2002 Samphire Hoe, Dover, Kent 16 June One Day Meeting
A short introductory talk on the history of the site by the warden, Paul Holt, gave us a better understanding of the area we were to explore. The chalk marl dug out from the Channel Tunnel was landscaped before being divided into areas, each being sown with a different mix of native and wild flower seed. Everyone was surprised to see how the Lolium perenne (rye-grass) was dying out and making room for plants arriving naturally. A drift of very vigorous Dactylorhiza fuchsii (common spotted orchid) compensated for the lack of blooms on the early flowering Ophrys sphegodes (early spider orchid) whose numerous spikes were well in fruit.
As well as many chalk loving plants, there was a good variety of shingle and dune plants, including the uncommon Parapholis incurva (curved sea hard-grass) carpeting the ground with its rosettes of neatly incurving stems enclosing stamens whose anthers are only 0.5mm! And three patches of Rubia peregrina (madder), one of the rarer plants in Kent.
We all felt pleased that we were able to add 22 species to Paul's list by the end of the day. Many thanks to him for allowing us access to the whole site. The area is still developing and who knows how many plants are yet to appear. It will pay to be vigilant.
MARGOT GODFREY