2004 Cockfield Suffolk 9th May One Day Meeting
Despite the gloomy weather there was a good turnout for Stephen Clarkson's excellently researched meeting. First call was Bull's Wood where emergent Milium effusum (wood millet) kick-started the botanical brain - not fair of Stephen to start us off with a grass!
Along a little was Ajuga reptans (bugle) with a quantity of the white variety albiflorato investigate. Soon we came across plants of the charming Primula elatior (oxlip); its one-sided panicle a dainty, delectable delight. This wood, on the boulder-clay is one of its fastnesses in Suffolk. Other plants associated with ancient woodland up for scrutiny were; Paris quadrifolia (herb Paris), Orchis mascula (early purple orchid) and Daphne laureola (spurge laurel) before we moved on to our second stop at Groton Wood. The northern part of this wood has existed since prehistoric times and is noted for its small-leaved lime coppice. Stephen led us to a small stand of Primula vulgaris(primrose) to explain and illustrate the plant's reproductive pin and thrum methodology.
We also sorted out Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) from Cratageus laevigata(midland hawthorn) as well as its hybrid - all close together for comparison. Further on was more herb Paris. We were shown that it had an ovary with 4 cells and 4 styles. 4 inner and 4 outer segments to the perianth, each subtly different in greeny-gold tone and outline. There are twice 4 stamens and (usually) 4 leaves. Clearly a powerful herb (reflecting the four ancient elements of earth, air, fire and water) it is no surprise to discover that in former times it held magical propensities.
Our last call of the day was a wet trip to the seaside at Landguard. Time to examine all the tinies in the turf. Geranium molle (dovesfoot cranesbill) and Erodium cicutarium (storksbill) confusingly intertwined. A trio of Trifolium; dubium, micranthum and ornithopodioides (lesser and slender trefoils plus fenugreek) were set about with Bromus hordeaceus (soft brome), ssp hordeaceus and ferronii being distinguished.
Sharp eyes picked out some diminutive Poa infirma (early meadow-grass) still inflower among much Myosotis ramosissima (early forget-me-not). Valerianella locusta (common cornsalad) was everywhere in the dunes as was Aira praecox (early hairgrass) with its shining inflorescence. There were many more beautiful plants, too numerous to mention in the dunes, but Stephen had promised us Lathyrus japonicus(sea pea) in bloom so it was an out and back along the shingle. Then there were two diminutive specimens of Chenopodium vulvaria (stinking goosefoot) to examine. Doubters were invited to touch the leaves - one smell was sufficient confirmation. Much botanising on the way back to the vehicles led to many stimulating finds but Stephen knows how to finish with a bang. As we were just about replete, there blooming brilliantly, was a great swathe of Anthemis punctata (Sicilian chamomile).
A spectacular end to a superb day.
BILL AND CAROL HAWKINS