1998 Handcross West Sussex 9 May 1998 One Day Meeting
A very hot and sunny day after weeks of changeable weather saw ten members gather for this woodland walk. It was to be a gentle stroll to see the early spring flowers rather than a twitcher's treasure hunt. Although there was evidence of woodland management everywhere, we still found many indicators to suggest that this was ancient woodland. One of the first plants to be seen was Ranunculus ficaria ssp. bulbilifer (Lesser Celandine), this was found on the banks of a stream. A lot of fun was had trying to identify trees by the fragrance of their foliage, the tangerine scent of Abies grandis (Giant Fir) and that of grapefruit in Sequoia sempervirens(Coastal Redwood). Both of these conifers were found to be self-sowing themselves about the woods. We all agreed that the fragrance was not a good character to use in identification. On the steep banks up to a rocky outcrop we came across many fern species, in particular some fine specimens of Dryopteris affinis ssp. borreri (Scaly Male-fem). The rocks were searched for Hymenophyllum tunbrigense (Tunbridge Filmy-fem) and one or two patches were found in very good condition. Another stop was made to study Luzula species, with L. pilosa (Hairy Wood-rush), L. forsteri (Southern Wood-rush) and their hybrid, L. x borreri seen in close proximity making comparison quite easy.
Many years ago parts of the woodland were landscaped but now the woodland is returning to a state as nature intended. A few plants remain from these earlier days, Thalictrum aquilegiifolium (French Meadow-rue) and Saxifraga x urbium (Londonpride) were seen near a stream where I have known them for over 20 years. In some places Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern) has become well established and is increasing its range. Stachys x ambigua, the hybrid between S. sylvatica (Hedge Woundwort) and S. palustris (Marsh Woundwort), was found but unfortunately not in flower. The salient identification characters were explained and the leaves were compared with those of S. sylvatica which was growing nearby.
After the walk some of the members went on to Staplefield, the next village, to see a fine display of Orchis morio (Green-winged Orchid) growing in the churchyard.
ARTHUR G. HOARE