1998 Bredon Worcestershire 18 July One Day Meeting
Twelve members met at Teddington Hands, most having travelled considerable distances. The party first admired a fine stand of Rorippa austriaca (Austrian yellow- cress) before driving to the edge of Bredon Hill. After packing three cars because of parking difficulties we drove up narrow lanes on to the lower slopes of (he hill. Fortunately, the only possible parking space was free and immediately we saw Nepeta cataria (Cat-mint) which is seen only on rare occasions in the area. Walking up a track to a disused quarry, Clinopodium ascendens (Common Calamint), Inula conyzae(Ploughman's-spikenard) and Clinopodium vulgare (Wild Basil) were all prominent, in the quarry itself there was a fine example of Verbascum virgatum (Twiggy Mullein). Returning to Conderton village the churchyard yielded Verbascum pyramidatum (Caucasian Mullein).
The local pond is usually full of Groenlandia densa (Opposite-leaved Pondweed) but on the Thursday before when I checked the proposed route, I was astonished to find that the pond has been completely cleared and all seemed lost. However, Shirley Burton managed to find one small piece that had escaped the onslaught.
After lunch we drove as high up the hill as is possible and walked around a large arable field and up a track to a patch were no spraying had been done. Euphorbia exigua (Dwarf Spurge) was soon seen, and in the hedge bank were some fine examples of the white flowered form of Geranium pratense (Meadow Crane's-bill). Both Kickxias were also prominent - K. elatine (Sharp-leaved Fluellen) and K. spuria(Round-leaved Fluellen). A bonus which I missed on the Thursday was Silene noctiflora (Night-flowenng Catchfly) which is by no means common on the hill. Climbing up me track there were fine samples of Onobrychis viciifolia (Sainfoin) both in flower and seed and also Clinopodium acinos (Basil Thyme). The open area at the end of our walk revealed more Kickxia as well as Legousia hybrida (Venus's- looking-glass) and Chaenorhinum minus (Small Toadflax). By now the sun was shining brightly and as we descended to the cars several people commented on the number of Marbled White butterflies to be seen.
In the notice in the magazine, I had stated that we hoped to see Cuscuta europaea(Greater Dodder) and several members when booking had mentioned that this was one plant they were keen to see. I had to admit that on my preliminary visit I could not find it, although I had seen it there for the last four years. It occurs anywhere in a huge patch of Urtica dioica (Common Nettle) that borders a minor road for about half a mile. I decided to split the party into three groups and we all searched to no avail. Eventually, we had all reached the end of the road where it meets the River Avon and we were just about to abandon all hope when Hugh Prothero found it at last!
Everyone was very pleased! This was the first meeting I had led for the Wild Flower Society and it was with some apprehension that I agreed to do so.
The fact that it seemed to be enjoyed by all was partly due to the help given by Mike Yates and Ian Lawrence for which I was very grateful.
DEREK THOMAS