1998 Shropshire 25 - 26 July Main Meeting
The sun was shining on the Saturday as 17 members assembled in the car-park at Presthope on Wenlock Edge and met their leader tor the weekend, Rob Stokes. After the usual greetings were exchanged and it was explained that we stood on the bed of what was a tropical sea millions of" years ago, we set off along the escarpment. The path led us through woodland which was shady and dappled in sunlight. Festuca gigantea (Giant Fescue) grew alongside the path with other plants including Galium odoratum (Woodruff), Sanicula europaea (Sanicle) and Listera ovata (Common Twayblade). Further off the path the shiny dark green leaves of Daphne laureola (Spurge-laurel) were spotted and, rather surprisingly, the distinctive shaped inflorescence of Anacamptis pyramidalis (Pyramidal Orchid) was taking advantage of the extra sunlight afforded by a break in the tree canopy.
Up until this point members had been following each other in single file and it suddenly became apparent that we were bunching up. Rounding a bend we came upon the reason; a Hieracium had brought the party to a halt. After some discussion (but little argument) it was determined as belonging to section Vulgata. but which of the 80 plus microspecies belonging to this section was it? We all rather hastily passed on! The path now descended into the disused Knowie quarry, the floor of which supported several lime loving plants. At the far end, Rob showed us some of the quarry flora including the fruiting spikes of Lilium pyrenaicum (Martagon Lily). Retracing our steps and identifying several sedges on the way, we came upon John Hawksford looking closely at Deschampsia cespitosa (Tufted Hair Grass). Magnifying glasses and rules were brought into use before it was determined to be ssp. cespitosa.
A short walk now took us, still on the escarpment, to a nearby pasture. Near the entrance Elymus caninus (Bearded Couch) grew beneath Sorbus torminalis (Wild Service Tree) which then gave way to a stunning view of the Severn valley with mountains in the background. The pasture was rich in different species as diverse as Linum catharticum (Fairy Flax) and Genista tinctoria (Dyer's Greenweed). Also present, were Ononis repens (Common Restharrow), Rhinanthus minor (Yellow Rattle), Euphrasia - believed to be nemorosa - (Eyebright), Arenaria serpyllifolia (Thyme-leaved Sandwort), Galium verum (Lady's Bedstraw) and to the delight of the party the pale yellow flowers of Galium x pomeranicum (G. verum x G. mollugo). Several grasses were in evidence including Phleum bertolonii (Small Cat' s-tail). The party now returned to the cars and drove to another car-park nearer to Much Wenlock and at the foot of the Edge. From there we started to walk up a sloping cart-track bordered by banks and hedges on both sides which bore a profusion of flowers. Amongst them, Allium oleraceum (Field Garlic) and Allium vineale (Crow Garlic) were seen. As the cart track continued upward the party became somewhat strung out but soon caught up at the boundary of the wood running along Wenlock Edge. In a clearing we were shown Epilobium hirsutum (Great Willowherb), Epilobium montanum (Broad-leaved Willowherb) and the hybrid between the two, Epilobium x erroneum.
Our track now skirted the edge of the wood and on the other side the lip of a quarry. There were a variety of plants growing by the path including Lithospermum officinale (Common Gromwell), Inula conyzae (Ploughman's Spikenard), Centaurium erythraea (Common Centaury), Blackstonia perfoliata (Yellow-wort), Gentianella amarella (Autumn Gentian), Sherardia arvensis (Field Madder) and Carduus nutans (Musk Thistle). Speckled Wood and Gatekeeper butterflies were enjoying the sun and flowers. Rob then led some members to see Kickxia elatine(Sharp-leaved Fluellen). With lunch now due the descent to the cars was carried out in the record time! After lunch a relatively short but steep walk was made to see Cirsium eriophorum (Woolly Thistle), Carlina vulgaris (Carline Thistle) and Cirsium acaule (Dwarf Thistle). Back in the cars it was a drive to the edge of Tick Wood to be shown Carex digitata (Fingered Sedge) on the bank and Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime) nearby.
Within walking distance a damp meadow yielded such plants as Scrophularia umbrosa (Green Figwort), Dipsacus pilosus (Small Teasel) and Arctium minus ssp pubens (Lesser Burdock). The day concluded with a visit to the countryside surrounding Benthall Hall. Here, we saw Hordelymus europaeus (Wood Barley), Symphytum orientale (White Comfrey), Geranium nodosum (Knotted Crane's-bill), and the nettle without stinging hairs, Urtica galeopsifolia (as named in Plant Crib 1998).
On the Sunday, which was also a lovely day, we met at Haughurst Hill, to the east of Shrewsbury. Our initial walk took us through fairly rough grassland, open and closed woodland with a diverse and rich flora. There were many grasses including Glyceria declinata (Small Sweet grass), Calamagrostis epigejos (Wood Small Reed) and Milium effusum (Wood Millet). Sedges seen included Carex remota (Remote Sedge) and the rare Carex elongata (Elongated Sedge) growing near a pool and amid fallen tree trunks andboughs. Other plants included Galeopsis bifida (Lesser Hemp Nettle) and Gnaphalium uliginosum (Marsh Cudweed). The next site was quite different, being on the banks of the River Severn where we saw Brassica nigra (Black Mustard) and Stachys palustris (Marsh Woundwort) with ease, and with a little difficulty Carex acuta (Slender Tufted Sedge).
Our next stop was at Mount Pleasant in Shrewsbury. This was an important location as it was to be the lunch stop! Alas, new developments and out-dated maps conspired to temporarily lose some of the party. After regrouping and lunch, Rob took us to one of those unofficial nature reserves - disused railway sidings in Shrewsbury. Apart from the usual inhabitants of such places there was Linaria x dominii (L. purpurea x L. repens) with Linaria repens (Pale Toadflax) growing happily on a loading bay. Further on, Potentilla recta (Sulphur Cinquefoil) was flowering well and growing to a height well above the 10cm referred to in Stace. The last stop of the weekend was at Merrington Green NatureReserve. The main interest was focused on the variety of water plants. Amongst those seen were Stratiotes aloides (Water Soldier), not in flower, Ranunculus lingua (Greater Spearwort), Carex pseudocyperus (Cyperus Sedge), and three Duckweeds. Walking up the road we were shown Alstroemeria aurea (Peruvian Lily) and Aconitum x cammarum (Hybrid Monk's-hood). They produced the usual discussion as to whether they were eligible to count. Both plants were in flower and appeared to be well established and certainly not cultivated. Members were rightly left to make their own minds up.
On behalf of the party our thanks to Rob Stokes for showing us such a wide range of habitats and plants. There was something for everyone, even for those in the upper Valhalla branches!
PETER ROLLINSON