2004 Wolstonbury Hill 29th May One Day Meeting
Eight people turned out for a very pleasant walk on the South Downs. As we were all carrying waterproofs we persuaded the rain to leave off so we could enjoy the flowers to their full advantage.
We started off by walking to the Downs near the Jack and Jill windmills where we found a good display of Orchis mascula (early purple-orchid). Nearby were both Lotus corniculatus (bird's-foot trefoil) and Hippocrepis comosa (horseshoe vetch) so we were able to compare them. Other summer downland flowers were coming out including Linum catharticum (fairy flax) and the cucumber-smelling Sanguisorba minor (salad burnet). A short distance further on we came across a brilliant stand of Platanthera chlorantha (greater butterfly orchid) which are locally common in this area.
The group then moved on to Wolstonbury Hill. In the woodland we found some unusual escaped plants including Geranium phaeum (dusky crane's-bill), Geranium x oxonianum (Druce's crane's-bill) and Tolmiea menziesii (pick-a-back-plant).
After lunch we explored the woodland edges and were rewarded by Ophrys insectifera (fly orchid), and Cephalanthera damasonium (white helleborine) in its classic situation under beech trees.
A final walk up the hill enabled us to see more interesting plants. A large stand of Cynoglossum officinale (hound's-tongue) was admired as were newly emerged Rhinanthus minor (yellow rattle) and Dactylorhiza fuchsii (common spotted orchid).
A good day out with lovely flowers and interesting company. What more could you need?
GARETH BURSNALL