Wessex Bryology Group
|
|
|
On this page
|
|
Resources
|
Wessex Bryology Group online
This is a new group that has been set up to record sites in Wiltshire, Dorset,
and parts of Somerset. A key aim of the group is to encourage those who are
new to the subject to become more experienced and confident at identifying
bryophytes. There is no formal membership or constitution and each person
goes out at his/her own risk. Beginners are always very welcome; the only
equipment needed is a hand lens (x10 or x20) and some paper packets for
collecting specimens. Many of the sites we plan to visit include wet and
muddy areas so boots are advisable. We will usually eat a packed lunch on
site. All meetings start at 10.30am and finish between 3pm and 4pm.
|
|
Wessex Bryology Group contacts
For further information on the Wessex Bryology Group please contact:
|
|
Top
|
Wessex Bryology Group Field Trips 2010
Common Tamarisk-moss
Thuidium tamariscinum
Photo: Bryan Edwards
|
Here is the programme of meetings for the coming season. We have tried to
include a good range of habitats and sites across Dorset, Wiltshire and
Somerset.
Please note: Field meetings start at 10.30 am unless otherwise
stated, and usually continue until about 4 pm. You are welcome to join
meetings for all or part of the day. All are welcome; our leaders will be
pleased to help inexperienced wildflower enthusiasts with identification
skills. Numbers will be limited; if you plan to attend please contact the
leader. Please include a telephone number in case of overbooking and weather
problems. If you require a written confirmation please enclose S.A.E.
We do ask that members do not bring their dogs to the meetings.
Contacts:
Jones’s Mill (WWT Reserve) & Pewsey Downs NNR North/South Wiltshire:
Saturday 24th October 10.30 am. Leader: Sharon Pilkington.
Park in field at reserve entrance on Dursden Lane at SU169610 (gate will be open).
Bring wellies! This is an interesting fen and wet woodland reserve. We will move
to Knap Hill in the afternoon to see some calcareous grassland specialists
including Entodon concinnus.
Harridge Woods (SWT Reserve), North Somerset:
Saturday 21st November 10.30 am. Leader: Andrew Branson.
Park at woodland entrance at ST656483. A chance to explore these East Mendips
woods which have a rich and varied flora, including local species found on
sheltered limestone outcrops.
Stourhead Estate (NT) South Wiltshire:
Sunday 13th December 10.30 am. Leader: Andrew Branson.
Park in the National Trust car park at ST 778339. An opportunity to record the
epiphytes of the landscaped gardens and the adjoining woods, including a wetland
area.
West Yatton Down and Kents Bottom, North Wiltshire:
Sunday 14th February 10.30 am. Leader: Sharon Pilkington.
Join us to be the first to survey this limestone grassland and woodland site.
Park by the side of the road opposite the footpath at ST852758.
Portland, Dorset:
Saturday 6th March 10.30 am. Leader: Bryan Edwards.
Park at the View Point SY 689730.In the morning we will look for Funaria pulchella
(and other things) in King Barrow and Tout, and then go on to East Weare in the
afternoon.
Ubley Warren (SWT), North Somerset:
Saturday 10th April 10.30am. Leader: Andrew Branson.
Parking at Charterhouse at ST505556. A varied landscape in the heart of the
Mendips, with both acid and basic floras including exposed limestone, with
several local specialities.
|
|
Top
|
Getting to grips with bryos - Bryology training days
A key aim of the group is to encourage those who are new to the
subject to become more experienced and confident at identifying bryophytes,
and in early 2010 there is a series of three meetings, each in a different
habitat, specifically aimed at beginners to bryophytes. Beginners are, of
course, most welcome at all our meetings.
Woodland and grassland at Vernditch Chase / Martin Down:
Saturday 23rd January 10.30am. Leader: Andrew Branson.
Meet at National Nature Reserve car park on Blandford-Salisbury Road (A354) at
SU037200. A good range of common woodland and grassland species to ease people
into some basics of identification and ecology.
Heathland / mire at Vales Moor, New Forest:
Saturday 6th February 10.30am. Leader: Sharon Pilkington.
Park in the car park at SU188040. This extensive mire and heath complex
will provide a chance to get to grips with various species of Sphagnum
and other typical mire and heath mosses and liverworts. Wellies strongly
recommended.
Chalk downland at Melbury Down - Win Green (NT) South Wilts / Dorset:
Saturday 20th February 10.30am. Leader: Andrew Branson.
Park off the road to Compton Abbas airfield at ST915197. We will look for some
classic chalk downland and flint scree bryophytes in the morning, including
Rhodobryum roseum. Later in the day we will test our skills at Win Green.
|
|
Top
|
Dorset Environmental Records Centre