Meeting at Rutland Water

Botanists at Rutland Water, September 2012

Uta has arranged a meeting at Rutland Water on Saturday 4th October and says "We will look at a pond and maybe a lagoon. It's an area not open to the public. Andy Lear is planning to come which will be helpful because he knows Rutland Water well.  

"I have set up a doodle for us to decide on a time and to arrange car sharing. Grid reference is SK88310850 and we meet on the road from Oakham to Hambleton. Here is a map. We will have to be let in to the site by a member of staff from Rutland Water, so we should try hard to be there on time. And wellington boots might be a good idea." 

*Thanks for voting in the Doodle poll for your preferred start time - the meeting will start at 10am this Saturday.

Last field meetings of the season

Uta (right) helps Richard & Rosemary with ID

A reminder that tonight's (Wednesday) meeting is now at Asfordby Lakes, starting at 6.30pm. 

Meet at SK70471863 and our route follows a footpath along the canal, a stretch of the River Wreake and the Lakes themselves. 

Uta has organised this meeting and sent details to all of you on the mailing lists (and the meeting is on the VC55 calendar). Everybody is welcome to join us!

Maggie and Chris look at leaf-galls

Last week's visit to Washbrook Nature Reserve attracted 13 of you to a less picturesque site - see images on this page! The weather looks just as nice for this final evening meeting of the season. 

 But we may also have the chance to see some nice "drawdown zone" wildflowers on 20th September. 

Brian Laney is hoping to lead a guided walk around the shoreline at Daventry Country Park, Northants. to see Golden Dock, Marsh Dock, Mudwort, Orange foxtail, Trifid bur-marigold and Nodding bur-marigold. 

Brian says "I am also keeping my eyes open for Six-stamened water-wort which has not been found in Northamptonshire -  well, not yet!!"

The best thing about going to a meeting held over the county line is that we can take a break from recording what we see (nice though that is, and essential for the next BSBI Atlas) and just focus on the plants. 

The meeting is going to be open to the public as well as the country park wardens and helpers. So everybody is welcome, especially beginner botanists who haven't seen these species yet. 

Dorothy helps Jean, Liz & Richard with ID

Apparently the date should be finalised soon, so watch this space for confirmation or any changes. 

Brian adds "I checked the car park price at Daventry Country Park the other day and it was £2 for the day. The car park is at SP57646411 SP576 641. The entrance to the car park is off the A425 Northern Way at  SP 5755 6410"