo (S)<br />
Drvovteris submontana mortared wall, Church <strong>of</strong> San Salvador de Cantamuda (P)<br />
Dryopteris dilatata<br />
woods, rocky places: Alto Campoo (S); beechwood south <strong>of</strong> Puerto de<br />
Piedrasluengas (P)<br />
Polystichum lonchitis flushed rocks, Alto Campoo (S)<br />
Polystichum setiferum<br />
Polystichum aculeatum<br />
shady rock cleft, Las Tuerces (P); deciduous woodland, Fontibre (S);<br />
beechwood below Piedrasluengas (P); Roces del Ebro (Bu)<br />
deciduous woodland, Fontibre (S); beechwood south <strong>of</strong> Puerto de Piedrasluengas<br />
(P)<br />
Blechnum seicant leaf litter in beech wood south <strong>of</strong> Puerto de Piedrasluengas (P*)<br />
* I ** = doubtfully I never recorded in <strong>the</strong> province according to Flora Iberica:<br />
Bu = Burgos; P = Palencia; S = Cantabria (Santander).<br />
voucher taken <strong>of</strong> bold (underlined) taxa.
Conference Report - 2009 - <strong>BSBI</strong> Spring Conference on alien trees and shrubs, Berwick 59<br />
CONFERENCE REPORT<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> Spring Conference on alien trees and shrubs, Berwick-upon<br />
Tweed, 9 th - 11th May<br />
Rarely has a <strong>BSBI</strong> meeting been held in such<br />
a grand setting. With chandeliers glittering<br />
overhead in <strong>the</strong> Guild Hall <strong>the</strong> President,<br />
Michael Braithwaite, welcomed 86 members<br />
and guests from several local societies and<br />
remarked on <strong>the</strong> excellent turnout. After a<br />
brief commentary on George Johnston, a<br />
former Mayor <strong>of</strong> Berwick and founder <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Berwick Naturalists' Club in 1831, he handed<br />
over to Jane Cr<strong>of</strong>t, <strong>BSBI</strong> Vice-president and<br />
chair <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> morning session.<br />
She introduced <strong>the</strong> first speaker, Jeremy<br />
Ison, who confessed that, although a member<br />
for over 30 years, this was <strong>the</strong> first time he had<br />
assisted <strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> on a specific project - a<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> report on The status <strong>of</strong> some alien trees<br />
and shrubs in Britain. The uneven treatment<br />
<strong>of</strong> alien taxa in <strong>the</strong> New atlas had prompted <strong>the</strong><br />
sending <strong>of</strong> a questionnaire over <strong>the</strong> winter<br />
period to all vice-county recorders asking for<br />
such information as: which alien trees and<br />
shrubs were becoming naturalised (not just<br />
planted), what habitats were being colonised<br />
by naturalising species, and for any changes in<br />
patterns <strong>of</strong> planting.<br />
Results were received from 48 vice-counties<br />
and <strong>of</strong><strong>the</strong> 148 taxa included in <strong>the</strong> survey, 112<br />
were reported to be naturalised somewhere,<br />
and all had regenerated somewhere to some<br />
extent whe<strong>the</strong>r vegetatively or by seed.<br />
Amongst <strong>the</strong> problems, it was noted that<br />
Picea sitchensis (Sitka Spruce) was widely<br />
recorded as having a 'weedy' tendency,<br />
frequently colonising moorland habitats.<br />
Pinus contorta (Lodgepole Pine) regenerated<br />
well in wetter vice-counties. Quercus cerris<br />
(Turkey Oak) and Q. ilex (Holm Oak) were<br />
both reported to be spreading into lowland<br />
heaths in south-west England. Pseudotsuga<br />
menziesii (Douglas Fir) was regenerating well<br />
and becoming naturalised in many sou<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
vice-counties.<br />
GWYNN ELLlS & MICHAEL BRAITHW AITE<br />
Biomass plantings were not well recorded,<br />
due to <strong>the</strong> difficulties in visiting sites and in<br />
determining which taxa are involved in <strong>the</strong><br />
Salix hybrid plantations.<br />
The species most widely reported as regenerating<br />
were similar to those most widely<br />
reported as naturalised, with <strong>the</strong> addition <strong>of</strong><br />
three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> species that spread vegetatively to<br />
form large patches: Fallopia japonica<br />
(Japanese Knotweed), F. sachalinensis<br />
(Sachalin Knotweed) and Spiraea agg.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main aims <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> survey was to<br />
stimulate <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> regeneration <strong>of</strong> alien<br />
trees and shrubs and it is hoped that this is<br />
indeed <strong>the</strong> case.<br />
The next speaker was Maggie Magee,<br />
formerly <strong>of</strong> FW AG, but newly self-employed<br />
as a consultant, who gave a fascinating talk on<br />
species selection and sourcing for farm<br />
woodlands. Farmers have long relied on<br />
native woodlands as a source <strong>of</strong> timber for<br />
fencing and buildings, but only where grazing<br />
pressure has been greatest have <strong>the</strong>y needed to<br />
look at re-planting woodland - Elm, Ash and<br />
Holly are all readily eaten by sheep.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> nineteenth century new species <strong>of</strong> tree<br />
were introduced from foreign parts and many<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se were planted by owners <strong>of</strong> great<br />
estates and became <strong>the</strong> mainstay <strong>of</strong> planted<br />
trees in woodland. We now have semi-natural<br />
woodlands and plantations. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trees<br />
planted were at <strong>the</strong> whim <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> forester in<br />
charge at <strong>the</strong> time. Blocks <strong>of</strong> conifers were<br />
planted as shelter-belts, <strong>of</strong>ten monocultures <strong>of</strong><br />
Sitka Spruce or larches, with (occasionally)<br />
some broad-leaved trees at <strong>the</strong> margins.<br />
Today, species choice is important, but so is<br />
proper management - woodland needs to be<br />
thinned if an economic timber crop is to be <strong>the</strong><br />
end product. A woodland <strong>of</strong> native species<br />
needs to be planted at random, with Birch,<br />
Hazel and Blackthorn, for example, with no
60 Conference Report - 2009 - <strong>BSBI</strong> Spring Conference on alien trees and shrubs, Berwick<br />
regular rows, and this is not always easy.<br />
Re-planting <strong>of</strong> a clear-felled plantation poses<br />
particular problems, and care needs to be taken<br />
that <strong>the</strong> mix and density <strong>of</strong> species is done<br />
sensitively and enhances <strong>the</strong> landscape.<br />
Biomass plantations are a flourishing industry.<br />
Three to four different hybrids involving<br />
Salix alba (White Willow) are most frequently<br />
used, which put on over six feet in a season<br />
and are normally cleared after three years.<br />
Different cultures are used to try and avoid a<br />
build up <strong>of</strong> pests and diseases.<br />
Woods are also <strong>of</strong>ten used for farming<br />
livestock, especially pigs, and new native<br />
broadleaved plantations attract higher grants<br />
than conifers. The Forestry Commission have<br />
a 'Field Survey' pack to help farmers decide<br />
which taxa are best to plant in a particular<br />
habitat, and it is vitally important to take into<br />
account elevation, wind factor, drainage and<br />
surrounding trees. The minimum planting rate<br />
is 1,100 stems per hectare, and it is important<br />
to try to avoid planting in species rich habitats.<br />
Britain is divided into four main seed zones,<br />
which are <strong>the</strong>mselves divided into 24 smaller<br />
zones, for providing seeds for planting in<br />
specific areas, and it is important that <strong>the</strong><br />
provenance <strong>of</strong> all seeds and saplings is<br />
recorded for all plantations. It is preferable to<br />
use seed from local souces where practicable.<br />
Magee <strong>the</strong>n went on to discuss what taxa we<br />
should be planting now, to take into account<br />
climate change, where we might, in <strong>the</strong> future,<br />
have vineyards ra<strong>the</strong>r than barley fields. Some<br />
research is presently being carried out, and it<br />
is suggested that seed from different provenances,<br />
especially from zones fur<strong>the</strong>r south,<br />
might be used in addition to local strains, in<br />
order to widen <strong>the</strong> genetic base. It was also<br />
suggested that regeneration <strong>of</strong> local stock be<br />
used as this was obviously well suited to <strong>the</strong><br />
present environment. She concluded by<br />
mentioning that a large estate in <strong>the</strong> Scottish<br />
borders was conducting trials on growing<br />
stands <strong>of</strong> Eucalyptus.<br />
The next speaker was Clare O'Reilly who<br />
gave a stimulating account on 'Identifying<br />
some look-alike native and alien trees &<br />
shrubs', which she said was inspired by Peter<br />
Sell's 2006 article in Nature in Cambridge-<br />
shire, 48, as reprinted in <strong>BSBI</strong> News 105<br />
(April,2007).<br />
She first concentrated on three very similar<br />
species <strong>of</strong> cherry with racemose inflorescences<br />
<strong>of</strong> white flowers - Prunus padus (Birdcherry)<br />
(native),P. serotina (Rum Cherry) and<br />
P. virginiana (Choke Cherry). The fruits <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> latter were different from <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r two,<br />
but as it is not mentioned in <strong>the</strong> 2 nd edn <strong>of</strong><br />
Stace's New flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong>, it is<br />
likely to key out to P. padus. A sheet <strong>of</strong> colour<br />
photocopies <strong>of</strong> four Rosaceae leaves was<br />
handed out, and conference members were<br />
invited to pick <strong>the</strong> odd one out, which<br />
provoked much discussion and disagreement<br />
before Clare revealed that three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leaves<br />
belonged to <strong>the</strong> species mentioned above and<br />
<strong>the</strong> fourth to Amelanchier lamarckii. There<br />
were in fact two odd ones out - taxonomic ally<br />
Amelanchier (not a Prunus) , and biogeographically<br />
Prunus padus (native). Clare went on to<br />
mention <strong>the</strong> brilliant new Vegetative key to <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>British</strong> flora by John Poland and Eric<br />
Clement, from which <strong>the</strong> vegetative characters<br />
she used to separate <strong>the</strong> taxa were taken, and<br />
remarked that it had taken her up to 'warp<br />
speed' in identifying plants to subspecies level<br />
in some areas, based purely on vegetative<br />
characters, although <strong>the</strong> book was very much<br />
a 'work in progress', and it was vital that <strong>the</strong><br />
authors receive feedback so that any errors can<br />
be corrected in <strong>the</strong> next edition!<br />
The next group to be dealt with was Corylus<br />
avellana variants, with two alien variants<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten planted alongside <strong>the</strong> native one. Clare<br />
asked: 'Does it matter?', and went on to<br />
explain that infraspecific taxa are expressly<br />
included as part <strong>of</strong> biodiversity under <strong>the</strong> Rio<br />
Convention on Biological Diversity 1992, so<br />
arguably we should 'count' <strong>the</strong>m as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
diversity in a hedge, even if <strong>the</strong>y are nonnative.<br />
But this affects judgements about <strong>the</strong><br />
age (and <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>of</strong>ten conservation value) <strong>of</strong><br />
hedges - clearly <strong>the</strong> method used to determine<br />
an 'ancient' hedgerow <strong>of</strong> counting <strong>the</strong> number<br />
<strong>of</strong> species per 30m section is flawed where<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are multiple non-native taxa. The<br />
method is also unclear on whe<strong>the</strong>r hybrids and<br />
infraspecific taxa 'count' or not. Oliver<br />
Rackham has raised this point in his recent
Conference Report - 2009 - <strong>BSBI</strong> Spring Conference on alien trees and shrubs, Berwick 61<br />
New Naturalists book on ancient woodland.<br />
Most surveyors don't have <strong>the</strong> taxonomic<br />
skills to identify hybrids or infraspecific taxa,<br />
but this is not a reason to ignore <strong>the</strong>m!! We<br />
should arguably just use better surveyors in<br />
order to comply with our international obligations<br />
on conserving biodiversity - <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
plenty <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m freelance <strong>the</strong>se days.<br />
The next group mentioned by Clare was<br />
Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), with its<br />
four subspecies and three varieties, which all<br />
grow in Cambridgeshire hedges, but only one<br />
<strong>of</strong> which is native. Again she asked: 'Does it<br />
matter?' , and pointed out that non-native taxa<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten flower much earlier than <strong>the</strong> native, and<br />
wondered if <strong>the</strong>re was an issue relating to <strong>the</strong><br />
Woodland Trust's Phenology Network recording<br />
scheme where <strong>the</strong> first flowering <strong>of</strong><br />
hawthorn will have many erroneous records <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> non-native subspecies. A Phenology<br />
Network statistician argued that, due to <strong>the</strong><br />
size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> data set for hawthorn (over 100,000<br />
records) any 'bias' caused by recording <strong>the</strong><br />
wrong taxon would not influence <strong>the</strong> outcome.<br />
It was also mentioned that <strong>the</strong> need for planting<br />
trees and shrubs <strong>of</strong> local provenance has<br />
become well-known and that most plantings<br />
are <strong>of</strong> native origin. While <strong>the</strong> statistical<br />
argument may hold, <strong>the</strong> latter claim does not.<br />
Nurseries are claiming, usually in good faith,<br />
to supply native plants, but <strong>the</strong>y <strong>of</strong>ten are not<br />
- <strong>the</strong>y simply do not have <strong>the</strong> identification<br />
skills to know o<strong>the</strong>rwise. Clare emphasised<br />
this point by remarking that when she had<br />
tried to get Prunus serotina and P. virginiana<br />
specimens from nurseries, she found <strong>the</strong>m all<br />
labelled P. padus, because, she was told, 'that<br />
is what people want'!<br />
After <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>'S AGM, posing for a group<br />
photograph (see inside Front Cover), and an<br />
excellent buffet lunch, delegates re-assembled<br />
for <strong>the</strong> afternoon session, chaired by ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
vice-president, John Bailey. He introduced<br />
<strong>the</strong> first speaker, James Cullen, <strong>the</strong> Director <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust,<br />
who gave an intriguing talk on <strong>the</strong> taxonomy<br />
<strong>of</strong> Rhododendron ponticum (Rhododendron)<br />
as naturalised in Britain.<br />
Rhododendron ponticum is a curiously<br />
unknown plant, considering its widespread<br />
distribution in <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> <strong>Isles</strong>, and recent<br />
genetic analyses have indicated that our taxon<br />
is a mixture <strong>of</strong> three, maybe four species.<br />
There are over 1000 species <strong>of</strong> Rhododendron<br />
recognised today, with two main centres <strong>of</strong><br />
population in New Guinea and China. Rhododendron<br />
taxa can be split into two main groups<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> presence or absence <strong>of</strong> tiny scales<br />
on <strong>the</strong> underside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> leaves, and while<br />
'scaly' taxa can hybridise freely with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
'scaly' taxa, and 'non-scaly' with 'non-scaly',<br />
producing hybrids with great hybrid vigour, it<br />
is very difficult to get hybrids between <strong>the</strong> two<br />
groups.<br />
Rhododendron ponticum is a ra<strong>the</strong>r uniform<br />
'non-scaly' species, with leaves completely<br />
hairless beneath. <strong>British</strong> material is very<br />
vigorous and, unlike true Rhododendron<br />
ponticum, all <strong>British</strong> material comes from <strong>the</strong><br />
Iberian peninsula, with slightly hairy (not<br />
hairless) ovaries.<br />
The <strong>British</strong> taxon is a hybrid produced in <strong>the</strong><br />
second half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 19 th Century by crossing<br />
R. ponticum with R. catawbiense, R. maximum<br />
and possibly R. macrophyllum, <strong>the</strong>n backcrossing<br />
<strong>the</strong> resultant progeny with <strong>the</strong> parents<br />
and growing all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m side by side in plots,<br />
allowing cross-pollination to occur. This<br />
produced a whole range <strong>of</strong> hybrids with<br />
various characteristics, and it is now impossible<br />
to segregate any taxa within this 'ponticum<br />
soup'. This was <strong>the</strong> result <strong>of</strong> nurserymen<br />
wanting a hardy version <strong>of</strong> R. ponticum. This<br />
ponticum hybrid was also used as rootstock for<br />
better and more desirable taxa as <strong>the</strong>y were<br />
introduced from abroad, and <strong>the</strong> rootstock<br />
<strong>of</strong>ten outlived <strong>the</strong> graft taxon and can still be<br />
seen today. Rhododendron was also found to<br />
be very good for pheasant cover and was<br />
widely planted for that purpose.<br />
The <strong>British</strong> hybrid, soon to be given a new<br />
name, is very difficult to eradicate and<br />
involves cutting back <strong>the</strong> parts above ground,<br />
three years <strong>of</strong> ploughing and <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong><br />
very nasty chemicals. The moral <strong>of</strong> this tale is<br />
not to indulge in genetic manipUlation - you<br />
might create a monster!<br />
The next speaker, former <strong>BSBI</strong> Coordinator<br />
Cameron Crook, gave a masterful introduction<br />
to <strong>the</strong> identification <strong>of</strong> conifers in Britain. He
62 Conference Report - 2009 - <strong>BSBI</strong> Spring Conference on alien trees and shrubs, Berwick<br />
started by stressing that <strong>the</strong>re are only five<br />
native conifer taxa in Britain but over eighty<br />
alien taxa may be encountered and, although a<br />
prominent part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> landscape, are <strong>of</strong>ten<br />
overlooked. Conifers are important due to<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir influence upon semi-natural vegetation<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r organisms.<br />
The aim <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> talk was to provide a general<br />
introduction to conifers in Britain, toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
with an outline <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> techniques used for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
correct identification. He went on to explain<br />
that <strong>the</strong> Gymnospermae comprise three<br />
distinct Orders: Coniferales ( = Pinales),<br />
Ginkgoales and Taxales, and that <strong>the</strong> name<br />
'conifers' comes from <strong>the</strong> shape <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> cone or<br />
possibly from <strong>the</strong> conical form <strong>of</strong> growth.<br />
Most, but not all, conifers are tall with<br />
evergreen needles. They occur in widely<br />
different habitats (e.g. tundra, boreal forest,<br />
mountains, arid land and temperate-rain<br />
forest), and <strong>the</strong> feature common to most is<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir tolerance <strong>of</strong> drought, low nutrient levels,<br />
low light levels, and heavy metals.<br />
He <strong>the</strong>n stressed that to aid identification it<br />
was useful to reduce <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> possible<br />
species, to know which taxa were most likely<br />
to be encountered in your area and to learn to<br />
separate <strong>the</strong> genera, as each has only a few<br />
frequently encountered taxa and some are<br />
represented by only one or two taxa. These<br />
and <strong>the</strong>ir special characteristics were <strong>the</strong>n<br />
detailed.<br />
Pinus: with (relatively) long, needle-like<br />
leaves, born in bundles <strong>of</strong> two, three or five,<br />
on very short shoots; Picea: with rigid, sharp,<br />
needle-like leaves born on peg-like structures<br />
which remain when leaves drop; Pseudotsuga:<br />
with needle-like leaves, un-stalked with no<br />
'pegs' that leave round scars when removed,<br />
and winter buds sharply pointed with papery<br />
scales; Abies: with lea<strong>the</strong>ry needle-like leaves,<br />
un-stalked with no 'pegs' that leave round<br />
scars when removed, and winter buds rounded<br />
at tip; Larix: with s<strong>of</strong>t, deciduous leaves with<br />
dorso-ventral flattening that are born in whorls<br />
<strong>of</strong>> 10 on short peg-like shoots; Cedrus: with<br />
stiff, evergreen leaves, with 3-5 angles in<br />
cross-section that are born in whorls <strong>of</strong> 10 or<br />
more on short peg like shoots; Chamaecyparis:<br />
with scale-like opposite leaves, with resin-<br />
ous smell in flat (2D) fronds, and cones small<br />
and woody «l2mm); Cupressus: with scalelike,<br />
opposite leaves in 3D fronds, and cones<br />
woody (l5-20mm); xCupressocyparis: with<br />
features somewhere between Chamaecyparis<br />
and Cupressus; Thuja with scale-like opposite<br />
leaves in flat fronds with a sweet fruity smell<br />
when fresh, and cones upright and elongated<br />
(resembling small urns); Juniperus: with three<br />
dimensional twigs, leaves in whorls <strong>of</strong> three<br />
around <strong>the</strong> stem in juvenile foliage with<br />
mature foliage adpressed to stem, and a berrylike<br />
cone; Sequoiadendron: with sharp leaves,<br />
broader than thick, born singly along shoot;<br />
bark s<strong>of</strong>t, and very spongy; Cryptomeria: with<br />
sharp, thicker than broad leaves born singly<br />
along shoot; bark stringy; Araucaria: with<br />
triangular, hard, sharp- pointed leaves over<br />
lcm wide at base and unlike any o<strong>the</strong>r tree<br />
occurring in Britain; Taxus: with needle-like<br />
leaves born singly on <strong>the</strong> stem, narrowed at<br />
base and tip; winter buds green surrounded by<br />
numerous small leaves, and with red berries<br />
and non-resinous wood; Tsuga: with single<br />
leaves, irregular in length, with short petiole,<br />
adpressed to shoot, and with pale stripes on <strong>the</strong><br />
underside.<br />
Cameron <strong>the</strong>n fur<strong>the</strong>r stressed that in conifer<br />
identification several features must be checked<br />
which are seldom used in field botany (e.g.<br />
growth form, smell, bark). Flowers (strobili)<br />
and fruits (cones) are <strong>of</strong>ten inconspicuous and<br />
<strong>of</strong> less use in identification.<br />
Key identification features were <strong>the</strong>n listed:<br />
Leaf form and arrangement: scale-like<br />
(Thuja, Cupressus, Chameacyparis,<br />
xCupressocyparis); needle-like in whorls on<br />
short shoots: (Cedrus, Larix); needle-like,<br />
single (Pseudotsuga, Abies, Picea, Taxus);<br />
needle-like, bundles (fascicles) <strong>of</strong> 2, 3 or 5<br />
(Pinus); needle-like, in threes (Juniperus, also<br />
in <strong>the</strong> juvenile foliage <strong>of</strong> Cupressus &<br />
Chamaecyparis) .<br />
Leaf features: stomatal lines on leaf underside<br />
(<strong>of</strong>ten white or pale blue bands e.g. Abies,<br />
Picea, Tsuga); resin canals in cross-section <strong>of</strong><br />
leaf (e.g. Picea,Abies); leaf smell, very important<br />
in Cupressaceae.
Conference Report - 2009 - <strong>BSBI</strong> Spring Conference on alien trees and shrubs, Berwick 63<br />
Cone size, shape, texture, colour: distinctive<br />
in most genera and species; prickles on cone<br />
scale (e.g. Cupressus, Pinus contorta).<br />
Twig characteristics: pubescence, present or<br />
absent, colour, density, whe<strong>the</strong>r in grooves or<br />
all over <strong>the</strong> twig etc.; peg-like short shoots,<br />
present (e.g. Cedrus, Larix); colour <strong>of</strong> twig,<br />
especially new growth.<br />
Bud: shape, i.e. pointed or blunt; colour and<br />
layout <strong>of</strong> bud scales; texture - smooth, resinous,<br />
papery.<br />
Bark: deeply fissured (some Pinus); flaky<br />
(some Pinus, Picea, Abies); s<strong>of</strong>t and spongy<br />
(Sequoiadendron); stringy (Cryptomeria);<br />
presence <strong>of</strong> resin blisters (Abies).<br />
Finally Cameron stated that <strong>the</strong>re was no<br />
substitute for examining trees in situ and<br />
handling samples back at base to get a real feel<br />
for this group <strong>of</strong> taxa. Members should run<br />
through one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> field keys which cover<br />
<strong>British</strong> conifers (e.g. Stace, 1997; Mitchell,<br />
1972 & 1974; Poland & Clement, 2009), and<br />
once <strong>the</strong> identity has been determined, <strong>the</strong><br />
specimen should be re-examined (ei<strong>the</strong>r whole<br />
tree or voucher) in a more personalised way<br />
and notes made <strong>of</strong> key features which, to<br />
<strong>the</strong>m, make it distinct from o<strong>the</strong>r species.<br />
John Bailey <strong>the</strong>n introduced <strong>the</strong> last speaker<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> afternoon session, Kevin Rideout, NTS<br />
ranger at St Abbs Head National Nature<br />
Reserve, which was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> venues for a<br />
meeting on Monday. He gave an entertaining<br />
account <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nature reserve, starting with a<br />
colourful run-through <strong>of</strong> plants and habitats.<br />
He explained that <strong>the</strong> headland is a big chunk<br />
<strong>of</strong> volcanic larva surrounded by sedimentary<br />
rock and <strong>the</strong> hard volcanic rocks provide<br />
impressive sea cliffs. Thrift, Sea Campion and<br />
Roseroot grow on <strong>the</strong> cliffs, toge<strong>the</strong>r with<br />
Scots Lovage, here near its sou<strong>the</strong>rn limit.<br />
Inland cliffs and rocky outcrops provide<br />
habitats for Spring Sandwort and Purple Milkvetch.<br />
The grassland has been much modified<br />
by human activity but is still species-rich, with<br />
masses <strong>of</strong> Thrift and Hairbells, and also many<br />
ant-hills with quite a diversity <strong>of</strong> plants on<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir summits, including Wild Thyme and<br />
Lady's-bedstraw. Rock-rose is also prevalent<br />
and is <strong>the</strong> food plant <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Brown<br />
Argus butterfly.<br />
He explained that sheep were <strong>the</strong> main<br />
management tools, except in late spring and<br />
early summer. To be successful, overgrazing,<br />
which can open <strong>the</strong> grassland to erosion, and<br />
undergrazing, which can allow coarse grasses<br />
to proliferate, must be avoided. Sheep must<br />
also be encouraged to graze where you want<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to, not where <strong>the</strong>y want to. With reduced<br />
grazing, Meadow Saxifrage and Common<br />
Whitlowgrass have declined. In <strong>the</strong> past <strong>the</strong>re<br />
was a tendency to manage too much and <strong>the</strong><br />
correct approach now appears to be to 'do<br />
nothing' as <strong>the</strong> 'default setting' and see how<br />
that works before doing anything else. The<br />
only exception is gorse clearance, which is an<br />
ongoing task.<br />
A large freshwater area used to be bog land<br />
but was drained around 1900, resulting in <strong>the</strong><br />
disappearance <strong>of</strong> Lesser Water-plantain.<br />
However, <strong>the</strong> aquatic environment has<br />
improved <strong>the</strong> biodiversity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> site.<br />
Kitiwakes enjoy bathing in <strong>the</strong> fresh water and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir droppings add nutrients. The ungrazed<br />
side <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mireloch has been given over to<br />
tree planting, during <strong>the</strong> early 20 th century,<br />
mainly Sycamore, Hawthorn and Grey Poplar.<br />
Then in <strong>the</strong> 1970s, Sea Buckthorn and<br />
Japanese Rose were planted, mainly to attract<br />
birds, and now <strong>the</strong> emphasis is on planting<br />
native Oaks and Birch.<br />
The meeting ended with an open forum for<br />
discussion. The many issues raised included:<br />
<strong>the</strong> need to monitor <strong>the</strong> spread <strong>of</strong> Robinia<br />
pseudoacacia; <strong>the</strong> fertility <strong>of</strong> Leyland Cypress;<br />
<strong>the</strong> zigzag branching pattern <strong>of</strong> Thuja; <strong>the</strong><br />
importance <strong>of</strong> smell in identifying conifers; a<br />
mnemonic for splitting Picea and Abies - E.icea<br />
has 12egs and Abies fl,in't (referring to <strong>the</strong><br />
presence or absence <strong>of</strong> 'pegs' from which<br />
leaves arise); <strong>the</strong> fact that Roe Deer and a beetle<br />
eat Rhododendron leaves, but not in sufficient<br />
quantity to do any harm; <strong>the</strong> mounting bureaucracy<br />
in getting grants and planning applications<br />
for planting trees, although it was recognised<br />
that some control was needed; <strong>the</strong> impending<br />
attack on Aesculus hippocastanum by an<br />
aggressive fungus disease that could decimate<br />
populations in sou<strong>the</strong>rn Britain, aided by a<br />
small moth from <strong>the</strong> Balkans whose larvae<br />
were leaf miners; <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> cows instead <strong>of</strong>
64 Conference Report - 2009 - <strong>BSBI</strong> Spring Conference on alien trees and shrubs, Berwick<br />
sheep in habitat management and finally <strong>the</strong><br />
possible use <strong>of</strong> Japanese Knotweed in biomass<br />
plantations.<br />
Parties were <strong>the</strong>n made up to walk <strong>the</strong> town<br />
walls. During <strong>the</strong> walks Fraxinus ornus was<br />
noted self-seeding in a corporation planting.<br />
Dinner followed in <strong>the</strong> Conundrum restaurant,<br />
close to <strong>the</strong> spot where John Ray found T<strong>of</strong>ieldia<br />
pusilla in 1671. Table decorations <strong>of</strong> fresh<br />
Bluebells had providentially been provided by<br />
<strong>the</strong> owner's mo<strong>the</strong>r, little knowing that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
matched <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong>'s logo, and <strong>the</strong> evening<br />
ended with a programme on <strong>the</strong> Northumbrian<br />
pipes by newly-elected <strong>BSBI</strong> Council member<br />
Chris Me<strong>the</strong>rell and fellow members <strong>of</strong><br />
Piper's Wynd.<br />
On Sunday a party <strong>of</strong> just over 50 members<br />
and visitors first visited High Cocklaw farm,<br />
where John and Sandy Izat showed us how<br />
<strong>the</strong>y had developed woodland and hedgerows<br />
on <strong>the</strong>ir farm over twenty years from almost<br />
nothing. The plantings were mainly <strong>of</strong> a traditional<br />
mix <strong>of</strong> species with a little 'Leylandii'<br />
used as a windbreak. They maintained <strong>the</strong><br />
plantings <strong>the</strong>mselves to a high standard, utilising<br />
<strong>the</strong> thinnings for fuel. There were a few<br />
more exotic species such as Chamaecyparis<br />
nootkatensis (Nootka Cypress). Delegates<br />
were asked to consider how <strong>the</strong>y would<br />
approach <strong>the</strong> field-recording <strong>of</strong> such<br />
woodlands. Curiosity was aroused by a strip<br />
<strong>of</strong> Cichorium intybus (Chicory) surviving<br />
from a 2008 wild-bird-mix sowing.<br />
Next we were welcomed at Harry Frew's<br />
Cheviot Trees nursery. Over 100 species are<br />
mass-sown in trays <strong>of</strong> plastic cells in high-tech<br />
poly tunnels. The customers are foresters and<br />
farmers in Britain and overseas. Less usual<br />
species noted included Juniperus communis<br />
(Juniper) for conservation plantings, Ulex<br />
europaeus (Gorse) for golf courses, <strong>the</strong> silverfirs<br />
Abies nordmanniana and A. fraseri for<br />
Christmas trees and Cotoneaster lacteus (Late<br />
Cotoneaster) for hedging. Eucalyptus gunnii,<br />
Miscanthus sinensis, Salix hybrids and two<br />
unfamiliar Populus clones were being trialled<br />
for biomass. The Corylus (hazel) grown is<br />
mainly Kent cobnuts, as Scottish native<br />
Hazels germinate poorly and nut output is low.<br />
The afternoon was spent at Kyloe woods,<br />
almost 1 ,000 acres <strong>of</strong> conifers managed by<br />
Scottish Woodlands for <strong>the</strong> Fleming family,<br />
with harvesting by small coupes ra<strong>the</strong>r than<br />
large-scale clear-felling. Peter Hale and Ian<br />
Robinson walked us through an area near <strong>the</strong><br />
fine crags <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> whin sill where many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
more exotic <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 100 conifer species in <strong>the</strong><br />
woods introduced by <strong>the</strong> Leyland family well<br />
over a century ago have been allowed to<br />
mature. Many species usually encountered as<br />
single specimens, if at all, are here planted in<br />
numbers. Notable species included Araucaria<br />
araucana (Monkey-puzzle), which had<br />
naturalised on <strong>the</strong> crags and self-seeded much<br />
more widely; Pinus muricata (Bishop Pine),<br />
with old cones surviving for many decades<br />
and thus being noted on <strong>the</strong> main trunk as well<br />
as branches (as reported by A F Mitchell); a<br />
major stand <strong>of</strong> Sequoiadendron giganteum<br />
(Wellingtonia); and Picea orientalis (Oriental<br />
Spruce), with short non-prickly needles. The<br />
ground flora under <strong>the</strong> mature conifers was<br />
notably varied, giving <strong>the</strong> whole very much<br />
<strong>the</strong> feeling <strong>of</strong> a true living woodland. In <strong>the</strong><br />
more commercial forestry, regeneration is<br />
used as far as possible to re-stock after felling,<br />
with a mixture <strong>of</strong> species being grown toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Pseudotsuga menziesii is a favoured crop<br />
species but Tsuga heterophylla (Western<br />
Hemlock) self-seeds more abundantly and is<br />
something <strong>of</strong> a problem.<br />
On Monday a party <strong>of</strong> ten visited St Abbs<br />
Head NNR, where we were welcomed by <strong>the</strong><br />
ranger Kevin Rideout. The highlights were <strong>the</strong><br />
bird-cliffs, with massed Guillemots and Razorbills,<br />
colonies <strong>of</strong> Sedum rosea (Roseroot) on<br />
cliffs near <strong>the</strong> lighthouse, Astragalus danicus<br />
(Purple Milk-vetch) just coming into flower,<br />
Minuartia verna (Spring Sandwort) on inland<br />
cliffs and a hybrid horsetail Equisetum xlitorale<br />
by Mire Loch, where a Wall Brown butterfly<br />
was seen. These butterflies have only recently<br />
colonised north into Berwickshire.<br />
A fur<strong>the</strong>r party <strong>of</strong> forty visited Lindisfarne<br />
[no report available].
Pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> new Honorary Member - Ann eanally 65<br />
PROFILE OF NEW HONORARY MEMBER<br />
Ann Conolly<br />
JOHN BAILEY, Biology Department, University <strong>of</strong> Leicester, LE1 7RH<br />
Born in 1917, Ann Conolly took an MA at<br />
Newham College Cambridge in <strong>the</strong> 1930s, at<br />
a time when degrees were not awarded to<br />
women. Late in her retirement, when<br />
Cambridge made amends for this omission,<br />
she greatly enjoyed her delayed degree<br />
ceremony. Ann undertook postgraduate<br />
research in quaternary botany at Cambridge<br />
with Pr<strong>of</strong>essor Godwin, earning particular<br />
acknowledgement in Godwin's groundbreaking<br />
book, <strong>the</strong> History <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> Flora in<br />
1956. Apparently destined for a successful<br />
career in Quaternary botany, Ann was<br />
appointed to a lectureship at <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>n University<br />
College <strong>of</strong> Leicester in January 1947.<br />
Shortly afterwards in 1948 she joined <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>BSBI</strong>, and is currently <strong>the</strong> 10 th longest standing<br />
member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> society. Whilst she<br />
maintained her studies <strong>of</strong> plant remains up to<br />
her retirement, her last significant paper in <strong>the</strong><br />
area was in 1970. Always one to spot a<br />
connection, however remote, Ann's interests<br />
multiplied as time went on, expanding into<br />
two o<strong>the</strong>r aspects <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> flora. The<br />
Flora <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lleyn Peninsula was her life's<br />
work, commenced in <strong>the</strong> early 1950s and<br />
continued as long as she was able to drive long<br />
distances. In Wales Ann owns a remote<br />
farmhouse in <strong>the</strong> middle <strong>of</strong> a field at <strong>the</strong> base<br />
<strong>of</strong> Garn Fadryn, and many is <strong>the</strong> botanist who<br />
has blessed Ann for <strong>the</strong> comfortable free<br />
accommodation so generously <strong>of</strong>fered in that<br />
idyllic spot. After retirement from <strong>the</strong> university,<br />
Ann was faced with <strong>the</strong> prospect <strong>of</strong><br />
emptying <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fice and laboratory that she<br />
had occupied for many years. Ann never<br />
threw anything away, and as she cheerfully<br />
lugged away 40 year old boxes <strong>of</strong> soil samples<br />
to <strong>the</strong> cottage, remarked that if she didn't get<br />
around to looking at <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong>y would be a<br />
welcome addition to <strong>the</strong> thin soil <strong>of</strong> her Welsh<br />
garden. Unfortunately, <strong>the</strong> temptation for just<br />
one more recording season, her absolute<br />
perfectionism and her many o<strong>the</strong>r interests,<br />
meant <strong>the</strong> Flora never got written. The area <strong>of</strong><br />
her Flora also included <strong>the</strong> Island <strong>of</strong> Bardsey<br />
and Ann was co-opted onto <strong>the</strong> council as a<br />
botanist, and was also active in <strong>the</strong> Welsh<br />
meetings <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> society. Through <strong>the</strong> work on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Flora Ann developed o<strong>the</strong>r 'spin <strong>of</strong>fs', <strong>the</strong><br />
distribution <strong>of</strong> Lamium album in Wales, <strong>the</strong><br />
association <strong>of</strong> medicinal plants with ancient<br />
habitation, and perhaps most significantly <strong>the</strong><br />
history and distribution <strong>of</strong> those large alien<br />
Polygonaceous herbs - most notably Japanese<br />
Knotweed - leading to her much cited 1977<br />
paper. In <strong>the</strong> late 1970s <strong>the</strong> arrival <strong>of</strong> a new<br />
technician in <strong>the</strong> Botany department led to a<br />
long-lived and extremely successfully collaboration<br />
on Japanese Knotweed and all its<br />
works; happily crowned by <strong>the</strong> surprise publication<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> name Fallopia xconollyana to<br />
fortuitously coincide with her 84th birthday.<br />
Ann's research interests and collaborations are<br />
closely mirrored by <strong>the</strong> titles <strong>of</strong> her AEM<br />
exhibits. A formidable performer at Exhibition<br />
meetings (as those unwise enough to<br />
interrupt her whilst she was preparing her<br />
exhibit will testify!), she produced no less than<br />
44 exhibits in 51 years. In spite <strong>of</strong> her pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
status and connections, Ann would<br />
genially start up a conversation with<br />
absolutely anyone she met, <strong>of</strong>ten discovering<br />
unexpected connections, and receiving new<br />
leads in her investigations. Dressing for<br />
comfort ra<strong>the</strong>r than style, for many years <strong>the</strong><br />
slightly stooped figure in her 'hallmark' stout<br />
boots, ankle socks, tattered anorak, and adder<br />
stick was instantly recognisable at <strong>BSBI</strong> field<br />
meetings (see inside Back Cover).<br />
Ann was reported to be very pleased about<br />
<strong>the</strong> news <strong>of</strong> her Honorary Membership -<br />
exclaiming that she wouldn't have to pay <strong>the</strong><br />
subscription any more! She is currently in<br />
poor physical health and has been moved from<br />
her house to a nursing home. Her new address
66 Pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> new Honorary Member - Ann eonolly / News <strong>of</strong> Members -<br />
Yolande Heslop-Harrison / Book Notes - <strong>British</strong> field crops<br />
is Harley Grange, 25 Elms Road, Leicester,<br />
LE2 3JD (0116 270 9946).<br />
Anyone wishing to visit should first contact<br />
<strong>the</strong> solicitor: Mr Louis Brandt, Wilson &<br />
Butler, 8 Huntingdon Street, St Neots, PE19<br />
NEWS OF MEMBERS<br />
Yolande Heslop-Harrison<br />
lBH (01480 219229) in order to get permission<br />
to visit, since access to her is strictly<br />
restricted, and most <strong>of</strong> her old friends are<br />
forbidden to visit.<br />
JOHN BAILEY, Biology Department, University <strong>of</strong> Leicester, LE] 7RH<br />
Yolande Heslop-Harrison is pictured at her 90 th<br />
Birthday party in Leicester on 18 July 2009 (see<br />
inside Back Cover). 30 friends and family were<br />
assembled to see her presented with a birthday<br />
cake in <strong>the</strong> shape <strong>of</strong> a Lilium pollen grain!<br />
Y olande is still very active and living unaided<br />
in her own home. In addition to <strong>the</strong> fundamental<br />
research into pollination biology that she did<br />
with her husband, Y olande also has her own<br />
specialist research areas <strong>of</strong> insectivorous plants,<br />
<strong>the</strong> genus Rubus and <strong>British</strong> water lilies. Her<br />
most recent paper, <strong>the</strong> Biological Flora account<br />
<strong>of</strong> Pinguicula was published in 2004, and she is<br />
Paul Green<br />
still involved in writing papers. Y olande is also<br />
a trustee <strong>of</strong> 'Caring for God's Acres', a charity<br />
which promotes <strong>the</strong> conservation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biodiversity<br />
<strong>of</strong> Britain's unique churchyards. In addition<br />
to producing well over a hundred<br />
scientific papers, she also found time to produce<br />
<strong>the</strong> next generation <strong>of</strong> Heslop-Harrison<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essors - Pat - who lives nearby with his<br />
wife Trude and boys William and George.<br />
[Editor's note - Is it something about <strong>the</strong> air in<br />
Leicester? - this is <strong>the</strong> 3 rd 90 th botanical birthday<br />
<strong>of</strong> a Leicester botanist in as many years!]<br />
IAN GREEN, ]9 Bogmoor Road, Bogmoor, Spey Bay, Fochabers, Moray, IV32 7PA<br />
Paul Green was recently presented with <strong>the</strong><br />
second Distinguished Recorder Award <strong>of</strong><br />
Ireland 2009 by Pr<strong>of</strong>. Liam Downey <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
National Biodiversity Data Centre. This is an<br />
annual award that is to acknowledge <strong>the</strong><br />
important contribution that recorders make to<br />
<strong>the</strong> conservation <strong>of</strong> biological diversity in<br />
BOOK NOTES<br />
Ireland. It was awarded especially for Paul's<br />
botanical work in Co. Waterford which culminated<br />
in his magnificent Flora <strong>of</strong> County<br />
Waterford. Looking on in <strong>the</strong> photo (see inside<br />
Back Cover) are Dr Liam Lysaght and Dr Una<br />
Fitzpatrick.<br />
<strong>British</strong> field crops: a pocket guide to <strong>the</strong> identification, history and<br />
uses <strong>of</strong> arable crops in Great Britain<br />
DR SALLY FRANCIS: (www.britishfieldcrops.co.uk)<br />
Dr Sally Francis has completely updated and<br />
expanded her popular title <strong>British</strong> field crops,<br />
first published in 2005. The second edition<br />
contains information on 80 crop species and<br />
covers established broad-acre crops like wheat<br />
and barley, alternative crops like miscanthus<br />
and borage and also 'forgotten' crops like rivet<br />
wheat and bristle-pointed oats. It details <strong>the</strong><br />
crop's identification features, correct scientific<br />
name, origins and history, uses, plus
Book Notes - <strong>British</strong> field crops I <strong>BSBI</strong>IWFS Presidents' Prize 67<br />
information on sowing and harvest periods,<br />
estimates <strong>of</strong> acreages planted and <strong>the</strong> regions<br />
in which each crop may be found. The book<br />
has been carefully updated using new information<br />
from farmers, commercial companies,<br />
agricultural industry organisations, academics<br />
and <strong>the</strong> latest research findings. illustrated<br />
throughout with crisp, clear botanical<br />
drawings taken from life, <strong>British</strong> field crops is<br />
<strong>the</strong> only one-stop-shop for essential informa-<br />
tion on <strong>the</strong> wide range <strong>of</strong> food, feed, industrial,<br />
energy, game cover, green manure and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
crops now being grown on <strong>British</strong> farms.<br />
<strong>British</strong> field crops: a pocket guide to <strong>the</strong><br />
identification, history and uses <strong>of</strong> arable crops<br />
in Great Britain. ISBN 978-0-9550466-2-9.<br />
104 pages including identification keys and<br />
glossary. RRP £12. Available from Summerfield<br />
Books or directly from <strong>the</strong> author.<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong>IWFS PRESIDENTS' PRIZE<br />
Below is <strong>the</strong> text <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> President's Prize<br />
Award address, AGM, 2009:<br />
"It is BSBl's President's turn to award <strong>the</strong><br />
Presidents' Prize this year, so it falls to me.<br />
This is a truly invidious task as it has been a<br />
good year for new books, especially those that<br />
have really tried to communicate, from <strong>the</strong><br />
beautiful but technical <strong>British</strong> alpine<br />
hawkweeds by David Tennant and Tim Rich to<br />
<strong>the</strong> colourful Picture guide to <strong>the</strong> wild flowers<br />
<strong>of</strong> north-east Yorkshire by Nan Sykes. As I<br />
write this I await John Poland's new book on<br />
vegetative identification, but I for one will<br />
wish to show my respect for his work by using<br />
his keys for a season or so before deciding<br />
what value to place on it.<br />
One that really captured my imagination was<br />
Paul Green's Flora <strong>of</strong> County Waterford.<br />
What sets it apart is not just <strong>the</strong> book, with its<br />
welcoming section on Paul's favourite places<br />
to botanise, but <strong>the</strong> project behind it, with so<br />
much achieved in just ten years. He has<br />
shared his data freely and efficiently, not just<br />
through his Flora and with <strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> databases,<br />
but through <strong>the</strong> website <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fine new<br />
Irish National Biodiversity Data Centre.<br />
But I am not awarding him <strong>the</strong> prize as he<br />
had one in 1997 with his previous Flora. I am<br />
awarding <strong>the</strong> prize to a book that I purchased<br />
MICHAEL BRAITHW AITE, President <strong>BSBI</strong><br />
at a railway station, but not <strong>the</strong> one in<br />
Berwick! It is Wild food, by Ray Mears and<br />
Gordon Hillman, and is <strong>the</strong> book <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> BBC<br />
TV series. This was about <strong>the</strong> only TV<br />
programme I can remember that treats our<br />
native <strong>British</strong> plants with genuine love and<br />
attention to detail. The book goes fur<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Gordon Hillman has worked for 23 years at<br />
<strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Nutrition and Dietetics at<br />
King's College, London, on <strong>the</strong> nutrient status<br />
<strong>of</strong> wild plant foods, especially those used by<br />
stone-age man, and his species-by-species<br />
accounts are enthralling, combining a simple<br />
appeal with real science. While Richard<br />
Mabey covered some <strong>of</strong> this ground in 1972<br />
with his Food for free, <strong>the</strong>se authors put a<br />
whole new slant on <strong>the</strong> subject. I can now<br />
vouch for <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> Golden-saxifrage<br />
Chrysosplenium as a salad plant and have had<br />
fun nibbling <strong>the</strong> tasty stem-pith <strong>of</strong> Rosebay<br />
Chamerion. Ray Mears, with his amazing<br />
bush-craft, has lifted <strong>the</strong> whole to popular<br />
fame. The two toge<strong>the</strong>r have done a real<br />
service to botany.<br />
In awarding <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> prize I will invite <strong>the</strong>m<br />
to mount an exhibit at our London exhibition<br />
meeting in <strong>the</strong> autumn; meanwhile I am<br />
putting my copy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> book on a table for you<br />
to have a look at today".
68 Recorders and Recording / Obituary notes<br />
RECORDERS AND RECORDING<br />
Panel <strong>of</strong> Referees and Specialists<br />
MARY CLARE SHEAHAN, 61 Westmoreland Road, Barnes, London SW13 9RZ;<br />
mc_sheahan@hotmail.com<br />
We have two new referees:<br />
Mike Bell will do bamboos. His entry reads as<br />
follows:<br />
Bambusoideae: Mr M. Bell. Information is<br />
needed on <strong>the</strong> habitat, <strong>the</strong> height <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
clump, whe<strong>the</strong>r it has an open structure or<br />
close compact canes; <strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> branches,<br />
<strong>the</strong> number at each node and <strong>the</strong>ir angle to<br />
<strong>the</strong> stem; <strong>the</strong> size, texture and colour <strong>of</strong><br />
leaves, both above and below. His address<br />
is Mr M. Bell, Beecr<strong>of</strong>t, 3 Clarence Terrace,<br />
Park Road,Wadebridge, Cornwall PL27<br />
7NG<br />
Rodney Burton has <strong>of</strong>fered to look at records<br />
from S.W. Turkey. His address is in <strong>the</strong><br />
Yearbook.<br />
Panel <strong>of</strong> Vice-county Recorders<br />
Also:<br />
Allen Coombes has resigned as referee for<br />
Quercus, as he has moved to Mexico.<br />
However, he is prepared to help by looking<br />
at images <strong>of</strong> specimens - his new email<br />
address is: allen.coombes@hotmail.com<br />
Mike Hardman, referee for Viola, has moved<br />
to Cyprus. His new address is: Tremithos<br />
BI7-201, 8270 Tremithousa, Paphos,<br />
Cyprus. His new email address is:<br />
mike@mikehardman.com.<br />
Dr E Charles Nelson <strong>the</strong> referee for Ericaceae<br />
and Maritime Drift Seeds has a new email<br />
address - tippitiwitchet@phonecoop.coop<br />
DAVID PEARMAN, Algiers, Feock, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6RA; 01872 863388<br />
Changes<br />
v.c.38 (Warks). V acant. We very much regret<br />
to announce <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> Dr J ames<br />
Partridge, recorder since 2004.<br />
v.c.96. (Easterness). Mr Waddell retires (Ms<br />
S. Smyth continues as before)<br />
OBITUARY NOTES<br />
MARY BRIGGs, 9 Arun Prospect, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1AL<br />
With regret we report <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> Dr J ames<br />
Partridge <strong>of</strong> Leamington Spa, Warwickshire<br />
who joined <strong>the</strong> <strong>Society</strong> in 1986 and had been<br />
our Recorder for v.c. 38 since 2004.<br />
It is also with much regret that we report <strong>the</strong><br />
deaths <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following members notified to us<br />
since <strong>the</strong> last issue: Mr C.J. Bruxner <strong>of</strong><br />
King's Lynn, Norfolk, a member since 1973;<br />
Mrs P.D. Law <strong>of</strong> Guisborough, Cleveland, a<br />
member since 1995; Mr F.T. Palmer <strong>of</strong><br />
Cowbridge, Vale <strong>of</strong> Glamorgan, a member<br />
since 1972; Dr L.E. Perrins <strong>of</strong> St Albans,<br />
Hertfordshire, a member since 1962; Mr W.F.<br />
Robertson <strong>of</strong> Glenalmond, Perth, a member<br />
since 1991; Mr M. Robinson <strong>of</strong> Macclesfield,<br />
Cheshire, a member since 1983; Mr P.J.<br />
Wisniewski <strong>of</strong> Burscough, Lancashire, a<br />
member since 2003 and Mrs A.C. Macpherson,<br />
a family member since 1991 and <strong>the</strong> wife<br />
<strong>of</strong> our former President Peter Macpherson. We<br />
send our sympathy to him and to <strong>the</strong> families <strong>of</strong><br />
all those members mentioned above.<br />
Also with regret we report <strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> Pr<strong>of</strong>.<br />
C.J. Humphries; although not a member <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>BSBI</strong>, Chris was known to many as a botanist<br />
at <strong>the</strong> Natural History Museum where he was<br />
part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> B.M. Evolutionary Biology group.<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> rare plant recording was helpful to Chris<br />
in planning his project on mapping pictorially<br />
Rare Species <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> World.
Important Notice - Results <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> questionnaire about <strong>the</strong> Annual Exhibition Meeting 69<br />
IMPORTANT NOTICE<br />
Results <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> questionnaire about <strong>the</strong> Annual Exhibition Meeting<br />
JOHN BAILEY, Secretary: Meetings Committee, Biology Department, University <strong>of</strong> Leicester,<br />
LE1 TRH (jpb@le.ac.uk)<br />
Firstly we would like to thank <strong>the</strong> 45 members<br />
who took <strong>the</strong> time to answer and return <strong>the</strong><br />
questionnaire; <strong>the</strong>ir responses are summarised<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Table. The reason for <strong>the</strong> different<br />
categories <strong>of</strong> expertise and length <strong>of</strong> membership<br />
was not to embarrass anyone, but to try<br />
and see if newer, less experienced members<br />
were looking for something different from<br />
more experienced members at our Exhibition<br />
meetings. Whilst we don't want to place too<br />
much weight on such a small sample <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
membership, it is all we have to go on at <strong>the</strong><br />
moment. There are certainly some clear<br />
patterns - all categories were in favour <strong>of</strong><br />
slides and workshops. Support for lectures<br />
was more equivocal, though clearly favoured<br />
more by our newer members. In hindsight it<br />
was perhaps a mistake to say 'lectures after <strong>the</strong><br />
meeting' in <strong>the</strong> questionnaire, since <strong>the</strong>re is no<br />
reason why <strong>the</strong>y couldn't be integrated into<br />
<strong>the</strong> meeting. Similarly <strong>the</strong> question 'are you<br />
satisfied with <strong>the</strong> current AEM?' may have<br />
had <strong>the</strong> unintended effect <strong>of</strong> putting <strong>of</strong>f<br />
responses from people who had not previously<br />
attended one, and would perhaps have been<br />
Expertise 1 & 2 Expertise 3 & 4<br />
Yes No Yes No<br />
Satisfied with 65% 35% 88% 12%<br />
AEM<br />
Lectures 36% 64% 78% 22%<br />
Meal 41% 49% 44% 56%<br />
Workshops 65% 35% 77% 23%<br />
Slides 75% 25% 90% 10%<br />
better phrased as 'what would you like to find<br />
at an AEM?'. There was also support for a<br />
meal from some categories <strong>of</strong> membership,<br />
but whilst practical considerations make this<br />
too difficult in London it could certainly be<br />
explored in <strong>the</strong> out <strong>of</strong> London meetings.<br />
The <strong>BSBI</strong> is, <strong>of</strong> course, a very 'broad<br />
church' and <strong>the</strong>re is no necessity that every<br />
member should want exactly <strong>the</strong> same things<br />
from a meeting. It is <strong>the</strong>n more a question <strong>of</strong>:<br />
what should be available for members to chose<br />
from? Ano<strong>the</strong>r point is that new technology is<br />
blurring <strong>the</strong> boundaries between such previously<br />
separate categories as exhibit, lecture<br />
and slide show. The Meetings Committee is<br />
committed to keeping <strong>the</strong> best components <strong>of</strong><br />
previous exhibition meeting formats and to<br />
incorporating new features in order to make<br />
future AEMs more inclusive and relevant for<br />
our membership.<br />
We are particularly keen to hear from<br />
members who have not yet attended an<br />
Exhibition Meeting, about what would<br />
encourage <strong>the</strong>m to come, and what <strong>the</strong>y would<br />
find useful.<br />
Joined before Joined 1994<br />
1994 onwards<br />
Total<br />
Yes No Yes No Yes No<br />
77% 23% 70% 30% 70% 30%<br />
39% 61% 50% 50% 48% 52%<br />
54% 46% 27% 63% 43% 57%<br />
58% 42% 92% 8% 63% 37%<br />
73% 27% 83% 17% 80% 20%
70 Notes from <strong>the</strong> Officers - <strong>BSBI</strong> Plant Unit<br />
NOTES FROM THE OFFICERS<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> Plant Unit<br />
KEVIN WALKER, <strong>BSBI</strong> Plant Unit, clo 97 Dragon Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire<br />
HGl 5DG. 01423 544902 (man-weds) 01904 328805 (thurs & fri), kevinwalker@bsbi.org.uk<br />
Threatened Plants Project<br />
Many thanks to those <strong>of</strong> you who have been out<br />
surveying TPP species this summer. I am now<br />
starting to receive lots <strong>of</strong> completed forms, and<br />
going by <strong>the</strong> number we should be on course to<br />
match last year's total <strong>of</strong> over 750. I have also<br />
received quite a number <strong>of</strong> completed forms<br />
for last year's species. These will be included<br />
in <strong>the</strong> analyses so please carry on surveying<br />
species from previous years if you run out <strong>of</strong><br />
time. The more data we receive for a species<br />
<strong>the</strong> more meaningful <strong>the</strong> results will be.<br />
Please send completed forms to me at <strong>the</strong><br />
address given above. Ideally we would like<br />
forms for 2009 species by <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> September<br />
so we have plenty <strong>of</strong> time to input <strong>the</strong> data.<br />
We are just about to start analyses <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 2008<br />
species. Although this is later than we hoped<br />
we should <strong>the</strong>refore be able to report preliminary<br />
results in <strong>the</strong> next News.<br />
Next year's species<br />
Many recorders have asked if we can provide<br />
<strong>the</strong> list <strong>of</strong> species for next year much earlier so<br />
that fieldwork can be scheduled into <strong>the</strong><br />
meeting programmes. So here <strong>the</strong>y are:<br />
Chrysan<strong>the</strong>mum segetum (Corn Marigold)<br />
Hordeum marinum (Sea Barley)<br />
Juniperus communis (Common Juniper)<br />
(lowland England only)<br />
Melittis melissophyllum (Bastard Balm)<br />
Meum athamanticum (Spignel)<br />
Herminium monorchis (Musk Orchid)<br />
Polystichum lonchitis (Holly-fern)<br />
Sibbaldia procumbens (Sibbaldia)<br />
Sium latifolium (Greater Water-parsnip)<br />
Viola lactea (Pale Dog-violet)<br />
You will notice a nor<strong>the</strong>rn and western bias in<br />
<strong>the</strong> selection for 2010. This was intentional as<br />
we felt that <strong>the</strong>re had been so many sou<strong>the</strong>asterners<br />
in <strong>the</strong> previous two years. We have<br />
also tried to cover more habitats, in particular<br />
uplands as we haven't really covered <strong>the</strong>se<br />
before. Meum is a good example <strong>of</strong> a nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
species which seems to be genuinely threatened<br />
away from its core areas, but for reasons<br />
that remain unclear. The two montane species<br />
chosen, Sibbaldia and Polystichum were both<br />
classified as 'threatened' in <strong>the</strong> recent Red List<br />
again for reasons that were not entirely<br />
obvious. Declines might reflect an element <strong>of</strong><br />
under-recording but also real threats posed by<br />
over-grazing or even climate change. We<br />
considered a few o<strong>the</strong>r options but both species<br />
seemed like indicators <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> health <strong>of</strong> our<br />
montane flora: Sibbaldia because it might be<br />
vulnerable to changes in snow-patch cover and<br />
Polystichum because it seems so palatable to<br />
deer and livestock across a wider geographic<br />
range. Viola lactea is probably under-recorded<br />
but may be genuinely threatened by hybridisation<br />
combined with a loss <strong>of</strong> maritime heath to<br />
scrub. Melittis on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand seems to be<br />
declining due to lack <strong>of</strong> management <strong>of</strong> it's<br />
wood edge habitat although, as with Campanula<br />
patula (Spreading Bellflower), this needs<br />
to be investigated through more detailed<br />
survey.<br />
We have always wanted to include an arable<br />
species and after long deliberation Chrysan<strong>the</strong>mum<br />
was selected. O<strong>the</strong>r strong candidates<br />
included Stachys arvensis (Field Woundwort)<br />
and An<strong>the</strong>mis arvensis (Corn Chamomile) but<br />
Corn Marigold was favoured because it is still<br />
so widespread, occurring from Cornwall to<br />
Shetland, its distribution is less likely to be<br />
affected by planting (as opposed to Cornflower<br />
(Centaurea cyanus) or Corncockle<br />
(Agrostemma githago» and <strong>the</strong>re are still sufficient<br />
populations for it to provide an indication<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> low intensity farming systems<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> UK.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> next two years we will be working<br />
with Plantlife on a project to assess <strong>the</strong> status
Notes from <strong>the</strong> Officers <strong>BSBI</strong> Plant Unit / Coordinator's Corner 71<br />
<strong>of</strong> lowland populations <strong>of</strong> Juniper in England.<br />
Consequently, we have included <strong>the</strong>se populations<br />
for next year to run alongside a more<br />
intensive survey <strong>of</strong> 'key sites' being carried out<br />
by Plantlife. This uses a ra<strong>the</strong>r more detailed<br />
survey method, focusing on <strong>the</strong> size, age,<br />
regeneration <strong>of</strong> individuals but <strong>the</strong> results from<br />
<strong>the</strong> TPP will be vital in providing a more<br />
comprehensive picture <strong>of</strong> what is happening to<br />
<strong>the</strong> species across its lowland range.<br />
Although Sium latifolium has received a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> attention in <strong>the</strong> past we are not aware <strong>of</strong> any<br />
comprehensive analyses <strong>of</strong> its status and<br />
trends. We <strong>the</strong>refore felt that its inclusion<br />
would add greatly to our understanding <strong>the</strong><br />
threats facing many fenland species. Likewise<br />
Hordeum marinum occurs in a suite <strong>of</strong> threatened<br />
coastal species for which we currently<br />
have very little information on recent trends<br />
(e.g. Bupleurum tenuissimum (Slender Hare'sear),<br />
Carex divisa (Divided Sedge), Spartina<br />
maritima (Small Cord-grass)). Detailed<br />
monitoring <strong>of</strong> Herminium by Terry Well's<br />
showed that this species has a cyclical lifehistory,<br />
apparently disappearing in some years<br />
only to return in <strong>the</strong> next. However, it does<br />
seem to be declining in some areas and it would<br />
be good to have more information on why this<br />
is <strong>the</strong> case.<br />
Over <strong>the</strong> next few months we will be selecting<br />
<strong>the</strong> sample sites for survey in 2010. These<br />
will be circulated to VCRs in October so that<br />
field meetings can be included in <strong>the</strong> Yearbook.<br />
Recording Strategy<br />
Given <strong>the</strong> Coordinator's comments on <strong>the</strong><br />
death <strong>of</strong>DC4, recorders should note that we are<br />
currently working on a plan <strong>of</strong> recording priorities<br />
for <strong>the</strong> next two decades (2010-2030).<br />
This 'strategy', for want <strong>of</strong> a better word, will<br />
provide a plan <strong>of</strong> how best to combine major<br />
recording activities such as a repeat Local<br />
Change and Atlas 3, alongside local projects as<br />
well as tricky issues such as date-classes and<br />
recording scales. The aim is not to be too<br />
prescriptive but to provide a flexibility <strong>of</strong><br />
approach that acknowledges <strong>the</strong> great variation<br />
that exists in <strong>the</strong> intensity and practicality <strong>of</strong><br />
recording within different parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> country.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong>re are likely to be key principles<br />
that should underpin good recording practice<br />
we expect that a workable plan will need to<br />
provide a range <strong>of</strong> options tailored to a range <strong>of</strong><br />
local situations. Date-classes are just one<br />
example <strong>of</strong> where a 'one size fits all' approach<br />
is unlikely to work: we might expect a 10 year<br />
repeat hectad survey in a lowland county with<br />
lots <strong>of</strong> botanists but can we expect <strong>the</strong> same<br />
from a county twice <strong>the</strong> size in <strong>the</strong> uplands?<br />
And what would that tell us given <strong>the</strong> pace <strong>of</strong><br />
ecological change in montane ecosystems? In<br />
<strong>the</strong> latter case a sampling approach, backed by<br />
targeted surveys over 20 years might be a much<br />
more realistic alternative. Watch this space.<br />
Coordinator's Corner<br />
ALEX LOCKTON, 66 North Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SYl 21L; coordinator@bsbi.org.uk<br />
The end <strong>of</strong> date class 4 is nigh<br />
We shall soon know whe<strong>the</strong>r date classes are<br />
workable or not. At <strong>the</strong> end <strong>of</strong> this year everyone<br />
should close any ongoing record cards<br />
<strong>the</strong>y have open and start a new list afresh. For<br />
anyone who regularly puts <strong>the</strong>ir data into<br />
Map Mate or ano<strong>the</strong>r database this is not an<br />
issue because <strong>the</strong>y will probably keep <strong>the</strong> full<br />
date for each record, but even <strong>the</strong>y need to<br />
start thinking about a programme <strong>of</strong> re-recording<br />
over <strong>the</strong> next decade. Records Committee<br />
is going to review progress and see what <strong>the</strong><br />
options are for using date classes to monitor<br />
change in <strong>the</strong> flora.<br />
We would like you to use <strong>the</strong> next couple <strong>of</strong><br />
years to finish <strong>of</strong>f DC4 and encourage county<br />
recorders to submit any records that <strong>the</strong>y hold.<br />
When I started working as co-ordinator, about<br />
ten years ago, I calculated that it took on<br />
average eight years for a record to make its<br />
way through to <strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong>. Now <strong>the</strong> average is<br />
less <strong>the</strong>n one year, but <strong>the</strong> tail end <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> graph<br />
is still fairly long. Do please send us your data<br />
as soon as you can - it is easy enough to<br />
correct errors and insert additions later on.
Notes from <strong>the</strong> Officers - Coordinator's Corner<br />
Committee is going to have to look hard at<br />
some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> counties and, in some cases, start<br />
looking for new people to assist with <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Species Accounts<br />
To complement <strong>the</strong> new maps on <strong>the</strong> Maps<br />
Scheme, I would like to now expand <strong>the</strong><br />
Species Accounts section <strong>of</strong> our web site.<br />
There are lots <strong>of</strong> difficult, new and interesting<br />
species in <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong> and Irish flora that people<br />
would like to know more about. I think we have<br />
now got a unique and valuable formula that<br />
people appreciate. This is reflected in <strong>the</strong> usage<br />
stats on <strong>the</strong> web site. We get about 20,000<br />
people a month now visiting <strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong>'s suite<br />
<strong>of</strong> web sites, and <strong>the</strong> two most popular features<br />
are <strong>the</strong> Maps Scheme and <strong>the</strong> Species<br />
Accounts. In <strong>the</strong> last month, for instance, some<br />
200 people will have read our account <strong>of</strong> Wild<br />
Gladiolus, Gladiolus illyricus. Add that up<br />
over a year, and include <strong>the</strong> folk around <strong>the</strong><br />
world who do not have access to our paper<br />
publications, and you realise that this is a<br />
bigger audience than a paper in Watsonia or a<br />
<strong>BSBI</strong> Handbook will achieve.<br />
The web-based Species Accounts are also a<br />
surprisingly permanent feature. The web site is<br />
archived every week or so by <strong>the</strong> <strong>British</strong><br />
Library and <strong>the</strong> Internet <strong>Archive</strong>, amongst<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs, which means that each account is<br />
permanent, date stamped, and available forever.<br />
If you write a novel idea into one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />
accounts, you will be permanently identified as<br />
<strong>the</strong> author and inventor. So what I am hoping is<br />
that more <strong>BSBI</strong> members will adopt a species<br />
and write us an interesting account. Have a<br />
look at <strong>the</strong> one on Climbing Corydalis, Ceratocapnos<br />
claviculata, for instance. Some 30<br />
people have read it this August alone, and<br />
Nicole Voss tells me she has received data<br />
from five people and specimens for DNA<br />
analysis from three. The account is not a<br />
passive declaration <strong>of</strong> information about a<br />
plant, it creates an active flow <strong>of</strong> ideas and<br />
cooperation.<br />
If anyone would like to adopt a species,<br />
please get in touch with me. The <strong>BSBI</strong> has<br />
about 3,000 members and <strong>the</strong>re are about this<br />
many species occurring in <strong>the</strong> wild, so if a<br />
reasonable proportion <strong>of</strong> members wanted to<br />
adopt one to study, that would just about get <strong>the</strong><br />
job done.<br />
FISC Success<br />
We had some 35 people take a FISC exam<br />
again this summer. Eight different ecological<br />
consultancies have sent staff this year and some<br />
return every few years to see if <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
improved. The highly structured approach used<br />
in <strong>the</strong> FISC enables people to decide what <strong>the</strong>y<br />
need to learn. An important part <strong>of</strong> our process<br />
is to get plants from around <strong>the</strong> country, so that<br />
botanists who are familiar with <strong>the</strong> area where<br />
<strong>the</strong> test is taking place do not have an advantage.<br />
We are <strong>the</strong>refore enormously grateful to<br />
our collectors, John, Clare, David, Arthur and<br />
Kevin for continuing to support it. There will<br />
be more FISCs in 2010 and <strong>BSBI</strong> members are<br />
welcome to come along. The price remains just<br />
£50, which we think is highly affordable<br />
compared to any o<strong>the</strong>r qualification you could<br />
get. Talting a FISC is more than just finding out<br />
how good you are: <strong>the</strong> very process <strong>of</strong> having<br />
an independent assessment <strong>of</strong> your knowledge<br />
and skill makes you look at your work in a<br />
different way.<br />
iSpot<br />
One <strong>of</strong> my principles is that anyone who thinks<br />
<strong>of</strong> something new deserves our support, at least<br />
to an extent. If you come up with a new web<br />
site or database or even just a clever way <strong>of</strong><br />
identifying plants <strong>the</strong>n it behoves <strong>the</strong> <strong>BSBI</strong> to<br />
give you a chance. Well, a multi-million pound<br />
Lottery funded project isn't <strong>the</strong> sort <strong>of</strong> thing<br />
that would normally get (or need) my vote, but<br />
I have to admit that <strong>the</strong>ir iSpot web site seems<br />
to be a first. On this site people can post <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
photographs <strong>of</strong> animals or plants and ask for<br />
help in identification. The site is well<br />
constructed to apply <strong>the</strong> principles <strong>of</strong> biological<br />
recording and, from <strong>the</strong> material <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
collected so far, it is clear that a huge number<br />
<strong>of</strong> species can be reliably identified this way. A<br />
record backed up by a photograph is <strong>of</strong>ten as<br />
good a record as you could want, and definitely<br />
better than a tick on a record card. So I wish<br />
<strong>the</strong>m all <strong>the</strong> best. They are asking for <strong>BSBI</strong><br />
members to register as referees and <strong>of</strong>fer <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
expertise in identification. If you fancy doing<br />
this, I think it could really be a valuable educational<br />
tool. Visit ispot.org.uk.<br />
73
Crosswood solution & crib / Deadline for contributions to <strong>BSBI</strong> News 113 75<br />
Solution & Crib to <strong>Botanical</strong> Crossword 13<br />
Across<br />
7. RESEDA; 8. WEEDED; 9. SCAN;<br />
10. SCARIOUS; 11. FERTILE; 13. LATEX;<br />
15. SPORE; 17. OIL PALM; 20. CAPITATE;<br />
21. BENT; 22. CLEAVE; 23. ERECTA<br />
Across<br />
7. anag ADEERS; 8. sounds like 'we did'<br />
9. Three meanings <strong>of</strong> 'scan' - look over/ leaf<br />
through! scope; 10. SCARlIOUS; 11. anag<br />
FILTER + E(cstasy); 13. anag EXALT<br />
15. SP/ORE; 17. Like 'grease palm'<br />
20. CA(circa)PATE; 21. dishonest<br />
22. Cleavers; 23. anag CREATE<br />
Solution<br />
Crib<br />
Down<br />
1. FESCUE; 2. VEIN; 3. CAPSULE;<br />
4. TWEAK; 5. PERICARP; 6. RETUSE;<br />
12. TERMINAL; 14. CINEREA; 16. PEARLY;<br />
18. LUNATE; 19. NAKED; 21. BEET<br />
Down<br />
1. FE'S CUE; 2. 'style' as in 'manner'<br />
3. CAPS/sounds like 'you'll'; 4. TEAK<br />
(whisky = call sign for W); 5. PERI/CARP<br />
6. REUSE; 12. double definition;<br />
14. mediCINE REAl dose; 16. pearly<br />
everlasting/pearly gates; 18. LATE;<br />
19. double def; 21. BEIET (extra-terrestrial)<br />
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Ann eonolly at <strong>the</strong> Boathouse, Bardsey Island<br />
(v.c.49). Photo P. Hope Jones ' 1996<br />
(see p. 65)<br />
Yolande Heslop-Harrison admiring her 90th<br />
Birthday Dpollen cakeD.<br />
Photo P. Heslop-Harrison ' 2009 (see p. 66)<br />
Paul Green being presented with <strong>the</strong> Distinguished Recorder Award <strong>of</strong>Ireland 2009 by Pr<strong>of</strong>. Liam<br />
Downey with Dr Liam Lysaght (1) & Dr Una Fitzpatrick (r). Photo LP. Green' 2009 (see p. 66)
Scilla lilio-hyacinthus & Corydalis cava in<br />
beechwood, Piedrasluengas (see p. 54)<br />
Saxifraga cuneata, Las Tuerces (see p. 51)<br />
All photos taken in Spain by Teresa Farino I 2009<br />
Erodium daucoides, Pllramo de La Lora<br />
(see p. 54)