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Cecidological Calendar 2008
Summary Chart
To see full details of any meeting click the date
|
Date |
Location |
Leader(s) |
Principal Topic(s) |
|
|
Oadby, Leicestershire |
Williams |
Invertebrate Group Workshop |
|
Market Bosworth |
Leach |
Lecture: Myths Aliens,
Biology |
|
| 11th May |
Stanwick Lakes, Northamptonshire |
Karley |
Plant Gall recording |
| 14th June |
Grand Union Canal, Yelvertoft, Northamptonshire |
Karley |
Plant Gall recording |
|
FSC Course |
Redfern |
Introduction to Plant Galls |
|
|
Nottingham |
Clough |
Plant Gall recording |
|
| 20th July |
Bedford Purlieus |
Karley |
Plant Gall recording |
|
Goslings Corner |
Clayton |
Plant Gall recording |
|
| 27th July |
Brownsea Island |
Ward |
Plant Gall recording |
| 3rd August |
Shincliffe |
Robbins |
Plant Gall recording |
|
Wheatfen |
Hancy |
Plant Gall recording |
|
|
Mascalls Wood |
Boyd |
Plant Gall recording |
|
| 30th August |
North
Farm, Shenton, |
Leach |
Myths Aliens, Biology |
|
Pennington Flashes |
Bamforth |
Plant Gall recording |
|
|
Austerfield Mosaic ReserveSouth Yorkshire |
Higginbottom |
Plant Gall recording |
|
|
Annual General Meeting |
Leach |
Early Booking for this major event is recommended |
|
|
FSC Course |
Leach |
Plant Galls: Identification & Ecology |
|
|
Monks Dale |
Egan |
Plant Gall recording |
|
| 20th September |
Esher Common/Oxshott Heath |
Spooner |
Plant Galls and General Entomology. |
MEETINGS SECRETARY:
CHRIS LEACH, 1 PALFREYMAN LANE,
OADBY,LEICESTER LE2 4UR,
TEL: 0116 2714291
Email
INTRODUCTION
SAFETY
Leaders and tutors will take every reasonable precaution to ensure the safety of
everyone who participates in a meeting. Ultimately, however, each participant is
responsible for his or her safety, and members and guests attend meetings at
their own risk. For field-meetings, please ensure that you are properly equipped
for the range of terrains and weather that may be encountered. When appropriate,
specific guidance is included in the notes on individual meetings. If you have
any doubts about whether you could reasonably expect to be able to participate
safely in a particular meeting, or require additional information about the
location, timetable, etc, please contact the leader.
FORMAT FOR DESCRIPTIONS OF INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS
Each meeting usually has an entry with the following information:-
1 Heading:
The day(s) and date(s); and the Watsonian vice-county in
which it will occur (with the vice-county number in brackets).
2 Aims:
A concise statement of the purpose of the meeting. Field-meetings may be held in
well-known areas that provide good examples of galls for new cecidologists, or
in areas that have not been surveyed cecidologically. A recurrent objective for
all field-meetings is to obtain reliable data on the occurrence of galls
(including distribution, frequency, etc) that can be made available to Local
Recording Centres, The National Biodiversity Network, Wildlife Trusts, planning
enquiries, etc: details may be obtained from the Records-Data Manager, Janet
Boyd { } [Tel: 01934 852148].
3 Location:
The information supplied usually includes:
a) The site's Grid reference – eg ST431596 – making it possible
to locate meeting places by reference to:1) A Landranger or Explorer Ordnance Survey map
2) Philip's Navigator Britain
3) Map websites (from which printed maps can be downloaded): eg www.multimap.comb) Brief instructions for road travel.
c) The site's website if one exists – in bold type and enclosed in curly brackets: eg { www.hainaultforest.co.uk }. Other websites are listed where relevant.
d) An indication of the geology, history, and habitats of the site.
e) Guidance on the availability of refreshment and toilet facilities.
4 Assembly:
Start and finish times for the meeting, where to park, and whether to take a
picnic lunch.
5 Charges:
Normally there is no charge for attendance at a meeting, but if a specific
charge is not mentioned there may be a small charge to cover expenses (eg for
refreshments or room hire).
6 Booking:
It is not usually necessary to book in advance, but for some of the meetings it
may be stated that pre-booking is essential/desirable. Your co-operation in
observing this booking guidance would be greatly appreciated: pre-booking is
only sought when it is necessary for the safe or efficient conduct of a meeting.
If you book for a meeting, and then discover that you are unable to attend,
please inform the leader immediately (otherwise, for example, when numbers are
limited, people may be denied a place unnecessarily). Except for residential
meetings, members must arrange their own accommodation (if required) – which
they must cancel if the meeting is cancelled or they are unable to attend.
7 Leaders:
Contact details may include:
a) E-mail address - in curly brackets: eg {
}.
b) Phone number - in square brackets: eg [Tel: 0116 2714395].
8 Associates:
Mentioned here are other organisations that have either co-operated in the
organisation of a meeting, or whose members have specifically been invited to
participate. The BPGS has close fraternal links with The British Entomological &
Natural-History Society { www.benhs.org.uk
}, whose members are very welcome to attend any BPGS meeting.
FIELD MEETINGS
Suitability
Traditionally, the hallmark of The Society's meetings has been their friendly
atmosphere: members help each other, in a relaxed manner, to develop the skills
that are needed to identify the various types of galls, gall-hosts, and
gall-inducers – or simply to enjoy looking at galls as objects of natural
beauty. Often the biology of particular galls is discussed. Members should find
that they receive the help and encouragement that are necessary when they start
to study a particular group of galls.
Most meetings are suitable for all members of the Society, ranging from those
who are just starting to look at galls to those who are already experienced in
some facets of cecidology. When, exceptionally, a meeting is designed primarily
for beginners or for fairly-experienced members, this is indicated in the
meeting description. Subject to observing any pre-booking provisions, members
may bring guests to any of the meetings.
Conservation
Please observe the regulations and guidance described in the Code of conduct for
Cecidologists [Leach, C. Cecidology 1999 14 (2), 34-40], which gives general
advice, covers the legal protection of wild plants, and gives the addresses of
relevant statutory agencies and voluntary societies. Key provisions are:
a) Do not trespass when gall hunting.
b) Never take galls from a protected site or nature reserve without permission.
c) Only take galls from substantial populations.
d) Take no more galls than are necessary for your purposes (eg: a single gall or leaf).
e) Take care not to damage other plants in the vicinity.
Clothing and Equipment
For all outdoor activities consideration should be given to wearing appropriate
boots (with non-slip soles) and to taking wet-weather clothing, hand-lens,
British Plant Galls, notebook, writing equipment, camera, crooked walking-stick
(for reaching branches), and paper envelopes (for material that will need
microscopic examination). Especially in remote areas, consideration should also
be given to carrying a first-aid kit, map, compass and/or GPS hand-set, mobile
telephone, and emergency drink/food/sweater. Please do not bring dogs to
excursions.
BESPOKE MEETINGS
In some geographical localities, or for some specialized types of gall, it is
unlikely to be practicable to hold a conventional field-meeting for a group of
members. It may be, however, that you would be prepared to help other members –
on a one-to-one basis – who are keen to study galls in your area (whether a
geographical area or an area of expertise). If you would be prepared to help
other members in these kinds of ways, do please let the Meetings Secretary know.
To take advantage of kind offers that have been made thus far, if you are:
• visiting Wales and are interested in rusts: contact Dr Nigel Stringer {
} [Tel:
01558 825800].
• visiting the seaside and are interested in galls on seaweeds: contact Roy
Merritt, { } [Tel: 01524 411193].
• interested in mite galls: contact Brian Gale {
}
[Tel: 02380 693026].
• travelling overseas: contact the Meetings Secretary for details of any
overseas members with whom you may be able to liaise.
Please let The Society have your suggestions on any aspects of future meetings
(locations for field excursions, topics for workshops/conferences, etc.) – and
do not be bashful at volunteering to lead an event yourself! Please contact the
Meetings Secretary when ideas occur to you: ideally we need them by December,
please, so that the detailed Calendar for next year can be published early in
2009.
Meetings Secretary
Chris Leach, 1 Palfreyman Lane, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4UR
Telephone: 0116 2714297:
Email
LIST OF MEETINGS
Sunday, 2nd March LEICESTERSHIRE (vc55)
THE BPGS INVERTEBRATE GROUP ANNUAL WORKSHOP
Location:
Brocks Hill Environment Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester. [SP 619997]
The entrance to Washbrook Lane is on the south side of the B582 Wigston to Oadby
road, at the traffic lights and opposite Brabazon Road. Proceed along the lane,
passing Parklands Leisure Centre on the right. Brocks Hill Environment Centre
(and car park) is straight ahead. The building is shared with the Leicestershire
and Rutland Wildlife Trust.
Activities:
The programme details have yet to be finalised but will follow a similar format
to that of previous workshops, with discussions and talks in the morning and an
identification session, dealing with the insects associated with bedeguar and
oak galls, in the afternoon. Please contact Robin Williams if you would like to
contribute to the programme. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in what
is usually a most enjoyable and stimulating meeting. If you are able to bring a
microscope and any specimens of interest, then please do so.
Programme:
10.00: Welcome – and coffee
10.30: Morning Workshop
13.00: Lunch in the centre café (or bring a packed lunch)
13.45: Afternoon Workshop
15.20: Discussion of questions raised by members
15.45: Depart (we must vacate the building by 16.00 hours)
Leaders:
Robin Williams Co-ordinator of the Invertebrate Group and author of several
books on gall inhabitants {} [Tel: 01934 712344] and
Maggie Frankum, Regional Co-ordinator for the East Midlands and past Chair of
the BPGS (contact details below)
Booking:
Registration Fee: £7.00 per person – not including refreshments.
Please send your registration fee to Maggie Frankum, 3 Chapel Lane, Knighton,
LEICESTER, LE2 3WF [Tel: 01162 705833;Email: ], together
with a note of your name and address and telephone number (and e-mail address if
you wish). Cheques should be made payable to British Plant Gall Society. Please
include SAE if you would like a receipt and/or maps showing the location of the
venue.
Tuesday, April 15th Leicestershire (vc55)
Myths, Aliens and Biology of Plant Galls a talk by Chris Leach
Aims:
An introductory talk to the Market Bosworth & District Natural History Society,
to provide some insight into the variety of biology of galls and gall causers.
BPGS members are welcome to attend.
Location:
Youth Building at the Market Bosworth Community College starting at 7:30pm (Car
park at SK 404042)
Further details from Chris Leach, 1 Palfreyman Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE24UR
[Tel: 0116 2714297 or
Email ]
Sunday May 11. Stanwick Lakes, Northamptonshire
Location:- Land Ranger map no.141.
Access from the roundabout at Grid ref. SP 97.0;71.3, on the A605 between
Higham Ferrers and Thrapston. £2 car park fee. Lavatories available.
The Lakes are managed by Rockingham Forest Trust on behalf of East
Northamptonshire Council.
http://www.stanwicklakes.org.uk/stanwick_visitor.html (Has site map.)
Meet in the Car-Park at 10:00 a.m.
The lakes were formed by gravel workings, mostly in the last twenty five
years. They include a variety of habitats, mostly still developing and
rather open.
Leader:-Seán Karley (01933-225397; )
Saturday June 14. The Grand Union Canal at Yelvertoft,
Northamptonshire.
Location:- Land Ranger map no.140. Grid Ref. SP(42)60.4;75.0,
Yelvertoft is 3 km north of Crick, which is 1 km east of
junction 18 on the M1. Drive into Crick village and turn left (north) near
the parish church (spire). At Yelvertoft turn right, towards West Haddon.
Meet at Skew Bridge no. 19, on the left after 900 metres (1000 yards).
Starting time 10:30. Full day meeting. Bring lunch. No facilities available.
The Grand Union Canal is a working canal. We will be walking the
towpath towards Leicester, i.e. more or less northwards, but with many
twists. We will park some cars along the route so we do not need to walk
back. Shelagh will be bringing a canoe so that water plants can be reached.
Others are welcome to bring their own water transport; the rest of us will
rely on Shank's Mare.
Leaders:-Seán Karley (01933-225397; ) for drybobs, and Shelagh Rogers (
) for
wetbobs.
(Please note:- details for this one are still under discussion)
Friday–Sunday, 11–13 July 2008 Shropshire
Field Studies Council Course at Preston Montfort
A residential weekend course on Plant Galls at Preston Montford Field Centre,
near Shrewsbury, Shropshire .
A general introduction to plant galls, their identification and natural history,
with a mix of field trips, lab work with microscopes, and background talks. On
the Saturday, we will visit Earl’s Hill Nature Reserve near Pontesbury (grid
reference SJ 409048). This site is a mixture of rough grassland, mixed deciduous
woodland and scree on a southeast-facing slope with a stream at the bottom of
the valley, and is owned by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust
(www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/nr_10.html ). Its galls have not been
recorded before. On the Sunday, we will explore the environs of the field
centre, its garden, hedgerows and bank of the River Severn that borders the
estate. The small village of Montford is nearby, where Darwin’s grandfather,
Erasmus, is buried.
The course is suitable for beginners as well as experienced cecidologists.
The course is run by the Field Studies Council at Preston Montford and booking
is essential. Contact the Field Centre for details of cost, accommodation and
domestic arrangements: Preston Montford Field Centre, Montford Bridge,
Shrewsbury SY4 1DX (tel: 01743 852040; email:
enquiries.pm@field-studies-council.org ). The Centre will provide you with a
booking form and a leaflet about the course.
Location: Preston Montford is 4 miles west of Shrewsbury on the B4580 that links
the A458 Welshpool road with the A5 road to Oswestry. For those travelling by
train, the Field Centre organises transport from the station in Shrewsbury.
Timing: Arrive at Preston Montford on Friday in time for supper at 6.30pm and depart on Sunday at about 4.00 or 4.30pm.
Leaders: Margaret Redfern and Tom Higginbottom; for initial enquiries you can contact Margaret (tel: 0114 2686675; email: ). For formal booking and course details, contact Preston Montford Field Centre (see above).
Saturday, July 19th Nottinghamshire (vc56)
The Attenborough Nature Reserve
(By kind persmission of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust)
Aim:
To record the galls on the Attenborough Nature Reserve.
Location.
The reserve was established in 1966 and opened by Sir David Attenborough. It has
been formed from a series of former gravel workings SE of Beeston
(Nottinghamshire), between the main railway line and the River Trent and
covering 226 hectares. Gravel extraction finished in the mid-1970s. Most of the
vegetation is typical of restored gravel workings with nitrophilous species
predominating. However, there are also botanically more distinctive areas on
remnants of the older soils which include such plants as kidney vetch and wild
carrot. There is an example of unimproved grassland with plants such as betony,
devil’s-bit scabious and salad burnet. Mire and freshwater habitats with a good
range of aquatic plants provide other interesting sites to investigate. Some of
the tree species are: alder, oak, birch, poplar and a variety of willows
including almond and purple willow. Jerry Clough, who is a Conservation
Volunteer at the reserve has ensured that we have permission to record on sites
not generally open to the public.
Assembly and facilities:
10:30 The site is approximately 3.5 miles east of the MI, junction 25. Follow
the A52 for Nottingham and then the A6005 for Long Eaton. The reserve is
situated just off the A6005 between Beeston and Long Eaton. Turn on to Barton
Lane off the A6005 at McDonalds following the brown tourist signs. Meet in the
car park which is located at SK516340 at the bottom of Barton Lane. Please make
a voluntary contribution for car parking. There is an excellent Visitors’ Centre
with café, toilets, information displays and a shop. Walking is easy, often on
well made footpaths but access to the willow sites may be muddy and wet so
Wellingtons would be advisable. With so many watery areas on the reserve, insect
repellent is essential.
13:00: Picnic Lunch (please take this with you).
16:30: Meet back at the Visitors’ Centre.
For more information, try the excellent website:
www.attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk
Leaders
Jerry Clough, 0779103 4742 (mobile), 0115 9783440 (N’ham landline).
Tom Higginbottom, BPGS [tel, 01302 725978]
Sunday July 20. Bedford Purlieus.
Location:- Land Ranger map no.142. Grid Ref. 53(TL)039005
The wood is on the left hand (south) side of the road 3½
kilometres west of Wansford, on the A47 (T) from Peterborough to Leicester.
Meet at53(TL)03.9;00.5, on the unclassified access road leading south from
the A47 (T) down the west side of the wood. Limited parking.
Bedford Purlieus is an S.S.S.I. and is mainly a National Nature
Reserve. It is about 200 hectares (500 acres) in extent and is mainly
ancient
woodland. The vascular plant list runs to more than 450 species; and still
rising. Easy walking, but often damp underfoot.
Starting time 10:30. Full day meeting. Bring lunch. No
facilities.
Leader:-Seán Karley (01933-225397; )
Sunday July 27th Lincolnshire (vc54)
Goslings Corner Wood
Goslings Corner Wood is a Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Reserve and an SSSI
(further details at www.lincstrust.org.uk ). It is a remnant of the Lincolnshire
Limewoods and has scattered oak standards over coppice of small-leaved lime,
hazel, birch and field maple along with aspen, sallow,crab apple, dogwood,
spindle and midland hawthorn. It is impressively rich ground flora.
The reserve is situated on the north side of the minor road known as Hoop Lane
which joins the B1202 Wragby-Bardney Road with the A158 Lincoln - Skegness road.
Cars may be parked on the verge of the narrow road, with care not to obstruct
traffic. Entrance to the reserve is across a grass field at TF 144752.
Time; Meet at 11am, stopping for lunch at 1pm (approx) and continuing after lunch. (Bring a packed lunch). There are toilet facilities in the nearby Chambers Farm Wood. Access is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Leader: Graeme Clayton BPGS General Secretary and Regional Co-ordinator. () (Tel: 01522 875939)
Sunday July 27th Dorset (vc 9)
Brownsea Island
Aim: To record galls on Brownsea Island where there are no records.
Site: Brownsea Island is a National Trust Site roughly half of which is a
Dorset Wildlife Trust Reserve. There are many habitats on the island including
woodland, grassland, alder and sallow carr and reedbeds. (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/brownseaisland/
and
www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset/reserves/brownsea.htm ).
Meet at Poole Quay at the Brownsea Island Ferries Kiosk near the central
roundabout (SZ 011902 (£8.00 return ticket. Car parking is available at the
multi-storey just behind Poole Quay. The cost of admission to Brownsea is £4.90
but we may have enough NT members to take in non-members. Bring a picnic but
there is a shop , café and toilets. The nearest rail station is Poole Station
(about 500m). Finish at 16:00 (last boat c18:00)
Leader: Dr Lena Ward (Research Fellow CEH), consultant on scrub regeneration and Juniper: BPGS recorder for Dorest. Contact: or tel: 01929 552512.
Sunday August 3rd Co. Durham (vc 66)
Shincliffe, Near Durham
Aim: general Gall recording
Location: Start at 11am from the road leading up to Shincliffe Village
between a set of traffic lights and the Rose & Crown Public House. The walk will
follow the river along to Old Durham and then into Pelaw Woods. It then crosses
the river to return to the starting point.
Bring a packed lunch.
Leader: Stephen Robbins. BPGS Regional Co-ordinator) Burn Valley Lodge, Elwick
Road, Hartlepool TS26 9NP
Sunday, August 10th Norfolk (vc27)
Wheatfen Broad
This is the home of the Ted Ellis Nature Reserve which we explored during the
1991 AGM weekend. A considerable list had already been accumulated, to which the
combined wisdom within the Society added during the afternoon. Since then, local
members plus expert visitors have added yet more. The wealth of habitat from oak
wood to open water provides breeding material for an enormous range of
invertebrate species. This is an opportunity to check on the continuing presence
of the galling species already recorded and, hopefully add more.
Time: 11:00am until late afternoon.
Location
Grid Ref: TG324056. Approach from the Norwich Southern By-pass. Leave at the
major junction by Trowse and take the minor road through Bramerton and
Surlingham. If in any doubt, apply to the organiser well in advance for detailed
map and instructions.
Bring a packed lunch. Toilet on site.
Leader: Rex Hancy BPGS Regional Representative[Tel: 01603 860042}
Sunday August 24th Somerset
Mascalls Wood (near Cheddar)
This is a joint field meeting between BPGS and the Somerset Invertebrate Group.
The reserve lies less than a mile to the east of Cheddar (ST 473534) on the
southern slopes of the Mendips. It is a site of 14.5 acres (5.9 hectares)
comprising a block of broadleaved woodland with adjacent areas of species-rich
scrubby grassland. The rich woodland has a typical Mendip limestone woodland
flora of small-leaved lime and white beam but also introduced species such as
beech and turkey oaks. The ground flora include bluebells, dog’s mercury,
ramsons, spurge-laurel and purple gromwell. The grassland has re-colonised
former areas of cultivation and now supports a very diverse flora and fauna. (eg
yellow-wort, small scabious, goldenrod, strawberry clover, slender tare, yellow
vetchling and tuberous pea.
Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Meet at ST 473534. Note that parking is very restricted so please contact the organisers in advance for advice.
Leaders: Janet Boyd BPGS Records Data Manager (Tel: 01934 852148)
Robin Williams BPGS Invertebrate Group Co-ordinator (Tel: 01934 712344)
Saturday, August 30th Leicestershire (vc 55)
Myths, Aliens and Biology of Plant Galls part 2
A field meeting with the Market Bosworth & District Natural History on the farm of the MB & D NHS Chairman (Ros & Steve Smith) at North Farm , Shenton. Ros & Steve are into conservation big time so the site should be of interest to many.
Aims:
This is a follow-up event, linked to the talk presented on April 15th as part of
the Market Bosworth & District Natural History Society‘s winter programme. Its
aims are to provide some practical experience in searching for and identifying
summer galls.
Location:
North Farm, Shenton There is a wide variety of vegetation with easy access.
Assembly:
Meet at the farm [SP 391996]for a 10.00 am start. We will meet outside of the
buildings shown as “New Barn” on the OS Landranger 140. Note that you should
approach this point along the track from the NE, not the one shown to the WNW.
(The map reference can be entered into multimap, if you do not have a copy of
the map!)
It is expected that this field meeting will last for about 2 hours, although
some people may wish to stay on into the afternoon. .
Leader:
Chris Leach, BPGS Further details from Chris at 1, Palfreyman Lane, Oadby,
Leicester, LE2 4UR. [Tel: 0116 2714297]
Peter Sykes ,MBDNHS. [Tel: 01455 823832]
Saturday, August 30th South Lancashire (vc 59)
Pennington Flash Country Park.
Aims: General Gall Recording
Location: Pennington Flash Country Park is adjacent to Leigh, Lancs. The site is
a large flash (lake) created by mining subsidence in the 1950s. It was turned
into a country park in the 1970s. A wide range of habitats have been created.
Assembly: 11.00. Meet in the main car park at SO 544990). Access is from the
north side of the A572 (sign posted) just west of the A579. The best route from
the M6 or M60 is via the East Lancs Road (A580) 861054. Bring a packed lunch.
Leader: Norman Bamforth. [Tel: 0161 3363914]
Sunday, August 31st South West Yorkshire (vc 63)
Austerfield Mosaic Reserve
(By kind permission of the Mosaic Trust)
Aims: To record galls in this disused sand quarry.
Location
The quarry supports quite a variety of herbaceous plants including some
plants which are restricted to these habitats, such as shepherd’s cress
(Teesdalia nudicaulis) and bird’s-foot (Ornithopus perusal’s). Tree species
include ash, birch, scrub oak, sycamore and a variety of willows. In 1993/94,
the Doncaster Naturalists’s Society carried out a survey of the quarry. As part
of the study, the late J. A. Pearson recorded just over 40 different galls. The
challenge is to improve on this and provide a detail list for the Mosaic Trust
with photographs where possible. A small donation to the trust would also be
appreciated.
Assembly and facilities:
10:30 Austerfield is about 6 miles south of Doncaster on the A614 and about 2
miles NE of Bawtry. From the north, join the A638 which goes past Doncater Race
Course for Bawtry. From the south, leave the A1(M) on the A614 for Bawtry. Meet
at SK661948 in the village of Austerfield at the entrance th the Versuvius
Refractory factory opposite the Adam and Eve’s beauty parlour near the northern
end of the village. There are no toilet facilities but there are pubs in the
village and cafes in Bawtry. Walking is generally easy but there may be areas
where there is loos sand and exposed tree roots so stout footwear is
recommended. After heavy rain there may be pools of water and Wellingtons are
advisable. The Mosaic Trust cannot be held responsible for any injury or loss .
13:00: Picnic lunch, pleas take this with you.
16:30: Meet back at the car park.
Leader: Tom Higginbottom, BPGS Regional Co-ordinator for Yorkshire. {} [Tel. 01302 725978]
Friday - Sunday, September 5th -7th Colchester(vc 18)
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING RESIDENTIAL WEEKEND
The Highlight of the Cecidological Calendar
Location:
This year we will be based on the outskirts of Colchester, ideally placed to
explore the galls in the landscapes made famous by John Constable. Amongst the
field venues, we have selected Flatford Mill whichis embedded in the British
psychy as the quintessential rural scene . Also on the agenda are High Woods
Country Park in Colchester and Stour Wood (part of the Stour Estuary RSPB
Reserve) at Wrabness, near Manningtree. An added bonus this year is that we will
be joined by participants on a Field Studies course (“Introduction to Gall
Biology and Identification”) for some of the field meetings, so we shall be able
to show off our expertise!
For those who do not know the area and would like the opportunity to explore for
an extra day, we have negotiated a special rate for Dinner Bed and Breakfast for
Sunday night. Even if your partner is not into galls, how about bringing them
for a weekend ito experience Constable Country?
Residence:
We will be based at the Holiday Inn Colchester which is on the west fringe of
the city with easy assess from major routes. (Address: Abbotts Lane, Eight Ash
Green. Colchester, Essex CO6 3QL). The hotel will supply us with Dinner, Bed and
Breakfast for Friday and Saturday nights and packed lunches on Saturday and
Sunday. All bedrooms are easy access and a meeting room for discussions , AGM
and after dinner activities will be provided . The hotel has ample parking and,
of course, a bar.
Travel by Road:
From North or South, travelling on the A12 ,exit at junction 26 (the junction
with the A1124) and turn towards Halstead. Travel for a quarter of a mile and ,
at the mini-roundabout, The Holiday Inn is on the left.
Travel by Train:
Colchester station is about 2 miles from the hotel. Lifts can be arranged if you
notify us of time of arrival.
Detailed maps will be available as part of the package for members who take part
in the weekend.. For those who simply like to take part in the field events,
detailed maps and instructions on their location can be obtained from the
organiser.
Provisional Programme:
Friday September 5th:
Early arrivals might like to explore Colchester. It is, of course, steeped in
history with a magnificent Roman castle., so there is no need to visit NEXT, BHS
or even M&S! Alternatively, a short trip to Halstead might be attractive to
explore how many of those views depicted in those splendid paintings by Root are
still extant.. If its wild life you're after, then the waders, divers and swimmers
in the RSPB bird sanctuary at Fingringhoe might be attractive.
7:30 Dinner (If arriving later, please let us know).
Post dinner: an opportunity to talk cecidology with all and sundry.
Saturday, September 6th:
8:00 Breakfast.
9:30 Set off for the Field Meeting at Flatford Mill where we will join up with
the FSC course participants.
We will have open access to the FSC site and will be able to use the
laboratories to examine specimens that require closer inspection. There are
toilet facilities and some nearby cafes, but we can also use the rest facilities
at the centre. Access is either on made up paths or (mainly) easy, flat walking.
There is a wide variety of vegetation and, if history repeats itself, we can
anticipate finding 80+ different species.
4:30 Informal Meeting. An opportunity to discuss, informally, issues that
members would like to be aired (Please notify the Chair so that he can generate
an agenda)
5:30 AGM
7:30 The Society’s Annual Dinner (& post dinner activities)
Sunday September 7th
8:00 Breakfast
9:30 Field Meeting at High Woods Country Park which is situated no more than a
mile from the hotel. It has a visitors’ centre, toilets and picnic tables. There
is easy access with made up paths ramifying through the site. The site is large
made up of mixed deciduous woodland, open areas, lakeside, grassland etc so that
there will be plenty to go on. For those who like to make an early get-away, it
is only a short way from the A12. High Woods Country park is well signed with
brown road signs all over the place.
1:30 pm For the hardy, we offer Stour Wood at Wrabness, east of Manningtree.
Access , from Colchester is along the A120. There is car parking..but no
toilets.
Cost and Booking:
The total cost for two nights' accommodation (bed, breakfast, and dinner) and
two packed
lunches will be £130 per person sharing a room and £155 per person for single
occupancy.
If anyone would like to book a further day (ie Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, Sunday
night) we can offer this at £48 per person, , shared occupancy: £65 per person,
single occupancy.
We have provisionally booked 7 double rooms and 17 singles. However, since we
know that this hotel is popular, we advise early booking to ensure that no one
is disappointed. Please send a deposit of £50 per person to Mrs Joan Chandler,
Elidyr, New Road, Terling, CHELMSFORD CM3 2PN.
Please state whether you wish to book a Single or Double/Twin room and listing any dietary requirements. Also indicate if you need easy access. It would be helpful to also include a telephone number/Email address as well as your postal address. Also indicate if you would like to stay on Sunday night (7th September)
Please send the balance to Joan by July 20th. Please make cheques payable to The British Plant Gall Society.
Meals are also available to non-residential participants. Please contact Chris Leach (Email: : Tel:01162714297) for costs.
For any general enquiries: please contact Chris as the above or at 1 Palfreyman Lane, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4UR
Friday - Sunday, September 5th -7th Colchester(vc 18)
Plant Galls: Identification and Ecology
at FSC Flatford Mill
This Field Studies Council course will run in parallel with the Society’s Gall
Gathering Weekend. This course is designed for those with an interest in Natural
History, but with a limited knowledge of galls. The course is comprised of a
series of lectures/tutorials laboratory exercises and field excursions. These
excursions will be shared with BPGS (see above) and, it is anticipated that, in
addition to the course tutor, there will be a wealth of experience on hand to
pass on knowledge.
The cost of this course is £174 (includes tuition, full board and transport
during the course) or £135 for non-residents).
Further details can be obtained from the Field Studies Council at:
www.field-studies-council.org/leisurelearning/bookinginformation
or by writing to Field Studies Counscil, Flatford Mill, east Bergholt, Sufflok
CO7 6UL
or Tel 0845 330 73068.
FSC Flatford Mill’s web site is at
www.field-studies-council.org
or Email at; enquires.fm@field-studies-council.org
Sunday, September 14th Derbyshire
Galls in a Limestone Dale
This is a joint meeting between BPGS, Sorby Natural History Society and the
Doncaster Naturalists’ Society at Monks Dale. There will be a good mixture of
vascular plants, trees and shrubs.
Time: Meet at 10:30am at the old Millers Dale station (SK 139 733). This is a
pay and display car park and there are toilets and (sometimes) a refreshment
van. There are licensed premises in Tideswell and Millers Dale. From Millers
Dale, it is short walk to Monks Dale. Millers Dale car park is reached from the
A6 from either Buxton or Bakewell by turning off on to the B6049.
Leader: Joan Egan (Tel: 0114 2365002)
Saturday, September 20th Esher Common/Oxshott Heath
Plant Galls and General Entomology.
Leader: Brian Spooner.
Joint with London Natural History Society and Elmbridge NHS.
Meet 10:30 Oxshott Station. (NR Waterloo). Bring lunch and hand lens.