We are excited to welcome the Somerset Rare Plants Group to Wytch Wood on Saturday 18th May.
Members of the group will conduct a survey of the ancient woodland, meadows, wild hillsides and chalk hills around Wytch Wood Camping on Blackmore Farm. While we are excited that they might find some really rare species on the farm, the group will also be looking for species that are rare or unusual in our area. They will also give us guidance on how to help protect sensitive areas and look after different habitats on the land.
The SRPG was set up in 1997 to form a concentration of botanical expertise, to continue the long tradition of botanical recording in the county, and especially to promote vascular plant conservation.
Priority is given to species of international and national concern occurring in Somerset, including those listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the 2005 Vascular Plant Red List.
Somerset Rare Plants Group Site Survey | Saturday 18th May. Contributing to data, understanding and conservation.
Sites and habitats are visited and the populations of the rare or scarce species are assessed for their strength, health and vulnerability. The mapping of plant distributions is a key function of the group.
Findings of the study will be used to update records at the Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC) who in turn use their data to inform biodiversity strategy for Somerset and the South West Region. We were amazed to find out that there is currently no data held on the biodiversity of Blackmore Wood, the farm or surrounding area, so we’re excited to be able to contribute to this information about our county.
Getting involved
Visitors, guests and people from the area are welcome to join on the day, but you will need to register (details below) if you’d like to participate in the survey. If you are just interested in the group and the work they do, then members of the team will be available for informal discussions on the day.
Saturday 18th May. Blackmore Farm near Crewkerne (VC5)
A recording meeting in ancient woodland with damp fields and a tufa spring.
- Meet: At Blackmore Farm, Woolminstone (ST403083)
- What3Words: frail.rigs.chill (Google Map)
- Leaders: Val Graham [email protected] or 07749 056788 & Fred Rumsey
Membership is open to anyone who is interested in conserving the flora of Somerset. New members are most welcome and you don’t have to live in the county. If you are interested, come along to a few meetings and find out about our work. The membership structure is very informal, but members are asked to make a small contribution to help with expenses. Please email them if you would like to join the group.
(Photos at Brean Down © Cath Shellswell).
