BSBI Yearbook 2023

BSBI

YEARBOOK 2023

The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland is a learned society of professional andamateurbotanistsdedicatedtothestudyofandinterestintheBritishand Irishvascularplantandcharophyteflora

Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (known as BSBI) is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (8553976) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1152954) and in Scotland (SC038675). Registered office: 28 Chipchase Grove, Durham DH1 3FA

BSBI ADMINISTRATION

President Micheline Sheehy Skeffington 'Seagal', Ballynacourty, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway, Ireland

Hon. General Secretary and BSBI Company Secretary

Chair of the Trustees

Membership Secretary (Payment of subscriptions and changes of address) and BSBI News distribution

Hon. Field Meetings Secretary (including enquiries about field meetings)

Panel of Referees & Specialists (comments and/or changes of address)

BSBI News – Editor

British & Irish Botany – Editor-inChief

BSBI Chief Executive

BSBI Head of Science

BSBI Finance Manager (all financial matters except Membership)

BSBI Ireland Officer

BSBI Scotland Officer

Steve Gater

28 Chipchase Grove, Durham DH1 3FA

Chris Miles Braeside, Boreland, Lockerbie DG11 2LL

Gwynn Ellis

41 Marlborough Road, Roath, Cardiff CF23 5BU Please quote membership number on all correspondence; see address label on post

Jonathan Shanklin

11 City Road, Cambridge CB1 1DP

Martin Rand (with assistance from Jo Parmenter)

3 Kings Close, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh SO53 2FF

John Norton

215 Forton Road, Gosport PO12 3HB

Ian Denholm

3 Osier Close, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1SH

Julia Hanmer 65 Sotheby Road, London N5 2UP

Kevin Walker Suite 14, Bridge House, 1–2 Station Bridge, Harrogate HG1 1SS

Julie Etherington Church Folde, 2 New Street, Mawdesley, Ormskirk L40 2QP

Paul Green

Yoletown, Ballycullane, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 XW62, Ireland

Matt Harding

c/o Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR

Countries Support ManagerJames Harding-Morris 20 Manchester Square, New Holland, Lincolnshire, DN19 7RQ

Training Coordinator (Identiplant and FISC)

BSBI Database Officer

BSBI Communications Officer (including publicity, outreach and website; British & Irish Botany)

BSBI Scientific and England Officer (& V.c. Recorders – comments and/or changes of address)

BSBI Fundraising Manager (including donations, legacies, grants and organisational support)

BSBI Book Sales Agent

Chantal Helm

Tom Humphrey

Louise Marsh

Pete Stroh c/o Cambridge University Botanic Garden, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE

Sarah Woods

Paul O’Hara

Summerfield Books, The Old Coach House, Skirsgill Business Park, Penrith CA11 0DJ

micheline.sheehy@nuigalway.ie

Tel. 00 353 91 790311

steve.gater@bsbi.org

Tel. 07823 384083

chris.miles01@btinternet.com

Tel. 01576 610303

gwynn.ellis@bsbi.org

Tel. 02920 332338

fieldmeetings@bsbi.org

Tel. 01223 571250

VC11recorder@hantsplants.net

Tel. 07531 461442

john.norton@bsbi.org

Tel. 02392 520828

bib@bsbi.org

Tel. 07725 862957

julia.hanmer@bsbi.org

Tel. 07757 244651

kevin.walker@bsbi.org

Tel. 01423 858327 or 07807 526856

julie.etherington@bsbi.org

Tel. 07944 990399

paul.green@bsbi.org

00353 87 778 2496

matt.harding@bsbi.org

Tel. 07814 727231

james.harding-morris@bsbi.org

Tel. 07526 624228

chantal.helm@bsbi.org

Tel. 07570 407358

tom.humphrey@bsbi.org

louise.marsh@bsbi.org

Tel. 07725 862957

peter.stroh@bsbi.org

Tel. 01832 720327 or 01223 762054

sarah.woods@bsbi.org

Tel. 07570 254619

info@summerfieldbooks.com

Tel. 01768 210793

For other significant Society addresses see also pages 6 & 8-9

BSBI Yearbook is edited by Gwynn Ellis and David Pearman with the assistance of Jonathan Shanklin and produced by Gwynn Ellis (address, etc., above) to whom all changes and corrections should be sent

Crook Point (v.c.6)..............................61

Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair (v.c.105).63

Staines Moor SSSI (v.c.21)................65

Sedges & Rushes, Parkgate (v.c72)..66

Alness (v.c.106)..................................66

Grasses, Chatelherault (v.c.77)..........67

Glen Douglas to Arrochar (v.c.99)......67

Ranscombe Farm, Cuxton (v.c.16).....68

Glynhir Recording Week (v.c.44)........68

Rubus Week (v.cc.6,7,8,33,34)..........73

Malham Tarn (v.c.64)..........................75

Herrington & Hastings Hills (v.c.66)....80

Grasses, etc. Ben Lawers (v.c.88).....81

Glenbower Woods, Killeagh (v.c.H5)..82

Loch Maree Area (v.c.105).................83

Composite Fls, Kinghorn (v.c.85).......85

Whixall & Bettisfield (v.c.40, 50).........86

Plant Id, Dumyat (v.c.87)....................87

Tramore Back Strand (v.c.H6)............88

Daventry (v.c.32)................................88

Winter talks 2022.............................89-92

British & Irish Botany Abstracts.....92-103

Volume 3 (4)..................................93-95

Volume 4 (1)..................................95-96

Volume 4 (2)..................................97-99

Volume 4 (3)................................99-103

Map of 2023 Field Meetings....Back cover

Useful addresses and Research Grants, formerly in the Yearbook, are now available on the BSBI Website

Categories of membership

Current rates

Individual £39/€45

Student £17/€20 (under the age of 25 or a registered student in possession of a student card)

Longstanding £28/€31 (by application to the Hon. Membership Secretary, for Members who have been with BSBI for at least 10 years, are over 65 and not in full time employment)

Family/Joint £45/€52, for up to three additional members at the same address (no separate mailings)

Subscriptions are due on the 1st of January each year. If begun after 1st October, the membership lasts until 31st December of the following year.

BSBI Field and Indoor Meetings 2023

BSBI Field and Indoor Meetings 2023

B=Beginners and new members; G=General; R=Recording; S=Specialised; T=Training

List of Honorary Members / Honorary Officers / Vice-county Recorders Emeritus

Honorary Members at

1st January 2023 with year of election in brackets

Dr D.E. Allen (1994)

Mr I.R. Bonner (2014)

Mr C.R. Boon (2002)

Dr M.E. Bradshaw (2010)

Mr M.E. Braithwaite (2006)

Miss A. Burns (2003)

Mr A.O. Chater (1991)

Mr E.J. Clement (1999)

Dr T.A. Cope (2019)

Mr A. Copping (2013)

Dr R.W.M. Corner (2012)

Mrs J.M. Croft (2012)

Dr A.I. Denholm (2022)

Allen, David

Boon, Chris

Braithwaite, Michael

Chater, Arthur

Cook, Peter

Church, Tony

Evans, Trevor

Green, Dave

Green, Ian

Green, Paul

Groom, Quentin

President

Dr D.A. Doogue (2004)

Mr R.G. Ellis (1996)

Mr R.W. Ellis (2017)

Mr T.G. Evans (2010)

Miss L. Farrell (2014)

Prof. A.H. Fitter (2007)

Dr R.J. Gornall (1994)

Mr P. Hackney (2002)

Dr G. Halliday (1979)

Dr B.E. Jonsell (1998)

Mr S.J. Leach (2014)

Mr D.J. McCosh (2006)

Miss R.J. Murphy (2004)

Mr D.A. Pearman (2001)

Dr C.D. Preston (2001)

Mr R.D. Pryce (2008)

Mrs S. Reynolds (2015)

Dr T.C.G. Rich (2006)

Prof. A.J. Richards (2013)

Dr B.S. Rushton (1999)

Mr M. Sanford (2011)

Prof. C.A. Stace (1983)

Mr N.F. Stewart (2016)

Mr D. T. Streeter (2014)

Prof. I.C. Trueman (2016)

Dr S. Whild (2021)

Vice-county Recorders Emeritus

Hackney, Paul

Halliday, Geoffrey

Harmes, Paul

Hoare, Arthur

Jackson, Helen

Jeeves, Michael

Killick, John

Kirby, Paul

Kitchen, Clare

Kitchen, Mark

Leslie, Alan

McCosh, David

McKean, Douglas

Maycock, Roy

Middleton, Richard

Muscott, Jackie

Parr, Sharon

Reynolds, Sylvia

Rutherford, Alison

Sharkey, Gerry

Smith, Ros

Spencer, Sue

Honorary Officers – 1970 to date

Milne-Redhead, E. 1969

McClintock, D. 1971

Walters, S.M. 1973

Swann, E.L. 1975

Valentine, D.H. 1977

David, R.W. 1979

Brenan, J.P.M. 1981

Cannon, J.F.M. 1983

Allen, D.E. 1985

Stace, C.A. 1987

Webb, D.A. 1989

Macpherson, P. 1991

Perring, F.H. 1993

Pearman, D.A. 1995

Briggs, M. 1998

Halliday, G. 2000

Pryce, R.D. 2002

Gornall, R.J. 2005

Braithwaite, M.E. 2008

Bonner, I.R. 2011

Denholm, A.I. 2013

Faulkner, J.S. 2015

Metherell, C. 2017

Farrell, L. 2019

Sheehy Skeffington, M. 2022

Hon. Gen. Secretary

Ferguson, I.K. 1969

Briggs, M. 1972

Ellis, R.G. 1997

Burns, A. 2000

Pearman, D.A. 2004

Farrell, L. 2009

Metherell, C. 2014

Williams, D. 2017

Gater, S. 2019

Honorary Treasurer

Walpole, M. 1971

Braithwaite, M.E. 1997

Nixon, A. 2008

Swainbank, T. 2010, 2014

Timmins, A.G.P. 2011, 2015

Vacant 2015

Reece, S. 2019

Vacant 2020

Spurgin, Keith

Sumner, Barbara

Stille, Sarah

Trueman, Ian

Wainwright Marjorie

Ward, Steven

Wilde, Sarah

Wynne, Goronwy

Watsonia Receiving Editor

Halliday, G. 1970

Stace, C.A. 1976

Gornall, R.J. 1983

Rushton, B.S. 1991

Sanford, M.N. 1998

NJB Receiving Editor

Gornall, R.J. 2011

Denholm, A.I. 2015

British & Irish Botany Editor

Denholm, A.I. 2018

BSBI News Editor

Elsey, J.E. 1972

Beckett, K.A. 1974

Wiggins, E.D. 1977

Ellis, R.G. 1986

Wolstenholme, L. & Ellis, R.G. 2003

James, T.J. & Ellis, R.G. 2008

Branson, A.J.P. 2017

Norton, J.A. 2019

Officers, Trustees and Council / Secretaries of Operational (Standing) Committees

Officers and Trustees for 2023

(Dates given are those of election for present Service)

President: Micheline Sheehy Skeffington (2022)

President-elect to be appointed

Honorary General Secretary: Steve Gater (2019)

Honorary Treasurer: holding

Board of Trustees

Chris Cheffings (2018), Helena Crouch (2021), Mary Dean (2020), Steve Gater (Hon. Gen. Sec.) (2019), Peter Hollingsworth (2022), Kylie Jones (2021), Sandy Knapp (2017), Chris Miles (Chair) (2017), Barry O’Kane (2022), Anthony Thomas (2017), Maria Long (Co-opted Trustee). Attending: Micheline Sheehy Skeffington (President).

Governance Committees as at 1/1/2023

Investments Committee

Steve Gater, Kylie Jones, Anthony Thomas

Nominations, Awards and Governance Committee

Sandy Knapp, Chris Miles, Mary Dean, vacancy

Secretaries of Operational (Standing) Committees

Events and Communications Committee: Kylie Jones 59 William Street, Gourdon, Aberdeenshire, DD10 0LW kylienicolejones@aol.co.uk

Science and Data Committee: Jo Parmenter Alpha House, 37 Station Road, Reedham, Norfolk NR13 3TB Tel.: 07710 252468; jo.parmenter@tlp.uk.com

Skills and Training Committee: to be appointed February (see website for update)

Operational (Standing) Committees as at 1/1/2023

The President, Chair and Hon. General Secretary are ex-officio members of all Committees. Trustees are assigned to committees as a ‘go-between’. Staff attend meetings by invitation.

Events & Communications Committee

Jodey Peyton (Chair), Billy Fullwood, Kylie Jones (Hon. Sec. and Trustee), Ryan Clark, George Garnett, Jonathan Shanklin (Hon. Field Meetings Secretary). April Webb, Andrew Rowley, (3 vacancies)

Science & Data Committee

Robert Northridge (Chair), Jo Parmenter (Hon. Sec.), Ian Denholm, Helena Crouch (Trustee), Mary Dean (Trustee), Martin Rand (Referees), Julian Woodman, Simon Smart, Richard Jefferson, Karen Kramer-Wilson, Helen Ball, Katharina DehnenSchmutz, vacancy.

Science & Research Committee

(Sub-committee of Science and Data Committee)

Richard Jefferson, Simon Smart (joint Chairs), Louise Marsh (Sec.), Quentin Groom, Sandy Knapp, Paul Smith, Kevin Walker.

Grant application forms are available from Louise Marsh; louise.marsh@bsbi.org and from the website.

Skills and Training Committee

Sarah Dalrymple (Chair), Amanda Tuke (Vice Chair), Mary Dean (Trustee), Mark Duffell, Alison Jukes, Ellen Fry, Rebecca Farley-Brown, Joshua Styles, Clare Coleman, Ellen Goddard. Secretary to be appointed February (see website for update)

Application forms for Training Grants and Plant Study Grants are available from the website and enquiries can be directed to training@bsbi.org.

Country Committees as at 1/1/2023

England

Jonathan Shanklin (Chair), Astrid Biddle, Mary Dean (Field Sec and Trustee), Mark Duffell, Anne Haden, Chris Metherell, David Morris, Jo Parmenter, Fred Rumsey,Tom Ward; in attendance Elizabeth Cooke (Plantlife Rep.)

Ireland

Robert Northridge (Chair), Oonagh Duggan (Treasurer), John Faulkner, Alexis Fitzgerald, Ciaran Flynn, Jessica Hamilton, Mark McCorry (Vice-Chair & Field Sec.), David McNeill, Shane O’Brien, Cilian Roden, (Hon. Sec. vacancy)

Scotland

David Elston (Chair), Polly Spencer-Vellacott (Hon. Sec.), John Crossley, Matt Parratt, Andrew Rowley, Louise Ross, Sarah Watts, Michael Philip, Caspian Richards, Amelia Hodnett.

Wales

John Palmer (Chair), Liz Dean (Treasurer), Andy Jones (Field Sec.), Joanna Clark, Anne Griffiths, Chloe Griffiths, Gail Quartly-Bishop, Delyth Williams, Chris Cheffings (Trustee), Kath Pryce (Minuting Sec. - non-voting), Richard Pryce (Welsh Bulletin Joint Editor - non-voting), Julian Woodman (Natural Resources Wales representative - nonvoting), Kevin McGinn (National Botanic Garden of Wales representative – non-voting), Lizzie Wilberforce (Plantlife representative – non voting). Secretary to be appointed (see website for update)

Country Committee Contacts

BSBI Committee for England

Chair: Jonathan Shanklin, 11 City Road, Cambridge CB1 1DP; j.shanklin@bas.ac.uk

Field Sec.: Mary Dean, 4 Moss Green, Formby, Merseyside, L37 8BU; Deanm@edgehill.ac.uk

BSBI Committee for Ireland

Hon. Sec.: vacancy. Any communications to the Chair, Robert Northridge, 9 Coole Drive, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 6BS; robhannort@aol.com

Field Sec.: Mark McCorry, 9 The Cross of Newtown, Ballyroan, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland; mark.mccorry@bnm.ie

BSBI Committee for Scotland

Hon. Sec.: Polly Spencer-Vellacott, 1 Ninevah, Murthly, Perth, PH1 4EZ; pollyspencervellacott@gmail.com

Field Sec.: David Elston, 3 Abbotshall Terrace, Cults, Aberdeen, AB15 9JL; elstoncox@yahoo.co.uk (to be replaced)

BSBI Committee for Wales

Chair: John Palmer, Bron y Graig, Pwllglas, Ruthin, LL15 2NY; jpp@totalise.co.uk

Field Sec.: Andy Jones, Yr Uchelgaer, 10 Ffordd Penparcau, Aberystwyth SY23 1BP; aberystwyth1234@gmail.com

Country Journals

English Botanical News is published online and free to all. When printed, the other country journals are sent free to all members resident in their respective countries and to nonresident vice-county recorders. They are available to other members on the website.

English Botanical News

English Botanical News is published online annually, usually in May.

Jonathan Shanklin, 11 City Road, Cambridge CB1 1DP; j.shanklin@bas.ac.uk

Irish Botanical News

Irish Botanical News is published annually, usually in February.

Alexis FitzGerald, Apartment M, Coliemore Apartments, Coliemore Road, Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Ireland; alexisfitzgerald434@gmail.com

The Scottish Newsletter

The Scottish Newsletter is published each spring. In 2023 – experimentally – the fulllength, full-colour edition will be available free to everyone in pdf format. A more concise edition in printed form will be sent free to all those who usually receive one.

Faith Anstey, The Old Smithy, Dalguise, Dunkeld, PH8 0JX; faithanstey@gmail.com

Welsh Bulletin

Welsh Bulletin is normally published twice yearly, usually in late spring/summer, and in winter/early spring. Many back issues are still available on request.

Sally Whyman, Dept. of Biodiversity and Systematic Biology, National Museum and Gallery of Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NP; sally.whyman@museumwales.ac.uk

Editors, Compilers, Indexers

British & Irish Botany

Editor-in-chief: Ian Denholm bib@bsbi.org (retiring)

Editorial assistant: Louise Marsh bib@bsbi.org

BSBI News

Hon. Receiving Editor: John Norton, 215 Forton Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 3HB; john.norton@bsbi.org

Hon. Indexer: Gwynn Ellis, 41 Marlborough Road, Roath, Cardiff, CF23 5BU; gwynn.ellis@bsbi.org

Hon. Obituaries Editor: Chris Preston, 19 Green’s Road, Cambridge, CB4 3EF; cdpr@ceh.ac.uk

Hon. Book Reviews Editor: Clive Stace, Appletree House, Larters Lane, Middlewood Green, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5HB; cstace@btinternet.com

BSBI HANDBOOKS

Editor: Liz Kungu 32 Craigleith Hill Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 2JN; EKungu@rbge.org.uk, assisted by David Pearman; dpearman4@gmail.com

BSBI WEBSITE

Louise Marsh: louise.marsh@bsbi.org

BSBI VICE-COUNTY RECORDERS

May we remind members that to consult Referees for identifications and Recorders for localities is a privilege of individual membership, not available to members of institutions which are BSBI members(exceptthrough their nominated representative), nor to commercial consultants without charge.

For the purpose of botanical recording in the British Isles the vice-county system devised by H.C. Watson in 1852 and later extended to Ireland by R.L. Praeger, is considered by most biological recording schemes as superior to all others, if only for its certainty in a changing world. The vice-county boundaries and numbers are shown on a map at the end of the list. Larger scale maps showing the boundaries in greater detail have been published and are available as follows:

Dandy, J.E., (1969). Watsonian Vice-counties of Great Britain – Maps of Great Britain, showing vice-county boundaries, were published by the Ray Society in 1969. A remaining stock of maps (lacking the explanatory booklet) was acquired by BRC from the Ray Society for distribution to recording scheme contributors. Maps cover Great Britain at a scale of 10 miles to 1 inch in two sheets, each measuring 34×43 inches. These maps are housed at the BRC archives in Wallingford. Enquiries should be sent to BRC@ceh.ac.uk. British vice-county boundaries (but not Ireland – see next paragraph) can be viewed at much greater accuracy on the website http://www.cucaera.co.uk. You can also view all the versions of OS for a chosen square/area dating back to 1892. Scannell, M.J.P. & Synnott, D.M., 1987. Census Catalogue of the Flora of Ireland, 2nd edn. €8.50 plus postage from the Director, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Republic of Ireland. For more detail about the publication, see http://www.botanicgardens.ie/herb/census/census.htm. Several websites offer searchable mapping for Ireland, but the most straightforward is probably http://irish.gridreferencefinder.com/ it is simple to use and is likely to contain all the basic search functions you require.

A recorder is appointed by the BSBI for each vice-county. Their main functions are broadly of a curatorial nature, involving the maintenance and submission of records to the BSBI’s main database, as well as the various related activities which spring naturally from this. All members are asked to assist Recorders by forwarding to them any information they think of interest. In all cases grid references should be at monad (1 km) precision or better and provide a place name, the name of the recorder, and the date the record was made. Recorders will be pleased to receive all records of interest.

Please refer to BSBI News for any changes to the following list,under the heading ‘Panel of Vice-county Recorders’.

PETER STROH, c/o Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 IJE; (peter.stroh@bsbi.org)

JO PARMENTER, Alpha House, 37 Station Road, Reedham, Norfolk, NR13 3TB; (Jo.parmenter@tlp.uk.com)

CHANNEL ISLANDS

113 Jersey Anne Haden, Sorrento, Mont Felard, St. Lawrence, Jersey, JE3 1JA; (hadenanne@gmail.com)

Guernsey Helen Litchfield, Vazon Cottage, Rue des Goddards, Castel, Guernsey, GY5 7BQ; (h.litchfield.gsy@gmail.com)

Alderney Brian Bonnard, The Twins, Le Petit Val, Alderney, GY9 3UU; (brian@flora.org.gg) Sark Vacant

ENGLAND I

1a W. Cornwall Colin French, 12 Seton Gardens, Camborne, Cornwall, TR14 7JS; (cnfrench@talktalk.net)

1b Scilly Rosemary Parslow*, Polruddan Farm, Pentewan, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6BJ; (rosemaryparslow72@gmail.com) & Liz Askins

2 E. Cornwall Ian Bennallick, Lower Polmorla, St Wenn, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5PE; (ianbennallick1@gmail.com)

3 S. Devon Roger Smith, 12 Castlewood Avenue, Highweek, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 1NX; (r.smith192@btinternet.com)

4 N. Devon Robert Hodgson*, 4 East Kingfisher Lane, Exeter, EX2 6FN; (rhodgson@tinyworld.co.uk), Jeremy Ison & Bob Kirby

5 S. Somerset Stephen Parker*, The Old Coach House, Newton Road, North Petherton, Bridgwater TA6 6SN; (stephenjparker1710@gmail.com) & Simon Leach

6 N. Somerset Helena Crouch, Bronwen, Farrington Road, Paulton, Bristol, BS39 7LP; (helenacrouch@sky.com)

7 N. Wilts. & Richard Aisbitt*, 84 Goddard Avenue, Swindon SN1 4HT;

S. Wilts. (richard@theaisbitts.co.uk) & Kat Newbert 9 Dorset

Robin Walls, 10 Old Brickfields, Broadmayne, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8UY; (robin44walls@outlook.com)

Wight Colin Pope, 14 High Park Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 1BP; (colinrpope@gmail.com) 11 S. Hants. Martin Rand*, 3 Kings Close, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 2FF; (vc11recorder@hantsplants.net) 12 N. Hants. Tony Mundell, 38 Conifer Close, Church Crookham, Fleet, Hants., GU52 6LS; (vc12recorder@hantsplants.net)

15 E. Kent Geoffrey Kitchener*, Cromlix, Otford Lane, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7EB; (geoffreykitchener@yahoo.com) & Sue Buckingham 16 W. Kent Geoffrey Kitchener, Cromlix, Otford Lane, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7EB; (geoffreykitchener@yahoo.com)

Ian Denholm*, 3 Osier Close, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1SH; (i.denholm@herts.ac.uk), Alla Mashanova & Astrid Biddle

21 Middlesex Mark Spencer, 72 Michael Cliffe House, Skinner St., London, EC1R 0WX; (lnhs_plant_recorder@hotmail.co.uk)

22 Berks Mick Crawley, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks., SL5 7PY; (m.crawley@imperial.ac.uk)

23 Oxon David Morris, 48 Campbell Road, Oxford, OX4 3PG; (david.m.morris1989@gmail.com)

24 Bucks. Vacant

25 E. Suffolk & Martin Sanford, 78 Murray Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP3 9AQ

26 W. Suffolk (botany@sns.org.uk)

27 E. Norfolk Bob Ellis, Laurel Cottage, Clipped Hedge Lane, Southrepps, Norwich, NR11 8NS; (bob@elymus.net)

28 W. Norfolk Richard Carter, 1 Broadlands Close, Dersingham, King's Lynn, PE31 6YS; (rcarter@rsk.co.uk)

29 Cambs. Jonathan Shanklin, 11 City Road, Cambridge, CB1 1DP; (j.shanklin@bas.ac.uk)

30 Beds. John Wakely, Swan House, Dodford, Northamptonshire NN7 4SX; (vetjw@btinternet.com)

31 Hunts. David Broughton, 1 Margate, Woodlesford, Leeds, LS26 8PB; (vc31and64@gmail.com) 32 Northants. Alyson Freeman*, Highfield House, Hanby Road, Lenton, Grantham NG33 4HD; (alysonfreeman0@gmail.com) & Brian Laney 33 E. Gloucs. Chris Dixon, 91 Campbell Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 3PG; (egloucs@gmail.com) 34 W. Gloucs. Olga Krylova*, Fromedale Lodge, John Street, Stroud, GL5 2HA; (olgakvc34bsbi@gmail.com) & Rupert Higgins

Mons. See under Wales

Herefs. Stuart Hedley, Slate Cottage, Vowchurch Common, Herefordshire HR2 0RL; (s2arth@hotmail.com) 37 Worcs. John Day, Avon Close, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9PR (jjday37@btinternet.com) 38 Warks. John Walton & Monika Walton, 46 Hill Top, Baddesley Ensor, Atherstone, Warwickshire, CV9 2BQ; (jomowalton@gmail.com)

Staffs. John Hawksford, Owlerslaak, Laneside Road, New Mills, High Peak, SK22 4LU; (hawksfordjohn@gmail.com) 40 Salop Mags Cousins*, Bagbatch, Inwood, All Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 6LA; (mags@bagbatch.co.uk) & John Martin

WALES

35 Mons. Stephanie Tyler*, Yew Tree Cottage, Lone Lane, Penallt, Monmouthshire, NP25 4AJ; (steph_tyler2001@hotmail.com) & Elsa Wood 41 Glam. (W) Barry Stewart, 36 Pencaecrwn Road, Gorsenion, Swansea, SA4 4FU; (moonmoths@virginmedia.com) 41 Glam. (E) Julian Woodman*, 25 Heol y Pentre, Pentyrch, Cardiff, CF15 9QD; (juwood66@gmail.com), David Barden & Karen Wilkinson

42 Brecs. Mike Porter*, Aberhoywy Farm, Cyffredyn Lane, Llangynidr, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1LR; (mikechris1@btinternet.com) & John Crellin

43 Rads. Elizabeth Dean, Enmore House, Croft Lane, Kingsland, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 9PP; (erd@btconnect.com)

44 Carms. Richard Pryce & Kath Pryce, Trevethin, School Road, Pwll, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, SA15 4AL; (pryceeco@aol.com)

45 Pembs. Stephen Evans, Glan-y-Mor, Dinas Cross, Newport, Pembrokeshire, SA42 0UQ; (glanymor.dinas@gmail.com)

46 Cards. Steve Chambers, 7 Cefn Melindwr, Capel Bangor, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3LS; (sterilecrust@gmail.com)

47 Monts. Kate Thorne*, Churton House, Church Pulverbatch, Shropshire, SY5 8BZ; (k.thorne@btinternet.com) & Gill Foulkes

48 Merioneth Jo Clark*, 6 Ffordd Tanrhiw, Tregarth, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 4AH; (j.clark315@btinternet.com) & Heather Garrett

49 Caerns. Wendy McCarthy, 5 Tyn-y-Coed Road, Gt Orme, Llandudno, Conwy, LL30 2QA; (wendorme@aol.com)

50 Denbs. Delyth Williams, Bryn Siriol, Graigfechan, Ruthin, LL15 2HA; (delyth@siriolbryn.co.uk) 51 Flints. Gail Quartly-Bishop*, 32 Delamere Street, Warrington, WA5 1PD; (gailqb@hotmail.com) & Emily Meilleur

52 Anglesey Ian Bonner*,15 Littledean Hill Road, Cinderford, Gloucestershire, GL14 2BD; (bonner@caetrefor.co.uk) & Nigel Brown

ENGLAND II

53 S. Lincs Sarah Lambert*, 21 Grafton Avenue., Peterborough, PE3 9PD; (sarah.lambert7@ntlworld.com) & Malcolm Pool

54 N. Lincs. James Harding-Morris, 20 Manchester Square, New Holland, Lincolnshire, DN19 7RQ (j.hardingmorris@gmail.com)

55 Leics. Geoffrey Hall*, 3 Sandown Road, Leicester, LE2 2BJ; (geoffrey.hall@ntlworld.com), Russell Parry & Steve Woodward

56 Notts. David Wood*, 78 Alford Rd, Edwalton, Nottingham, NG12 4AU; (d.wood888@btinternet.com) & Mark Woods

57 Derbys. Alan Willmot, 2 Kedleston Close, Allestree, Derby, DE22 2RA; (alanwillmot@outlook.com)

58 Cheshire Graeme Kay, 4 Geneva Road, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, SK7 3HT; (graeme.m.kay@gmail.com)

59 S. Lancs. & David Earl, 25 Outram House, St Mary’s Avenue, Walton-le-Dale, 60 W. Lancs. Preston, Lancs, PR5 4UR; (david.earl@lancashire.gov.uk) 61 S.E. Yorks. Rohan Lewis, 121 New Village Road, Cottingham, East Yorkshire, HU16 4ND; (rohan2@rohan2.karoo.co.uk)

62 N.E. Yorks David Barlow, 6 Etton Road, Billingham, Cleveland, TS23 3YQ; (davebarlo@gmail.com) 63 S.W. Yorks. Louise Hill*, 206 Thorne Road, Doncaster, DN2 5AF; (louise.a.hill@gmail.com) & Kay McDowell 64 Mid-W. Yorks. David Broughton, 1 Margate, Woodlesford, Leeds, LS26 8PB; (vc31and64@gmail.com) 65 N.W. Yorks. Linda Robinson, The Cottage, Melmerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1HN; (lindarobinson157@btinternet.com)

66 Co. Durham Keith Robson, 25 Hauxley Drive, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham, DH2 3TE; (Krobsonvc66@gmail.com)

67 S. Northumb. John Richards*, High Trees, South Park, Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 1BT; (hightreesgarden@btinternet.com) & Megs Rogers

68 N. Northumb. Chris Metherell*, Woodsia House, Main Street, Felton, Northumberland, NE65 9PT; (chris@metherell.org.uk) & James Common

69 Westmorland & Mike Porter*, 5 West Avenue, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9LG;

70 Cumberland (carexmike@yahoo.co.uk), Jeremy Roberts & Phill Brown

ISLE OF MAN

71 Man Philippa Tomlinson, Close Corvalley, The Curragh, Ballaugh, Isle of Man, IM7 5BJ; (philippatomlinson7@gmail.com)

SCOTLAND

72 Dumfriess. Chris Miles, Braeside, Boreland, Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire, DG11 2LL; (chris.miles01@btinternet.com)

73 Kirkcudbrights. David Hawker, Suilven, 13 Bakers Dozen, Gatehouse of Fleet, Castle Douglas, DG7 2LA; (davidhawker3@gmail.com)

74 Wigtowns. Michael Jeeves, Kellhona, 1 Ashgrove Drive, Newton Stewart, DG8 6TH; (michaeljeeves@hotmail.com)

75 Ayrs. David Lang*, Flat 0/1, 5 Millbrae Crescent, Langside, Glasgow, G42 9UW; (dave.lang@nature.scot), Gill Smart & Carol Crawford

76 Renfrews. Keith Watson, 1/2 31 Kelvindale Gardens, Glasgow, G20 8DW; (keith.watson@glasgowlife.org.uk)

77 Lanarks. Michael Philip*, Willow Cottage, 3 Marlage, Larkhall, Lanarkshire, ML9 3DJ; (botany@opus44.co.uk) & Peter Wiggins

78 Peebless. Luke Gaskell*, Kittyfield Farm, Gattonside, Melrose, Roxburghshire, TD6 9DG; (lukegaskell@hotmail.com) & Kathy Velander

79 Selkirks. & Rod Corner*, Hawthorn Hill, 36 Wordsworth Street, Penrith, 80 Roxburghs. Cumbria, CA11 7QY; (rod@hawthornhill.net) & Jeff Waddell 81 Berwicks. Robin Cowe; (rcow27@gmail.com) 82 E. Lothian Marion Moir, 29 Cluny Gardens, Edinburgh EH10 6BH; (marion.moir@btinternet.com) 83 Midlothian Sue Jury, 29 Braid Avenue, Morningside, Edinburgh, EH10 4SR; (suejury@btinternet.com) 84 W. Lothian Jay Mackinnon, 47 Spinnaker Way, Dalgety Bay, Fife, KY11 9GH; (j.mackinnon@napier.ac.uk)

85 Fife & Kinross Sandy Edwards, 40 Tom Morris Drive, St Andrews, KY16 8EW; (ase1@st-andrews.ac.uk) 86 Stirlings. Philip Sansum*, 60 Mile End Road, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 1RW; (philip.sansum@googlemail.com) & Matt Harding 87 W. Perth Liz Lavery*, Burach, Carnbo, Kinross, KY13 0NX; (eldlavery@outlook.com) & Jane Jones 88 Mid Perth Jim McIntosh, The Woolsack, 29 Upper Achintore, Fort William PH33 6JR (jim-mcintosh@tiscali.co.uk)

89 E. Perth Martin Robinson, Dalreoch Farm, Enochdhu, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 7PF; (martin.robinson279@gmail.com)

90 Angus Robin Payne*, Airlie Bank, Wylie’s Brae, Banff Road, Alyth, Perthshire, PH11 8DR; (robin923@btinternet.com) & Theo Loizou

91 Kincardines. David Welch*, East Fernbank, Woodside Road, Banchory, Kincardines, AB31 5XL; (welcmd@gmail.com) & David Elston

92 S. Aberdeen Ian Francis, East Cottage, Asloun, Alford, Aberdeenshire, AB33 8NR; (ian@farmland.plus.com)

93 N. Aberdeen David Welch*, East Fernbank, Woodside Road, Banchory, Kincardines, AB31 5XL; (welcmd@gmail.com) & David Elston

94 Banffs. Flora Donald, 113 Leslie Terrace, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB25 3XD; (donald.flora@yahoo.co.uk)

95 Moray Ian Green, Eastview, Lachlanwells, Forres, Moray, IV36 2RA; (igreen67@aol.co.uk)

96 Easterness Andy Amphlett*, 72 Strathspey Drive, Grantown-on-Spey, PH26 3EY; (amphlett1958@gmail.com) & Adam Fraser

97 Westerness Ian Strachan*, Seileach, Inverroy, Roy Bridge, Invernesshire, PH31 4AQ; (imstrachan55@gmail.com) & Ian Bonner

98 Main Argyll Gordon Rothero, 8 Deer Park, Glenmasson, by Dunoon, Argyll, PA23 8RA; (gprothero@aol.com)

99 Dunbarton Michael Philip, Willow Cottage, 3 Marlage, Larkhall, Lanarkshire, ML9 3DJ; (botany@opus44.co.uk)

100 Clyde Is. Angus Hannah, 21 Ferfadd Court, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, PA20 0HE; (butesedge@yahoo.co.uk)

101 Kintyre Dave Batty & Pat Batty, Kirnan Farm, Kilmichael Glen, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8QL; (kirnan.batty@gmail.com)

102 S. Ebudes Simon Smart*, Flat 1 Monument House, 47 Beast Banks, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4JJ; (ssma@ceh.ac.uk)

103 Mid Ebudes Lynne Farrell, 1 Inglemere Drive, Arnside, Carnforth, Cumbria LA5 0BY; (lynneonmull@btinternet.com) 104 N. Ebudes Stephen Bungard*, Ceòl-na-Mara, West Suisnish, Isle of Raasay, by Kyle, IV40 8NX; (suisnish@outlook.com) & Joanna Walmisley

105 W. Ross Duncan Donald, 16 Midtown of Inverasdale, Poolewe, Rossshire, IV22 2LW; (16dandk@gmail.com)

106 E. Ross Brian Ballinger*, 5 Shaftesbury Park, Dundee, DD2 1LB; (brian@garrickwood.org.uk) & Mary Dean

107 E. Sutherland Mick Crawley, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berks., SL5 7PY; (m.crawley@imperial.ac.uk)

108 W. Sutherland Ian Evans, Calltuinn, Nedd, Drumbeg, Lairg, Sutherland, IV27 4NN; (ian.evans.nedd@gmail.com)

109 Caithness Francis Higgins & Margaret Higgins, Smithy House, Berriedale, Caithness, KW7 6HD; (higg48@btinternet.com)

110 Outer Hebrides Paul Smith, 8 Locks Road, Locks Heath, Southampton, SO31 6NT; (pas.vc110@gmail.com)

111 Orkney

John Crossley, North Flaws, South Ronaldsay, Orkney, KW17 2RW; (flawsjohn@gmail.com)

112 Shetland Paul Harvey, Shetland Biological Records Centre, Shetland Amenity Trust, Garthspool, Lerwick, ZE1 0NY; (Paul.Harvey@shetlandamenity.org)

IRELAND

H1 S. Kerry & Caroline Mhic Daeid*, Avondale, Moynalty, Kells, Co. Meath,

H2 N. Kerry Ireland; (carmhic@gmail.com) & Rory Hodd

H3 W. Cork Clare Heardman, Dromclough East, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland; (clare.heardman@housing.gov.ie)

H4 Mid Cork John Wallace, 62 Oldcourt, Greenfields, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, P31 DC60, Ireland; (johnwiegm@gmail.com)

H5 E. Cork Edwina Cole*, An Teachín, Church Road, Ballinacurra, Midleton, Co. Cork, P25 EW71, Ireland; (coleedwina@gmail.com) & Finbarr Wallace

H6 Co. Waterford Andrew Malcolm*, Stone Cottage, Carrignagour, Lismore, Co. Waterford, P51 PK11, Ireland; (oxmoron@gmail.com), Julie Larkin & Ann Trimble

H7 S. Tipperary Rosaleen Fitzgerald, 606 River Forest, Leixlip, Co. Kildare, W23 Y8K7, Ireland;

H8 Co. Limerick Tanya Slattery, 43 Foxfield, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick, V94 PKD4, Ireland; (limerick.vcr.bsbi@gmail.com)

H9 Co. Clare Phoebe O’Brien*, Lower Lecarrow, Feakle, Co. Clare, V94 WK0V, Ireland; (phoebeob@gmail.com), Hannah Mulcahy & Donncha Ó Catháin

H10 N. Tipperary David Nash, 35 Nutley Park, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, D04 W2N2, Ireland

H11 Co. Kilkenny Roger Goodwillie, Lavistown House, Sion Road, Kilkenny, R95 E5NH, Ireland; (rogerg@indigo.ie)

H12 Co. Wexford Paul Green*, Yoletown, Ballycullane, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 XW62, Ireland; (paulbsbivcr4h12@gmail.com) & Paula O’Meara

H13 Co. Carlow Lisa Dowling, 5 Friars Lough, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, R93 XE75, Ireland; (dowling_lisab@yahoo.com)

H14 Co. Laois Mark McCorry & Fiona MacGowan, 9 The Cross of Newtown, Ballyroan, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 Y735, Ireland; (mark.mccorry@bnm.ie; flmacgowan@gmail.com)

H15 S.E. Galway Micheline Sheehy Skeffington, ‘Seagal’, Ballinacourty, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway, H91 WPW0, Ireland; (micheline.sheehy@nuigalway.ie)

H16 W. Galway John Conaghan, 11 Dun Ard, Craughwell, Co. Galway, Ireland; (conaghaj@indigo.ie)

H17 N.E. Galway Chris Peppiatt, 101 Friar’s Hill, Bishop O’Donnell Road, Galway City, H91 TX9R, Ireland; (chris.peppiatt@iol.ie)

H18 Co. Offaly Fiona Devery, Emmet Street, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 XK73, Ireland; (findevery@yahoo.co.uk)

H19 Co. Kildare Declan Doogue, 12 Glasilawn Road, Dublin 11, Ireland

H20 Co. Wicklow Catriona Brady*, 74 Station Court, The Avenue, Gorey, Wexford, Ireland & Pauline Hodson

H21 Co. Dublin David Nash, 35 Nutley Park, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, D04 W2N2 Ireland

H22 Co. Meath Margaret Norton, Tinode, Manor Kilbride, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, W91 WR13, Ireland (kilnorbot200@gmail.com)

H23 Co. Westmeath Con Breen, 101 Bettyglen, Raheny, Dublin 5, D05 RX99, Ireland; (conbreen1o1@yahoo.com)

H24 Co. Longford Ciarán Bruton, 15 The Rise, Knocknacarra, Galway, H91 FDX7, Ireland; (crnbruton66@gmail.com)

H25 Co. Roscommon John Earley, Lurriga, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, P81 E426, Ireland; (jearley@eircom.net)

H26 E. Mayo Eamonn Delaney, Cargin, Clydagh, Headford Co. Galway, H91 XNK8, Ireland; (eamonn.delaney@hotmail.com)

H27 W. Mayo Eoin McGreal, Aghinish, Partry, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, F31 R761, Ireland; (eoin.mcgreal@housing.gov.ie)

H28 Co. Sligo Eamon Gaughan, 5 Buenos Aires Drive, Strandhill, Co. Sligo, F91 AD82, Ireland; (egaughan2016@gmail.com)

H29 Co. Leitrim Eamon Gaughan*, 5 Buenos Aires Drive, Strandhill, Co. Sligo, F91 AD82, Ireland; (egaughan2016@gmail.com) & Aoife Delaney

H30 Co. Cavan Vacant

H31 Co. Louth Kate Harrington, 19 Kellys Bay Beach, Skerries, Co. Dublin, K34 D598, Ireland; (harringtonkm@gmail.com) & Ciarán Flynn

H32 Co. Monaghan Alexis FitzGerald, Apartment 31, Eustace Court, Cualanor, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 FN2W, Ireland; (alexisfitzgerald434@gmail.com)

H33 Fermanagh Ralph Forbes, Coolattin, 26 Castleward Road, Doctor’s Hill, Strangford, Co. Down, BT30 7LU, Northern Ireland; (forbes.ralph@gmail.com) & Robert Northridge

H34 E. Donegal Oisín Duffy & Mairéad Duffy, 12 Airfield Point, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford, X91 H6Y7, Ireland; (oisinsduffy@gmail.com; maireadecrawford@gmail.com)

H35 W. Donegal Ralph Sheppard, Carnowen House, Raphoe, Co. Donegal, F93 A597, Ireland; (sheppardcarnowen@outlook.com)

H36 Co. Tyrone Sharon Spratt*; (blackcatbotany@gmail.com) & Ian McNeill

H37 Co. Armagh John Faulkner, Drumherriff Lodge, 37 Old Road, Loughgall, Co. Armagh, BT61 8JD, Northern Ireland; (jsf@globalnet.co.uk)

H38 Co. Down Graham Day, 2 Windmill Lane, Portaferry, Co. Down BT22 1RW, Northern Ireland; (gvd@cherrycottage.myzen.co.uk)

H39 Co. Antrim David McNeill, 13 Greystown Park, Belfast, BT9 6UN, Northern Ireland; (dw.mcneill13@gmail.com)

H40 Co. Londonderry David Riley, 161 Duncrun Road, Gortmore, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, BT49 0JJ, Northern Ireland; (dhriley04@gmail.com)

Panel of Referees and Specialists

One of the benefits of being a member of the BSBI is having access to the specialist referees. These volunteers are national experts in their particular plant groups and their work helps maintain the quality of BSBI projects. Please note that the service is only available for non-commercial identifications.

Communicating with a referee

● You can contact a referee by post or email, as shown in the list of referees.

● If an address is available, contact by email is encouraged

● Specimens that are few in number may be sent unannounced unless otherwise indicated, but prior contact by email is encouraged, where an address is available. It is essential to contact the referee to seek agreement before sending a large number all at once

● Note that the address to which specimens should be sent is that shown in the list of Referees, and is not necessarily the same in the List of Members. Plant specimens

● Should normally be of British Isles provenance. If not, contact the referees before submitting material to see if they are willing to look at it.

● Must be accompanied by the following data: locality, including grid reference name of the collector(s) date of collection

description of features likely to be lost on pressing, e.g. flower colour; it is often useful also to include habitat details or photographs of the plant in situ.

● Must have been collected legally: details are provided in the BSBI Code of Conduct for the collection of plant material (https://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/Code-of-Conduct-v5-final.pdf).

● Will usually be dry, pressed material with representative rhizomes, leaves, flowers or fruits; it is important the specimen has the necessary diagnostic features (but see the appropriate taxon entry for guidance on what to send).

● Should, if hybrid origin is suspected, be accompanied by material of any putative parental taxa at the locality.

● Arthur Chater’s guide to collecting and pressing specimens is on the BSBI website (http://bsbi.org/wpcontent/uploads/dlm_uploads/Making_specimens-11.pdf). It includes an appendix describing what to collect and what notes to make for a wide range of different plant groups.

● In certain cases, photographs or fresh material may be required or accepted (again, see the appropriate taxon entry). If sending fresh material, please phone/email the referee before sending to make sure it can be dealt with immediately. Fresh material should be sealed in a plastic bag and posted as soon as possible after collection.

Other information to provide

● Please quote your BSBI membership number.

● Please say whether you want the specimens returned. Bear in mind that the referee may like to keep the material or send it to a herbarium: reliably named material is of greater value when kept in regional or national herbaria, where future workers can study it easily. Collection of duplicates would allow you and the referee to keep one specimen each.

● The referee might want to publish details of your specimen or add them to a BSBI database. Please state if this is not acceptable.

● Lastly, please include your postal address, your email address, and a stamped, addressed, suitable envelope in case a written reply or return of specimen is necessary (this is very important).

Beginners’ Referees

It is hoped that the Beginners’ Referee service will help improve the identification skills and confidence of our novice membership. The intention is that the Beginners’ Referees will provide rapid identification for relatively widespread species. However, please note that we do expect you to have at least tried to identify the specimen yourself. Anything submitted that turns out to require specialist identification will be forwarded to the appropriate referee. Beginners who have an existing arrangement with their local vice-county recorder to provide identifications may, of course, carry on as they are.

● Fresh (preferably) or dried plant specimens should be sent to John O’Reilly

● Photographs should be emailed to Quentin Groom.

● All specimens submitted should conform to the criteria set out in the section Plant specimens above.

● State which books or identification aids you used when attempting to identify the plant.

● Ifpossible,saywhyyoufounditdifficulttoidentifytheplant,e.g.sectionsofanykeythatweredifficultto understand.

● Please do not send a specimen if you know the genus to which it belongs and it is covered by the specialist referee system – send it to the specialist instead.

● If you know that you have a rare non-native plant, please send it if possible to one of the aliens referees.

● Please send vegetative specimens to the vegetative referee. Please refer to the latest edition of BSBI News for changes to the list. Any further enquiries, and requests for help with genera not covered in the list of taxa, should be sent to:

MARTIN RAND, 3 Kings Close, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO53 2FF; tel. 07531 461442; vc11recorder@hantsplants.net, and please copy your enquiry to Jo Parmenter; jo.parmenter@tlp.uk.com

Systematic Groups

Family numbers, taxon names and sequence are according to Stace’s New Flora of the British Isles Ed. 4 (2019).

Charophyta

General: Nick Stewart, assisted by Claudia Ferguson-Smyth, pressed specimens or pickled in alcohol (a colourless spirit such as gin or vodka is suitable).

5. Equisetaceae

Equisetum: Patrick Acock, photos are acceptable at first of stem, internodes and cones prior to confirmation later if necessary. Prefers to identify fresh material, not dried, where requested.

6-21. Ferns

General: Ferns and fern allies: Dr Fred Rumsey and Alison Paul, mature sporangia if possible.

Asplenium: Dr Fred Rumsey, a single fertile frond.

Cystopteris: Dr Fred Rumsey

Dryopteris (except D. affinis complex): Dr Fred Rumsey.

D. affinis complex: Anthony Pigott, ideally a fresh frond c.70-100 cm long (sent folded) cut to the very base, with mature sori, and the basal pinnae intact.

Polypodium: Rob Cooke, pressed or fresh fronds with mature sori/sporangia. Photographs of microscopic examination of sporangia and spores may suffice, but please retain specimen until I have advised further.

Gymnosperms

23, 25-26. Pinaceae, Taxaceae, Cupressaceae

General coniferous trees: Cameron Crook and Matt Parratt, fresh or pressed side shoots plus shoot and bud, cone or flower if available, description of bark and crown. A description of the fresh smell of foliage (albeit subjective) would also be helpful. Emailed photographs welcome but please provide at reasonably high resolution and include needles/leaves from above and below, terminal and lateral buds, sprays of needles/leaves, mature bark, flowers, cones, and full form of the tree where possible.

Eu-Dicots

34. Papaveraceae

Fumaria: Dr Tim Rich, email photos in first instance, fresh flowers photographed from the side to show sepals. Include description of length of sepals and flowers in mm. No fresh material without prior arrangement, then mature fruits, and each gathering packed in a separate bag as fruit and sepals deciduous.

36. Ranunculaceae

Ranunculus flammula: Dr Richard Gornall, specimens with maturefruits.

Batrachian Ranunculus: Richard Lansdown, pressed, dry specimens representing variation within a population and suitable for herbarium use should be sent. A determination will be sent to the sender and a copy attached to a sheet kept for NHM.

42. Saxifragaceae

Saxifraga: Dr Richard Gornall, sterile shoots. Dr David Parker, sterile shoots.

43. Crassulaceae

Sedum: Ray Stephenson, a photo of the flower plus location details. Welcomes specimens from elsewhere in the world.

44. Haloragaceae

Myriophyllum: Dr Chris Preston, flowering or fruiting material preferred; don’t send ‘beached’ terrestrial plants.

46. Fabaceae

Astragalus, Lotus, Vicia, Lathyrus, Ononis: David Pearman, material to include seed pods if possible.

Anthyllis vulneraria subspecies: Dr John Akeroyd.

Medicago, Trigonella: David Pearman, only specimens with fruit accepted.

Trifolium: Dr Chris Preston.

Tribe Genisteae (excluding Ulex): David Pearman.

Ulex: Martin Rand, if sending specimens, please phone or email in advance to ensure they can be received; send using rapid delivery. At least four flowering branches, preferably from different bushes in the same population, each with several flowers in or close to full development. Material will not be returned. Alternatively, a set of measurements from at least three flowers at different levels from each of at least four flowering spikes, as follows: width of bracteoles; full calyx length (this is usually the length of the lower calyx lobe); full corolla length (this is usually the length of the standard and should be measured after removing the upper calyx lobe, from the base to the tip of an apical lobe). Measurements should be to 0.1 mm and will therefore need to be taken with a measuring loupe or a dissecting microscope with graticule. Whatever sent, please add any notes of features thought anomalous. Accompanying photos showing habit are also welcome. Please always include site name, grid reference, habitat, date and name of collector. I am happy to look at material from western Europe as well as Britain and Ireland.

48. Rosaceae

Sorbus (excluding subgenus Sorbus or Rowans): Dr Tim Rich, email photos in first instance. If possible, leaf rosettes from the short, sterile shoots from sunlit positions, and in the autumn ripe fruit. Sucker shoots, heavily shaded leaves and odd scattered leaves collected from the ground will usually be impossible to name with certainty. Fresh material accepted in summer, by prior agreement only (email please). Dried material acceptable any time.

Sorbus subgenus Sorbus (pinnate-leaved Sorbus): Dr Hugh McAllister, fresh ripe fruiting material with mature buds is best, but Dr McAllister is also happy to look at dried material.

Cotoneaster: Jeanette Fryer, pressed specimens between paper (not polythene). Include collection date, vice county number, grid reference, location, situation (growing on top of a wall or in the shade etc.), height and habit, and, if applicable, petal, filament and anther colour or fruit colour. If possible, include a sterile shoot of the current year’s growth. Make sure to include stamps or an s.a.e. with specimens.

Crataegus: Vacant.

Rubus: Queries and submissions from the following vice-counties should be addressed to the following. Please supply dried material which must include a sectionof vegetative stem and associated leaves together with a whole inflorescence of average size. Please also note floral characters such as petal colour and dimensions as well as style colour. See the Plant Crib (https://bsbi.org/ Rubus_Crib.pdf) for more details. Alternatively in the first instance, a set of reference photos showing, for main stem (primo-cane): length of stem including a leaf-stalk, leaf shape, close-up of

underside of a leaf, and for flowering branch: panicle shape, flower showing stamens and styles, flower-bud in profile. To this should be added notes on presence or absence of hairs on anthers and young carpels. Hairs on the receptacle are not always obvious although they can be a useful character.

England & Wales:

Rob Randall: v.cc. 1-17, 21-24, 31-34

Alex Prendergast: v.cc. 18-20, 25-30, 53-56, happy to see a set of c.7 good photographs via email in the first instance, to include: detail of flower (face on & side on) with anthers in focus, whole inflorescence, whole plant, focused close up of 10 cm primocane section and a typical primocane leaf from both sides. Press a specimen too in case it may be required. Brambles should be identified in the flower (June-August).

Mike C Porter: v.cc. 35, 36, 41-46

David Earl: v.cc. 37-40, 47-52, 57-71, when emailing, including local geology, soil type and habitat details would be useful.

Scotland:

Dr David Welch (senior partner with ultimate authority for whole country, north and east), v.cc., 78-85, 87-97, 104- 112

Angus Hannah (south and west, v.cc. 72-77, 86, 98-103). Angus prefers fresh material.

Potentilla, Comarum: Dr Brenda Harold, pressed material with flower buds if possible.

Agrimonia: Paul Green.

Alchemilla: Dr Margaret Bradshaw and Mark Lynes, photos in the first instance. Radical leaves with complete petiole, an inflorescence with open flowers/fruits, as well as a photo of the complete plant. If sending, pressed material preferred, no fresh material without prior arrangement.

Aphanes: Michael Wilcox, preferably fruiting material.

Rosa: Roger Maskew, fresh material sent immediately after collection preferred; sender should retain duplicate as specimens cannot be returned; properly pressed material also acceptable. Send an example of fully developed hips; approximately 15 cm section from the middle part of a 2-3 year old leading stem with characteristic leaves and prickles; do not collect from very old main stems or first-year rhizomatous shoots (green suckers); photographs accompanying specimens; please do not send material in flower as this cannot be determined. Ideally material should be collected between late July and early September from southern Britain and Ireland; up to a few weeks later from northern Britain; material collected in October or later often cannot be reliably identified. With each specimen please include the site name, vice-county, grid reference, date and collector.

Ulmus: Dr Max Coleman, mature shoots (collected after June) and fruits (April to May) if possible. Material from suckers cannot be reliably identified. Photographs of leaves in close detail and whole trees can sometimes be identified in the absence of herbarium material.

General, but particularly for Urtica galeopsifolia: Martin Godfrey. As Urtica galeopsifolia plants tend to be very big, specimens should consist of about the last foot or so of the shoot plus a note of the lowest flowering node, counting from the bottom. Alternatively send a photo of the whole plant with a good close-up of the stem and leaves (both sides) and a note of the lowest flowering node. For other

species in the family a similar set of photographs should be sufficient, although Iwouldappreciateapressedspecimenofanyplantsthatyouthinkmightbealien.

56. Fagaceae

Quercus: Dan Crowley, good quality digital photos. Images should show the range of leaf shapes found on the tree, not just a single leaf, and including upper and lower surfaces, as well as twigs with buds and fruits. Specimens can always be sent later as needed, should they be required.

59. Betulaceae

Betula: Dr Hugh McAllister.

63. Oxalidaceae

Oxalis: Dr Quentin Groom.

64. Hypericaceae

Hypericum: Vacant.

66. Violaceae

Viola: Mike Hardman.

68. Salicaceae

Populus General: Dr Richard Jinks.

Populus nigra ssp. betulifolia: Dr Ken Adams, a twig around 20 cm long, preferably in May/ June/July; a photo if possible and a description of the tree.

Salix: Dr Irina Belyaeva, material should be collected and sent as dry pressed herbarium: shoots with leaves (collected middle July to the end of August) and shoots with catkins (March to May depending on the species). Photographs of tree or shrub together with habitat would help with identification.

69. Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia: Timothy Walker, carpels and glands/nectaries are very helpful in photographs. Fresh material is always very useful as well as a habitat photo.

71. Geraniaceae

Geranium: Dr Helena Crouch, if sending fresh specimens please email first, otherwise please send dried pressed specimens. Please include some basal leaves, a few petals, and a flowering calyx with petals removed to show stamens, and fruits if possible.

Geranium robertianum agg.: Tony O’Mahony, fresh material only, in a small sealed container sent in a jiffy bag, of newly opened flowers and mature but closed flowering buds, mericarp if available and at least one basal leaf.

Erodium: Vacant.

73. Onagraceae

Epilobium: Dr Terry Pennington and Geoffrey Kitchener, if possible, material should have flower with stigma visible and mature capsule(s).

Oenothera: Dr Bob Leaney and Dr Jo Parmenter; upper half of flowering stem at anthesis, with some basal leaves; either fresh, in a sealed plastic bag by first class post, or pressed. Details of habitat useful, especially if near a garden or location is suggestive of a garden ‘throw-out’. Please telephone before sending fresh material.

Circaea: Vacant.

77. Sapindaceae

Acer: Cameron Crook, pressed leaves showing the range of sizes (not leaves from shade or from basal or coppice growth), flowers and/or keys, and a note of bark, growth form and height, and whether planted, etc. High resolution photographs of the features listed above sent by email would be acceptable. Happy to receive Acers from any part of the world.

80. Malvaceae

General: Chris Davis, emailed photographs, or send plant material to Dr Fred Rumsey who will keep it for when Chris is in this country.

Tilia: Vacant.

87. Brassicaceae

General (now including Erophila): Dr Tim Rich, email photos in first instance. Fresh material accepted in summer, by prior agreement only (email please). Dried material acceptable any time.

Cardamine, Arabis and Draba: Martin Godfrey, basal rosette, flowers and fruits.

Cochlearia: Dr Peter Wyse Jackson, mature fruits, radical leaves. Emailed photographs of live and pressed specimens preferred to sending specimens. Brief habitat details helpful too, e.g. saltmarsh, river estuary, etc.

91. Plumbaginaceae

Limonium: Vacant.

92. Polygonaceae

Persicaria, Bistorta and Polygonum (general natives): Dr John Akeroyd.

Koenigia: Vacant.

Reynoutria, x Reyllopia and Fallopia (aliens): Dr John Bailey, largest stem lvs available for Reynoutria.

Polygonum aviculare s.l.: Dr John Akeroyd, mature fruits.

Rumex: Geoffrey Kitchener and Dr John Akeroyd, material to include mature fruits.

93. Droseraceae

Drosera: Dr Alastair Culham, if possible fresh material in a jiffy bag with damp tissue; failing that a pressed specimen with at least one ripe seed capsule. Habitat photos useful too.

94. Caryophyllaceae

Arenaria, Minuartia and Sabulina: Dr Geoffrey Halliday.

Stellaria: Vacant.

Cerastium: Vacant.

Sagina: Dr Nicholas Jardine, mature fruits and for annual plants, whether the sepals wereappressedorspreading:forperennialplants,whetherpetalsexceedsepals.

Spergula, Spergularia: Vacant.

Dianthus, Petrorhagia: Dr Philip Wilson.

95. Amaranthaceae

Atriplex: Dr John Akeroyd, mature fruits.

Blitum, Chenopodiastrum, Chenopodium, Dysphania, Lipandra, Oxybasis: Dr John Akeroyd, mature fruits, leaves, habit and colour notes, photographs useful.

Salicornia and Sarcocornia: For Ireland (v.cc. H1-H40): Paul Green; for Britain: Martin Rand (SE vice-counties from Dorset to The Wash) & Dr Fred Rumsey (all of Britain). Photographic record with notes preferred for Britain: please ask the referees for notes on what to photograph and record.

Amaranthus: Dr Quentin Groom, fresh material preferred but not essential.

96. Aizoaceae

General: Dr Chris Preston, colour photographs only.

99. Montiaceae

Montia fontana subspp.: John Wallace.

105. Primulaceae

Primula: Prof. John Richards.

108. Ericaceae

Erica, Calluna and Daboecia: Dr Charles Nelson, dried specimens in flower.

Pyrola, Orthilia, Moneses, Hypopitys (Monotropa): Dr Fred Rumsey.

110. Rubiaceae

General (except Galium): Dr Aaron Davis (sender retains duplicate, as specimens will be kept for the Kew herbarium).

111. Gentianaceae

Centaurium: Dr Francis Ubsdell, leaves, stem, calyx, corolla, habitat and locality.

Gentianella, Gentianopsis: Dr Tim Rich, email photos in first instance. Where sending material, preferably five plants from each taxon/population, including base of stem (this usually means uprooting plants) so number of internodes can be determined. Note Gentianella amarella ssp. anglica & ssp. occidentalis and Gentianopsis ciliata are statutorily protected taxa and must not be collected; for these taxa, good quality photographs from the side of the plant showing all leaves, and a close-up of the corolla/calyx also from the side, together with counts of the number of internodes above the basal rosette, will hopefully be sufficient. Fresh material accepted in summer, by prior agreement only (email please). Dried material acceptable any time.

114. Boraginaceae

Symphytum: Dr Bob Leaney, either fresh, in a sealed plastic bag by first class post, or pressed with a note of bud and open corolla colour. In either case, close-up photos of buds and open corolla are very helpful, because the corolla colour, which is very important in identification, changes within a few hours of collection. Material must include the upper two-thirds of the main flowering stem, so as to include mid-stem leaves and a basal leaf; in very tall plants the upper third and central third may have to be cut separately. Please telephone before sending fresh material.

Myosotis: Dr David Welch.

115. Convolvulaceae

Calystegia: Dr Mark Carine.

116. Solanaceae

General: Vacant.

120. Veronicaceae

Veronica hederifolia agg.: Michael Wilcox, preferably with fruits.

121. Plantaginaceae

Plantago major subspecies: Dr John Akeroyd, whole plant with mature fruits.

123. Callitrichaceae

Callitriche:RichardLansdown,fruiting material only, living or dried. If living, packed damp but not wet in a sealed plastic bag in a rigid container, e.g. a margarine carton. Information on the specimen must include site name, vice-county/county, date, collector and grid reference. Email or telephone first to confirm he will be at home.

126. Lentibulariaceae

Pinguicula: Dr Fred Rumsey.

Utricularia:John Day,pickledorpressedmaterial;wholeplantwithbladders,andflowers ifpresent.

128. Lamiaceae

General, Mentha in particular: Dr Ray Harley, for Mentha, photographs both live and of pressed specimens would be useful. It would be helpful to know whether specimens have fertile stamens, or fertile seed. Also, whether the scent of leaves is Spearmint, Peppermint or something worse. Does the plant occur in a semi-natural habitat or does it appear to be a garden throw-out? Please email first if you wish to send specimens as Dr Harley is often abroad.

Galeopsis tetrahit agg.: Vacant.

Thymus: Vacant.

129. Phrymaceae

Erythranthe (Mimulus): Dr Alex Twyford and Dr Mario Vallejo-Marin, enquires initially to Dr Twyford, who will consult with Dr Vallejo-Marin as necessary.

131. Orobanchaceae

Melampyrum: Dr Sarah Dalrymple, photographs are welcome but should feature good images of flowering parts including the calyx and/or seed pods from the side. Please email in the first instance if you would like to send specimens.

Euphrasia: Chris Metherell, Press on the day of collection. No shrivelled nor fresh material please. Please do not mount specimens, send in their flimsies. Send a minimum of six specimens from a population with well developed capsules and intact roots. Check that the main stem is not bitten off. Before pressing measure a typical corolla from the rear to the tip of the upper lip. Colour and habitat notes are also very useful.

Orobanche, Phelipanche: Dr Fred Rumsey, really fresh material preferred, colour notes including stigma, host, sketch of corolla shape. Happy to look at slides and photographs. Species thought to be rare or from small populations should not be collected.

Other genera: Dr Fred Rumsey

132. Aquifoliaceae

Ilex: Dr Damien Hicks, ideally pressed specimens with fruits.

135. Asteraceae

Carduus, Cirsium: Dr Tim Rayner.

Hypochaeris: Prof. John Parker.

Lactuca and other members of the Cichorioideae (Lactucoideae) subfamily in general (except for the groups covered separately): Dr Richard Carter.

Taraxacum: Prof. John Richards, flowers, fruits. Taraxacum records should also be sent to him.

Hieracium: Brian Burrow; dried (pressed) material only. For instructions for collection of specimens see the Plant Crib on the BSBI website (http://bsbi.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/Hieracium_Crib.pdf).

Erigeron (not ex Conyza taxa): Dr Geoffrey Halliday.

Erigeron (ex Conyza taxa): Martin Rand, many features of ex Conyza taxa are lost in dried specimens, especially as they often go completely to seed in transit. Please contact the referee for guidance on submitting specimens or photographs, and notes that should accompany them.

Senecio, Jacobaea: Dr CrinanAlexander, photographs in first instance. Details of the calyculus (bracts at base of capitulum) are very useful. Where requested, send pressed (not fresh) specimens.

Bidens: Dr Tim Rayner.

139. Valerianaceae

Valerianella: Dr Philip Wilson, fruit – ripe or unripe.

145. Apiaceae

General: Dr Mark Watson, good material with fruit essential.

Oenanthe: Vacant.

Apium and Helosciadium: Tony O’Mahony, close-up photographs of anthers and/or fruits will be accepted initially, in addition to photos of inflorescences, infructescences, and leaves. Subsequent contact from the Referee will indicate if freshlycollected material for posting is required, as such material is essential for the detection of interspecific hybrids. Pressed voucher material is not adequate for accurate identification in this genus

Heracleum: Richard Lansdown, photographs showing stem toward base (and any coloured marks), leaf outlines (preferably a range if variable), inflorescence (preferably more than one view), if possible email close-up of umbel rays and seeds clearly showing vittae. Material must show the range of variation represented and will necessarily involve more than one sheet.

Monocots

147. Araceae

Spirodela, Lemna, Wolffia: Richard Lansdown, no specimens of Lemna, please: good quality photograph of plants in situ are acceptable. Specimens of Spirodela and Wolffia: fresh material by prior arrangement only. Species boundaries between L. minor and L. gibba are currently under molecular investigation and replies on these two may be non-committal until the problem is resolved

151. Hydrocharitaceae

Egeria, Elodea, Hydrilla, Lagarosiphon: Dr David Simpson, photo of whole plant; will advise if specimens are needed.

157. Potamogetonaceae

Potamogeton, Stuckenia: Dr Chris Preston.

Zannichellia: Richard Lansdown, fresh material by prior arrangement only.

164. Orchidaceae

General (except Epipactis, but including Dactylorhiza and Gymnadenia): Prof. Ian Denholm (i.denholm@herts.ac.uk: esp. southern and central England and Wales) and Prof. Richard Bateman (r.bateman@kew.org: esp. northern England, Scotland and Ireland). Images (preferably e-mailed) of the whole plant plus at least one close-up of the inflorescence – identifications will likely be far less equivocal if a scale is included or the images are captured at a known, specified magnification (see BSBI News 125: 59–60, 2014). Images should be supported by notes on size, habitat, locality and other species of the same genus present (especially important if hybridisation is suspected).

Epipactis: Prof. John Richards, photo of whole plant and close-up photo of upper open flowers, two uppermost flowers of spike, fresh or pickled in 65% ethyl alcohol, neat gin or vodka, and lowermost leaf (often very small).

165. Iridaceae

Crocus: Brian Mathew.

167. Alliaceae

Allium: Paul Green, digital photographs to accompany specimens always helpful (please email him before sending fresh material).

Galanthus: Dr Aaron Davis (sender retains duplicate).

Narcissus: Prof. Mick Crawley, digital images to be emailed, preferably one face-on and one sideways. Note, the idea is to determine the cultivar name rather than the putative parentage (as in Stace 4).

168. Asparagaceae

Hyacinthoides: Dr Fred Rumsey.

172. Typhaceae

Sparganium: Richard Lansdown. fresh material by prior arrangement only.

175. Juncaceae

Juncus – general: Vacant

J. bulbosus agg.: Michael Wilcox, fruiting material.

J. articulatus/J. alpinoarticulatus: Jeremy Roberts; please contact first if sending fresh material.

Luzula: Graeme Kay, please send ripe seeds for L. campestris/L. multiflora.

176. Cyperaceae

Non-Carex taxa including Cyperus: Dr Dave Simpson, photos of whole plant, plus mature fruits and underground parts (if available); will advise if specimens are needed.

Trichophorum: Jeremy Roberts (see also: http://www.edencroft2.co.uk).

Eleocharis: Jeremy Roberts (see also his website, as above).

C. flava agg.: Dr Nigel Blackstock; he is willing to receive fresh specimens wrapped in damp tissue and sealed in a plastic bag. Fertile and non-fertile tillers with rhizome advantageous, but care needed with regard to population size; ecological conditions and associated species also useful.

Other Carex species: Robin Walls and Mike S Porter, good photos of ligule, inflorescence, utricle and glume with an indication of scale, notes on distribution of stomata on leaves and a comment on habitat may be sufficient for a tentative identification of Carex species. However, for many species and all hybrids a specimen is essential. Fresh, well-presented material in a sealed plastic bag is best. Referees would prefer to keep specimens if possible so sender should retain a duplicate.

177. Poaceae

Complete specimens are required. The ligule of the upper blade is often important. For Poa, root, sheath and shoots are required; for Bromus, Bromopsis and Anisantha, a complete panicle; stolons or rhizomes are essential for Agrostis, Elymus, and some Festuca species.

General, Festuca, and Schedonorus: Arthur Copping.

Bambusoideae: Mike Bell, information is needed on the habitat, the height of the clump, whether it has an open structure or close compact canes; the size of the branches, the number at each node and their angle to the stem; the size, texture and colour of leaves, both above and below.

Calamagrostis: Mike S Porter, please send culms collected from the very base. Photos of the plant in situ are often helpful.

Phalaris: Martin Rand, complete or near-complete specimens with mature inflorescences are required. Any detached spikelets and/or florets should be included in a small packet. Submitters should note whether the plant is annual or perennial if this is not clear from the basal parts of the specimen. Specimens from outside Britain and Ireland are welcome.

Alien grasses: Dr Oliver Pescott.

Aquatic Plants

General (native and aliens): Richard Lansdown, if sending fresh material, email or telephone first to confirm he will be at home.

Introduced and Cultivated Trees

Cameron Crook, not shrubs please if possible. Pressed material preferred, in particular leaves, shoots with both terminal and lateral buds, description of fresh leaf colour especially any patterning (e.g. variegation), fruits or flowers where available and description of bark and growth form. Emailed photographs of the above would be acceptable though further details or fresh/pressed material may be

requested

Garden Shrubs

Mark Duffell, information on habit, height, spread, location and habitat. A photo of plant in situ, close up of flowers, any fruit, foliage ideally and also any other features e.g. bark. Pressed material acceptable. If fresh material is to be sent please check that Mark will be at home to receive it. If sending fresh or pressed

Aliens

material please describe colour, form of flowers and fruits as well as noting any scents. Label envelopes ‘do not bend’.

Aliens ex bird seed: Dr John Mason.

Non-British Plants

Alpine plants: Dr Ralph Forbes, details of site, habitat, altitude. Identification from colour slides as well as specimens may be possible.

Arctic alpines: Dr Geoffrey Halliday.

Continental Europe – Ferns, Orobanche, Phelipanche: Dr Fred Rumsey, fresh material preferred, colour notes including corolla and stigma, host, sketch of corolla shape. Happy to look at slides and photographs. Species thought to be rare or from small populations should not be collected.

For the above three referees, herbarium specimens are preferred but slides or prints in moderate numbers will also be accepted (it must be understood that the chance of successfully naming plants is diminished if there is no specimen). They will also be particularly pleased to help those members who are prepared to donate specimens or slides. It will be appreciated if members planning to travel and who would search for particular plants in these areas could contact the referees beforehand.

Cyprus: Dr Yiannis Christofides, (except grasses) photos in the first instance and photographs only of orchids.

Greece: Prof. John Richards.

Plants in a Vegetative State (including Winter Twigs)

General: John Poland, plants sent fresh in sealed plastic bags; label ‘store cool’. Sender retains duplicate. Notes on life-form (annual, rhizomatous, etc.) extremely helpful.

Beginners’ Referees

Fresh or dried specimens: John O’Reilly. Please only send specimens with flowers and/or fruits (vegetative specimens to go to the vegetative referee John Poland). See full instructions under ‘Beginners’ Referees’ in the introduction to the Referee section.

Photographs: Dr Quentin Groom. Please email photographs, if possible including both full length shots and close-ups of flowers and/or fruits and notes about the plant’s habitat. See full instructions under ‘Beginners’ Referees’ in the introduction to the Referee section.

Miscellaneous subjects

Biographical details of British botanists: David Pearman.

Climate in relation to plant distribution: Vacant.

Folklore and Local Names: Roy Vickery (please also see his website www.plantlore.com).

Floras (Western Europe, to include France the Benelux Countries and the Iberian Peninsula): Martin Rand.

Herbaria: Vacant.

Infraspecific taxa of British phanerogams (references to descriptions and cultivation experiments): Vacant.

Maritime Drift Seeds (tropical seeds only): Dr John Edmondson and Declan Quigley.

Medicinal uses of British plants: Roy Vickery.

Interpretation of Botanical Nomenclature and Etymology: Margaret Souchier.

BSBI Database (Leicester)

The BSBI ‘Leicester’ Taxonomic Database is no-longer kept updated but still includes useful bibliographic and cytological information, as follows:

● Accepted names of vascular plants of the British Isles, with synonyms, as at 2000; it includes all names in List of vascular plants of the British Isles and its supplements (Kent, 1996; Kent & Stace, 2000), New Flora of the British Isles, 2nd ed. (Stace, 1997), Alien plants of the British Isles (Clement & Foster, 1994) and Alien grasses of the British Isles (Ryves et al., 1996).

● Accepted names of Charophytes of the British Isles, with synonyms.

● Authority citations using both ‘Meikle’ and ‘Brummitt & Powell’ abbreviations.

● Full bibliographic references to places of publication of plant names.

● ‘Kent’ reference numbers for families, genera, species and subspecies.

● BRC reference numbers for species and subspecies.

● Vernacular names in English, Gaelic, Welsh and Irish.

● Chromosome numbers of plants growing wild in the British Isles, with full documentation, including localities and literature references.

● Literature references relating to the British & Irish flora, covering the period 1958-2000, and including all BSBI publications from 1949 onwards. Field meeting reports are alsoincluded.

● Vice-county Census Catalogue (Stace et al. 2003) data, being all taxa in Kent’s List and Stace’s New Flora cross-referenced by the vice-counties in which each taxon occurs, and other data including a specified source for each record.

The Taxonomic Database is scheduled to be incorporated into the BSBI’s Distribution Database (DDb), so that all the information will be together ‘under one roof’, so to speak, allowing proper integration of the data. It is planned that the different tables will be edited/curated remotely by approved personnel.

The Taxonomic Database can be accessed here:

http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/BSBI/intro.php

Requests for further general information about the Taxonomic Database, and for specific assistance, should be sent with an s.a.e. to Dr Richard Gornall, BSBI Taxonomic Database, Biology Department, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH; (rjg@leicester.ac.uk). In your initial enquiry please give as much detail as possible about what you want to know.

ALPHABETICAL LIST OF NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF REFEREES

Please send any changes of addresses to membership@bsbi.org, copying in Martin Rand

Acock, Patrick., 13 Star Lane, St Mary Cray, Kent, BR5 3LJ; (pat.acock@btinternet.com)

Adams, Dr Ken, 63 Wroths Path, Baldwins Hill, Loughton, Essex, IG10 1SH; (ken.adams@virgin.net)

Akeroyd, Dr John, Caroline Cottage, The Dene, Hindon, Salisbury, SP3 6EE; (john@johnakeroyd.co.uk)

Alexander, Dr Crinan, Royal Botanic Garden, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR; (c.alexander@rbge.ac.uk)

Bailey, Dr John., 70 Gainsborough Road, Leicester, LE2 3DF; (john.jpb@googlemail.com)

Bateman, Prof. Richard, Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3DS; (r.bateman@kew.org)

Bell, Mike, 28 Tanwood View, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 2PN

Belyaeva, Dr Irina, Willow Mount, Proberts Barn Lane, Lydbrook, GL17 9NE; (willow.belyaeva2017@yandex.com)

Blackstock, Dr Nigel, 37 Leighton Drive, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 3GS; (blackstock8@aol.com)

Bradshaw, MBE, BSc, Dr Margaret, Lady’s Mantle, Hill Top, Eggleston, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, DL12 0AU; (mebhilltop@btinternet.com)

Burrow, Brian, 184 Torrisholme Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 2TD; (bburrow@hotmail.co.uk)

Carine, Dr Mark, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD; (M.Carine@nhm.ac.uk).

Carter, Dr Richard, 1 Broadlands Close, Dersingham, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6YS; (rcarter@rsk.co.uk)

Christofides, Dr Yiannis, 4607, Anogyra, Cyprus; (minerva9@cytanet.com.cy)

Coleman, Dr Max, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR; (mcoleman@rbge.ac.uk)

Cooke, Rob, 2 Barrowden Road, Ketton, Nr. Stamford, Rutland, PE9 3RJ; (123rjc@googlemail.com)

Copping, Arthur, The Nook, Swamp Lane, Roydon, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 5FY (Tel: 01379 642 109)

Crawley, Prof Mick, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot, SL5 7PY; (m.crawley@ic.ac.uk)

Crook, Cameron, Millstones, 8 Woodstock Close, Lostock Hall, Preston, Lancs., PR5 5YY; (cameron.crook@btopenworld.com)

Crouch, Dr Helena, Bronwen, Farrington Road, Paulton, Bristol, BS39 7LP; (helenacrouch@sky.com)

Culham, Dr Alastair, University of Reading Herbarium, School of Biological Sciences, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AS; (a.culham@reading.ac.uk)

Dalrymple, Dr Sarah, James Parsons Building, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF; (s.e.dalrymple@ljmu.ac.uk)

Davis, Dr Aaron, The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE; (a.davis@kew.org)

Davis, Chris, (chrisdavis@dbg.org)

Day, John, 3 Avon Close, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9PR; (jjday37@btinternet.com).

Denholm, Prof. Ian, 3 Osier Close, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1SH; (i.denholm@herts.ac.uk)

Duffell, Mark, 19 Compton Mews, Ford, Shrewsbury, SY5 9NX; (mark@arvensisecology.co.uk)

Earl, David, 25 Outram House, St Mary’s Avenue, Walton-le-Date, Preston, Lancs., PR5 4UR; (david.earl@lancashire.gov.uk)

Edmondson, Dr John, Long Chase Farm, Sundawn Avenue, Holywell, Flintshire, CH8 7BH; (a.books@mac.com)

Ferguson-Smyth, Claudia, Broughton Place, Flat C, Broughton, South Lanarkshire, ML12 6HJ; (claudia@ferguson-smyth.co.uk)

Forbes, Dr Ralph, Coolattin, 26 Castleward Road, Doctor’s Hill, Strangford, Co. Down, N. Ireland, BT30 7LU; (forbes.ralph@gmail.com)

Fryer, Jeanette, Cornhill Cottage, Honeycritch Lane, Froxfield, Petersfield, Hants., GU32 1BE; (Tel: 01730 827202)

Godfrey, Martin, 6 Darnford Close, Parkside, Stafford, ST16 1LR; (martinandrosie@aol.com)

Gornall, Dr Richard, Department of Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH; (rjg@leicester.ac.uk)

Green, Paul, Yoletown, Ballycullane, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Y34 XW62, Ireland; (paulbsbivcr4h12@gmail.com)

Groom, Dr Quentin, Meise Botanic Garden, Nieuwelaan 38, 1860 Meise, Belgium; (quentin.groom@plantentuinmeise.be)

Halliday, Dr Geoffrey, 26 Mowbray Drive, Burton-in-Kendal, Carnforth, Lancs., LA6 1NF; (geoffreyhalliday@btinternet.com)

Hannah, Angus, 21 Ferfadd Court, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, PA20 0HE; (butesedge@yahoo.co.uk)

Hardman, Mike, The White House, 8855 Chrysochou, Paphos, Cyprus; (mike@mikehardman.com)

Harley, Dr Ray, 372 Richmond Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT2 5PR; (rharley05@hotmail.com)

Harold, Dr Brenda, Farthings, The Green, Sarratt, Rickmansworth, Herts., WD3 6BP; (brendaharold@btinternet.com)

Hicks, Dr Damien, Defra, Ghyll Mt, Business Park, Gillan Way, Penrith CA11 9BP; (damien.hicks1@defra.gov.uk)

Jardine, Dr Nicholas, Dept. of History and Philosophy of Science, Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RH; (nj103@cam.ac.uk)

Jinks, Dr Richard, Forest Management Division, Forest Research, Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey, GU10 4LH; (richard.jinks@forestresearch.gov.uk)

Kay, Graeme, 4 Geneva Road, Bramhall, Cheshire, SK7 3HT; (graeme.m.kay@gmail.com)

Kitchener, Geoffrey, Cromlix, Otford Lane, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7EB; (geoffreykitchener@yahoo.com)

Lansdown, Richard, 45 The Bridle, Stroud, Glos., GL5 4SQ; (rvlansdown@gmail.com)

Leaney, Dr Bob, 122 Norwich Road, Wroxham, Norfolk, NR12 8SA (Tel: 01603 782462)

Lynes, Mark, Westlands, 21 Akeferry Road, Westwoodside, Doncaster, N. Lincolnshire, DN9 2DX; (maslyni@gmail.com), also on Twitter @AlchemillaMan

Maskew, Roger, Coppice House, Banalls Lane, Stoke Bliss, Tenbury Wells, Worcs., WR15 8RZ

Mason, Dr John, 24 St Medard Road, Wedmore, Somerset, BS28 4AY; (johnmason141@btinternet.com)

Mathew, Brian, 90 Foley Road, Claygate, Surrey, KT10 0NB; (brianfmathew@aol.com)

McAllister, Dr Hugh, University of Liverpool Botanic Gardens, Ness, Neston, S. Wirral, Cheshire, CH64 4AY; (h.a.mcallister@liverpool.ac.uk)

Metherell, Chris, Woodsia House, Main Street, Felton, Northumberland, NE65 9PT; (chris@metherell.org.uk)

Nelson, Dr Charles, Tippitiwitchet Cottage, 255A Broadgate, Sutton St Edmund, Spalding, Lincs., PE12 0LT; (tippitiwitchet@phonecoop.coop)

O’Mahony, Tony, 6 Glenthorn Way, Dublin Hill, Cork City, Ireland; (littlerobin23@outlook.com)

O’Reilly, John, 3 Railway Cottages, Lambley, Northumberland, CA8 7LL; 01434 321199, (john@ptyxis.com)

Parker, Dr David, 24 Beacon Drive, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 7ED; (davidparker215@btinternet.com)

Parker, Prof. John, River House, The Loke, Great Snoring, Norfolk, NR21 0HQ; (jsp25@cam.ac.uk)

Parratt, Matt, 25 Buccleuch Street, Innerleithen, EH44 6LB; (mattjrparratt@gmail.com)

Paul, Alison, Department of Botany, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD; (amp@nhm.ac.uk)

Pearman, David, Algiers, Feock, Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6RA; (dpearman4@gmail.com)

Pennington, Terry, The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE; (t.pennington@kew.org)

Pescott, Dr Oliver, Biological Records Centre, CEH Maclean Building, Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB; (oliver.pescott@ceh.ac.uk)

Pigott, Anthony, Kersey’s Farm, Mendlesham, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 5RB; (Anthony.Pigott@btinternet.com)

Poland, John, 13 Grasmere Close, Southampton, Hants, SO18 3NP; (jpoland197@yahoo.co.uk)

Porter, Mike C (Rubus), Aberhoywy Farm, Cyffredyn Lane, Llangynidr, Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1LR; (mikechris1@btinternet.com)

Porter, Mike S (Calamagrostis and Carex), 5 West Avenue, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9LG; (carexmike@yahoo.co.uk)

Prendergast, Alex, Bramble Cottage, Low Road, Lower Tasburgh, Norwich, Norfolk, NR15 1AR; (Alex.Prendergast@naturalengland.org.uk)

Preston, Dr Chris, 19 Green’s Road, Cambridge, CB4 3EF; (cdpr@ceh.ac.uk)

Quigley, Declan, Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Auction Hall, West Pier, Howth, Co Dublin, Ireland; (declan.quigley@sfpa.ie)

Rand, Martin, 3 Kings Close, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO53 2FF; (vc11recorder@hantsplants.net)

Randall, Rob, Ground Floor Flat, 12 The Vineyards, Bath, BA1 5NA; (Rob.Randall@brlsi.org)

Rayner, Dr Tim, Bronant, Cellan, Lampeter SA48 8JA; (timgjrayner@live.co.uk)

Rich, Dr Tim, 57 Aberdulais Road, Cardiff, CF14 2PH; (tim_rich@sky.com)

Richards, Prof. John, High Trees, South Park, Hexham, NE46 1BT; (hightreesgarden@btinternet.com)

Roberts, Jeremy, ‘Eden Croft’, 2 Wetheral Pasture, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA4 8HU; (f.j.roberts@icloud.com)

Rumsey, Dr Fred, 10 West Street, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5DQ; (rumsey2021@outlook.com)

Souchier, Margaret, 26A Dryden Avenue, London, W7 1ES; (m.e.souchier3@icloud.com)

Simpson, Dr Dave, 119 Barnfield Avenue, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 5RG; (d.simpson@kew.org)

Stephenson, Ray, 8 Percy Gardens, Choppington, Northumberland, NE62 5YH; (ray@sedumray.ndo.co.uk)

Stewart, Nick, 4 Hexton Road, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8H; (nfstewart@freeuk.com)

Twyford, Dr Alex, Institute of Evolutionary Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL; (Alex.Twyford@ed.ac.uk)

Ubsdell, Dr Francis, 65 Hill Street, Reading, Berks., RG1 2NT

Vallejo-Marin, Dr Mario, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA

Vickery, Roy, 9 Terrapin Court, Terrapin Road, London, SW17 8QW; (roy@plant-lore.com)

Walker, Timothy, Somerville College, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6HD; (timothy.walker@some.ox.ac.uk)

Wallace, John, 62 Oldcourt, Greenfields, Ballingcollig, Co. Cork, P31 DC60, Ireland; (johnwiegm@gmail.com)

Walls, Robin, 10 Old Brickfields, Broadmayne, Dorchester, DT2 8UY; (robin44walls@outlook.com)

Watson, Dr Mark, Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR; (m.watson@rbge.ac.uk)

Welch, Dr David, East Fernbank, Woodside Road, Banchory, Kincardineshire, AB31 5XL; (welcmd@gmail.com)

Wilcox, Michael, 43 Roundwood Glen, Greengates, Bradford, W. Yorks., BD10 0HW; (michaelpw22@hotmail.com)

Wilson, Dr Philip, Pennyhayes, Shute, Axminster, EX13 7QP; (PhilipJohnWilson@aol.com)

Wyse Jackson, Dr Peter, Missouri Botanic Garden, PO Box 299, St Louis, MO 631166, USA; (peter.wysejackson@mobot.org)

Field and Indoor Meetings Programme 2023

We hope that there will be no restrictions due to Covid-19 in 2023. If any are brought in, the BSBI Covid guidance will continue to be available from the BSBI Field meetings and indoor events web page and this will be updated as circumstances dictate. Details of any advertised meeting may then also change suddenly – check online or by contacting the meeting leader(s). For further information, contact the meeting leader(s) and/or the BSBI Field Meetings Secretary Jonathan Shanklin.

BSBI Field Meetings are both social and educational events, making them a great experience. In 2023 there are meetings specifically to help beginners and new members to see and to learn how to identify a wide range of species. We encourage beginners to start to learn the Latin names of plants and for this reason we use the form Latin name (Common Name). For some species, the currently accepted name is different to that given in field guides, and where this is the case the old name is given as [Latin name]. There are recording meetings, both to record “nice” sites and for local Floras. There are several “specialised” meetings that concentrate on particular groups of plants, though these aren’t necessarily just for specialists. We do encourage members and guests to take part. Unless stated otherwise, one day meetings are a full day and you will probably need to bring your own lunch.

The BSBI Field meetings and indoor events web page gives the current status of the planned field meetings and is “the place to go”. There you can select meetings of particular interest to you and there is a “mailto” link for booking or asking for further information. Most residential meetings have on-line booking and payment, and you can access this from the listing for that meeting. The deadline for the Yearbook means that there may be alterations or additions to the programme listed in the Yearbook, and these will be shown on the web page, which is regularly updated. Unfortunately we can’t include local group meetings in the web page listing, so you will need to hunt through the vice-county web pages to find them.

The entries for the field meetings give an indication of their type to help members choose the most appropriate ones for them.

Beginners: these meetings are specifically for beginners or new members, or have a large component that is suitable for beginners.

General: these meetings will usually explore the whole flora of an area, often with some recording. Beginners and experts are equally welcome. Specialised: the meeting will concentrate on one species or a particular group.

Recording: these meetings are often in support of a recording project or a local Flora and will involve all participants helping to log the flora. They are often less suitable for complete beginners, but beginners often find the most interesting plants.

Training: there will be a tutor (who may or may not be the leader) to help with basic or technical identification skills. Some training meetings are aimed at increasing the skills of improvers or widening the skills of experts, but others are aimed at complete beginners.

In addition, some meetings are given a “colour code” to give an indication of the terrain or amount of walking required. Green is easy going, yellow some steeper ascents or longer distances and red for mountainous terrain or long walks.

Booking your place at a Field or Indoor Meeting:

Booking by email or via Ticket Tailor is strongly encouraged. Please book with the given contact in advance for each meeting that you would like to attend so that the leaders can finalise meeting plans and let you know of any changes. A “mailto” link is shown in on the BSBI Field meetings and indoor events web page, and also in the pdf version of the Yearbook in the Members’ area Please let the organiser know if you are unable to attend as there may be a waiting list. Should members need to ask for further details before deciding to book, please confirm your booking with the organiser after making your decision. Phone bookings can be made by those without access to the internet, however they may put you at a disadvantage if there are unexpected changes of plan or last minute vacancies. If no phone number is given then please call our Fundraising Manager on the number given on the front page of the Yearbook. When you book (whether by email or phone), clearly state:

Booking for the BSBI meeting at on

Name

Address Telephone No. Email

It is also very helpful to indicate if you are coming by car and, if so, the number of spare seats available should you be willing to car share. It also helps if you can give an indication of your level of experience in plant identification. If a specific charge is not mentioned, there may be a small charge to cover expenses.

Please Note: Members, their guests and non-members attend meetings at their own risk. This risk includes the payment of any registration fee and for

accommodation at residential meetings, which cannot always be refunded if participants withdraw at short notice.

The leader has the right to refuse participation to those who are not adequately shod, clothed, or properly equipped. In difficult terrain numbers will be restricted; this applies also to sensitive habitats where numbers must be limited, and leaders have the right to reject bookings beyond the number agreed as the maximum for any particular site. On mountain meetings it is essential that all those attending exactly follow the leader’s instructions. If you fail to follow health & safety instructions, including any Covid guidance, at any meeting, you will be asked to leave the meeting.

Whilst some meetings are residential, at others members will need to arrange their own accommodation, which they will have to cancel if they are unable to attend the meeting or if the meeting itself is cancelled.

Guests of members, and non-members are welcome to participate in meetings if there is space, and they are expected to observe the same conditions as members. Where applicable, they must pay a registration fee, which may be set higher for nonmembers

The BSBI Field meetings and indoor events web page has a link to general guidance for participants at field meetings. This page also includes links to Safety in the Field and to the BSBI Code of Conduct for picking, collecting, photographing and enjoying wild plants. On field meetings no specimens should be picked, except when sanctioned by the leader. You can also see the BSBI’s Safeguarding Policy and Personal Data Policy on this page.

As soon as possible after the meeting, would leaders (or a nominated participant) please send a report as electronic copy, either as text or in Word, ideally with a couple of images, to Jonathan Shanklin, who will collate the reports for the 2024 Yearbook. Copy for day meetings should generally be up to 500 words and pro-rata for weekend or residential meetings. Please use Stace 4 names in the format Latin name (Common Name) in your reports. Guidance on style is in ‘Organising and Leading BSBI meetings’ on the BSBI meetings web page and reports will be edited if necessary.

BSBI Hon. Field Meetings Secretary: Jonathan Shanklin

Wednesdays: 1 February, 1 March, 6 December (General) Winter talks

A programme of winter talks is being planned. Details will be circulated in the monthly eNews and they will also be on the web page. The meetings will take place via Zoom and you will be able to book via the BSBI web pages

Thursday 16 and Friday 17 February (Training, Green)

Aquatic plant workshop, Belfast, NMNI herbarium (v.c.H39)

This meeting will be a herbarium workshop event located at the Ulster Museum, Belfast. The workshop will focus on aquatic plants and is aimed at members at all levels of expertise.

Leader: Nick Stewart

Contact: For more information and booking contact the BSBI Ireland Officer Paul Green

Sunday 26 February (General) England Annual Meeting and AGM

The fourth England Annual Meeting and AGM will be an afternoon Zoom meeting. In addition to a short AGM, there will be a mix of short talks and a keynote talk on the theme of alien plants. Further details will be on the England Annual Meeting web page and an email invitation will be extended to members.

Saturday 11 March (Training, Beginners)

An Introduction to Conifer Identification workshop, Nesscliffe, near Shrewsbury (v.c.40)

A joint meeting with the Wildflower Society and Shropshire Botanical Society

This will be a field-based workshop at Nesscliffe, near Shrewsbury. A range of different keys and other resources will be used to show the beginner and intermediate botanist how to accurately identify a range of conifer species. There will be a charge of £2 to cover the cost of printed resources including a mini-booklet. The number of participants will be capped at 15, but if there is sufficient demand the workshop may be run again later in the year.

Leader: Mark Duffell

Contact: Mark Duffell for further details and to book.

Saturday 1 April (General) Rosslare, Co. Wexford (v.c.H12)

This meeting is to look at early flowering spring plants on sandy soils, including dunes, and the urban weeds. This is a diverse habitat and will include plants such as Erophila majuscula (Hairy Whitlowgrass), Crassula tillaea (Mossy Stonecrop) and Laphangium [Gnaphalium] luteoalbum (Jersey Cudweed). There will be walking on dunes, and along pavements.

It will be flat walking. Please bring a packed lunch and appropriate gear. Meet: at 11:00 am in public parking area along roadside opposite church T096156.

Leader: Paul Green

Contact: Paul Green or mobile 0877782496

Friday 21 to Monday 24 April (Specialised)

Taraxacum training and recording weekend, Orton, Peterborough (v.c.32)

This is the ninth long weekend dedicated to the genus Taraxacum, and the first to be held in the English Midlands. In general, the dandelion flora of counties lying between Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Derbyshire is not well-known, and Northamptonshire has only 64 records of 42 species. Consequently there is the potential to make many new records and to fill in important gaps in species distributions. We aim to visit a variety of habitats including well-known species-rich limestone grasslands, flood meadows, country lanes and urban sites. We will be centred on Orton Hall Hotel and spa, which also provides pub-style meals and a room where we can meet in the evening. Alternative accommodation is available in local villages such as Helpston and Ufford.

Leaders: John Richards, Sarah Lambert

Contact: John Richards if interested, or for further details.

Saturday 22 April (General)

Irish Spring Conference, Glasnevin, Dublin (v.c.H21)

The Irish Spring Conference will be held at the National Botanical Gardens, Glasnevin. Further details will be on the Irish Conferences web page.

Saturday 6 May (General)

Course Wood, Co. Laois (v.c.H14)

This trip will explore Course Wood, located close to Durrow and situated along the River Nore. Course Wood has some alluvial woodland and is one of the best river walks in Laois. Most typical woodland species found in Laois can be found in Course Wood including several Equisetum spp. (Horsetails) and Mercurialis perennis (Dog's Mercury). We will walk along the River Nore and move from Course Wood to Knocknatrina Wood, further south. This wood has some Leucojum aestivum (Summer Snowflake)

Meet at Dunmore Wood car-park at 10:30 am (Grid Ref S413241). Dunmore Wood is signposted on the N77, about 1.2 km north of Durrow. The terrain is reasonable with amenity tracks. Dress for the weather. Bring a packed lunch.

Leaders: Mark McCorry, Fiona MacGowan

Contact: Mark or 353-87-7530718. Booking essential.

Friday 19 to Monday 22 May (Beginners, General, Recording, Training) Annual Spring Meeting, Killarney (v.cc.H1, H2)

The 2023 ASM will be based at the Castlerosse Hotel in Killarney. Limited single B&B accommodation will be available for around €120 per night through the BSBI. The Hotel also has two bedroom self-catering cottages. There are nearby campsites, or you can book your own accommodation elsewhere. There will be a mix of excursions

to interesting sites, recording trips and evening talks or workshops. Excursions will centre on Killarney National Park and adjacent rugged mountains and coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula. Habitats include Atlantic oak woodland, blanket bog and coastal dunes. A wide range of species for which Southwest Ireland is famous will be seen, including Hymenophyllum (Filmy-fern) species, Saxifraga spathularis (St Patrick's-cabbage), S. hirsuta (Kidney Saxifrage), Pinguicula grandiflora (Largeflowered Butterwort) and Arbutus unedo (Strawberry-tree) Further information will be available on the ASM page, where you will be able to register and book accommodation at the Hotel. Contact: Micheline Sheehy Skeffington or Jonathan Shanklin for further information.

Saturday 20 May (Beginners, General, Recording)

Victoria Park & Hackney Wick (v.c.21)

Joint with the London Natural History Society

We will be exploring the post-industrial streets and canals of East London as well as some recent habitat creation in Victoria Park. For those from outside London, this will be an ideal opportunity to see unusual non-natives such as Solanum chenopodioides (Tall Nightshade), Egeria densa (Large-flowered Waterweed) and Vallisneria spiralis (Tapegrass) This meeting is suitable for beginners and for more experienced botanists. Please bring a packed lunch.

Meet: at 11:00 am at Hackney Wick overground station, on Wallis Road (TQ37028458).

Leader: Mark Spencer

Contact: Mark. A. Spencer to book a space.

Sunday 21 May (Beginners, General) Scabbacombe Head, South Devon (v.c.3)

On this interesting walk from Scabbacombe Head, we should see Eryngium campestre (Field Eryngo), Festuca longifolia (Blue Fescue), Melittis melissophyllum (Bastard Balm), Hypochaeris glabra (Smooth Cat’s-ear) and much more as we follow the path down to Scabbacombe Sands then south on the cliff path to Ivy Cove. The route continues as a circular walk inland to the car park near Coleton Fishacre, where it might be possible to leave one or two cars. The route back to the start is along quiet lanes. Botanists of all standards, including beginners, welcome. Joint with Devonshire Association.

Leader: Roger Smith

Contact: Roger Smith for bookings and enquiries.

Thursday 25 May (General, Green)

Tain, E. Ross (v.c.106)

This all-day meeting will be held jointly between the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI), the Botanical Society of Scotland (BSS) and the Inverness Botany

Group. The day will be devoted to recording for the BSS Urban Flora Project and also to general BSBI recording. We will walk on mainly level footpaths, quiet roads and parkland and should only cover about two miles. Some of the walk will be by the shore with good views and we will also visit a cemetery and other habitats. If the tide is suitable, we may see both Zostera (Eelgrass) species. Ligusticum scoticum (Scots Lovage) is by the sea wall and Crassula tillaea (Mossy Stonecrop) is often on the gravelly paths. Dactylorhiza purpurella (Northern Marsh Orchid) may be in flower and Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage) is known from here. We will also look out for other coastal species.

Meet: We will aim to start at 10:30 am and finish around mid-afternoon.

Leaders: Brian Ballinger and Mary Dean

Contact: Further information and bookings from Brian Ballinger

Saturday 27 May (General, Green)

Hobson’s Park, Cambridge (v.c.29)

This meeting is specifically for beginners and new members of the BSBI, though all members are welcome to attend. It is designed as an introduction to botany with a chance to see both common and unusual species. The site is a newly developed urban park with both accidently introduced species such as Eriophorum angustifolium (Common Cottongrass) that came with deliberate introductions and native species such as Torilis arvensis (Spreading Hedge-parsley). We will walk around the site looking at different habitats and the plants within them. If there is time we will also look at some urban sites nearby. There are frequent trains to Cambridge and guided buses to the site are every 20 minutes. Participants are encouraged to use public transport.

Meet: 10:00 am at the guided busway Foster Road stop.

Leader: Jonathan Shanklin

Contact: Jonathan Shanklin for further information and to book.

Saturday 27 May (General)

Galmoy Fen and the Loughans Turlough, Co. Kilkenny (v.c.H11)

Galmoy Fen is a cutaway bog now covered with a floating mat of sedges – Cladium mariscus (Great Fen-sedge), Schoenus nigricans (Black Bog-rush) and Carex diandra (Lesser Tussock-sedge). It has a multitude of other species, some of them unexpected like Carex dioica (Dioecious Sedge), Antennaria dioica (Mountain Everlasting) and Plantago media (Hoary Plantain). Every visit brings a new surprise. We will follow a morning at the fen by a visit to the Loughans turlough which has not had a good recording session since 1991. Viola canina (Heath Dog-violet), Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder's-tongue) and Rorippa islandica (Northern Yellowcress) have old records here.

Meet: Galmoy village (Grid ref. S292714) at 10:30 am.

Leader: Robert Goodwillie

Contact: Roger Goodwillie (or 353-87-2443024) for more information. Booking is essential.

Monday 29 May (General, Recording)

Sidbury / Silk Hill, Salisbury Plain (v.c.8)

This meeting will take place on the eastern part of the Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA). Salisbury Plain, which is around the same size as the Isle of Wight, has been used by the military for training purposes for more than a century and is now the largest remaining tract of unimproved calcareous grassland in north-west Europe. We will visit Sidbury Hill and Silk Hill and should see the following: Filago pyramidata (Broadleaved Cudweed), Clinopodium acinos (Basil Thyme), Neotinea ustulata (Burnt Orchid), Astragalus danicus (Purple Milk-vetch), Tephroseris integrifolia (Field Fleawort) and other notable chalk downland plants.

Please note that there are restrictions on access to the ranges and army training will always take priority. We have chosen the Bank Holiday Monday as this is the least likely day for closure. However, it is still possible that we would have to cancel at short notice or restrict the area visited.

Visitors have to be accompanied by ‘red card holders’, who at present are allowed to take five visitors each. This means that we will have to limit numbers. Guests would need to book a place and leave us with contact details in case of changes. We plan to meet near Tidworth. In the words of John Moon, who will lead the outing, ‘getting there by public transport is just about possible’. Botanists of all standards welcome, including beginners.

Leaders: Richard Aisbitt, John Moon and Sharon Pilkington

Contact: Richard Aisbitt for more information and to book. Booking essential.

Saturday 3 June (Beginners, General, Training)

Glen Fender (v.c.89)

This meeting is particularly aimed at beginners/improvers. However, it will be of general interest also as Glen Fender is a place much appreciated by botanists for its calcareous grassland slopes that support a number of notable species. Beginners will be helped to identify the commonest species using the Pocket Guide to Wildflower Families – and hopefully some of the more unusual ones too. The terrain is not especially taxing, but strong footwear is a must. Booking is essential.

Leader: Faith Anstey

Contact: Faith Anstey

Saturday 10 June (Specialised, Training, Amber)

Sedges at Tarn Moor and Orton (v.c.69)

Tarn Moor is a rich botanical site on the Orton limestones of Westmorland and is a mosaic of base-rich and acidic areas. More than 25 different species of Carex have been recorded here with Carex capillaris (Hair Sedge), C diandra (Lesser Tussocksedge), C dioica (Dioecious Sedge), C elata (Tufted Sedge) and C hostiana (Tawny Sedge) probably the pick of the bunch. There are also numerous non-Carex sedges and records for three Carex hybrids, two of which we should certainly see. Many other attractive species, including Primula farinosa (Bird’s-eye Primrose) and

a fine array of orchids, are frequent and should be at their best in early June. If time allows we will also look at some drier limestone grassland near the village of Orton where C ornithopoda (Bird‘s-foot Sedge) grows.

All sedge enthusiasts are welcome, whether experienced or not, but numbers will be limited to 15 to minimise damage to fragile habitats. This will be a full day meeting so please bring packed lunch. The distance covered will not be great, 5 or 6 kilometres, but parts will be very wet so wellies or waterproof boots are essential. Although Tarn Moor can be idyllic at this time of year please come prepared for less clement conditions. There are no facilities at Tarn Moor but later in the day we will visit Orton which has a shop, cafes and toilets.

Contact: Mike Porter, preferably by email or by phone 016973 43086, mobile 07803 349 861, to book a place or request more details.

Saturday 10 June (General, Green)

Cunnigar, Co. Waterford (v.c.H6)

The Cunnigar is a long sandy spit that stretches out into Dungarvan Bay from the Ring Peninsula. This is a botanically diverse area with a number of different habitats present including saltmarsh and sand dune. Plants we hope to see include Glaucium flavum (Yellow Horned-poppy), Bolboschoenus maritimus (Sea Club-rush), Prunus cerasus (Dwarf Cherry), Anacamptis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchid), Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted-orchid) and possibly Glassworts (Salicornia spp.).

This is expected to be an easy walk with little to no inclines and we envisage the trip to be suitable for botanists of all levels. Please bring clothing and footwear suitable for all weather conditions, sun protection, a packed lunch and hand lens. Meeting point will be at the Cunnigar car park at 11:00 am. Booking is essential.

Leaders: Ann Trimble, Andrew Malcolm & Julie Larkin

Contact: Julie Larkin to book and for more information

Sunday 11 June (General, Amber)

Glenshelane, Co. Waterford (v.c.H6)

Glenshelane is a Coillte owned woodland that spans across two river glens. There is an extensive network of gently graded forest roads and trails within the area.

Glenshelane is a mix of broadleaf and conifer woodland and we expect to see a wide range of woodland flora. There is also the potential to see Neottia nidus-avis (Bird'snest Orchid) and Pinguicula grandiflora (Large-flowered Butterwort).

We envisage the trip to be suitable for botanists of all levels. There are some moderate inclines within the woodland but overall, the walk is not expected to be difficult. Please bring clothing and footwear suitable for all weather conditions, sun protection, a packed lunch and hand lens.

Meeting point will be at the Glenshelane car park at 11:00 am. Booking is essential.

Leaders: Ann Trimble, Andrew Malcolm & Julie Larkin

Contact: Julie Larkin to book and for more information

Saturday 17 June (Beginners, General, Recording)

Rammey Marsh (v.c.21)

Joint with the London Natural History Society

We will be walking to Enfield Lock and then following the Lea Navigation footpath north into Rammey Marsh. The marsh was badly damaged by fire in 2022, we will be examining the impact upon the flora. We will be hoping to re-find county scarce and raries species such as Anacamptis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchid), Dactylorhiza praetermissa (Southern Marsh-orchid), Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spottedorchid), Lathyrus aphaca (Yellow Vetchling), Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid) and Populus nigra subsp. betulifolia (Black Poplar). This meeting is suitable for beginners and for more experienced botanists

Meet: at 11:00 am at Enfield Lock overground station, on Ordnance Road (TQ36429876).

Leader: Mark Spencer

Contact: Mark. A. Spencer to book a space.

Saturday 17 June (General, including invertebrates)

Daneway Banks, East Gloucs (v.c.33)

Joint with the Royal Ecological Society meeting

This is a new venture to bring different interests together regarding conservation management for plants and invertebrates. Three short talks will be followed by a simple lunch and a 3-hour trip to the Royal Entomological Society Nature Reserve at Daneway Banks. The Large Blue butterfly should be in flight and it will form one aspect of the excursion. Other invertebrates of interest include the Rugged Oil Beetle and Pearl-bordered Fritillary Plants of interest include Anacamptis morio (Green-winged Orchid), Prunella laciniata (Cut-leaved Selfheal) and Galium pumilum (Slender Bedstraw). Numbers are limited to 15 members from each society and there will be a small charge for lunch and transport. Further information will be available on the meetings page, where you will be able to register and pay.

Contact: Micheline Sheehy Skeffington for further information.

Saturday 17 June (General)

Gorumna Island, Connemara, West Galway (v.c.H16)

A number of locations on Gorumna Island in south Connemara will be visited. The area contains a wide variety of botanically interesting habitats including dry heath, oligotrophic lake and coastal grassland. Sites for a number of rarer species such as Viola lactea (Pale Dog-violet), Crambe maritima (Sea-kale) and Anacamptis morio (Green-winged Orchid) are known from the island and will be revisited.

Meet: Gorumna Island (Grid ref. L890263). Specific meeting point to be arranged. Gortumna Island is connected to the mainland of Co. Galway via a bridge connecting it to Lettermore Island.

Leader: John Conaghan

Contact: John Conaghan (or phone 353-87-2239858) for more information. Booking is essential.

Sunday 18 June (Beginners, Training)

Plant Families Workshop, Holyrood Park Education Centre, Edinburgh (v.c.83)

The Plant Families workshops are suitable for anyone who can tell a buttercup from a daisy but wants to learn more about plant identification within a structured framework. There will be a mix of classwork, small groups with expert tutors, and fieldwork, following the principle of 'finding the family first'. This is a tried and tested way of getting to grips with ID instead of just playing 'snap' with a field guide or wading through incomprehensible keys. A copy of the booklet on which the course is based – Pocket Guide to Wildflower Families by Faith Anstey – will be included in the charge for the workshop: £40 (50% discount for BSBI members and full-time students). Places are limited, booking essential.

Leader: Aileen Meek

Contact: Aileen Meek

Saturday 24 June (General, Recording)

Deep Dale Plantlife Nature Reserve, Sheldon, Derbyshire (v.c.57)

Deep Dale nature reserve comprises a range of vegetation types, most notably calcareous grassland along the steep north-west facing bank along the side of the dale. Historical lead mining has given rise to small areas of calaminarian grassland. The reserve also contains Hazel dominated woodland, several areas of Hawthorn scrub, the location of a Romano-British village and some areas of more neutral grasslands. Species of note likely to be found during the visit include: Epipactis atrorubens (Dark-red Helleborine), Rubus saxatilis (Stone Bramble), Galium sterneri (Limestone Bedstraw), Sabulina [Minuartia] verna (Spring Sandwort), Viola lutea (Mountain Pansy), Saxifraga hypnoides (Mossy Saxifrage) and Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage).

Access to the reserve from the public car park is along roughly 400 m of footpath which is rocky in places and features one stile within the reserve boundary wall. The reserve is open access so it can be explored at will. There is a pay and display car park, that is cars/motorcycles only and a day ticket is currently £4.75. There are toilets available. All standards of botanists welcome, including beginners. Numbers may be limited.

Leaders: Andrew Kearsey and Elizabeth Cooke

Contact: Andrew Kearsey, Nature Reserves Manager for Plantlife, to book and for further information.

Saturday 24 June (General)

John Muir Country Park, West Barns, Dunbar (v.c.82)

The meeting will visit the coastal flora in the dunes, as well as the salt marshes with sedges. We shall also look at the special grasses that grow in the area. These include

Festuca arenaria (Rush-leaved Fescue), Parapholis strigosa (Hard-grass), Brachypodium pinnatum (Heath False-brome) and Corynephorus canescens (Grey Hair-grass).

Meet at Linkfield Car Park NT651786 at 10:00 am with packed lunch and equipped for a day in the field. Parking charge is £2.50. Follow signs off the A1087 Dunbar.

Leaders: Marion Moir and Caspian Richards

Contact: Marion Moir for bookings and further details.

Saturday 24 June (General, Training)

Glenbower Woods, Killeagh, Co. Cork (v.c.H5)

This is a training meeting to learn tree identification. The wood has many paths and a good mixture of habitat. There is a large variety of trees to be found in the wood, as well as the native species, there is a large number of planted non-native trees. Meet at Glenbower Woods car park (X00097734) at 11:00 am. Booking is essential as numbers will be limited.

Leaders: Paul Green and Edwina Cole

Contact: Paul Green or mobile: 0877782496 to book and for more information

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June (General, Recording)

Crohy Head, West Donegal (v.c.H35)

The Crohy Head area is one of the most remote and least developed parts of the Donegal coastline as well as being one of the most scenic. We hope to see Ajuga pyramidalis (Pyramidal Bugle), albeit out of season. Several small lakes need exploring; Eriocaulon septangulare (Pipewort) and Isoetes lacustris (Quillwort) have been found, and pondweed records are required for the area. The lagoon at Maghery is known for its charophytes and for both species of Ruppia (Tasselweed) The extensive dry heath, with characteristic Juniperus communis (Juniper) and Empetrum nigrum (Crowberry) also has many scarcer species; Diphasiastrum alpinum (Alpine Clubmoss) was seen in 1965. We will explore from Terman and Maghery in the north, to Falchorrib and Trawenagh Bay in the south.

Meet each day at the south end of Maghery Strand (B715090), at 10:30. There is plenty of accommodation between there and Dungloe (B7611), but it would be wise to book early. There are trails we can follow, but be prepared for some rough, heathery ground.

Leaders: Ralph Sheppard and Robert Northridge

Contact: Ralph Sheppard (or 00353 (0) 873301677); please give your email address and phone number in case we need to contact you on the days of the field trip.

Friday 30 June to Sunday 2 July (Recording, Specialist)

Rubus Weekend, Hertfordshire (v.c.20)

We will explore parts of Hertfordshire and Middlesex with a view to adding to our knowledge of the distribution of Rubus (Bramble) species in these vice counties. Details for this meeting will be on the BSBI Field and Indoor Meetings web page.

Leaders: Astrid Biddle, David Earl, Rob Randall

Contact: Astrid Biddle for further details and to book.

Saturday 1 July (Specialist, Training)

Introduction to Bramble Identification, Maybole (v.c.75)

Brambles form an important element of our flora, which many botanists are reluctant to investigate in detail. This meeting offers an introduction to bramble identification for anybody who has yet to embark on a personal exploration of, or feels in need of basic revision about, this fascinating group of plants. In the indoor morning session we will work through the characters needed to identify a specimen and in the afternoon try out our new skills on some local bushes.

Leader: Angus Hannah

Contact: Angus Hannah. Booking is essential.

Saturday 1 July (Training, Beginners)

Plant Families Workshop, Dulnain Bridge (v.c.95)

The Plant Families workshops are suitable for anyone who can tell a buttercup from a daisy but wants to learn more about plant identification within a structured framework. There will be a mix of classwork, small groups with expert tutors, and fieldwork, following the principle of 'finding the family first'. This is a tried and tested way of getting to grips with ID instead of just playing 'snap' with a field guide. or wading through incomprehensible keys. A copy of the booklet on which the course is based – Pocket Guide to Wildflower Families by Faith Anstey – will be included in the charge for the workshop: £40 (50% discount for BSBI members and full-time students). Places are limited, booking essential.

Leader: Aileen Meek

Contact: Aileen Meek

Sunday 2 July (General)

Strandhill, Co Sligo (v.c.H28)

Good variety of species including several orchids. Habitats, beach, dunes and dune slacks.

Meet: Main Car park, Strandhill G606357 (not the beachfront CP which has limited spaces) at 10:30 am to start at 11:00 am

Contact: Eamon Gaughan or phone 0860590323.

Saturday 8 July (General)

Derrycassin Woods and surroundings, Co. Longford (v.c.H24)

This trip will visit Derrcashin woods and surrounding habitats including a disused quarry, quite lanes and lake shoreline. There are also some boggy habitats with cutover bog present. Derrycashin Woods is in North-east Longford adjacent to Lough Gamhina. It is an amenity woodland with some mature conifers and other woodland habitats. This trip will be suitable for everyone.

Meet at the football pitch adjacent to Derrycashin Woods (N311859) at 11:00 am.

Leader: Ciaran Bruton

Contact: Ciaran Bruton (or phone 353-86 2319001) to book and for more information.

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July (Recording, Specialist)

Bramble Recording Weekend, Maybole (v.c.75)

Following on from the training day held on the previous Saturday, this meeting is for people with some knowledge of bramble identification who are willing to assist to record brambles in the area, which historically has not been well covered. The meeting will probably begin informally on the Friday (July 7) and can be extended into Monday if anyone is keen to do so. Additional specimens from around the Clyde area will be available for inspection/identification.

Leader: Angus Hannah

Contact: Angus Hannah. Booking is essential and numbers are strictly limited. Participants will need to organise their own accommodation and early booking is advised.

Monday 10 to Monday 17 July (General, Training, Green/Amber)

Glynhir Recording Week (Residential), Carmarthenshire (v.c.44)

The week-long annual Carmarthenshire Recording and Monitoring Meeting will include visits to sites around the county. The meeting will cater for both experienced and less proficient botanists and will provide an opportunity for the informal development of identification skills. Arrangements will be flexible, some days the group may stay as one body, other days smaller groups will visit different sites to monitor rare or scarce species or update grid squares not visited recently. Day outings will be tailored to individual needs to cover all fitness abilities.

Glynhir Mansion is located about 2 km east of Llandybie on the western flank of Mynydd Du (the Black Mountain) at SN640151. The River Llwchwr runs through the estate and at one point plunges over a 10 m waterfall into a humid, rocky gorge where Dryopteris aemula (Hay-scented Buckler-fern), Hymenophyllum tunbrigense (Tunbridge Filmy-fern) and Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) are among the ferns growing on the cliffs. There will be ample opportunity in the timetable to visit the site. Large parkland trees provide the setting to the mansion, including Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime), and there remains much scope for further discoveries to be made in the vicinity.

The cost of the week from lunchtime on 10 July to breakfast on 17 July, including bed, breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals, will be approximately £600.00 and will be limited to about 15 participants. Accommodation for part of the week will be charged pro rata. A limited number of ensuite rooms are available on a first-come first-served basis. Participants not requiring accommodation will also be welcome on a day to day basis. A 35% deposit will be required by Glynhir on booking.

Leaders: Kath & Richard Pryce

Contact: Initial bookings, preferably by the end of January, to Kath and Richard Pryce

Mobile phone no. 07900 241371. There is further information on the Carmarthenshire web page.

Friday 14 to Sunday 16 July (Recording, Specialised)

Rubus recording weekend, Darlington (v.c.66)

Based in the Darlington area, we will explore parts of County Durham and North Yorkshire (particularly along the wooded river valleys systems) with a view to adding to our knowledge of the distribution of Rubus species in the region of North-East England.

Leader: David Earl

Contact: David Earl if interested, or for further details.

Saturday 15 July (Beginners, General)

Rufford Colliery, Nottinghamshire (v.c.56)

Rufford Colliery is a vast area with a mosaic of habitats created by clearance of the colliery yards, railway lines and headstocks. A wide range of county rare and scarce species, England red data list species and rare neophytes have been recorded. We will be checking on some of the county rare species such as Euphorbia stricta (Upright Spurge), Carex arenaria (Sand Sedge) (only native site on Sherwood Sandstones), Omalotheca sylvatica [Gnaphalium sylvaticum] (Heath Cudweed), Lythrum portula (Water-purslane), Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal) and Persicaria mitis (Tasteless Water-pepper), but also searching for new taxa. Extensive surveys have been carried out since the colliery closed, but new species are found on every visit. Botanists of all standards, including beginners, welcome. Numbers are likely to be restricted because of the site owners’ safety requirements.

Leaders: Mark Woods and David Wood

Contact: Mark Woods for bookings and enquiries.

Saturday 15 July (General)

Ballycroy, Co. Mayo (v.c.H27)

This trip will explore some of the habitats at Wild Nephin National Park. Some coastal habitats and blanket bog habitats will be explored close to the visitor centre at Ballycroy.

Meet at Ballycroy Visitor Centre Car Park (Grid ref 805098) at 10:00 am.

Leader: Eoin McGreal

Contact: Eoin McGreal (or 087 6479925) for more information. Booking is essential

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 July (Recording, Amber)

Northern Fannichs, NH17/NH27 (v.c.105)

The plants in this area remain surprisingly poorly recorded, despite it having been visited by a steady stream of botanists since Druce’s first reports from Beinn Liath

Bheag and Sgurr Mor c.1902. An issue in the past has been poor understanding of the boundary with v.c.106, so great care will be taken on this visit to record using accurate grid references. Targets for re-finds include Alchemilla glomerulans (Clustered Lady's-mantle), Athyrium distentifolium (Alpine Lady-fern), Carex atrata (Black Alpine-sedge), C. vaginata (Sheathed Sedge), Cerastium cerastoides (Starwort Mouse-ear), Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. alpina (Alpine Hair-grass), Juncus castaneus (Chestnut Rush) and Salix lapponum (Downy Willow); help from a Hieracium expert would be particularly welcome, since Archie Kenneth and others noted an impressive number of taxa in 1960-1990. Attendees need to be fit enough to walk up mountains. Attendees will be responsible for their own accommodation, options including camping or indoors at Aultguish Inn, Inchbae Hotel or, further afield, in Ullapool: early booking advisable.

Leader: Duncan Donald

Contact: Duncan Donald if interested in attending or for further details Booking is essential.

Saturday 22 July (Beginners, General, Recording)

Monken Hadley Common (v.c.21)

Joint with the London Natural History Society

This is the last remaining unenclosed part of the former Enfield Chase. On the very edge of modern Greater London, we will be aiming to record a range of species such as Achillea ptarmica (Sneezewort), Blitum bonus-henricus (Good King Henry), Calluna vulgaris (Heather), Danthonia decumbens (Heath-grass), Galium saxatile (Heath Bedstraw) and Hydrocotyle vulgaris (Marsh Pennywort) that are now increasingly rare in Middlesex. This meeting is suitable for beginners and for more experienced botanists.

Meet: at 11:00 am at the entrance to St Mary's Church, Hadley Green Road, Monken Hadley (TQ24989740).

Leader: Dr Mark Spencer

Contact: Dr Mark. A. Spencer to book a space.

Saturday 22 July (Training)

Grasses, Sedges and Rushes, Ben Lawers (v.c.88)

Joint with National Trust for Scotland

This meeting will provide field training in the identification of grasses, sedges and rushes and repeats the training event held previously at Ben Lawers. Although initially designed to consolidate the skills of attendees on BSBI Scotland workshops, past experience has shown that previous attendance at relevant workshops is not a prerequisite. Copies of the booklets Start to Identify Grasses and Start to Identify Sedges & Rushes are recommended and will be available for purchase on the day.

The meeting is open to all members of BSBI, NTS and anyone else interested, whatever level they are at. After some revision on what to look for, we will split into those who want to go on up the hill (perhaps those with more experience of grasses etc) and those preferring to stay on lower ground (and/or perhaps needing more ID guidance). Places are limited, booking essential.

Leaders: Dan Watson and Faith Anstey

Contact: Faith Anstey

Sunday 23 July (Beginners) Mugdock Country Park (v.c.86)

This meeting will explore the varied flora of Mugdock Country Park and its surroundings, with an emphasis on learning, and we would particularly welcome anyone who has not been on a BSBI field meeting before. With a wide range of habitats present, including woodland, grassland, heathland, marshes and lochs, there should be many interesting plants to encounter, hopefully including species such as Platanthera chlorantha (Greater Butterfly-orchid) and Nuphar pumila (Least Waterlily). The Park has a good footpath network and excellent facilities, including cafes, toilets and even a garden centre for the horticulturally inclined. The Park is also accessible by public transport from Glasgow Queen Street (train then bus). Places are limited, so booking is essential.

Leader: Matt Harding

Contact: Matt Harding

Saturday 29 July (Training) Grasses Workshop, Birnam (v.c.88)

This workshop aims to introduce identification of common grasses to beginners and improvers who already have a basic grasp of plant ID. There will be a mix of classroom study and fieldwork, much of it in small groups with expert tutors. The programme will be based on Start to Identify Grasses by Faith Anstey, a copy of which will be included in the cost of the workshop: £40 (50% discount for BSBI members and full-time students). Places are limited, booking essential.

Leader: Martin Robinson

Contact: Faith Anstey

Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 August (General)

Wales Annual Meeting & AGM, Gregynog Hall, Newtown (v.c.47)

The 2023 BSBI Wales Annual Meeting, exhibition and AGM together with the associated field excursions will be based at Gregynog Hall, near Newtown. The theme is wetlands - canal, floodplain, rivers, pools and upland bogs. Accommodation will be in single-occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms.

A preliminary programme has been prepared that includes:

• Field visits to local sites of botanical interest. We hope to be able to see Luronium natans (Floating Water-plantain), Potamogeton compressus (Grass-wrack Pondweed), Limosella aquatica (Mudwort), Sparganium natans (Least Bur-reed), Carex magellanica (Tall Bog-sedge), and Pilularia globulifera (Pillwort) depending on suitable site access and the weather.

• Botanical workshops and a keynote talk by Alastair Hotchkiss.

• The BSBI Wales AGM.

• Exhibits and posters prepared by members.

Booking and online payment will be possible via the Wales AGM webpage. Accommodation has been reserved for 25 people so early booking is advised (booking deadline 21 April 2023). More details will be available on the website in due course.

Organiser: Kate Thorne (Vice-county recorder v.c.47)

Saturday 5 to Friday 11 August (General, Recording) Barra Islands (v.c.110)

The meeting will be based on the MV Cuma, a converted fisheries vessel (see www.island-cruising.com) with pickup and setdown at Lochmaddy, North Uist (to travel with the boat towards Barra). We will visit a range of islands and islets around Barra, including some of the islands to the south which have a variety of habitats including machair and moorland. The larger islands have reasonable lists, but have not been recorded in tetrads or monads, and this meeting will provide detailed records for a new flora. Several smaller islands are completely unrecorded. The terrain is generally rough, but there should be a variety of easier and more strenuous options each day. The cost is £1100 per person full board, sleeping on the boat, which takes 12 people, so please book early, preferably by the end of February.

Leader: Paul Smith

Contact: Paul Smith (or 8 Locks Road, Locks Heath, Southampton, SO31 6NT) for further details and to book

Saturday 19 August (Beginners, General, Recording, Amber) Syon Park (v.c.21)

Joint with the London Natural History Society

Syon Park has the last remaining extensive stretch of semi-natural and un-embanked landscape adjoining the Thames in Greater London. We aim to record the flora in this important landscape (permission pending!) and rediscover, hopefully, some lost treasures such as Sium latifolium (Greater Water-parsnip), Cyperus longus (Galingale), Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal) and Persicaria mitis (Tasteless Waterpepper). Please note, the terrain is unlikely to be easy going and may be flooded depending upon the tide. If this the case, we will focus on exploring other areas of the park. This meeting is suitable for beginners and for more experienced botanists. Meet: at 11:00 am on the junction of London Road and Park Road (TQ17107717) on the Thames Path route.

Leader: Mark Spencer

Contact: Mark. A. Spencer to book a space.

Sunday 20 August 2022 (Training)

Plant Identification for Habitat Surveys, Dumyat (v.c.87)

This meeting aims to introduce participants to the main indicator species which assist in habitat classifications, touching on several Phase 1 habitats and NVC plant communities. The workshop is not suitable for complete beginners but is more aimed at those who have some basic or intermediate plant identification skills who are also

interested in understanding the relationships between plant species and the habitats in which they grow. (Please note that this is not a training course on Phase 1 habitat or NVC surveys but rather a workshop to assist participants in identifying key plant species in different habitats).

The meeting is open to all members of BSBI and BSS or anyone else who may have an interest (Priority will be given to BSBI and BSS members in the first instance). It is likely that the workshop will involve some rough walking over the open hill in places. Come prepared for a day in the hills! Places are limited, booking essential.

Leader: Lindsay Mackinlay

Contact: Lindsay Mackinlay

Saturday 2 September (Training)

Ferns for Beginners Workshop, New Lanark (v.c.77)

This workshop aims to introduce the identification of some common ferns and is for "complete and utter beginners" in fern identification. Ferns are often thought of as difficult, so participants will gain some foundational knowledge which may then be confidently built upon through outings, field meetings and workshops elsewhere. Introductory work in the classroom with experienced tutors will be followed by fieldwork in the spectacular surroundings of the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Falls of Clyde Reserve . The programme will be tailored carefully, assuming no previous knowledge. All course materials will be provided and included in the cost of the workshop: £40 (50% discount for BSBI members and full-time students). Places are limited, booking essential.

Leader: Michael Philip

Contact: Michael Philip

Saturday 2 September (Beginners, Specialist, Green) Co. Wexford (v.c.H12)

This will be a day learning fern ID. It is aimed at the Dryopteris affinis group, but we will look at all ferns. We will visit more than one site, and it should be fairly level walking. Location to be confirmed.

Leaders: Alison Evans and Paul Green

Contact: Paul Green or mobile 0877782496 for more information and joining details.

Sunday 3 September (Recording, Amber)

Traeth Lligwy, NE Anglesey (v.c.52)

An opportunity to help record in varied coastal habitats in NE Anglesey as part of the ongoing monad-based updating of the Anglesey Flora. We will concentrate our efforts in SH4987, looking closely at strand line, sand dune, soft coastal cliff, saltmarsh, heath, scrub and unimproved grassland habitats. We hope to relocate a twenty year old record of Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal) at its only known Anglesey site as well as assess the populations of two horsetail hybrids (Equisetum x fontqueri and E. x robertsii) and search for Helictochloa pratensis (Meadow Oat-grass). We will be joined by members of the Anglesey Flora Group. Please wear appropriate footwear and bring sun cream and waterproofs

Meet: 10:00 at beach car park at Traeth Lligwy (Lligwy Beach) SH493873 - car parking charge applies. Site has toilets and small cafe facilities.

Leaders: Nigel Brown and Ian Bonner

Contact: Nigel Brown for further information and booking (essential). Numbers limited to c.15 participants.

Saturday 9 September (General, Amber)

Wallasea Island, Essex (v.c.18)

Wallasea Island lies more or less at sea-level at the confluence of the Rivers Crouch and Roach. It was formerly a site of intensive agriculture, but under the management of the RSPB and with the deposition of vast amounts of substrate from the Crossrail excavations, it is being transformed. A range of habitats is being created over several square kilometres, and coastal realignment is taking place, with the removal of a section of seawall. This is allowing the development of an extensive transitional intertidal zone, a rare thing in Essex where transitional zones are usually prevented from developing by the presence of seawalls.

Our visit is timed to fall between the sensitive bird breeding and wintering seasons, and is optimal for many of the late-growing coastal plants of the region in particular the Chenopodiaceae. The habitats are continuing to mature, and, because of the site’s location and recent history, we should expect the unexpected.

This is a day-long meeting. Access to the site is really only possible by road. The site is quite isolated, with no nearby shops or hostelries, so please bring everything that you will need for the day. There is a portable toilet located at the carpark. The terrain is moderate. It is largely flat, but we will encounter steep-sided seawalls, borrowdykes and ditches, and the intertidal zone may be uneven or muddy.

Leader: Sven Wair

Contact: Sven Wair for bookings and enquiries.

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September (General)

Poulaweala Creek and Limerick City (v.c.H8)

This is two days of very different habitats. On the Saturday we will be exploring the coast looking at saltmarshes where we hope to learn how to identify Salicornia (Glassworts), Atriplex (Orache) and many other coastal plants. The Sunday will be a complete contrast as we will be exploring the urban flora of Limerick City.

Leaders: Tanya Slattery and Paul Green

Contact: Paul Green or mobile: 0877782496 for booking and further information.

Saturday 16 September (Training)

Newry (West), Co. Armagh (v.c.H37)

The purpose of this meeting is to acquaint participants with some of the up-andcoming, as well as the long-established weeds, of urban Ireland. As a transport hub with a mainline railway, both used and disused canals, and a port area developed for recreation, it has a rich urban flora, including Potamogeton trichoides (Hairlike Pondweed) at its first confirmed Irish site, Galinsoga quadriradiata (Shaggy Soldier) and two species of Erigeron (Fleabanes). Our aim will be to refind and quantify some

of the less common species and foster interest in a sometimes neglected aspect of the Irish flora.

Meet in car park at Newry Railway Station (Grid Ref J069279). Time to be arranged.

Leader: John Faulkner

Contact: John Faulkner (or phone 028 38891317).

Sunday 17 September (General, Recording)

Caughwell and Monivea South-east Galway (v.c.H15) and North-east Galway (v.c.H17)

There are a number of small lakes and ponds on both limestone and cut over raised bog in the area; few have been surveyed. The day will be spent exploring these sites, (bring grapnels and chest waders if available). We expect to find a mixture of charophytes and acid loving water plants but anticipate some sites may be damaged by excess phosphorus.

Meet: Croughwell railway station at 10:30 am.

Leader: Cilian Roden

Contact: Cilian Roden for more details and joining information.

Saturday 23 September (General)

Irish AGM and Autumn Conference, Glasnevin, Dublin (v.c.H21)

The Irish AGM and Autumn Conference will be held at the National Botanical Gardens, Glasnevin. Further details will be on the Irish Conferences web page.

Friday 6 to Sunday 8 October (Recording, Green) Recorders’ Meeting, Preston Montford, Shropshire (v.c.40)

This residential meeting is aimed at all members, especially VCRs and referees, who make botanical records. There will be a mix of talks, walks and workshops, with plenty of time for general discussion.

Contact: Jonathan Shanklin for enquiries. There will be a Ticket Tailor booking page.

Saturday 4 November (General)

Scottish Botanists’ Conference, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh (v.c.83)

When available there will be more information on the Conference web page.

Thursday 16 November (General)

BSBI AGM

Further details will be on the AGM web page.

Saturday 18 November (TBC) (General)

BSBI British & Irish Botany Conference

Further details will be on the Conference web page

Field Meeting Reports: 2022

After two years of Covid restrictions, field meetings were able to resume in full this year. This section of the Yearbook gives an account of many of them and you will find a few others described in the pages of the country newsletters. We have tried to make sure that the reports are of general interest and for this reason use the format Latin name (Common Name) on first occurrence, so that beginners can begin to learn the Latin names of plants.

Taraxacum training weekend and recording workshop, Portpatrick (v.c.74), 6 – 9 May Caspian Richards

The eighth study weekend dedicated to the genus Taraxacum (Dandelions) took place in May 2022 in the far south-west corner of Scotland, the Rhins of Galloway.

The workshop was originally planned for 2020, but postponed then and the following year due to Covid restrictions. In the intervening period a new Field Handbook by group leader and Taraxacum expert John Richards was published by BSBI (Richards, A.J. (2021). Field Handbook to British and Irish Dandelions. B.S.B.I. Handbook no.23. Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland, Durham), providing a first opportunity at this workshop for the thirteen participants to apply the Handbook in the field under the tutelage of the author.

The Field Handbook distinguishes 239 British and Irish Dandelion species, classified into nine Sections, with a further subdivision of 12 groups within the largest of those (Section Taraxacum, previously termed Section Ruderalia). Beginning on the Friday evening with an introductory session in the village of Portpatrick, we met in the Village Hall to work through a selection of dandelion specimens collected by some workshop participants on their journeys, or cultivated at home in buckets. After having been guided through an initial application of the keys and introduced to some of the principal distinguishing features (such as petiole colour; form of involucral bracts; colour of ligule stripes and teeth; presence or absence of pollen; and degree of heterophylly, or variation in leaf form from outer to inner leaves), we made a first excursion around the village, armed with the tools of the dandelion-hunter’s trade: a trowel, knife, and handlens.

The two main workshop days and final Monday morning session took us out in the field to explore a range of locations within ready driving distance of Portpatrick: Wig Bay; Stranraer; Sandhead; Ardwell; Port Logan; Auchenmalg Bay; and Whitefield Loch. This provided a good range of habitats which, while primarily coastal, also included woodland, road verge and urban sites, all with different ranges of Taraxacum species to offer. Taraxalogical discussions continued into the evening in Portpatrick

restaurants, with a final opportunity after dinner to gather at the Village Hall to look at specimens gathered during any individual late afternoon explorations.

Over the course of the long weekend, the workshop yielded a total of 75 separate Taraxacum species, 46 of which were new to the Vice County, and 4 new to Scotland. Particular highlights included Taraxacum chrysoglossum (Section Celtica), which is otherwise only known on Bute, Arran, and two other Northern Scottish sites, and was found at Killantringan lighthouse near Portpartick. T. chrysoglossum resembles T. luteum (also recorded over the weekend, and a first for the Vice County) in having only very faint ligule stripes (none in T. luteum), and therefore a strikingly bright yellow flowering head. Strandlines offered a good range of Section Erythrosperma species, while a small area of urban grassland between a car park and the shore in Stranraer proved unexpectedly diverse, with a combination of wet marshy patches and drier municipal grassland providing 30 species across sections Hamata, Celtica, Taraxacum and Erythrosperma.

The group spanned a wide range of previous experience of Taraxacum identification, as well as wider botanical expertise, which provided opportunities for briefer divergences into other challenging species such as Fumaria, Sorbus and Salix over the course of the weekend as opportunities presented themselves. Other species of note found along the way included Mertensia maritima (Oysterplant), Catapodium marinum (Sea-fern grass), Fumaria bastardii (Tall Ramping-fumitory), and Vicia lutea (Yellow-vetch).

For a near-novice in dandelions such as myself, the study weekend was an ideal foundation to build on in future years’ meetings, offering an opportunity to learn from the leading UK Taraxacum expert and others with substantial prior knowledge by working through the process of identification with a wide range of species in the field. Based on my own experience, those interested in attending a future Taraxacum study weekend for the first time can expect a rich experience where an initial understanding of the main differentiating features amongst the taxa in the genus can be achieved, together with the ability to distinguish some of the more readily identifiable common species, such as T. boekmanii with its bright purple midrib and beetroot-like leaf veining; and T. pseudolarssonii with its water-soluble colouring on the leaves which fades distinctively to give a washed-out appearance. A 2023 training weekend is planned in Northamptonshire, for which details will be available in due course.

Limehouse Basin and Limehouse Cut (v.c.21), 14 May Mark Spencer

We met at Limehouse Docklands Light Railway on a bright and sunny morning. The meeting was planned as part of the recording for the London Natural History Society’s

‘London Flora Project’. The Limehouse area has a rich industrial heritage and Limehouse Cut, opened in 1770, is London’s oldest canal. As we left the DLR, we were greeted by one of London’s more successful non-native species, Senecio inaequidens (Narrow-leaved Ragwort), a plant hailing from southern Africa but now rapidly spreading along trunk roads in a manner similar to the spread of its (pretty distant) relative Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort) on railways in the 19th century. As we arrived at Limehouse Basin, the approaching heat became more evident. We spent quite a bit of time introducing various common street plants to those visiting from out of town. Plants such as Erigeron karvinskianus (Mexican Fleabane), Laphangium [Gnaphalium] luteoalbum (Jersey Cudweed) and Polypogon viridis (Water-bent) may now be very familiar to botanical urbanistas, but they remain relatively uncommon further afield, especially in the north.

We also discussed the recent massive increase in the abundance of Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue-leaved Saxifrage) in the London area. For the beginners in particular, appreciation of this lovely plant was aided by the use of x10 hand lenses which I brought along. While I was describing the amazing change in fortune of this species in London (only 20 years ago, it was very rare), I was side-lined by a fantastically drab grass that someone presented to me. After some botanical debate, banter and umming and ahhing with Mario Maculan (a stalwart of the LNHS who has eagle eyes), I pronounced this to be Ehrharta erecta (Panic Veldtgrass) a very rare non-native with only 10 records in the BSBI DDb since 1970. The cause of the debate with the initially unconvinced Mario was that since January 2021 he has made two of those records, one in Middlesex and one in Surrey. Panic Veldtgrass is, from a distance, a rather uninspiring grass but on close inspection, it has charmingly wrinkled lemmas (akin to Nora Batty’s stockings), on seeing these Mario was convinced. A few minutes later we found another larger, heathier plant of Ehrharta growing out of the basin wall.

Shortly after leaving the Basin and joining the Cut, we stopped for lunch in a small park and wondered over the identity of some Hieracium spp. (Hawkweeds) growing in mown grass. These plants are probably the same species that was recorded from the area by the LNHS in 1999, but sadly in their mown state, they will remain unidentified. After lunch, the day got hotter and hotter and for some it was rather unbearable despite doing our best to stick to the shade. Sadly, the remaining part of the walk largely lacked intact plant-life, this was due to the now all too familiar overexuberant strimming of the vegetation by the Canal and River Trust. Finally, after passing a lively colony of sand martins, we arrived hot and weary at Three Mills Island and made our ways home.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Midlothian (v.c.83), 14 May

This field meeting was aimed at beginners and we particularly welcomed anyone who had never been on a BSBI field meeting before. There were a dozen participants, several of whom had come incredibly long distances - Galway & Berkshire for example - and asked why the BSBI does not organise similar field meetings in England & Ireland. [The 2022 Yearbook has a report on one held in v.c.29. Ed.]

In my 18 years as Scottish Officer I have never used the Botanic Gardens as a venue for a beginners’ meeting. It turned out to be much more successful than I could have ever expected. There was a surprising diversity of interesting native and alien species as well as the planted neophytes.

Near our East Gate starting point we encountered the very delicate alien meadow-grass Poa imbecilla (Weak Poa), long known from here, and, perhaps less welcome, Acaena ovalifolia (Two-spined Acaena). In the Scottish Rock Garden, we saw Sibbaldia procumbens (Sibbaldia), Sesleria caerulea [albicans] (Blue Moor Grass) and Luzula arcuata (Curved Wood-rush) – all in flower and great to see so easily, without a stiff mountain climb!

In nearby woodland, we encountered Adoxa moschatellina (Townhall Clock), Veronica montana (Wood Speedwell) and Cruciata laevipes (Crosswort). And we examined an interesting demonstration of plant hybridisation with Geum rivale (Water Avens), Geum urbanum (Wood Avens) and the hybrid between them, Geum x intermedium.

In the Native Woodland Garden in the opposite (north-west) corner we studied the native fern collection and found Lathraea squamaria (Toothwort) and Sanicula europaea (Sanicle) both in flower. Another surprise hereabouts was Ranunculus auricomis (Goldilocks Buttercup) seen on a reconnoitring visit. We found one notable archeophyte - Spergula arvensis (Corn Spurrey) - on recently disturbed ground. It is listed as Vulnerable on the GB Red Data List.

Many thanks to Jack Ravenscroft for recording all the species the group identified. Nearly all had to be subsequently marked “planted” after I found most of them in the RBGE Living Collection online catalogue – except the Corn Spurrey and a few other weedy species. Many thanks to the participants for being so enthusiastic and sharing such brilliant photographs. I’d thoroughly recommend a visit to RBGE to look at our native flora – it is a great place to see plants easily and to hone your identification skills – with confirmation available on a nearby label (usually)!

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh (v.c.83), 15 May

Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano in the heart of Edinburgh. The site is owned and managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and has a remarkably diverse flora. It is an SSSI, designated for its geological and biological features, such as lowland calcareous grassland, lowland acid grassland and its vascular plant assemblage.

Fourteen beginners participated in this field meeting that began in the true BSBI style with the group examining plants on the carpark wall! Of interest there was an early flowering Senecio squalidus (Oxford Ragwort). The majority of the group used Collins Wild Flower Guide to gain familiarity with keys and to identify the plants, with help from leader, Jim McIntosh, BSBI Scottish Officer. The group was joined by Tom McCabe, HES Park Ranger who gave us a short talk on the conservation of Holyrood Park and then took us to look at a recently-established wildflower meadow. Tom then guided the group to a nearby thinly vegetated summit in the park. Rare species here included planted Silene viscaria (Sticky Catchfly), planted Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink) and Astragalus danicus (Purple Milk-vetch) – not planted.

The group then explored Hunters’ Bog - an area of marshy grassland in the centre of the park. Here the group continued to use keys and phone apps to attempt to identify as many species of fern, grass, rush, sedge and horsetail as we could. A particular highlight was an extensive population of Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder’s Tongue) – thought to be one of the biggest in Scotland. The species is believed to have the highest chromosome count of any British plant.

Finally, the group explored the crags adjacent to Queen’s Drive, and searched for the rare hybrid Asplenium x murbeckii of Asplenium rutu-muraria (Wall-rue) and Asplenium septentrionale (Forked spleenwort) without success, despite both parents being seen. Though, to be fair, many plants on these south-facing crags were frazzled due to the hot and dry spring. On the return walk towards Holyrood Palace, a splinter group diverted to enjoy a lovely population of Sabulina [Minuartia] verna (Spring Sandwort).

Tummel Shingle Islands, Perthshire (v.cc.88, 89), 28 May

Twelve of us gathered for the meeting at this unique and ever-changing habitat of shingle banks, sandy hollows, shallow channels, and more established grass and woodland, formed by constantly shifting deposition, flooding and erosion by the waters of the Tummel. The boundary between v cc.88 and 89 was originally marked out along the river, but the Tummel has changed its course over the years, so that now part of the site – an SWT reserve and SSSI – is in v.c.88 and part in v.c.89.

We thus divided into two groups: some people accompanied Martin, vice-county recorder for v.c.89, to record his section while also training; his report follows this one. The rest – mainly the less experienced – came with Faith for training and practice in

ID in this rich and varied habitat. A bitter north wind forced us to seek shelter at times, but at least it didn't rain.

Faith’s group started by distinguishing monocots from dicots. The former were mainly grasses and sedges, and we identified Helictochloa [Avenula] pratensis (Meadow Oat-grass), Briza media (Quaking Grass), Carex pilulifera (Pill Sedge), C. canescens (White Sedge) and C. vesicaria (Bladder Sedge) among others. Dicots included Trollius europeaus (Globeflower) and Pilosella officinarum (Mouse-ear Hawkweed) which because of the confusing vernacular name had to be separated in the minds of the novices from Common Mouse-ear and an anonymous but genuine Hawkweed, which we also saw. Lupins Lupinus spp – for which the riverbanks here are notorious – were just coming into flower. Both Milkworts are present and we found the one that is commoner in these parts viz Polygala serpyllifolia (Heath Milkwort). We also identified several species not yet in flower, including Helianthemum nummularium (Common Rockrose), Ononis repens (Common Restharrow) and Solidago virgaurea (Goldenrod). The meadow where we started and finished has been carefully restored by SWT from a state of neglect, and delighted us with an abundance of Primula veris (Cowslip).

A small but enthusiastic band of us set off with Martin to do some recording along the river side. The ‘island’ is well-recorded, but this was the first visit during the new postAtlas era. We headed along the anglers’ path to investigate the shingle areas, which are gradually becoming more overgrown and developing towards scrub and woodland. This should suit the Vicia sylvatica (Wood Vetch), that we found in a couple of places, not yet in flower. Willows were in profusion, most noticeably Salix purpurea (Purple Willow), which formed thickets along the upper shingles. Salix myrsinifolia (Darkleaved Willow) was abundant also, often in its pure state. Otherwise S. cinerea subsp. oleifolia (Grey Willow) was the main species, and there were the occasional S. caprea (Goat Willow) and S. viminalis (Osier), as well as hybrids. Occasionally our path was almost blocked by young trees that had been felled by beavers.

The expected plants of the upper shingle and grassy edge were found, notably Teesdalia nudicaulis (Shepherd’s Cress), Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax), Viola canina (Heath Dog-violet), Silene uniflora (Sea Campion), Alchemilla alpina (Alpine Lady’s-mantle), Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch), naturalised Aquilegia vulgaris (Columbine), Galium boreale (Northern Bedstraw), Lepidium heterophyllum (Smith’s Pepperwort), Arabis hirsuta (Hairy Rock-cress), Ononis repens, Polygala vulgaris (Common Milkwort), which is not at all common here, and Trollius europaeus among many others. Several people remarked on the wonderful variety of plants revealed at every step.

We came upon a small damp hollow where Carex vesicaria and C. rostrata (Bottle

Sedge) growing together provided a useful comparison. With them were C. canescens and C. nigra (Common Sedge). Myosotis scorpioides (Water Forget-menot) was here too and M. secunda (Creeping Forget-me-not) not far away.

Being just downstream of Pitlochry there have always been various garden plants washed up and established on these islands, but at the southern extremity of our walk, on the side of a backwater, there were several in a very small area: notably Primula japonica (Japanese Primula), Lilium martagon (Martagon Lily) and Crocosmia sp. (Montbretias). They were further than you would go to dump things and appeared to have been deliberately introduced.

We were regaled most of the day by the chattering song of Garden Warblers, several Orange-tips were on the wing and someone saw a Speckled Wood, which has only recently arrived in these latitudes.

Sìthean Mòr and Ardnish, Westerness (v.c.97), 4 - 5 June

Eleven members from diverse parts of the country spent a very sunny weekend centred on Loch nan Uamha, between Lochailort and Arisaig. On Saturday we met at Beasdale Bridge and headed east up Glen Beasdale. Our target was Sìthean Mòr, a 600 m peak just to the north, in the hope of refinding Diapensia lapponica (Diapensia), but we were also recording more generally for a Rare Plant Register and eventually a Flora for the county.

We divided into three groups led by Jim McIntosh, Dan Watson and myself to follow different routes up the steep southern face of the hill to the summit, recording in different squares. Over the day we made nearly 600 records from five monads, including 184 species, with many that were new for the area or had not been seen locally for decades.

On low and middle ground, notable finds included Pyrola media (Intermediate Wintergreen), a large new colony of Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder’s-tongue) under bracken and three new localities for Botrychium lunaria (Moonwort). Trollius europaeus (Globeflower) was scattered across the slopes associated with base-rich flushing, as were Platanthera bifolia (Lesser Butterfly-orchid) and Eriophorum latifolium (Broad-leaved Cottongrass). Notable finds on high ground included Micranthes [Saxifraga] stellaris (Starry Saxifrage) and several more fernsCryptogramma crispa (Parsley Fern), not previously recorded west of Glenfinnan; Dryopteris oreades (Mountain Male-fern) with no records locally for over 50 years; and several localities for Dryopteris expansa (Northern Buckler-fern).

We gathered near the summit for our primary task. The story of Diapensia on Sìthean Mòr has been told by Michael Scott (Scott, M. 2010. Mountain flowers. London). It was photographed there in 2014 by local ranger Angus MacIntyre, who was unaware of its identity and significance – it was previously only known to occur on one hill in Britain, further east above Glenfinnan. Despite subsequent searches we had been unable to refind it on Sìthean Mòr, so the hope was that a large group of botanists might have better luck. Alas, despite slowly walking parallel transects across the rocky summit

area like police searching for evidence we found no trace of it – so the mystery remains.

Somewhat disappointed, we descended back to the glen, picking up a few additions such as Utricularia stygia (Nordic Bladderwort) on the way, before a convivial supper and drinks in Arisaig.

On Sunday we moved south to explore the Ardnish peninsula. Again we had a fruitful time, with plenty of new finds for the area. We assembled at Ardnambuth, where Botrychium lunaria and a colony of solitary bees in coastal turf made a good start to the day. We were very fortunate to be taken by boat from Ardnambuth around the dramatic coastline of the peninsula thanks to Matt Waterston, who dropped half the group at Sloch and took the remainder to Laggan. The first group explored the rugged western point of Ardnish, where several sites were found for Dryopteris aemula (Hayscented Buckler-fern) and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry). A lovely bay near the point had both Botrychium lunaria and Ophioglossum vulgatum as well as Pyrola media. Other coastal finds of note included Carex distans (Distant Sedge), C. otrubae (False Fox-sedge) and Ligusticum scoticum (Scots Lovage).

Further east at An Trom, the second group examined the beds of Ascophyllum nodosum ecad mackii, an unattached form of knotted wrack found only in sheltered sealochs in western Scotland and Ireland. Notable vascular plants seen along the shore included Juniperus communis (Juniper), Atriplex praecox (Early Orache) and Lycopus europaeus (Gypsywort), while patches of birchwood had Hymenophyllum wilsonii (Wilson’s Filmy-fern) with Populus tremula (Aspen) on crags. Ceratocapnos claviculata (Climbing Corydalis), a scarce species in Westerness, was another good find on an old drystane dyke.

We all met up at the beautiful sandy beach near Peanmeanach, where notable finds included Koeleria macrantha [cristata] (Crested Hair-grass), Cakile maritima (Sea Rocket), Cerastium diffusum (Sea Mouse-ear), Polygonum oxyspermum subsp. raii (Ray’s Knotgrass) and Ammophila arenaria (Marram). On the walk out, still in brilliant sunshine, we spotted Sparganium erectum (Branched Bur-reed) in a ditch, Sanicula europaea (Sanicle) in woodland, and, in the middle of the path, a single flowering spike of Pseudorchis albida (Small-white Orchid), which was duly photographed and ‘sniffed’ by members of the group – a fine end to an enjoyable and productive weekend.

Wales Annual Meeting and AGM, Bangor (v.c.49), 10 – 12 June

Reports of the excursions held during the Wales Annual Meeting are presented below. The minutes of the AGM will be published in the Welsh Bulletin.

Treborth Botanic Garden, Bangor, Caernarvonshire (v.c.49), 10 June

We are very grateful to Natalie Chivers, Curator of the Botanic Garden for facilitating our visit and to Sarah Edgar and Gerry Downing of the Friends of Treborth Botanic

Garden for providing an introductory talk on the history and management of the Garden and its current role in research and to showcase plants both from the UK and around the world. As well as formal beds the Garden includes glasshouses, a laboratory, species rich meadows and woodland on the steep banks of the Menai Straits, part of the Coedydd Afon Menai SSSI. After the introductory talks the party broke into groups to explore the Garden aided by Sarah and Gerry. This was a very enjoyable afternoon and a great start to our weekend.

Great Orme, Llandudno, Caernarvonshire (v.c.49), 11 June

We gathered at the summit visitor centre where we were greeted by warden Siôn Dafis who introduced us to the Great Orme with an informative talk on the site’s various designations, its unique species and current management tasks. Setting off, we made our way down to Maes y Facrell, formerly grazing land but now a National Nature Reserve comprising a mosaic of species-rich grassland with fragments of limestone pavement. One of the six surviving Cotoneaster cambricus (Wild Cotoneaster) grows here and as it is now owned and managed by Natural Resources Wales, it was considered an ideal site for the planting out of propagated young plants in an effort to conserve the species future, and several were observed in flower. Filipendula vulgaris (Dropwort) was seen nearby, its pink buds opening to creamy-white flowers, and Euphrasia nemorosa (an Eyebright) carpeting the ground was not quite in flower. The perennial sub-species of Lapasana communis subsp. intermedia (Nipplewort) was of interest, especially to Arthur Chater who inspected several plants for a sac fungus but none was found, perhaps a little too early.

Lunch was taken on a grassy ridge with fine views of the town below and the Carneddau mountains across the Conwy estuary. A few early flowers of Veronica spicata (Spiked Speedwell) were admired and much photographed. Continuing down, we stopped off a grassy triangle where we saw Torilis nodosa (Knotted Hedgeparsley), Erodium moschatum (Musk Stork’s-bill) and Geranium pusillum (Smallflowered Crane’s-bill) and some time was spent prostrate on a bank comparing Trifolium striatum (Knotted Clover) with T. scabrum (Rough Clover). We followed a path through woodland, its banks lined with Poa nemoralis (Wood Meadow-grass), Melica uniflora (Wood Melick) and Elymus caninus (Bearded Couch) and were pleased to see two fine spikes of Orobanche hederae (Ivy Broomrape) growing at the base of a Beech tree. Out on the open hill again, we were able to compare the floral characters of Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet-briar) with the rare Rosa agrestis (Small-leaved Sweet-briar).

Silene nutans (Nottingham Catchfly) grew along the path edges while on the bank above, Hypochaeris maculata (Spotted Cat’s-ear)

and the rare Hieracium pseudoleyi (Purple-flushed Hawkweed) were in flower together. Invasive shrubs, including six Cotoneaster spp., Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree) and Berberis wilsonii (Mrs. Wilson’s Barberry) have naturalized here and much clearance work has to be undertaken in an effort to suppress them, while Rubus sp. (Bramble) and Ulex europaeus (Gorse) take every opportunity to step into the cleared space. Continuing uphill, a handful of Epipactis atrorubens (Darkred Helleborine) were flowering by the path and Clinopodium acinos (Basil Thyme) was seen among Helianthemum nummularium (Common Rock-rose) and a few late-flowering H. oelandicum (Hoary Rock-rose).

Some grasses typical of limestone included Avenula pubescens (Downy Oat-grass), Helictochloa [Avenula] pratensis (Meadow Oatgrass), Koeleria macrantha (Crested Hair-grass) and Briza media (Quaking-grass). On reaching the top of the path, some of the participants came with me to see Valerianella eriocarpa (Hairy-fruited Cornsalad) and although it was well past flowering, its distinctive calyces with unequal teeth were found. Here too were fine flowering plants of Marrubium vulgare (White Horehound). The remaining members went into the woodland with Ted to see Neottia nidus-avis (Bird’s-nest Orchid). Finally, we visited a small clearing to see Genista tinctoria (Dyer’s Greenweed) at its only known site in the county. This site had also suffered from scrub invasion, with no sightings of the species for some ten years, but after voicing my concerns to the wardens, some clearance work had been carried out and three large healthy plants are now able to flourish.

Moelyci Environmental Centre and SSSI, Caernarvonshire (v.c.49), 11 June Delyth Williams

Seventeen of us arrived at this interesting site on a breezy, clear day in the hinterland between the Menai Straits and the backdrop of the mountains It is a large site with a convoluted history, best described now as one of the first community owned farms in the UK, a kind of management co-operative between various owners and concerns ranging from allotments, sheep farmers to a donkey sanctuary charity. These latter animals are of much interest in their own right, but they provide much needed grazing at appropriate times.

The site is cited for its wetland species over a number of slightly differing types of field, although two notable plants of dry areas are the rare Asplenium obovatum (Lanceolate Spleenwort) growing out of a wall and Ornithopus perpusillus (Bird'sfoot) on a boulder. One field yielded plenty of Oenanthe crocata (Hemlock Waterdropwort), interspersed with the now less common Silene flos-cuculi (RaggedRobin) and a good distribution of the delightful Wahlenbergia hederacea (Ivy-leaved Bellflower), not in flower yet and Comarum palustre (Marsh Cinquefoil).

The most varied patch of mire was easily accessible without Wellies: the stalk length of the Hydrocotyle vulgaris (Marsh Pennywort) a good indicator of how relatively dry it was. Here we found a good range of sedges such as Carex binervis (Green-ribbed

Sedge), Carex hostiana (Tawny Sedge) Carex muricata subsp. pairae (Prickly Sedge), Carex pilulifera (Pill Sedge) and the widely distributed but by no means common in Wales Hypericum elodes (Marsh St John's-wort). The buds smell of burnt caramel, or liquorice, on a good day. We also found Eleogiton fluitans (Floating Clubrush), not at all common in Wales. Much else, and the café was most appreciated!

Cors Bodeilio, Anglesey (v.c.52), 11 June

The location of the 2022 BSBI Wales AGM in Bangor offered an opportunity for members to visit Cors Bodeilio National Nature Reserve (SH501774), much of which is owned and managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). The site one of the three rich-fen National Nature Reserves (NNR) influenced by the Principal Carboniferous Limestone Block of east-central Anglesey and it forms a critical part of the Corsydd Mon/Anglesey Fens Special Area of Conservation (SAC), notified for the two fen habitats of ‘Alkaline Fen’ and ‘Calcareous Fen with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae’. The walk was led by Dr Peter Jones of NRW supported by a number of current and former NRW colleagues and attended by over a half a dozen members (including Ian Bonner, the BSBI co-recorder for Anglesey) on a gloriously sunny but windy day.

The excursion began by examining some interesting areas of fen meadow vegetation close to the site access point and with Succisa pratensis (Devil’s-bit Scabious) and Molinia caerulea (Purple moor-grass). A new site location for Neottia ovata (Common Twayblade) was noted in the fen meadow, together with many other axiophytes including Lysimachia [Anagallis] tenella (Bog Pimpernel), Dactylorhiza incarnata (Early Marsh-orchid) and Carex hostiana (Tawny Sedge). The fen meadow grades seamlessly into mixed rich-fen vegetation on peat of c 0.5 m thickness (much of the peat Bodeilio is relatively shallow due, it is believed, to past peat cutting) dominated by Juncus subnodulosus (Blunt-flowered Rush). The vegetative characters of this late-flowering rush were demonstrated, together with a range of tallherbs including Filipendula ulmaria (Meadowsweet), Valeriana officinalis (Common Valerian), Angelica sylvestris (Angelica) and Silene flos-cuculi (Ragged Robin), with open patches with an abundance of Pedicularis palustris (Marsh Lousewort). Areas of much lower and more open short-sedge fen also occur in this compartment, with a rich flora including Schoenus nigricans (Black bog-rush), Carex lepidocarpa (Longstalked Yellow-sedge) and Eleocharis quinqueflora (Few-flowered Spikerush). Schoenus is a key component of rich-fen vegetation on the Anglesey fens and an eponymous element of the nationally rare Schoenus nigricans – Juncus subnodulosus plant community (M13 of the National Vegetation Classification). Schoenus tussocks strongly influence species richness by providing a substrate for many species which utilise the slightly drier and less base-enriched surface of the tussocks: Selaginella selaginoides (Lesser Clubmoss) is apparently confined to these tussocks, and other characteristic species include Drosera rotundifolia (Round-leaved Sundew), Hypericum pulchrum (Slender St John’s-wort), Erica tetralix (Cross-leaved Heath) and the bryophyte Hypnum jutlandicum

On re-joining the boardwalk approximately halfway between the car-park and the main axial drain which bisects the site we were able to examine fen dominated by Cladium mariscus (Great Fen-sedge) with an understorey of Juncus subnodulosus, Molinia

caerulea and Myrica gale (Bog Myrtle). We stopped for lunch on a raised area of limestone referred to as the Ynys (island), an apt description of an area of dryland surrounded by wet peatland, where we searched (unsuccessfully) for Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder’s-tongue Fern) within an area of modified neutral grassland.

After lunch we examined an old (un-dated) peat cutting between the Ynys fields and Bodeilio Common and found Oprhys insectifera (Fly Orchid) in flower on a number of Schoenus tussocks. This emblematic plant of the fens was first recorded at Cors Bodeilio by the Reverend Hugh Davies sometime prior to the publication of his landmark Welsh Botanology in 1813 – the first Flora of a Welsh County. Its habitat at Bodeilio was described by R.H. Roberts in 1959; uniquely in the context of the UK, almost all plants at Bodeilio and its only other remaining site on Anglesey Cors Erddreiniog occur on tussocks of Schoenus. At the same location we found some of the first flowers of the year of Utricularia minor (Lesser Bladderwort) as well as the fine leaves and some flowering stems of Carex lasiocarpa (Slender Sedge). This species has responded well to careful hand mowing and raking of the Ynys peat cutting managed by NRWs Senior Reserve Manager for the fens Mr Emyr Humphreys, a measure designed to prevent over-dominance by taller graminoids. Much of the C. lasiocarpa at Bodeilio occurs at low cover values in swampy stands of vegetation dominated by Juncus subnodulosus but at this location it occurs in a perennially wet area of alkaline fen dominated by Schoenus. A groundwater-fed ditch nearby yielded more C. lasiocarpa as well as C. rostrata (Bottle Sedge) and Potamogeton coloratus (Fen Pondweed).

An artificial peat scrape created in 2012 to mimic a peat cutting lies next to the older Ynys margin feature and already supports a pioneer rich-fen flora, with the notable addition of a few plants of Sparganium natans (Least Bur-reed).

At the furthest part of our walk we examined derelict alkaline fen on Cors y Plwyf – still within the SAC but outside the management influence of the NNR. This area supports an exceptional expanse of Schoenus dominated fen, but long-term lack of grazing means that the tussocks are over-dominated by the live growth and litter thatch of Schoenus, with a much reduced diversity of species.

On the return leg of our walk we examined an area of fen rewetted in 2013 by reintroducing an important groundwater flow pathway which was previously intercepted by drainage. Some of the wet ground poached by pony hooves at this location supports a fascinating pioneer fen flora of Baldellia ranunculoides (Lesser Waterplantain) and the rather uncommon grass Catabrosa aquatica (Whorl Grass), which appeared at Bodeilio in abundance in 2013 and 2014 following the onset of mowing management in some of the fen compartments.

Close to this location the group was able to examine some of the characteristic elements of calcareous fen dominated by Cladium mariscus, where grazing management (supported by episodes of mowing and conservation burning) ensures the retention of the low sedge and wetland forb flora so characteristic of this habitat: notable species in this regard include Carex panicea (Carnation Sedge), C. hostiana and Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath-spotted Orchid). The group visited a fascinating area influenced by a seasonal groundwater upwelling in the centre of the Cladium stand just NW of the bridge over the main drain and here we recorded a range of

different tussock morphologies of Schoenus, together with Myrica gale, Calluna vulgaris (Heather) and Narthecium ossifragum (Bog Asphodel) on the tussock tops (together with a few fly orchids) and one of only two Platanthera bifolia (Lesser Butterfly-orchid) plants recorded on the reserve in 2022.

The excursion concluded with a visit to Tyddyn Ffieren – a compartment of the fen purchased with EU LIFE funding in 2011. This extensive expanse of rich-fen includes a number of artificial peat scrapes and we were able to see extensive colonies of the rare Nitella tenuissima (Dwarf Stonewort) which was first recorded at this location in 2021 (BSBI Welsh Bulletin, No. 109, 36-39).

The excursion added many valuable records for relevant monads for the forthcoming Anglesey Flora and also for the authors planned Ecological Flora of the Anglesey Fens.

A group of 10 of us led by Robbie Blackhall-Miles set off from the Ogwen visitor centre on our way up towards Llyn Idwal. On the way up, we discussed the geology of the area and past quarrying activity and considered the viviparous means of reproduction of plants triggered by sighting of Festuca vivipara (Viviparous Sheep's-fescue) Other plants of interest on the way to the lake were the spiky leaves of a section Celtica Taraxacum (Dandelion) and the fresh green Cryptogramma crispa (Parsley Fern) poking out of the sides of the gorge as we walked up. Once up at Llyn Idwal we were lucky enough to see Isoetes lacustris (Quillwort) and Lobelia dortmanna (Water Lobelia) and spotted Hammarbya paludosa (Bog Orchid) just beginning to emerge. After skirting the lake’s edge we stopped for a short while to consider the effects of sheep, goat and cattle grazing on the vegetation and noting the effect of cattle grazing on Narthecium ossifragum (Bog Asphodel) where it was much reduced compared to areas that were sheep grazed. Robbie talked to us about the link between landscape, culture and land management in influencing vegetation composition. We then set off up the steps to the crags above Llyn Idwal towards Twll Du. The scramble up to 650 metres above sea level was a fairly strenuous exercise though some of the party bounced their way up like mountain goats. But it was worth the effort. We passed the clubmosses Diphasiastrum alpinum (Alpine Clubmoss), Lycopodium clavatum (Stag’s-horn Clubmoss), Selaginella selaginoides (Lesser Clubmoss) and Huperzia selago (Fir Clubmoss) on the way and then with strict instructions not to touch the boulders were treated to sight of rarities such as Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Saxifrage), Saxifraga cespitosa (Tufted Saxifrage) and Saxifraga hypnoides (Mossy Saxifrage). Our final stop at 650 m was to marvel at the assemblage of plants growing out of the sheltered wet crevices with Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hairgrass), Trollius europaeus (Globeflower), Papaver cambricum (Welsh Poppy), Rhodiola [Sedum] rosea (Roseroot), Micranthes [Saxifraga] nivalis (Alpine Saxifrage) and Lathyrus linifolius (Bitter Vetch) all playing their part. We then descended back to the visitor centre having had a very rewarding day.

Morfa Aber, Caernarvonshire (v.c.49), 12 June

This RSPB reserve, located on the North Wales coast near Aber Falls, offered fine views across to Anglesey and Puffin Island providing a splendid backdrop for the 25 attendees. The reserve (known for Lapwings and winter waders) is grazed by sheep and popular with dog walkers and so the habitats are quite disturbed.

Juncus gerardii (Saltmarsh Rush) was abundant in the upper saltmarsh with a small amount of Bolboschoenus maritimus (Sea Club-rush), Eleocharis uniglumis (Slender Spike-rush), and Carex distans (Distant Sedge) all flowering and found in a grassier area. Triglochin maritima (Sea Arrowgrass), Puccinellia maritima (Common Saltmarsh-grass), Tripolium pannonicum [Aster tripolium] (Sea Aster) and Armeria maritima (Thrift) were quite widespread whilst Lysimachia [Glaux] maritima (Sea Milkwort) with its delicate pink flowers, occurred mainly in drier areas. Parapholis strigosa (Hard-grass) has such an appropriate name! Although widely distributed in the upper zones of saltmarshes this slender grass is very difficult to see within a mass of other grasses, but with the Leader’s help we were able to pick out its pale anthers just poking out from the raceme.

Spergularia media and S. marina (Greater and Lesser Sea Spurrey) were recorded. The former, found on the lower shore, is larger (flowers 10-12 mm) while the latter has smaller flowers (5-8 mm). The Lesser Sea Spurrey had noticeably prostrate rosettes on the path along the upper shore (trampling effect). On the lower saltmarsh, short, bright green fleshy shoots of Salicornia europaea agg. (Common Glasswort) and Suaeda maritima (Annual Sea-blite) were just emerging from the mud. In a couple of places Atriplex portulacoides (Sea Purslane) was present, a small shrub easily identifiable from its pale grey, spoon-shaped leaves whilst Spartina anglica (Common Cord-grass), the pioneer species of mud-flats was extensive.

Upper shore colonisers included: Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima (Sea Beet) growing on the strandline, a few plants of Eryngium maritimum (Sea-holly), and on the sandy shingle, many patches of Honckenya peploides (Sea Sandwort) with its distinctive yellowish-green leaves and fleshy, pea-like fruits. Elymus junceiformis [Eltrygia juncea] (Sand Couch) another early coloniser, with a beautiful glaucous colour, was present in a few sandier spots together with Carex arenaria (Sand Sedge).

An artificial, brackish pond was full of Stuckenia pectinata [Potamogeton pectinatus] (Fennel Pondweed). (ID tip from Jonathan Shanklin to separate this from other fineleaved pondweeds - when you pull the leaf, the sheath and stipule come away easily).

A small, wooded area at the back of the shore revealed Drymochloa sylvatica [Festuca alltissima] (Wood Fescue) at its only site in Caernarvonshire. A couple of clumps were growing on/between boulders beside the Afon Aber, believed to have been washed down river from the steep gorge at Aber Falls. This grass (large leafy tufts, flat leafy

blades lacking auricles and pale, nodding, open panicles, no awns) is typically found on rocky ledges in wooded ravines/valleys with high humidity.

Dry, disturbed, scrubby grassland between the coast and fields supported a good range of flowering species including Cynoglossum officinale (Hound’s-tongue), Ballota nigra (Black Horehound), Galium verum (Lady’s Bedstraw), Erodium cicutarium (Common Storksbill), and several Cranesbills (G. molle, robertianum, lucidum, pusillum). Clematis vitalba (Traveller’s Joy) scrambled across the gorse and there was a small amount of Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn); native on the east coast but introduced here. Avenula pubescens (also seen at the Great Orme on the previous day) was also present.

For many of us, particularly those who record in counties with no coastline, this was a good opportunity to refresh our botanical knowledge of some seaside plants, while a few people focusing on rusts and mildews, found a powdery mildew on gorse and a new Welsh record. Morfa Aber provided the ideal venue for a relaxing botany field trip on the final day of the BSBI Wales Summer meeting.

Sedges at Tarn Moss and Eycott Hill (v.c.70), 11 June

This was a repeat of the 2021 meeting and a detailed account was given in the 2022 Yearbook. What follows here is a summary of the more significant sedges examined. I would also like to thank the participants for their interest and enthusiasm which made the meeting such a pleasure to lead.

Tarn Moss - Carex canescens (White Sedge), C. lasiocarpa (Slender Sedge), C. magellanica (Tall Bog-sedge), C nigra (Common Sedge) and C rostrata (Bottle Sedge).

Eycott Hill - Carex caryophyllea (Spring-sedge), C diandra Lesser Tussocksedge), C. dioica (Dioecious Sedge), C. disticha (Brown Sedge), C. limosa (Bogsedge) and C pauciflora (Few-flowered Sedge)

Crook Peak and Sand Point, North Somerset (v.c.6), 11 and 12 June

This two-day meeting, exploring species-rich limestone grassland and rock outcrops of the West Mendips, proved popular, with twenty-four botanists attending altogether, including five referees. Despite all worries over the weather on these exposed hillsides, we were blessed with a glorious sunny weekend.

Saturday, 11 June

Nineteen members assembled at the base of Crook Peak, a prominent hill (191 m) at the end of a Carboniferous Limestone ridge, designated as an SSSI and owned and

managed by the National Trust. Slowly ascending the scarp slope, we immediately found species typical of unimproved limestone grassland on thin soils, including Linum catharticum (Fairy Flax), Thymus drucei [polytrichus] (Wild Thyme) and Carex caryophyllea (Spring Sedge). Euphrasia tetraquetra (Western Eyebright) was still flowering, with abundant Filago germanica [vulgaris] (Common Cudweed) and many delightful plants of Clinpodium acinos (Basil Thyme). These are all Somerset Rare Plant Register (RPR) species, the first two being Near Threatened on the GB and England Red Lists, whilst Basil Thyme is Vulnerable. We were to see many more Somerset RPR species during the weekend!

On rock outcrops, we found the first Koeleria vallesiana (Somerset Hair-grass), a species restricted in Britain and Ireland to a few sites of the Western Mendips. On older plants, the fibrous remains of leaf-bases around the bulbous thickened shoots are very distinctive: examination of leaf hairiness of this species and Koeleria macrantha (Crested Hair-grass) left us concluding that the bulbous fibrous shoots are the only useful distinguishing feature. With the promise of Trinia glauca (Honewort) we reached the ridge, finding a few vegetative plants of this GB Rare species in the grassland, some beautiful Filipendula vulgaris (Dropwort) in flower, and a relatively sheltered spot for lunch!

Rob Randall had shown us Rosa micrantha (Small-flowered Sweet-briar) on the ascent; near the path up the ridge, he also pointed out R. x toddiae (R. canina x micrantha). In a rocky depression, members were shown the miserable scrap of Marrubium vulgare (White Horehound), known here since 1982, becoming swamped by brambles and nettles. Before we reached the peak, an ecological detour was made into an area of limestone heath. Although the Mendip Hills are largely Carboniferous Limestone, at the highest points, this has been eroded to expose Devonian Old Red Sandstone giving rise to acidic soils; on Crook Peak, however, as in many spots on Mendip, patches of acidic soil are the result of deposition of wind-blown loess. We compared the tiny bracts of Ulex gallii (Western Gorse) with those of U. europaeus (Gorse) and marvelled at a single plant of Narrow Buckler-fern (Dryopteris carthusiana), recently found here new to the hectad, demonstrating the effectiveness of long-distance spore dispersal.

On rocks at the peak, Brian Burrow examined a specimen of Pilosella offininarum (Mouse-earhawkweed) with densely hairy involucral bracts, later confirming it as subsp. tricholepia, new to Somerset. Brian had earlier shown members P. officinarum subsp. euronota, with dark glandular hairs on the involucral bracts. Anthriscus caucalis (Bur Chervil) and Torilis nodosa (Knotted Hedge-parsley) were both seen on the rocky summit, and Fred Rumsey explained the distinctive features of Polypodium cambricum (Southern Polypody), which forms impressive patches on the north-facing rocks. We

had a brief Clover-fest, finding Trifolium scabrum (Rough Clover) with “scabby” thickened leaflet veins and T. striatum (Knotted Clover) with stripy straight veins, and also T. micranthum (Slender Trefoil).

The final promised target, Carex humilis (Dwarf Sedge), involved a partial descent of the south-facing scarp slope. Here we saw many more plants of Trinia glauca (in flower), and the smart rosettes of Potentilla verna (Spring Cinquefoil), yet another RPR species. A sharp-eyed member spotted rosettes of Gentianella amarella (Autumn Gentian), the first record for Crook Peak for six years; we also found rosettes of Spiranthes spiralis (Autumn Lady’s-tresses) and admired a patch of Hippocrepis comosa (Horseshoe Vetch). Homage was duly paid to the untidy tussocks of Carex humilis, long past flowering, and we retraced our steps to the ridge for a safer gentle descent. There were many plants of Rumex pulcher (Fiddle Dock) on the path. As a finale, we visited some glades to see a smart, recently discovered plant of Marrubium vulgare in full flower and to the leader’s delight, a second plant was found by the path! We also saw abundant Hairy Rock-cress (Arabis hirsuta) in flower.

Sunday, 12 June

The following day, fifteen botanists met in the NT car park at Sand Point, a limestone promontory which is part of another SSSI owned by the National Trust. We explored the area around the former cottage/tea shop/toilets, visited by the BSBI on a field meeting in 1983 (Grenfell, A.L. 1984. Watsonia 15: 61-62). Several relics from the former garden which were seen in 1983 are still present: we particularly admired the patch of Teucrium chamaedrys (Wall Germander), first recorded here in 1967 and flowering profusely. Salvia verbenaca (Wild Clary) grows beside it, whilst by the shaded path leading to the ridge we found Hound’s-tongue (Cynoglossum officinale): these are both RPR species, being Near Threatened on the England Red List. The calcareous grassland and rocky outcrops of the ridge supported many of the species seen on Crook Peak, but Carduus tenuiflorus (Slender Thistle), conveniently growing beside C. nutans (Musk Thistle) for comparison, was new to some members.

On the rocky path along the ridge, we saw the dead remains of Trifolium suffocatum (Suffocated Clover) and Poa bulbosa (Bulbous Meadowgrass), first recorded here in 2007 and 2012 respectively and both RPR species. It was suggested that the Arenaria serpyllifolia (Thymeleaved Sandwort) might be subspecies lloydii: material was collected and sent to the referee who confirmed this. The last record for v.c.6 was before 1968, so this was a re-find of a lost RPR taxon! Four other species of clover were seen on the path: T. scabrum, T. striatum, T. micranthum and the RPR species T. ornithopodioides (Bird’s-foot Clover).

The next promised target was the patch of Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar Pink) introduced to Sand Point over seventy years ago, thriving here and flowering well. Beside it we found rosettes of Spiranthes spiralis, several plants of Euphrasia

tetraquetra and smart spikes of Orobanche hederae (Ivy Broomrape). Continuing westwards, we reached a good population of Hypericum montanum (Pale St John’swort), admiring the distinctive stalked black glands on sepal edges. As we neared the point, Crithmum maritimum (Rock Samphire), Armeria maritima (Thrift) and Silene uniflora (Sea Campion) clothed the rocks, but unfortunately the promised Limonium procerum subsp. procerum (Rock Sea-lavender) was not quite in flower, although smart plants were seen.

Returning along the south-facing slope, passing masses of Trinia glauca in flower, and clumps of Koeleria vallesiana on a steeply sloping rock slab, we turned our attention to roses. Rob showed us the distinctive features of Rosa stylosa (Short-styled Fieldrose) and R. agrestis (Small-leaved Sweet-briar), another RPR species, then he found the hybrid between them, which had not been recorded in v.c.6 since 1995. Back at the car park, ice creams were purchased, and we set off down the bay to see more local specialities on the sand-dunes and saltmarsh. Clumps of Carex extensa (Long-bracted Sedge) grow on the saltmarsh and Carex distans (Distant Sedge) was recorded beside the many plants of Althaea officinalis (Marsh-mallow): three more RPR species. By some Trifolium arvense (Hare’s-foot Clover), which is frequent on the dunes here, Chris Preston found a few plants of T. ornithopodioides, the first record for the bay and a new monad for this RPR species.

After a brief examination of the strandline, where we found Atriplex laciniata (Frosted Orache) and Salsola kali (Prickly Saltwort), the weary, botanically satiated group eventually turned back, recording saltmarsh species as they went. It had been a brilliant two days, with perfect weather, great company and many valuable records made. I am extremely grateful to Fred Rumsey and particularly to Rob Randall, who so kindly helped with leading this meeting, and to all participants for their valuable contributions.

Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair, West Ross (v.c.105), 17 - 19 June

Duncan Donald

Derek Ratcliffe submitted some records from the Coire Gorm area in 1956 and Gordon Rothero made a superb list from Sgurr Dubh in 1997. Otherwise, this hill – indeed, much of the wider hectad – had long remained full of promise but poorly surveyed, due not least to its remoteness: overnight camping was essential to enable enough time for a thorough search. So I was very grateful when Caspian Richards, Dan Watson, Jim McIntosh and Olesya Smart all signed up to help me tackle it.

The long walk-in along Loch a’ Bhraoin, although sunny and dry, was short on botanical interest (though we added a few new records around Lochivraon bothy). We set up tents at Ruighabhraghad, with fine views north to An Teallach and west to the remarkable quartzite slabs noted by Lightfoot and Pennant passing this way in 1772. Luckily the heavy squally showers overnight didn’t raise the level of the Allt Cul Doireachan too much, so we were able to cross easily and ascend through Corrie Gorm to the base of the north-facing crags of Sgurr Dubh. With patient searching, despite increasing wind and brisk showers, these proved to be as rich as we had hoped. Alchemilla wichurae (Rock Lady's-mantle) was re-found on the grassy slope below the crags [though, unusually for an alkaline site, we only found a single plant of

A. filicaulis (Common Lady's-mantle); it was A. glabra (Smooth Lady's-mantle) which predominated]. The crags themselves yielded re-finds of Arabidopsis petraea (Northern Rock-cress), Cerastium nigrescens (Arctic Mouse-ear), Cherleria [Minuartia] sedoides (Cyphel), Draba norvegica (Rock Whitlowgrass), Polystichum lonchitis (Holly-fern) and Pseudorchis albida (Small-white Orchid); we also found what we think was Poa glauca (Glaucous Meadow-grass) [though this seems to be very difficult to distinguish from P. balfourii {given in Stace as a shade variant of P. glauca Ed.} and high-altitude forms of P. nemoralis (Wood Meadow-grass)]. Helictochloa [Avenula] pratensis (Meadow Oat-grass) – very local in West Ross –was new for the hectad, as was Festuca rubra subsp. arctica, determined by Dan. We failed to re-find here Carex atrata (Black Alpine-sedge), noted before by both Derek and Gordon.

By the time we had climbed on to Tom Coinich, gale conditions prevailed: once, happily nowhere near the cliff-edge(!), I was blown over by a gust. So, although we refound Sibbaldia procumbens (Sibbaldia), added a new site for Sagina subulata (Heath Pearlwort), and saw a ptarmigan hen shielding two chicks, we decided it simply wasn’t safe to explore near the summit where Gordon had recorded Poa alpina (Alpine Meadow-grass) in 1997, nor to climb past this to re-find Derek’s Athyrium distentifolium (Alpine Lady-fern) in Cab a’ Choire Ghuirm. The bonus from retracing our way back down was Jim’s find of a few clumps of Carex saxatilis (Russet Sedge), new to the hectad.

After a further wet and windy night, we were glad we had crossed the river the day before ... The forecast wasn’t good enough for us to make our way along towards Ean Ban, as I’d hoped. Instead, we contented ourselves with searching the river-shingle and the Ruighabhraghad gorge before heading homeward past Loch a’ Bhraoin (enlivened this time by having both a black-throated and a family of red-throated divers – the first time I’ve seen both on the same inland loch). At the road end, as well as refinding the previously reported, anomalous colony of Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart's-tongue) [presumably brought in with road materials], we added Acaena ovalifolia (Two-spined Acaena) and Gentianella campestris (Field Gentian).

As a bonne bouche, remembering we were near one of the few Scottish stations for Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. cruenta (Early Marsh-orchid) and at the right time of year, Caspian, Olesya and I went to see it, still there. I hadn’t realized from reading earlier accounts that it grew in such distinctly alkaline flushes – so it was nice to be able to include Eriophorum latifolium (Broad-leaved Cottongrass), Schoenus nigricans (Black Bog-rush) and Tofieldia pusilla (Scottish Asphodel) on its associated species’ list

Altogether a very successful Field Meeting. I am grateful to my companions for their good-humoured and knowledgeable company, despite the inclement weather.

Staines Moor SSSI (v.c.21), 18 June

This recording trip to the very large site as part of the London Natural History Society’s ‘London Flora Project’ was planned as a continuation of last year's visit (on the 29

May). A group of 14 beginners and experienced botanists met on Moor Lane (TQ030722) at 11:00 am. After the traditional botanical dithering, we headed off along the lane. Shortly afterwards, we spent quite a long-time puzzling over a potential hybrid Equisteum (Horsetail) we found growing abundantly by the bridge carrying the A30 over the lane. The plant appeared to have E. telmateia (Great Horsetail) genes, but some features seemed odd and atypical. As we remained undecided about its identity, I collected a sample, annoyingly I managed to destroy it by accident so I’ll have to revisit the site (TQ029723) to collect another sample! We then headed off down a footpath towards a small part of the Moor known as Church Lammas (‘lammas’ being a form of traditional common land management). Unfortunately, while the grassland (TQ027725) still retained species such as Potentilla anserina (Silver-weed) and Centaurea debeauxii (Chalk Knapweed) there were signs, such as an abundance of Arrhenatherum elatius (False Oatgrass), of nutrient enrichment and insufficient grazing/mowing. An interesting discovery was the presence of Geranium pratense (Meadow Crane’s-bill), this species is relatively scarce as a wild, native plant in Middlesex and most of the current sites have originated from recent (& often undocumented) habitat creation schemes. As a wild plant in the county, it is often restricted to small areas of calcareous alluvium bordering the Thames. As this site ‘fits-the-bill’, I’ll be accepting this population as native.

Unfortunately, as we attempted to cross over from Moor Lane onto the main part of Staines Moor we discovered that the footpath marked on the Ordnance Survey map (at TQ027727) no longer appeared to exist having been engulfed in scrub. Forced to partially retrace our steps, we paused on the road verge to admire some ruderals including Amsinckia micrantha (Common Fiddleneck), despite being a frequent non-native in some vice-counties, this plant is very rare in Middlesex. By returning to the main footpath onto the site we were able to examine the area where the county rarities Anthriscus caucalis (Burchervil) and Lepidium heterophyllum (Smith’s Pepperwort) had been found (TQ033723) the previous year. We were also able to confirm the identity of the putative hybrid (but unflowering) Verbascum (Mulleins) seen then, this time they were flowering and we were quickly able to key them o ut as V. densiflorum (Denseflowered Mullein), which had not been not seen in Middlesex since 1968. Having finally arrived on the Moor and by now hungry, we stopped for lunch.

By Greater London standards, Staines Moor is a very large site and sadly we failed to find most of our target species such Groenlandia densa (Opposite-leaved Pondweed) and Catabrosa aquatica (Whorl-grass). However, we were able to enjoy the open space, albeit with the M40 and Heathrow flight path noise in the background, and make one significant discovery. While we were musing on the identity of some cattle grazed Carex spp. (Sedges), someone noticed a small patch of a

diminutive and unknown plant. This turned out to be Isolepis setacea (Bristle Clubrush), a county rarity with only three records (from Stanmore, Queens Wood and Hampstead) in the last thirty years. Finally, on our way home, we were rewarded with several flowering clumps of another rarity, Oenanthe fluviatilis (River Waterdropwort). This was the first time I’d seen it in flower but unfortunately I was unable to reach it to get a decent photograph!

Sedges and Rushes Workshop, Parkgate, Dumfries (v.c.72), 18 June

The workshop was based on the booklet Start to identify Sedges and Rushes by Faith Anstey. A copy of the booklet was included in the cost of the course. Fifteen people joined the leader, David Hawker, Jan Davidson and Drew Davidson kindly acting as tutors, at the SRUC Barony Campus at Parkgate. For some this was an introduction to a group they were just getting to know, for others it was a refresh of basic identification information.

We initially focused on how the flowers can be used to separate Juncus (Rushes) from Carex (Sedges) and used a small number of the terms describing parts of the flower. After looking more closely at separating Juncus and Luzula (Wood-rushes) and at separating some of the commoner Juncus the first practical asked participants to look at specimens of all three genera and to separate them into the correct genus.

We then looked in detail at the structure of Carex and what variation in these features helps with identification. We noted the scope of the plants that are non Carex sedge relatives. Practical 2 allowed a close look at examples of Carex with different flower arrangements without naming specimens. After lunch we went through a few more features to help with Carex id and then how to use the table and flow chart in the booklet. Practical 3 allowed an examination of the 20 Carex specimens collected by the Tutors and leader the previous two days in order to confirm the features present and if possible put a name to the specimen.

Following this we drove the short distance to Ae Forest where there were about 10 sedge species growing. This gave good practice in picking out sedges amongst other vegetation and participants were able to use the information gained and the booklet to identify these. The balance of information and practical seemed to satisfy participants and by the end of the day they were more confident they could consider identifying at least the commoner species they encounter.

Alness, East Ross (v.c.106), 23 June

This was a joint meeting between the Botanical Society of Scotland (BSS), the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) and the Inverness Botany Group. It was partly devoted to the BSS Urban Flora Project and also to BSBI recording and general botanical interest. We were mainly in the urban area of Alness, but also ventured outside the built-up area into woodland and alongside the river. The weather was kind, if rather hot.

We met in the small car park alongside the Alness (Averon) River, which flows through the town and then began walking upstream along the river bank to the north, initially below a line of houses. The first section of the path featured some common roadside plants and then more woodland species, such as Poa nemoralis (Wood Meadow-grass) and Stellaria holostea (Greater Stitchwort) were seen. There was much Luzula sylvatica (Great Wood-rush) growing on the riverbank and Sanicula europaea (Sanicle) was at the side of the path. In an open area there was a good display of Dactylorhiza purpurella (Northern Marsh-orchid). Circaea lutetiana (Enchanter’s-nightshade) had yet to come into flower.

We passed from NH66 into NH67 and Moehringia trinerva (Three-nerved Sandwort), Pyrola minor (Common Wintergreen) and the sedges Carex binervis (Green-ribbed Sedge) and Carex pilulifera (Pill Sedge) were recorded. The leaves of Goodyera repens (Creeping Lady’s-tresses) were seen under the pines and Lysimachia (Trientalis) europaea (Chickweed-wintergreen) was plentiful. An uphill track took us out of the woodland into an open area and here Omalotheca sylvatica [Gnaphalium sylvaticum] (Heath Cudweed) was growing, as well as Crassula tillaea (Mossy Stonecrop) in the gravel a bit further on.

Back in the urban area, Vulpia myuros (Rat’s-tail Fescue) was in flower and garden escapes such as Campanula persicifolia (Peach-leaved Bellflower) and Cortaderia richardii (Early Pampas-grass) were present by the pavement and roadside. We did not have time to complete a full circuit of the river as far as the A9, but took a shorter path past the railway station where Sherardia arvensis (Field Madder) had been recorded a few years ago, (the first record for v.c.106 for many years), but it was no longer was to be seen.

Tea and cakes in a hotel on the High Street followed, but on the way back to the cars, a wall supported a profuse growth of Cymbalaria muralis (Ivy-leaved Toadflax) and Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort). In all we found 109 species in the southern hectad NH66 and 97 in NH67 to the north.

Grasses Workshop, Chatelherault Country Park (v.c.77), 25 June

Michael Philip, Peter Wiggins and Fiona Macfarlane

The 18 participants arrived in the Edwards Lab at Chatelherault Country Park and grouped themselves around three large tables where identical specimen sets of 20 grass species were set out. Michael’s opening statement was, “We’re not here to find out what these grasses are: we’re here to find out how to find out what these grasses are.”

So began a day of discovery, using Faith Anstey’s booklet and workshop resources to learn what a grass is, what the different parts of the plant are called, how to examine a specimen using a hand lens, and how to work through a simple key.

In the afternoon the groups enjoyed a couple of hours out in the grand surroundings of the Park, practicing their new skills and taking the opportunity to see the famous ‘Cadzow Oaks’ - the celebrated 800 year-old survivors of ancient Oak woodland.

The staff at Chatelherault Country Park were very hospitable, providing tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day and inviting us to use the facilities again whenever we want.

The feedback was generally very positive with many participants saying how helpful and enjoyable the day had been - and several asking for more time on the fieldwork next time.

Glen Douglas to Arrochar (v.c.99), 2 July

Michael Philip

This event was on a much smaller scale than was planned - possibly because, after setting and publicising the date, we discovered that it clashed with the Luss Highland Games!

In the end there were just seven people. Lucy Hollingworth led a group up to the gorge and headwaters of the Douglas Water, on the western flank of Tullich Hill. Such was the eagerness of the party to take part in this group that Michael Philip undertook the walk along the Three Lochs Way from Glen Douglas to Arrochar on his own, and in due course met Faith Anstey who had set off from the Arrochar end.

Nonetheless, many good records were obtained including: Micranthes [Saxifraga] stellaris (Starry Saxifrage), Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Saxifrage), Saxifraga aizoides (Yellow Saxifrage), Asplenium viride (Green Spleenwort), Gymnadenia borealis (Heath Fragrant-orchid) and a wide array of commoner moorland plants.

Ranscombe Farm Plantlife Reserve, Cuxton, nr Rochester, Kent (v.c.16), 3 July

The chance to explore Ranscombe Farm Reserve, Plantlife’s flagship nature reserve, attracted twenty-seven participants to this joint meeting between BSBI and Kent Botanical Recording Group. Ranscombe Farm has long been known as a classic botanical site, with records dating back to the late 17th century, and today is probably best known for its rich arable flora. It is a large site, at around 250 ha, and includes large blocks of woodland as well as some small patches of high-quality chalk grassland: to try and take as much of this in as possible, we ended up making a circuit of around 6 km.

The most botanically interesting arable land at Ranscombe Farm is on the dry, chalky valley sides and the performance of the plants here seems to be affected by the weather during the spring and summer. We seemed to have a hit a sort of mid-season period when some plants – Roemeria hispida [Papaver hybridum] (Rough Poppy) and the large stands of Valerianella dentata (Narrow-fruited Cornsalad) had largely finished flowering (though, in the case of these plants, this made it easier to see the distinctive fruits) while Filago pyramidata (Broad-leaved Cudweed) seemed to be just getting started. Nonetheless, we were able to readily find all these species as well as other typical arable plants such as Euphorbia exigua (Dwarf Spurge), Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax), Kickxia elatine (Sharp-leaved Fluellen), Bromus secalinus (Rye Brome) and Anthemis cotula (Stinking Chamomile), these last two being present in good numbers.

The two plant species which originally put this locality on the botanical map were Salvia pratensis (Meadow Clary) and Malva setigera (Rough Mallow), both of which had their first British records from what is now Ranscombe Farm Reserve, S. pratensis from the 1690s, M. setigera a century later. Both were found still in flower, S. pratensis on the very edge of a wood where it has been known for many decades and which may be the very same spot detailed in the 1838 Proceedings of the Botanical Society of London (the society which later became the BSBI).

The meeting also posed some knotty botanical problems, including a probable Potentilla anglica (Trailing Tormentil) which was closely examined for the features which separate it from the similar but largely sterile hybrids, but which did seem to be forming a good number of ripe seeds. Even more difficult was an unusual-looking broomrape, spotted amongst the grass where our cars were parked, and which was finally determined by Sue Buckingham and Ian Denholm as an atypical specimen of Orobanche crenata (Bean Broomrape), possibly using Helminthotheca echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) as a host, and not previously recorded from the site.

Glynhir Recording Week, Carmarthenshire (v.c.44), 4 – 11 July

Monday, 4 July

A party of eight assembled at Glynhir in time for lunch. Three members had been forced to withdraw at the last minute due to Covid but the party was joined by four others after lunch and several more during the week. The afternoon was to be spent visiting the farm adjacent to Glynhir where some species-rich wet grassland including an area of NVC M24 fen meadow vegetation characterised by Valeriana dioica (Marsh Valerian), Carex hostiana (Tawny Sedge) and C. pulicaris (Flea Sedge) but, sadly, none of the species that characterises the community, Cirsium dissectum (Meadow Thistle). A small stand of Salix repens (Creeping Willow) was also seen together with frequent Lysimachia [Anagallis] tenella (Bog Pimpernel). The egg-yolk yellow flowered Melampyrum pratense subsp. pratense var. hians (Common Cow-wheat) was abundant on shady hedgebanks and by the river with a much lesser amount of var. pratense, the pale yellow flowered plant, in one location.

Due to the small number of participants, we were able to be accommodated for meals in the mansion rather than, as in past years, in the restaurant. The mansion dining room was much more atmospheric and homely but reduced enthusiasm to retire to the studio to deal with the day’s problem plants!

Tuesday, 5 July

The morning dawned dull and drizzly but after breakfast, the party travelled to nearby Rhandirmwyn where we had been invited by the RSPB’s warden, Becky Hulme, to spend the day examining land on the RSPB Gwenffrwd estate. The intention was to attempt to re-find several species which had not been seen since the 1980s and also offer informal management advice. By now the weather had become sunny and the wet, flushed and largely unimproved meadows were very diverse. At least ten sedge species were seen including Carex pallescens (Pale Sedge), C. pulicaris and C. hostiana, also Trocdaris [Carum] verticillata (Whorled Caraway), Euphrasia officinalis subsp. anglica (English Eyebright), E. arctica (Arctic Eyebright), Eleocharis uniglumis (Slender Spike-rush), E. multicaulis (Many-stalked Spike-rush), Potamogeton polygonifolius (Bog Pondweed) and abundant Narthecium ossifragum (Bog Asphodel), together with a Garden Tiger moth and two Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary butterflies. Particular target species included Vicia orobus (Wood Bittervetch), Genista anglica (Petty Whin), G. tinctoria (Dyer's Greenweed) and Ophioglossum vulgatum (Adder's-tongue) but, unfortunately, no rediscoveries of these were seen, although before driving back to Glynhir, the party was taken to see a small population of V. orobus on a nearby RSPB farm which was in flower and seed.

Theresa Greenaway again spent the day in the vicinity of Glynhir where she recorded locally and discovered new sites for Carex muricata subsp. pairae (Small-fruited Prickly-sedge) and Bromus racemosus (Smooth Brome) as well as self-sown Pentaglottis sempervirens (Green Alkanet) and Polemonium caeruleum (Jacob'sladder).

Wednesday, 6 July

After breakfast the majority of the party set off for Esgair Llaethdy near Myddfai where we had been invited by Hywel Morgan, the owner, to visit his land and the adjacent Mynydd Myddfai common. Hywel is fortunate to live in a place of great historic significance as it is one of the farms where Meddygon Myddfai (the Myddfai Physicians) lived and practiced in the 12th century and after. The Physicians had used many local plants in their medicinal remedies, their recipes having been handed down through the generations and, therefore, constitute some of the earliest plant records. Hywel is on the Wales Steering Group of the Nature Friendly Farming Network and is converting from intensive sheep and beef production to considerably more sustainable (and less stressful) farming methods by applying a minimum of fertilizer and halving his stock numbers, concentrating on beef rather than sheep. After he had introduced us to the farm, we walked through a steep oak wood to the pond that he had recently constructed. The aquatic vegetation was limited to a stand of Sparganium erectum (Branched Bur-reed), the pond having yet to develop a greater degree of species diversity.

The main object was to walk along the edge of the Mynydd Myddfai Common where several small flushes were of interest before working our way up the Craig Cwm Clŷd ravine which has been eroded in the mountainside along a fault line. Here we refound the Phegopteris connectilis (Beech Fern), Polystichum aculeatum (Hard Shield-fern) and Hymenophyllum wilsonii (Wilson's Filmy-fern) which were the main attraction of the day. The other target species, not seen here since the 1980s, Chrysosplenium alternifolium (Alternate-leaved Golden-saxifrage), was literally stumbled upon by Arthur Chater who found a tiny plant growing with C. oppositifolium (Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage) in a hole in the narrow vegetated stream channel near the top of the ravine, which he had unintentionally stepped into! We had a well-earned rest after our scramble to the top from where the view was magnificent, taking in the Abergavenny Black Mountains in the east and the Brecon Beacons, Carmarthen Fan and Mynydd Du to the south and south-west. The Preseli mountains could be seen to the north-west whilst the Tywi valley with the Cambrian Mountains beyond and the Epynt completed the 360° panorama. Some members of the party were disappointed when they realized that the Fan that Richard was talking about did not refer to an icecream van, the contents of which would certainly have been appreciated! The steep walk back down to the farm was rewarded by a welcome cup of coffee and more discussion with Hywel which touched on, among other subjects, the future of farming and land management in these marginal areas.

Martyn Stead broke away from the main group and travelled to Kidwelly in the hope of refinding Polypodium cambricum (Southern Polypody) and P. x shivasiae (the hybrid between P. interjectum and P. cambricum) growing on the old town walls. He was successful in updating many tetrad records and recording new species such as, from the castle car-park, Chrysanthemum coronarium (Crown Daisy), the first v.c. record of a self-sown plant, and Polypogon viridis (Water Bent), the first record for Kidwelly of this grass that is rapidly spreading to many of our urban areas. Also, he found Trifolium micranthum (Slender Trefoil) growing sparsely in the grasscrete surface of the slaughterhouse car-park. However, he found that the town walls had been completely stripped of all vegetation and very disappointingly, not a fern was to be seen.

Thursday, 7 July

A group travelled to the National Botanic Garden of Wales. After an introduction to the library and the Welsh Seed Bank now established at the Garden by Kevin McGinn in association with the National Seed Bank at Wakehurst Place and a look at the recently re-furbished Welsh habitat beds, the afternoon included enjoying the spectacular species-rich hay meadows and the recently restored Regency Landscape at the Garden.

The other members of the party met at Llandeilo Abercywyn near Llanybri where Mr and Mrs Morris, the owners of the farm, welcomed us and directed us to the saltmarsh. One of the target species here was Catabrosa aquatica (Whorl-grass) and, initially, confusion reigned as Richard Pryce optimistically tried to convince those present that the exceptionally well-grown Agrostis stolonifera (Creeping Bent), abundant at the top of the marsh was, in fact, Catabrosa. Eventually it was concluded that it was not and the recording of the rest of the saltmarsh continued where such characteristic species as Tripolium pannonicum [Aster tripolium] (Sea Aster), Plantago maritima (Sea Plantain), Triglochin maritimum (Sea Arrowgrass), Cochlearia anglica (English Scurvy-grass) and Armeria maritima (Thrift) were growing. Perhaps of greater interest were the less frequent Parapholis strigosa, Oenanthe lachenalii (Parsley Water-dropwort), Carex extensa (Long-bracted Sedge) and C. distans (Distant Sedge). Most unexpected was the abundance of Cotula coronopifolia (Buttonweed) which was found to be well established over perhaps as much as a hectare of the upper saltmarsh. This is the first v.c. record of this species. Maize fields adjacent to the saltmarsh were mainly free of arable weeds except at their edges where, among more common species, were two plants of Thlaspi arvense (Field Penny-cress). The second target species was Orobanche rapum-genistae (Greater Broomrape) which Richard Pryce had seen here in 1984 when the low maritime cliff was clothed in Ulex europaeus (Gorse). Mr Morris had explained earlier that due to the ban on burning it has not been possible to maintain the gorse which has now been succeeded by oak-dominated woodland and he has not seen the Orobanche in recent years – the last record was made in 1990. The return to the farm was through mature base-rich woodland which gave welcome relief from the hot sun and where Bromopsis ramosa (Hairy Brome), Milium effusum and Sanicula europaea (Sanicle) were seen.

Friday, 8 July

The group met Dai Hart and Lauri McLean of the National Trust at Dinefwr to examine some of the ox-bow lakes on the Tywi floodplain. We were unsuccessful in finding Persicaria minor (Small Water-pepper) which had been recorded here in 2009. The draw-down zones of the ox-bows examined had much Rorippa islandica (Northern Yellow-cress), as well as R. palustris (Marsh Yellow-cress), R. sylvestris (Creeping Yellow-cress), Bidens cernua (Nodding Bur-marigold), B. tripartita (Trifid Burmarigold) and Oxybasis rubra [Chenopodium rubrum] (Red Goosefoot). Later, Janet Higgins found Utricularia australis (Bladderwort) growing with Lemna trisulca (Ivyleaved Duckweed) in the northern-most ox-bow. U. australis was last recorded here

and

in 1970, this being one of its only four Carms sites. Banded Demoiselles were abundant in some of the Glyceria maxima (Reed Sweet-grass) dominated marginal vegetation where small stands of Carex rostrata (Bottle Sedge), Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Grey Club-rush) and Typha x glauca (the hybrid between T. latifolia and T. angustifolia) were seen (the Typha being the third v.c. record). The party was also lucky to see a Little Ringed Plover and a Kingfisher by the river.

On returning to Glynhir, there was time before dinner for to walk down to the waterfall but a small landslip had destroyed the only easily accessible Dryopteris aemula (Hayscented Buckler-fern) plant and the water level was too high to approach the waterfall closely.

Saturday, 9 July

The group visited Dolycoed, near Brynamman, where the owner, Ieuan, has been managing his smallholding in the same way for the past 71 years. Despite this, and the habitat being judged to remain suitable, we were unable to refind the target species Vicia orobus, Carex montana (Soft-leaved Sedge) and Genista anglica that had been recorded there by CCW Phase II surveyors in 1993. However, most of the other expected species of Carmarthenshire unimproved, acid, often wet hay meadows were still to be found. These included the NVC M24 trio Carex pulicaris, C. hostiana and Valeriana dioica although Cirsium dissectum was not seen despite being recorded by the Phase II team. Also seen in the grassland were Narthecium ossifragum, Scutellaria minor (Lesser Skullcap), Veronica scutellata (Marsh Speedwell), Lysimachia tenella, Pedicularis sylvatica var. hibernica (Common Lousewort) and Sanguisorba officinalis (Greater Burnet), whilst Melampyrum pratense subsp. pratense var. hians was occasional on some hedgebanks.

When making our way to examine the second field, casual species growing on a dung heap by the gate included single plants of Triticum aestivum (Bread Wheat) and Echinochloa crus-galli (Cockspur), the latter the first v.c. record away from the coastal strip. Although there was not time to visit a second smallholding, the party took a brief walk along the road to record hedgerow species. At Nant Gwyneu, next-door to Dolycoed, the low, stone boundary wall was resplendent with an abundance of a Hieracium species of which a specimen was collected for future determination. More Melampyrum pratense subsp. pratense var. hians was at the road junction and also notable on the hedgebanks were Asplenium adiantum-nigrum (Black Spleenwort), Moehringia trinervia (Three-nerved Sandwort) and a narrow-leaved form of Lathyrus linifolius (Bitter Vetch) which superficially appeared to be var. linifolius but the conspicuously mucronate leaflets made it var. montanus

Two members spent the day recording on footpaths south of Llansaint, their records included Geranium pyrenaicum (Hedgerow Crane's-bill), G. pusillum (Smallflowered Crane's-bill), Carex disticha subsp. disticha (Brown Sedge) and Geum rivale (Water Avens) and, at Kidwelly Quay, Carex riparia (Greater Pond-sedge)

Martyn Stead went to Llandeilo in order to examine the trees in the churchyard, the majority having been planted since the rebuilding of the church in 1848 and some having been listed by W. Samuel in his 1868 book ‘Llandeilo Present and Past’. The churchyard must have more tree varieties than any other churchyard in the county and

rivals Gelli Aur as an arboretum and his list is far more comprehensive than W. Samuels’! He also recorded in the two monads that embrace the town where he recorded Polypogon viridis growing at the edge of the King’s Head car-park and Senecio viscosus (Sticky Groundsel) as a kerbside weed.

Sunday, 10 July

After breakfast, the destination was the MoD Test Ranges at Pendine where they were met by Matt Sutton, who was to lead, together with Ruth Harding of NRW. After the security formalities we went in the cars to the main C9 test track where Matt showed us numerous plants of Ophioglossum vulgatum and a single large specimen of Senecio inaequidens (Narrow-leaved Ragwort), the second Vice-county record, both of which he had discovered the previous month. Then on to the extensive fen-meadow west of the Witchett Pool where there is abundant Cirsium dissectum. This vegetation best-fits the NVC M24 community although is very atypical with significant maritime influence and includes, for instance, Equisetum variegatum (Variegated Horsetail), Samolus valerandi (Brookweed), Oenanthe lachenalii, Carex arenaria (Sand Sedge), Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) and J. gerardii (Saltmarsh Rush). Here, Gymnadenia densiflora (Dense-flowered Fragrant Orchid) is quite frequent and a single plant of putative G. densiflora x Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Fragrant Orchid x Common Spottedorchid) was found, the first v.c. record, whilst Matt Sutton collected a specimen of possible Equisetum palustre x E. variegatum (Marsh Horsetail x Variegated Horsetail) which he has sent to the referee for confirmation.

Lunch was eaten in the shade of some pine trees by the C9 Prep room, after which we travelled by car to the final stop at the East 4 Range where it was intended to search the conservation scrapes made to rejuvenate selected overgrown dune slacks in 2005/6 in order to recreate suitable habitat for Liparis loeselii (Fen Orchid) which had not been seen in the county since 2002. A small slack where suitable early-successional vegetation has now become established yielded only relatively common species including Lysimachia tenella, Hydrocotyle vulgaris (Marsh Pennywort) and Glaux maritima (Sea Milkwort) so the party moved to the site where Liparis had last been seen which was then searched. It didn’t take long before 11 year old Tristan Moss found a plant about 7 cm tall with five flowers/capsules. Another was found about 15 m to the south, this time slightly taller with six flowers/capsules and an offset with some slug damage on the leaves. Then another four non-flowering plants 3 cm – 4 cm across were discovered in the same area as the first. Despite further intensive examination by all present who formed a forensic line of search, no more were found. Several stems of Dactylorhiza incarnata subsp. coccinea (the brick-red form of Early Marshorchid) in seed and a very large stand of Carex punctata (Dotted Sedge) were also seen in the slack before it was time to return to the main gate, say our farewells and for residents to return to Glynhir.

The week had been very successful, particularly because of the rediscovery of Liparis, but was very disappointing in that in most sites where we had target species to monitor, our efforts were unsuccessful despite having chosen areas where the habitats have

not apparently changed significantly since the plants were previously seen. All present said they had enjoyed the week and had found it useful in gaining experience for future recording and look forward to next year’s Glynhir meeting.

Rubus Study Week (v.cc.6, 7, 8, 33, 34), 11-18 July

Spending a whole week looking at brambles may seem rather ambitious but it did allow the bramble flora of three counties to be studied. During the week the 5 members attending were able to study 69 of the 100 target species. The week began on the Monday with an introductory lecture, 'Secret Life of the Mulberry Bush', explaining how brambles are classified, their significance for biodiversity, and as a distinctive feature of the vegetation of Britain and Europe.

Tuesday, 12 July (v.c.6)

Lord's Wood, on Carboniferous sandstones and shale in the Somerset coalfield, has long been known as a wood rich in species, and a good selection were encountered. Rubus scissus (Series Rubus), is widespread nationally, but rare in v.c.6. R. diversiarmatus (Ser. Rhamnifolii), a local endemic, is confined to a small area between Lord's Wood and Brislington on the border with v.c.34. Series Hystrix included R. angusticuspis, from the Welsh borders, and R. thysigeriformis, a French species which is spreading rapidly. Series Micantes was represented by R. percrispus, widely scattered in southern England, and R. trichodes, with its headquarters in the Chilterns. The rest of the day was spent on the Mendip Hills. East Harptree Wood, largely conifer plantation on silicified strata, is dominated by R. leyanus, but some R. dentatifolius, also in Ser. Anisacanthi, was present as well as R. raduloides (Ser. Micantes), R. surrejanus (Ser Vestiti) and R. purbeckensis (Ser Sylvatici). A young plant of the western species, R. scabripes (Ser. Hystrix), was new to the Mendips and appeared to be a recent arrival. Black Down, grassy moorland on Old Red Sandstone, is usually damp underfoot, but was very dry, with the brambles rather stunted. Additional species included R. prolongatus and R. villicauliformis (aka R. davisii) in Ser. Rhamnifolii. Burrington Common nearby, but on Carboniferous Limestone, added R. fuscicaulis (Ser. Radula) and R. pruinosus (Sect. Corylifolii) to the list.

Wednesday, 13 July (v.c.6)

Several sites on the Somerset peat moors were visited, where R. nobilissimus and R. vigorosus (Ser. Rubus) are quite frequent, the former renowned for its large juicy fruit. At Westhay Moor, R. nemoralis (Ser. Rhamnifoilii) and R. sciocharis (Ser. Sylvatici), also good fruiters, were quite frequent. At Shapwick Heath the ground cover on Kent Drove, as it passed through carr woodland, was dominated by R. arrhenii (Ser. Sprengeliani), a species favouring damp woodland on acid soils. By a path through the main part of the NNR were R. avaloniensis (Ser. Anisacanthi) and R. moylei (Ser. Micantes). The last stop was Catcott Heath, where Higher Ropes Drove was investigated. In the past, the drove had been surfaced with waste leather from Clark's shoe factory in Street and pieces of leather were visible in several places. R. winteri (Ser. Discolores) was the dominant species but R. calvatus (Ser. Sylvatici), R. adscitus (Ser. Vestiti) and R. conjungens (Sect. Corylifolii) were also encountered. At Westhay and Shapwick, a cream-flowered Comfrey was seen and collected on the assumption

that it might be Symphytum officinale subsp. bohemicum, of the East Anglian fens, a suggestion since confirmed.

Thursday, 14 July (v.c.7)

Bird's Marsh, ancient woodland on Kellaways beds north of Chippenham, has been under-planted with large areas of Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron. One large patch of R. nessensis (Ser. Rubus) survived in the wood, but most species were encountered only round the edges. The most frequent being R. albionis (Ser. Sylvatici) and R. asperidens (Ser. Hystrix) but R. amplificatus (Ser. Rhamnifolii) and R. rossensis (Ser. Discolores) were present in small quantity. Woods at Upper Seagry, also on the Kellaways, produced R. adenoleucus (Sect. Corylifolii), another French species that is spreading quite rapidly. In the afternoon remnants of Braydon Forest, a mediaeval hunting forest on Oxford Clay, were visited. One of the specialities of Somerford Common is R. silvaticus but R. leucandriformis and R. platyacanthus, also in Ser. Sylvatici, were new to the area. Little known species such as R. stenopetalus (Ser. Discolores) and R. radulicaulis (Ser. Radula) were also encountered. Grassy paths and clearings had plenty of Succisa pratensis (Devil's-bit Scabious) and Betonica officinalis (Betony) and one patch of Serratula tinctoria (Saw-wort). In Webb's Wood, mostly conifer plantation, additional species included R.flexuosus and R. rufescens (Ser. Radula) and R. bercheriensis (Ser. Hystrix). R. leucandriformis and R. stenopetalus were new to this wood.

Friday, 15 July (v.cc.6, 8)

A short visit to Clanger Wood (v.c.8) on Oxford Clay, produced R. longus (Ser. Vestiti) and R. phaeocarpus (Ser. Hystrix), both new for this locality. The rest of the day was spent on the Longleat Estate, on Upper Greensand. R. leyanus was dominant at Southleigh Wood (the type locality), R. lanaticaulis (Ser. Vestiti) was encountered for the first time and R. phaeocarpus was new there. R. arrhenii was locally frequent and most patches had retained their petals even though the fruit was already developing, an unusual feature not mentioned in recent literature. At East Woodlands (v.c.6) there was R. mucronatiformis (Ser. Mucronati), R. euryanthemus and R. multifidus (Ser. Radula), none of which had been encountered before. The damp tracks were lined with Carex strigosa (Thin-spiked Wood-sedge) and a few plants of Agrimonia procera (Fragrant Agrimony).

Saturday, 16 July (v.cc.33, 34)

Most of the day was spent at Cirencester Park (v.c.33) on the Cotswold plateau. A lane on the edge of Hailey Wood had large patches of R. rudis (Ser. Radula). Oakley Wood had R. cotteswoldensis (Ser. Vestiti), almost restricted to the Cotswolds, and R. radula which allowed comparison with the rather similar R. rudis R. phaeocarpus was probably new to v.c.33 and R. adenoleucus was only the third record. One patch of 'Boars Hill scaber' was encountered. This is the plant (no.74 in the Set of British Rubi) distributed as R. scaber, from Boar's Hill south of Oxford. It is also scattered in Oak woods in the Weald of Kent and Sussex but does not yet have a name. A grassy ride used by horse-riders had large colonies of Centaurium pulchellum (Lesser Centaury).

The day ended with a visit to Westridge Wood, Wotton-under-edge (v.c.34), to look for R. bucknallii (Sect. Corylifolii). This species is so far only known from this part of the Cotswolds and small outlying colonies at Kimbolton (v.c.31) but could well exist in woods in the area between. An unexpected find was R. multifidus, previously recorded in error as R. insectifolius. A bonus for the day was a visit to the local nature reserve to see Stachys alpina (Alpine Woundwort), still just in flower.

Sunday, 17 July (v.c.34)

The last day was spent at Oldbury Court Estate where, Glen Frome, a rocky ravine, cuts through Pennant Sandstone. Most species had been encountered before but R. wirralensis (Ser. Mucronati), in small quantity in Lord's Wood, was here quite frequent, and there were patches of R. platyacanthus, rare on the Bristol side of the Severn estuary. A large patch of R. cissburiensis (Ser. Rhamnifolii), a native of SE England, was a garden escape. In Glen Frome a large colony of the nationally scarce R. obscuriflorus (Ser. Glandulosi) was cascading down a rocky slope.

Malham Tarn (v.c.64), 15 – 18 July

Jonathan Shanklin

The BSBI Annual Summer Meeting is normally planned a year or more in advance. The one planned for 2020 in Scotland was no different until Covid struck, and it then had to be postponed again in 2021, but it looked good for 2022. Unfortunately the arrangements fell through in February, but might it be possible to go somewhere else? The Hon. Field Meetings Secretary thought that it might be practicable if we could go to somewhere recently visited, with initial possibilities being Flintshire or northern England. It turned out that the Field Studies Council centre at Malham Tarn had a vacancy that coincided with the originally planned dates, and who can resist limestone pavement flora?

The accommodation was booked, the meeting advertised and bookings flowed in, almost until the final minute. To give lots of flexibility I opted for arranging two local outings on the opening day (easy going and a bit tougher walking), followed by small groups visiting under recorded monads, interesting sites or hunting LORE [LOst Rarities in England] species. Groups were assigned to cars, each with an expert and a recorder, but after that it was more or less a free choice of where to go, apart from some specific requests.

The Friday walks suffered the worst of the weather, with just a few spots of rain to slightly dampen the recording cards, but not enough to require waterproofs. After that it became steadily warmer and sunnier, but more of that later. A blogger was selected for each day, and the following accounts are taken from their contributions.

Friday, 15 July – Laura Spence

On the first day of the Annual Summer Meeting, there was no time for a leisurely settling-in to our commodious rooms of FSC Malham Tarn Field Centre, with all concerned instead wanting to get right to it with an excursion. The group of over twenty botanists, converging in the western Yorkshire Dales, had travelled from many corners of Great Britain (South Wales, Surrey, Edinburgh, Norfolk, Shropshire, Cambridgeshire, London, Teeside to name a few), some making longer trips on their drive over here to botanise at other locations en route. Conversation was easy, despite this being - for one member at least - the largest group of new people they had met in quite a long time!

The botanists split into two for the first excursion, with the groups named “easy” and “rough”, although a warning that the easy group may well walk further than the rough group and would face some tricky botany. The ‘easy, but maybe not-too easy’ group visited Tarn Moss to the west of the Malham Tarn, while the ‘roughish perhaps’ group walked around the east of the Tarn under Great Close Hill, through the Ha Mire and in the Great Close Mire. The rest of this tale will be about the latter group since all this blogger subsequently learnt of the former group was that they discovered Salix pentandra (Bay Willow).

It has been said before, and it will be said again, that a problem with Botanical Society meetings can sometimes be the initial chivvying of participants out of the car park. This time I was able to actually get a magnitude to this problem: 35 minutes, or 16.6% of total excursion time was spent recording plants around the fringe and in the front lawn of Malham Tarn house. It was our first monad [a 1 km x 1 km square] though, so entirely necessary, and some plants of interest were discovered: Erinus alpinus (Fairy Foxglove) and Cymbalaria pallida (Italian Toadflax) for example, daintily gracing a shady limestone dry-wall, were new species to a number of folks in the group. By this number whether Erinus alpinus looked remotely foxglove-y or indeed Scrophuariaceae-y was questioned.

And so on we progressed, through three successive monads of recording and new habitats and microhabitats yielding fresh collections of interesting specimens. All to the beautiful front drop of Malham Tarn - a large lake by English standards and spectacularly framed by rolling green fells and patches of deciduous woodland - and the dramatic backdrop of Great Close - a limestone cliff complete with Peregrine Falcon. Of botanical note on the lower slopes of Great Close Hill was found Galium sterneri (Limestone Bedstraw) clambering over a little hummock created on a limestone rock, happily growing alongside Galium saxatile (Heath Bedstraw) allowing a minute comparison for those with hand-lens. Mention must also be given to Primula farinosa (Bird’s Eye Primrose) that was discovered still flowering in the Ha Mire and frequently after that. This species was a new one for some of us and the compact, trim rosettes and creamy white underside of the leaves were admired - this mire would be well worth a visit at the prime of the primrose flowering.

Finally, I must wrap this tale short since its relation is being squeezed into a spare moment before more excursions, with the exciting plant hunt in the latter part of the excursion. This Annual Meeting, in addition to general monad and tetrad recording, enjoying the sights and botanical company, we’re also trying to help the LORE project - looking for LOst Rarities in England - that is searching for species that have not been found at a site in the 21st Century. For Great Close this meant looking for Bartsia alpina (Alpine Bartsia) and Polygala amarella (Dwarf Milkwort). Great Close Mire was the subject of the search and everyone engaged. Three individuals of a more common Polygala were discovered, raising false hope, but sadly revealed no basal rosette of leaves which is characteristic of P. amarella

However, the search for B. alpina was successful! A single stem of this short but stout hemiparasite was discovered, it had already flowered so its purpleyblue flowers could not be admired but the stem nonetheless was highly distinctive and a joy for, in particular, the hemiparasite lovers in the group. A number of us carefully explored the hummocks all around but not a single further stem of this rare plant was discovered. We hope that the seeds currently maturing in the inflated red calices will help to perpetuate this plant into the future.

Saturday, 16 July – Julia Hanmer

It’s a real treat to be here amongst so many botanists at the BSBI Annual Summer Meeting in Malham Tarn. This is my first BSBI field meeting after joining in April 2021 during Covid and I’m so pleased to finally meet lots of members face to face, rather than just on Zoom.

It’s also wonderful, as a beginner botanist, to be surrounded by many people who know their plants really well and can show me the features to look for to identify them. Also to share tips about memorising plants, including the way they taste and smell (such as that the leaves of Rumex acetosa (Common Sorrel) taste of apple peel).

Today we divided into small groups to visit and survey various different nature reserves or monads, all without putting too much pressure on these delicate habitats. Our group of seven went to Weybeck Pasture, a meadow recently taken back into management from a tenant farmer by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT). This was a rectangular field on the banks of the River Skirfare, near where it joins the River Wharfe.

When we found our way to the field entrance, we were initially disappointed and wondering why this was down on the list of interesting local sites. However, this was a good chance for me to practice my common species identification skills, including grasses, thistles and clovers. We looked at Cirsium arvense (Creeping Thistle) with smooth stems and pale lilac flowers beside Cirsium vulgare’s (Spear Thistle) deep purple flowers with prickly stems and an overall much angrier look. Discussing thistle identification led to tales of high-speed botanising and how to spot C. heterophyllum

(Melancholy Thistle) from trains by the white colour of the hairs on the underside of the leaves.

I’ve been doing the Identiplant course online since February to improve my plant identification skills and it was great to meet up with two others here who are doing the course and find many of the species I haven’t been able to track down yet in London such as Trifolium medium (Zigzag Clover).

Once we walked down the slope towards the stream, we were suddenly in botanical heaven. We found a small slope covered in Gymnadenia conopsea (Chalk Fragrantorchid), which smelt amazing and Epipactis palustris (Marsh Helleborine). This was alongside a wonderful wet flush with Pinguicula vulgaris (Common Butterwort), Polygala vulgaris (Common Milkwort), Schoenus nigricans (Black Bog-rush), Linum catharticum (Fairy Flax), Sesleria caerulea (Blue Moor-grass) and Pilosella officinarum (Mouse-ear-hawkweed). Nearby, on a higher slope, we found Helianthemum nummularium (Common Rock-rose) and Primula farinosa (Bird’seye Primrose).

After all that excitement and a paddle in the steam, we sheltered from the sun beside a limestone wall for lunch, then returned to the stream to attempt to re-find a rare species we had a grid reference for beside the small stream. The grid reference proved accurate and we found Blysmus compressus (Flatsedge), a “Vulnerable” Red Data Book sedge. Now I understand the buzz of finding a rare plant! We counted 34 plants in flower in a small area 3.5 m long in a small open area alongside the stream.

While Jeremy, Caroline and James went off to finish recording the monad, our car of four headed back to FSC Malham Tarn for a cup of tea before walking to Tarn Moss NNR and the amazing boardwalk over this very special bog beside the tarn. We’d visited briefly on a walk yesterday afternoon but today we had time to linger and key out some of the exciting bog plants including comparing Galium uliginosum (Fen Bedstraw) with Galium palustre (Marsh-bedstraw), spotting the seed heads of Trollius europaeus (Globeflower) and finding Triglochin palustris (Marsh Arrowgrass), Comarum palustre (Marsh Cinquefoil), Vaccinium oxycoccus (Cranberry), Pyrola minor (Common Wintergreen) and the wonderful Drosera rotundifolia (Round-leaved Sundew).

Sunday, 17 July – Than Gunabalasingham

This was my first meeting. As a beginner to botany, and having done most of my botanising on the streets of London, the only pavements I knew were those of concrete. The limestone pavements we visited on the Southerscales Nature Reserve were therefore both excitingly new and strangely familiar all at once.

Here were entirely new plant communities - many of which I had never seen beforejostling together through the cracks and crevices, not unlike their unruly urban cousins who I was better acquainted with.

On the grazed pastures surrounding the path up to the main expanse of pavement, we were greeted by a company of orchids. These comprised Coeloglossum viride (Frog Orchid), which I thought were less glamorous, but no less dignified than their colourful neighbours, Gymnadenia conopsea (Chalk Fragrant-orchid), and further along, some Neottia ovata (Common Twayblade).

The limestone pavements were nothing short of spectacular, building up from patches to a contiguous expanse further up. This was what I could only describe in some parts as a veritable fernucopia. In one tiny section of paving we identified five different ferns, including both rarer limestone specialists and generalists – Gymnocarpium robertianum (Limestone Fern), Dryopteris submontana (Rigid Buckler-fern), Dryopteris filix-mas (Male-fern), Dryopteris affinis (Scaly Male-fern) and Asplenium scolopendrium (Hart’s-tongue). There were more to follow too, including Athyrium filix-femina (Lady-fern), Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort) and Asplenium viride (Green Spleenwort).

The number of wildflowers on display were also wonderfully plentiful. Whilst I had seen the Thalictrum flavum (Common Meadow-rue) before, this was the first time I saw its dryland cousin, Thalictrum minus (Lesser Meadow-rue), and that too, whilst in flower.

Another member of the Ranunculaceae, which proved a personal highlight was Actaea spicata (Baneberry). We were lucky enough to see them at different stages of life, with some in flower and others with swelling unripe fruit that were a glossy green for now, but as I was told, would eventually turn a deep and deadly red.

Amongst many of the learnings, one of the botanists in our party was also kind enough to give me a two minute masterclass on the distinction between the native hawkbits, with the one we had encountered being the hairiest of them all, Leontodon hispidus (Rough Hawkbit).

The afternoon took us to Salt Lake Quarry Nature Reserve. A special find here was the Eleocharis mamillata (Northern Spike-rush), a humble plant in many ways, but more notable in my view for its rarity than appearance.

A small plant I was particularly captivated by was perhaps more common, though one I had not seen before - the demure and dainty white flower of Linum catharticum - a plant as magical as its common name of Fairy Flax suggests.

All in all this was another fantastic day of learning in a fantastic landscape. With so much expertise around, and exceedingly helpful botanists at hand who were willing to share their wisdom so readily, I feel my botanical knowledge has expanded exponentially in the few short days I have been here.

Monday, 18 July – Hannah Udall

Today was the last day of the Annual Summer Meeting, and we collected ourselves into groups according to our travel plans. Wanting to squeeze a few last visits in my group decided to explore areas close to the estate and visit the Globeflower Wood and the Board Walk by the tarn.

Many people had decided to do the same local walks. I felt a sense of sadness to be leaving this beautiful area; viewing the plants in the near vicinity gave me an opportunity to say goodbye to the place which had been our home for the past few nights.

We walked to Globeflower Wood after breakfast – the sun was already hot and you could feel the day promised to be warm. The wood is a small walled area in the corner of an agricultural field and bordered by the road on two sides. We recorded the plants we found; this included Trollius europaeus (Globeflower) which was not in flower but the leaves were abundant, Geranium sylvaticum (Wood crane’s bill) which had seeded earlier than specimens seen by the road, Dryopteris dilatata (Broad Bucklerfern) and Sanguisorba officinalis (Great Burnet).

I would love to return to see the Globeflower in flower. I wonder how this little pocket of woodland survived? Was it the Globeflower’s beauty that warranted preservation from agricultural expansion? Was the flower more common at one time in the area, with only a small patch surviving? Or rather is this corner particularly damp, suiting the Globeflower’s niche?

On the way back we joined the Board Walk. This was a lovely path winding through a raised bog. It was so dry when we went that I doubt the boardwalk was necessaryalthough there were some wet areas of sphagnum moss. There were many leaves of Menyanthes Trifoliata (Bogbean) - again something I think would be magnificent to revisit when it flowers in late spring/early summer. We also saw Valeriana dioica (Marsh Valerian), which had all gone to seed, and Valeriana officinalis (Common Valarian) which was still flowering. There was Potentilla palustris (Marsh Cinquefoil), a distinctive plant due to the sepals acquiring the role of petals, was flowering. So was Drosera rotundifolia (Round-leaved Sundew) which was beautiful to see with its solitary flower on the inflorescence, sparkling in the sun and reflecting its namesake.

There were many Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted-orchids) and Dactylorhiza purpurella (Northern Marsh-orchid) plants, as were individuals which looked like a hybrid between the two. My favourite plant on this walk was Pyrola minor (Common Wintergreen). We found it growing in the shade, spotted about the trunk of a tree. The flowers were just seeding however the petals were still present. The white bellshaped flowers hanging off the protruding inflorescence looked ethereal and magical. There were also brilliant expanses of Narthecium ossifragum (Bog Asphodel), creating carpets of yellow and orange.

The walk took us back to the Malham Tarn Estate, where we got ready to leave. There was a sense of apprehension, as the forecasted high temperatures had caused many trains to be cancelled. Some people even considered staying another two nights at the estate, as this would be a treat in itself! It is a place I plan to return to; three nights was not enough and listening to what other groups found made me want to explore more. The weekend was wonderful and has given me an insight into the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. It was great to be around so many knowledgeable botanists and I learnt so much.

There were many notable finds over the weekend including Galium boreale (Northern Bedstraw), Groenlandia densa (Opposite-leaved Pondweed) in the tarn and Cochlearia pyrenaica (Pyrenean Scurvygrass) It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend; thank you Jonathan Shanklin for organising it and I hope to join more Summer Meetings in the future.

Postscript – Jonathan Shanklin

A red heat warning for Monday and Tuesday had been issued by the Met Office and this caused the train companies to cancel many services. Some attendees, especially those who had travelled by rail decided to head back, whilst others opted for more time in the field. Having checked that nothing had been left behind (a few items had) and had a quick chat with the centre manager I and my passengers headed to our chosen area of Turf Hill and Cowside, which was more or less on the way towards Settle station. Here we had the pleasure of some more limestone pavement, along with grazed meadows and made nearly 200 records in the two monads.

Arriving at Settle I suggested that my passengers check whether their train was running before I left. It wasn’t! A check on what was running showed that Wigan was still an option for a train to London, which was fortunately close to my route back to Chester, where I was staying with my sister. The passengers were safely left there and not too long later I was back in Chester, where the temperature was much warmer than it had been further north. The next day the highest ever UK temperature was recorded, but it was cooler on the Flintshire coast and I had a pleasant day recording near Point of Ayr!

The totals were finally added up in late August – together the group made 3000 records of 500 species, including 20 that were on the LORE list. Many of the monads and even a few of the tetrads visited had few previous records, as most visitors go to the known hotspots. Our work shows that there are still interesting things to be found, so maybe we should have another ASM here in a few years time.

Herrington & Hastings Hills, (v.c.66), 23 July

Twelve BSBI members met at the entrance to the Durham Wildlife Trust Herrington Hill reserve, one of several magnesian limestone grasslands within the city of Sunderland. Parking was very limited so unfortunately, the number of participants had to be too. This was a pity as others had asked to come along later and a reserve list was created, but the original dozen were all were keen to attend. Apologies for the others who had requested.

Magnesian limestone grassland in Co. Durham is classified with the NVC code of CG8 – Sesleria albicans – Scabiosa columbaria. CG8 is entirely restricted to the magnesian limestone in the Durham area, and is probably the rarest lowland calcareous grassland community in the UK. After an introduction to the site and its history, a little bit of health & safety and a species list, we were ready to go. Due to the previous hot weather and record-breaking temperatures, the grassland was very dry as we proceeded up the hill but it was not long before we saw some of the classic plants of this habitat: Plantago media (Hoary Plantain), Pimpinella saxifraga (Burnet-saxifrage), Centaurea scabiosa (Greater Knapweed), Scabiosa columbaria (Small Scabious) and Avenula pubescens (Downy Oat-grass). At the top of the hill a small quarry had lots of Thymus drucei [polytrichus] (Wild Thyme) and Sesleria caerulea (Blue Moor-grass) on the low ledges, though the latter had finished flowering several months ago. We continued to spot plants in flower such as Carlina vulgaris (Carline Thistle) as we headed to the orchid bank on our way back down including, new for some, Torilis japonica (Upright Hedge-parsley), which was very surprising, as it is very common in the north-east. Poor Apiaceae (Umbellifers), they are often overlooked.

On the bank all of the orchids were unfortunately well past flowering, so we sat down and had our lunch. An interesting discussion on the Fragrant Orchids in Durham commenced as it is not straight-forward here on the 'Mag-lime'. After the UK Gymnadenia (Fragrant Orchids) were split into three distinct species, it was assumed that those on this limestone were Gymnadenia conopsea (Chalk Fragrant-orchid). However more recently it appears that contra to general thought, most are in fact G. densiflora (Marsh Fragrant-orchid). I say most, as it seems that some growing side by side, are in fact Chalk Fragrant-orchid as they flower earlier and fit other characters quite well, including a different rather sickly fragrance, not the Carnation-pink smell of the Marsh species. More work needs to be done on these mis-behaving Gymnadenia

All refreshed after lunch we did the short drive to our second location, Hastings Hill. This is an SSSI and is an old disused limestone quarry on farmland with a similar flora to Herrington Hill with the addition of Epipactis atrorubens (Dark-red Helleborine) which was rediscovered here a few years ago. As we proceeded to the quarry we admired a large clump of Knautia arvensis (Field Scabious) and with more Scabiosa columbaria just a little further along we could compare the 2 rows of broad triangular sepal-like bracts of the Knautia compared to the one row of about ten thin ones of the Scabiosa. Along the same track we compared two ragworts, Jacobaea vulgaris [Senecio jacobaea] (Common Ragwort) and J. erucifolia [Senecio erucifolius] (Hoary Ragwort), the latter, taller, grey downy and lacking the black tip on the inner bracts. At the top of the quarry, a rather past it Carduus nutans (Musk Thistle) was examined

but later, at the bottom, a fine flowered specimen was much admired. As at the previous site, Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell) was in flower everywhere, oblivious to the drought-like conditions and a few Helianthemum nummularium (Common Rock-rose) flowers were hanging on. Unfortunately, the same could not be said of the Helleborines as perched up on the quarry face they had shrivelled to nothing but I don't think that stopped us having a very enjoyable day.

Grasses, Sedges & Rushes Training, Joint with NTS & PSNS, Ben Lawers (v.c.88), 23 July

Last year's two-level meeting on Ben Lawers was so popular that we decided to do the same again this year, when it proved even more so. Some of the participants had attended the BSBI workshops on Grasses and/or Sedges & Rushes, either this year or in a previous year. Most had studied the associated booklets. Some were old hands in a new setting. So everyone was keen to get stuck into identifying GSR species in the flesh, in the wonderful setting of Ben Lawers – a place that is often described as 'a botanists' paradise'.

Car parking at Ben Lawers on a summer weekend being something of a nightmare, the first group, led by Dan Watson, met at 8:00 am in the main car park. This group comprised, by and large, the more experienced and fitter members. The second group met at the more civilised hour of 10:00 am at the low level car park at Kiltyrie, leaders Faith Anstey and Martin Robinson. In contrast to last year, the weather was overcast and – for Group One, at any rate – decidedly wet, yet everyone enjoyed their day and learned a lot in the process.

Group one

Eight intrepid souls met in mist and drizzle in the Ben Lawers car park and were promptly assaulted by midges. We soon got going and were pleased to leave the midges behind, although not the less than perfect weather. We started by running through the differences between sedges, grasses and rushes, using the examples of Carex binervis (Green-ribbed Sedge), Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair-grass) and Juncus effusus (Soft Rush). We made our way up through the nature trail, looking at a few examples of some more common graminoids before climbing up through Coire Odhar and investigating some of the many flushes which cross the path. Typical species in these included Carex dioica (Dioecious Sedge), Elocharis quinqueflora (Few-flowered Spike-rush) and Carex demissa (Common Yellow-sedge), although Tofieldia pusilla (Scottish Asphodel) attracted more attention! The bealach between Meall Corranaich and Beinn Ghlas has a population of Carex aquatilis (Water Sedge) and further on into the north corrie of Beinn Ghlas a short detour uphill from the path led to Carex saxatilis (Russet Sedge) and Juncus castaneus (Chestnut Rush). The boulders there provided some shelter for lunch after which we continued to Creag Loisgte, the botanical paradise below the summit of Ben Lawers. Poa alpina (Alpine Meadow -

grass) was easy to spot with its proliferous inflorescences and a GPS was used to navigate through thick mist to find a massive boulder with around one hundred plants of Carex atrata (Black Alpine-sedge) growing on it. Inevitably a bit of time was spent looking at some of the other arctic-alpines to be found on Creag Loisgte, including Sabulina [Minuartia] rubella (Mountain Sandwort), Gentiana nivalis (Alpine Gentian), Myosotis alpestris (Alpine Forget-me-not) and Draba norvegica (Rock Whitlowgrass).

The inclement weather didn’t encourage us to potter for too long, so we actually made it back to the car park not long after the planned finish time, after a short detour into a bog to see a good population of Eriophorum latifolium (Broad-leaved Cottongrass). Despite the weather it was a very enjoyable day, helped by the good humour and enthusiasm of all participants.

Group two

Eleven of us in the lower (geographically speaking!) group gathered in Kiltyrie car park. Car parks are famous for detaining botanists much longer than planned and sometimes coming up with surprising finds as well. The one at Kiltyrie is satisfying rich in grasses, sedges and rushes – all pretty common ones that might individually be found anywhere, but here all available for study within a few square yards. So we were able to spend the whole morning studying several representatives of each group in a systematic way, with lots of pointers as to what characters were most useful for ID.

After an early lunch we set off northwards, looking at graminoids in particular, but also at anything else interesting that caught our eyes. Among the latter we were pleased to see Viola lutea (Mountain Pansy) (in purple, not the yellow of the epithet), Parnassia palustris (Grass-of-Parnassus), Saxifraga aizoides (Yellow Saxifrage), and four different orchid species of the Dactylorhiza (Orchid) genus. These were D. maculata (Heath Spotted), D. fuchsii (Common Spotted), D. purpurella (Northern Marsh) and probable D. incarnata (Early Marsh, the uncertainty due to its having gone over). There were also several which looked to be hybrids between D. purpurella and one of the others.

We recorded 48 graminoids in all – 20 grasses, 19 sedges and 9 rushes. It was good to find both sexes of Carex dioica growing close to each other, so that a mental connection could be formed between them. We also saw C. rostrata (Bottle Sedge) and C. vesicaria (Bladder Sedge) intermingled in a bog, providing an exercise in distinguishing them by colour before looking at leaves and fruits. Last year we were not certain if we had found Eriophorum latifolium but Martin demonstrated how the peduncles are felt to be rough (especially to the lips) and so this species was confirmed, and in fact discovered to be extremely common here. If some of what we could see in the distance was in fact E. angustifolium (Common Cottongrass) we never found out. We also had the opportunity to distinguish Eleocharis palustris (Common Spike Rush) from E. quinqueflora. Having learnt to do so last year, we examined many specimens of very tall Yellow Sedges but none of them turned out to be C.

lepidocarpa (Long-stalked Yellow-sedge) with its down-twisted utricles – all were judged to be C. demissa (Common Yellow-sedge).

Towards the end of the afternoon we could see heavy rain clouds gathering (the 'higher' group could have told us all about it!) but we just got back to the car park as the rain began to fall in earnest. Some of our group were – as far as GSR were concerned – almost complete beginners at the start of the day, while others were considerably more experienced; indeed, the first choice of the latter was often the 'higher' group, but that had fewer spaces, which were filled very quickly when booking opened – take note for next year! However, we all felt that we had learnt a lot and enjoyed our day tremendously – leaders included!

Glenbower Woods, Killeagh, Co. Cork (v.c.H5), 23 July

Edwina Cole, Joint Vice County Recorder

It was probably the only wet Saturday in the whole summer but, despite that, 14 raingear-clad plant enthusiasts met at the carpark of Glenbower Woods for a wander around the beautiful woods in Killeagh to see what was growing there. The wood is located in a steep valley of the Dissour River and is almost certainly a creation of the late 18th and early 19th Century. We were very fortunate to have the Irish Officer, Paul Green, with us along with 2 of the new VCRs for Waterford, Ann Trimble and Julie Larkin. With such expertise on hand we recorded an impressive total of 132 species.

We found a vast array of both native and non-native trees including Betula pubescens (Downy Birch), Corylus avellana (Hazel), Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn), Fraxinus excelsior (Ash), Ilex aquifolium (Holly), Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak), Alnus glutinosa (Alder), Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore), Tilia x europaeus (Lime), Thuja plicata (Western Red-cedar), Tsuga heterophylla (Western Hemlock-spruce), Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse-chestnut) and Sequoiadendron giganteum (Wellingtonia).

We also encountered typical plants of mixed woodland – Brachypodium sylvaticum (False Brome), Carex remota (Remote Sedge), Geum urbanum (Wood Avens), Luzula sylvatica (Great Wood-rush), Oxalis acetosella (Wood-sorrel), Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock), Sanicula europaea (Sanicle), Teucrium scorodonia (Wood Sage), Ajuga reptans (Bugle) and the remnants of Allium ursinum (Ramsons). An open area adjacent to a bridge gave the Irish Officer the opportunity to explain the subtle differences between Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire-fog) and the under-recorded H. mollis (Creeping Soft-grass) as both were growing close to one another.

The woodland also provided an excellent habitat for pteridophytes – we recorded 13 species including several Asplenium, Dryopteris and Polypodium

species, Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern), and the filmy fern Hymenophyllum tunbrigense (Tunbridge Filmy-fern).

The highlight of the day was the refinding of Vandenboschia speciosa (Killarney Fern) gametophyte by Ann Trimble after over 150 years! Killarney Fern, another species of filmy fern, was last recorded from Glenbower Woods by J.A. Fischer in 1844 (Cybele Hibernica II). It is a protected species and is listed under Annex II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive. The gametophyte was found after much searching upslope under overhanging rocks. It was an unexpected surprise and a wonderful end to the day.

Loch Maree Area, West Ross (v.c.105), 5 - 7 August

Friday, 5 August: Loch Maree Islands NNR, and the mainland around Teanga Fhiadhaich

Davidson claimed to have found Linnaea borealis (Twinflower) “in an island on Loch Maree” c.1873. More recently, partial surveys of the flora of the Loch Maree Islands were carried out between 1973 and 2007, but to date the only extensive one was that from the BSBI Field Meeting in July 1986. I decided it was high time to bring the record up to date. NatureScot (who manage the Islands) kindly offered boat transport for five passengers to visit the National Nature Reserve, so I was joined by Gus Routledge, Lynn Youngs, Mary Eagleson and Rod Begbie.

Ably skippered by Pete Crichton (with help from Caz) [to both of whom we’re greatly indebted], we were first landed on Garbh Eilean – and immediately knew we had entered another world, from the carpet of Aristavena [Deschampsia] setacea (Bog Hair-grass) we had to cross to reach dry land! Mary and Rod took the west side, and added Cotoneaster simonsii (Himalayan Cotoneaster) to the NNR list as well as updating Eleocharis uniglumis (Slender spike-rush). Gus and Lynn went east, and added Carex canescens (White Sedge) and Thuja plicata (Western Red-cedar) for the NNR, as well as updating Goodyera repens (Creeping Lady's-tresses) and Sorbus rupicola (Rock Whitebeam) [a species we had been particularly asked to look out for during this field meeting; this specimen proved to be the only one bearing a significant number of fruits]. Both pairs updated Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), for which this NNR is a stronghold Meanwhile I was ferried to Isle Maree, which shows more signs of human influence than the other islands, with its ancient cemetery and two aged Castanea sativa (Sweet Chestnut) trees [surprisingly, not reported until 2019]; it also has distinctly unusual vegetation, with abundant Lathyrus linifolius (Bitter-vetch) and Melampyrum pratense (Common Cow-wheat), and frequent Rubus saxatilis (Stone Bramble). On its stony shore; I was pleased to add Viburnum opulus (Guelder-rose) to the NNR list.

After lunch we were ferried to Eilean Subhainn. The colony of perhaps 10,000 Lycopodiella inundata (Marsh Clubmoss) plants was amazing. Our main target though was to re-find Elatine hexandra (Six-stamened Waterwort), previously only reported once, in 2001; this involved crossing a flooded bay where the waves threatened to fill our wellies, but Gus, undeterred (longer-legged?), led the way and indeed scooped up a sample from the basal sediment. Even better, the adjacent floating plants proved to be Lythrum portula (Water-purslane), a new vice-county

record. To end, we then also re-recorded another known locality for Sorbus rupicola, on Eilean Dubh na Sroine, where new young trees were apparent.

Plants aside, altogether I think that all of us who took part that day felt as if we’d been transported back in time, effectively into pre-industrial Scotland: the majestic ancient pinewood in its beautiful setting, and the sheer peace and quiet, combined to create a truly memorable experience.

Meanwhile, forced to look elsewhere by the limited number of boat passenger places available, Luke Gaskell and Paul Nightingale very kindly took on NG96J – a mainland tetrad east of Talladale (including a mix of habitats such as old pine woods, lowland crags, heath and small lochans) for which I hadn’t inherited any plant records at all. They compiled a very creditable list of 135 taxa, including Carex lepidocarpa (Longstalked Yellow-sedge) and Nymphaea alba (White Water-lily) not recorded from this hectad, if at all, since at least 1929 (when Druce included both from “Loch Maree” in his Flora). Luke also updated the 2007 record for Sorbus rupicola on Creag Bhan, finding six small trees in crevices or on ledges.

Saturday, 6 August: Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve

Our targets, at NatureScot’s invitation, were the nutrient-rich areas associated with Meall a’ Ghiuthais in Beinn Eighe NNR.

Joined by Mary Eagleson and Lynn Youngs, I had intended to record the fucoid beds to the north, around Meall na h-Airigh-ardain and Fuaran Mor. We took the Mountain Trail before heading north from Cnoc na Gaoithe. Unfortunately, although I had hoped to segue reasonably easily across the slopes, being unfamiliar with the ground I had underestimated how steep they were and how deep the gorges in between. As it was, we ascended Meall na h-Airigh-ardain too early and then found we had to keep going so that, when we finally reached the plateau in damp and windy conditions, we hadn’t enough time left to tackle Fuaran Mor. The specialities there will need to wait for a further visit next year, when I shall come in from further north and with a better idea of the terrain. Even so, we compiled a useful list; highlights included finding more Cornus suecica (Dwarf Cornel) than I can ever remember having seen growing together before – in places, abundant – and updating Parnassia palustris (Grass-ofParnassus) for the first time since 1997.

Meanwhile Luke Gaskell and Rod Begbie tackled the shallower southern slopes across the mountain, albeit more in the teeth of the wind and hail. The limestone outcrop at Creagan Ruadh was recorded during the 2017 field meeting. While its gilt is to some degree rubbed off by the knowledge that many of its specialities were deliberately planted there experimentally during the 1960s-1970s (from unrecorded sources apparently!), it still provides – as well as fantastic views of the Triple Buttresses of Beinn Eighe – remarkable testimony to the potential of deer-exclosures, with sheets of plants such as Geranium sylvaticum (Wood Crane's-bill) and Orthilia secunda (Serrated Wintergreen), a colony of Pyrola media (Intermediate Wintergreen), and at least two specimens of Sorbus rupicola. Luke and Rod visited it, but also put serious effort into searching the nearby slopes for plants such as Polystichum lonchitis (Holly-fern) [which they found] and Ajuga pyramidalis (Pyramidal Bugle) [which they didn’t]. Their creditable total of 129 taxa included the

first hectad records of Poa humilis (Spreading Meadow-grass) since 1947 and of Stellaria alsine (Bog Stitchwort) since 1967; they too re-found Parnassia palustris.

Sunday, 7 August: Some ferns in the Loch Maree area

We were delighted to be able to join forces with members of the British Pteridological Society, led by Roger Golding, principally to try to relocate one of the original British sites for Dryopteris pseudodisjuncta (a Scaly Male-fern), first identified from herbarium material collected from “the south shore of Loch Maree” by Christopher Fraser-Jenkins on 8/9/1986. At the time of writing, I am still awaiting the final verdict on the two putative plants found – one near the Glas Leitire car-park, the second near Drochaid Bhanabhaig. However, a wide range of other ferns were identified thereabouts, including the Narrow Scaly Male-fern Dryopteris affinis subsp. paleaeceolobata (a new hectad record) and the Bracken variant Pteridium aquilinum subsp. fulvum (a new Vice-county record). [The BPS will be publishing a full list of their finds in due course.]

To add interest for non-fern experts, I took participants who wished to to visit one of the sites for Rhynchospora fusca (Brown Beak-sedge), near Bridge of Grudie. August is the best month to see this plant: it becomes more conspicuous once the brown fruits start to develop. We then travelled to Tollie Woods near Poolewe where copious Hymenophyllum wilsonii (Wilson’s Filmy-fern) plus Dryopteris aemula (Hay-scented Fern) and Dryopteris expansa (Northern Buckler-fern) grow in original native woodland. Although we failed to find definitive Dryopteris × ambroseae (the hybrid between D. dilatata and D. expansa), I for one learnt useful lessons about looking carefully at the frond shape, choosing the right material (sufficiently mature to produce sori) and checking closely to ensure no fertile spores were present. We ended the outing with a visit to nearby Cliff Hill, where Asplenium septentrionale (Forked Spleenwort) occurs in three different places.

I am greatly indebted to the participants in all of these excursions for their good humour and shared knowledge, from which we all profited. More than 800 records were collected, some of plants new to the vice-county or their particular hectad but most of them at the very least updating presence data for the current, post-2019 date-class. To end where I began, I should say we didn’t (?re-)find Twinflower on the Loch Maree Islands – this time!

Composite Flowers Workshop, Kinghorn, (v.c.85), 6 August Faith Anstey

The latest in BSBI Scotland's series of ID workshops for beginners and improvers: Start to Identify Composite Flowers, was eventually held in August this year after Covid delays. The venue was The Ecology Centre at Kinghorn Loch in Fife and the original plan was to have around 20 participants. However, layout changes at the Centre cut this down to only seven. The upside was that we could all sit round one table and have hands-on access to every

feature of the plants under discussion, which plants having been abundantly supplied by the two tutors Matt Harding and Sandy Edwards.

The majority of participants had a professional interest in learning about plant ID – as ecologists, students, an organic farmer and so on – and the opportunity to study fresh specimens and, later on, to practise their new skills in the field, was much appreciated. The course was structured around the booklet Start to identify Composite Flowers which is based – as are all these workshops – on the concept of homing in to ID via a dedicated flowchart, rather than by exhaustive keys, and by using field characters that avoid the need for microscopic examination. We passed fairly quickly over the Daisy and Thistle sections, as the yellow composites – the dandelion-like ones in particular – were the plants that students most fervently wanted to get a handle on. All agreed that the flowchart method gave them great help in getting to grips with this tricky group.

When we went outside to do some fieldwork, we were delighted to discover, among all the common composites featured in the booklet, two much lesser-known ones that required really close attention to ID: Matricaria chamomilla (Scented Mayweed) and Helminthotheca echioides (Bristly Oxtongue) – the latter not recorded in Fife for nearly 60 years.

Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses, Shropshire and Denbighshire (v.cc.40, 50), 12 August

Jonathan

The temperature for the day was forecast to be in the low thirties, with cloudless skies and this put off several potential participants. To compensate however there were a few last minute requests and the BSBI group duly met at the Morris’ Bridge car park. Here we were given an introduction to the Fenn’s, Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses NNR and a safety brief by Sophie Lang from the Marches Mosses BogLIFE Project: we had to watch out for uneven ground, high temperatures and possibly adders.

The site history begins in glacial times, when retreating glaciers left behind morraines. This undulating ground gave ideal conditions for the formation of the third largest lowland peat bog in Britain, which was fed purely by rainwater. From the mid nineteenth century until towards the end of the 20th commercial peat cutting reduced the peat thickness. Today water levels are rising and the bog is beginning to re-establish itself.

Several unusual or rare species are mentioned in the site designation including Andromeda polifolia (Bog-rosemary) and Rhynchospora alba (White Beak-sedge) and we decided to head for the best area to see these as an introduction to the flora of the site. We walked fairly briskly along the Llangollen Canal (the leader had recorded the v.c.40 route the previous year), only stopping occasionally to discuss a plant before turning off towards the Mammoth Tower Viewing Platform. Around the five metre tower, the top of which marked a possible former peat level, we quickly spotted the two target species in some quantity, along with masses of Vaccinium oxycoccos (Cranberry), which had lots of unripe berries, and scattered plants of flowering Drosera rotundifolia (Round-leaved Sundew).

We continued across the rather uneven ground, though it was obvious where to avoid deep sphagnum hollows as they were still moist and green, whereas the shallower ones were bone dry and bleached. The map showed that we were now near the border between England (v.c.40) and Wales (v.c.50), but there was no sign of it on the ground. Once in v.c.50, we started more comprehensive recording. With tussocks of Molinia caerulea (Purple Moorgrass) slowing progress, Sophie and a few others decided to head back, but a vote by the remainder was to continue onwards. Fairly quickly we came across a cane marked route used by the monitoring team, which eventually took us to a nicely shaded spot for lunch.

The lunch spot proved quite rich in additional species, possibly because it was on one of the main trails across the Mosses. After lunch the vote was to try and find some sedges, particularly Carex elongata (Elongated Sedge), for which we had a 100 m grid reference. Conveniently the trail took us in a circular loop towards the exact spot along the Llangollen Canal. On the way however, we did come across some sedges, and one provoked some discussion on how to vegetatively distinguish between Carex panicea (Carnation Sedge) and C. flacca (Glaucous Sedge). Close inspection however showed that our sedge had stomata on the upper leaf surface, so was clearly C. nigra (Common Sedge).

Along the way we stopped to admire Large Heath butterflies, one of the specialities of the NNR. The site for the rare sedge was in carr along the Llangollen Canal, which looked thick with brambles, however before we arrived at the spot there were two sedges more accessible: C. acutiformis (Lesser Pond-sedge), with its long pointed ligule, and C. paniculata (Greater Tussock-sedge). Next we spotted Stachys x ambigua (S. palustris x sylvatica) (Hybrid Woundwort), which had last been seen here in 1994. A determined few did brave the rough going at the spot for the rare sedge, but quickly decided that it was perhaps a task for a cooler day.

We looped back through the Moss towards the car-park, finding a few additional species for the Shropshire part of the Reserve. Back at the cars, the leader produced some ice-cold water from a cool bag in his car, which was much appreciated. During the day we covered some six kilometres, saw 208 species and made 375 records.

Some of the party then went off wild swimming, whilst the leader decided to check out the scrapyard area, which is owned by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, though managed by Natural England. This did have quite a few species not seen during the day, but none were truly notable.

Plant Identification for Habitat Surveys, Dumyat (v.c.87), 3 September

On a thankfully drier-than-expected day, seven souls met at the old Blairlogie Kirk carpark before heading up into the hills behind Dumyat to start botanising on land managed by the Future Forest Company Ltd. The aim of the day was to visit several habitats and identify key indicator species.

Our trip kicked off looking at plant species typical of marshy grassland, such as Galium palustre (Marsh-bedstraw) and Juncus acutiflorus (Sharp-flowered Rush) before we jumped over a ditch and reached a bank of wet heath. Here we looked at Juncus squarrosus (Heath Rush), Erica tetralix (Cross-leaved Heath) and Trichophorum germanicum (Deergrass) amongst others and discussed the differences between wet heath and bog. We next wandered up to a handy bank of dry heath and had a break for lunch as we discussed acid grassland and the differences between dry and wet heaths.

No habitat plant ID visit is complete without visiting one of the highlights of any botanical visit into the uplands: base-rich flushes. A nice flush was found, which had plenty of indicators, including a common favourite, Briza media (Quaking-grass), growing on the edges of it, with Carex hostiana (Tawny Sedge), C. panicea (Carnation Sedge), C. echinata (Star Sedge), C. flacca (Glaucous Sedge), etc. present, as well as Triglochin palustris (Marsh Arrowgrass) and Eleocharis quinqueflora (Few-flowered Spike-rush) amongst the flush itself, alongside Juncus articulata (Jointed Rush).

It was then decided to walk across the site towards the bottom of the Loss Hill, which has a mix of marshy grassland mixed in with base-flushing, with Silene flos-cuculi (Ragged-robin), Succisa pratensis (Devil’s-bit Scabious, well in flower) and Parnassia palustris (Grass-of-Parnassus) spotted – the latter always bring a smile Sadly, a quick search couldn’t find a small colony of nearby Carex canescens (White Sedge) which was recorded earlier in the year.

The day had turned sunny at this point and a bout of mushroom hunting (and collecting) kicked off when some large horse mushrooms were found growing on a bank of grassland which had some calcareous elements in several places, with Linum catharticum (Fairy Flax) and Lotus corniculatus (Bird’s-foot-trefoil) in patches. A colourful and culinary end to what turned out to be a really interesting day with a great bunch of folk!

Tramore Back Strand, Co. Waterford (v.c.H6), 10 September

On a lovely sunny September day, 13 members from all over Ireland travelled via foot, bicycle, car, and train to learn how to identify Zostera (Eelgrass), Salicornia (Glassworts), Atriplex (Orache) and other coastal plants at the Back Strand, Tramore, Co. Waterford with Paul Green the BSBI Ireland Officer.

The Back Strand Special Protection Area (SPA) is an extensive sheltered bay sitting behind a large area of dune. At low tide it becomes mudflats, which are now covered in massive Zostera (Eelgrass) beds Zostera marina (Eelgrass) has been known at the site since H.C. Hart found it there in 1882, and in 1968 Keith Ferguson first noted Zostera noltei (Dwarf Eelgrass). 25 years ago, both the Zostera species were extremely rare at the site. Now both are extremely common, and grow intermixed with each other, which helps with ID. There are large areas of saltmarsh joining the mudflats, and these have good populations of Glassworts, including Salicornia pusilla (One-flowered Glasswort), which hadn’t been reported from the county since 2006. Growing with it was Salicornia ramosissima (Purple Glasswort), and new for Co. Waterford was Salicornia pusilla x S. ramosissima (Hybrid Glasswort), the hybrid in places was more common than either parent. We also saw S. dolichostachya (Long-spiked Glasswort), S. fragilis (Yellow Glasswort) and S. emerici (Shiny Glasswort).

At the top of a shingle beach was a large stand of Atriplex prostrata (Spear-leaved Orache), and with it were scattered plants of Atriplex x gustafssoniana (A. longipes x A. prostrata) and A. x taschereaui (A. glabriuscula x A. longipes). By 3pm the tide had turned, and it was a difficult task to persuade members that we would be cut off once the sea level rose too much, if we didn’t turn around. On the return journey we dipped into a large drain and fished out Ruppia maritima (Beaked Tasselweed).

The day finished with a quick visit to a nearby Sorbus devoniensis (Devon Whitebeam) site, where two trees grow in the roadside hedge.

Daventry Country Park and area (v.c.32), 17 September

Brian Laney

Several participants attended on a dry day starting at Daventry Country Park. Due to the drought this year the water level at the reservoir was the lowest I’ve ever seen it. This proved ideal for drawdown species. Plant species found included Echinochloa crus-galli (Cockspur), Rumex maritimus (Golden Dock), Bidens tripartita (Trifid Burmarigold), Alopecurus aequalis (Orange Foxtail) and Limosella aquatica (Mudwort).

Oxybasis rubra [Chenopodium rubrum] (Red Goosefoot) was noted in its thousands on the drawdown zone.

Moving onto a nearby disused railway line which is now used for pedestrians, dog walkers, etc, within the town, at one particular railway bridge, there is a population of Adiantum capillus-veneris (Maidenhair Fern). The population has increased in recent years where I’ve removed encroaching Ivy from threatening the fern. Good to see the Maidenhair Fern doing well on our visit.

The last port of call was at Newnham Hill, one of our few acid grassland sites in Northamptonshire. Sadly due to the drought I could not find any plants of Jasione montana (Sheep’s-bit) to show people within its protected enclosure on the slope. No rosettes of the species could be found either. In a nearby spinney, which was originally planted about 30 years ago on the hill, a few non flowering plants of Ervilia sylvatica (Wood Vetch) were noted by a stile. On the way back to the cars John Wakely spotted Mentha pulegium (Pennyroyal). However the farmer has sown this species from seed in cultivation and planted out specimens across part of his land of which these were some that survived.

All in all a great day and great to know some of the attendees saw species they had not seen before. Many thanks to all that attended.

Winter talks

With the Covid pandemic preventing most in person indoor meetings, and BSBI having access to the Zoom platform there was a new initiative of a series of winter talks. These were held on the first Wednesday evening of each month from December 2021 to March 2022. An account of the December talk appeared in the 2022 Yearbook and all the talks are available for members to view from the members’ section of the BSBI web pages. Do take the time to view them as the talks tell you much more than in the short summaries that are presented here. A similar series of talks is being held over the winter of 2022/23, with a summary of the first one presented here.

January 5: The plants of the Azores Fred Rumsey

The Azores are a small, well-separated, volcanic island group off the coast of Africa. Most of the islands are quite young with activity starting around 4 Ma ago and continuing today. Some of the peaks rise above 1000 metres. They have an equable mild climate, with a lot of fog and rain. There is much of interest for tourists, which is a major industry, although most of this is centred on the largest island Sao Miguel. The smaller islands retain the largest amount of native vegetation, but all can be reached by air and there are also inter-island ferries. Another major industry is agriculture, which today is mostly dairy, with the islands producing 25% of Portugal’s milk. Fred then took us on a tour of some of the islands and their flora, concentrating on some of the endemics.

Botanists have studied the flora since the 1760s. The islands were originally heavily wooded, but much of the lowland has been cleared. Relict patches remain on steep slopes and in calderas. There are peat bogs and montane flora on the summit of Pico. The entire flora consists of over 1000 species, with about 35% of the native flora being endemic (c.70 species). Surprisingly there are very few single island endemics, but some may be cryptic or in a state of incipient speciation. Some species become giant, e.g. Angelica lignescens c.70% of the flora is derived from Europe or the Mediterranean, but there is also a component, particularly cryptograms, that comes from the New World. There are two endemic Euphrasia species that are perennials with large flowers. Some species look similar to those in this country, eg Sanicula azorica. Birds may well have originally moved some of the species between islands and other island groups in Macronesia. One rare example of radiative evolution are three species of Platanthera (Butterflyorchids).

Cryptograms form the largest, often very conspicuous, part of the flora and these were a great attraction for Fred. Ferns are widespread because their spores are light and can travel long distances. A Dryopteris (Buckler Fern) from North American has hybridised with the western D. aemula (Hay-scented Buckler-fern) to form D. crispifolia on the islands. Some of the cloud forest epiphytic ferns have perhaps originated from the central Americas or the Caribbean.

Invasive aliens such as Hydrangea macrophylla (Hydrangea) and Gunnera tinctoria (Giant-rhubarb) are an increasing problem, but other aliens may give rise to novel hybrid endemics. Control of some invasive species would be possible, but others are already widespread and the situation is getting worse with better road links on the islands. Creating reserves of the best habitats is probably the most viable solution.

February 2: A virtual field meeting to Trumpington Meadows

Trumpington Meadows is a country park near Cambridge (v.c.29) managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire. Adjacent to it is the Local Nature Reserve of Byron’s Pool, managed by the City Council, often with help from volunteers. These sites were the location for a beginners’ field meeting held on 2021 May 22. There was a meeting report in the 2022 Yearbook, however the Zoom platform enabled me to show a lot more background and to a wider group of participants.

The underlying geology of the site runs from chalk in the east, through the clays of the Gault formation to river deposits in the west. The geology affects the flora, sometimes in subtle ways. Coprolites (phosphate nodules in this case) were mined during the first World War from the Cambridge greensand, which dates back some 100 Ma, and

the pits left behind provide an additional habitat for aquatic species, with some relict chalk loving species surviving at their tops. Moving forward in time to the last ice age when, some of the river deposits were laid down, the flora might have included species such as Dryas octopetala (Mountain Avens) or Saxifraga oppositifolia (Purple Saxifrage).

The country park was created from arable land formerly part of the Plant Breeding Institute. The “meadows” are a very successful habitat creation scheme and consist almost entirely of deliberately introduced species. However there are some accidental contaminants in the seed mix, for example Helictochloa [Avenula] pratensis (Meadow Oat-grass) and others such as Anacamptis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchid) have found their own way. The Bedford & Cambridge railway used to run across the site, but was closed in 1968 and is now a path. Some of the relict vegetation of the railway still survives on the remaining ballast, though much was lost when the former bridge was “improved”.

One group of plants that has been lost as a result of the conversion to meadows is the arable weeds. The site used to be a local hotspot when it was being developed and there was lots of disturbed ground. However, some originally introduced Glebionis segetum (Corn Marigold) and Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower) are now established on a cornfield margin in the remaining arable area and Euphorbia exigua (Dwarf Spurge) persists in small quantity.

In this short account I have concentrated on some of the background, but in the meeting report you can read more about the flora and the talk covers even more, including some of the hints and tips given to beginners during the meeting.

March 2: Mountain flowers – how they survive up there

Alan began by asking “What are mountain plants?” and went on to discuss some of the hazards facing mountain plants, which they must overcome in order to survive, and the advantages that they accrue from living on a mountain. He then took us through a few of their adaptions, reproductive and pollination strategies needed for montane life. The next topic was how montane species evolved – was it a case of evolution from a common ancestor on widely separated mountains? A starting point would be to

look at tundra-like habitats, which covered circum-polar regions towards the end of the last ice-age, and today persist on mountain tops. An interesting possible connection between the northern hemisphere Empetrum nigrum (Crowberry) and the southern hemisphere Empetrum rubrum (Diddle-dee) might be the migratory Whimbrel which eats the berries and might have transported the parent between the hemispheres. Another interesting idea was the rise and decline of chains of volcanic mountains, for example in Africa over a period of 5 Ma, which gave rise to separate Senecio (Groundsel) species along the chain.

For the final section of his talk Alan returned to the Alps and its retreating glaciers. These allow the study of alpine succession on glacial moraines, which herbs, shrubs and trees are colonising. We can do similar research on the retreat of our own alpine species, particularly for example on Ben Lawers. There isn’t much space left for them to retreat upwards. It is well worth making the effort to see some of our alpine rarities whilst they are still there!

You can see some of Alan’s wonderful slides on his webpage where you can also download his book Identify Mountain Flowers of Britain and Ireland.

December 7: Hyacinthinae – the little blue bulbs

Hannah is a third year PhD student at Reading and is researching the taxonomy and evolution of the Hyacinthinae, which includes Bluebells, Hyacinths, Grape Hyacinths and Squills. The Mediterranean began to form some 170 Ma, includes three continents and is a global biodiversity hotspot. The Hyacinthinae are mostly Mediterranean and are found from Portugal to Turkey. The group probably arose some 15 Ma following sub-Saharan aridification. Their taxonomic treatment has changed over time, with the latest study suggesting that the bulbs provide the best taxonomic discriminant. The multiple scientific names can be confusing both for communication and the scientific study of evolution. DNA studies found three main clades: Scilla, Hyacinthus and Hyacinthoides. There is also a separate genus of Barnardia, possibly an early branch from the group.

Her PhD aims to resolve the taxonomic uncertainty and to understand the role of the Mediterranean climate and environment in the evolution of the group. So far she has sampled 112 species of wild origin, with at least one species per genus. She visited Spain and Greece for fieldwork. In Spain she looked for autumn flowering species, which often need late summer rain to stimulate the bulb. An example was Prospero autumnale [Scilla autumnalis] (Autumn Squill), which was quite variable in morphology, possibly due to the presence of many micro-species. In Greece the target was spring flowering species, which need snow melt or spring rain. Muscari comosum (Tassel Hyacinth) bulbs

were considered a local delicacy, but required complex preparation as they were otherwise toxic!

The next step was to do the laboratory work, analysing plastomes (mostly maternal) and nuclear genes (both parents). The result from the plastomes was broadly the same as the previous study, though the order of species within the groups did change. Othocallis (which includes what was Scilla siberica (Siberian Squill)) was split into three groups, thanks to including eight species. She found that Hyacinthus transcaspicus was nested within Fessia and whilst this could be a result of a sampling issue, other groups had found similar links. This could leave Hyacinthus orientalis as the only Hyacinth. She found a different placing of Barnardia, which could also be a sampling issue, but remains a mystery. Overall the taxonomy is beginning to be resolved and the nuclear data may help further, but many questions remain.

The audience then had a chance to ask questions. In response to one about species identification she said that the identification of plants was always an issue – even in botanic gardens plants sometimes seed into beds where they weren’t planted. Another questioner asked about “our” plant: The Bluebell is a bit of an exception to the Mediterranean distribution and hopefully the research may eventually show why it grows in Britain.

British & Irish Botany Abstracts

Continuing the practice commenced in the 2021 Yearbook, the following pages contain abstracts of papers published in BSBI’s online scientific journal, British & Irish Botany (B&IB). These abstracts are reproduced from the last issue of Volume 3 published in December 2021 and the first three issues of Volume 4 published in February, July and September 2022. Contents of new issues of B&IB continue to be provided in BSBI News. It is recognised that some members interesting in following up articles of interest lack internet access. If any such member would like to receive an A5, black and white printout of any article they are invited to apply to the Membership Secretary, Gwynn Ellis (see inside front cover for contact details) with the title of the article and enclosing a C5 or larger self-addressed envelope stamped at Large Letter, 2nd class rate. Requests for two or more papers will be charged at 50p per copy (with a similar envelope).

To reduce costs and maximise access, B&IB uses a propriety platform for online publication and, in keeping with the changing face of scientific publishing, it is an open access journal produced free of charge to readers wishing to read, download and/or print articles of interest. B&IB is also free of charge to authors and the editorial team not only welcome completed manuscripts but also enquiries about the suitability of a prospective submission. The full papers can be found on the B&IB website and the editors can be contacted by email.

We are hugely grateful to everyone who has assisted with the establishment of the journal and with editing/reviewing articles published so far. Special thanks in this respect are extended to Richard Bateman, Sarah Dalrymple, Jane Houldsworth, Sandy Knapp, David Pearman, Tim Rich, Martin Sandford, Jonathan Shanklin, Clive Stace, Pete Stroh and Kevin Walker,

Ian Denholm, Editor-in-Chief, British & Irish Botany

Louise Marsh, Editorial Assistant, British & Irish Botany

British & Irish Botany Volume 3

British & Irish Botany 3(4): 385-418, 2021 December 30 Is the Strawberry Tree, Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae), native to Ireland, or was it brought by the first copper miners?

Micheline Sheehy Skeffington1 and Nick Scott2

1 Botany & Plant Science, NUI Galway, Ireland 2 Clarinbridge, Co. Galway, Ireland

Abstract: The Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) [Fig. 1.] is often referred to as one of Ireland’s ‘Lusitanian’ species to describe its disjunct distribution, since it is absent from Britain and is mainly found around the Mediterranean Sea and on the Iberian Peninsula. In Ireland, it is regarded as native in the south-west and in Co. Sligo. However, a recent genetic study suggests that it could have been introduced to Ireland directly from northern Spain. This possibility was previously dismissed, since palynological and archaeological evidence showed it to be present in south-west Ireland 4,000 years ago. Here, we examine how an introduction might have occurred prior to this date, by first reviewing what is known of its distribution, ecology and history in Ireland along with archaeological information. Then, combining an updated distribution of A. unedo where it is regarded as native in Ireland with historical accounts, palynological and archaeological records and other information from the literature, we present two online maps, designed to be an ongoing accessible resource. The information has enabled us to propose a means by which A. unedo might have arrived in Ireland with miners who came to work the first known copper mine in north-west Europe, in the Chalcolithic phase of the Late Neolithic, which was at Ross Island on Lough Leane in Co. Kerry. The species’ distribution today suggests that it then spread with subsequent Bronze Age copper mining activity in south-west Ireland, though this is unlikely to account for its arrival in Co. Sligo. Previous suggestions that A. unedo was once much more widely distributed in Ireland and subsequently contracted due to preferential cutting for smelting, are shown to be unfounded.

British & Irish Botany 3(4): 419-454, 2021 December 30 Mistletoe, Viscum album (Santalaceae), in Britain and Ireland: a discussion and review of current status and trends

Abstract: The status of Viscum album L. (Mistletoe) [Fig. 2.] in Britain and Ireland is discussed and current trends reviewed. An overview of life-cycle is given, including discussion of dispersal, germination and host connection, all aspects important in understanding status and trends. A summary of hosts and habitats is followed by a

review of distribution; the long-established pattern in the south-west midlands plus recent and ongoing changes. The biodiversity value of mistletoe for other species is discussed. The seasonal mistletoe trade, its history and implications, is outlined. Some current conservation, control and planting projects are described. A brief summary of toxicity and medicinal uses is given. Concluding remarks outline various research opportunities; particularly those that would help understand and set a baseline to measure current and future trends.

British & Irish Botany 3(4): 455-468, 2021 December 30

Expansion of a localised population of the introduced Stratiotes aloides (Hydrocharitaceae) in Lough Derg, Ireland

Dan Minchin, Rick Boelens, David Higgins

Lough Derg Science Group, Killaloe, Clare, Ireland

Abstract: An expansion of an introduced female clone of Stratiotes aloides L. (Watersoldier) [Fig. 3.] was located in a delta region on the western side of Lough Derg, Co Galway (v.c.H15), Ireland in 2007. This population was followed over a thirteen-year period. It was initially located at three adjacent sheltered localities, within sweepback bays on either side of an emerging river and within an adjacent canal. The study involved surface observations later supplemented with aerial images. The shallow water conditions, shelter and the presence of Phragmites australis appear to have supported the early establishment by retaining small S. aloides clusters amongst its stems. These clusters later merged to produce a mainly surface expanding monoculture. This enlarged from less than 1 ha to approximately 3.3 ha to occupy much of the sheltered Rossmore Bay area during this study. Flowers were first noticed in 2008, and during subsequent visits, producing infertile seed-pods. Expansion took place with the production of daughter plants. A small nearby population, 1 km to the east, within an unused harbour, did not produce an emergent phase. A small group in a shallow cut, between the two locations, disappeared during the study. Aerial images from different sources were useful to identify the expansion of the emergent stage due to the distinctive bright green coloration of surface leaves. It is unclear how this plant arrived in Lough Derg, but might have been a garden plant release. Small drifting plants, seen during wintertime, may yet colonize other regions within this lake.

British & Irish Botany 3(4): 469-481, 2021 December 30

British hybrids involving Epilobium tetragonum subsp. tournefortii (Onagraceae), Tournefort’s Willowherb

Geoffrey Kitchener1, Alan Leslie2, Peter Leonard3

1Halstead, Kent, UK; 2Cambridge, UK; 3Rampton, Cambridgeshire, UK

Abstract: A study of populations of Tournefort’s Willowherb, Epilobium tetragonum L. subsp. tournefortii (Michalet) Lév., [Fig. 4.] a non-native taxon naturalised in Cambridgeshire, revealed the presence of plants which on the basis of their morphology were attributed to hybrids with native willowherbs Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. (Hoary Willowherb), Epilobium tetragonum L. subsp. tetragonum (Squarestalked Willowherb) and Epilobium hirsutum L. (Great Willowherb). Details of distinguishing characters are given. The hybrid taxa have not previously been recorded as such in the British Isles.

British & Irish Botany 3(4): 482-489, 2021 December 30

The Status of Carex elongata (Cyperaceae) in Yorkshire

Alastair Fitter1, Martin Hammond2, Meg Huby3, Kevin Walker4, Philip Whelpdale5

1,3York; 2Middlesborough; 4BSBI, Harrogate; 5Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, York

Abstract: Gingerbread or Elongated Sedge Carex elongata L. [Fig. 5.] is a rare plant in eastern England and the Yorkshire populations are isolated from the main distribution. It has only ever naturally occurred at five sites and is extant at two of them, one of which probably results from a recent colonisation event. It has been reintroduced near another of its historic sites. At its principal site, Askham Bog near York, the plant has expanded its population considerably over the last 40 years. Its local distribution appears to be strictly limited by topography and winter flooding. Its ability to colonise new sites and to expand populations show that earlier concern about seed viability was misplaced.

British & Irish Botany Volume 4

British & Irish Botany 4(1): 1-13, 28 February 2022

Status of a Limonium binervosum agg. (Plumbaginaceae) segregant in an Anglesey saltmarsh

E. Ivor S. Rees, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, Wales

Abstract: A distinctive segregant of Limonium binervosum agg. (G.E. Sm) C.E. Salmon (Plumbaginaceae) [Fig. 6.] has been known in sandy saltmarshes near Rhosneigr, Anglesey (v.c.52), since at least 2006. Based on morphological characters it belongs in the L. recurvum (sensu lato) part of the aggregate, but it differs from the only L. recurvum subspecies previously confirmed as present on Irish Sea coasts, L. recurvum subsp. humile (Girard) Ingrouille. This was renamed L. naniforme (Ingr) Sell due to Sell & Murrell (2018), treating subspecies of L. binervosum agg. as full species. If a consensus adopts this approach, it leaves the Anglesey L. recurvum (sensu lato) segregant without a valid name. Under the hierarchical system propounded by Ingrouille & Stace (1986), the Anglesey plants are named here as L. recurvum subsp. crigyllensis I. Rees subsp. nov (Crigyll Sea-lavender).

British & Irish Botany 4(1): 14-26, 28 February 2022

Wolffia columbiana and W. globosa (Araceae) new to Britain Richard V. Lansdown1, Geoffrey Kitchener2, Evan Jones3

1Associate Researcher, Natural History Museum, London; 2Halstead, Kent, UK; 3Pevensey, Sussex, UK

Abstract: In the course of surveys of ditches in the Pevensey Levels in October 2021, a large population of the non-native Wolffia columbiana H. Karst. [Fig. 7.] was found, new to Britain. Subsequent investigation showed W. columbiana to be widespread on the Pevensey and Gwent Levels and present in other grazing marsh ditch complexes in Somerset, West Sussex and Kent, while W. globosa (Roxb.) Hartog & Plas was also found in the Gwent Levels. This paper describes the known distribution of W. columbiana in Britain, provides information on identification of different Wolffia species and considers the implications of this discovery for conservation of the native W. arrhiza (L.) Horkel ex Wimm.

plants at

three of the mature achenes arrowed in black and all of these stand proud of the pale (sterile?) ones, of which some are arrowed in red. Right: five of these mature achenes in the top row and five of the more infertile looking ones in the bottom row.

Images: Stephen McAdam

British & Irish Botany 4(1): 27-33, 28 February 2022

Elymus athericus (Sea Couch) (Poaceae) and coastal hybrid couch grasses in Scotland.

Michael Wilcox, Bradford, W. Yorkshire, UK

Abstract: A largely herbarium-based study was undertaken to reassess the status of Elymus athericus (Link) Kerguélen (Sea Couch) and the three coastal hybrids E. x drucei (Stace) Stace, E. x laxus (Fr.) Melderis & D.C. McClint. and E. x obtusiusculus (Lange) Melderis & D.C. McClint. in Scotland. None of the previous records of E. athericus could be confirmed for the country. Verified records of the hybrids are detailed and listed for each relevant vice-county.

British & Irish Botany 4(1): 34-41, 28 February 2022

Orchids in Scotland: changes in their occurrence since 1950

David Trudgill, Newmill, Blairgowrie, Scotland

Abstract: The numbers of tetrad records (plus hectads without any tetrad records) in the BSBI Distribution Database collected annually for twenty species of orchids in Scotland increased 5.9-fold between the periods 1950-69 and 2010-2019. Similarly, the total numbers of records for all plant taxa (duplicates removed) also increased, but even more so (13.6-fold between 1950-69 and 2010-19). These increases were progressive and are thought to reflect an increase in the intensity of recording. Support for this suggestion was provided by regressing mean annual numbers of orchid tetrad records for five time periods since 1950 against the corresponding records for all plant taxa. This revealed that the increases in both were highly correlated (R2 = 0.99). To nullify the effect of the increase in recording effort on numbers of orchid tetrad records I used the corresponding total number of records for all plant taxa as a proxy for changes in amounts of recording. When this was done, compared to 1970-86, twothirds of the orchid species had declined by more than 50% and two by 80% or more. One species had apparently increased.

British & Irish Botany 4(1): 42-50, 28 February 2022

Subspecies in Vulpia geniculata (Poaceae)

Clive A. Stace, Middlewood Green, Suffolk, UK

Abstract: Variation in Vulpia geniculata (L.) Link [Fig. 8.] is described and the taxonomic significance of the characters that have been used in its classification is discussed. It is concluded that the form of the inflorescence is the soundest feature on which to base subspecies. The three subspecies, including subsp. flavescens (Sennen) Stace, comb. et stat. nov., are listed.

British & Irish Botany 4(1): 51-57, 28 February 2022

Examining Tripleurospermum inodorum (Scentless Mayweed) (Asteraceae) inland

Michael Wilcox, Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK

Abstract: A recently-published paper on Tripleurospermum (Asteraceae) gave the impetus to examine a small population of this genus on waste ground in Bradford

(v.c.63). A few of the plants appeared to be T. inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. (Scentless Mayweed) but the others [Fig. 9.] had features of both this species and T. maritimum (L.) W.D.J. Koch (Sea Mayweed), suggesting the hybrid T. inodorum x T. maritimum This supports the occurrence of the hybrid at inland sites, where any backcrossing and further introgression would mainly be with T. inodorum. In addition, the presence of pure T. maritimum at inland localities cannot be ruled out (perhaps as a halophyte). Such findings reinforce the importance of careful examination of both inland and coastal populations.

British & Irish Botany 4(2): 58-73, 9 June 2022

Populations sizes and leaf morphology of the Welsh endemics Sorbus cambrensis Welsh Whitebeam and Sorbus stenophylla Llanthony Whitebeam (Rosaceae)

Martin Lepší¹, Timothy C.G. Rich²

¹South Bohemian Museum in České Budějovice, Czech Republic, ²Cardiff, U.K.

Abstract: The distribution and population sizes of Sorbus cambrensis (Welsh Whitebeam) and S. stenophylla (Llanthony Whitebeam) (Rosaceae) [Fig. 10.] are revised based on field surveys. About 224 trees of S. cambrensis occur in eight populations/subpopulations (including in the Llanthony Valley), and about 96 trees of S. stenophylla occur in five populations/subpopulations. Morphological analysis of leaves confirmed the two species were different and showed some variation within each species.

British & Irish Botany 4(2): 74-94, 9 June 2022

Conspectus of and key to the world's species of Vulpia C.C. Gmel. (Poaceae: Loliinae) and seven related genera

Clive A. Stace Middlewood Green, Suffolk, UK

Abstract: A synonymised world-wide list of the annual taxa (excluding Lolium) of Poaceae: Loliinae (sensu Soreng et al., 2017) is presented, with a brief discussion of the more contentious taxonomic issues. Eight genera are recognised for present purposes. A dichotomous key is provided to all the 33 accepted species plus three extra subspecies. Genera of the related subtribe Parapholinae are also briefly considered.

British & Irish Botany 4(2): 95-105, 9 June 2022

Growth trajectories of diploid and tetraploid trees of the Betula pendula/B. pubescens complex (Betulaceae): a 38-year record of trunk circumference

John A. Gill1, Anthony J. Davy2*

1Deceased; 2University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK

Abstract: Growth in trunk circumference in a natural, uneven-aged stand of 20 trees in the Betula pendula/B. pubescens complex at Holme Fen, Cambridgeshire (v.c.31) [Fig. 11.], UK was monitored over a period of 38 years, from 1977-2014. At the beginning of the study, their chromosome numbers were determined, and trees were aged by counting the rings in radial cores. Circumferential growth trajectories with

increasing age of five diploid and 13 tetraploid trees were modelled using three-factor sigmoidal regression. As with previous morphological and molecular studies of the same trees, the tetraploids were considerably more variable in growth trajectory than the diploids; tetraploids included both the slowest- and fastest-growing individuals. Diploids behaved more coherently, having more similar trajectories. Greater variation in tetraploids probably reflects their allopolyploid origin, with subsequent unidirectional introgression. There were indications that diploids may grow faster and reach greater asymptotic circumferences than tetraploids but the differences in this small sample were not statistically significant. There was no evidence that the two cytotypes have different life expectancies.

British & Irish Botany 4(2): 106-124, 9 June 2022

Long-term study of the Sword-leaved Helleborine Cephalanthera longifolia (Orchidaceae) in Knapdale, Argyll

Patricia Batty, Kilmichael, Lochgilphead, Scotland

Abstract: The results of detailed monitoring of four populations of Sword-leaved Helleborine, Cephalanthera longifolia (L.) Fritsch [Fig. 12.] over a 22-year period at Knapdale, Argyll are presented. Flowering and vegetative plants were recorded each year, with individuals relocated using triangulation. There were marked differences in the population changes at the four sites with the likely causes being grazing and changes in light intensity. In addition, a few large plants were recorded over a 31-year period. A few, large, plants flowered for the majority of the study and were probably of disproportionate importance to the long-term survival of the plant at Knapdale. The flowering, survival and occurrence of the other plants varied considerably. In addition, observations from other sites in Knapdale were noted.

British & Irish Botany 4(2): 125-139, 9 June 2022

Changing environment and orchid distributions close to their northern and southern limits in Britain

David Trudgill, Newmill, Blairgowrie, Scotland

Abstract: The total numbers of tetrad records in the BSBI database collected for 20 species of British orchids in the period 1970-86 were compared with those collected in 2010-19. The species chosen had a northern limit to their distributions somewhere in Britain and comparisons were restricted to changes close to their northern and southern distribution limits. In a 100 km band close to their northern limit, recorded tetrad occupancy decreased for 14 species by a mean of 34% between the two dateclasses. Despite Britain warming by 0.9 C° over this period, four species had retreated southwards, and only Ophrys apifera (Bee Orchid) [Fig.13.] and Anacamptis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchid) had significantly extended their distributions northwards. Changes in tetrad occupancy were also explored in a similar band immediately to the north of the southern tip of the Isle of Wight. Here, tetrad occupancy decreased for 10 of the 20 species by a mean of 33%. In both the northern and southern bands, where a species was recorded in 1970-86, on average in 2010-19 it was re-recorded in only c.40% of tetrads. There were large differences between species in apparent rates of colonization of new tetrads. This accounted for most of the differences between species that increased their tetrad occupancy between the

two date-classes and those that declined. No account was taken of the increase in the intensity of recording between 1970-86 and 2010-19 but these results provide further strong evidence of the decline of many orchid species, especially in England.

British & Irish Botany 4(2): 140-144, 9 June 2022

Notes on Atriplex (Amaranthaceae) species and hybrids, particularly A. littoralis and the hybrid A. littoralis x A. prostrata (A. x hulmeana)

Michael Wilcox, Bradford, W. Yorkshire, UK

Abstract: Atriplex prostrata Boucher ex DC. (Spear-leaved Orache) and A. littoralis

L. (Grass-leaved Orache) are two distinct taxa. Observations on their hybrid A. x hulmeana Taschereau [Fig. 14.] suggest variation relates to hybridisation, backcrossing and or segregation. These features may also relate to difficulties in identifying other species and hybrid combinations.

British & Irish Botany 4(2): 145-154, 9 June 2022

The Genus Hieracium (Asteraceae) in the British Isles in 1821.

J. Bevan, Oxford, UK

Abstract: Sixteen species of plants placed in the genus Hieracium in 1821 are listed together with the current Latin name now generally accepted. H. auricula, of doubtful occurrence, is also mentioned. Problems of nomenclature that still exist are discussed.

British & Irish Botany 4(2): 155-156, 9 June 2022

Rubus sellii, a new name for R. rubicundiflorus (Rosaceae)

Muhammad Idrees1, Julian M.H. Shaw2*

1Neijiang, Sichuan, China, 2Wisley, Woking, Surrey, UK.

Abstract: A new name, Rubus sellii M. Idrees & J.M.H. Shaw, is proposed to replace R. rubicundiflorus P.D. Sell (Rosaceae), which is an illegitimate later homonym of R. × rubicundiflorus Sudre

British & Irish Botany 4(2): 157-165, 9 June 2022

The typification of the Linnaean name Papaver medium (Papaveraceae) published in Flora Anglica

Duilio Iamonico, Garden of the Apennine Flora of Capracotta, 86082 Capracotta (Isernia), Italy

Abstract: The typification of the Linnaean name Papaver medium is discussed. A Morison’s illustration is designated as the lectotype, lacking a specimen of original material. The identity of the type is widely discussed reaching to the conclusion that P. medium is a synonym of P. dubium subp. dubium.

British & Irish Botany 4(3): 166-226, 9 September 2022

A review of the vascular plant flora of the Cairngorms Connect project area, Scotland, and some possible implications of forest expansion to the natural tree line

Abstract: Cairngorms Connect, a partnership of four adjoining land owners, is committed to a 200-year vision to enhance and restore habitats, species and ecological processes across a 592 km2 area within the Cairngorms National Park. This will be achieved by, inter alia, expanding woodland to its natural altitudinal limit, including high altitude sub-alpine scrub. All or parts of six native Caledonian pinewoods occur here, c.26% of the national total. Ancient, semi-natural woodland within the Cairngorms Connect area is 43% of the National Park total. Modelling of the extent of potential-natural woodland (sensu Peterken, 1981, 1996) indicates that below 600 m all terrestrial habitats are potentially capable of supporting some degree of tree and scrub cover.

899 vascular plant taxa have been recorded here, of which 693 are native to the area. 7.6% of native taxa are endemic to Great Britain (and Ireland) or to Scotland; these are mainly Hieracia (Hawkweeds). Of the native taxa, 23% are of national, and 11% of regional conservation concern [Fig. 15.]. Few native taxa are widespread within the Cairngorms Connect area, most are local or rare. 40% of native taxa have been recorded in five or less monads (1 km squares), with 16% recorded from just a single monad.

12% of native taxa are associated with shaded locations or semi-shade (Ellenberg Light values 3-5). 51% of taxa are found in partial shade to well lit locations (values 6 and 7) and 37% of taxa in well lit to fully lit locations (values 8 and 9). Native taxa with Light values of 6-7 are the most frequent in 92% of monads with more than 10 recorded taxa. 65% of taxa of national conservation concern favour well lit to fully lit locations (Light values 8-9).

Shading of plants, at altitudes below the potential tree line, is strongly influenced by the extent of woodland and scrub and its structure, and by herbivore grazing levels determining height and structure of the field layer. To achieve forest expansion to the natural tree line by natural regeneration will require sustained low levels of grazing and browsing, for decades, or longer. This is already leading to a taller field layer and an increased density of tree regeneration. 40% of native taxa may be negatively impacted, if existing and new woodland becomes dense with a high level of shading. Of these 'at risk' taxa, 50% have maximum height less than 50 cm and may be especially at risk from sustained periods of low grazing. Limited disturbance and lack of open sites and bare ground for seedling recruitment is another potential constraint on vascular plants. The issue of vegetation succession and shading, leading to possible loss of plant diversity is likely to be much less of an issue at altitudes around and above the tree line. Here there are likely to be benefits, with possible expansion of tall herb communities.

British & Irish Botany 4(3): 227-247, 9 September 2022

Remarkable botanical records from Corrour in Westerness (v.c.97), including Baldellia repens (Alismataceae) and Illecebrum verticillatum (Caryophyllaceae), new to Scotland

1Corrour Estate, By Fort William, Inverness-shire, Scotland; 2School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Scotland; 3Inverness-shire, Scotland; 4Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Abstract: Biological recording in Britain has increased in accessibility and popularity due to recent technological advances. However, remote locations may still be underrecorded, particularly for aquatic plants and taxonomically challenging groups. We describe a set of notable botanical discoveries made in 2021 at Corrour in the Scottish Highlands (v.c.97 Westerness), including Baldellia repens [Fig. 16.], Illecebrum verticillatum (new to Scotland) and six British altitudinal records. At the time of writing, there are now four Nationally Rare vascular plant taxa recorded on the estate and 29 Nationally Scarce taxa. These findings demonstrate the value of collaboration between land managers, ecologists, BSBI staff and the local community. Both B. repens and I. verticillatum are well established at Corrour in considerable abundance and with clear evidence of regeneration. B. repens also occurs in the Tay catchment and may have arrived at Corrour via vegetative dispersal by waterfowl. The origin of I. verticillatum is more ambiguous but suggested mechanisms of dispersal include forestry, the railway or hydroelectricity workings. Despite a likely element of accidental human-mediated spread, I. verticillatum should be considered an intriguing addition to the flora of Westerness. Climate change could facilitate further establishment of this taxa in northern parts of Britain, and it is likely that other new records of both B. repens and I. verticillatum await.

British & Irish Botany 4(3): 248-272, 9 September 2022

The history, status and conservation management of Cottonweed Achillea maritima (Otanthus maritimus) (Asteraceae) at Lady’s Island Lake, Co. Wexford, Ireland

Tony Murray¹; Mike Wyse Jackson² National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage: ¹Wexford, Ireland; ²Dublin, Ireland

Abstract: Cottonweed Achillea maritima (L.) Ehrend. & Y.P. Guo (Otanthus maritimus (L.) Hoffmans. & Link) [Fig. 17.] is a distinctive, perennial member of the Asteraceae found on Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. While formerly recorded from more than thirty coastal sites in Ireland, Great Britain and the Channel Islands it no longer persists at any of these other than at Lady’s Island Lake, Co. Wexford (v.c.H12). Towards the end of the 19th century and during much of the 20th the species was recorded as occurring here in abundance; however, over the last half century this population has declined dramatically both in terms of extent and number of individuals such that as of 2021 only ten naturally-occurring plants remained at the site. This paper describes the history of recording of the species, focussing on sites in Ireland, and provides summary details of the populations recorded by the various botanists who visited and studied them. The various initiatives and conservation actions undertaken over the years in an effort to conserve the species are described and illustrated. Results are provided of recent conservation measures for the species and its habitat at Lady’s Island Lake, including the management and protection of remaining plants, restoration of habitat for the species, collection of seed and cutting material for ex situ propagation and the return of ex situ-raised plants to a specially-prepared part of the site where the species formerly occurred. The population of A. maritima at Lady’s Island Lake in 2021

comprised 10 naturally-occurring and 60 translocated individuals, as well as at least 64 young, self-seeded plants that had arisen from seed produced by translocated plants. The causes of the population decline at Lady’s Island Lake are considered and discussed.

British & Irish Botany 4(3): 273-281, 9 September 2022

Conservation of Britain’s biodiversity: Hieracium breconense (Asteraceae), Brecon Hawkweed

Timothy C.G. Rich, Cardiff, U.K.

Abstract: The distribution and conservation status of Hieracium breconense P.D. Sell (Asteraceae), Brecon Hawkweed [Fig. 18.], has been assessed. It is a rare endemic restricted to the Brecon Beacons (v.c.42), Wales. A lectotype of the basionym H. britannicum var. ovale Ley is designated. Only one population of at least 74 plants is known in Craig y Cilau National Nature Reserve, and it has not been refound at two historic sites. H. breconense is assessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ under IUCN (2001) threat criteria.

British & Irish Botany 4(3): 282-313, 9 September 2022

Change in species distributions at tetrad scale – a supplement to Change in the British Flora 1987-2004

Michael E. Braithwaite, Hawick, Scotland

Abstract: The report on BSBI’s ‘Local Change’ repeat tetrad survey (LC) was published in 2006 as Change in the British Flora 1987-2004. Excellent species distribution maps at tetrad (2 km) scale are now readily accessible on BSBI’s online Distribution Database (DDb) [Fig. 19.]. The opportunity has been taken to download a selection of such maps and match them with the species chosen for detailed accounts, including maps and statistics, in the LC Report. Statistics on species distribution change at tetrad scale have also been derived from data extracted from the DDb for England and Scotland comparing the dateclass 1987-99 with 2000-19. Further statistics have been derived for Bedfordshire v.c.30), where two complete surveys at tetrad scale have been completed. The statistics of change for the chosen species are expressed as ‘% Change per decade’. Taken together, the maps and statistics provide greater insight into the geographic patterns of change than was available at the time of the LC Report.

British & Irish Botany 4(3): 314-346, 9 September 2022

The Deschampsia cespitosa (Poaceae) complex in Great Britain and Ireland

Hugh A. McAllister1 and Andy Amphlett2

1University of Liverpool Botanic Gardens, Ness, Neston, UK., 2Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland

Abstract: The Deschampsia cespitosa complex in Great Britain and Ireland is shown to consist of three distinct species, one represented by three variants:

(1) D. parviflora (Thuill.) P. de Beauvois, a shade tolerant diploid species with spikelets less than 3.5 mm, of heavy clay or flushed soils in ancient woodland, principally from East Inverness-shire and central Scotland southwards;

(2) D. alpina (L.) Roemer and Schultes [Fig. 20.], a small, tetraploid, viviparous species, with hooded leaf-tips and brittle plantlets with appressed glumes and lemmas, of wet, open habitats at high altitudes in the Scottish Highlands and (rarely) in Ireland;

(3) D. cespitosa (L.) P. de Beauvois, represented by three variants,

(a) a seed-bearing diploid found primarily in peripheral coastal areas and islands in northern and western Scotland and on mountains in the central and northern Scottish Highlands and Teesdale,

(b) a seed-bearing tetraploid which is the common cytotype of the species in unshaded and many woodland habitats from central Scotland southwards,

(c) a viviparous tetraploid, which is a form of the seed-bearing tetraploid, found in the south-west Scottish Highlands, English Lake District and Snowdonia and is probably unique to Britain.

Suspected viviparous triploid hybrids were found between diploid D. cespitosa and both D. alpina and tetraploid D. cespitosa

British & Irish Botany 4(3): 347-363, 9 September 2022

Cochlearia officinalis sensu lato (Brassicaceae) around northern Irish Sea coasts

Eric F. Greenwood1, Hugh A. McAllister2

1Wirral, U.K., 2University of Liverpool Botanic Gardens, Ness, Neston, UK.

Abstract: For over 100 years botanists have found it difficult to identify Cochlearia (Scurvygrasses) [Fig. 21.] growing on salt marshes and muddy shores of the northern Irish Sea coasts. They have been variously identified as C. anglica L., C. officinalis L. and more recently C. atlantica Pobed. This study describes the history of recording Cochlearia plants on these shores and their varied morphology, and through cytological analysis demonstrates that they are derived from the hybrid between C. anglica (2n = 48) and C. officinalis (2n = 24) with 2n = 36.

British & Irish Botany 4(3): 364-384, 9 September 2022

A new spontaneous hybrid in Gunnera subgenus Panke (Gunneraceae) widespread in the British Isles, with notes on the typification of G. manicata

Julian M. H. Shaw, Dawn Edwards, John David Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, U.K.

Abstract: Gunnera x cryptica J.M.H.Shaw representing the hybrid G. manicata Linden ex André × G. tinctoria (Molina) Mirb. is described from spontaneous seedlings in cultivation. It is widespread in the British Isles, and appears to have completely replaced G. manicata [Fig. 22.] in cultivation. Details of the earliest publication, authorship and typification of G. manicata are provided, along with the origin and history of the hybrid, and notes on G. tinctoria including a previously overlooked synonym G. thyrsiflora Ruiz ex Barreiro.

Map showing approximate locations of 2023 Field Meetings

2023 Field Meetings

BSBI Yearbook (ISSN 2046-2727) is published by the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Camera ready copy produced by Gwynn Ellis and printed by J. & P. Davison, 3 James Place, Treforest, Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, CF37 1SQ (Tel.: 01443 400585; email: davison.litho@gmail.com).