Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Editorial
GWYNN ELLIS, General Editor
I am delighted to welcome to the fold our new Congratulations also to Nick Stewart on
Receiving Editor, Trevor James. He has taken winning this year's Marsh Christian Award for
all (or most) of the contributions, that arrived in Botanical Conservation. This is for 'a lifetime's
various formats, and converted them into stand- achievement to an individual who has made an
ard Word documents. On the next page he has outstanding contribution in the field of botanical
set out several guidelines and it would be conservation Previous winners have included
extremely useful if all potential contributors Phil Wilson, Ro FitzGerald and David Pearman!
could read these carefully and follow them as far And to Trevor Evans on the publication of his
as possible. Flora of Monmouthshire; surely one of the most
One point that I would like to emphasise here original Floras of recent years and incredible
is the need for illustrations to be accompanied by value for money.
a caption giving all necessary details; and this
includes the name of the photographer and date Corrigendum
as well as the subject of the photograph and In BSBI News 106: 40, due to slack proofreading
locality. the word 'venation' on lines 9 and 12 should read
Observant readers may have noticed the 'VERNATION' - my apologies to Maura
gradual removal of vernacular names from titles Scannell for this error.
of notes. There are two reasons for this; firstly Where are they now: If any member knows
to reduce the length of the title which can the present whereabouts of any of the following
become quite unwieldy if several taxa are members, I would be pleased to hear from them.
mentioned; and secondly, as only one name will 104611, Mr S P Corkhill, 8 Chapel Lane, Wimbome,
need to be indexed, this will cut the number of Dorset, BH21 IPP
entries. 059306, Mr J Edelsten, 19 Macrae Court, Portsoy,
Perhaps contributors could keep the length in Banff, Aberdeenshire, AB24 2RE
mind when choosing a title. Not every note is 096317, Miss L J Healey, 3c Goda Road,
suitable for the short pithy titles of John Poland Littlehampton, West Sussex, BNI7 6AS
080151, Ms E Hickey, Cushinstown, Foulkesmills,
or Tim Rich's Cabbage Patch articles from a
Co. Wexford, Ireland
decade or more ago (which still raise a chuckle 088144, Miss L Hutchby, 8 Bullington End Road,
in these old bones), but it should rarely be neces- Castlethorpe, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK19 7ER
sary to need more than one line! This is in no 093512, Mr R Kennedy, 11 Edmund Street, Walsden,
way a criticism of any current authors but Todmorden, 0L14 7ST
something which I have only recently thought of 093423, Dr J J H Kirby, Homefield, Queen's Street,
while doing some preliminary planning for the Hook Norton, Banbury, Oxon, OX15 5PH
next News Index! 093059, Dr S J Langdon, Sundean, Barton Road,
Barton, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 7HU
I am delighted to send our congratulations to 099626, Mrs & Mr T Penfield, 2 Croftside, York,
Tony Primavesi on reaching 90 not out and am Y0265LT
grateful to Roger Maskew for the note which 079790, Mrs J I Wilkinson, Bibury Villa, Bar Hill,
follows at the foot of the page. Madeley, Cheshire, CW3 9QD.
Some members may feel as I do that it is four extra fields in this table for the Ellenberg
desirable to record more information than the values ofL, F, Rand N copied from Hill et al.,
mere existence of a plant at a given place and 2004, and this is where further attribute fields
date. I offer an account of a simple way to do could be added to broaden the scope of one's
this in the hope that a few readers may be enquiries.
encouraged to try it for themselves, and proba- The 'Sites' table includes 'Site ID', along
bly come up with something better than I have. with fields describing features of the site, such
The only constraints upon my recording for as grid reference, altitude, slope, land use, etc,
this database are that I must define the location and a further field, 'Category ID', of which
and extent of the site (anything from 1m2 more shortly. There is also a space for
upwards, most often about 4m x 4m, but describing the plot location and perhaps
occasionally much larger) and try to record indicating why it was chosen for recording. I
every species present along with a DAFOR frequently revisit plots in order to get a
value (1-5) to indicate its abundance within complete picture of what is present throughout
the plot. When recording in woodland, I the year, and records can contribute to pheno-
include tree species from the immediate vicin- logical studies.
ity as well as those inside the plot. The 'Records' table itself is very simple: it
By way of encouragement, before going into consists offour fields only: date, site ID, taxon
details, I will give some examples of results ID and frequency (the DAFOR value); and
that are immediately available, once a few this allows records to be entered very rapidly,
simple queries have been written. I can see a once the site details have been filled in. I do
list for my area of the types of habitat in which not use a form for data entry, as I find it is
any species occurs with varying degrees of more easily done by typing directly into the
frequency and abundance, a list of its most table. I should add that my records are made
frequent companion plants, its preferred levels on a customised sheet resembling a normal
of moisture, acidity and nutrient as indicated recording card, but with space for entering the
by the other plants growing on the site, and DAFOR values and essential site details, with
many other things. It seems to me that gather- taxon ID numbers corresponding to those used
ing such information, and having it easily in the database; and, as I also record common
available, greatly increases the interest and mosses (my competence does not extend to
value of our recording work, and well justifies rarer ones) these are included on the sheet.
the small additional labour of maintaining the One could use a standard recording card if
database. An additional benefit for MapMate BRC numbers were used for taxon ID and one
users is that there is no need to enter data wished to record only vascular plants.
twice. Creating an import file lets one enter a For many purposes, these three tables would
whole season's records into MapMate in a few suffice, but as I have a particular interest in the
minutes. relationship between plant communities and
My rudimentary database runs in Microsoft their habitats, and in the extent to which the
Access, and consists of four related tables NVC communities can be applied, or refined
called 'Taxa', 'Sites', 'Records' and and adapted to the needs of an area from which
'Categories'. 'Taxa' is, of course, a species no samples were available to their authors (see
list with associated ID nmnbers, which could Rodwell, 1991), I created a fourth table,
be either BRC or Kent numbers, but in my 'Categories', with a view to defining the
case are simple serial numbers. When a new phytosociological community and/or habitat
taxon has to be added, I simply insert a category to which a site should be assigned.
decimal figure at the appropriate point. I have This remains very much work in progress, and
Notes - A simple relational database for ecological recording / Plant status - alien v. native 5
no more should be said here. It is enough to tage is that every one has an 8-figure grid
indicate the open-endedness of this approach reference.
to recording, since the simple database can be References
developed in any way desired, to further one's HILL, M.O.; PRESTON, C.D. & Roy, D.B.
personal interests. In the course of recording 2004. Plantatt. CEH: Monks Wood,
for this database, I have amassed 12,000 Huntingdon.
records for 589 taxa on the Isle of Bute over RODWELL, J.S. (ed.). 1991. British plant
the last three years, and an incidental advan- communities, vol. 1. Cambridge University
Press, Cambridge.
I was pleased to receive a riposte from Dr or not. We are putting forward hypotheses
Peterken to my Watsonia paper, and as it to be tested, and if nobody puts them
happens I had a reply from Oliver Rackham too, forward they are never tested! One of our
also claiming native status for the Euphorbia, main points was that there had been no
and these two are far more expert foresters than serious work on this subject for the best part
I will ever be! However, I would like to mention of a century, despite the massive increase in
again three points that I covered in the paper. available research in so many fields.
• I went to great trouble to stress that I, like • Finally, once more, the reason for looking
Professor Webb, had considered a whole again at the available facts underlying native
range of criteria (ten in total) for a great or alien status is because of the obsession of
range of species, all in one exercise rather the conservation industry with nativeness.
than cherry-picking one species at a time, Simply, and this was set out more fully in the
and then had tried to come to a decision paper, this policy conserves natives and
based on all. Another point that, perhaps, I consigns perceived aliens to the pit! Archae-
did not make is that underlying and contrib- ophytes, long accepted on the Continent and
uting to the decisions we made is a scoring trailed here by Webb 20 years ago, were
system for each criterion. Thus there are ten promptly accepted here after the 'New Atlas'
criteria and a range of scores for each. Dr as 'honorary natives'. Quite right. I argued,
Peterken mentions three criteria (first record, at the end of my Watsonia paper, that the
semi-natural vegetation and disjunct distri- way is open for the conservationists to
bution), and, for his notes, concentrates on similarly accept that species whose status is
first records in his part of the world, which is uncertain, such as Fritillary, Meadow Clary
quite different from taking a countrywide and others listed at the end of my paper,
view. I would maintain that a local approach 'could well be included in conservation
is much less satisfactory, in that often odd efforts, on the grounds that they have
and special things are recorded first, and cultural resonance, act in harmony with
botanical exploration over the British Isles other species that we value in their habitats
was very uneven. and have a long association in those sites.
• I quite agree that the status of many species This would be all the more possible since
is uncertain (and for some this will always be almost all conservation efforts are perforce
so). The evidence lli poor - it is history, not concentrated on the management of the
real science. But, as I said, it does seem far habitat rather than the individual species
better to set out all the known facts before therein. Furthermore the list would not be
deciding whether to 'live with uncertainty' long.'
6 Notes - Alopecunts borealis and Carex vaginata in the Yorkshire Dales
repay closer inspection. I think it highly likely CORNER, R.W.M. 2004. 'Carex vaginata
that some may have one or more of the afore- Tausch (Cyperaceae) a sedge new to Eng-
mentioned species present. land'. Watsonia 25: 127-130.
Acknowledgements CORNER, R.W.M., Roberts, FJ. & Robinson,
I would like to thank David We1ch for the L.M.2006. 'Sheathed Sedge Carex vagina-
copy of his and Michael Rawes' paper on ta: an update on its status in the Northern
effects of excluding sheep grazing in the Pennines'. BSBI News 101: 6-8.
northern Pennines. It was proving very hard TOLMACHEV, A.L., PACKER, lG. & GRIF-
to get hold of. I would also like to thank Dr FITHS, G.C.D. 1995. The Flora of the Rus-
M.E. Bradshaw for information confirming sian Arctic (English edition). Vol. 1. pp:
my memories of the exclosure known as 106-113. The University of Alberta Press,
'Johnny's Flush' on Moor House National Edmonton, Canada.
Nature Reserve in the northern Pennines and WELCH, D, & RAWES, M. 1964. 'The early
Rod Corner for information on the latitude of effects of excluding sheep from high-level
Alp'ine Foxtail. grasslands in the north Pennines'. J. Appl.
References Ecol. 1: 281-300.
Flower x 30 Inflorescence x 8
Isolepis cernua (Slender Club-rush), Swanton Abbott Low Common, Norfolk, 20/7/2006 &
28/612007
10 Notes - Poa pa/ustris by the River Tweed
brought in with the wool trade to Galashie1s. PRESTON, C.D., PEARMAN, D.A. & DINES,
Nevertheless Poa palustris is now demon- T.D. 2002. New Atlas of the British and
strated to have been present by the Tweed as Irish flora. Oxford University Press, Ox-
well as the Tay for a century or more and ford.
search should be made in other places where it HULTON, E. & FRIES, M. 1986. Atlas of
was recorded in the past, notably in the Hebri- north European plants north ofthe tropic of
des along the western coast of South Uist. Cancer. 3 vols. Konigstein Koeltz scientific
There remains the outside chance of evidence books.
emerging of native status in some at least of its STEWART, A., PEARMAN, D.A. & PRESTON,
Scottish localities. C.D. 1994. Scarce plants in Britain.
References JNCC, Peterborough.
HAYWARD, 1. M & DRUCE, G.C. 1919. The
adventive Flora of Tweedside. T. Buncle,
Arbroath.
Vernation in Platanus
M.lP. SCANNELL, 43 Raglan Road, Dublin 4, Eire
In the section on vernation in the 3rd (1933) the buds open, that they cause an annual
edn of l Small's A textbook of Botany for epidemic of catarrh (by irritation of the
medical, pharmaceutical and other students mucus membrane) in the districts of
(l & A. Churchill, London) there is the London where this hybrid plane tree is
following reference to the winter buds of trees, largely grown in the streets.
The London Plane (Platanus acerifolia
[Po xhispanicaJ) has its lateral buds Corrigendum
protected by the bases ofleaf-stalks .... The In BSBI News 106: 40, due to slack proof
young leaves are covered with short reading by the writer [and the editor!] the
brownish hairs which become stiff and word venation on lines 9 and 12 should read
rigid before the bud opens, and these hairs VERNATION.
are thrown off in such large numbers, when
Notes - Surrey's 'missing' herbaria 13
To my knowledge, the collections have not the insect collection was transferred to Hasle-
been catalogued. mere, none of my contacts knew what had
The Haslemere Educational Museum is an happened to the herbarium. Had it been lost?
independent organisation, founded in 1888. It By coincidence, at the same time as I was
has a fairly large botanical collection compris- making my enquiries, Andrew Doran, the
ing around 65,000 specimens in total. Most of relatively new Curator of the University and
these, about 62%, are pressed herbarium Jepson Herbaria at the University of Califor-
specimens of flowering and non-flowering nia, Berkeley was taking possession, on
plants. The majority of the herbarium speci- pennanent loan, of this herbarium! He is an
mens are from the British Isles. The Joshua old Carthusian and had been enquiring about
Lamb (1856-1943) collection of British wild the collection for some years, fearing as we
flowers was made in the late 1800s. The more were, that it might have eventually been
unusual Lightfoot Collection is stored in 16 thrown out, particularly since one of the last
volumes and contains over 750 English vascu- curators of the Museum had left the school. It
lar plants. They were collected between the was found in storage in London and, although
1850s and 1880s, with the majority from the it was packed very badly, it has held up quite
1870s. Each plant specimen has a poem well with minimal pest damage.
accompanying it. The G.J. Lyon Collection This small herbarium of around 8,000 speci-
includes all known species of mosses in Great mens, in bound volumes and folders, dates
Britain up to 1849. The pages are bound back to the late eighteenth century and
together in one volume and are beautifully includes specimens from all over the British
preserved. It includes many rare species and a Isles, as well as collections from Europe, the
few specimens from Gennany and North Middle East, South Africa and east coastlmid-
America. These named collections provide a west United States. The collections are partic-
brief insight into the scope of the botany ularly significant since they document the
collection and reflect a concentration of effort flora of Greater London during a time of great
from the 1800s to the mid-twentieth century. expansion and many vouchers represent
The herbarium at Haslemere is well-main- species no longer found in London and
tained and curated. Around 75% ofthe collec- surrounding counties (see photo, p. 15). The
tion has been catalogued and there is an collection also contains seven fascicles of the
ongoing documentation project to get as many Flora of the Neighborhood of Godalming or
backlog items catalogued as possible. A brief the 'Surrey Folios' by John Drew Salmon
look in their database for the Surrey species (1802-59), the vouchers of which served as the
that are Red Listed as Critically Endangered or basis for James Brewer's Flora of Surrey
Endangered showed that there are new sites (1863), one of the first county floras which
for quite a number of these species and that established the fonnat that is now familiar in
there are records for these species elsewhere in county floras. These folios were auctioned
the British Isles. As an example, there are two after Salmon's death.
records of Arabis glabra (Tower Mustard) Other highlights from the collections include
from Bramshott, Hampshire, collected by poet-botanist William Gardiner's Illustrations
W.M.E. Fowler on 16/5/1896 (see photo, of British Botany. This bound collection
p. 15) and by E. Larby on 11711925. This includes an immaculate presentation of algae,
collection is a valuable resource and the lichens, bryophytes and vascular plants.
Curator welcomes enquiries about it. Further investigation has revealed the
The other important herbarium that seemed presence of around eight volumes (previously
to have gone missing was that from Charter- recorded as two) of the Revd. Tullie
house School near Godalming. There used to Comthwaite (1807-78) from the exclusive
be a museum at the school but this was closed Forest School 1ll Walthamstow.
down a few years ago. It seemed that though Comthwaite's collections reveal fascinating
Notes - Surrey's 'missing' herbaria 15
16 Notes - Surrey's 'missing' herbaria / Asplenium septentrionale in Kent - native or alien?
It is satisfying to re-find a plant previously accept them'. In 2001 I searched a (the?) flint
assumed lost, especially when this leads to wall along Headley Lane, Box Hill, finding
more general considerations of distribution Ceterach officinarum (Rustyback) and a rather
and status. The story began when Fred distinctive variety of A. ruta-muraria (Wall-
Rumsey, who is compiling a checklist offerns rue) that could perhaps have been mistaken for
recorded growing on walls in Britain, kindly A. septentrionale - but no sign of the latter.
showed me his preliminary version. It The Kent record from Eric Philp' s Atlas of the
included Asplenium septentrionale (Forked Kentflora (1982) is more convincing: 'A fine
Spleenwort), found, I assumed, on some clump found by Mrs L.B. Burt on a bridge in
northern stone dyke. 'No', said Fred, there are the Romney Marsh TRl02D. There is no
records from Surrey and Kent. Indeed there suggestion this has been planted or has
are. In C.E. Salmon's posthumous Flora of escaped from cultivation'. Mrs Burt was
Surrey (1931) we read 'Flint wall Uf. Box Hill, active around 1970 and in Preston et al. (2002)
1911, 1916, 1917, c.E.S.', and a similar her record appears with a date-class 1970-
record from Dorking, with a cautious, not to 1986. The tetrad is more than 300km from
say sceptical, comment by the flora's editor, any other British site.
W.H. Pearsall: 'Under a less weighty signa- Having nothing better to do on a bright day
ture than that of C.E.S. one would hesitate to in October 2007, I drove down to Romney
Notes - Asplenium septentrionale in Kent - native or alien? 17
Marsh and started to look at bridges - of tion from a single spore; great species longev-
which there are many, the marsh being criss- ity; and an undisturbed open site with minimal
crossed by drainage ditches. Against all competition. I see no reason to doubt that
reasonable expectations, on my second bridge airborne spores were likewise responsible for
I found not one, but six plants, growing on a the Rornney Marsh colony. The nearest sites,
south-facing brick parapet otherwise almost between 100 and 200km away, are in France
devoid of life apart from a crustose lichen, (Departments of Calvados and Nord) and
probably Tephromela atra - (see Colour Belgium, and if, as is supposed, winds can
Section, Plate 2). The plants are small, no carry the much heavier seeds of Orchidaceae
frond being longer than 35 mm, but, like most across the Channel (Serapias parviflora
Asplenium species, highly fertile. The edaphic perhaps being one example), fern spores need
preferences of T. atra and A. septentrionale only a gentle zephyr. This is also Eric Philp's
are similar (exposed siliceous substrates) and view.
presumably the bricks of this wall meet both If so, and assuming the FrenchlBelgian sites
their needs, as does the open southerly outlook are themselves native, then A. septentrionale
with total absence of shade. A bridge is shown is native here too (,arrived ... without interven-
here on Old Series OS maps of c.18l9. The tion by man ... from an area in which it is
present structure appears to be late Victorian. native'). The editors of New atlas of the
Eric Philp has written to say that, after British & Irish flora (Preston et al., 2002)
initially confirming Breda Burt's record of disagree. The Rornney Marsh record has a red
one plant, and later finding as many as three dot, an alien. Is this because the fern is,
on the same wall, he could not locate them unusually for this species, growing on a wall?
during one hot summer, nor subsequently, an Holderegger and Schneller mention a Swiss
absence confirmed by Pat Acock who record of 1922, also on a wall by a railway.
searched thoroughly in the 1980s. A. septen- Would a rock-face have been an acceptable
trionale is very slow-growing and can escape native site? Although most Asplenium species
notice for years. Its re-discovery after more occur predominately on walls, where the
than 20 years may be due, like the persistence showier species are still occasionally planted,
of Rustyback on walls that are scraped clean all records for every other species of Asple-
in fits of civic tidiness, to the tenacity of nium are admitted as native (including that of
rhizomes that remain viable despite removal their relation Ceterach officinarum on a wall
or die-back of the rest of the plant, though the at Loftus, V.c. 62, whose spores Christopher
increased number of plants suggests that a Lowe (2005) believes, for unspecified
considerable spore bank has built up. reasons, were imported with mortar - if so, it
How did it get to Rornney Marsh? In a study is alien here). Simon Leach (2003) has
of three colonies of A. septentrionale on touched on this contentious point in another
isolated erratic boulders in Switzerland, context.
likewise far from the nearest site, Holderegger There is a parallel with another cryptogam
and Schneller (1994) demonstrated that the record, that of Equisetum variegatum
colonies were genetically distinct and so (Variegated Horsetail) at Cothill (now Dry
represented separate founder events. Despite Sandford) Pit, V.c. 22. The pit was worked as
their small size (one has nine plants, another a quarry until the 1950s, when it was
15) the colonies have survived for 150 years, abandoned as calcareous springs appeared on
specimens having been added to the Zurich the floor. E. variegatum was found there in
herbarium at least every ten years. Holdereg- 1959, 120km from the next nearest site, and is
ger and Schneller concluded that these still present in quantity. Man provided the
isolated colonies satisfY three requirements for substrate, nature did the rest, and the New
establishment of permanent populations by atlas recognises this with a blue dot. It is hard
airborne spores: a capacity for self-fertilisa- to see the difference between the two cases.
18 Notes - Asplenium septentrionale in Kent - native or alien? / Gardens and the open countryside
with those, but am making no impression. hidden behind other books and I cannot lay
Much worse are Allium triquetrum (Three- my hands on it. There are recent papers by
cornered Leek) (cannot be poisoned, and Ken Thompson and colleagues at Sheffield
has to be hand weeded), Crocosmia (most recently in the February 2007 issue
(Montbretia) (ditto), and two plants I of the excellent British Wildlife magazine,
unwisely introduced - Briza maxima with a very full and useful list of references).
(Greater Quaking-grass) and Echium Can one find any common ground in the
pininana (Giant Viper's-bugloss) - which reports for the 1987-89 Monitoring Scheme
seed with dramatic vigour. I brought and with Local Change? Certainly, in the
Euphorbia serrulata and the Anemanthele latter, the section on 'Built-up areas and
from Dorset, and they have both seeded gardens'(BHI7) gives some pointers, as
prolifically, despite the completely differ- does that on 'Boundary and linear features'
ent soil. The worst weed, both in the open (BH3).
and in the densest shade, though it comes Is the position in the garden simply due
up easily, is Sedum stoloniferum (Lesser to absence from competition, with high
Caucasian Stone crop ), which was here fertility and high disturbance, coupled with
when I arrived, but I cannot make any much control (or attempted control) and
progress with exterminating. I think it is thus limited opportunities for perennials to
that species rather than S. spurium climax?
(Caucasian Stone crop ). Are there any lessons for potential alien
The wooded area, which slopes down to pests into the wider countryside? Despite
a streamlet, was a market garden at least till the search of the anti-alien lobby for the
1960, when it was planted with alien trees next invasive pest, I (whilst sharing their
and alien bluebells. This is carpeted with aspirations) remain very sceptical that one
Hedera helix subsp. hibernica (Western could even hazard any guess. To take my
Ivy) - huge long strands, rooting at the own experiences, Allium triquetrum and
nodes, and climbing every tree. This was Crocosmia are out in the open countryside
interspersed with many brambles and totally ineradicable; Lamiastum has
(including at least two Cornish endemics or many sites and is similarly ineradicable;
near endemics - moral dilemma here!!) and Briza maxima is everywhere but only a
self-sown ferns (Athyrium filix-femina local pest and of course there is Ivy, on
(Lady Fern), Dryopteris affinis (Golden- which I have become the archetypal bore
scaled Male Fern), D. dilatata (Broad (though like all bores, utterly convinced I
Buckler-fern), D.filix-mas (Male Fern) and am right), which in warm Cornwall utterly
Phyllitis scolopendrium (Hart's-tongue dominates every wood, hedge and many
Fern)). Where I have cleared the ivy then gardens. That leaves only the little Sedum
Geum urbanum, and Silene dioica stoloniferum, which I certainly cannot get
dominate, with much Sedum stoloniferum. rid of, and Anemanthele lessoniana, which
There was a small area of the variegated I am beginning to see elsewhere.
Lamiastrum galeobdolon ssp. argentatum Was it ever thus? One hears of problems
(Garden Yellow Archangel) which, despite with Couch, Ground Elder, Enchanter's
Round-up and hand-weeding, I cannot Nightshade and the rest with all of one's
eradicate! friends, and there must be some extra
Having set this down, several questions dimension arising from constant distur-
arise: bance and open ground in a garden, rather
What accounts of other gardens exist? than persistence and succession to more
There is Salisbury's Living Garden, which closed habitats in the wider countryside.
I have always meant to read, but is now
20 Notes - Identification of Water-crowfoot populations
of genetic information on un-hybridised have decided that only dried material should
populations. be accepted, as plants will grow in plastic
Following completing of the report I have bags, distorting identification features and
paid particular attention to populations of some reproductive characters fall off, often
water-crowfoots that I have encountered. In rendering material useless for future investi-
particular, I have tried either to name popula- gation. However, fresh material in particu-
tions to species or subspecies or recognise larly good condition may be accepted by
hybrids. In most cases, whilst it has been prior arrangement with Fred Rumsey.
possible to assign a name to a population 2. Submissions should involve a sufficient
based on the guidance currently available, number of specimens to represent variation
every population has shown some features that within populations - this will make it more
would normally belong to another taxon. My likely that a useful determination can be
conclusion has been that either all populations achieved.
involve some degree of hybridisation, or that 3. Each determination will be accompanied by
identification guidance is inadequate or a standard label, detailing:
inaccurate. The name to which I would assign the
I have recently agreed to act as referee for population.
the sub genus for the BSBI and this has obliged Relevant synonymy.
me to consider seriously the most useful way A written explanation of the reasons for
to record water-crowfoots. I have concluded assigning the material to a particular name.
that the best way forward is: A written description of any characters
To ensure that vouchers of all material deter- shown by the material that do not conform
mined are retained in an internationally recog- with accepted views of the taxon to which I
nised herbarium. have assigned it.
To ensure that (as far as is possible) the A copy of this label will be attached to the
determination should recognise the different sheet and a duplicate sent to the person
taxonomies followed in different countries. submitting material for determination. De-
To explain the reasons for assigning the tails of the protocol will be included as usual
material to a particular name and any differ- in the members' handbook.
ences between the material and the accepted Reference
views of the taxon to which it has been LANSDOWN, R.V. 2007. The identity of
assigned. Ranunculus subgenus Batrachium in the
My overall aim is to establish a collection River ltchen. Unpublished report to the
that includes material representing variation Environment Agency, Winchester.
that occurs in the subgenus in Britain and
Ireland, to ensure that the reason for assigning
material to a taxon is clear to future research- The BSBI feels that it would be of interest to
ers and that any reports based on such material our members, and of assistance to Richard in
can be interpreted by researchers throughout respect of any final work, if this report on
Europe. current work was made available to a wider
With the help of Fred Rumsey and Mark audience. With the agreement of the Environ-
Spencer, I have proposed adopting the follow- ment Agency a limited number of copies are
ing approach to refereeing material: available from him for £15 each to include
1. All material must involve dried specimens postage. This does not purport to be a defini-
suitable for lodging in a nationally recog- tive statement, but does reflect advances in
nised herbarium (either the BM or another thinking since the publications from Chris
named herbarium). If people wish to retain Cook and Sarah Webster of over 20 years ago.
examples, then these must be duplicates. I D.A. Pearman
22 Notes - Lotus angustissimus & L. subbiflorus in Sussex
While this was true in a few cases, we found However, the presence of the Mediterranean
that most pods had 14 seeds and a few had up species Scorpiurus muricatus and of large
to 16 seeds. numbers of Amaranthus hybridus in the same
As we walked further along the field edge, a field raises the possibility that the Lotus
plant with paler yellow flowers was noticed species could be introductions here. The
among the L. subbiflorus. On careful exami- owners of the farm told us that, before planting
nation this proved to be L. angustissimus (see the asparagus, they apply a mixture of chicken
Colour Section, Plate 2) In the end we found manure and composted garden waste from
that the colony of L. subbiflorus extended in Hampshire, so it is conceivable that the Lotus
patches for lOOm along the field edges and subbiflorus originated from Hampshire.
contained well over 100 plants. Among these The situation regarding the Fittleworth
we found two large plants of L. angustissimus. L. angustissimus is rather different. This site has
All were growing in the edge of a rough grassy been visited by many botanists but the plants
strip a few metres wide around the edge of the here were in very small isolated patches, despite
field, with such species as Amaranthus hybrid- the fact that there are large areas of apparently
us, Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort), Chenopo- suitable habitat all around. It is also possible that
dium album (Fat-hen), Cirsium arvense the plants only germinate occasionally and that
(Creeping Thistle), Dactylis glomerata conditions this year were especially favourable.
(Cock's-foot), Festuca brevipila, Polygonum We will certainly re-visit both sites in the next
aviculare (Knotweed), Senecio vulgaris few years in order to see what happens to the
(Groundsel), Stellaria graminea (Lesser populations of both species. We would be very
Stitchwort) and Tripleurospermum inodorum. interested to hear from BSBI members whether
Searches of adjacent fields with asparagus this has been an especially good year for either
crops failed to reveal any more colonies of species elsewhere in the country where they are
either Lotus species, but this field had a further well known.
surprise in store. During a subsequent visit Acknowledgements
three plants of Scorpiurus muricatus We would like to thank Dawn Nelson for
(Caterpillar-plant), another new species for arranging and leading the field meeting which
West Sussex, were found growing in the sandy led to the discovery of Lotus subbiflorus and
edge of the field. obtaining the information on the treatment of
An obvious question is why these species the fields, Kathryn Knapp for noticing the
have not been discovered in these areas of Scorpiurus muricatus and Mike Shaw for his
Sussex before. In the case of the L. subbi- photograph of Lotus subbiflorus. We also
florus site the number of plants present makes thank the landowners of both sites.
it unlikely that they would have been References
overlooked, but, as far as we can tell, this STACE, C.A. 1997. New flora of the British
particular area has not been well recorded in Isles. 2 nd ed. Cambridge University Press,
the recent past. The plants may therefore Cambridge.
represent a native population which has been WOLLEY-DoD, A.H. 1937. Flora of Sussex.
present but un-noticed for many years. Saville, Hastings.
Jonathan Crewe (BSBI News 106: 48) referred was the discovery there, by Janet O'Connor,
to the Dorset Flora Group visit to Down Farm, of a viviparous specimen of Trifolium repens
near Sixpenny Handley, on 28 th July. One (White Clover) (see Colour Section, Plate 1).
result of two months of exceptional rainfall
24 Notes - Nipping ID in the bud
at the University there. After graduating, died after enjoying only two years of
she worked in the local Department of leisure. Now left a widow, Margaret joined
Health where she met her future husband, the local Natural History Society and,
Rudolph, who was a medical man. They having been shown many of the local speci-
settled down in Vienna and started a family alities by other Society members, especially
but in 1938, after Hitler entered Austria, Lois Marland, began to compile her own
they suffered persecution since her husband detailed records of the local flora. Shortly
was Jewish. Now in danger of their lives after this, she was recruited to help with the
they decided to flee the country and were Flora of Cumbria project and regularly
grateful to find sanctuary in England where contributed records over a 25 year period.
they obtained employment as a domestic The latter led to additional activity and she
couple working for a Liverpool shipping would happily walk the length and breadth
family. However, at the outbreak of the of the area searching out interesting plants.
Second World War in 1939, all male aliens In 1977 she joined the BSBI submitting
were removed, firstly to the Isle of Man and further local records to the v.c. Recorder.
then to Australia, with the promise that their Margaret also often botanised abroad, and
families would be able to follow. Unfortu- it was only a very few years ago that her
nately, the latter proved to be too dangerous planned trip to Provence had to be cancelled
and Margaret, who for safety reasons had because of a fractured hip. However, recov-
also left the district, went first to live on a ery was swift and she was soon out again in
farm near Oswestry and later at several the local woods. Nowadays, apart from her
other places near Wrexham. It was whilst botany, she still takes a very active interest
there that she was approached by Professor in her garden and delights in showing
Thoday of the Department of Botany at the people round. It contains some unusual local
University of Bangor who was trying to specialities, most of them having seeded
replace his steward who had been called up naturally into it but some, she fears, might
for military service. Very pleased to take up have come in inadvertently attached to her
this appointment, Margaret and her small boots after visiting them in the wild; the
son moved to Bangor where she was in interesting, uninvited, but not
charge of the Department's equipment and unwelcome, Hieracium scotostictum is one
at the same time became highly practised in of these.
the skills and science of botany. Nowadays, perhaps a little less active and
Meanwhile, her husband's status as a lacking transport, with the help of others she
genuine refugee from Nazi aggression had still makes forays to check on local rarities
been confirmed and he was able to return and only last May searched the rich calcare-
from Australia (via the Panama Canal and ous grassland at nearby Silverdale suspect-
an Atlantic convoy to Liverpool). He first ing the presence of an orchid hybrid. She
worked at Wigan Infirmary as a resident has made many new local records of her
anaesthetist but, when offered an assistant- own, especially ferns and members of the
ship by a local GP in nearby Hindley, he difficult genus Cotoneaster and has been
accepted and this also provided the opportu- particularly assiduous in seeking out species
nity for the family to be re-united. of the latter which she found escaped or
In their leisure time, Margaret and her planted in the copses around Arnside. She
husband often visited the Arnside and has also studied Sorbus species, especially,
Silverdale area on the Lancashire/Cumbria the locally-rare Wild Service tree, Sorbus
border and were attracted by the pleasant torminalis and following survey work on the
countryside. Eventually they bought endemic, Sorbus lancastriensis, she
property there, to which they moved on her published a joint paper on the subject (Rich
husband's retirement, but unfortunately he & Baecker, Watsonia 16: 83-85 (1986». Her
28 Notes - Margaret Baecker / Increase in Artemisia campestris ssp. maritima
other rarities include the only Cumbrian Active and with a sharp sense of humour
record for Rosa micrantha and the second and a remarkable recall for details of plants
extant record for Limonium britannicum. she found long ago, she will gladly help
She still keeps meticulous details of all her anyone who shows a genuine interest. To
records and most generously makes them chat to her and hear her reminisce in her
available to others. Her enthusiasm for pleasant bungalow with its natural garden
conservation also extends to waste recycling and beautiful view over the Howgill Fells,
and for this she has featured recently in the and partake of a glass of her apple juice
local press and received council recognition. speciality, is a most instructive and enjoya-
ble way to round off a field trip to the area.
Data from the Dune Wormwood patches at Crosby sand dunes on 8th September 2007
Patch Dimensions Area (m2) Max. height Basal stem diameter Grid reference
no. (cm) (cm) (cm) (SJ)
1 240 x 300 5.7 72 2.5 3110398157
The Crosby A. c. maritima was described as mapped under this name in the BSBI Vascular
new to Britain by Smith & Wilcox (2006). Plant Atlas Update Project.
However, Twibell (2007) reports that the plant Acknowledgements
has been known for many years on dunes at I am grateful to Pat Lockwood for finding two
Crymlyn Burrows in South Wales, where it of the new plants.
occurs as a lax, prostrate form that is difficult References
to find among grass. This accords with the CLEMENT, EJ. 2006. Could Artemisia camp-
habit of the three young plants at Crosby. estris ssp. maritima be native? BSBI News
Both Twibell (2007) and Clement (2006) 103: 4.
argue that this sub-species could be native in SMITH, P.R. & WILCOX, M.P. 2006. Artemi-
Britain, having been overlooked or recorded sia campestris ssp. maritima, new to Britain,
as 'alien'. The latter author suggests the on the Sefton Coast, Merseyside. BSBI News
English name' Sand-dune Wormwood'. In the 103: 3.
event, 'Dune Wormwood' seems to have been TWIBELL, ID. 2007. On the status of Artem-
adopted by the BSBI, the Crosby site being isia campestris ssp. maritima as a native.
BSBI News 104: 21-23.
Botany in Literature - 46
Ruskin and the colour of flowers - naIve botany - the renaissance of plant
morphology
MARGOT 1. SOUCHIER, 26a Dryden Avenue, London, W71ES
John Ruskin (b. 1819 London - d. 1900 Brant- mous; she will only give you a single pure
wood), writer and poet, whom I introduced in touch, just where the petal turns into light;
BSBI News 100: 29-30, wrote, some would say but down in the bell all is subdued, and
self-indulgently, on every single topic - natural under the petal all is subdued, even in the
history, botany, geology, mythology, and showiest flower. What you thought was
public affairs - as well as on matters with which bright blue is, when you look close, only
he was more directly concerned. However, he dusty grey, or green, or purple, or every
took a great deal of trouble to learn about colour in the world at once, only a single
subjects such as geology, ornithology and gleam or streak of pure colour in the centre
botany, and while there is an emotional appeal of it. '1, 2, 3, 4
in his writing, which in this age of molecular Notes
systematics and electronic technology would 1. In an extract from his The Stones of Venice
appear to be outmoded, nevertheless, amidst his (Vol. Ill, ch. II, § 10) ( in Ruskin, 1982, p.
elaborate descriptions of nature, many of his 142) Ruskin states 'The whole function of
passages demonstrate accurate perceptions and the artist in the world is to be a seeing and
a marvellous sense of analogy under the feeling creature' so much so that in his
impulse of what Wordsworth called 'a passion Praeterita (II, §200) (in Ruskin, 1982, p.
and an appetite' (Clarke in Ruskin, 1982). The 71) he declares 'Flowers, like everything
following passage, which is a further selection else that is lovely in the visible world, are
from Ruskin's The Elements ofDrawing (Letter only to be seen rightly with the eyes which
Ill, §175 in Ruskin, 1982, p. 180), demonstrate God who made them gave us; and neither
his passion for the supremacy of colour in with microscopes or spectacles.'
botanical illustration: Anti-scientific (and sometimes impractical)
Nature is just as economical of her fine though this may be in stance, one must
colours as I have told you to be of yours. allow for what Stuessey et al. (2003, p. 2)
You would think, by the way she paints, call 'naIve' morphology, the seemingly
that her colours cost her something enor- naIve botany of the artist, for it is often this
30 Notes - Botany in Literatnre - 46
very simple initial approach which can serve 4. The artist Giorgio Vasari (b. 1511 - d.
to draw one into more detailed study. 1574), also Italian, and famous for his The
2. While there is what may be termed the mor- Lives of the Artists, was, in discussing the
phology ofthe artist, such as that espoused by painter Masaccio (b. 1401 - d. 1428), a
Ruskin, there is also what Weber (in Stuessey further prodrome of Ruskin: 'And as far as
et al., 2003) calls the 'morphology of system- good style in painting is concerned, we are
atists' as opposed to the 'morphology of primarily indebted to Masaccio who, in de-
morphologists'. In the Gennan literature, the siring to acquire fame, realized that painting
morphology of systematists is equivalent to is nothing other than the art of imitating all
'phytography' or 'descriptive morphology'. the living things of Nature with their simple
An exponent of this is Weberling (1992), his colours and design just as Nature produced
work being extremely readable, and although them, so that anyone who fully follows Na-
thoroughly scientific in every respect, is, like ture should be considered a splendid arti-
the work of Ruskin, written, as Clarke, de- san.' (Vasari, 1991, p. 101).
scribing Ruskin's method, puts it, 'in long References
and well-contrived sentences, rather than in a ALBERTI, L.B. 1966. On Painting [Della Pittu-
series of monosyllables and grunts'. This ra]. (Rev. ed.). (Spenser, lR., transl.). Yale
combination of artistic sensibility and scien- University Press, New Haven and London.
tific precision form the foundation of the crie CLARKE, K. 1982. 'Introduction' in: Ruskin, l
de cceur for the renaissance in conventional Selected Writings (reprint). (Clarke, K., selec-
plant morphology. tion and annotation). Penguin Books, London.
3. Leon Battista Alberti (b. 1404 - d. 1472), RUSKIN, l 1982. Selected Writings (reprint).
the Florentine architect and author of Della (Clarke, K., Selection and annotation). Pen-
Pittura [On Painting], had this to say about guin Books, London.
colour and Nature: 'Through the mixing of STUESSEY, T.F., MAYER, V., & HVRANDL, E.
colours infinite other colours are born, but 2003. 'Preface' in: Stuessey, T.F., Mayer, V.
there are only four true colours - as there are & Hvrandl, E. (eds). 'Deep morphlogy: to-
four elements - from which more and more ward a renaissance of morphology' in: Plant
other kinds of colours may thus be created. Systematics. A.R.G.Gantner Verlag, K.G.,
Red is the colour of fire, blue of the air, Ruggell, Liechtenstein. [Regnum Vegetabile
green of the water, and ofthe earth grey and Volume 141].
ash. Other colours, such as jasper and por- V ASARl, G. 1991. The Lives ofthe Artists [Vita
phyry are mixtures of these. Therefore there de'piy eccellenti architetti, pittori et scultori
are four genera [gienere*] of colours, and italiani]. (Reissue, 1998). (Bondanella, lC.
these make their species [spetie*] according and Bondanella, P., transl.). Oxford Univer-
to the addition of dark or light, black or sity Press, Oxford.
white. They are thus almost innumerable. WEBER, A. 2003. 'What is morphology and
We see green fronds lose their greenness why is it time for its renaissance in plant
little by little until they finally become pale. systematics?' in: Stuessey, T.F., Mayer, V.,
Similarly, it is not unusual to see a whitish & Hvrandl, E. (eds.). ibid. pp. 3-32.
vapour in the air around the horizon which WEBERLING, F. 1992. Morphology ofFlowers
fades out little [as one looks towards the and Inflorescences. (Pankhurst, R.J., transl.)
zenith]. We see some roses which are quite Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
purple, others are like the cheeks of young [Originally published in German as Mor-
girls, others ivory. In the same way the earth phologie der Bliiten und der Bliitenstande by
[en colour], according to white and black, Prof. Dr. Focko Weberling, VIm 1981; and
makes its own species of colours.' (Alberti, Eugen Ulmer, 1981. (1 st English edition
1966, pp. 49-50). * used here in the biologi- 1989, Cambridge University Press)].
cal sense, as is 'all types and every sort of
colour' (ibid., p. 84), i.e. as genera et spetie.
Aliens - Lappula squarrosa in Surrey (v.c. 17) 31
ALIENS
Lappula squarrosa in Surrey (v.c. 17)
DENIS SKINNER & Rosy JONES, 120 Ruden Way, Epsom Downs, Surrey, KT17 3LP
Like they say about buses, you wait for ages, of its status in the county, and as we are both
and then three turn up together. So it has been botanical novices, I contacted the BSBI
for Lappula squarrosa (Bur Forget-me-not) in referee for beginners, Clare O'Reilly for
Surrey. The first record was in 1911, then four advice. She supplied me with more details
more until1948, and then no more. Until now. about the species and advised me that if I still
In August 2007, my partner and I were believed its identity, then I should send a
walking alongside the river Mole at Leather- pressed piece to the Alien Specialist, Eric
head in Surrey (TQ 162562), when she spotted Clement. By this time, the first specimen had
an 'unusual'-looking erect forget-me-not withered, and the second plant had died down,
growing in a disturbed patch of dry ground. It so we returned to Leatherhead to try to collect
only had just two (withered) flowers left on it another piece to send off. No luck; all trace of
and neither of us could decide why it did not the plant had vanished. However, three metres
look quite right. We were unable to identify away was another plant in full flower. We
it, despite the unusual fact that the spines that were delighted, and were able to obtain a small
covered the fruits were tipped with three piece to press. Eric swiftly confirmed our
hooks. Three days later in Beddington Park, identification, and so we had found three
Wallington (TQ295655), I found another plants in two locations after not having been
specimen of the same species, but in better recorded in Surrey for 59 years. Incidentally,
condition. As this plant was growing on a some of the seeds that had formed on the
heap of soil that was being used for ground second plant have been accepted by the
repairs, the plant was obviously going to be Millennium Seed Banle for their collection.
destroyed very soon. By finding it again so Our thanks to Clare O'Reilly, and Surrey's
soon I believed that it must be quite a common Recorder, Ann Sankey for their help, and to
plant so I had no concerns about taking it Eric Clement for his assistance and help in
home to replant and study further. compiling this piece.
Now we were able to decide that these just
might be Lappula squarrosa. We had no idea
incorrectly applied to the plant by the horticul- I am grateful to Eric for demonstrating the
tural trade. Coincidentally, I happened to be plant and for suggesting improvements to this
in my local Homebase the day after and saw article, and to the shop lady for not calling the
trays of it for sale as Sanvitalia, one of the police.
names he lists. I have never seen this genus, References
but the RHS dictionary of gardening states that CLEMENT, E.J. 2003. 'Melampodium monta-
it has' ... phyllaries in 2 - 3 series, imbricate, num Benth.- new to Britain'. BSBI News 94:
dry or partly herbaceous'. As described in the 30.
same publication and shown in the photo- HUXLEY, A., GRIFFITHS, M. & LEVY, M.
graph, Melampodium has five wholly herba- 1999. The new Royal Horticultural Society
ceous phyllaries in one series (see phot inside dictionary of gardening. Macmillan Refer-
back cover). ence Ltd., London & Basingstoke.
were taken in 2006 in cult. (see photos inside CLEMENT, E.l & FOSTER, M.C. 1994. Alien
front cover). May I suggest 'Worcestershire plants of the British Isles. BSBI, London.
Catchfly' for the vernacular? HIND, REv. W.M. 1889. The Flora of Suffolk.
Acknowledgements Gurney and Jackson, London.
Largely in the text, but Eric Clement and Bill KIERNAN, lA. 1966. 'Notes on the Flora of
Thompson were particularly encouraging. Worcestershire', in: Proceedings of the Bir-
mingham Natural History Society.
References SIMPSON, F.W. 1982. Simpson's Flora ofSuf
ANON. 1929. 'New county and other records, folk. Suffolk Naturalists' Society, Ipswich.
1928' in: Report of the Botanical Exchange WOLSEY, G. 1857. 'Silene catholica' in: The
Club: 1929. Phytologist,2 nd Series, Vol. 2.
Of the total British species of Bupleurum Hare's-ear) clings on along the south coast,
(hare's-ears) - five plus two casuals according although you need outstandingly good
to 'CTW' - only a couple are thought to be eyesight at the Sussex location.
truly native. Bupleurum baldense (Small
and then the herbaceous perelmials, leading on species can be seen here at Twyford, or at the
to the shrubs. BSBI exhibition, and a fair amount of infor-
Although the genus is so limited in Britain as mation has accumulated. Seeds are sown in
native, our species give a way in to the large the autunm, producing full-grown specimens
groups abroad. Most narrow-leaved species by late spring. What a contrast with Feruia,
are distinct and remain recognisable when which I should have sown shortly after the
cultivated together. There are 39 species in Falklands War! Innocence prevails. Listed
Europe, 43 in the former Soviet Union area, here are a few examples of species and where
and 46 in Turkey. There is still some work left they have come from:
to do, although specimens of numerous
,
,~
. ..
,
0) ?
On 2nd March 2007 I noticed a couple of small I had found there in 2003. Here we found a
patches of crocuses on a small area of grassy small, all white' alba' crocus and a small white
waste ground off Prospect Road, Bradford crocus with a few purple stripes.
(SE170341 V.c. 63). These were probably Michael checked the anthers and pollen of all
originally planted, possibly by the occupants of the crocuses we had collected: the C. vernus
the houses opposite claiming this small area as and C. tommasinianus collected from Saitaire
garden, but appeared now to be naturalised and and also specimens of C. tommasinianus
spreading. The jizz of the plants pointed to collected on the 4th February 2007 from the
Crocus tommasinianus (Early Crocus), being wood by Primrose Lane, Gilstead. All had
small with thin petals and with a long thin normal full anthers with round fertile-looking
delicate lower tube, which often causes the pollen grains, with some variation in size; the
flowers to fall over, but the petal colour was a C. tommasinianus generally has smaller pollen
darker purple, which spread into the throat. grains but there is more variation in sizes in
This is apparently always white in C. vernus. All the dark purple putative hybrids
C. tommasinianus. The flowers were more from Prospect Road, the Saltaire specimens, the
cup-shaped and also they were late flowering white 'alba' and white with purple stripes
for C. tommasinianus which tends to flower crocuses from Fairbank Wood, all had mostly
about a month earlier. They in fact looked empty anthers with little or no pollen, and the
intermediate between C. vernus (Spring pollen found was very shrivelled and misshap-
Crocus) and C. tommasinianus. en. We have concluded from the morphologi-
The next day I took Michael Wilcox to the cal differences between the putative hybrids, C.
site, and he agreed they were possibly hybrids. vernus and C. tommasinianus and Michael's
We also found another putative hybrid on a anther and pollen analysis that our putative
verge of a nearby road, Spinkwell Close hybrids are Crocus vernus x C. tommasinianus.
(SE167340 V.c. 63) and then went on to See photos on back cover.
Saltaire, to the riverbank, where we found Crocus vernus x C. tommasinianus is very
another patch of these crocuses at (SE134383) likely common as a garden escape, with at least
(v.c. 64). Also at Saltaire were plants of six sites in Bradford, all except one being the
C. vernus and a couple of C. tommasinianus dark purple clone. This clone is very likely
well past their best. Michael collected some being sold as C. tommasinianus (or a cultivar of
specimens of the putative hybrids from either parent) and coming direct from gardens
Prospect Road and Saltaire riverbank as well as as throw outs. The white with purple stripes
the C. tommasinianus and C. vernus from and white C. vernus x C. tommasinianus f. alba
Saltaire. from Fairbank Wood might have arisen in-situ
The week after, we decided to look for other from thrown-out C. vernus and C. tommasini-
sites and found several more of the putative anus.
hybrid on the riverbank at Beckfoot Lane, The purple clone of C. vernus x C. tommasin-
Bingley (SE109381 V.c. 63) and the disused ianus is easy to identify, being smaller and
railway at Thackley (SE168384 V.c. 63). On all more delicate than C. vernus, with a narrower
these five sites the putative hybrid crocuses lower tube to the flower and liable to fall over,
looked identical- apparently all the same clone similar to C. tommasinianus. It differs from
and I also noticed this clone planted in a couple C. tommasinianus in flowering later, the begin-
of gardens. Finally we decided to go to ning of March onwards; darker purple flowers
Fairbank Wood in Baildon, (SE146382 V.c. 64) with the purple extending into the tube; and
to check out the Crocus tommasinianus f. alba more cup-shaped. Other colour variants of this
Colour Section
BSBI party at Great Shunner Fell (v.c. 65) showing Alopecurus borealis heads in foregound and inset.
Photo Linda Robinson © 2007 (see p. 6)
Juniper Gall, Middleton-in-Teesdale (v.c. 65). Viviparous Trifolium repens Dorset (v.c. 9).
Photo Falgunee Sarker © 2007 (see p. 7) Photo Edward Pratt © 2007 (see p. 23)
N
n
o
g
,...,
en
(J)
(")
Lotus angustissimus near Rogate (v.c. 13). Asplenium septentrionale, Romney Marsh (v.c. 15).
g.
=:l
Photo Alan Knapp © 2007 (see p. 23) Photo John Edgington © 2007 (see p. 16)
n
© 1Iik.i Sipycron £007
-
o
o
Si
IZl
CD
(")
Fagus sylvatica (Common Beech) a-.
§
'" J.,}tt."f!E __
, ~ , -
Winter twigs and buds. Photo Niki Simpson © 2007 (see p. 24) w
4 Colour Section
Tony Primavesi 'relaxing' in his library Trevor Evans at the launch of his Flora of
(see p. 2) Monmouthshire. Photo Mark Kitchen © 2007
(see p. 68)
Crassula tillaea, Edderton (v.c. 106). Photo Brian & Bm'bara Ballinger © 2007 (see p. 11)
Aliens - Crocus vernus x C. tommasinianus in Bradford I Limonium hyblaeum in Dorset and Sussex 39
hybrid are more difficult to distinguish and Michae1 also found this hybrid growing with
might require the pollen to be checked. C. vernus at Hesketh Road, Southport (v.c. 59).
t--------l 2 ·5mm
1-----11 1mm
(private) herbaria. My own herbarium has one autumn' is also very hard to appreciate. John
labelled: Cooden Beach, Bexhill, 90ct. 1971. Poland's draft Vegetative Key proposes a far
Call. K.E. Bull, with comment (added better character: the leaves of L. hyblaeum are
13/2/81) 'Also at Seaford, E. Sussex. In both totally without stomata on the upperside ofthe
spots an obvious garden escape.' blade (Colombo, I.e., p. 403, agrees!), whereas
Returning to the matter ofI.D., Tony Spiers those of the accompanying L. procerum are
(pers. comm.) has looked closely at the Sussex clearly amphistomatic (under a x20 hand lens).
plants; he describes the leaves as: with a There is one more complication: Tony
central vein with two lateral veins all arising Spiers has found a third Limonium species on
within the petiole; also there are very faint the cliffs at Peacehaven (E. Sussex), first
pinnate veins visible only when held up to a noticed in August 2002. It is a much smaller
strong light. In addition, the plant has plant that appears to be close to L. minutum
'distinctive tight, concave rosettes' ofleaves- (L.) Fourr., a species featuring in the RHS
and he comments that the drawing in Stace Plant Finder 2007-2008. It still awaits a
(I.e.) does not show the typical leaf shape. professional determination.
Stace's key factor of 'leaves dying off before
welcome infonnation on the extent to which should contact Steve Alton at the address
the listed taxa set seed in different parts of the given above.
British Isles, or indeed any other observations Taxa not currently represented in the Millen-
that might assist with our sampling. Members nium Seed Bank (recent names are given in
interested in providing assistance, or who parentheses where they differ from Stace,
would like to receive the list of taxa for which C.A. 1997. New Flora of the British Isles,
further geographical sampling is required, second edition. Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge) :
Alchemilla glomerulans Limonium dodartiforme
Alchemilla micans Limonium loganicum
Alchemilla wichurae Limonium paradoxum
Alopecurus borealis Limonium parvum
Atriplex longipes Limonium procerum
Callitriche hermaphroditica Limonium transwallianum
Callitriche platycarpa Listera cordata
Campanula rapunculus Littorella uniflora
Carex chordorrhiza Maianthemum bifolium
Carex montana Myosotis stolonifera
Carex recta Najas flexilis
Carex salina Orthilia secunda
Ceratophyllum demersum Persicaria vivipara
Ceratophyllum submersum Phyllodoce caerulea
Chenopodium murale Poa alpina
Cochlearia officinalis ssp. scotica Poa flexuosa
Crassula aquatica Potamogeton pusillus
Cyperus longus Potamogeton trichoides
Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. occidentalis var. ebu- Pulmonaria obscura
dens is (D. ebudensis) Ranunculus fluitans
Dactylorhiza majalis ssp. occidentalis var. ker- Ranunculus reptans
ryensis (p. occidentalis) Rosa obtusifolia
Dactylorhiza traunsteineri (D. traunstein- Salicornia fragilis
erioides) Salicornia nitens
Elytrigia atherica Salix aurita
Euphrasia arctica (both subspecies) Salix herbacea
Euphrasia confusa Senecio eboracensis
Euphrasia pseudokerneri Serapias parviflora
Euphrasia rotundifolia Sorbus domestica
Euphrasia scottica Sorbus pseudomeinichii*
Festuca lemanii Sparganium natans
Fumaria vaillantii Vaccinium microcarpum
Gagea lutea Valerianella eriocarpa
Glechoma hederacea * Newly described and therefore not included
Juncus capitatus in Stace (1997). See Robertson, A. &
Limonium britannicum Sydes, C. 2006. Watsonia 26: 9-14.
44 Requests & Offers - Sorbus xvagensis / Surrey Botanical Society
Sorhus xvagensis
DAVID PRICE, 43 Wonastow Road, Monmouth, NP25 5DG
The August 2007 issue of Watsonia formally to the attention of the Vice-county
contained a paper by Tim Rich and myself Recorders.
on introgression in Sorbus aria This poses two interesting questions. The
(Whitebeam). In it, we mentioned the first is the logistics of communicating field
surprisingly restricted distribution (Wye records to Recorders; and the second (my
Valley), Avon Gorge and Mendips) of more immediate concern) is whether
Sorbus xvagensis (the hybrid between Sorbus xvagensis is known, or occurs
S. aria and S. torminalis, known as the elsewhere. I would be grateful to hear from
Wye Valley Whitebeam), given the overlap anyone who has found the hybrid, and
in distribution of the parent species. We encourage those who haven't to look for it.
listed the characters distinguishing the References
hybrid and its parents, and included a map PRICE, D.T. & RICH, T.C.G. 2007. One-
showing the tetrads in which both parents way introgressive hybridisation between
have been recorded. Sorbus aria and S. torminalis (Rosaceae)
Since that paper went to press, I have in southern Britain. Watsonia 26: 419-
established, simply by searching the inter- 432.
net, that S. xvagensis also occurs at the THE BLEAN Website: http://www.theblean.
Blean, near Canterbury (v.c. 15) and Yoells co.uklcanterburysancientwoodlands.htm
Copse, Horndean (v.c. 11). These occur- VIGAY, J. Website: http://wildlife.vigay.coml
rences are well-known to local botanists yoellscopse/species.html
and presumably to a wider 'net-surfing
public, but had not seemingly come
NOTICES
Climate Change and Systematics
1-3 September 2008
Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
A conference on the interaction between 1. Climate Change and Speciation/ extinction
Climate Change and Systematics will be held 2. Climate Change and Biogeography
1-3 September 2008, in Trinity College 3. Climate Change: documenting and conserv-
Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. ing biodiversity.
A flier giving some brief further details is To obtain detailed further information and
available from http://www.systass.org/ The register for the conference and if you wish to
conference will deal with this topic under offer a paper or poster then please see http://
three headings as follows: www.tcd.ieIBotany/Conference.php·
Vegetative ID Quiz
JOHN POLAND, 91 Ethelburt Avenue, Southampton, Hants., S016 3DF;
jpp 197@alumi.soton.ac.uk
Thanks to everyone who took part in my quiz alphabetically). Susan Erskine and Margot
at the Annual Exhibition Meeting in London Godfrey also deserve a mention, narrowly
last November. Congratulations to Mark missing out from the top five entries.
Spencer for an impressive 14 out of 15 correct The specimens were: (1) Fagus sylvatica
identifications of what was an exceedingly (Beech), (2) Salix elaeagnos (Olive Willow),
difficult test. Other respectable high scores (3) Suaeda vera (Shrubby Sea-blite), (4)
came from Marc Cariton, Mark Kitchen, Linum usitatissimum (Flax), (5) Griselinia
Brian Laney and Ted Pratt (names arranged littoralis (New Zealand Broadleaf),
46 Notices - Vegetative ID Quiz / Gofynne seed list 2008 / Field meeting reports: 2006
(6) Crithmum maritimum (Rock Samphire), (with the white buds) was Ribes alpinum
(7) Matthiola incana (Hoary Stock), (8) (Mountain Currant). Only one person
Festuca longifolia (Blue Fescue), (9) Asarum managed to name the genus correctly (well
europaeum (Asarabacca), (10) Prunus avium done Brian!).
(Wild Cherry), (11) Chamaemelum nobile If anyone is interested to know what vegeta-
(Chamomile), (12) Phlomis fruticosa tive characters were diagnostic of the species,
(Jerusalem Sage), (13) Inula crithmoides then please write or drop me an email. Thanks
(Golden-samphire), (14) Lamium maculatum to Arthur Chater and Eric Clement for helping
(Spotted Dead-nettle), (15) Lychnis viscaria with the acquisition of specimens.
(Sticky Catchfly). The extra mystery twig
2006
Keltneyburn, Mid-Perthshire (v.c. 88), 18 th June
JIM McINTOSH & ALISTAIR GODFREY
The group met at Weem Hotel, by Aberfeldy, chlorantha (Greater Butterfly-orchid) in bud, not
where we e~oyed a cup of coffee whilst Jim yet flowering due to the late season.
McIntosh gave an introduction to the day. At In addition to the orchids, the group was intro-
nearby Keltneybum, we were met by David duced by Jim McIntosh and Alistair Godfrey (the
Darling, the local SWT reserve representative. He local Vice-county Recorders) to the diverse flora of
had kindly offered to take small groups of us to see the Balchroich meadow, with the old curling pond,
the site's rich orchid flora, and we were delighted and part of the adjoining woodland above the gorge.
to see 6 species fully in flower, including the Red One ofthe highlights ofthe meadow was the lovely
Data Book Pseudorchis albida (Small White-or- aromatic Meum athamanticum (Spignel). Howev-
chid). Nearby there were several Platanthera er, the main objective of the day, to help relative
Field meeting reports: 2006 - Keltneyburn / Birks 0' Aberfeldy / 2007- Rothamsted 47
beginners with identification and the use of keys, many of the same woodland species we had found
was rather hampered by damp weather. at Keltneybum, but with the addition of a number
We lunched under the shelter of trees, before of other notable species, such as Asplenium viride
driving a few miles to the north, where there is a (Green Spleenwort), Convallaria majalis (Lily-of-
small area of limestone pavement on the flank of the-valley) - a rare native in Scotland, and Thalic-
Schiehallion. This is a very rare habitat in Scotland. trum minus (Lesser Meadow-rue). The surrounding
Before visiting the pavement, we looked at a species-rich grassland was dominated by Helian-
flushed, boggy area by the road, whose rich flora themum nummularium (Common Rock-rose).
included Eriophorum latifolium (Broad-leaved A very interesting day was rounded off nicely by
Cottongrass), Saxifraga aizoides (Yellow an enjoyable evening meal at the Weem Hotel for
Saxifrage) and Tofieldia pusilla (Scottish those that did not have to rush away. Many thanks
Asphodel). to Alistair Godfrey for co-leading, to Dot Dahl for
The limestone pavement itself proved very inter- assisitng with organisation, and to Weem Hotel for
esting, the grykes providing an ideal habitat for catering and car parking.
2007
Rothamsted, Hertfordshire (voco 20), AGM visit, 12th May
IAN DENHOLM & TREVOR JAMES
As part of the AGM visit to Rothamsted, members years, also hold a splendid array of otherwise very
were guided round two of the classic areas on this scarce arable weeds, notably Ranunculus arvensis
experimental site by members of Rothamsted staff: (Corn Buttercup), which was in fine form when we
Broadbalk experimental cultivated strips; and Park visited, starring the young arable with golden
Grass experimental grassland plots. Broadbalk is flowers. Just becoming evident were also large
probably the only remaining place where Galium numbers of flowering Scandix pecten-veneris
tricornutum (Corn Cleavers) remains in one of its (Shepherd' s-needle); while we were able to identify
historic localities in the country, although it was too a few plants of Papaver argemone (Prickly Poppy)
early in the year to see much of it. However, these and Legousia hybrida (Venus' Looking-glass).
experimental plots, or at least those that have not Park Grass is an old piece of "meadow" on fairly
had more than limited top-dressing over the last 150 uniform, mildly acidic soils derived from Clay-
48 Field meeting reports : 2007 - Rothamsted I Hertford Heath & Broxbourne Woods
with-Flints and peri-glacial deposits. It has been of Fritillaria meleagris (Fritillary), although these
subdivided into experimental plots for a long time, were past flowering. In rough grassland by the
each of which has had a different mix of recorded track to Broadbalk, there was also a fine and long-
chemical and physical treatments over this period. standing naturalised colony of Geranium phaeum
The results are highly illuminating botanically, and (Dusky Crane's-bill) that caught people's attention.
a potent reminder to field botanists that plant On the day, we all just about made it round the two
communities caunot always be predicted from soil locations in different groups before the heavens
types. At Park Grass we have species-poor acidic opened. However, we then enjoyed very decorous
grassland dominated by Anthoxanthum odoratum tea and refreshments in the grand surrounds of
(Sweet Vernal-grass) cheek-by-jowl with relatively Rothamsted Manor, courtesy of Rothamsted's
species-rich grassland including Briza media catering staff. Thanks must go to the various
(Quaking-grass) and Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox- members ofRothamsted's stafffor helping with the
eye Daisy), on effectively the same soil type. The field visits.
site is also well-known for its long-standing colony
A pond by the central track held Ceratophyllum separate ways, although hopefully those that came
demersum (Rigid Homwort), but was also being will have recognised the potential of part of
colonised by Crassula helmsii (New Zealand Hertfordshire's ancient woodland complex.
Pigmyweed). Eventually we gave up and went our
The emphasis on this field meeting was on leaming galus danicus (Purple Milk-vetch). Other notables
and fun! Among the 25 participants there were included Vicia lathyroides (Spring Vetch) and
four vice-county recorders - Lynne Farrell, Barbara Brassica oleracea (Wild Cabbage).
Hogarth, Richard Pankhurst and Jim McIntosh (Ian After lunch, the most local Recorder, Barbara
Green, despite being advertised as a leader, unfortu- Hogarth, from neighbouring Angus (v.c 90), who
nately had to cancel, due to illness). The party was knew the site well, was commissioned to demon-
split into small groups, roughly by ability, and the strate Silene nutans (Nottingham Catchfly). Disap-
Recorders were pressed into service, each leading a pointingly, despite a fair bit of searching in places
sub-group. The idea was that leaders would not where it had been seen previously, none was found.
simply announce plant names, but that they would There was a good deal of discussion about why that
help group members work it out for themselves. might be, and it was suggested that it could be from
They used identification books and their collective nutrient enrichment from the farmland immediately
knowledge, with the Recorders on hand to guide above the cliffs. Certainly, among many of the
and confirm. 'nicer' species in the cliffs and grassland below
The rate of progress through the site was slow, them were many competitor species, such as
due to the proliferation of wild flowers and identifi- brambles, nettles and coarse grasses, which may be
cation queries. By lunchtime, the fastest group had thriving due to enrichment.
only gone about half a mile. The fact that a number On the return walk to the visitor centre, we got
of species were either still to flower, or were just fantastic views over the beach and a sun-drenched
coming into flower made the challenge even great- shimmering blue sea down to the east coast of
er. In the still-to-flower category we saw Astra- Scotland. We would like to thank everyone for
galus glycyphyllos (Wild Liquorice), Origanum participating so enthusiastically, and especially the
vulgare (Wild Marjoram), and Vicia sylvatica Recorders for helping. Thanks are also due to
(Wood Vetch); and in the second category we Alison Couch, the SNH warden of the St Cyrus
recorded Campanula glomerata (Clustered National Nature Reserve, for providing such a
Bellflower) and Geranium sanguineum (Bloody warm welcome, and Dot Dahl for taking bookings
Crane's-bill). and helping with the organisation.
Impressively injlore pleno over wide areas were PS. Having left the field meeting, several partic-
Primula veris (Cowslip), Hyacinthoides non- ipants took the opportunity to visit Boddin, just a
scripta (Bluebell), Silene dioica (Red Campion) few miles across the V.c. boundary in Angus, where
and Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage). magnificent stands of Silene nutans were seen by
There were also several localised patches of Astra- the roadside and along sea cliffs, in full flower!
the Saturday. Several more had indicated a "hope" Orobanche alba (Thyme Broomrape), a more
to attend at some stage during the week, but had to strictly coastal plant. Unlike the previous day, the
back out for a variety of reasons. If any of them Gymnadenia conopsea was in flower, enabling us
(perish the thought!) had concocted last minute to examine the floral characters that separate the
excuses because they suspected it was going to be three subspecies. The keys we used did not help
a case of 'Wet Donegal', we hope they were much, despite careful measurement under a binocu-
drenched at home. Given a little more fortitude lar microscope, but it appeared most likely the
they could have joined us in perfect botanising population was ssp. conopsea, despite having
conditions: moderate temperatures, gentle winds, lateral tepals that were much wider than in the book
and rain confined to the nights. descriptions. Spikes of Anacamptis pyramidalis
Our first day was spent on and around Tramore (Pyramidal Orchid) were conspicuous as ever,
Dunes. In the Pinus nigra (Corsican Pine) planta- though it took some time to get our eye in for
tion at the north-east end was a sight none of us had Dactylorhiza viridis (Frog Orchid), which was
ever seen before, at least not to such an extreme represented by a range of colour forms from
degree: Listera ovata (Twayblade) thoroughly creamy-yellow through green to heavily red-tinted.
dominating the ground flora, indeed in places While we saw no obvious hybrids involving this
almost the only herbaceous species present. In species, the two other members of the genus
places, the inflorescences had been grazed off, but present, D. fuchsii (Common Spotted-orchid) and
elsewhere they comprised a miniature forest within D. purpurella (Northern Marsh-orchid) were
a forest. Also within the plantation was a small clearly hybridising.
group of Epipactis helleborine (Broad-leaved For a change of scene on Thursday, we ventured
Helleborine), as yet not quite in flower. Outside on inland, starting at Kildarragh Hill, where some
the machair, we encountered the first few examples heathy grassland with flushes provided us with a
of what were to become our chief debating points distinctly different flora, including the hybrid sedge
of the week: Gymnadenia (Fragrant Orchid), and Carex xfulva and a population, small in number but
Dactylorhiza (Marsh- and Spotted-orchids). As large and handsome in size, of Platanthera
lunch beckoned, the debate was deferred. Later, chlorantha (Greater Butterfly- orchid). We had
moving to the south-west end of the dunes, and hoped, in vain, to locate also some Gymnadenia, as
having cleared access with the locals or so we in this habitat it would have good chance of being
thought, we scoured a grassy slope where there was one of the other subspecies. From there we
little of special interest apart from Thalictrum progressed to an area of bog south of Gortahork, in
minus (Lesser Meadow-rue) at the bottom, Ligusti- the centre of which the delicate yellow flowers of
cum scoticum (Scots Lovage) on the crags, and Utricularia minor (Lesser Bladderwort) graced the
Cirsium dissectum (Meadow Thistle) on the upper pools and the liverwort Pleurozia purpurea added
heathy slopes. We then made for a flat damp area colour to the hummocks that separated them.
behind the main dunes. Here we were approached Around the margins there was evidence of failed
by a superficially angry, but soon placated and attempts to extract peat by extrusion machines, in
amicable landowner, who it seemed had more of a the form of remains of the' sausages' of peat dug up
bone to pick with other locals than with visiting from below now deliquescing gently into the bog -
botanists. In the knowledge that our presence now and supporting good numbers of Pinguicula
had his blessing, we settled down to being baffled lusitanica (Pale Butterwort) in the process.
by the past-their-prime Dactylorhiza incarnata Returning to the theme ofmachair and orchids on
(Early Marsh-orchid), concluding tentatively that Friday, we began with a morning on the dunes at
the majority were ssp. incarnata with some ssp. Glenree, south-west of Carrigart. In this area, both
coccinea. on the edge of the dunes and along the roadsides,
Wednesday took us to the Ards Forest Park, on a were naturalised patches of Geranium pratense
peninsula projecting into Sheephaven, with an intri- (Meadow Crane's-bill) in flower. On a damp area
cate mixture of dune, machair grassland, scrub, of sand with little competition, we found prostrate
bracken and woodland habitats. In the latter, we fruiting plants of Equisetum variegetum
admired two fine stands of Orobanche hederae (Ivy (Variegated Horsetail) for the only time in the
Broomrape), with its bold inflorescences varying week. The orchids, however, were a greater attrac-
from barely in bud to senescent. This is an tion for most of us. The Gymnadenia were not yet
occasional species with a mainly western distribu- fully open, but the Dactylorchids clearly included
tion, here at one of its most northerly stations. On specimens of viridis ,fuchsii, purpurella and incar-
the machair, we found scattered plants of nata, and maybe some hybrids. These were,
Field meeting reports : 2007 - West Donegal 51
however, nothing but a taster of what was to come cernua (Slender Club-rush) at Dunmore. At the
at our next stop, west of Carrigart, where the sheer glamorous end of the spectrum, the Dactylorhiza
numbers and diversity of the orchids was a feast for Juchsii (Common Spotted-orchid) at Dunmore were
the eyes, as well as a tax on the intellect. Epipactis vigorous, with rich pink flowers which Tom Curtis
palustris (Marsh Helleborine) was here in big described as tending towards var. hebridensis.
numbers, along with all the other dune species we Also at Dunmore, we found a single spike of a
had seen earlier. The Gymnadenia were flowering muddy pinkish orchid that foxed most of us at first
and closely resembled the G. conopsea of Ards, just until Tom identified it as DactylorhizaJuchsii x D.
across the estuary. Dactylorhiza purpurella and viridis.
D. Juchsii were both here, some of the latter being Although the meeting officially ended on Satur-
almost pure white. A few plants of D. incarnata day 14th, several participants stayed on to the
were recognisable as ssp. coccinea, but opinion was following day, which began with a visit to another
divided as to which subspecies (singular or plural) part ofthe Carrigart site, with the additional benefit
we should ascribe the remaining plants. It might of the orchid expertise of Brend an Sayers and Tom
have helped had they been in full flower rather than Curtis. A substantial number of very vigorous
almost over with the colours fading. Dactylorhiza Juchsii x D. purpurella hybrids were
From Carrigart, we moved on through a shower identified along the western margin of the site, with
towards Melmore Head on the Rosguill peninsular, varying combinations of parental characters. Our
finally parking in a rather slithery caravan site. debate about the D. incarnata subspecies was
Here we tried out one of Richard Pankhurst's hampered by the flowers being even further
recording cards on waterproof paper, anticipating advanced, but that didn't prevent divergent
that the rain would return. In fact it soon dried up, opinions emerging about the value of the reflexed
but the waterproof properties prevented it from lateral labellum lobes as a diagnostic character.
soaking up the moisture from the wet vegetation. The Gymnadenia spikes were now fully out,
Being a North of Scotland rather than an Irish card, leading to a further debate about the validity and
the list of "other species" we recorded on the rear of practicality of the recent trend towards classifying
the card told us as much about the difference in the the three taxa present in Ireland as separate species.
flora of this northern extremity of Ireland and the To round off the weekend, three members went
northern half of Scotland as about the rarity of our on to Lough Salt for a relatively relaxed session of
finds. It included three dune plants, Eryngium recording in the hills, without any contentious
maritimum (Sea Holly), Anacamptis pyramidalis, orchids to impede progress. The nearest we came
and Euphorbia portlandica (Portland Spurge) - and to excitement was seeing a lizard disappearing into
also Baldellia ranunculoides (Lesser Water-plan- a clump of heather.
tain), and Cirsium dissectum. As the lkm square I would particularly like to thank Ralph Sheppard
had dunes, beach, sea cliffs, wet heath, and a for leading the outings on the first three days, and
lochan, it was the most diverse that we recorded and pointing us in the direction of some excellent sites
produced the longest list of species. to visit subsequently. All members of the resident
For the final day, we went west to the area around group played a valuable part in making the meeting
Bunbeg, visiting dunes at Carrick and Dunmore a social as well as botanical success. Richard
followed by an unsuccessful search for Mertensia Pankhurst gave freely of his expert, and sometimes
maritima (Oysterplant) at a site where it been much needed, identification advice. Margaret
recorded some years ago on a boulder beach at the Marshall and Anne Pankhurst did sterling work
Bloody Foreland. A distinguishing feature of the with the recording cards. Megan Morris kept us in
day was the number of 'obscurities' we identified, good humour with antics involving her 'camper'
i.e. small unglamorous plants that are often and its three canine occupants, and Ann Annett
overlooked but not necessarily rare. The archetype brought us back to earth when we strayed into the
of this genre is probably Anagallis minima botanical stratosphere. And if anyone was at risk
(Chaffweed), which we found in a sheugh in the of being left out or left behind, Mary Willis ensured
company of another paid-up member, Radiola that it didn't happen. We have not had such long
lino ides (Allseed) at Altawinny Bay. Others to put meetings in Ireland in recent years, but if this one
in an appearance were Eleocharis quinqueflora was trend setter, then there will be some good ones
(Few-flowered Spike-rush) at Carrick and Isolepis in future.
52 Field meeting reports: 2007 - DunnyduffWood / Glynhir
was possible by crossing a few fields. The fields frequent in the roadside hedges on the return to
are very improved and Andy Jones was heard Amroth.
discussing the sloppiness of cow manure in relation Other groups were deployed to visit tetrads where
to their diet! A single plant of Myosoton aquaticum Carum verticillatum had not been previously
(Water Chickweed) was found by Rita Greenaway, recorded, targeting possible unimproved pastures
the first record of the species on the Tywi catch- shown on the aerial photographs and Phase 1 maps.
ment, with Veronica scutellata (Marsh Speedwell), Two groups were successful: Graeme, Jean, Martyn
Mimulus guttatus (Musk) and frequent Salix Stead and Rita found it in SN4l G west of
xsericans (Broad-leaved Osier) nearby. Pontantwn and also recorded Bromus
Dinner was curry, followed by chocolate pudding xpseudothominei (Lesser Soft-brome), the second
(a special request by Graeme - perhaps to compen- V.c. record. The other group to find Carum
sate for the ever-present taste of coriander?). After- comprised Andy, Priscilla Tolfree & Heather Colls
wards Richard had arranged a bat-recording where, at Pen-y-garn south of Ammanford
evening, led by Rob Colley with Rob Thomas and (SN60E), they also found Juncus xkern-reichgeltii
Steve Lucas. Those interested were provided with (a hybrid rush), a new record for the hectad. Chris
bat detectors and instruction before an hour or two and Guy left for home today after recording with
was spent around the Glynhir grounds. However Margot north of Nantgeredig (SN42X) where they
only Pipistrelles were detected (both Common and discovered several relatively common species new
Soprano) despite the richness of the habitats to the tetrad. We were joined for dinner by John
promising better. Killick who had arrived late in the afternoon, this
Wednesday 27th June being his 25 th attendance at the annual Carmarthen-
Today participants split into smaller groups to visit shire Recording Meeting, the only person from
a variety of habitats. Richard and I visited Arnroth outside the county to have come every year.
(SNlOT & SNIOY) with Arthur Chater and John Thursday 28 th June
Poland, collecting George Hutchinson from At breakfast, Arthur was explaining his daily back
Carmarthen railway station on the way. We were exercises to us - it involves hanging by his hands
also joined by Jacqueline Hartley for the morning. from something high and allowing the body to
Asplenium marinum (Sea Spleenwort) was locally relax. (He had been using a beam in one of the
frequent under frost-free fissures in the Coal outbuildings so I suppose it was wise to explain
Measures sea-cliffs and a few small plants of why he disappeared there early each morning!).
Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) were also seen on Again participants split into smaller groups to
ledges. Eleven clumps of Carex punctata (Dotted visit different sites. Margo and Jean chose to go to
Sedge) were located in a prominent position at the an urban site and spent a rewarding day in the
foot of a shaley part of the cliff where the footpath vicinity of Parc Howard, Llanelli (SN50A) where
leaves the beach, growing in a more characteristic they found Anagallis tenella (Bog Pimpernel)
habitat for the species than the dune-slack popula- growing in a wet hollow in regularly mown park
tions where it is found elsewhere in Carmarthen- grassland. Elsewhere they recorded both Geranium
shire. It must surely have been mis-identified as C. pyrenaicum (Hedgerow Crane's-bill) and Euphor-
distans by botanists at this relatively well-botanised bia lathyris (Caper Spurge), new to this well-re-
site in the past. After monitoring the Spergularia corded hectad.
rupicola (Rock Sea-spurrey) a few hundred metres Arthur, John Poland, Richard and I visited the
further along the coast, the party returned to ascend Tywi with its shingle shoals, oxbow ponds and
the footpath which took us through Telpyn marshes at Dryslwyn Uchaf (SN5lU, SN52K &
farmyard, well adorned with 'keep-out' signs, SN52Q). We found a second plant of Myosoton
warning of a clay pigeon shooting range and four aquaticum by the river and, despite searching, it
noisy Alsatians (Richard told everyone they were appeared to be the only one. Other species included
'nice dogs' but as he is more of a cat person than a beds of Carex vesicaria (Bladder Sedge), occasional
dog lover I was somewhat dubious about his real Veronica catenata (Pink Water-speedwell) and
thoughts!). I was worried more by the clay pigeon Bidens tripartita (Trifid Bur-marigold), and a single
shooting than the dogs and I am ashamed to say that plant of Carex spicata (Spiked Sedge). But the
not even the fmding of a large population of Scler- highlight was the Otter which slowly worked its way
anthus annuus (Annual Knawel) could overcome upstream on the opposite river bank: when it
this fear (obviously I'll never be a real botanist!). appeared the 'real' botanists were studying a stunted
Coronopus squamatus (Swine-cress) was also Lycopersicon esculentum (Tomato) plant growing on
present and Rubia peregrina (Wild Madder) was the river shingle, but after a few minutes my mind
Field meeting reports: 2007 - Glynhir / Durness 55
wandered and I looked up to see the animal on the by George Hutchinson, whom we had collected
opposite side of the river searching and snuffling for from Whitland station on the way. The farm
any morsel it could find, completely oblivious of us! owners were very helpful and the weather was fine
We watched it, transfixed for some minutes, before apart from a short shower during the morning.
it disappeared out of sight. Needless to say, we failed to find any gentians, so
James and Mary Iliff joined us again for dinner it will remain a mystery, at least for the time being
this evening and before sorting out the day's botan- (the person who reported it picked a specimen and
ical problems, we adjourned to the sitting room in then threw it away after identifying it at home, not
the mansion, where James played a moving realising its significance!). However, the visit did
Scarlatti piece on the piano for us. enable us to see Hymenophyllum tunbrigense
Friday 29 th June (Tunbridge Filmy-fern) (see photo inside back
Margot and Jean retnrned to Llanelli to continue cover) which Richard and I first saw at a nearby
their recording from yesterday, accompanied for disused mine site earlier in the year when approach-
the morning by Martyn Stead, botanising for as ing from the other direction. But the most signifi-
long as possible before his departure for home. cant find of the day was the large populations of
Andy Jones also departed during the morning. Jolm Dryopteris aemula (Hay-scented Buckler-fern)
Killick, Priscilla and Heather visited two tetrads growing from the shady, humid banks of the steep
north of Llanwrda where they found Carum new to track down into the valley. Both ferns were new
SN73B and Carex muricata ssp. lamprocarpa records for the SN12 hectad.
(Small-fruited Prickly-sedge) new to SN73H. Saturday 30th June
The remainder ofthe group (Arthur, John Poland, Everyone packed up and started for home after
Graeme, Rita, Richard and me) visited Gilfach breakfast, the end of a rewarding and varied week.
Ddofn and Allt Clyn-gwyn in the Eastern Cleddau Perhaps the name should be expanded to 'The
valley on the Pembrokeshire border, following up a Glynhir Festival of Botany, Food, Music and Art'!
report to Arthur, of Gentianella campestris (Field It had been a mixed week weatherwise, somewhat
Gentian) which had reputedly been found by a wet at times and un seasonally cold - the journey
stndy-group from the University of the Third Age. home was in pouring rain!
We were joined there by Steve and Ann Coker and
the shores of Loch Borralie. We started off well stack bearing many flowering spikes of Epipactis
along the cliff tops, with a fair selection of ca1ci- atrorubens (Dark-red Helleborine) and a few of
coles, but after a damp lunch, cold lashing rain Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted-orchid).
drove us off. We did however find a good stand of Both were growing in blown sand over Lewisian
Juncus balticus (Baltic Rush) at a 'new' site. One gneiss. The latter species is far from common in
hardy pair, who undertook a circumnavigation of West Sutherland. The adjacent sea cliffs are
the loch, were rewarded for their efforts by finding clothed with almost vertical woodland containing
a washed-up pondweed which proved, on inspec- Corylus avellana (Hazel) and Populus tremula
tion, to be a close fit for the hybrid P. xcognatus (P. (Aspen), with a good range of tall herbs, a rare
praelongus x P. perfoliatus), at what is now its only occurrence in this exposed and well-grazed
known site in the British Isles. A disappointing day landscape. A few plants of Dryopteris expansa
was redeemed by an evening meal together at the (Northern Buckler-fern), found by three members
Bistro at Balnakeil, followed by a very useful ofthe group just inland of the beach later in the day,
identification session at the Loch Croispol constitute a new record for the hectad (NC46). The
Bookshop next door. second party made their way over a headland to a
On 8th , we tackled two well-known sites to the second beach, a little further to the north, where
east of Durness. First stop was the impressive they were rewarded with hanging mats of Dryas
Geodha Smoo, at the landward end of which the octopetala (Mountain Avens) and many more
Allt Smoo drops through the roof of a huge sea- spikes of Dactylorhiza fuchsii and Epipactis
cave (tetrad NC46D). The group split into two atrorubens, all, again, on blown sand over Lewisian
parties, tackling in friendly rivalry the west and east gneiss. They also found one plant of Leymus
sides of the Geodha. Although there was inevitable arenarius (Lyme-grass), new to the hectad, on a
overlap, the combined tally of 135 taxa was a good rocky slope, a not infrequent habitat in West
total from a small corner of the tetrad. There were Sutherland.
huge stands of Phyllitis scolopendrium (Hart's- Altogether, 187 taxa were recorded, a very good
tongue) in the cave and cliffs around its mouth; total from, again, a small corner of the tetrad. It
further out Asplenium marinum (Sea Spleenwort) was good to have in the party a specialist in Chara
was evidence of the influence of the sea. (Stonewort). The records made by Effy Everiss
After lunch, we moved east to Traigh Allt will be a valuable addition to our knowledge of the
Chailgeag, a sandy beach backed by dune grassland v.c. 108 botany. Special thanks are due to Jackie
and well-vegetated cliffs (tetrad NC46M). There Muscott and Ro Scott who fielded records from all
we again split into two parties, one concentrating on and sundry throughout the meeting, under often less
the part nearest to the road and the other further than ideal conditions.
afield. The first party were able to scale an isolated
East Norfolk & East Suffolk (v.cc. 25, 27) grass identification days,
14th (& 21St) July
A. COPPING
This meeting attracted more members than tion being paid to their rhizomes. The half-mile
expected and was repeated on 21 sI July for those walk across the heath to an arable field provided
originally placed on a waiting list. Consequently much of interest, including Apera interrupta
17 participants on 14th and 7 a week later assembled (Dense Sill(y-bent), Trifolium suffocatum
on Wortham Ling, an area of sandy heathland (Suffocated Clover) and Hypochaeris glabra
beside the infant River Waveney, and a mile west (Smooth Cat's-ear), all thought to be new to the
of Diss, now managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Ling, as well as the dead remains of Aira praecox
Trust. The main purpose of the meeting was to (Early Hair-grass) andA. caryophyllea (Silver Hair-
study Agrostis, and all five species were seen by the grass). Lingering Vulpia ciliata ssp. ambigua
meeting's end. However, the proceedings opened (Bearded Fescue) was just identifiable on 14th ,
with an explanation of grass inflorescence struc- while Anisantha sterilis (Barren Brome) and
ture, using previously collected Avenafatua (Wild- A. diandra (Great Brome), regenerating from
oat) as illustration. Close to the cars Agrostis capil- earlier roadside mowing and growing together,
laris (Common Bent) and A. vinealis (Brown Bent) conveniently displayed their distinguishing
were conveniently growing side by side. They features.
were fully examined and contrasted, special atten-
Field meeting reports: 2007 - East Norfolk & East Suffolk I Gordon area & River Tweed 57
The margin of the field referred to earlier is now dominated by coarse grasses, of which
produced a quartet of arable weed grasses: Agrostis Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair-grass) is the
gigantea (Black Bent), with its stout rhizomes; most prominent. However, the small area we
Avena fatua; Alopecurus myosuroides (Black- visited was atypical and featured damp depressions
grass); and Elytrigia repens ssp. repens (Common containing Agrostis canina (Velvet Bent) and A.
Couch). The group then followed a long semi- stolonifera (Creeping Bent), with A. capillaris
circular route across the heath, stopping to examine abundant and widespread nearby. Evidence of
Phleum bertolonii (Smaller Cat's-tail) on the earlier occupation of the site by travellers was
roadside, Nardus stricta (Mat-grass) (rare in East provided by the unexpected discovery of flowering
Suffolk), Molinia caerulea ssp. caerulea (Purple Phalaris canariensis (Canary-grass). A special and
Moor-grass) and Calamagrostis epigejos (Wood successful effort was made to locate Genista tincto-
Small-reed), the last flowering sparingly and much ria ssp. tinctoria (Dyer's Greenweed), formerly
weakened by shade. Holcus lanatus (Y orkshire- quite common on south Norfolk roadsides, but now
fog) and H. mollis (Creeping Soft-grass) were much reduced by regular verge cutting. On 21 st
conveniently growing side-by-side for easy July only, the group paused by an arable field to see
comparison. It was also heartening to see several Scandix pecten-veneris (Shepherd's-needle) and
patches of Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell), a was rewarded by the unexpected discovery of
species in apparent decline in East Anglia. Bromus commutatus (Meadow Brome) and
Wortham Ling has two areas of basic soils, and Panicum miliaceum (Common Millet).
after lunch one of these was visited, where Thymus The meeting concluded with the leader's distribu-
pulegioides (Large Thyme) and Cirsium acaule tion of previously gathered Phleum pratense
(Dwarf Thistle) were admired, and Briza media (Timothy), Bromopsis ramosa (Hairy-brome) on
(Quaking-grass) and Helictotrichon pratense 21 st July only; Agrostis castellana (Highland Bent)
(Meadow Oat-grass) added to the grass list. A brief from Diss, and A. scabra (Rough Bent) originally
stop to admire Scleranthus annuus s.1. (Annual collected from Glasgow, but now cultivated in his
Knawel) and the dead remains of Trifolium glomer- garden. Altogether 45 grass species were discussed
atum (Clustered Clover) in previously known sites over the two days.
concluded our visit to the Ling. Finally the Society wishes to thank Mr Moray
The afternoon venue was Boyland Common in Rash of Beech Tree Farm, Wortham, for allowing
East Norfolk, about 3 miles north of Wortham. us to remove grasses from his field of broad beans,
There the soils are heavier, with significant clay and Mrs M. Brown of Old Boyland Hall for permis-
content. Formerly the area was cut for hay andlor sion to park cars on her land.
grazed, but in recent years has been neglected and
Gordon area & River Tweed, Berwickshire (v.c. 81), 14th _15 th July
MICHAEL BRAITHWAITE
A party of seven met at Gordon Community (Twayblade) and Platanthera bifolia (Lesser
Woodland on the 14th, where it was briefed on an Butterfly-orchid). We drove to Corsbie and strug-
experimental method of rare and scarce plant gled to the last remnants of Corsbie Bog. Here
recording developed by the leader, using the large Vaccinium oxycoccos (Cranberry) could not be re-
population of Genista anglica (petty Whin) for found and was considered probably extinct, but two
training. We then drove to Gordon Moss SSSI, lizards were seen. Moving on to Everett Moss,
where we split into three groups to monitor selected Catabrosa aquatica (Water Whorl-grass) was seen
scarce species in different parts of the Moss. The at the muddy margins, and Cicuta virosa
leader had recorded Equisetum x litorale (Shore (Cowbane) in plenty in the fen area.
Horsetail) and Molinia caerulea ssp. arundinacea On the 15th we met at Kelloe and studied water
(Purple Moor-grass) here in 1988, the latter deter- crowfoots on the Blackadder Water.
mined by P.J.O. Trist. Both records are now Ranunculus xkelchoensis and the plant ascribed to
considered unsafe, the former probably relating to R. circinatus x R. fluitans were seen. Moving to the
a form of Equisetum palustre (Marsh Horsetail) and Tweed, four plants of Bromus secalinus (Rye
the latter to an atypical plant of M c. ssp. caerulea. Brome) were spotted by Luke Gaskell in wheat at
However, Salix phylicifolia (Tea-leaved Willow) Ladykirk, the first record for this species from v.c.
was re-found, and orchids monitored were Coral- 81 since 1834. The river was in spate and even with
lorhiza trifida (Coralroot Orchid), Listera ovata waders it was only possible to examine flotsam at
58 Field meeting reports: 2007 - Gordon area & River Tweed / Mid-Perthshire
the river's edge. Four pondweed taxa were fished colony of Centaurium erythraea (Common Centau-
out, including Potamogeton xsalicifolius, with its ry), a locally scarce species, was discovered. It had
parents P. lucens (Shining Pondweed) and P. per/o- been a relaxing day in the sunshine, with many sand
liatus (Perfoliate Pondweed), and these were martins and oystercatchers for company.
floated in an enamel dish for examination. A good
In the evening we dined in a restaurant in the ula. The end of the limestone was punctuated by
village of Weem near Aberfeldy where we were two adders that were sunning themselves. One
staying. We celebrated Lynne Farrell's birthday, slipped into the undergrowth at the approach of the
who had not long retired from SNH. Some of us party, but the other remained for all to admire. We
stayed in what had been the quarters of General ascended the northern slopes of Dun Coillich where
George Wade during the building of the military the soils are generally acid, but with pockets of
road from Crieff to Dalnacardoch in the l730s. slightly calcareous conditions. Our finds included
Our final day was spent at Dun Coillich (NN75), Polygala vulgaris (Common Milkwort), much less
to the south west of our first excursion. In the common than Polygala serpyllifolia (Heath
morning we explored a limestone cliff at the base of Milkwort) in our area, and Rumex longifolius
Schehallion that was full of interest and colour, (Northern Dock). The slopes had been planted up
almost as if it were a garden in the middle of the as part of a community woodland initiative, and
moor. Helianthemum nummularium was flowering they were planted in the excavated soil that had
plentifully. Other plants of interest were Galium been lifted from the ground by machine. The
boreale (Northern Bedstraw), Antennaria dioica excavations left behind were just the right size to
(Mountain Everlasting), Helictotrichon pratense consume an entire botanist, which made the after-
(Meadow Oat-grass), Listera cordata (Lesser noon's excursions a little challenging to say the least.
Twayblade), Pimpinella saxifraga (Burnet-saxi- We extend our thanks to all who helped on the
frage), Parnassia palustris (Grass-of-Parnassus), excursions and for the considerable number of
Juncus alpinoarticulatus (Alpine Rush) and Carex records and records of interest that were made.
xfulva, the hybrid between C. hostiana x C. virid-
This was the first BSBI meeting on the Isle of Man Having lunched at Dhoon Glen, we abandoned
for many years, so it was disappointing that the the planned trip to Snaefell summit (a sheep-grazed
planned route, which included lots of open site, hence off-limits), and proceeded instead to the
farmland and moorland, had to be altered without northernmost tip of the island, Point of Ayre
notice. This was due to the announcement, first (NX468048). This consists of a wide expanse of
thing on the Saturday morning, of emergency foot- shingle beach and low, de-calcified dunes. Nobody
and-mouth disease restrictions to countryside managed to find the elusive Mertensia maritima
access. Fortunately, the Isle of Man has a great (Oyster-plant) this year, but plenty of other shingle
range of habitats within easy reach, and we were species were in evidence, including Glaucium
able to explore alternative places of interest. flavum (Yellow Homed-poppy), Atriplex glabrius-
Ten of us met at Dhoon Glen (SC460865), which cula (Babington's Orache), Atriplex prostrata
has broadleaved woodland on either side of a steep, (Spear-leaved Orache), Cakile maritima (Sea
rocky gorge, leading down to the sea. The gorge Rocket), Polygonum oxyspermum (Ray's
features a very high and spectacular waterfall (the Knotgrass) and Eryngium maritimum (Sea Holly).
Ineen Vooar- 'Big Girl'!) and several smaller falls, The adjacent bare ground also had substantial
providing lots of opportunities for damp- and patches of Erodium maritimum (Sea Stork's-bill)
shade-loving species. Ferns are particularly and E. lebelii (Sticky Stork's-bill).
abundant, and we were pleased to find several more The low-growing Ayres dune-heath vegetation
plants of Dryopteris aemula (Hay-scented Buckler- was distinctive as ever, with localised mats of Rosa
fern) than have previously been recorded here. In spinosissima (Burnet Rose) growing at around 5cm
addition to luxuriant banks of commoner ferns, we tall, and lots to offer the lower plants enthusiasts,
encountered several patches of Asplenium marinum notably Usnea articulata (Sausage Lichen) -
(Sea Spleenwort) growing on the cliffs and rock usually a saxicolous species - growing on bare,
outcrops on the beach. These craggy outcrops have sandy ground, and extensive Cladonia cover. On
become separated from the adjacent cliff, and are the most lichen-rich areas we encountered Erica
very exposed to the island's notoriously strong cinerea (Bell Heather) growing through a grey
maritime gales. This is evident from the tiny, carpet of Cladonia portentosa, C. arbuscula, C.
stunted Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak) 'trees' fimbriata, C. floerkeana, C. uncialis and Hypogym-
which, despite substantial trunks of up to 30cm nia physodes, amongst other lichens. On the way
diameter, are only a metre tall at most. home, an attempt to find Senecio doria (Golden
60 Field meeting reports: 2007 - Isle of Man / Arisaig
Ragwort) at its former station nearby proved unsuc- eat in warmth and comfort in her lovely cottage
cessful. Unfortunately, the wall by which it has next to our final port of call: Scarlett Point
been recorded for several years running appears to (SC256662). Here the shallow, brackish pools had
have been re-built and given a generous coat of abundant Potamogeton pectinatus (Fennel
white paint. Pondweed) and Chara species (stoneworts), with
On Sunday, we headed south to Fort Island fringes of Eleocharis quinqueflora (Few-flowered
(SC295674). This is a tiny outcrop of Langness, Spike-rush), E. palustris (Common Spike-rush), E.
itself a spit of rocky coastland extending from the uniglumis (Slender Spike-rush) and occasional
south-east coast. As with the sites visited on the Isolepis cernua (Slender Club-rush). The adjacent
Saturday, it is part of a designated Area of Special grassland had a rich assortment of plants, including
Scientific Interest. Several plants which are Astragalus danicus (Purple Milk-vetch), at one of
Protected Species on the Isle of Man were re-found, its rare western stations, and another welcome
including Blysmus rufus (Saltmarsh Flat-sedge), discovery: a thriving patch of Trifolium fragiferum
Oenanthe lachenalii (Parsley Water-dropwort) and (Strawberry Clover), a species not seen on the
a single plant of Limonium vulgare (Common Sea- island for several years, and never before at this
lavender). There was also a nice surprise: the beds location.
of Juncus gerardii (Saltmarsh Rush) turned out to The meeting was rained off for good before the
contain a localised patch of J. compressus (Round- second day was over, but fortunately those
fruited Rush) - the latter being a species not previ- members who stayed on the island a little longer
ously recorded on the island. into the week were able to continue their botanising
The weather worsened around Sunday lunchtime, under better conditions. I would like to thank all
hence I am extremely grateful to Fenella Butler, those who helped to make this weekend a success
who gave us the chance to escape the downpour and despite the less than ideal circumstances.
Arisaig is a popular place to visit for its sandy and some impressive specimens of the spider
beaches and scenic views of the Small Isles and Araneus quadratus! Loch Dubh is a Site of Special
Skye, but sunbathing was not on the agenda for 9 Scientific Interest because of its population of C.
botanists who met there over the August Bank buxbaumii and some ofthe group stumbled down to
Holiday weekend. Coming from diverse parts of the loch edge through tussocks of Molinia caerulea
Scotland, we had four main aims - to look for (Purple Moor-grass) to assess this sedge's status for
notable species, to compile tetrad lists, to learn Scottish Natural Heritage. The number of flower-
from each other, and above all to enjoy ourselves - ing heads found was similar to that in 2000, but
and I think we were successful in all four. much lower than counts from the 1990s, perhaps
Saturday was spent in hectad NM68, one of the related to the absence of grazing, following enclo-
richest in the vice-county. Our first objective was sure of a large area of the estate to encourage
Loch nan Eala, in particular to find one of the natural regeneration of woodland. Whether the
specialities of Westerne ss, Carex buxbaumii (Club plant itself is declining in abundance is difficult to
Sedge). We soon found the distinctive fruiting say.
heads of this species and estimated the size of the We headed west to the coast, and a new tetrad.
main colony, which seemed similar to previous At Camas an t-Salainn we found saltmarsh with
records. The surrounding fen had a good selection large beds of Bolboschoenus maritimus (Sea
of wetland plants though Dryopteris carthusiana Clubrush) and, more unusually, Schoenoplectus
(Narrow Buckler-fern) eluded us. We followed the tabernaemontani (Grey Clubrush). Lowland
track south through birch woodland, noting Dryop- members of the group were surprised at my excite-
teris aemula (Hay-scented Buckler-fern) and ment on finding a fringe of Epilobium hirsutum
Bromopsis ramosa (Hairy-brome) along the way. (Great Willowherb) at one of its few localities in the
We arrived in sunshine at picturesque Loch Dubh vice-county. We followed the coast back to Arisaig
to find a dancing swarm of red-legged St Mark's and were pleased to find a new site for Juncus
flies (Bibio sp.). A base-rich flush gave us one of maritimus (Sea Rush). But the prize find to end the
the joys oflate summer, Parnassia palustris (Grass day was at the car park - Coronopus didymus
ofPamassus), along with Scutellaria minor (Lesser (Lesser Swine-cress), an alien, but a first for
Skullcap), Pinguicula lusitanica (Pale Butterwort) Westemess. The evening was spent in the pub with
Field meeting reports : 2007 - Arisaig / Watersmeet 61
specimens and field guides competing for space but I knew that these lochs were better than
with fish and chips, to the amusement ofthe locals. average, with the nationally rare Najas jlexilis
Sunday followed a similar weather pattern to (Slender Naiad) of especial interest. In an attempt
Saturday, with early dampness turning to sunshine. to focus on plants I left my insect net behind,
We started at Camusdarach, the beach made though dragonflies such as the enigmatic Highland
famous by the film 'Local Hero'. We noted Darter Sympetrum nigricans kept distracting us!
Sparganium erectum (Branched Bur-reed) and Keen to try out recently acquired skills from Nick
Hypericum tetrapterum (Square-stalked St John's- Stewart's excellent aquatics course at Kindrogan,
wort) in the stream, then made for the dunes, where but without a grapnel, due to the presence of
Thalictrum minus (Lesser Meadow-rue) and N. jlexilis, we had to settle for a washed-up
Teesdalia nudicaulis (Shepherd's Cress) were fragment of Potamogeton berchtoldii (Small
amongst our finds. In a remnant slack behind the Pondweed) in Loch a Bhada Dharaich, and Utricu-
dunes we identified Persicaria hydropiper (Water- laria ochroleuca (Pale Bladderwort) growing in the
pepper), but less welcome was a small patch of shallows; but fine displays of Nymphaea alba
Crassula helmsii (New Zealand Pygmyweed), (White Water-lily) in all three lochs made up for
another first (and last?) for v.c. 97. Ironically I had any disappointment. A return visit after autumn
just written in British Wildlife that C. helmsii had winds is required!
not yet reached Westerness! One of the group took a detour to find a very nice
Half the party continued to explore the coast in soakway through a patch of bog with much fruiting
the afternoon, with notable records for Catabrosa Sparganium natans (Small Bur-reed), Utricularia
aquatica (Whorl-grass) and Polygonum oxysper- minor (Lesser Bladderwort) and Chara virgata
mum raii (Ray's Knotgrass), whilst I led the (Delicate Stonewort). Some healthy stands of
remainder up to a chain of three delightful lochs Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) on the margin of
north of Loch Morar - Loch a Bhada Dharaich, Loch an Nostarie gave us one of many new hectad
Lochan a Mheadhoin and Loch an Nostarie. records, to end a productive and enjoyable weekend.
Westerness is not renowned for its aquatic plants,
The aim of this joint meeting between the BSBI and 1985 by M.E. Proctor, which reported at least 32
the Devonshire Association for the Advancement Bloody Whitebeams, one Grey-leaved Whitebeam,
of Science was to map the distribution of the four 18 Slender Whitebeams, 13 No Parking White-
endemic Sorbus (whitebeams) in the superb beams and 106 undetermined trees of these latter
Watersmeet woodlands owned by the National two species.
Trust. The first shock of the week was the sheer scale of
Watersmeet is best known for both the Sorbus the woodlands, much bigger than Tim had remem-
subcuneata (Slender Whitebeam) and the strongly bered! The second shock was the heavy rain all
lobed form of Devon whitebeam which became Saturday morning, which began shortly after the
known as Sorbus 'No Parking', after a notice nailed leaders had explained how the survey was to be
to a tree in the 1930s (the notice has been replaced carried out and demonstrated how to identify the
by one on the wall saying 'Staff parking only'). species - more like 'Watersdeep' than Watersmeet.
Isoenzyme studies by M.E. Proctor, M.C.F. Proctor Fortunately Sunday was much more pleasant.
and A. Groenhof in the 1980s (New Phytologist The same survey methods were used as for our
112: 569-575) showed that the No Parking White- 2004 Sorbus bristoliensis (Bristol Whitebeam)
beam is distinct from the true Sorbus devoniensis survey (Watsonia, in press). The botanists split into
(Devon Whitebeam) and is endemic to Watersmeet groups of 2-3 and headed for the woods. It was
and the adjacent Sillery Sands. Devon Whitebeam often not easy to see the trees for the wood, but
does not occur at Watersmeet, although this is leaves on the ground were often a good way to find
where most botanists think that they have seen it! them amongst the oaks. For each tree, the location
Watersmeet also holds a small population of Sorbus was noted, using hand-held GPS units, the height
porrigentiformis (Grey-leaved Whitebeam) and the was estimated by eye, the girth measured at 1.3m,
type locality for Sorbus vexans (Bloody White- the growth form noted as coppice or maiden, and
beam). Some population data for all four species fruit was noted if present. The GPS units proved
was available from the surveys carried out in 1981- surprisingly accurate, despite the dense woodland
62 Field meeting reports: 2007 - Watersmeet 1Correction - Browndown and Gilkicker 1
Report of the Annual Exhibition Meeting 2007
canopy and heavy cloud. The average difference outside this central area on Hangman Grits to the
between seven units at the start of the day was north, or to the south, where the woodlands change
under 4m in either direction (maximum difference to elm-ash-oak or beech plantations on superficial
15m E-W and 16m N-S), and the average reported deposits. Often areas only had one whitebeam
accuracy was +1- 12m. species or another, though sometimes they grew
During the course ofthe weekend and the follow- intermixed. There was a surprising amount of
ing weeks, 478 whitebeams were recorded, of regeneration, given the amount of deer present,
which there were 17 Bloody Wbitebeams, 3 Grey- with many saplings in the understorey having lost
leaved Wbitebeams, 270 Slender Wbitebeams most of their leaves. One Slender Wbitebeam was
(82% of the world population), 108 No Parking even spotted behind the excellent tea rooms by Paul
Wbitebeams (99% of the world population) and 69 Gainey whilst taking refreshments!
undetermined trees of the latter two. Sorbus Additional botanical interest was provided by the
aucuparia (Rowan) is widespread in the woods and large populations of Euphorbia hyberna (Irish
was not mapped. The three-fold increase in Spurge) lining the paths, Sedum forsterianum
numbers is probably largely due to more intensive (Rock Stonecrop) and one clump of Polypodium
survey. cambricum (Southern Polypody) on acid slates,
Some trees recorded by M.E. Proctor, which were found by Mark Jannick.
mapped more accurately, could not be re-found and We are grateful to the 23 botanists who helped
are presumed to have gone. It was surprising how during the weekend, and who seemed to enjoy it
clustered the populations of both Slender Wbite- despite the hard labour. Mind you, in the sunshine,
beam and No Parking Wbitebeam were to the it is a lovely place to be. The results will be written
central Watersmeet area, where the coppice up in due course.
overlies Lynton Slates. Very few trees occurred
of soliciting records of these ferns from short and insect pollinators scarce. In order to
members ofthe BSBI for a forthcoming paper survive, many species have found it necessary
to be submitted to Watsonia. A key was to evolve less orthodox methods of reproduc-
provided to separate the five species of Pteris tion. In such a harsh environment, plants are
found naturalised in the British Isles. Pteris of small stature, usually just a few centimetres
cretica is apparently the most commonly tall. However, some possess relatively large,
naturalised species, although many records brightly-coloured flowers in order to attract
may actually be in error for P. nipponica and pollinators, whereas others propagate vegeta-
P. multifida. Photographs showed typical tively in less orthodox ways. Polemonium
P. cretica and a cultivar, 'Wimsettii', both boreale (Polar Jacob's-ladder) and Saxifraga
naturalised in basements in Bath. Pteris platysepala (Spider-plant), two species occur-
nipponica, which is usually variegated, has ring to nearly 80· N in Spitsbergen (Svalbard),
been found recently in 4 London sites and in were selected as examples. Photographs and
Cambridge. Photographs demonstrated the preserved material of each were shown, the
distinctive frond shape of adult and juvenile large, attractive, bright blue flowers of the
plants in Borough and Mayfair respectively. former species, and the long tentacle-like
Pteris multifida has now been recorded from 6 runners of the latter exemplifying two such
vice counties. Photographs showed plants in methods. A brief outline was also given of
basements in Bath and Cambridge and down a their world-wide distribution and ecological
well in Beauworth (v.c. 11). Pteris tremula is requirements" .
a large fern with more divided fronds than Books on show included Trevor Evans'
other species, but has had a more transient new and excellent Flora of Monmouthshire
existence, being killed by harsh winters. A and the at-last-complete Sedge Handbook by
photograph showed a handsome plant at a Jermy, Simpson, Foley & Porter, produced
former site in Westminster. Pteris vittata is by Gwynn Ellis, who, incidentally, also
also of borderline hardiness. It has persisted produced 'Gwynn's nearly useful list' - an
on the walls of a heated greenhouse in Oxford Excel spreadsheet of over 10,000 taxa
Botanic Gardens since 1924 and a photograph reported from the British Isles with scientific
of the single extant plant was displayed. and vernacular names, v.c. distribution, details
Ailsa Burns extolled the delights-to-be of of status in various publications, altogether
the BSBI Spring Meeting at Slapton on 13 th - over thirty fields covering such diverse
15 th June 2008, and much more sadly reported attributes as conservation designations,
on the death of Bridget Ozanne, v.c. Recorder habitats, dates of first records, altitude records,
for Guernsey, showing a report on her busy etc., etc. Copies are available free of charge if
life from the local press. She was also you send him a blank CD with return postage.
involved with the now annual Photographic Back to the books, Rose Murphy and Ian
Competition which this year had the theme Bennallick showed a draft of a 'Mini-hand-
'My plant of the Year'. The winner was book of fumitories of Britain and Ireland',
judged to be Kath Pryce for her superb photo which will no doubt include Rose Murphy's
of Hymenophyllum tunbrigense which is here 'Fumaria agraria in Britain', carefully
reproduced on the inside of the back cover. described and drawn. Clive Lovatt, with
Ruth Berry, with 'Art in Nature', showed as 'Bristol botanists', presaged a further publica-
usual more of her splendid photos and also tion in the future in 'Towards a new history of
combined with Michael Foley to show plants Bristol botany', detailing the work of ten of
in Spitsbergen. these people. John Poland hopefully should
Michael Foley also showed 'Polemonium be in print soon, but contented himself with a
boreale and Saxifraga platysepala - two inter- 'Vegetative key to the British flora: identifica-
esting high arctic plants'. His abstract reads: tion quiz', which your reviewer had no time to
"In the high arctic the growing season is very attempt (but would have liked to). It was no
64 Report of the Annual Exhibition Meeting 2007
doubt fiendish, but this means you will need to Watereman and Carolyn Helyar were shown,
buy his book to solve your difficulties. with the preliminary conclusion that the
Jane Croft showed lists both of Field hybrid with Italian Lords-and-Iadies occurs,
Meetings now gone and those to come in but that there is no confirmed record of the
2008. Another season of enjoyment will result latter"; and also photographs of several roses
from her hard work; while the 'BSBI that had escaped from gardens, requesting
postcards' from Margot Godfrey may well comments on their names.
bring back memories of past meetings and George Hutchinson provided a check-list
outings. Ian Bennallick had three exhibits: of the 180 Cotoneaster taxa at NMW, an
'IdentifYing Important Plant Areas in increase of 58 since the last list, produced in
Cornwall'; 'Recording in Cornwall in 2006- 2002. Twenty six taxa have been recorded
2007'; and 'Identifying declining flowering from the wild in Wales with representative
plants and ferns in Cornwall'. Margaret specimens at NMW. Jeanette Fryer was
Bradshaw had a similar theme in 'Upper acknowledged for updating nomenclature,
Teesdale: where have all the flowers gone?', Gordon Hanson for donating Cotoneaster
noting general decreases, notably in Alchemil- specimens (confirmed J. Fryer), and others for
la. Her plea was that 'now is payback time - sending in material for identification.
so get out there and encourage others to enjoy Sean Kadey with 'Help!' proved useful, as
and value our flora'. Not all is doom and always, in identification of unknowns, but will
gloom, however. Simon Leach, with tables, anyone offer to help him? After 27 years, he
figures and photographs, reported on 'Shore would like someone else to take over - offers
Dock at Soar Mill Cove, S. Devon', where it to him please. An alternative to the above
has made a sudden appearance, and in large might perhaps be hinted at by Richard
numbers. Geoffrey Kitchener and Alan GornaH as self-help, in 'Have you sccn your
Leslie gave details of 'Tournefort's Willow- local herbarium?' Mark Spencer showed
herb: a Mediterranean taxon in Britain'. This 'Recent finds in London', and Jacqueline
is Epilobium tetragonum ssp. tournefortii, a Brown again exhibited work on
fine large-flowered plant newly discovered on 'Disentangling bindweeds - a molecular and
the Royston by-pass. Alan Leslie also morphological study of British Calystegia'
showed 'New Cambridgeshire hybrids'. (funded by the BSBI).
There were more hybrids from Alison Lean, As usual, Mervyn South am was exhibiting
most notably Crataegus laevigata x Mespilus Apiaceae (what else?), this year with a splen-
germanica = x Crataegaemespilus grandiflora did display of Bupleurum, which has 39
(Haw-medlar). Another unusual plant was species in Europe, the largest genus in the
from Jacqueline Maynard and Peter Benoit: family. Tim Rich showed photos and had
'Cardamine pratensis, flore pleno in v.c. 48'; information on 'Watersmeet Whitebeams',
while a normal plant was shown by Heten and more information on these can be obtained
Proctor in 'The distribution of White Helle- from the appropriate field meeting report in
borine in Friston Forest', with photographs this issue of BSBI News. To taper off, as it
and discussion. It was shown that there was a were: Tim also had a 'Very small exhibit' - ten
preference for level ground, low in nitrogen ordinary plants of very small size, ranging from
and other nutrients, near hilltops and with a Aira caryophyUea (Silver Hair-grass) to
closed tree canopy. Jean Coombes discussed Euphorbia exigua (Dwarf Spurge), which we
'Trees and woodland'. were invited to identifY, if we could find them!
Roger YeaH gave us 'News from Sark, Most people did, with the aid of a hand-lens
2006-7', giving specimens and/or photographs (find them, that is), but one disappeared before
of a range of species with first records outside the end. Or perhaps I just couldn't see it?
gardens; 'Lords-and-Iadies', where "results of
recent work on the plants in Sark by Rob
Book Notes - Book reviews for Watsonia 65
BOOK NOTES
Book reviews for Watsonia: comments on the duties of reviewers
ARTHUR CRATER, Windover, Penyrangor, Aberystwyth, SY23 IBJ
JOHN EDMONDSON (book reviews editor, Watsonia), National Museums Liverpool, William
Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN (a.books@mac.com)
Traditionally Watsonia has been the place for with any competitors, but should bear in mind
serious scholarly reviews of newly published that complex works like identification Floras
books. Short listings announcing the receipt of may require years of use by many people
books are published as 'book notes' in BSBI before their merits can be properly assessed.
News, along with a descriptive paragraph Choosing the right reviewer is a vital aspect
where the book was judged not to be of suffi- of the process. Obviously it should be
cient interest to warrant a full review. someone who knows the subject, or who is
Book reviews are often the most eagerly open-minded enough to be willing to learn
read items in learned journals and other scien- from the book. If the potential reviewer has
tific and natural history periodicals. They can written on the same subject, or is known to
be very influential, and are popular because have different views from the book's author or
they are often the only items to express in an is in any other sense a rival, he should be
unfettered way the personality of the writer. chosen only if he can be relied on to give an
Traditionally they are only lightly copy-edit- objective and fair assessment. This seems
ed, only gross errors of fact being corrected, obvious, but reviews can and do go wrong in
and in refereed journals they may be the only this way.
items to escape the guarantee of scientific Listing of trivial errors such as misprints
validity provided by the referee system. usually only serves to show that the reviewer
Usually all is well with them, but sometimes a has read the book, but this can be better done
review is so inadequate or unjust that there simply by stating that they occur. Serious and
seems legitimate concern whether the process misleading errors should of course be noted,
is working properly. Once a reviews editor especially if it is the sort of book likely to go
has chosen a reviewer and commissioned the into a second edition. It is very appropriate,
review, it can be impossible to remedy matters and helpful, to point out where the publisher
ifthe resulting review proves to be unworthy. has let down the author, for example by
It is almost unheard of for a review to be pricing the book too high, or by poor repro-
rejected outright by the editor, as (unlike a duction of plates, or to praise the publisher for
scientific paper) it represents a considered the pricing and quality of production to
opinion rather than a testable piece of encourage others. A surprising number of
research. We therefore feel that some 'hints reviews fail to mention quite basic points: is
for hard-pressed reviewers' may be in order. the book readable; does it contain new or
Copies of this article will be sent to those who useful information; is it better or worse than its
agree to review a book in future. competitors; who is it aimed at; should the
The main duty of a book reviewer should be target reader buy it; is it good value?
to the potential readers of the book. The latter For field guides, the reviewer should say
should get an idea from the review whether it whether it is in fact usable in the field; how
is worth their reading or buying the book. At comprehensive is its coverage of species (a
the same time, the reviewer must be fair, but crucial and often overlooked matter); does it
not over-indulgent to the author, praising or work? If the book is in a standard category,
chiding where appropriate. The reviewer e.g. a county Flora, a field guide or a
should, where relevant, compare the book monograph, how does it compare with others
66 Book Notes - Book reviews for Watsonia I Conserving the flora oflimestone dry stone walls
in the same area and in the same category; of major botanical figures. European field
does it set new standards, is it an exemplary guides may be covered if their content is
work? It should be possible, and it is very relevant to a significant part of the British and
helpful, to indicate such things without being Irish floras, as are books covering major
invidious. It is especially useful where appro- holiday regions aimed at visitors rather than
priate to hold up a book, or a particular feature resident botanists. Also deserving of treat-
of it, as a good example for future authors of ment are significant reports on conservation of
similar works to follow. the wild flora, county Red Lists and the like,
Book reviews serve a variety of purposes for and we naturally welcome books in other
those involved. For the publisher, a favoura- categories that will be of particular interest to
ble review is a useful marketing tool; for the our members.
author, it can provide valuable feedback on Books submitted to us but not sent out for
their efforts and as stated above it is often the review are treated as unsolicited gifts to the
part of the journal to which many readers turn Society, and may be passed on for sale or
before tackling the main content. But in order donated to institutions that host aspects of the
to justify inclusion in the journal, the book Society's operations. Copies of the published
review must cover areas relevant to the scope reviews, usually as PDF files, are sent to the
ofthe journal and ofthe Society, which means publisher andlor author. The reviews editor is
that some books which the author or publisher always open to suggestions from BSBI
wishes to see reviewed do not in fact warrant members about books they feel worthy of
such a treatment. review, though if a title is requested from a
Publishers of new books may appreciate publisher, the journal is then under an obliga-
some guidelines about which books are suita- tion to review it.
ble for a full review. First among our subject Further reading
areas worthy of coverage are, naturally, CRATER, A. 1990. Financing the publication
national Floras and field guides, British and oflocal Floras. BSBI News 55: 13-15.
Irish county Floras, atlases and monographs, PEARMAN, D. 2002. The ideal Flora. BSBI
including the Society's own Handbooks. News 91: 60-64.
Equally suitable for inclusion are works on the PEARMAN, D. 2003. Economics of Flora pub-
history of botany in our area, and biographies lishing. BSBI News 93: 70-72.
This colourful l2-page booklet (Published by the Cotswolds, in the Mendips and on dry
the Wiltshire Natural History Publications stone walls in general. Beginning with an
Trust, 2007) is a guide to conserving the introduction which explains the derivation,
community of plants, lichens and fungi which rationale and scope of the contents, it goes on
grow on limestone dry stone walls. Many to describe the nature and variety of dry stone
volunteers are engaged throughout the country wall structures and the importance of this
in the valuable work of building and repairing habitat for wildlife. An extensive section then
these walls. So far, however, there has been provides help in identifying key species, with
little guidance on how to do this in a way short, informative descriptions and colour
which promotes the development and survival photo illustrations. This enables a description
of this "flora". It is based on a study of the of the flora of a particular wall to be described,
flora of dry stone walls in the parish of to help make decisions on its priority for
Winsley in West Wiltshire (see next issue) and conservation. The booklet concludes by
at the southern end of the Cotswolds, and on a providing point-by-point guidance on conser-
range of literature on such walls elsewhere in vation measures. These should be helpful for
Book Notes - Conserving the flora oflimestone dry stone walls / The wildflowers of the Isle ofPurbeck 67
conservation of dry stone walls throughout the • Dry Stone Walling Association of Great
country, even when they are not built of Britain (DSWA), Westmorland County
limestone, though the precise composition of Showground, Lane Farn1, Crooklands, Mil-
the flora will differ between areas and will be nethorpe, Cumbria LA7 7NH. Tel: 015395
very different for walls made from acid rocks. 67953. Website: www.dswa.org.uk. Email:
The booklet should be helpful to all involved information@dswa.org.uk.
in the building and repair of dry stone walls, to • Summerfield Books, 3 Phoenix park, Skel-
those planning and organising their conserva- ton, Penrith, Cumbria CAll 9SD. Tel:
tion, and to botanists with an interest in the 01768484909. Website:
flora of this particular habitat. www.summerfieldbooks.com. Email:
The booklet is available from either of: info@summerfieldbooks.com.
On 5th December between 70 and 80 people 'One of the best and most readable floras to
gathered for the launch of the 'Flora of be produced for a long time .... '
Monmouthshire' by Trevor Evans; several 'A wonderful book to dip into ... '
were BSBI members. This was an eagerly 'Beautifully illustrated ... '
awaited volume and several of us there had 'A valuable field reference work as well as
been involved with the project since its incep- an excellent atlas flora .. '
tion. There were representatives from the 'A great achievement to produce not only
organisations that had sponsored the book: the flora but also the "Rare Plant Register for
The Chepstow Society, Monmouthshire Monmouthshire" in the same year'
Meadows Group, SEWBReC (The South East Trevor then reminisced about some of the
Wales Biological Records Centre), Wild notable botanical finds in the county and about
Flower Society and Monmouthshire County some of the recorders both those living and
Council. There was also representation from those now pushing up Bellis perennis. He also
other organisations. thanked people involved in the production of
The fact that the majority of the people that the flora.
had been invited, attended, was a measure of Dr George Peterken (president of the Gwent
the affection and high regard with which Wildlife Trust) gave another tribute and
Trevor is held. bestowed upon him the honour of Vice-presi-
The formal proceedings began with dency of the Trust for his services to nature
welcome and introductions from Dr Stephanie conservation in the County.
Tyler. Tim Rich then gave an amusing intro- The relaxed venue of Llandogo Millennium
duction to Trevor, effortlessly bouncing off Hall allowed for attendees to meet each other,
Trevor's own sense of humour! chat to old friends and enjoy a glass of wine
He then read out messages from those and a bite whilst Trevor signed books (see
unable to attend; most notably a tribute from Colour Section, Plate 4).
Joan Ruddock MP (plus her order for the I think it was a memorable evening for the
book!). There were many congratulations v.c. 35 recorder to treasure in the days to come.
from BSBI recorders, from Trevor Dines and So well done, Trevor - we now look forward
Ray Woods from 'Plantlife' and several others. to the' Supplement to the Flora ofMonmouth-
Amongst the accolades: shire' which I'm sure he has already started!
Obituary Notes 69
OBITUARY NOTES
MARY BRIGGs, 9 A run Prospect, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 JAL
* An obituary will be published in Watsonia. It was with much sadness that I learnt that
With regret we report the death of Prof. Jack Douglas Henderson passed away on Saturday
Hawkes*, renowned for his work on the popato in 10th November, 2007.
S. America. Dr Sandy Knapp, Dept. of Botany, Since retiring from the Garden in 1987,
The Natural History Museum writes: Douglas had been based back in his home terri-
'Potatoes (Solanum spp. related to S. tuberosum tory of Wester Ross, latterly in the same nursing
L., the cultivated potato) are among the world's home as his devoted wife Margaret in Aultbea.
most important crops and the study of their taxon- He had suffered a stroke the previous weekend
omy was fundamentally changed by Jack and been in the care of the Raigmore Hospital in
Hawkes' work. Even though current taxonomic Inverness. His daughters Barbara and Jennifer,
opinion is changing some of his species concepts, together with Margaret had been able to visit
his influence on the way in which potato taxon- him. Regrettably his son Neil, resident in
omy is done has been profound. His extensive Australia, was unable to get back.
field work (vividly evoked in his diaries, Douglas was a true natural historian, who had
published in 2004), examining the plants in their trained as a plant pathologist but sustained a
native habitats, coupled with the establishment of lifelong interest in all groups of plants alongside
germplasm collections, was pioneering, and is still his particular fascination for fungi. He served
emulated today. for 44 years as BSBI vice-county Recorder for
Hawkes, J.G. 2004. Hunting the wild potato in his beloved Wester Ross and had continued to
the South American Andes: memories of the play an active part in field work in the area until
British Empire potato collecting expedition to recently. Among his diverse mycological and
South America 1938-1939. H. Stolk, Boskoop higher plant publications, he co-authored the
(privately published)'. standard reference work for Uredinales : The
Jack joined BSBI in 1953 and in 1966 he British Rust Fungi.
He was promoted to the role of Regius Keeper
organised a Conference for the Society at his
(the 12th to hold the title) in the RBGE' s tercente-
University of Birmingham on: The reproduc-
nary year, shortly after the Garden had transferred
tive biology - taxonomy ofvascular plants and
out of the care of the Ministry of Public Buildings
edited the Report. This was the first of a and Works into the Scottish Office, still as a full
number of Conferences on different aspects of Civil Service body within the Department of
taxonomy organised by the Society in the Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland. Douglas's
1960s & '70s. reign saw the Garden through its fmal16 years as
In 1971 A Computer-mapped Flora A study of a full government institute, through to its current
the County Flora of Warwickshire was published incarnation as an NDPB, with the appointment of
with joint authorship of D.A. Cadbury, lG. the first Board of Trustees (in 1986).
Hawkes & R.C. Redett. This pioneering County Over that period he negotiated major expan-
Flora was the first to be computer mapped; the sions of the Herbarium and Library; he person-
Preface states that the Flora 'brings a completely ally led the installation of the first electron
new look to County Flora work' and explains microscope in support of his ultrastructural
that computer techniques constructed the maps. researches on rust fungi - and pollen grains
So familiar to us now, but at that time new, and (including a fine paper on Meconopsis); he
Jack Hawkes wrote a number of papers on presided over the start of the Flora of Bhutan
computer mapping. project; over the installation of the Peat and Rock
Prof. Douglas Henderson, FRSE : Regius houses; the organisation of the development of
Keeper, RBG Edinburgh 1970-1987 & Queen's the cafe at Benmore; the first opening ofInver-
Botanist, a member since 1955, died on Novem- leith House as an exhibition venue; the growth of
ber 10th 2007, and we are grateful to Alan schools education; the initial computerisation of
Bennell for the following note. plant records. Arguably his robustly obstinate
70 Obituary Notes
style ofleadership enabled the RBGE to begin to with that, he had also been a strong advocate for,
exploit the major innovations of the 1970s and and supporter of the role of "amateurs" in the
1980s, whilst ensuring that the core taxonomic business of biological recording, and as a part of
work on plants and fungi prospered, and while this was instrumental in setting up the Coordinating
the political vicissitudes that were eroding the Commission for Biological Recording, which was
scientific base of many other traditional research the result of pressure from voluntary organisations
organisations were firmly parried. and people in museums etc. to get this activity more
Beyond RBGE, Douglas was very active in the securely funded. The outcome of this work resulted
operations of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, eventually in the foundation of the National Biodi-
the British Mycological Society, The Botanical versity Network, and his taking up the role of first
Society of Edinburgh (now BSS), and networked Chairman of the NBN Trust from 2000-2005. His
keenly with selected fellow Directors, especially work in this was absolutely crucial in ensuring that
via the 1970s club. In retirement, he not only the fledgling NBN Trust succeeded as an independ-
remained botanically active, but sustained a deep ent body, and that the interests of organisations like
interest in the Garden and its work, including the BSBI were fully taken into account in the estab-
serving as a member of the Sibbald Trust. lishment of the Network. He also apparently had
He will be fondly remembered and widely even earlier influences in setting up national parks
missed. in former Yugoslavia, because his exploits in the
We are grateful to Trevor James for the follow- Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during the second
ing note on Prof. Sir John Burnett. world war included a chance meeting with the then
A brief notice of the death on 22nd July 2007 of General Tito in a cave, when Tito was introduced to
Sir John Burnett (former Vice-Chancellor of the value of the Balkan flora through John showing
Edinburgh University and founding Chairman of him a copy of W.B. Turrill's famous book The
the National Biodiversity Network Trust) was vegetation ofthe Balkan Peninsular! Sir John may
given in the last issue of BSBI News, but it had not have been somewhat peripheral to the day-to-day
been possible to produce a fuller appreciation of his operations of the BSBI, but his far-sighted vision
contribution in time for publication. The following and drive have meant that the Society indirectly
has been compiled from material provided by owes him a great debt of gratitude.
others in the production of fuller obituaries Elizabeth Norman, a member since 1965, was
published elsewhere. Members of the BSBI may mainly resident in London. Many BSBI members
have known of Sir John mostly as a referee for the who are also in the Wild Flower Society will have
genus Veronica, particularly for the water speed- known Elizabeth as the recent Editor of the Wild
wells. He had also briefly been a Recorder for Flower Magazine. With a keen interest and
Oxfordshire (v.c. 23) before his academic career experience in field identification, Elizabeth was a
took him elsewhere. His main taxonomic and good supporter of field meetings, and at the time
research interests lay with mycology and vegetation of the recording for the Sussex Plant Atlas (P.C.
studies, and for the latter he is well-remembered as Hall, 1980) Elizabeth and her family had a home
having steered the project to describe the Vegeta- at Southease in East Sussex. From there she
tion of Scotland (1964), still a seminal work in contributed many Sussex records, and since,
understanding the natural vegetation of Britain. supplied information particularly from her
But members may not have appreciated quite how detailed studies in the Ouse Valley.
influential he had been in so many other areas that It is also with much regret that we report the
have impinged on the work of the BSBI. He had following deaths since the last issue: Mr R.A.
played a vital role after his formal retirement as Boyd of New South Wales, Australia, a member
Edinburgh's Vice-Chancellor, as first Deputy and since 1950; Mr D.G. Evemy of London, a
then Acting Chairman of the former Nature member since 1980; Prof. R.E. Hughes of
Conservancy Council from 1987-1989, when the Bangor, a member since 1951, Mr G.G. Lilley
Government was in the process of breaking the of King's Lynn, a member since 1989 and Mr J.
organisation up. His interventions resulted in the Ounsted* of Fordingbridge, a member since
setting up of the Joint Nature Conservation 1947, John was particularly involved with Junior
Committee, and hence maintaining a country-wide Activities, Meetings, and leading meetings
oversight of conservation in the UK. Not content overseas for Junior Members.
Recorders and Recording 71
these are 'indicators' of good semi-natural site name combined with a 6-figure grid refer-
habitats that have declined dramatically in ence, and increasingly to 8-figures with the
recent decades. However, a number of limita- advent of cheap handheld GPS's. A good
tions in the approach were evident. These proportion of botanists are good at recording
included poor re-find rates for many species habitat details (although very few do this
linked to the lack of precision as to where the systematically with standard types such as
species had been recorded in the past, little Broad Habitats or NVC) and estimate popula-
information on the causes of change as habitat tion size (although this is often of little use
details were not recorded and the fact that without an indication of the extent of the
species tended to be lost at tetrad scale from the population). The more ecological minded
margins of their range, where they were scarce, might also put down slope, aspect and altitude
leaving us quite unsure how the same species and occasionally other physiognomic notes
were faring in the core parts of their range. One such as soil type, wetness, etc. Management is
way to overcome these short-comings and to rarely recorded despite the fact that this infor-
provide a more rigorous assessment of change mation (i.e. sheep in the field) can provide vital
would be to undertake a more detailed survey information on the history of a site. More
of a sample of populations of a selection of recently the advent of 'rare species' and
'indicator' species during the next Local 'condition monitoring' forms has led to notes
Change. For each species (carefully selected on whether a population is flowering, fruiting
from those recorded in 2003-04) we would aim or regenerating - a vital but often missing piece
to monitor a sample number of populations of information when assessing whether condi-
'nested' within the LC tetrads. These would tions on the site are suitable. In the past a multi-
then provide a permanent baseline from which tude of approaches have been used to gather
future changcs could be observed. Over the such information for rare species and over the
next few months we will be considering this coming year we will be considering how best to
and other methods as possible approaches to a standardise these approaches for future projects
national surveillance project for widespread such as CRPRs, Local Change and the next
'indicator' species. More work needs to be atlas. We will also be considering how best to
done, then, before launching such a project to organise the recording of rare species within a
the membership, but if anybody is interested in vice-county (i.e. systematically by lO-km, or
trialling ideas, please contact me site for a suite of species?)as well as novel
What to record? approaches such as 'null records', site
The decision over what to record when we abundance maps down to 100 m or even 10 m
discover the population of a rare plant is often and electronic storage of sketch maps which
arbitrary and largely left to personal preferenc- often include lots of useful additional that never
es. At the very least most recorders provide a make it onto recording sheets.
Coordinator's Corner
ALEX LOCKTON, 66 North Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SYl 21L; coordinator@bsbi.org.uk
The end of the decade is looming basis. For example, you should try to get a full
... and we're running short oftime to make field species list for all 10km squares at least once in
records in the current date class. A few years each decade - which is quite a practical period
ago we introduced a recording timescale based for botanical purposes, because there will be
on decades, rather than the haphazard date some detectable changes, and yet it means that
periods used in the past. From now on, all the average recorder only has to cover two or
botanical records need to be restricted to within three hectads each year.
a standard calendar decade, and we encourage This winter we are sending out checklists for
counties to organise their fieldwork on this county recorders to look over. These list every
74 Notes from the Officers Coordinator's Corner
species that has been recorded in each county not species protection per se, but it is impossi-
since 2000, and compares that list with the ones ble to directly monitor a habitat in a meaningful
from earlier date classes. For the Maps Scheme way, because there is nothing to count. So the
we will 'close' the current date class at the end next step is to work out which species are indic-
of 2009, and allow people a year or so after that ative of good quality habitat (the axiophytes)
to get their records to us. Then we will embark and count those. None ofthis is news to readers
on a cleaning up exercise to eradicate errors. of News, of course, but I thought it might be
Members who are not county recorders might interesting to report on how well it can work.
like to have a look at the Maps Scheme We went to one marshy grassland SSSI that is
(www.bsbimaps.org.uklatlas) to check that generally considered to be drying out. But
enough recording is happening in their county. when we counted the number of wetland
Choose a common plant such as Plantago species present, we found that it had gone up.
lanceolata and see if it has been recorded in the Just by a few species, but defmitely an increase;
square where you live. If not, then perhaps you and not just this year - the wetland species have
could download a recording card and do your been increasing steadily. The evidence, there-
own survey. fore, showed that the site was indeed in favour-
Condition Assessment able condition, at least for its major habitat.
One of the most topical subjects at the moment Another site we went to was not a nature
is the concept of favourable condition. The reserve at all, but an ancient monument. Rather
statutory nature conservation agencies are surprisingly, it turned out to have more good
committed to getting 95% of SSSIs into a habitat indicator species than the SSSI. In fact,
favourable state by 2010, and other organisa- it turned out to be a much more valuable site for
tions such as the National Trust and Wildlife many reasons. It was not in such good condi-
Trusts have set their own condition assessments tion, although it still did fairly well because our
with similar objectives. survey was more thorough than previous ones.
Last year I started teaching a course on site There is a clear conflict of interest between its
assessment for the University of Birmingham, archaeological and ecological importance,
and I found it quite a challenge to find although this is probably not irreconcilable.
techniques to teach or references to give to the These are the sorts of things we are likely to
students. Ecologists have been searching for find out when we start assessing nature conser-
quantitative methods for decades, but there are vation empirically, and it is quite exciting.
very few that have been shown to work. Ahnost Which sites are actually the best? Which are
every university course for the last century or so improving and which are deteriorating? If one
has taught students how to set up a baseline site is, technically, better than another but is an
monitoring programme, but hardly anyone has example of a commoner habitat type, which is
ever repeated such an exercise, and on the few the more important? Where is it better to spend
occasions that this has been attempted the your money - on the sites in good condition, on
methodology has generally be found wanting. the ones in unfavourable condition, or on the
Now it is crunch time for the conservation ones that have the most potential for gain? It is
sector. People are asking for evidence, not just unlikely that we will be able to come up with a
an opinion, that a site is in favourable or simple formula that can always be applied, but
unfavourable condition. This is surely a good empirical evidence can give new insights and
thing, and long overdue. Unfortunately, there is provide methods of working. Most importantly,
still no method of assessment that has been you can set yourself an objective and later on
proven to work. find out whether you have achieved it or not.
The approach I've been using is to start with Developments like this could definitely change
the important habitat types, for which the nature conservation for the better.
Biodiversity Action Plan is not a bad source.
Conservation has to be primarily about habitats,
Home needed for BSBIjournals I Diary I Deadline for News 108 75
DIARY
N.B. These dates are often supplementary to those in the 2007 Calendar in BSBI Year Book
2007 and include provisional dates of the BSBI's Permanent Working Committees.
30 Jan Records Committee, London 1 Mar Scottish Committee, Edinburgh
7 Feb Publications Committee, London 20 Mar Council Meeting, London
16 Feb Committee for Wales, Aberystwyth 16 Jul Executive Committee, London
27 Feb Executive Committee, London
The General Editor Gwynn Ellis can be contacted by phone or fax on 029-2049-6042 or
email: rgellis@ntlworld.com
The Receiving Editor Trevor James can be contacted by phone on 01462 742684 or email
trevorjjames@btinternet.com
All text and illustrations appearing in BSBI News and its Supplements are copyright and no
reproduction in any form may be made without written permission from the General Editor.
Offers and special terms apply only to members of the Society and copies are not available on
an exchange basis.
BSBI News (ISSN 0309-930X) is published by the Botanical Society of the British Isles.
Enquiries concerning the Society's activities and membership should be addressed to: The Hon.
General Secretary, clo Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London
SW7 5BD. Tel: 0207 942 5002.
Camera ready copy produced by Gwynn Ellis and printed by J. & P. Davison, 3 James Place,
Treforest, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan CF37 ISQ (Tel. 01443-400585; email:
davison.litho@ukf.net)
ADMINISTRATION and IMPORTANT ADDRESSES
PRESIDENT (to June 2008) Dr Richard Gornall
Biology Dept., University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH
Tel. 0116-252-3394; Ijg@leicester.ac.uk
PRESIDENT (from June 2008) Mr Michael Braithwaite
Clarilaw, Hawick, Roxburghshire, TD9 8PT
Tel. 01450 372129
HON. GENERAL SECRETARY (General Enquiries) Mr David Pearman
Algiers, Feock, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6RA
Tel.: 01872 863388; DPeannan4@aol.com
HON. TREASURER (All financial matters except Membership) Mr Michael Braithwaite
19 BuccIeuch Street, Hawick, Roxburghshire, TD9 OHL
Tel. 01450-372267; Fax 01450-373591
MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY (Payment of Subs and changes of address) Mr Gwynn Ellis
41 Marlborough Road, Roath, Cardiff, CF23 SBU
(Please quote membership number on all correspondence; see address label on post,
or Members List in Year Book 2007 / 2008) Tel. 02920496042; rgellis@ntlworld.com
HON. FIELD SECRETARY (Including enquiries about Field Meetings) Mrs Jane Croft
12 Spaldwick Road, Stow Longa, Huntingdon, Cambs., PE28 OTL
Tel.: 01480 860561; jane@stowlonga.fsnet.co.uk
HON. ASSISTANT SECRETARY (General enquiries) Mr Peter Fry
c/o Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7SBD
AnsweIphone only: 0207 942 5002
BSBI PROJECT MANAGER & Mr David Pearman
VICE-COUNTY RECORDERS Algiers, Feock, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6RA
(Comments and/or changes of address) Tel.: 01872 863388; DPeannan4@aol.com
PANEL OF REFEREES & SPECIALISTS Dr Mary Clare Sheahan
(Comments and/or changes of address) 61 Westmoreland Road, Barnes, London, SW13 9RZ
Tel.: 020 8748 4365; m.sheahan@rbgkew.org.uk
WATSONIA RECEIVING EDITOR Mr Martin Sanford
c/o SBRC, Ipswich Museum, High Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3QH
Tel.: 01473 433547; fax: 01473433558; sbrc@globalnet.co.uk
BSBI NEWS RECEIVING EDITOR Mr Trevor J James
56 Back Street, Ashwell, Baldock, Herts., SG7 SPE
Tel.: 01462 742684; trevorjjames@btinternet.com
BSBI NEWS GENERAL EDITOR Mr Gwynn Ellis
41 Marlborough Road, Roath, Cardiff, CF23 SBU
Tel. 02920 496042; rgellis@ntlworld.com
BSBI HEAD OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT Mr Kevin J Walker
97 Dragon Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1SDG
Tel 01423544902; kevinwallcer@bsbi.org.uk
BSBI COORDINATOR Mr Alex Lockton
66 North Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY12JL
Tel. & Fax: 01743343789; coordinator@bsbi.org.uk
BSBI VOLUNTEERS OFFICER Mr BobEllis
11 Havelock Road, Norwich, NR2 3HQ
Tel.: 01603 662260; bob@elymus.demon.co.uk
BSBI SCOTTISH OFFICER Mr Jim McIntosh
c/o Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 SLR
Tel. 0131248 2876 (w); 0791 7152580 (mob);j.mcintosh@rbge.ac.uk
RESEARCH FUND APPLICATIONS Dr Pete Hollingsworth
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, EH3 SLR
p.hollingsworth@rbge.ac.uk.
BSBI PUBLICATIONS Mr Paul O'Hara
Summerfield Books 2007 Ltd, 3 Phoenix Park, Skelton, Penrith, Cumbria, CAll 9SD
Tel.: 017684 84910; Fax: 017684 84909; info@summerfieldbooks.com
BSBI WEB SITE ADDRESS www.bsbi.org.uk
All Bradford (v.c. 63). Photos Jesse Tregale © 2007 (see p. 38)