SOMERSET RARE PLANTS GROUP www.somersetrareplantsgroup.org.uk 2012 Newsletter Issue No.13 Editor: Caroline Giddens December 2012

This is the last Newsletter compiled and edited by Caroline Giddens. Caroline has done this task each year since our first modest issue in 2000 - a slim 4-page document comprising short accounts of the field meetings. Each year we have increased the content, which has reflected the variety of activities of the Somerset Rare Plants Group. We now include not only more extensive notes of our meetings but also plant notes, new Somerset and vice-county records, surveys that members have undertaken and other botanical news of interest to Somerset botanists. We thank Caroline for all her hard work over the last 12 years. Liz McDonnell (Coordinator)

REPORTS OF MEETINGS, 2012

Annual Members Meeting and AGM Leigh Woods which had been collected by Saturday 28th January 2012 George Garlick during the 1950's. Liz gave a This was held as usual at the Lifelong short presentation on the SANHS Herbarium Learning Centre at Shapwick NNR. Twenty now housed in the Somerset Heritage Centre two members came to this annual social and asked if any members were willing to event, bringing a variety of exhibits, including help with its reorganization, as there are no books to sell and show, plants and displays staff at the centre with time or experience to too. Steve Parker welcomed everyone and undertake this important role. Our traditional Anne Cole gave a financial report and ‘Bring and Share’ buffet was magnificent, distributed a balance sheet showing a bank with tables full of delicious food. The annual balance of £1,300.79. Steve reported that it raffle and quiz (devised by Steve Parker) will be necessary to replace the SRPG concluded this excellent and well-attended computer in the near future and other survey members meeting. equipment may also be needed. We discussed types of field meetings, and feedback from Members Slide and Talk Meeting the group was that the mix of recording Saturday 18th February 2012 meetings and plant-hunting meetings was a This meeting was held in our usual winter good one. Trips to Minehead, Clevedon and venue at Shapwick NNR. 15 members Lytes Cary got special mention as favourite attended and we had seven short talks. Chris days. The meeting at Quants was Loudon showed us progress on the SRPG encouragement for further joint meetings with website. This is currently hosted by SERC, SANHS and workshops were very popular with the help of SERC staff member Tony with members. Helena gave a brief update on Price, but Chris, as SERC and SRPG the Somerset Rare Plant Register. The SRPG volunteer is responsible for its development website design and use was discussed. and design. Chris is very keen to know how Helena reported that the Bristol Naturalists members use the site and welcomes feedback Society used ours as a good model to follow. for further development. As we have a link to The use of ‘live’ distribution maps on the ‘Where’s The Path’ mapping website, it was SRPG website was discussed and data decided to send a contribution of £50 to that protection problems too. Clive Lovatt gave us site in an acknowledgement of its usefulness a short talk on historical aspects of Somerset to us. There was much discussion about plant botany including how Somerset Hair-grass distribution mapping and linking in to (Koeleria vallesiana) was found and re-found MapMate maps from the Somerset Rare in Somerset. He brought an old poster of a Plants Register page, but this is a complicated sale of maiden Elms at Langport in 1842, issue and it was decided that we could not leaf-prints of the Avon Gorge Whitebeams pursue this development at present. made in 1979 by Dr Mark Smith, the Curator Helena Crouch, one of the VC6 Recorders of Bristol Botanic Garden and a specimen of gave us a talk on botanical highlights of 2011. the recently named Sorbus leighensis from Space here will not allow for a full account, 1 but a few highlights are as follows. officinalis) seemed to be struggling. One plant Bolboschoenus laticarpus is a newly had died and two of the others failed to recognized taxon, similar to Sea Club-rush flower. Seedlings had been searched for in (Bolboschoenus maritimus), which is not both years, but none had been found, which formally described yet. The spikelets are was surprising since there had originally been long-stalked and there are differences in the four large plants, all of which had flowered nutlets of the two taxa. The plant we have and fruited well. Seed was collected from the been recording on the Somerset Levels and at one plant that had flowered and fruited in inland sites is likely to be the new species. 2011 in order to test seed viability. Finally Martin’s Ramping-fumitory (Fumaria there was some history of the site; it seems reuteri) was thought to be extinct in Somerset that the present fixed dunes were created in since 1920, but has been recorded in Bath and the 1980’s by pumping sand in from the bay is thought to be spreading, so it needs to be to create a sea defence against flooding. looked for elsewhere in the county. Greater Should global warming cause a rise in future Burnet-saxifrage (Pimpinella major) has sea levels then the bay and its habitats will disappeared from its Chapel Cross site, but change again, as will the plants! was recently found at Walton, Street. Lesser Ro FitzGerald talked about her experiences Water-plantain (Baldellia ranunculoides) is a in writing her new book ‘A Gardener’s Guide declining species in Somerset, but has been to Native Plants of Britain and Ireland’ recorded at Greylake on the Somerset Levels. recently published by The Crowood Press. As Orange Foxtail (Alopecurus aequalis) and a first-time author, Ro reported that this was Round-fruited Rush (Juncus compressus) are an intense task, involving not only writing both frequent at Hawkridge Reservoir and accounts of wild plants and their usefulness in Northern Yellow-cress (Rorippa islandica), the garden, but also dealing with the Golden Dock (Rumex maritimus) and technicalities and difficulties of preparing Mudwort (Limosella aquatica) have all been quality digital images from slides. She found recorded at Chew Valley Lake. the lack of personal contact in modern Margaret Webster’s talk was on ‘The publishing, without a caring guiding editor Changing Face of Sand Bay’. Sand Bay is an very difficult. Ro described the low point excellent botanical site where at least 15 Rare when she received the review copy, realising Plant Register species have been recorded that it was too late to correct two photos that over the last few years. Margaret reported that had slipped through the editing process and Yellow Horned-poppy (Glaucium flavum) were printed completely wrongly - hundreds which had appeared in 2008 had not been of copies of her book were already being recorded in 2011. There were images of shipped from Malaysia where they had been abundant and very tall Grass-leaved Orache printed. However, SRPG members were very (Atriplex littoralis) plants in 2009 while in complimentary about Ro’s book and several 2010 images showed how the second lot of copies were sold at the meeting. It is high tides washed piles of debris high up onto copiously illustrated with Ro’s own beautiful the fixed dunes. Later in the season this was photos and those of Bob Gibbons. where many of the plants normally found on Simon Leach gave an illustrated talk about the strandline germinated. This included a few his work on first flowering dates (FFDs), and plants of A. littoralis (with none on the in particular how FFDs in recent years strandline in 2012), some Frosted Orache compare with those recorded by Walter (Atriplex laciniata) and many Prickly Watson in the early 20th century. Simon is Saltwort (Salsola kali) plants; all of these are recording FFDs each year for 339 species, SRPR species. By 2011 blown sand had and his observations have shown that in every covered this debris and no SRPR strandline year since 2008, when he started, the FFDs species were found on the fixed dunes. for most species have been markedly earlier Atriplex laciniata and Salsola kali were than they evidently were in the 1920s and 30s. plentiful on the strandline so they are clearly In 2011 the extraordinarily warm February not at risk. No Atriplex littoralis was found and April (the latter almost 4 deg C above the anywhere in Sand Bay in 2011. Margaret also long term average) led to unprecedented early reported that Marsh-mallow (Althaea flowering of a great many species, with the

2 average FFD (all species combined) being to be seen in Somerset as they are northern about 20 days earlier than that recorded by coastal species. Watson, at least 8 days earlier than in 2008 and 2009, and 17 days earlier than in 2010. It Identification Workshop was indeed a remarkable spring, with many Saturday 17th March 2012 late-spring/early-summer species like White This was another in the series of plant Bryony (Bryonia dioica) and Zigzag Clover identification workshops that we have held at (Trifolium medium) coming into flower at the Lifelong Learning Centre at Shapwick least six weeks earlier than in previous years. NNR. This meeting, lead by Liz McDonnell, As an aside, Simon told us how Clive Lovatt was to help members identify plants in their had sent him copies of two letters written by vegetative state (which is useful for winter Walter Watson, one of which showed that recording), by using The Vegetative Key to Watson lived for a time at Pool Farm on the the British Flora by John Poland & Eric southern outskirts of Taunton – and on one of Clement (2009, BSBI). Freshly gathered Simon’s regular flower-spotting (and dog- material of trees, shrubs and herbs was walking) routes. Possibly some of the plants brought to the meeting to use as examples being monitored by Simon now are when working through the identification keys. descendants of those recorded by Watson in Liz explained the ways in which the keys are the 1920s. constructed and emphasised the importance of Louise Redgrave gave a presentation on the indentation, especially on the first key to plants of Upper Teesdale. The official major divisions which takes the user to botanical walk had to be cancelled as different sections in the book. Margaret Bradshaw had broken her ankle, but As the first training session, we worked Louise and Karl Crowther took some of the carefully though the keys as a group with two recommended walks in the area. Mountain familiar non-native species – Wilson’s Pansy (Viola lutea), Melancholy Thistle Honeysuckle (Lonicera nitida) and (Cirsium heterophyllum) and Globeflower Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus). We were (Trollius europaeus) were found between confronted by terms such as ‘interpetiolar Low Force and High Force. Karl struggled to ridge’, ‘medifixed hairs’ and ‘indistinct take a picture of Shrubby Cinquefoil anastomosing veins’, which entailed (Potentilla fruticosa) leaning over a cliff near frequently consulting the extensive glossary, High Force, but easily found it on river drawings and photos in the back of the book, shingle on the return walk. At Moor House – but all of these terms were well described and Upper Teesdale NNR, Spring Sandwort fairly easy to understand. After this initial (Minuartia verna) and Alpine Bistort session, individual members felt more (Persicaria vivipara) were recorded, but confident to use the keys on their own. This Bird’s-eye Primroses (Primula farinosa) were was a useful day using a book which most already over. Also of interest was a fossil tree members had already bought, but only a few (Sigillaria sp.) in the village of Stanhope, had used in the field. which had been found in a nearby quarry in the 1960’s. Swell Wood and West Sedge Moor Liz McDonnell gave a little presentation Saturday 21st April 2012 on the recording that she and Ro FitzGerald There is always a little extra thrill about did in Shetland in July 2011 for the Shetland the first field meeting of the season, and a Biological Records Centre whilst on holiday dozen members gathered with enthusiasm and in South Shetland. This included ‘square- warm greetings in the RSPB car park at the bashing’ in several 1km squares, especially top of Swell Wood. However this was around the holiday croft at North Hamarsland, proving to be an uncomfortable month – searching for Curved Sedge (Carex maritima) ‘blackthorn winter’ passed mildly in March, where it had not been seen for several years but late April was bringing something verging and Hazel (Corylus avellana) in one of only on ‘hawthorn winter’, with cold winds and two sites on Shetland. We recorded Early cutting showers, and weather and other things Orache (Atriplex praecox) and Oysterplant sometimes made the meeting feel less than (Mertensia maritima), two plants never likely idyllic. Early on, some members were smitten

3 by ill health and lost keys, while those who at before warmer temperatures dry the habitat once plunged keenly into the wood found it a out and shrivel the plants. Mousetail was tad disappointing. It is a steeply sloping formerly well-known from the Somerset calcareous ash/hazel wood, known to have Levels, when winter inundation was the norm, species such as Small-leaved Lime (Tilia and stock and machinery moving onto the cordata) and Herb-Paris (Paris quadrifolia), droves in spring created lovely muddy ruts, so expectations were quite high, but the upper but of course management changes over the parts of the slope were undistinguished. The last forty years or so have made this habitat abundant growth of Bluebells was thick with itself scarce and endangered. Most droves Goosegrass (Galium aparine) trails, and there used by tractors now have stabilised surfaces, were a number of unexpected ruderals seen and this often applies to muddy gateways as such as burdocks and thistles. Plaintive well. Such work was known to have happened questions began to go up and down the line in part of our target area, so it was not at all including ‘Where is the Adoxa?’ and ‘Have certain what, if anything, we might find. you seen any Early-purples?’ Clearly There had also been a very warm dry March, something was not ideal. The slope is very and mud annuals have to be opportunists, steep, so the upper zone may be somewhat adjusting their growth to prevailing leached, and in places the busy road is very conditions. It is not an easy species to spot close, but there was speculation that anyway with almost grassy little leaves and a something in the management history was thin plantain-like fruiting stem – the tiny pale probably involved. Cessation of management yellow petals which show its buttercup for coppiced hazel can degrade the ground connections are only there briefly – and it flora as light levels decrease, and in open seemed likely that any possible plants there access woods such as this the necessary might be would be minute drought specimens, construction of paths and steps (as well as even more inconspicuous than usual. Inside possible run-off from the road) may possibly the first gateway showing hopeful ruts any have knock-on effects. Target species were all members who were already ‘Friends of the located in the end, a number of small-leaved Mousetail’ dropped to their knees, noses limes noted, and a ‘real’ crab apple Malus almost in the mud, and thankfully glad cries sylvestris prettily coming into bud was found, came almost at once. Some plants were but all the more interesting species were indeed extremely small, less than a centimetre restricted to the lower boundary of the wood, high, but some had multiple flowering stems, and none were seen in abundance. and in several individual spots more than 100 Weather delivered a few chilly splashes, plants were estimated. These sub-populations but was mostly kind enough and, after having were restricted to places on a single drove (or a sheltered picnic sitting on log piles in the in the track from this drove to a nearby RSPB wood, and admiring some lovely views of scrape) so although it was exhilarating to see West Sedge Moor just greening up but still this brilliant little specialist still ‘doing its with flashes of standing water, members took thing’ so vigorously, the smallness of areas of to the droves for the main challenge of the suitable habitat, set in the wide landscape of day. The last group meeting to search for the moors, did seem terrifyingly vulnerable. Mousetail (Myosurus minimus), using many Other population areas may still exist in other pairs of sharp eyes, had been in 1999. parts of West Sedge Moor. A late afternoon Occasional spot checks in intervening years extended search by Helena Crouch and Simon had confirmed presence at least, but this Leach, on another drove, produced the terrific curious buttercup relative has such a record of nearly a thousand more plants, but specialised life style that it can be vulnerable this still represents a dot in the landscape. A to catastrophic changes in its habitat. Like more comprehensive survey would need other ‘mud plants’ it is an annual, living as a dauntingly lengthy searches and complicated seed-bank in silt under winter inundations. access permissions, neither of which in the Such plants need to be able to germinate remit of modern conservation are likely to be without competition, on bare mud, as soon as attainable. The only outlying plants found the winter water dries up, and they can do this were just off the first drove, very surprisingly extremely rapidly, racing into flower and fruit by the edge of a tarmac farm track, where

4 three or four ‘enormous’ multi-flowered several people having decided against coming plants more than 5cm high were found, giving as a result of the extremely wet weather excellent photo opportunities without during the preceding week. Let’s just say that straining the macro facilities on cameras! those with wellies had a more enjoyable day Steve Parker, leading this very interesting than those without! Steve made possibly the meeting, had arranged a final treat, some most exciting discovery of the day before the botanical tourism after the searching, rest of us had even arrived, but he had taken a recording and counting duties of the day were photo to prove it: a splendid male Pied done. This was a visit to a small meadow Flycatcher, perched in a tree alongside the below Fivehead Wood, which has a thrillingly open grassy ride next to the car-park. rich flora. The turf was spread with flowering In the morning we wandered through the Cowslip (Primula veris) among drifts of woodland on the south side of the main road Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa) – an through the site, taking in some species-rich unusual and beautiful combination as the areas of wet heath with several colonies of anemones growing in full light develop Bristle Bent (Agrostis curtisii), stands of handsome red-toned leaves – with in places Meadow Thistle (Cirsium dissectum) and a the always-exciting sight of groups of Green- scattering of Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria). winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio) with their We were surprised by the amounts of varying purple shades. Poking about showed Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata) in the abundant Dyer’s Greenweed (Genista wet heathy areas; a most unusual habitat for tinctoria), Saw-wort (Serratula tinctoria), this species, we thought. On the whole the Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis), (mainly secondary) woodland was not Meadow Thistle (Cirsium dissectum), particularly rich in species, with many wonderfully spotted rosettes of a characteristic woodland herbs being Dactylorhiza and Betony (Betonica surprisingly sparse, or even absent. We did officinalis), along with commoner species in a see a few patches of (presumably introduced) rich mosaic, while treasures such as Adder’s- Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum tongue (Ophioglossum vulgatum) were umbellatum subsp. campestre), plus a occasional. Management of this extremely smattering of Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non- rich grassland seemed to have been mowing scripta), which occur at this site along with only, in recent years, and it was felt that the Spanish Bluebell (H. hispanica), found grazing was needed to open out the texture of growing on the bank beside the car-park, and the turf a bit, giving the Anacamptis at least a the hybrid between the two (H. x chance for seedling establishment. The massartiana). current very dense sward, while exciting to Some of us spent time listening out for see so stuffed with good plants, would need bird-song and gazing intently through the some cutting through by hoof-prints to allow trees, the site lying within one of the tetrads orchids to increase. Walking back through an being recorded by the Leader for the adjoining field (a recently created ‘wild upcoming atlas of Somerset’s birds. We saw a flower meadow’) could not have been more of recently fledged family of Long-tailed Tits, a contrast, as this consisted mostly of a which was the first evidence of confirmed bizarre (foreign?) Salad-burnet (Sanguisorba breeding of this species in the square; we also minor) and Ox-eye Daisy (Leucanthemum deliberated long and hard over several Garden vulgare) growing in a positive sea of young Warblers which (sadly) all turned out to be Yellow-rattle (Rhinanthus minor) plants – Blackcaps. Returning to the car-park for hundredweights of seed must have been lunch, we were lucky enough to get some spread when the field was bare! decent views of a pair of Spotted Flycatchers. Ro FitzGerald In the afternoon we concentrated on the area to the north of the main road, Ash Priors Common investigating a variety of habitats including Saturday 5th May 2012 flower-rich grassy paths and ‘rides’ with This was a joint field meeting with the Zigzag Clover (Trifolium medium) and Somerset Archaeology and Natural History Fragrant Agrimony (Agrimonia procera), and Society. There were about a dozen of us, open areas of short acidic grassland with

5 Heath Milkwort (Polygala serpyllifolia), a squares, in flower and fruit, however the tiny small colony of Adder’s-tongue flowers, lacking petals, are a bit of a (Ophioglossum vulgatum) and some disappointment! impressively large patches of Lousewort Homage was paid to the clumps of (Pedicularis sylvatica), already in full flower. Cheddar Pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus), We searched (yet again) for Chamomile introduced here over 60 years ago, now (Chamaemelum nobile), which was recorded spreading into the grassland. Six rosettes of here back in the 1990s – but even though Autumn Lady’s-tresses (Spiranthes spiralis) conditions still look suitable, and we knew were found beside the pink and were carefully exactly where to look, we again drew a blank. compared with nearby rosettes of Common In all we recorded just over 200 vascular Centaury (Centaurium erythraea). Two plant species, a decent enough total despite spikes of Ivy Broomrape (Orobanche the lack of rarities, and adding only a handful hederae) were seen on the north side of the of new species to those recorded by members ridge and a little further along we found five of the group on previous visits. But it was a shoots of Pale St John’s-wort (Hypericum most enjoyable day, not least for the good montanum) which is Near Threatened. company and the opportunity it gave us all to Perhaps the most exciting find of the day was familiarise ourselves again with a wide range Bulbous Meadow-grass (Poa bulbosa). of relatively common species; to become a Although not a stunning plant, this was a new little less rusty, perhaps – except in such wet 10km square record for a Nationally Scarce conditions some of us felt rustier at the end of species and we counted nearly 1,000 plants. the day than we had at the start! Towards the western end of the south side, Simon Leach thousands of plants of Honewort (Trinia glauca) were found in flower and fruit. We Sand Point and Middle Hope were able to compare the male and female Thursday 10th May 2012 plants of this dioecious species. To our Despite threatening skies, fifteen members surprise, a Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera) was assembled on a blustery day to explore the seen in flower; we found 17 plants altogether, limestone promontory of Sand Point where the first record for this species on Sand Point several rare species had no recent records. since 1998. On south-facing rocks we saw Although narrow, the peninsular is laterally many plants of Tall Sea-lavender (Limonium bisected by a 1km grid line: we recorded the procerum subsp. procerum), followed by north part in the morning, the south after hundreds of plants of Somerset Hair-grass lunch. Once we reached the open grassland of (Koeleria vallesiana). We finished the day the ridge, most members assumed a prostrate with a diversion to see hundreds of Green- position and scattered patches of Slender winged Orchids (Anacamptis morio) in flower Trefoil (Trifolium micranthum) were soon on the north-facing slopes of Middle Hope, found, the first records for 14 years. Three where many fronds of Adder’s-tongue plants of the Nationally Scarce Suffocated (Ophioglossum vulgatum) were also seen. Clover (Trifolium suffocatum) had been found Fourteen Rare Plant Register species were new to Sand Point in 2007: we found recorded during the day. Many species were hundreds, in many places along the ridge. recorded for the first time for over ten years After much searching, Bird’s-foot Clover and a new site was discovered for a (Trifolium ornithopodioides) was also Nationally Scarce plant. discovered in flower and we were able to Helena Crouch make the first records for ten years. Hound’s- tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) and Small- Shapwick Heath flowered Buttercup (Ranunculus parviflorus) Friday 18th May 2012 were exciting finds and on the rocky ridge a This walk was planned to help launch the few plants of Sea Fern-grass (Catapodium Avalon Marshes Bioblitz on its inaugural day, marinum) were discovered. A particular target however most other recording groups began of the day was Sea Stork’s-bill (Erodium their events during the following weekend so maritimum), last recorded here in 1998. We we were a select group of five members and were delighted to find plants in both 1km two local volunteers. The day began with a

6 visit to one of the Canada Farm meadows, Strawberry Clover (Trifolium fragiferum) was where recently created ditches provided found at the edge of the track, updating the interest. In 2011, thirteen plants of Greater only Atlas Flora of Somerset record for ST73. Water-parsnip (Sium latifolium) were planted Heading south, the meadows were along one ditch. Five of these were seen on increasingly spectacular. We were excited to this occasion. (Later in the year, seven plants find 20 spikes of Heath Spotted-orchid were seen during a Sium monitoring visit.) (Dactylorhiza maculata ssp. ericetorum) in Large patches of Thread-leaved Water- one field: the next field had hundreds. We crowfoot (Ranunculus trichophyllus) had stopped for lunch surrounded by Saw-wort colonised the ditch, with occasional (Serratula tinctoria), Meadow Thistle handsome plants of Fine-leaved Water- (Cirsium dissectum), Dyer’s Greenweed dropwort (Oenanthe aquatica). Eight species (Genista tinctoria ssp. tinctoria), Bitter-vetch of sedge were examined in the meadow: (Lathyrus linifolius var. montanus) and Heath Distant Sedge (Carex distans), Brown Sedge Spotted-orchids galore. Corky-fruited Water- (C. disticha), Green-ribbed Sedge (C. dropwort (Oenanthe pimpinelloides) was binervis), Glaucous Sedge (C. flacca), found in several places. Other species Carnation Sedge (C. panicea), Hairy Sedge included Devil’s-bit Scabious (Succisa (C. hirta), Cyperus Sedge (C. pseudocyperus) pratensis) and Betony (Betonica officinalis), and Common Sedge (C. nigra). Southern which will be spectacular in late summer, Marsh-orchids (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra), were beginning to flower. Cowslip (Primula veris) and Pignut Heading west along a drove we admired a (Conopodium majus). Three flowering spikes large stand of Marsh Fern (Thelypteris of Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis morio) palustris) with young sterile fronds unfurling were found in the lunchtime field and a BSBI along a ditch. Within Somerset, this Threatened Plant Project form was completed. Nationally Scarce fern is only found in an Later we found 86 flowering plants in another area about 10km x 10km in this part of the field, indeed in another 1km square, and a Levels. second form was filled in. We walked Crossing a narrow plank bridge across a through a small area of three different 1km ditch, we headed south through fields of Bog squares, recording just under a hundred Myrtle (Myrica gale), stopping to admire two species in each. These beautiful meadows are sundew species in one field: Round-leaved cut for hay during late summer, and then Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) and Oblong- grazed. The farmer told us that he leaves it as leaved Sundew (D. intermedia), both Rare late as possible because he loves to see the Plant Register species. This is the only site flowers. Our walk followed a permissive path with recent records for D. intermedia in VC6, which allows others to enjoy the meadows as the only other site being Street Heath where it well. We were very grateful to Steve Portch was last seen in 2001. Our final stop was a for leading the meeting. glorious meadow at Brickyard Farm where Helena Crouch Marsh Valerian (Valeriana dioica) was admired in flower and an additional sedge, Westhay Heath SSSI Tawny Sedge (Carex hostiana), was seen. Saturday 26th May 2012 The walk was a good introduction to a tiny Westhay Heath is a small area of fen portion of the National Nature Reserve. notified as an SSSI, it is partly owned by the Helena Crouch Somerset Wildlife Trust. This site was one of the first restorations following peat extraction. Walk Farm, near Bruton Recently a major scrub and tree management Friday 25th May 2012 project has removed much of the Alder (Alnus Thirteen members, friends and relations glutinosa) that had developed on the site in met on a glorious hot day to explore the the past few years. The site is now an open traditionally managed hay meadows of Walk fen with scattered trees. Access to much of Farm, kindly led by Steve Portch of Natural the site is impossible due to deep water England. We crossed the first species-rich channels or the dangers of walking on a meadow to join the Macmillan Way.

7 floating mat of vegetation. However, the Early Gentian plants had been recorded in group recorded a very good range of species. 1992, without success. Upright Brome On a peaty drove a few young plants of (Bromopsis erecta) dominated the flat area at Heather (Calluna vulgaris) were found, the top of the hill and the steep south-facing reflecting that fact the before peat extraction slopes were very species-rich with many the site was a heathland. From the ditches and anthills. Species such as Greater Butterfly- open water channels samples of Rootless orchid (Platanthera chlorantha), Common Duckweed (Wolffia arrhiza) Soft Hornwort Milkwort (Polygala vulgaris), Wild Parsnip (Ceratophyllum submersum) and Greater (Pastinaca sativa), Horseshoe Vetch Bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris) were (Hippocrepis comosa) and Common Rock- collected. rose (Helianthemum nummularium) were On the edge of the water a large population frequent. A Grizzled Skipper butterfly was of Bottle Sedge (Carex rostrata) stretched found resting, wings outstretched, amongst along the bank. Scattered throughout the fen the grass. After lunch, we continued Milk-parsley (Peucedanum palustre) and westwards, recording in grassland, scrub and Marsh Willowherb (Epilobium palustre) were woodland. In woodland near the Butleigh frequent. A few ferns are associated with the Monument, we found the nest of a long-tailed dryer parts of the wet woodland with Narrow tit constructed precariously on the bark of a Buckler-fern (Dryopteris carthusiana) huge Ash tree. From Butleigh Monument, characteristic of this area. However we could there is a magnificent view through the trees not re-find Marsh Fern (Thelypteris palustris), to Glastonbury Tor. This was our most a small patch of this fern was seen by me in westerly point before returning back at the August 2010 but this area is now flooded. At end of the day. Despite searching carefully, the southern end of the site the South Drain no Early Gentian plants were located on our was covered with Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar visit, but two 1km squares were well lutea). recorded. As we walked through the site we also Liz McDonnell came across other wetland wildlife. It was great to see Hobby hunting the swamps of White Sheet Down dragon and damselflies. We could also hear Sunday 10th June 2012 the call of the Cuckoo and the boom of a After a bad start, due to a car park nearby Bittern, while overhead a Marsh misunderstanding, a flustered leader, nine Harrier hunted. members, guests and a dog assembled in the Steve Parker middle of the planned walk. The unexpected route proved interesting however, with Cut- Hatch Hill leaved Dead-nettle (Lamium hybridum) and Sunday 3rd June 2012 Field Pansy (Viola arvensis) discovered on The purpose of this meeting was to search the disturbed track-side. The top of White for Early Gentian (Gentianella anglica) in Sheet Down was formerly in Somerset until one of its few locations in Somerset. The last the large parish of Kilmington was lost to record of Early Gentian at Hatch Hill was Wiltshire in 1896; but it remains part of vc6. thought to be 1998, but confusion over grid We spent the (thankfully dry) morning references and site names mean that it may discovering the many treasures of this not have been seen here for at least 20 years. glorious chalk grassland, including Horseshoe Gentianella anglica is a very rare plant. It is a Vetch (Hippocrepis comosa), Squinancywort Schedule 8 species, Red Listed and is a (Asperula cynanchica), Autumn Gentian notified feature for East Polden Grasslands (Gentianella amarella), Autumn Lady’s- SSSI. tresses (Spiranthes spiralis), Clustered On a damp rain-threatened day which was Bellflower (Campanula glomerata) and Chalk also the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, nine Milkwort (Polygala calcarea). This last members met in Combe Hill car park and species is spectacular here and also on the walked through conifer woodland towards the chalk of Long Knoll, to the north. Elsewhere open species-rich grassland of Hatch Hill. We in Somerset, it is restricted to three hillsides fanned out and searched an area where a few

8 near Southstoke and Combe Hay, south of planted hedgerows added a few shrubby Bath, where it grows on oolitic limestone. species to the soggy recording card and by The plant of the day was definitely Frog searching the margins of arable fields on Orchid (Coeloglossum viride). We found either side of the track we found few common many plants in closely-grazed turf, arable plant species. particularly on one tumulus and on the The target of the meeting was to search the southern bank of the Neolithic camp. They marsh for Green-winged Orchid (Anacamptis were only just beginning to flower in this morio) for the BSBI Threatened Plants exposed site at 240m. Unfortunately we found Project. However when we arrived at the grid no Field Fleawort (Tephroseris integrifolia reference no suitable habitat could be found. subsp. integrifolia), which was the main This may have been due to the loss of fresh target of the day. It had been seen here two water marsh caused by the breach in the years previously, but appears to be suffering shingle (October 1996) ridge. disastrous losses from many former sites. In A large stand of Sea-purslane (Atriplex compensation, we took an unplanned portulacoides), stretches across the lowest excursion ‘abroad’ (to VC8) for lunch, to part of the marsh. This is probably the largest admire a splendid patch of Early Gentians population of this plant in Somerset. At lunch (Gentianella anglica) on the ramparts of time we sheltered from the rain behind walls White Sheet Castle (an Iron Age hill fort). of a small ruin. This is the location for Allium After lunch sheltering in a ditch of the fort, ampeloprasum var. babingtonii. There were we returned to home territory to seek Fragrant about 50 plants growing around the ruin. The Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea), finding a population seems to be stable despite the solitary plant, still in bud. Rain set in and habitat changes on the surrounding area. numbers were depleted to four. Instead of the On the shingle ridge a large colony of planned afternoon on top of the Downs, we Herb-Robert (Geranium robertianum subsp. headed back to the more sheltered disused maritimum) scrambled across the large chalk quarry near the car park. A sheet of pebbles. The top and sides of a small pebble Kidney-vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria) was a wall was covered with Wall Pennywort stunning sight on a steep west-facing slope. (Umbilicus rupestris). This was in full bloom, The quarry was dotted with hundreds of while along the base of an old wall Sea Fern- flowering Common Spotted-orchids grass (Catapodium marinum) was found. (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) and Twayblades Now the rain had stopped we were able to (Neottia ovata). One hollow had a veritable make better records and found on a small area lawn of tall Heath-grass (Danthonia of the ridge, nine species of clover, including decumbens). A large patch of Adder’s-tongue Subterranean Clover (Trifolium (Ophioglossum vulgatum) was the grand subterraneum), Clustered Clover (Trifolium finale: impressively large fronds and the first glomeratum) and Bird's-foot Clover record for the hectad (10km square) since the (Trifolium ornithopodioides). On reaching the Atlas Flora of Somerset was published. lane we headed back towards Bossington. In Despite completing only part of the planned the hedgerows White Ramping-fumitory walk, and that in reverse, we saw a good (Fumaria capreolata subsp. babingtonii) was selection of species in a habitat not found seen. A large population of Water Bent elsewhere in our area. (Polypogon viridis) was found in the car park Helena Crouch gravel by the entrance to the toilet block. Steve Parker Porlock Marsh Saturday, 16th June 2012 Yoxter Ranges A small party from the SRPG set out from Saturday 23rd June 2012 the car park in Bossington. A very wet day Meeting at Chancellor’s Farm we were almost stopped the SRPG doing any greeted by Kate Lawrence of Somerset meaningful plant recording; however, we Wildlife Trust (SWT) and Bob Corns of decided to go ahead with the meeting. As the Natural England. They explained to the group rain lashed down we made our way along a the history of the range as well as its lane towards the Porlock Mash. Recently biological importance. The site was purchased

9 in 1933 as a military training camp, and there (Anacamptis pyramidalis). A few plants of is no public access. We had permission to go Round-leaved Fluellen (Kickxia spuria) were on to the area to help update Natural seen at the margin of a rape field, along with a England’s records. Kate organises the grazing very large Dwarf Spurge (Euphorbia exigua) of the area, during our visit we saw a sheep which is Near Threatened and thus a Rare and Exmoor ponies munching away at the Plant Register species. flowery sward. After a cup of tea and a quick Having driven through floods on the way safety talk we set off across the meadows of to Lytes Cary, it came as no surprise that the Chancellor’s and on to the range. This is a flat River Walk became impassable for those open landscape with scattered hawthorn trees; without wellies. The promised lunchtime Bob Corns describes the area as Somerset’s bench was forsaken and the route adjusted. A savannah. large clump of Lucerne (Medicago sativa Of particular interest are areas with a high subsp. sativa) was seen on a headland, and lead content. In the open ground here we later Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum). found many hundreds of Spring Sandwort Three members left around lunchtime, which (Minuartia verna) plants. This plant has a was sad because we saw more exciting plants very restricted distribution in Somerset at a in the afternoon. We left the designated River small number of locations on the Mendip Walk to join Ridgeway Lane, heading north. hills. Another special plant of the ranges is The next RPR species of the day were Yellow Soft-leaved Sedge (Carex montana). Urged Vetchling (Lathyrus aphaca) and Slender by Liz McDonnell we did try to collect seed Tare (Vicia parviflora), both Vulnerable and from the plant for Kew seed bank, however Nationally Scarce and in VC6 largely very few seeds could be located, the plant restricted to the south-west, but both in must flower early and drop its fruits quickly. impressive quantities along the verges of the Other species of interest included Bee Orchid lane. (Ophrys apifera), Brittle Bladder-fern Eventually, weary from the unaccustomed (Cystopteris fragilis), Harebell (Campanula heat, we reached the promised land of the rotundifolia) and Pill Sedge (Carex most northerly field of the National Trust pilulifera). A large single plant of estate. To our delight we found this arable Cotoneaster integrifolius was recorded at the field (this year under beans) had broad edge of a lead rake, how the plant arrived here cultivated unsown margins with a fantastic is a mystery but may have been bird sown. array of rare arable plants. Over 1300 plants The surface of a dew pond was covered with of the Endangered, Nationally Scarce Common Water-crowfoot (Ranunculus UKBAP species Spreading Hedge-parsley aquatilis) together with Various-leaved (Torilis arvensis) were counted along the west Water-starwort (Callitriche platycarpa). margin alone. We also saw Knotted Hedge- Water-purslane (Lythrum portula) was on the parsley (Torilis nodosa) here. Euphorbia muddy edges of the pond; this habitat was exigua was present, together with the more kept open with grazing by the Exmoor ponies. impressive Broad-leaved Spurge (Euphorbia Steve Parker platyphyllos). We waded through a swathe of Lathyrus aphaca and found more Vicia Lytes Cary Manor Estate parviflora, which we were able to compare Sunday 8th July 2012 with Smooth Tare (Vicia tetrasperma), also Following our successful visit last year, ten seen here. We found a single plant of Corn members met on a lovely summer’s day to Parsley (Petroselinum segetum), exactly explore more of Lytes Cary estate and re-visit where we found a single plant last year, and a the best of the arable fields seen previously. few hundred spikes of Field Garlic (Allium We started off along the River Walk, finding oleraceum) still thriving on this west margin. Corky-fruited Water-dropwort (Oenanthe To complete the suite of thrilling species, five pimpinelloides) in the first meadow. The plants of the Blue Pimpernel (Anagallis arable fields here have broad permanent arvensis subsp. foemina) were found. All headlands, where we found our first agreed that one edge of the field was enough interesting legume, Grass Vetchling (Lathyrus excitement for one day and a happy weary nissolia) and a handsome Pyramidal Orchid band of botanists returned for tea and cake in

10 the courtyard. Some members stayed longer gathered together we made our way from the to see the gardens, others went in search of new car park at Staple Hill downhill just yet more rare plants, some went home, but all above Mount Fancy Farm. agreed that it had been an excellent day. Along the edge of the tack leading to the Helena Crouch mire there were a few scattered specimens of Water-purslane (Lythrum portula). Here there Bramble Meeting was a small patch of tall herb fen; this Friday 13th – Sunday 15th July 2012 supported a magnificent display of Wild This meeting, led by Rob Randall, was an Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), Ragged-Robin event shared with the BSBI. The weather was (Silene flos-cuculi) and Marsh Willowherb not too bad and number of members from (Epilobium palustre). This area was alive with both groups met up on the first day at the top a wide range of hoverflies, butterflies and of Porlock Hill where Rubus pyramidalis was other insects busily feeding on the abundant identified. Descending down to Robbers nectar sources. We slowly made our way Bridge R. longithyrsiger, R. bloxamii*, R. downhill; here the ground was extremely wet altiarcuatus, R. cinerosus and R. adscitus and we spent time jumping from one patch of were added. On North Hill, Minehead Rubus dry ground to another. Plants here included avaloniensis, R. wirralensis*, R. albionis, and Marsh-marigold (Caltha palustris), Opposite- R. scabripes were recorded and a specimen leaved Golden-saxifrage (Chrysosplenium thought to be R. morganwgensis var. devonii oppositifolium) and Marsh Pennywort taken for confirmation later. The next day (Hydrocotyle vulgaris). searches were made to the south of Minehead After lunch we made our way up the slope with Rubus flexuosus at Bonniton, R. to the wettest area of the mire. This supported longithyrsiger again at Nutcombe Bottom and a blanket of Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), R. dasyphyllus and R. tamarensis at scattered amongst this we could see the bright Gupworthy. Haddon Hill proved quite yellow flowers of Bog Asphodel (Narthecium fruitful with finds of R. rubritinctus, R. ossifragum). However this part of the mire pyramidalis, R. leyanus, R. nemoralis*, R. was far too wet and boggy to support our altiarcuatus, R. bercheriensis*, R. plicatus, R. weight making a complete search impossible. vestitus, R. adscitus and R. polyanthemus. At On the edge of the mire a few specimens of Simonsbath there was R. dentatifolius and R. Bristle Club-rush (Isolepis setacea) were scabripes. We were very glad to have these found. Tall plants of Soft Rush (Juncus records of Exmoor brambles confirmed, effusus) covered much of the drier habitat. where for obvious identification reasons Scattered through the rush were the most recording of microspecies has been sparse. impressive displays of Bog Pimpernel Those marked with an asterisk above proved (Anagallis tenella). Here we also recorded new for Exmoor list. The third day the Lesser Skullcap (Scutellaria minor). Nearing Quantock Hills and the Blackdowns were the end of the meeting we happened to meet visited but this being outside Exmoor area we two of the voluntary wardens. We explained left recording of species to others but the our interest in the site, congratulating them on records will no doubt eventually filter through their good work and urging them to increase to SRPG on MapMate if they have not the grazing on the mire. already done so. (Please also see Rob Steve Parker Randall’s report on recording brambles in Plant Notes section.) Bridgwater Bay Alastair Stevenson and Caroline Giddens Saturday 11th – Sunday 12th July 2012 This was a joint meeting of the BSBI and Staple Hill Plantation Wild Flower Society, with help from several Saturday 28th July 2012 members of the Somerset Rare Plants Group. The group gathered to carry out a survey of The reason for the two day meeting was to a small area of the small Blackdown mire. update records, particularly of nationally rare, The site had recently been cleared of trees and scarce and red-listed species, for Bridgwater has been grazed by cattle; this was undertaken Bay National Nature Reserve for Natural as part of the Neroche project. Once we England. This reserve consists of a large area

11 of mudflat, shingle ridge, saltmarsh, grazing realignment in the area. After many years the marsh and sand dunes. Environment Agency and others had started On the first day we decided to split the work on a major scheme to remove the sea group in two to record different areas and wall and allow the sea to flood an area of habitats. The first group, led by Simon Leach, arable fields. Like all such schemes of this concentrated on recording the grazing marsh nature some in the party supported such a at Wall Common, along with the sand dune, project while others were strongly opposed. saltmarsh and shingle habitats immediately to Recording continued after lunch on an area seaward of the common. The small yellow of upper saltmarsh and grazing marsh, here flowers of Slender Hare’s-ear (Bupleurum plants included Parsley Water-dropwort tenuissimum) were soon being spotted along (Oenanthe lachenalii) and a single specimen the edge of the track-way leading across the of Corn Parsley (Petroselinum segetum). A common. Several sizeable populations were drainage ditch on the grazing marsh at Wall seen, along with much Sea Barley (Hordeum Common was found to contain a small marinum) and the rather harder to spot population of Brackish Water-crowfoot Bulbous Foxtail (Alopecurus bulbosus), some (Ranunculus baudotii). of which was found to be still in flower – very On the second day, the whole group late for this species, which usually finishes walked from the NNR car park at Steart to flowering by early June. Diligent searching Fenning Island, an area of sandy beach and also resulted, quite literally, in the grazed saltmarsh. Large stands of Sea Couch ‘unearthing’ of Alopecurus x plettkei, the (Elytrigia atherica) made walking difficult, so hybrid between A. bulbosus with Marsh many of the party searched along the beach or Foxtail (A. geniculatus), the first record for in dried-up tidal pools. Interesting plants this grass at this site since 1990. Making their included Frosted Orache (Atriplex laciniata) a way on to the shingle ridge the group located very rare plant for VC5 with only three a few plants of White Horehound (Marrubium locations known. By lunch time we had vulgare), while in an extensive area of reached Steart Point, at the mouth of the River transitional saltmarsh-sand dune they came Parrett. The saltmarsh is grazed by sheep in upon a breathtaking display of tens of summer and by large flocks of waders and thousands of plants of Tall Sea-lavender wildfowl in winter. By the bird hides a line of (Limonium procerum subsp. procerum), all in conifers including Austrian Pine /Corsican full flower. In sandy areas several plants Pine (Pinus nigra) had been planted in the suspected of being Bromus hordeaceus subsp. 1970s as a screen. Walking back to the car thominei (a Soft-brome); the hairless lemmas park, Mark Kitchen collected a specimen of are a useful character in distinguishing this what proved to be another Soft-brome, this (probably under-recorded) taxon of sand time Bromus hordeaceus subsp. dunes and other sandy places near the coast. longipedicellatus – only the second record for The second group plunged in to the large VC5. Despite the complete lack of tea-shops area of coastal reed bed. Walking was and pubs, this was a very enjoyable meeting difficult through the head-high Common and we would like to thank everyone for Reed (Phragmites australis). After searching, making it a success. a single plant of Marshmallow (Althaea Steve Parker and Simon Leach officinalis) was found at the base of the sea wall, in a location clearly under threat from Pill Saltmarsh encroachment from the reed bed. Making our Sunday 26th August 2012 way along the sea wall several patches of Sea Nine members and friends met at the Clover (Trifolium squamosum) were found on slipway at Pill to record along the saltmarsh the drier areas while in the saltmarsh Hard- eastwards towards The Royal Portbury Dock grass (Parapholis strigosa) was frequent. and to search for Slender Hare’s-ear The two groups met up for lunch and a (Bupleurum tenuissimum). This Nationally chance to discuss the finds of the morning. Scarce and Red Listed (Vulnerable) species is Bob Corns, Natural England’s Lead Adviser one of ten taxa listed for special attention this with responsibility for Bridgwater Bay, talked year for BSBI’s Threatened Plants Project. to the group about the proposed coastal Partial searches on the other side of the river

12 in 2012 had failed to locate any in old habitats total and Helena completed a detailed BSBI near Sea Mills and Shirehampton. The first TPP recording card for it. This was the same species of interest found was the Nationally area where 72 plants were recorded by SRPG Scarce Stiff Saltmarsh-grass (Puccinellia in 2000. Continuing along the track rupestris), several small plants of which were designated as a ‘Wildlife Corridor’ by Bristol found between the cobbles on the slipway of Port Authority, we recorded Smooth Tare the Portishead Cruising Club. The name (Vicia tetrasperma) and Grass Vetchling rupestris refers to the nearby St Vincent’s (Lathyrus nissolia) in the grassy verges. A Rocks in the Avon Gorge, below which it was bush of Stinking Tutsan (Hypericum first found and described from over 200 years hircinum) was found near the second pylon ago. Pavement weeds along the raised (west of the sluice). An important find at this walkway included two under-recorded but area was Annual Beard-grass (Polypogon widespread and locally abundant Fleabanes, monspeliensis), three clumps at the edge of Guernsey Fleabane (Conyza sumatrensis) and the track. Clive first found it whilst doing the Bilbao Fleabane (Conyza floribunda) and recce for this field meeting a week earlier. Small-flowered Crane’s-bill (Geranium This Nationally Scarce species is found as a pusillum). The saltmarsh is now largely un- native in SE England, but is considered a grazed and dominated by dense Sea Couch casual in Somerset. It has been recorded in (Elytrigia atherica). When surveyed in 1981 VC6 from Glastonbury, where it has a long by Catherine, Lady Packington, a Bristol history, Dimmer Tip, Brislington Tip in 1979 Botany undergraduate, it was still cattle- and at West Dock Portishead in 1977. This grazed. Clive showed us a photograph from was an interesting record, especially as it was his own thesis showing the short turf, and found in water-filled edges of the track behind some of Catherine’s transects showing the sea wall, in a similar situation to its native Bupleurum tenuissimum throughout a 10m habitat in the east. The alien Water-bent strip above the regularly inundated Aster (Polypogon viridis) was nearby, where tripolium zone. We explored small wet areas previously recorded. A small group struggled at the back of the saltmarsh where the through to the end of the footpath on the sea vegetation was shorter and Saltmarsh Rush wall, to the saltmarsh beyond, but no further (Juncus gerardii) and Red Fescue (Festuca records of Slender Hare’s-ear were made. As rubra) were frequent, in the hope of finding we sat on a bench (with Druce’s Crane’s-bill Bulbous Foxtail (Alopecurus bulbosus) where Geranium x oxonianum growing around it) it was found in the past, but were not looking towards the mouth of the Avon, Clive successful – it may have been too late in the spotted a single plant of the saltmarsh form of year. Continuing westwards, several patches Curled Dock, Rumex crispus ssp. uliginosus of Sea Purslane (Atriplex portulacoides) were which occurs at low density in the Avon and found on the banks of muddy inlets of the Severn Estuaries. River Avon. Long-bracted Sedge (Carex Liz McDonnell and Clive Lovatt extensa) was also found nearby in damp rills, with a large patch nearby by a footpath. At our lunch spot beneath the M5 bridge, we Clatworthy Reservoir recorded hundreds of Puccinellia rupestris Saturday 1st September 2012 plants in bare open ground. Hoary Mustard The aim of this meeting was to search for (Hirschfeldia incana) with its appressed fruits Small Water-pepper (Persicaria minor) for and distinctive one-seeded terminal segment the BSBI Threatened Plants Project. This was a common species here. plant was first recorded at Clatworthy in 2003 The richest area of the day was a gravelly by W. Bleeker and T.C.G. Rich; they found it track by pylons to the west of the motorway in the “marshy vegetation by stream in draw- bridge. We found a large patch of Flattened down zone”. However when we arrived on Meadow-grass (Poa compressa) on bare open site it was clear that the extremely wet ground. Stopping to examine this, a few small summer had filled the reservoir to the brim specimens of Slender Hare’s-ear were found. and there was no draw-down zone. A thorough search of the gravelly path Undeterred we started out searching in the revealed 21 plants of Slender Hare’s-ear in shallow margin of the water body. Under a

13 few inches of water we soon found many Bridgwater Town plants of Shoreweed (Littorella uniflora), Sunday 28th October 2012 these were growing with extensive patches of Unsurprisingly a grey, wet day in New Zealand Pigmyweed (Crassula helmsii). Bridgwater did not attract many members to The next plant of interest was a small an urban recording meeting. However three of population of Northern Yellow-cress us diligently searched the streets, wastelands (Rorippa islandica), this was in flower with and road verges around the old Bridgwater only a very few plants showing their docks. Our first interesting find was Bibao characteristic fruits. This plant was first Fleabane Conyza floribunda; this was a identified from this site on a SRPG meeting frequent weed of pavement cracks and waste 2001; which was a first record for England. ground, it is probably expanding its range in We slowly made our way around the edge Somerset but is under recorded. It may well of the reservoir; here there was an excellent be a common plant of urban habitats across display of the pink flowers of Amphibious the county. The next species, Cockspur Bistort (Persicaria amphibia) floating on the (Echinochloa crus-galli) is a plant that has water surface. Lunch was taken on some very recently expanded its range. This was seen wobbly picnic tables. During lunch Ro growing at the base of the River Parrett flood FitzGerald told about her new cloud spotting defence wall. Over the wall on the banks of book and some time was taken in identifying the river it was clear that local residents had various cloud formations. been disposing of their garden rubbish. It was After lunch we continued around the edge here we found a well established specimen of of the reservoir making occasional sorties in Galingale (Cyperus longus); this was a new to marshy vegetation and wading along the 10km record. Growing close to the Cyperus waters edge. About three-quarters of the way was a rather tatty looking plant which keyed around we found gold, not the expensive out to Confused Bridewort (Spiraea x metal kind of gold but the kind that grows in pseudosalicifolia), later we discovered this rabbit burrows. On a steep sided bank at the was a new record for Somerset. back of a small rabbit hole the moss known as After lunch we ventured into VC6 to Goblin Gold (Schistostega pennata) was record in a little-visited square, much of found by Fred Rumsey (but I am not sure why which is an industrial estate. Hawkweed he put his head in a rabbit hole!). The moss Oxtongue (Picris hieracioides) was seen on has reflective protonema making it appear some waste ground. This has a scattered luminous. Many in the party could not resist distribution in Somerset and was new for the photographing such an unusual plant. Almost tetrad. The only Conyza species seen was at the end of the walk a single specimen of Conyza floribunda. Alongside the waste Field Woundwort (Stachys arvensis) was ground was a large patch of Great Horsetail found growing at the end of an access track. (Equisetum telmateia) which is uncommon in On an adjacent sunny bank there was a small this part of Somerset. After trekking along a population of Bird's-foot (Ornithopus main road, we came to the riverside. The perpusillus) with its distinctive bird’s foot banks of the River Parrett are largely lined shaped fruits. with Common Reed (Phragmites australis) A few days later I received an email with along this stretch, but some saltmarsh species confirmation that some of the party had also were found in a small break in the reeds: Sea found Six-stamened Waterwort (Elatine Aster (Aster tripolium), English Scurvygrass hexandra) on the edge of the reservoir. (Cochlearia anglica), Common Saltmarsh- Despite our best efforts we did not find our grass (Puccinellia maritima) and Sea Club- target species Small Water-pepper (Persicaria rush (Bolboschoenus maritimus). For the first minor). A return trip will be necessary to find three species, this was the first record for the this plant. Maybe then we will find some 10km square since publication of the Atlas more botanical gold. Flora of Somerset; all three are approaching Steve Parker their inland limit at this point. 114 species were recorded for the square: a respectable total for an industrial area at the end of October. Returning to the car, a few plants of

14 Blue Fleabane (Erigeron acer) were found in Hare’s-foot Clover (Trifolium arvense), flower: a little treat for noble, dutiful spotted by Helena – who was clearly starting industrial wasteland recorders. to appreciate the fun to be had from recording Steve Parker & Helena Crouch things in flower, and at this rate may have to join the Wild Flower Society in a bid to find Steam Train to Dunster other like-minded souls. Friday 28th December 2012 The sand dunes produced a good crop of To everyone’s relief, after what seemed plants in flower, including Fragrant Evening- like months of dull, sunless days and heavy primrose (Oenothera stricta), Common and persistent rain, the weather turned out Stork’s-bill (Erodium cicutarium), Musk better than predicted; and so we enjoyed a Stork’s-bill (E. moschatum), Viper’s Bugloss surprisingly dry encounter with the coastline (Echium vulgare) and Sea Rocket (Cakile between Minehead Warren and Blue Anchor. maritima), while close to the bridge over the Catching the 10.25 from Bishop’s Lydeard, mouth of the canalised river Avill we saw eleven of us made our way by steam to flowering Great Mullein (Verbascum Dunster, where we were joined on the station thapsus), Rough Chervil (Chaerophyllum platform by Jeanne and Tim Webb. On the temulum) and Wood Sage (Teucrium journey we spotted Corn Parsley scorodonia). At lunch time we also had good (Petroselinum segetum) at Washford station, views of a Peregrine flying over, along with a on the bank where Steve had previously Little Egret down on the shore – but no Snow recorded Crown Vetch (Securigera varia), Buntings, sadly. one of very few sites for this species in VC5. About one kilometre further along the Helena explained how as a child her great coast we came across a large colony of Tree uncle used to catch the steam train each day to Mallow (Lavatera arborea), and we managed go to school in Minehead; and we even to find one plant with a solitary flower, which caught a glimpse of her great grandmother’s caused great excitement, especially for house on Watchet seafront. Helena of course. Closer to Blue Anchor we This was our inaugural ‘Christmas walk’, discovered two small specimens of and the objectives of the day were chiefly (presumably self-sown) Monterey Cypress non-botanical, to enjoy a decent stroll in good (Cupressus macrocarpa) – not flowering, but company, reflect on the year just gone and a good record nonetheless of a species only look forward to the year ahead. But there’s no rarely found naturalised in the county. We getting away from it: drop a motley collection had seen large (planted) trees of this species a of botanists anywhere in the Somerset little earlier in the day, and it seemed quite countryside and they just can’t stop likely that a fallen branch or cones from these themselves – and so we set ourselves the had washed along the shore and given rise to challenge, in the bleak depths of winter, of these youngsters. As usual with the cypress seeing how many plants we could find in trees, we debated long and hard about the flower. scent of the foliage – citrus, certainly, but was We had already seen one or two from the it lemon or orange? train – Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and Hogweed We arrived in Blue Anchor with an hour to (Heracleum sphondylium), to name but two – spare before the last train back to Bishop’s and no sooner had we alighted at Dunster than Lydeard, and so took tea at the legendary plants of all kinds started to show themselves. Driftwood Café – a truly wonderful Even before we left the station we’d added establishment, complete with flowering more than ten species to our list. And by the Cock’s-foot (Dactylis glomerata) on the verge time we reached our lunch stop, on the sand outside – before a final search in fading light dunes in front of the beach huts, we had along the station platform turned up a few reached forty! Highlights included Clive’s plants of Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber). find of a very early Sweet Violet (Viola Back on the train, Liz produced large odorata) in flower, White Ramping-fumitory quantities of homemade cake (a real treat) (Fumaria capreolata subsp. babingtonii) still after which there was much idle chatter and a blooming by the pill-box on the edge of the little snoozing too. In all we had seen 65 golf course, and one tiny flower-head of species in flower, an excellent total for the

15 day – but more importantly, it had been great helenium at the very same spot two weeks fun to join with friends for a botanical walk at later, so the confusion continues. It would be Christmas time, and several members worth checking other sites of Elecampane expressed enthusiasm for devising something carefully. similar for a year’s time, weather permitting! Helena Crouch Simon Leach BRACHYPODIUM PINNATUM/ B. PLANT NOTES RUPESTRE ELECAMPANE AND YELLOW OXEYE Until recently, there were only two species Last year, I was sent a new record for of Brachypodium recognised amongst the Elecampane (Inula helenium) and the finder native flora of Britain and Ireland: False was interested to know more about this Brome (B. sylvaticum) and Tor-grass (B. species. Elecampane is now considered to be pinnatum). These were the only species an archaeophyte, having been grown in mapped in the New Atlas of the British & gardens for its medicinal and ornamental Irish Flora and recent Somerset floras. In the value since at least 995AD. The roots have second edition of Stace (1997), B. rupestre is long been prized as a remedy for coughs and mentioned in Other spp., as “reported in 1991 colds. Nowadays it is grown less frequently but requiring confirmation and close to B. and is declining as an established escape from pinnatum”. The third edition (2010) includes cultivation. B. rupestre as a third native species. While researching Elecampane, I became Tor-grass (B. rupestre) is native and often aware of the similar species, Yellow Oxeye dominant in grassland on chalk and (Telekia speciosa) and wondered how often I limestone. Heath False-brome (B. pinnatum) had overlooked it. Telekia speciosa resembles is native in grassland, scrub, open woodland Inula helenium in habit: both are tall hairy and marginal habitats, often on clay. The plants with simple leaves and large yellow distribution of each species is currently daisy flowers. However T. speciosa has unknown, since all records have previously cordate (not cuneate) basal leaves, slightly been ascribed to B. pinnatum. In Somerset, smaller (5-8cm) capitula than those of I. true B. pinnatum has been recorded at West helenium (6-9cm) and also has a scaly Quantoxhead churchyard, whilst this year B. receptacle and lacks pappus hairs. This rupestre was determined on Wavering Down species is not mentioned in the Flora of the and Cross Plain. Both species are included in Bristol Region, but the Atlas Flora of the Somerset Rare Plant Register and both Somerset gives two records in VC5. At one may genuinely deserve to be there, but we site, the plant was originally recorded as need records to establish the distributions of Elecampane but re-determined as Telekia each. We could all have a go at this! speciosa. B. pinnatum has leaves flat when fresh, There is a large stand of “Elecampane” with minute prickle-hairs (≤30µm) between recorded beside the canal towpath near and over the veins on the lower side (×≥50 Bathampton, mentioned in Murray’s (1896) lens needed apparently!) The raceme is Flora of Somerset and White’s (1912) Flora usually slightly pendent and the spikelets are of Bristol. It straddles a 1km grid line and usually hairy. thus has two spots in the Flora of the Bristol B. rupestre has leaves usually inrolled even Region. Passing this on a family walk I when fresh, without minute prickle-hairs grabbed a specimen. The capitulum clearly between the veins on the lower side. The had scales on the receptacle and basal leaves raceme is usually stiffly erect and spikelets were cordate. Telekia speciosa has been in are usually glabrous. cultivation since 1739 but was first recorded The authors of the new BSBI Grasses in the wild in 1914 in Easterness, where it Handbook (2009) are sceptical about persists. If the large patch by the canal at distinguishing these taxa at species level, Claverton is indeed that mentioned by Murray particularly since the most consistently (1896), it predates the first recorded record of distinctive feature is the presence or absence this attractive neophyte. By coincidence, a of near-invisible prickle hairs. It will be friend in Bath texted me a record for Inula

16 interesting to have a go but I, for one, will acclivitatum, R. wirralensis, R. cinerosus, R. almost certainly need to use a microscope! flexuosus, R. insectifolius, R. sempernitens, R. Helena Crouch troiensis, R. asperidens, R. scaber and R. tuberculatus. The exercise seems, therefore, SELECTION OF RUBUS SPECIES FOR to have had the wrong effect, but any THE SOMERSET RARE PLANTS improvement to the knowledge of this REGISTER difficult genus is useful. There have also been One hundred years ago the brambles of complications: Somerset were studied in detail by R.P. a) R. moylei as currently mapped in the Murray, E.S. Marshall, J.W. White and their British Isles, is an aggregate of two or more contemporaries, and species distribution was taxa. The typical plant is found in a few at that time covered probably better than places in VC6 and qualifies as rare or scarce, many other counties. Since that time, but there is a plant found from the peat moors however, many taxonomic changes have southwards, which W.M. Rogers and others occurred and the current species names referred to as 'var. cuneatus', and this is applicable to many of their records can only widely scattered in VC5 and the southern end be gauged by reference to their herbarium of VC6. specimens. b) R. bloxamii as previously understood, did The only extensive recording that has not qualify for inclusion, but it was mapped occurred since that time was a visit made by as two species in Atlas Florae Europaeae: R. Alan Newton to extract records from the bloxamii, sensu stricto, and R. multifidus (R. combined White, Fry, Bucknall herbarium at bloxamii var. multifidus of British botanists). Bristol, and my own field work to map The latter is widespread in both VCs, but R. brambles for the Avon Flora Project, with bloxamii is restricted to one small area on only a few excursions farther south, only one Mendip, and so qualifies for inclusion. into VC5. A few visits have been made to c) R. dentatifolius, as currently mapped, localities in VC5 by Alan Newton and Len consists of two taxa: R. dentatifolius sensu Margetts, but recording had been so sparse stricto, and what used to be called R. that I organised a BSBI bramble meeting in vectensis. The latter is locally frequent in both 2012 to help counter this. The intention was VCs, but the former is scarce in VC5 and very to cover as much good bramble country over rare in VC6. Because these forms are a weekend as was feasible. Unfortunately the currently held to be conspecific, a scientific meeting was plagued with wet weather, so paper will be required to prove the contrary. was less productive than it might have been. Hopefully it will be possible to do so before However, a return visit to the Quantocks, the Somerset RPR is published. accompanied by Stephen Parker and Simon Rob Randall Leach resulted in some useful new records, and this prompted me to make further visits to PLANT RECORDS the foothills of the Brendons. It is rare to find a new native vice-county The main object was, hopefully, to exclude record but several are reported below. Many species that historical records suggest might of the additional interesting records are also be rare or scarce, but where knowledge of for native Somerset Rare Plant Register their distribution in VC6 and elsewhere species in a new site. As ever, there are also a suggests that they probably would not be number of new aliens; most of them are relevant for the RPR. To this extent the simply interesting curiosities, but one, exercise has been successful, in that 7 species Hydrocotyle ranunculoides, is a scary thug. have now been excluded as being at least Thank you to everyone who has contributed locally frequent in VC5, viz.: R. pyramidalis, records for this list. All records below are for R. cardiophyllus, R. nemoralis, R. adscitus, R. 2012 unless otherwise stated. micans, R. longithyrsiger and R. tamarensis. Another year's field work might result in the NEW SOMERSET RECORDS exclusion of a few more. Asplenium trichomanes subsp. pachyrachis But balancing this, 11 species new to VC5 – Wembdon (ST28903793), 20 Mar 2010, were recorded: R. purbeckensis, R. few plants on inner face of churchyard wall

17 near signboard, Helena J. Crouch & Fred Cynosurus echinatus (Rough Dog’s-tail) – Rumsey, VC5. Milverton Bypass (ST12122646), Jun, in Crinum x powellii (C. bulbispermum x roadside woodland, R.G. Corns, VC5. moorei) - Portishead (ST450750), 25 Oct, few Euphrasia officinalis subsp. pratensis plants on spoil heap by derelict barns to SE of (Rostkov’s Eyebright) - Weir Water Valley Nightingale Valley SSSI, Helena J. Crouch & (SS82254642), 18 Jul 2010, many plants in Fred Rumsey, VC6. grassland beside Weir Water, SRPG, VC5. Cynoglossum amabile (Chinese Hound's- Specimen in Herb H.J. Crouch (det. A.J. tongue) - Taunton (ST22492473), 27 Sep, Silverside). seven plants in newly-sown patch of grass Galium parisiense (Wall Bedstraw) – adjoining the Third Way, near S. end of Taunton (ST228253 to ST229254), 12 Jun, Greenbrook Terrace, Simon J. Leach (det. c.1800 plants in barish waste ground, grass Helena J. Crouch & Simon J. Leach), VC5. verges and roadsides on S side of railway Presumably arrived in imported topsoil or as station, Simon J. Leach, VC5. Further patches grass-seed contaminant. Nigella damascena were found nearby in the next few weeks. (Love-in-a-mist) and Poterium sanguisorba Three records for VC6 have all been subsp. balearicum (Fodder Burnet) nearby. considered dubious so this is the first Euphrasia nemorosa x confusa – The Perch, confirmed record for Somerset. Cheddar (ST45335575), 19 Jul 2011, few Lemna turionifera (Red Duckweed) – plants in short turf, Helena J. Crouch, VC6. Moorlinch SSSI (ST393352), 8 Aug, Specimen in Herb H.J. Crouch (det. A.J. abundant in ditch to N of and perpendicular to Silverside). Shapwick Right Rhyne, Helena J. Crouch & Geranium palmatum – Dunster Station Judith Weightman, conf. R.V. Lansdown, (SS99614473), 22 Jul, 15 plants self-sown VC6. Later found in 6 other ditches at between the railway tracks, between platform Moorlinch SSSI. and engine shed, Helena J. Crouch, VC5. Telekia speciosa (Yellow Oxeye) – Mimulus x hybridus– Wells (ST54954583), Bathampton (ST78366496, ST78326502), 15 29 Jun, one plant in flower on pavement of Jul, large patch both sides of towpath, Helena Sadler Street, Helena J. Crouch, VC6. J. Crouch, VC6. See Plant Note. Polygonum boreale (Northern Knotgrass) - Taunton (ST22432458 to ST22382459, and OTHER INTERESTING SOMERSET ST22312459), 3 May, 500+ plants in bare soil RECORDS IN 2012 on newly-sown grass bank, on the widened Anagallis arvensis subsp. foemina (Blue section of Castle Street adjoining car-park, Pimpernel) - near Stoke St Mary Simon J. Leach, VC5. Only the second record (ST25302195), 3 Oct, at least three plants in of this northern species in England, arable field margin SE of Broughton Farm, presumably arriving here in imported topsoil Cath Shelswell, VC5. A new site for this or as grass-seed contaminant. Unfortunately, Nationally Scarce taxon, found in only two all plants killed in late May when verge was areas of VC5. treated with herbicide, but specimens Atriplex littoralis (Grass-leaved Orache) – retained. Taunton (ST22252457), 11 Jul, a single plant Spiraea x pseudosalicifolia (Confused on newly seeded grassy roadside bank, Bridewort = S. salicifolia x douglasii) – opposite side entrance to Tesco car park at Bridgwater (ST29893771), 28 Oct, one plant Tangier, Simon J. Leach, VC5. First inland by sea wall, SRPG, VC5. First record for record in Somerset. Somerset, but may have been under-recorded Brachypodium rupestre (Tor-grass) - due to confusion with similar taxa. Wavering Down (ST40875553), 30 Jun, Bristol Naturalists’ Society (det. Mark A.R. NEW VICE-COUNTY RECORDS Kitchen) and Cross Plain (ST4155), 23 Aug, Bergenia x schmidtii (B. crassifolia x ciliata) Maggie Brain, Margaret & Jim Webster, - Portishead (ST450750), 25 Oct, many plants VC6. First records for Somerset of this on spoil heap by derelict barns to SE of Waiting List taxon, but formerly recorded as Nightingale Valley SSSI, Helena J. Crouch & B. pinnatum (see Plant Note). Fred Rumsey, VC6.

18 Carex arenaria (Sand Sedge) – Taunton (ST569479), 8 Mar, few large plants on bank (ST226254), 2 Jul, old railway sidings area on above path, just S of where wall meets south side of station, Simon J. Leach, VC5. stream, Helena J. Crouch & Fred J. Rumsey, First inland record in Somerset since conf. FJR, VC6. Second record for VC6. publication of Atlas Flora of Somerset. Eleogiton fluitans (Floating Club-rush) - Carex extensa (Long-bracted Sedge) – Pill Downhead (ST67824576), 12 Feb, small saltmarsh (ST51877685), 26 Aug, in small amount in acid stream in woodland, Sharon inlet amongst Sea Couch and (ST51807691), Pilkington, VC6. New 10km record for large patch 7m x 7m, SRPG, VC6. New 10km species scarce in both VC5 and VC6. record for species scarce in VC6. Epipactis phyllanthes (Green-flowered Chenopodium hybridum (Maple-leaved Helleborine) - Clarken Coombe Goosefoot) – Bath (ST76186613), ST76185 (ST54477129), 15 Jul, under beech trees 66133 one huge plant in newly created garden between path and wall, Steve Preddy, VC6. border in Ringswell Gardens, Helena J. Third record for species in VC6. Initially Crouch & Rob D. Randall, VC6. First record thought to be E. leptochila but revisited on 5 for VC6 since publication of the Atlas Flora Aug and re-determined as E. phyllanthes. of Somerset. Found by the garden owner. Seen by Richard Mielcarek on 6 Aug and Cirsium x forsteri (C. dissectum x palustre)- identified by him as var. vectensis. Plants Moorlinch SSSI (ST38853551), 20 Jun, one photographed here in 1985 and recorded as E. plant with C. dissectum, Stephen J. Parker, leptochila are now also believed to be E. VC6. Only third recent record for Somerset. phyllanthes. Cordyline australis (Cabbage-palm) - Euphrasia officinalis subsp. pratensis Taunton (ST233247), 8 Nov, one well- (Rostkov’s Eyebright) - Ashcott Plot established young plant on kerbside at S end (ST44173911), 23 Jun 2011, in tussocky of St Augustine Street, growing with a varied grass, Helena J. Crouch & Fred J. Rumsey, selection of street weeds including abundant VC6.Specimen in Herb H.J. Crouch (conf. Polypogon viridis (Water Bent), and 15 Nov, A.J. Silverside).Also Cheddar Gorge a second plant nearby at the base of a lamp- (ST483535), 2 Sep 2011, in limestone post in Duke Street, Simon J. Leach, VC5. grassland, Helena J. Crouch, VC6.Specimen Second record for VC5 and first since in Herb H.J. Crouch (det. A.J. publication of Atlas Flora of Somerset. Silverside).First recent record for VC6. Cuscuta campestris (Yellow Dodder) - Festuca brevipila (Hard Fescue) – Bath Dunster (SS99144381), 22 Jul, many patches (ST74316531), 28 Jul, one clump on parasitic on sunflowers outside The Luttrell pavement in Marlborough Gardens, Helena J. Arms, High Street, Helena J. Crouch, VC5. Crouch, VC6. Third record for VC6. Second record for VC5. Also Shepton Mallet Filago vulgaris (Common Cudweed) – (ST63014339), 30 Sept, many patches Emborough Quarries (ST61975045), 19 Jul, smothering Antirrhinum plants beneath Niger 100+ plants in flower on damp gravel on feeder in garden, Sheila &John Brown, VC6. quarry floor, Helena J. Crouch & Dave Green, Second record for VC6. [Note that the record VC6. New 10km record for this Near formerly believed to be the first for Somerset Threatened species. and VC6, at Windmill Hill, Bristol, was Gastridium ventricosum (Nit-grass) – Uphill actually just within VC34; thus the first (ST31655810), 18 Aug, 30 plants in open record for VC6 and Somerset was made in ground (cattle tracks), Stephen J. Parker, 2003, in a garden in Frome, where it is still VC6. New 10km record for Nationally Scarce present.] species. Dryopteris cambrensis (Narrow Male-fern) - Hordeum marinum (Sea Barley) – West East Water Valley (SS897430), 4 Jun 2011, Buckland (ST1620), 16 Jul, abundant along several plants together on N side of path fringe of slip road for about 5m, plus single leading along N side of stream, British patch close to where slip road joins main Pteridological Society, VC5. Third record for carriageway; also Taunton Services (ST1920), VC5. 16 Jul, single patch on central reservation of Dryopteris x complexa (D. filix-mas x D. M5, Simon J. Leach, VC5. Specimens affinis sensu stricto) - Biddle Combe gathered from first site and conf. as the native

19 subsp. marinum. First and second inland Bridge and the Brewhouse car park, Simon J. records for VC5. Leach, VC5. First record of this Nationally Hydrocotyle ranunculoides (Floating Scarce species in this 10km square since seen Pennywort) – Portbury Wharf (ST47017626 by W. Watson at Firepool, Taunton in 1935, to ST47387671), 23 Aug, rafts in the Portbury and fourth record for VC5 since publication Rhyne and on the banks, Nick Bertrand, VC6. of the Atlas Flora of Somerset. Also Pill Fourth site for VC6 and first record for this (ST51807688), 19 Aug, Clive M. Lovatt, 10km square. three small clumps at edge of wet gravelly Hypericum hircinum (Stinking Tutsan) – track behind saltmarsh counted 26 Aug, Newton St Loe (ST706648), 3 Aug 2011, SRPG, VC6. New 10km square and second single plant on roadside, Dave Green (det. record for VC6 since publication of the Atlas N.K.B. Robson), VC6. Also Pill saltmarsh Flora of Somerset. (ST51707692), 26 Aug, one large shrub Potentilla recta (Sulphur Cinquefoil) – between pylon and fence, SRPG, VC6. First Taunton (ST203259), 5 Jul, waste ground and second records for VC6 since 1905. outside Somerset Heritage Centre, Simon J. Impatiens capensis (Orange Balsam) – Leach, VC5. First record for Somerset since Claverton (ST78376494), 15 Jul, few plants publication of the Atlas Flora of Somerset. in flower on canal bank by towpath E of Ranunculus sardous (Hairy Buttercup) - Bathampton, Helena J. Crouch, VC6. First Ham Green (ST529756), 20 Sept 2008, few record for Somerset since publication of the on disturbed mound of soil in amenity Atlas Flora of Somerset. grassland to W of cottages at The Green, Isolepis cernua (Slender Club-rush) – Margaret A. Webster, VC6. First record for Walton-in-Gordano (ST42227395), 26 Jul, VC6 since publication of the Atlas Flora of hundreds of clumps in wet flush beside Somerset. Found on SRPG walk in 2008 but footpath leading through field to SE of coast identification uncertain. Small plant taken path, Helena J. Crouch & Fred Rumsey, VC6. into cultivation and positively identified the Fourth site for VC6. following year. Myosurus minimus (Mousetail) - King's Rumex crispus subsp. uliginosus (Curled Sedgemoor (ST40643330), 11 May, approx. Dock) – Pill (ST5177), 26 Aug, on salt marsh, 200 plants covering 2m² in gateway on First Somerset Rare Plants Group (det. Clive M. Sedgemoor Drove, Stephen J. Parker & Lovatt), VC6. First explicit record for this Simon Clarke, VC6. Third site for VC6 and 10km square since 1999 although reported in first record since publication of Atlas Flora of “Bristol Botany in 2006” as persistent under Somerset. Burwalls Wood (ST 5672). Ophrys apifera var. chlorantha (Bee Orchid Pistia stratiotes (Water-lettuce) – Ashwick variety) – Knighton (ST188454), 2 Jun, six (SS8830), 12 May, in ponds, Caroline plants by coast path, Anne & Eleanor Rivers, Giddens, VC5. First record for West VC5. First record for VC5, although Somerset, greatly extending known range of apparently known here for some years. this aquatic alien. Poa bulbosa (Bulbous Meadow-grass) - Sand Point (ST320659 to 324660), 6 May, c.600 FUTURE NEWSLETTERS plants on rocky slope above path along ridge, As this is the last Newsletter I shall be SRPG, VC6. First record for this 10km square producing for SRPG I would just like to thank since reported at Weston-super-Mare by St. everyone for their help and patience when I Brody in 1856, that record considered to be an have badgered them for reports over the last error in the floras of Murray and White. 12 years. Next time I shall greatly look Poa infirma (Early Meadow-grass) – forward to receiving a much more Sedgemoor Services (ST3552), 21 Apr, along professionally produced Newsletter as Liz is edge of treed-up area and especially dense taking over its production. Please help her by covering the root of a tree at edge, Clive M. sending in your reports on time. Lovatt, VC6. Fifth record for VC6. Caroline Giddens Polypogon monspeliensis (Annual Beard- grass) – Taunton (ST22702483), 30 Jun, nine SRPG Contacts: Liz McDonnell 01934 712649 plants on edge of riverside between Town and Steve Parker 01823 666006.

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