Sad news from Ranscombe Farm

The WFS has been contacted by Helen Morley who is Warden of Ranscombe Farm in Kent. This large reserve is noted for very many rare and beautiful species such as Aceras anthropophorum (Man Orchid), Agrostemma lithago (Corncockle), Ajuga chamaepitys (Ground Pine), Althaea hirsuta (Rough Marshmallow), Filago pyramidata (Broad-leaved Cudweed), Ophrys insectifera (Fly Orchid), Papaver hybridum (Rough Poppy) and Salvia pratensis (Meadow Clary). The site is Plantlife's largest and is one of the botanical treasures of England.

In June of this year the W.F.S. held a two day meeting in Kent run by Derek and Lorna Holland and we visited this wonderful site and saw all these plants at their best.

 

Salvia pratensis photo taken on WFS meeting Ranscombe Farm, Kent 3rd June 2007

Helen is very sad to tell us that twelve of the very rare Salvia pratensis (Meadow Clary) plants have been stolen from the site very recently. These plants were spread over three local areas and only half of one area remains.  This plant was first discovered in the UK at Ranscombe 200 years ago and had recently recovered from 9 specimens to 17 after much hard work by Plantlife, Andrew Lingham the tenant farmer and volunteers.

This has been reported to the police as Salvia pratensis is protected under Schedule 8 of the Countryside and Wildlife Act.  Plantlife have also contacted Kent Wildlife Trust, the Kent Records Centre and Natural England. The site is very large and it is unlikely that anyone could find these plants without prior knowledge. As many field botanists will know, it can be quite difficult to find plants when they are in full flower never mind in the vegetative or dormant state so this points to special knowledge from someone who has visited the site and been shown the plants.

 

If you hear any rumours of plants being sold or suspect anyone, please get in touch:

contact Lorna and Derek Lorna and Derek

or Helen Morley Tel: 01474 824180

or 0798 3578201

 

or Plantlife direct at:

Plantlife,

c/o Shorne Wood Country Park,

Brewers Road, Shorne,

Kent DA12 3HX