Wild Flower Society Field Meetings 2013

As a new, permanent meetings’ secretary has not yet been appointed, Members wishing to attend any meeting should make direct contact with relevant leader for inclusion on their register.

Main Field Meetings 2013

Saturday 13th April & Sunday 14th April 2013 New Forest. Leader: Phil Budd

On the Saturday 13th April we shall visit the Hatchet Pond area. We should see some woodland flora including Pulmonaria longifolia (Narrow-leaved Lungwort) and commoner species, also open acid grassland species such as Genista anglica (Petty Whin), Salix repens (Creeping Willow), various Viola and Carex species etc. and perhaps some water plants in Hatchet Pond itself.

On Sunday April 14th we move nearby into Wiltshire starting at Pepperbox Hill (National Trust car-park ) location at O.S. grid reference SU 211248 (O/S Landranger 182). We walk south across Standlynch and Barford Downs to Muddyford Lane, Redlynch and back north by another route. The highlight flora are Tulipa sylvestris (Wild Tulip) and Asarum europaeum (Asarabacca) at Muddyford Lane – the latter should be in bloom and hopefully the former will be as well (provided that the season isn’t well advanced). Otherwise typical spring flora of woodland, hedgerow, grassland and arable land on chalk (a contrast to the New Forest), including Lamium amplexicaule (Henbit Dead-nettle) and a white-flowered form of Lamium purpureum (Red Dead-nettle). Muddy conditions on both days can be expected.

Contact Phil by e-mail Phil Budd or on 02380-444172.

Thursday 23rd May & Friday 24th May 2013. Jersey. Leader: Anne Haden.

Thursday 23rd May will be in St Ouen’s Bay. Meet in Big Vern's car park on Grandes Route des Mielles at 10:00 a.m. Bring a packed lunch. Plants we should find at Le Noir Pre include the Anacamptis laxiflora (Jersey Orchid), Dactylorhiza praetermissa (Southern Marsh Orchid) and Dactylorhiza maculata (Common Spotted Orchid) as well as hybrid Dactylorhiza orchids. Other plants in the area include Polycarpon tetraphyllum (Four-leaf Allseed), Lagurus ovatus (Hare's-tail grass) and Petrorhagia nanteulii (Childing Pink). We can visit the site for Dianthus gallicus (Jersey Pink) but this is unlikely to be in flower.

Our Friday 24th May outing is to Ouaisne Common and other locations on following days if there is sufficient interest. Contact Anne Haden on 01534-861796 or by e-mail on Anne Haden

Tuesday 2nd July , Wed. 3rd July, Thurs 4th July Isle of Harris. Leaders: Margaret Hall and Susan Cartwright.

This is a come and find meeting to a most beautiful part of the Outer Hebrides. Visits will be made to machair sites, with their rich flora including various Dactylorhiza species and sub-species: Dactylorhiza pupurella (Northern Marsh-orchid),, Coeloglossum viride Frog Orchid, and Dactylorhiza incarnata (Early Marsh-orchid) and to the acidic rocky, watery terrain that covers so much of Harris with its frequent Dactylorhiza maculata (Heath Spotted-orchid), Narthecium ossifragum (Bog Asphodel) and much less frequent Pinguicula lusitanica Pale Butterwort. Where the two terrains meet we would expect to find Antennaria dioica Mountain Everlasting. There is plenty more to inspect including the effects of human habitation.

For further information and booking please contact Margaret Hall: e-mail Margaret Hall or tel. 0161 440 0796.

Saturday 6th to Monday 8th July 2013 Cairngorms. Leader: Ian Green

The group will meet for an exploratory walk on Saturday evening, probably around Loch an Eilean. On Sunday we move into Glen Feshie, exploring its varied vegetation, the highlight of which is Woodsia ilvensis (Oblong Woodsia). On Monday we take the side glen of Coire Garbhlach where there will be a good variety of upland species. Those wishing to attend should be fit enough to undertake a good ten miles of mountain walking on rough terrain.

Please contact the leader by e-mail Ian Green or tel. 01343-820293

Thursday 18th & Friday 19th July 2013 Northumberland. Leaders: Chris and Hazel Metherell

A chance to explore some of the botanical gems of Northumberland. We shall spend a full day on Holy Island which features a wide variety of habitats and a considerable number of rarities including our very own endemic orchid Epipactis sancta Lindisfarne helleborine). However the first day (we are dependant upon the tides to access Holy Island!) will be spent at Newham Fen, a National Nature Reserve with a superb array of wetland species, including at least one hybrid sedge Carex x boenninghausiana and a walk in the Craster area which will feature amongst other plants the hybrid fern Asplenium x clermontiae at its only UK site.

Please contact the leaders on 07505-134070 or by e-mail Chris Metherall Participants may if they wish, combine this trip with the North Northumberland Recording Week which follows immediately after - details are: North Northumberland (VC68) Recording Week Saturday 20th to Tuesday 23rd July 2013 Following the success of the 2011 and 2012 recording weeks, the object of this meeting is to record a number of tetrads in the Cheviot Hills in the west of the vice county. The records will feed into the publication of a new, web-based flora of North Northumberland. It is also hoped to monitor populations of some of the rare species in the area. Visits will be made to a wide diversity of habitats, and if last year’s results are anything to go by some surprise finds can be guaranteed.

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th August 2013 Norfolk. Leaders: Bill and Carol Hawkins.

The first day will be spent on Wheatfen Broad where the flowers will be at their best. It is invidious to give a list as there are so many attractive plants on show, but some of the rarities we can expect are Sonchus palustris (Marsh Sow-thistle) Senecio fluviatilis (Broad-leaved Ragwort) and Telekia speciosa (Yellow Ox-eye). On the second day we move to the north coast and the extensive salt-marsh around Holkham. Again, there is so much to see.

Please contact the leaders by e-mail Bill Hawkins or call 01953-604027

AGM – 6 - 8th Sep 2013

The AGM will be in Somerset this year. A botanical foray in the Weston-super-mare region is on the agenda. Full details will be included in the summer magazine.

One Day Meetings

Bookings are not always required but are frequently asked for by the leader. Leaders of one day meetings which start from April 2012 onwards may not finalise lists of participants until the 31st March 2012 deadline has passed to enable those without internet connections to have an equal chance of a place on a one day meeting. To make contact with a leader who uses email, click on the name in green. Otherwise use the telephone number or address if published here. If you know someone without an internet connection who might like to attend a very early meeting then let them know the details as the Spring magazine may be too late for meetings before April.

Friday 28th December 2012: Branch Y Old Year Walk Santon Downham Leader: Stephen Clarkson

Meet at the Forestry Commission Car Park at 10.30 a.m. as usual.

Saturday 9th February 2013, Branch Y Poland Study Day Hadleigh, Suffolk Leader: Stephen Clarkson

Meet at Stephen’s house not later than 10.30a.m. when we shall be keying specimens using Poland’s Vegetative Key. For details please contact at Stephen Clarkson (be careful with the middle “el” and the “1”) or on 01473 823220.

Saturday 2nd March 2013: Branch Y First Day Hunt Hadleigh, Suffolk. Leader: Stephen Clarkson.

A walk around the highways and byways of this lovely market town to see what’s in bloom for the early season. To meet at Stephen Clarkson’s house in Hadleigh for 10.30am and then retire to his at the end of the day for refreshments. For details please contact at Stephen Clarkson (be careful with the middle “el” and the “1”) or on 01473 823220.

Sunday 3rd March 2013: First Hunt Richmond area, Surrey. Leader: Pippa Hyde.

Please contact Pippa for details of meeting place on Pippa Hyde

First Week in March 2013, Branch N3 First Hunt (specific dates to be arranged) To be arranged Leader: Julie Clarke

Meetings are open to all, and I should be grateful if members would either ring me on 01539 563504 or e-mail on Julie Clarke if interested nearer the time.

Sunday 7th April 2013, Bull's Wood: Branch Y and visitors Cockfield, Suffolk Leader : Peter Brinkley

10.30 am start. A spring walk to see Primula elatior (Oxlip). Bull's Wood is an ancient wood owned by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and one of the premier sites for Oxlips and other spring flora. In 2011 we missed the best oxlip display due to a very early dry spring. This trip should make up for it, I hope. In Cockfield village take either track along the side of the grassy triangle which has the Cockfield village sign (complete with cockerel) on it. Each track is marked 'no through road' and both lead to Palmers Farm at TL918549, which is 500 metres. west of Bull's Wood. The post code IP30 0HD should take you quite close to Palmers Farm. Please park neatly in the farm yard by the Walnut Tree. Contact Peter Brinkley phone 01473 747498, mobile 07770516830 or email Peter Brinkley

Saturday 20th April 2013 Betchworth Quarry and Buckland Hills Leader: Gareth Bursnall

Branch M and visitors meet at 10-30 at TQ 210 509 .Turn left off the A25 at the junction/roundabout with the B2032 and park on the left hand side of the road opposite the Garden Centre. Bring a packed lunch. Walking boots are recommended as some paths may be quite muddy. A meeting to see early Spring flowers on the North Downs escarpment. We hope to see Gentiana acaulis (Trumpet Gentian) along with other chalkland flowers. Please note due to the variable spring weather we have been having recently flowers may be late emerging. (For photographers the Gentian will only open up in sunny weather!)

Saturday April 20th 2013, Branch Y and visitors Freston Wood and Great Martin’s Wood, Near Ipswich, Suffolk Leaders : Anne and Dennis Kell with Stephen Clarkson

Meet 10.30 in the layby on the left of the B1456 Shotley Road, about 1km after passing under the Orwell Bridge, as the road leaves the river. (TM174403) Freston Wood is a deciduous wood with marked zonation on different soils. We aim to enjoy the carpets of spring flowers such as Hyacinthoides non-scripta (Bluebell) and Allium ursinum (Ramsons) and search for Chrysosplenium oppositifolium (Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage) and Chrysosplenium alternifolium (Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage). We shall then move on to Gt. Martin’s Hill Wood near Bentley (TM101363), parking alongside the small road to the wood yard. Here we should be able to explore this coppiced woodland, not usually open to the public, for more spring flowers including Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher’s Broom), Sorbus torminalis (Wild Service Tree) and a wild stand of Convallaria majalis (Lily-of-the-Valley).

Please contact Anne or Dennis Kell on 01473 730087 or Anne & Dennis Kell

Friday 3rd May 2013: Branch Y and visitors Willow Park, Langdon Hills Leaders: Sue Grayston and Stephen Clarkson

Meet 10.30a.m. at the free car park TQ682 867 for a stroll around Willow Park, Langdon Hills. There are toilets and a pub for grub later if anyone feels the need. We shall see Fragaria anassa (Garden Strawberry), Lonicera nitida (Wilson’s Honeysuckle) and well grown Buxus sempervirens (Box) which has been here since the war. There are ponds, plenty of woodland and several wild flower meadows, one of which is filled with orchid species, mainly spotted and green winged so there should be plenty to see. Come along and see what we can find.

Please contact Sue on 07988838019 or at Sue Grayston

Mid-May 2013: Branch N3 and visitors Brickcroft local nature reserve at Longton, near Preston. Leader: Julie Clarke

This is the site of former brickworks. Specific dates to be arranged, but meetings are open to all, and I should be grateful if members would either ring me on 01539 563504 or e-mail on Julie Clarke nearer the time.

Sunday 26th May 2013 Leaders: Mel & Elaine Linney Anston Stones Wood, Rotherham, South Yorkshire

Meet 10.30am at the southeast entrance on the A57. Grid Reference SK537828, approximately four miles from junction 31 of the M1 towards Worksop. This ancient woodland and grassland SSSI sits in a natural gorge of magnesian limestone with Anston Brook running through it. We will be looking for Carex digitata (Finger Sedge), Polygala vulgaris (Common Milkwort), Conopodium majus (Pignut), Saxifraga tridactylites (Rue leaved Saxifrage), and Helianthemum nummularium (Common Rock Rose) amongst a host of other plants typical of the area. We should also see the first flowers of Neottia ovata (Common Twayblade) and Dactylorhiza praetermissa (Southern Marsh Orchid).

Please call 01226 211252 or e-mail Mel Linney for further information.

Tuesday 28th May 2013 Leckhampton Hill, Gloucestershire Leaders Clare and Mark Kitchen

Meet at 11.00am in the car park at SO951180. Bring lunch to carry with you and wear footwear suitable for strenuous but slow paced all day hill walk. Some paths are very steep. The meeting will visit this interesting unimproved limestone grassland above Cheltenham where we expect to find a good range of early summer calcicoles in flower. The site in part was a former stone quarry from which the regency town was built.

Wednesday 29th May 2013: Branch Y and visitors Wortham Ling and Wortham Long Green, nr Diss, Suffolk Leaders : Stella Taylor and Stephen Clarkson

Meet 10.30, Please park in the off-road area on the minor road just south of the A1066 at Roydon, just west of Diss at TM 089799. Wortham Ling is an SSSI comprising a large area of lowland heath with an interesting mix of habitats. We will look at the early grasses and see the attractive Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage). At the end of the day we may retire to a local tearoom, which now seems to play a part in some of our walks ! Please contact Stephen as in above details.

For details please contact at Stephen Clarkson (be careful with the middle “el” and the “1”) or on 01473 823220.

Mid-June 2013: Branch N3 and visitors Smardale Gill, Cumbria Julie Clarke

This is an old railway route in the Eden Valley and is an SSSI very rich in flora. Specific dates to be arranged, but meetings are open to all, and I should be grateful if members would either ring me on 01539 563504 or e-mail on Julie Clarke nearer the time.

Saturday June 1st 2013: Branch M and visitors Wolstonbury Hill Leader: Gareth Bursnall

Bring a packed lunch and meet at 10-30 in the car park off Underhill Lane, Clayton off the A273 at TQ 299 140. A late spring meeting to look for orchids and late Spring flowers on the South Downs. We should see several species of orchid including Cephalanthera damasonium (White Helleborine), Platanthera chlorantha (Greater Butterfly Orchid) and more. Some paths may be muddy and others are quite steep so walking boots recommended.

Wednesday 5th June 2013: Branch Y and visitors Lakenheath Fen, nr Brandon, Suffolk Leaders : Stephen Clarkson and Stella Taylor

Meet 10.30 in the car park (£2 RSPB non-member fee) at TL 722804 or postcode IP27 9AD. From the Fiveways roundabout where A11, A1101 and A1065 meet, near Mildenhall, go north on A1065 towards Brandon. Turn left at crossroads with B1112 to Eriswell and then Lakenheath. Follow along High Street to sharp right hand bend onto Station Road ,still on B1112, over the railway line and then left into reserve entrance. An RSPB reserve has been created out of an area of old carrot fields and forest plantations to create an unique area which has proved to be a great success for breeding birds, especially Golden Oriole and Crane. Some of the plants are quite special too with many interesting plants in the car park alone such as Anisantha tectorum (Drooping Brome) and Anisantha diandra (Great Brome).

For details please contact at Stephen Clarkson (be careful with the middle “el” and the “1”) or on 01473 823220.

Saturday 8th June 2013: Branch M and visitors Friston, East Sussex Leader: Janice Reynolds

We shall see flowering Adonis annua (Pheasant’s Eye) Cephalanthera damasonium (White Helleborine) and Vicia lutea (Yellow Vetch) among the many flowers to be seen.

Please ring Janice (01323 894933) for details of timing and meeting place.

Saturday 8th June 2013 Trimley Marshes, nr Felixstowe, Suffolk Leaders : Alanna Cooper and Stephen Clarkson

Branch Y and visitors Meet 10.30 am. Park at the end of Cordy’s Lane near Searson’s Farm at TM 278358. Follow the A14 towards Felixstowe and take the left slip-road signed to Trimley, turn right over the bridge to Trimleys. At roundabout take a left to Trimley St Mary. You will pass a church and a school on your left, then take next right, Station Road,and follow down to the car parking area at the bottom (follow the brown nature reserve signs). Trimley Marshes is a Suffolk Wildlife Trust reserve created in 1990 to mitigate the loss of mudflats due to the enlargement of the nearby Port of Felixstowe. There is a mosaic of habitats to discover and we will concentrate today’s meeting on grasses, but not ignoring the wild flowers that will be present too.

For details please contact at Stephen Clarkson (be careful with the middle “el” and the “1”) or on 01473 823220.

Saturday 30th June 2013: Branch N1 and visitors Industrial Teesside Leader Alan Bunn

A trip to show how flowers and heavy industry can coexist. Hopefully we will see a mixture of rarities and typical species of the area. Details for the meeting point will be sent out later.

To book contact Alan Bunn tel. 01642 724955 or e-mail Alan Bunn

Late June – early July (provisionally Wednesday 3rd July) Forest of Bowland, Lancashire Leader: Peter Jepson

Meeting to one of Bowlands upland valleys providing the opportunity to see Peter’s newly described endemic (and new to science) Myosotis x bollandica and perhaps one of its parents Myosotis stolonifera (Pale Forget-me-not). Other plants are typical of acidic upland habitats. Meet 10.30am either at Dunsop Bridge or Slaidburn (date and place to be confirmed nearer the time dependant upon conditions; this year raging torrents would have prevented access!). Party is limited to 15 members.

Please book with the leader. Email Peter Jepson

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Mid-July: Branch N3 and visitors Cheshire canal system around Middlewich Julie Clarke

Meetings are open to all but I should be grateful if members would either ring me on 01539 563504 or e-mail on Julie Clarke nearer the time.

Sunday 21st July 2012 Banstead Downs, Surrey Leader: George Hounsome

Meet 10:30 Belmont Stn (TQ255621) NR from Victoria or go to Sutton Station and take a S1 or 280 bus from outside the Stn to Belmont. Cars not needed. Bring lunch. This meeting is joint with the LNHS on a fine North Downs site.

Wednesday 21st August 2013: Branch Y and visitors Syderstone Common, nr Fakenham, Norfolk Leader : Stephen Clarkson

Meet 10.30 am. Park near the church in Syderstone village at TF 832326. Syderstone Common is a Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserve of acid heathland noted for some special animals such as Natterjack Toad, but we will be looking at the varied plantlife which contains a vast area of Deschampsia flexuosa (Wavy Hair-grass) which may suit the photographers amongst us. We will look for Hypochaeris glabra (Smooth Cat’s-ear) and Verbascum densiflorum (Dense-flowered Mullein). Nearby is a pond with a few aliens in it along with a population of Limosella aquatica (Mudwort), discovered here in 2012 but not seen in northwest Norfolk since 1914.

For details please contact at Stephen Clarkson (be careful with the middle “el” and the “1”) or on 01473 823220.

Saturday 7 September 2013 Cambridge Leader: Alan Leslie

Meet at 10.00am in front of the Leper Chapel, on the north side of the A1303 (Newmarket Road), Cambridge - just east of the bridge over the railway GR 472.595. The meeting will be an all day perambulation of Cambridge City and its Commons, concentrating on the rich range of alien species to be found in this area. The route will only overlap in part with that of a similar meeting held in the city in 2011. Lunch will need to be carried. Stamina required to be on foot most of the day, The party will be limited to 20.

Please contact Carol Hawkins on 01953 604027 if you wish to attend.

Sunday October 27th 2013 Branch Y Last Day Hunt Venue to be arranged Stephen Clarkson

For details later in the year please contact at Stephen Clarkson (be careful with the middle “el” and the “1”) or on 01473 823220.

Last Week Hunt: Branch N3 To be arranged Julie Clarke

Specific dates to be arranged, but meetings are open to all, and I should be grateful if members would either ring me on 01539 563504 or e-mail on Julie Clarke nearer the time.

Email addresses of Leaders 2013

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Contact email for Web site manager Peter Llewellyn

The Wild Flower Society is very grateful to all those who give their time and expertise when leading meetings. Offers to lead meetings will be gratefully received at any time. We particularly need leaders for one-day ones. In this case there is no need to be an expert or to show rarities. A variety of species in pleasant surroundings is all that is necessary.

Early Stagers meetings are specially suited to those wishing more detailed explanations of the plants shown. Beginners are especially welcome at all meetings. Leaders and others in the group will be pleased to help them if they make themselves known.

Members who do not drive and who have difficulty reaching the starting point of either Main or One-day events should contact the leader.

Packed lunches are required unless otherwise stated and will often need to be carried.

Please DO NOT bring dogs to any meeting as some landowners do not like them on their property.

All those attending WFS Field Meetings do so at their own risk.