Botanists out in force in Wales

Dyer's Greenweed, Betony & Devil's-bit
Scabious, seen during Welsh AGM
Image: J. Crellin

Across Wales, botanists are out and about this month!

First there was the annual Recording Week at Glynhir, which attracted botanists from as far afield as Hampshire and Leicestershire. Polly (BSBI Welsh Officer) joined the group for a day and you can read her blogpost here.

Then came the Welsh AGM, which ran from 12th - 15th July in Brecknockshire. Many thanks to Sarah Stille, of BSBI's Meetings & Communications Committee, who sent through a few images from the day (click on the image to enlarge it) and to Organiser John Crellin (of Floral Images fame!) who has been in touch with this summary:

Field of Marsh Helleborines
seen during Welsh AGM
Image: S. Stille

Llangorse Lake botanical boat trip
Image: J. Crellin

"On Tuesday, Polly, Martin Stead and Megs Rogers, led by one of my Botany Group (Sue Goodhead) explored Ogof Ffynnon Ddu NNR above Penwyllt and saw Hairy Greenweed, Lily of the Valley etc. 

Meanwhile I led a leisurely walk in the afternoon around the venue. (Progress was very slow - lots to see...)

On Wednesday, a visit to Vicarage Meadows was led by Steph Coates ((BWT), one to Cwm Cadlan was led by Julian Woodman and Andy Jones, while Andy Shaw led the visit to Stanner Rocks.

On Thursday it was Llangorse Lake - boat party led by me (really we just went out on two boats and explored!). The land party walked around the lake looking at Rumex maritimus, abundant Veronica catenata, Juncus compressus and much, much more. 

A visit to Cribyn and Pen y Fan cliffs was led by Tim Rich and Joe Daggett of the National Trust - to see the Attenborough's Hawkweed and more. They returned via Cwm Sere and saw lots there I think.

Lemon-scented Fern
Image: J. Crellin

On Friday I took a small group to Henallt Common near Hay - the only site in Wales for Blysmus compressus - that's where I took the Lemon-scented fern picture. [Ed: download a Species Account for Blysmus compressus from this page.]

But a more objective view will have to come from someone else!"

We may have to wait a little longer for further reports on the Welsh AGM, because there is yet another recording bash about to start in Wales: the Caerdeon Weekend. 

This one is organised by Sarah Stille - more details, including a programme, on the Merioneth page here.

I'll leave you with two photos by Sarah which give a reminder of what botanists do after a long day in the field...