The Reading Naturalist

No. 37

Published by the Reading and District
Natural History Society
1985

Price to Non-Members £1.00

| PAID:

10 ah

’
ie @

}@ yf p >.
“Ve Ger

Te 7 ¥
ag “>.
a ms
® a 7 ¢
_ —— »> roar
se
i
a
|
a
ao
P bt A
i,!
MS

THE READING NATURALIST

No. 37 for the year 1983-84

The Journal of

The Reading and District Natural History

Society

President:

Mee il, ee Wop OTs Bowe

Hon. General Secretary: Hon, Fditor:

Mes. S,. J. Whitfield Mrs. H. D. Lambden
Ashdown ; 74 Beech Lane

Basingstoke Road . Earley
Reading Reading

Editorial Sub-Committees:

The Editor, B. R. Baker, H. H. Carter,

Miss

Botany:

Entomology:

Vertebrates:

Fungi :

S. Y. Townend, Mrs. B. R, Newman,
Dr. A. Brickstock

Honorary Recorders:

Mrs. B. M. Newman, Earley Cottage, 25 Beech
Lane, Harley, Reading

Mr. B. R. Baker, 25 Matlock Road, Caversham,
Reading

Mr. H. H. Carter, 82 Kennylands Road, Sonning
Common, Reading

Dr. A. Brickstock, 25 Cockney Hill, Tilehurst,
Reading

Contents

Editorial
Obituaries
Meetings and Excursions, 1983-84

Presidential Address:
Can We Reserve This Space?

Baynes Reserve and Bowdown Woods

Distribution of Freshwater
Crayfish in the Thames Catchment

Some recollections of NHS
Bryophyte Excursions, with
special reference to the
bryophyte flora of the
Mortimer-Silchester district
and that of Cleeve, Goring
Honorary Recorders! Reports:

Botany

Entomology

Fungi

Vertebrates
Weather Records’
Monthly Weather Notes

Members' List

M.

R.

Brickstock

H.

W. Sell

Yornby

Hogger

Watson

Newman

Baker

Carter

Parry

Parry

Page

14

19

23

31
37
43
48

53

Editorial

Miss E.'M, Nelmes has now resigned from the editorial sub-
committee of Thé’ Reading Naturalist. © She was Honorary Editor
‘from 1954-1965 and from 1970-1978, having continued in office
after leaving the district and moving to Gicucestershire. On
behalf of the membership we would like to record our appre-
ciation and thank ‘her for alli the years of hard work on our
behalf. We extend 'to her our best wishes ey the future.

We thank aftso all members who have sént in records; the
recorders; Mr. B. Baker and Mr. H. Carter for record-—
checking and proof-reading: Miss S. Townend for: duplicating
and the team of members involved in collating.

It has been decided that, in future, the full list of
members will be included every three years and not every two
years as has been the custom. This will allow more space
for inclusion of articles and contributions from members.
Such contributions for publication in next year's issue will
be welcomed any time up to the end of October,

Obituaries

Frederick Bayard Hora

Those of us who knew Dr. Hora in recent years will rem-
ember him as a Foray leader and fungus expert par excellence,
but Mycology did not become his passion until eee soa Rg
Bast:

~ Born on September: 1st 1908 at Hove, he obtained a first
in Botany at New College Oxford in 1932. After being
Demonstrator and Nesearch Assistant in the Department of
Botany there, he obtained his D.Phil. for researches in Plant
Physiology in 1936. From 1937 to 1940 he worked mainly on the
flora of Tropical East Africa, and in 1943 he published, with
P. J. Greenway, ‘A Check List of the Trees of Tanganyika’.

He was Lecturer and subsequently Reader in Botany at
Reading University from 1940 until his retirement in 1973.
After retirement he contributed to 'Flowering Plants of the
World’ and was Consultant Editor for ‘The Oxford Encyclopedia
of Trees of the OB ane aud j

Te joined the: British Mycological Sowiletty: in 1943, hold-
ing various offices, in that Society from 1 950 to 1966,
including being President in 1958.

During the .period: 1950 to 1978 he published a number of
Mycological works, including, in 1943 with Morten Lange, the

re

enormously popular ‘Collins Guide to Mushrooms and Toadstools'!
- the first fungus 'bible' of myself and numerous other members
of the Society. Not till Roger Phillips 'Mushrooms' in 1981
did anything threaten to take its place; but 'Hora' still goes
around in my: oncks eel, battered, um gana Cae well ASI

Fungus roe led by the unmistakable figure with black
beret, mackintosh and trug were not only excellent in a
Mycological sense, but were also first-rate entertainment and.
social occasions. . His sense of humour and supply of anecdotes
to fit any eventuality kept his audiences constantly enter-
tained, most memorably for me during lunch breaks in one. of
his annual fungus courses at the University Microbiology labs.
Though some of his anecdotes may have been heard several times,
the expertise of the true raconteur made them still just as
enjoyable. The Americal aes ‘thoughtful in the night' will
be long remembered.

Lone wanderers in the woods on his forays never lost the
rest of the party for longs; it was only necessary to stand
still and listen, and very shortly an enthusiastic exclamation
from the Master, or a gust of laughter from his audience,
would give away their direction.

The most mundane specimens would be greeted with enthus—
iasm.,. Occasionally uncertain identification of specimens past
their prime, or difficult in the field, would be qualified by
one of his characteristic phrases: 'but I wouldn't hang a man
on it’.

He was always ready to be called on by anyone with problem
fungi. There was never any doubt which was the correct house;
the baskets or boxes of fungi awaiting examination on the door
step gave it away. If instant recognition was not possible, |
he would produee numerous books, some old, some new, in various
languages, from the upstairs study, while one marvelled at the
fungal specimens, some fresh, some past their prime, in various
nooks and crannies —- even on top of the piano, There were no
'quick' calls on the Master.

After a stroke in February, he died on April 10th 1984;
we shall miss him aca and remember him with affection and)

gratitude. “3
AB

Arthur Price

The news of the sudden death of Arthur Price when out.
cycling with his sister Gladys on 16th July 1984 seemed
unbelievable for he had called at the Museum a few days pre-
viously and his collection of early eee eee was still on
view in our Collectors' Exhibition.

Arthur had been a mainstay of this Society for many years.
He served a double term as President from 1964 to 1966, was

=o

mainly responsible for the formation of our Junior Section in
the early 60's and was a valued member of the Publications
Sub Committee, Past papers reflect his wide interest in natural
history. They range from "Pond Dipping in Winter" to "Well
Shrimps" and from "Notes on British Leeches" to his major con-=
tribution on Albino Frogs. His interest in the’ amphibia and, in
particular, to albinism, began in 1964 and occupied much of his
limited spare time, but by 1973 it seemed that even Arthur had
had enough of frogs for a diary entry for that year reads "1973
was the last year of the albino frog breeding". However, during
his years of retirement, which began in 1979, he returned to
this main interest and wrote another paper in our Journal of
1983. The interest in albinos | was to remain with him for on
kth July 1984 he wrote "albino frogs still being bred",
(Fortunately this breeding stock has been placed in the care of
the F tana 4 Department of Reading University).

Anbnnet& teaching career begen in his native Wales but was
interrupted by war service in the Royal Air Force.’ Following
demobilisation he returned to Wales to fulfil part of his
teacher training course which, when completed, paved the way
for a post in a school at Boston, Lincolnshire. In later years
he returned south, teaching first in Newbury and then in
Reading at Battle Junior School and Redlands Primary where he
served as Deputy Head until his retirement in 1979.

Arthur had many inverse cts apart from natural history ‘and
was a keen sportsman. His passion for rugby was the equal of
any of his countrymen but he was also a fine hockey player and
cricketer, pe SE ,

It is good to know that his five years of retirement were
happy ones and, though now free from formal teaching, he still
took great asvrsat in encouraging an interest - in natural
history among his local youngsters.

His enthusiasm was infectious and he had an impish good
humour. Who but Arthur could have written - "A lady in a
bright yellow dress was heavily covered with aphids - no other
colour attracted them" - or, when his favourite collecting
ground was ‘lost -— "The whole area: of Tilehurst Potteries had
been bulldozed for development - I beg to be excused from
purchasing one of aE houses or teaching in ae proposed
school",

Arthur will be sadly missed by us all and the sincere
aoe of ore members is ‘cue ea. to his sister Gladys.

Be Rs BS

Leonie Elaine Cobb

Leonie Cobb was born,,in 1912 at Duffryn Gardens,. near
Cardiff, where her'father was head gardener. He was deeply
involved in the development. of dahlias, then grown only for
exhibition, as garden plants, and some 50 years later Leonie
was delighted to recognise one of his varieties growing
unlabelled, in the garden of The Vyne. In 1919, he was
appointed lecturer in horticulture at Reading University and
they lived at Shinfield until his retirement in 1938, when they
moved into Reading. She was educated at the Convent School and
Reading University, where she took an Honours degree in French
and subsequantly acquired qualifications in German, Spanish
and Secretarial Studies. At this time, her leisure interests,
pursued with her French mother and friends, were largely
linguistic, and through membership of a society promoting Anglo-
French relations she had the honour of meeting the French
President LeBrun in London in 1939. \In. that year her father
took a war-time appointment at epelortayne Agricultural College,
and sadly died there in 1940.

In 1936, she became an abstractor eat the Commonwealth
Institute of Economic Entomology, which publishes monthly
reviews of the world literature on insects and other arthropods
of agricultural, medical and veterinary importance, This.
patient and exacting work, requiring good English, foreign
languages and absolute accuracy, suited her admirably and she
continued in it. until her retirement in 1976. During the war,
travelling to and from London through air-raids and the black-
out made her days long and arduous, but she nevertheless
undertook civil defence work at night. There was one day of
celebration at C.1.E., however, when the Director's son, Airey,
with whom she had played tennis, on a pre-war Staff visit to
their home, landed safely in Scotland from Colditz!

In 1939, she joined the Reading & District Natural History
Society, which was to become of ‘major interest and importance
to her, its meetings taking precedence over almost all other
engagements. She soon became involved in administration as a
committee member, and tribute has'been paid to her stabilising
influence and practical common sense during the difficult years
of low membership. She served as Honorary Treasurer in 1943-47
and 1950-70, was proud to be elected President for 1970-71, =
served on the Editorial Sub-Committee from its inception in
1949, and was Honorary Editor from 1978 till her death in
October 1984. In the field, her main interests were in flower-
ing plants and she recorded diligently for the Atlas of the
British Flora, the Flora of Berkshire and the Flora of
Oxfordshire, She was interested in fungi, and assisted Dr.
Hora in the early studies on which he based his key published
in Reading Naturalist no. 2, and in mosses and the larger
insects, but difficulties with artificial sight aids hampered
observationsof birds. Having witnessed the devastation of local
habitats over the years, she was a keen conservationist and a
founder member of BBONT, and she gave practical help in the
field at several reserves.

We first met in 1939, when I too joined C.I.E., and we soon
discovered many common interests. Leonie's mother, with whom

- 5 =

she was very close, died in 1947, and from then onwards I spent
monthly weekends and most bank and annual holidays with her.
She introduced me to-all the local plant specialities, and to
the Natural History Society and: the Discussion Group, and I
joined her in recording for the Atlas and the Berkshire Flora.
Over some 30 years we: 'pottered' enjoyably, with biological
library and equipment (often embroidery frames, too) in many
parts of these islands and in Europe, and also on a memorable
botanical Hellenic cruise to Greece and Turkey - we preached
conservation so vehemently on this that we felt constrained to
retire on occasion so that the guest botanist from Kew could —
collect specimens if he wished without embarrassment!

We had both enjoyed folk dancing for many years, chiefly
the social country dance, but also the ritual morris, rapper
and long-sword when opportunity offered. Leonie was e country
dancer of style and was: recently complimented by a veteran on
‘knowing how to dance!' She helped run a local country-dance
group and was dancing there with enjoyment only five days
before her death, Visits to Bampton in May to see its 500-year-
old tredition of Morris were always high lights. We were
interested in all folk ceremonies and witnessed many, but
especially enjoyed the Padstow Hobby-horse (and the hedge-banks
dripping with Allium triquetrum and Orchis mascuia), Castleton.
Garland Day, the Cheshire Soul-cakers' play and the Tissington
Well-—dressing. )

Leonie was a skilful embroideress:and worked kneelers for
Westminster Abbey and St, Paul's and Exeter Cathedrals, as
well as designing and working two (Long-tailed tits, and a Pied
Wagtail) for a friend's country church. For her own church, of
which she was a faithful member, she embroidered and repaired
vestments and also helped with floral decorations - and
gardening in the churchyard. On retirement, she took on var-
ious parish and charitable activities and enjoyed renewing old
friendships and visiting old friends living away from Reading.
She was a member of Convocation of her University. <A life-
member of the National Trust, she joined the local centre and
derived great pleasure from its meetings and excursions.

Her sudden passing shocked and saddened her many friends,
among whom NHS members ranked high... With her friendly, yet
often diffident, helpfulness, her thoughtfulness, clear-
sightedness, dedication and integrity, she will be greatly
missed, She had so many qualities of mind and character and
so many skills, literary, artistic and physical, and made full.
use of them all, to her and our benefit. Truly a good and
faithful servant.

E.M.N.

sh ute.
Meetings and Excursions, 1983-84

The Annual General Meeting on 6th October 1983 (attendance
43) was followed by Mr. M. R. W. Sell's Presidential Address
entitled "Can We Reserve This Space?" Other lectures during
the winter were "The Butterflies of Berks, Bucks and Oxon" by
Miss Caroline Peachey (59); "Falling Leaves" by Dr. B. M. Glyn
Jones (49); "Land and Freshwater Molluscs in Britain" by Mr.
Michel Hughes (52); "Amphibians of Britain - their Biology and
Conservation" by Miss Julie. Roberts (38); "Iceland and its
Flowers" by Dr. Peter Brough (65)s3 "Conservation and the
Ministry of Defence" by Lt.-Col. C. N. Clayden (55); "A
Photographer at large in the Hastern Mediterranean" by Mr. Ken>
Grinstead, kindly standing in for Mr. .Nigel Phillips who was
indisposed (55}3; "120,000 years of Natural History in the
Kennet Valley" by Dr. David Holyoak (54); and "B.B.O.N.T. and
its Nature Reserves" by Nr. N. Ajax-Lewis (71). Members '
Evenings of Slides, Talks and Hxhibits, at which coffee and
biscuits were served, were held on 15th December 1983 (63) and
22nd March 1984 (62).

Winter Excursions

The first Fungus Foray was to Cold Ash. (Morning attend-
ance 31 and afternoon 17); the second.on 25th October to

Baynes Reserve (15). There was a "Snail Trail" on 10th December
at Sonning Eye (203; a visit to Small Mead Gravel Pits on 14th
January for Birds (16); to Nippers Grove on 18th February for

Mosses and Liverworts (2k) and to The New Forest on 17th March
for Birds (27).

Summer Excursions

Summer excursions were to the Basingstoke Canal at Greywell
to see Dabchicks and the floating Liverwort Ricciocarpus natans
on 7th April (33.)3 an evening in Woodley identifying bird-song
on 25th April (20); Dinton Pastures and Sandford Mill for
Loddon Lilies on 28th April (36); Three Mile Cross and
Stratfield Saye for Water Violet and Fritillaries on the even-
ing of 9th May (45); a spring walk in the Midgham/Beenham area
cn 12th May (20); an evening walk beside the Kennet for birds
on 16th May ag Thames-side to see the Club-tailed Dragonfly
on 27th May (12): Wokefield in the evening to see bats on 6th
June (16): Old Burghclere Limeworks for chalk flora, fly
orchids and Green Hairstreak butterflies on 9th June CRE
Caversham to Tilehurst along the Thames on 13th June (14).
coach excursion to Martin Down National Nature Reserve, and
Black Gutter Bottom in the New Forest on 23rd June (51);

Baynes Reserve, Thatcham for Moths on the evening of 19th June
(16): Padworth Gully identifying grasses on 7th July (25)s
Wellington Country Park for a walk, a barbecue and moths on the
evening of 21st July (42); Aston Uegenees (B B.O.N.T. Reserve)
for chalk grassland on hin August (18); to Turville Hill on ist
September (21) and Mapledurham area on 15th September (10)

both for general interest, and the first Fungus Foray on 29th
September (16) at Crameienee Woods.

ay a
Can We Reserve This Space?

The Presidential Addres
to the Reading and District Natural Be oe Sobioty:

6th October, 1983

MioR: W. SeddoBi As

My talk tonight will be a mixture —- partly history lesson,
part sermon —- although I am sure that I am preaching to the
converted — but primarily, I hope, a botanical excursion,
punctuated by ornithological and entomological interludes!

The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Naturalists' Trust (B. Bowe Ne as st OT short) was set up in 1959,
one of its major objectives: being to create Nature Reserves,
one of which, Aston Upthorpe, is well known to this Society. -
Part of ‘a’much larger S.S S.I. of over 100 acres, the reserve
now consists of an area of 39 acres known as Juniper Valley,
and lies above Cholsey on the Berkshire Downs - somewhat
wrongly named as they are now in Oxfordshire! Chalk grassland
in its original state, or "unimproved" as the agriculturalists
would have it, is now a rare commodity, due to the bulk of
downland being turned over to arable farming. It is said,
incidentally, that modern farming is making a far..greater
impact on the countzyside than anything else, and the pace of
change is accelerating. Modern large machinery for use in
larger, prairie-like fields is completely changing the face of
downland where flocks of sheep used to’ graze on species-rich
swards, with numerous butterflies and other insects. The
Common Agricultural Policy of the E.E.C. is the most recent
factor to be taken into account in the changes now witnessed
to our downlands, so whatever we can preserve of this type of
habitat is vital for the appreciation of future generations,
We would never be forgiven if we only bequeathed them the
prospect of a monoculture of cereal crops or conifers. Aston
Upthorpe is one of the few areas of "unimproved" grassland
left on the Berkshire Downs, and may it remain that way ..cce.

The history of the Reserve is interesting. In.1964, a
“gentleman's agreement" was reached between B.B.O.N.T. and the »
then' owner for a period of.15 years. This was continued with
the next owner when. the estate was broken up in the mid-1970s
(although under some considerable threat) until 1979, when a
similar agreement was made for a period of a further 5 years
with the present owner. This expires i: January 1984, and will
be superseded by a series of one-year agreements, renewable by
mutual consent. It will therefore be seen that no written
agreement has ever been entered into with any of the owners of
Juniper Valley -—- not the most satisfactory state of affairs as
far as the Trust is concerned - but the best that. can be."
secured in present circumstances.

As a TE BGs pro quo" for the Trust having the privilege of
access to the valley, and the Reserve being maintained as
unimproved grassland, the Trust has the responsibility for
certain aspects of management, such as regular ragwort-pulling,
and rabbit control. The:-presence of rabbits, in fact, is one

= oe

of the main reasons for the spread of ragwort, as the newly-
excavated burrows form seed—beds for ragwort plants to spread
quickly and flourish. . The original size of the reserve was
1.1 acres, which consisted:of a fenced-off area on the West-
facing slope, with a smali enclosure for the Pasque Flower
(Anemone pulsatilla). This enclosure is incorporated in the
new 39-acre Reserve, although pulsatilla also grows outside on
the upper area of the same slope. In fact one of the main
attractions of the Reserve area is that it is one of the few
sites left with a reasonable~sized pulsatilla colony anywhere
in the country. So many other sites are now either overgrown,
or have disappeared under the plough.

Management demands made on the Reserve area can be conflict-
ing -— the grazing in the late sixties and early seventies was
spasmodic, and sometimes non-existent, and as a result the grass
Bromus erectus was dominant throughout the valley. This ;caused
excessive competition with the chalk flora which otherwise
would have flourished, but there were benefits in other respects.
The tall grass provided cover for voles and mice, particularly
short-tailed voles, and this led to numbers of Short-Eared Owls
spending the winters.in the valley, where food of a suitable
type was abundant. In the late seventies, grazing was resumed
at a much more intensive level, and while the chalk flora
flourished, there was insufficient cover for the owls, which
moved to other sites. Another factor was that, while many
seedling Junipers were noticed in the long grass, when grazing
was resumed in normal intensities, these young seedlings soon
disappeared, apart from a few in the small enclosure specially
erected with rabbit- and vole-proof fencing, where probably a
complete lack of browsing and protection of the long grass has
enabled them to survive. While this enclosure may be a success—
ful way of allowing young Juniper to regenerate, the purpose
for which it was originally installed seems to have been a
failure, namely, to protect pulsatilla from browsing. In fact,
the opposite type of treatment would seem to be the most bene--
ficial, as evidenced by other Pasque Flower sites such as .
Therfield Heath, where there is a footpath over the Downs, and
the whole area He well-walked and trampled. In fact, this
appears to be the most effective type of management, as recent
papers on the subject show. The plants produce side-shoots,
and spread vegetatively, rather than set seed, for which method
only a very low success rate has been shown. Flowering is
therefore more profuse. Another method, although totally
impracticable, would be to convert the site toa bombing range!
The effect of such drastic treatment. below the Fair Mile was
to convert the valley there to a carpet.of purple for the dur-
ation of most of the last war, so I am told!

Management of the Reserve since the late sixties has
therefore been a question of reconciling different objectives.
Obviously, the main purpose has been to restore the chalk flora
to its full glory, taking into account also the apparently
conflicting requirements of Pasque Flowers and Juniper. As the
original Agreement only included the 1.1 acres to the North-
Hast of the valley, this area was made into a large enclosure
during the summer months, with moveable fences at top and
bottom to allow access for cattle outside the flowering season,
i.e, before April, and from September onwards. While this

~ 9 -

regime was satisfactorily operated for a few years, with the
new Agreement covering the entire valley, the present owner did
not favour the retention of this enclosure, and it was removed,
allowing cattle access to, the entire valley, with the exception
of course of the very small rabbit-proof enclosure instituted
for the benefit of pulisatilla. .- The overall effect on the flora
does not seem to be detrimental in any respect, particularly in
respect of plants like Chalk Miikwort. and Peracenaa Vetch,

which have positively benefited from the reduction in competi t—
ion from the taller grasses. At one stage, the growth of
Bromus erectus was threatening to swamp all the other vegetation,
so efforts were made to control it ~ first by cutting by shears,
then by controlled burning, and finally by "Flymo". This seems
at first sight a rather drastic solution, but it was one which
virtually eliminated Bromus erectus and Cocksfoot grass by
chopping up the tussocks,: After a couple of years of this
"treatment", the more typical chalk grassland grasses and sedges
began to reappear, and when grazing was resumed on a more
commercial scale, the chalk flora reasserted itself. Under
normal circumstances, grazing in the valley does not commence
until early June, after Pulsatilla, Field Fleawort, Chalk
Milkwort and Buse ades Orchids have flowered and fore had a
chance to set seed. Young beef cattle have been grazing the
valley in recent years, and are usually in for a spell of about
six weeks, alternating with six weeks in the next valley. This
gives. the flora a chance to flower and set seed throughout the
summer, Obviously,, the Trust would have preferred sheep for.
grazing, but the cattle, providing the valley is not over-
grazed, as it was. in the dry summer of 1976, seem to do no harm.
There are of course more nutrients fed back into the soil with
cattle, which encourages the ranker weeds such as nettles and
Creeping and Musk Thisties.

Management activities involve ragwort-pulling in July,
the Conservation Corps of the three Counties usually managing
to complete the whole valley in two weekends. Definite pro-
gress is being made in this respect, and it is hoped tnat most
of the Ragwort will be eliminated within a five-year cycle.
Pulling of Ragwort is quite an art, or science, perhaps I
should call it, as one has to take the strain on.the plants,
pulling gently until the roots come out. If the root is broken
off, the plant then becomes perennial, instead of biennial,
with further trouble in years to come! Rosettes can be spot-
treated with chemicals in the Spring, but this appears to be an
unacceptable solution, as the stock then has to be kept out of

_the area for about. 6 weeks.

Rabbits are a problem to the owner, and part of the man-
agement agreement for the valley involves control, or better,
elimination of this problem, Myxomatosis of course takes its
toll each year, but rabbits seem to be getting increasingly
resistant to this disease. Mortality to the affected. animals
ranges from 50% to 90%, according to the virulence of the
strain of the disease, and other rabbits will come in to fill
the vacant warrens in due course. Gassing and ferreting have
both been tried, with varying degrees of success, and electric
fences have been erected to protect the adjacent wheat crop,
but I have seen rabbits, actually jump through this, fence, with
no apparant ill effects! Severe crop depredation has occurred

< fo’=

in certain areas, reaching about ten to fifteen feet into the
field in question. Many of the buries are under expanses of
Juniper on the East-facing slope, and very difficult to get at.
It would probably be impossible to eradicate rabbits entirely
from the valley, but with a complete fencing project’ to keep
them in the valley, no damage would ensue to the crops outside
at least, and with continuous ferreting, they could be kept
well under control, The buries also form seed-beds for ragwort,
wnich then has to be dealt with the following year.

The problems arising from the effective management and
encouragement of the spread of the Pasque Flower have been
mentioned. There has been a general decline in this species
since 1974, when about 300 blooms were counted, and normally
only a.handful of blooms are to be seen each year, over a fairly
long flowering period of about five to six weeks. Most of the
plants are small, with one or at most two blooms, and many of
the larger and older plants seem to have disappeared in the last
few years. It is difficult to age the present plants, but at a
guess, they are probably not more than 5 years old. This would
suggest some regeneration, but how much is through seeding and
how much through trampling, it is difficult, if not impossible,
to tell.

Some scrub clearance has also been carried out, and in one
area where this was done, and the stumps treated, there was an
immediate colonisation by plants of Catmint, quite a rare and
local chalk plant, and a corresponding influx of Ragwort in the
disturbed ground. The conditions were also suitable for rab-
bits, and Deadly Nightshade also flourished. After a year or
two of cattle grazing, however, the sward became more typical
of what one might expect in a chalk grassland area. Further
scrub clearance was not undertaken, as the owner did not wish
any more work of this nature to be done, so there is an area
near the top of the valley with Buckthorn, Roses, Hawthorn and
some Hilder, which incidentally sives cover for any game in the
vicinity, and provides food in Autumn and Winter for Mistle
Thrushes, Fieldfares, Redwings anc finch flocks which spend
time in the valley.

Effective management for Juniper, which is one of the
main attractions of the valley, is very difficult. As already
mentioned, young plants were at one stage fairly frequent, but
none are to be found at present, and the reasons for this are
not at all clear. Most of the bushes in the valley are even-
aged, I estimate about 50 to 80 years old. Juniper is very
slow-growing, and very little is understood about its regenera—
tion. This particular type is at the southern end of its
range. ‘The fruits take two years to develop, and then need a
hard frost to germinate, or alternatively can be put in the
deep-freeze to help! There are some small colonies left on the
Downs as well as the large ones, of which Aston Upthorpe must
be about the best. Generally, however, the species shows a
history of retrenchment and decline, and there are difficulties
of regeneration as the bushes grow older. The male plants,
incidentally, live far longer than the females, a reverse of
the human situation! If no successful regeneration is accomp—
lished, probably most of the plants will have died within the
next 50 years, Suggestions have been put forward for

- 11 -

management - the clearance of any competing vegetation, provis-
ion of hare ground for successful seedlings, grazing, burning
or ground disturbance. Most of these suggestions have been
tried, in one way or another, on the Reserve, but drastic
steps, like the burning of senescent Juniper, may be the best
way of stimulating growth of young plants.

Artificial seeding is possible, propagation of cuttings is
costly and may prove impractical, but young plants would almost
certainly need protection from heavy grazing, and rabbit num-
bers would have to be kept at a low level for several years.

My view is that rabbits do in fact ring-bark young Junipers in
severe winters, causing’ them to die, and only the old trees

can survive this treatment by using the sap-wood for the effect-
ive supply of sap — something that the young plants seem unable
to do. The answer, I feel, is to place strategically-—located
small rabbit- and vole-~proof enclosures in the areas of the
female Juniper bushes, to allow young saplings to regenerate.
The proof of this measure, I consider, is in the fact that the
only young Junipers on the Reserve are in the present small
enclosure which was originally provided to protect Pulsatilla.
If this solution were to be adopted, hand-weeding and grass-
cutting would probably be essential, the disbenefits being an
increase in the amount of moss; tall grasses, hawthorn scrub,
and eventually climax vegetation, if left.

The flora of the Reserve is very rich - Cowslips are a
typical chalk grassland plant, but-are becoming scarcer, due
to disappearance of suitable habitat, and possibly the increase
of home wine-making activities, There are several large col-
onies on the Reserve, and on the main path approaching the
Reserve from the north,

Candytuft is a' denizen of bare chalk patches, often cre-
ated by rabbits or moles, and is a speciality of the Berkshire
Downs, and to a lesser extent, the Chilterns.

Chalk Milkwort is also a plant of chalk downland, prefer-—
ring short turf, and often in May the whole Reserve is covered
by a blue haze. There are also.,pink or white variants of this
species, which is a more azure blue than its related species,
which grow on acid soils or heathland.

Rock Rose is not frequently found at Aston Upthorpe, but
tends to grow more on bare steep chalky banks, again where
competition from other flora is:not too great.

Horse—shoe Vetch began to return to the Reserve after
grass-cutting by "Flymo" had started in earnest, and in most
years there is a good display. This is the food-~-plant of the
Adonis Blue butterfly, one of our most spectacular chalk
downland species.

Dropwort is another typical chalk and limestone plant,
commoner in some parts of downland Britain than others, but
particularly abundant, in suitable habitats, in central
Southern England, and present in quantity at Aston Upthorpe.

Salad Burnet and Eyebright are two common downland plants,

a

the latter having many varieties, not only ‘growing on downland,
but heathland and waste places.

Smail1 Forget-me-not grows on anthills, a type of habitat
difficult to recapture at Aston Upthorpe. Ants seem to be
returning, but are slow to recolonise areas. Wild Thyme,
Squinancywort and various Chickweeds, sometimes also Field
Mouse~Ear Chickweed colonise these hills, which may originally
have been anthills or molehills, The ants are the yellow down-.
land species, found frequently in open grassy areas.

Field Fleawort, a speciality of Aston Upthorpe, grows in .
a limited number of areas of unimproved chalk grassiand - I .
know it only from 3 or 4.sites in Britain, but there are doubt-
less more -— not a very tall plant as a rule, although there are
two sites in Britain where it grows to an enormous size. It
also grows further down the valley, below the Reserve, but does
not do so well there, where Bromus erectus is dominant.

Dwarf Thistle, otherwise known as the "Camper's Nightmare",
became, after the initial "Flymoing", almost a pest in one area
where the Frog Orchids grew, and I nearly had to devise a plan
to kill them off (I hasten to add that this was before the 1981
Wildlife and Countryside Act came into force), but grazing now
seems to have reduced them to manageable proportions. .

The Carline Thistle is another downland species, thriving
on chalk and limestone grassland, flowering in late summer.

One of the grasses which tends to get overcome by Bromus
erectus, but which reappears when the turf is mown or grazed,
is Quaking Grass, The sedges Carex caryophyllea, which flowers
in April and early May, and Carex flacca, are typical of short
chalk turf.

Indicators of orchids, in chalk sward (these plants being
one of the major reasons for maintaining or acquiring Reserves
such as Aston Upthorpe) are flowering heads of the delicate
Fairy Flax, known colloquially as the "Orchid Pointer",

Last, but by no means least, are the Orchids themselves.
Typical of chalk downland, probably the most attractive,
although by no means the most abundant plant there, and one of
the most exciting at Aston Upthorpe is the Burnt-Tip Orchid,
often difficult to spot among the small white lumps of chalk
brought up by moles. Numbers of this species fluctuate from
year to year, from a mere handful to almost 200 flowering spikes
in 1972, which appeared to be.a good year for Orchids generally.
Occasionally the odd Bee Orchid appears, usually in one partic-—
ular spot. There were three plants in 1983 in the same area as
one seven years previously. These were probably the direct
descendants of the plant in 19763 as they are monocarpic, they
die after flowering, but produce tens of thousands of small
seeds, like dust, which if successful in germination come to
maturity and produce flowers seven years later, Perhaps the.
next Bee Orchids will not appear until.1990! There are also
two colonies of Frog Orchids, another Downland species, which.
does not favour tall rank vegetation, and is so well disguised ~
at Aston Upthorpe, being predominantly green in colour and

= 4 30S

only one to two inches tall, that it takes a search on hands
and knees to find them, as:.a rule} Plants at Watlington Hill
however, by contrast, do have considerable amounts of reddish
coloration, and grow to about six inches, so they are much
easier to locate. Numbers at Aston Upthorpe each year’ vary
from one or two, to a bumper total of 53 in 1972.

Pyramidal Orchids are also a feature of the Reserve, but
seem to do best where the turf is not grazed by either rabbits
or cattle = they are obviously very palatable, and in the small
enclosure they tend to do quite well if the grass is cut by
hand in early Spring. Management for these plants is difficult
-— the total withdrawal of summer grazing would probably be the
best solution although this would be unacceptable to the owner.

Fragrant Orchids do not grow at Aston Upthorpe, but are to
be found nearby on apparently identical grassland - there is no
particular reason why they do not grow on the Reserve itself,

One of the latest flowering plants on the Yeserve is
Felwort, or Autumn Gentian, which in some years flowers in
abundance. It is a small attractive plant, and flourishes best
when the turf is well-cropped and there is not too much compet
ition from thecwarser grasses.

There are other flowers in and around the.S.8S.S.1I. and
Juniper Valley in particular, such as Clustered Bellflower,
Vervain, Field Mouse-Ear Chickweed, Deadly Nightshade and
Night-Scented Catchfly. These are part of the very rich herit-
age bequeathed to us by our ancestors,,and one which we -
should strive to our utmost to preserve.

Apart from the chalk flora, the Reserve and surrounding
area have a varied bird life. Quail spend the Summer on the
Downs in some years —- 1972 being a good year - with two birds
calling in the valley itself. Stone Curlews, alas now a
declining species on farmland, often called nearby, altnough
the last year I heard them was 1975, when a field that had
been left fallow during the Summer was brought into cultivation
throughout the year. Hen Harriers visit the downs in Winter,
and Short—Eared Owls were frequent in the valley until 1975,
when the shorter grass no longer suited them. Sparrowhawks
nest in the adjacent woodc,. and I have seen Buzzards on the
Reserve. Birds such as Curlew and Grey Plover. have flown over
on migration, and there is a family of Kestrels hunting in the
area in most years.

I have seen 16 species of butterfly in _one day in the
valley, and I am quite sure that this could be increased to 20
with a little patience and the right conditions.

This, then, is Aston Upthorpe - a gem amid the modern
agricultural, scene,.a Grade 1 S.S.S.1., wiich is to be re-
scheduled shortly. It is surely our bounden duty to see that
such areas are preserved and conserved for posterity. It isa
window on a colourful past, before modern agribusiness made
the landscape what it is today. The danger is that too many of
these areas have become too small and fragmented, so that they
are unviable for birds in particular, and to a lesser extent,

iyi) ER sah

insects, especially butterflies, Correct management is essent-—
ial - we all know the sad history of the Large Blue — and
techniques must be adequate for the job in hand. Lessons can
be learned from history and a strict management regime should
ideally be implemented wherever possible, preserving this type
of habitat for posterity. We must also find satisfactory ~
solutions for the management of species such as Pasque Flower
and Juniper if we are to succeed. in our objectives, but we do
not have time on our side. If I knew the answers to these two
particular problems at Aston Upthorpe, I would feel that I
could achieve my major objectives in the management of this
superb part of our natural heritage. Apart from these ‘unknown
factors, it is always a question of trying to reconcile diff-
erent objectives, and I think it is this that makes nature
conservation such a ae Caries demanding and rewarding
activity.

<3

sk
r
°

He

Baynes Reserve and Bowdown Woods

R. J. Hornby

Until a few years ago the alder gullies radiating from
the plateau of Greenham Common had received very cursory treat-
ment from naturalists, In fact they have a great deal to offer,
particularly to the botanist and the entomologist, and they
contain a number of features which are not present in alder
‘woods in other parts of the country.

There is a surprising amount of variation between indiv-
dual Greenham gullies and some marked contrasts between those
on the south side that drain to the Enborno and those on the
‘north that drain to the Kennet. Several interesting plants
are apparently confined to the south side, e.g. Viola palustris,
Equisetum sylvaticum, Convallaria majalis, Carex paniculata,
Polystichum aculeatum and Scutellaria minor. The absence of
these from the north-facing gullies is surprising in view of
the rich flora to be found in the woodland on the north side
of Greenham Common, the majority of which has been afforded the
protection of the Wildlife and Countryside Act by. being included
in the 165 acre Bowdewn and Chamberhouse Woods S.S.S.I.

In recent years two separate parts of this have been pur-
chased by B.B.O.N.T., namely the 37 acre Baynes Reserve
(occupying Great Wood and Parklodge Gully ) and the 51 acre
Bowdown Woods. Both areas together with intervening Old Bomb
Site (40 acres owned by the Ministry of Defence) have received
a lot of management since April 1983 through B.B.O.N.T.'s
Community Programme Teams funded by the Manpower Services
Commission, They have created greater habitat diversity and a
network of paths providing the naturalist with easy access to
a range of flora and fauna difficult to rival ey in
Berkshire.

- 15 --

Part of the reasons for the great range of habitats is |
attributable to the geology. The high ground to the south
lies on well-drained, acid plateau gravels, generally support-
ing birch and oak with occasional cherry and the odd very
large, presumably planted, beeches, Beneath the plateau
gravels there is a broad band of Bagshot Beds which varies from
silty sands to clays and which contains many springs and seep-
age zones, The characteristic tree here is alder, often growing
in apparently well drained soils and present as massive coppice
stools with 6-8 stems up to 50 feet tall. Alder extends down to
the bottom of the valleys with hazel, birch, crack willow and an.
increasing proportion of ash. Along the Tarren edge of the
woodland, on head deposits overlying London Clay, there are good
numbers of large.ash and oak with field maple, aspen, blackthorn,
guelder rose, crab’ apple, dogwood and other shrubs.

In addition to habitat diversity, the biological interest
of the woodland owes a lot to its long history. Maps at the
County Records Office reveal that Great Wood has been present
as woodland back to the 16 Century. It is very unlikely that
there would have been any phase of clearance and farming before
this, so the area is probably primary woodland. It would have
been managed as coppice, probably for at least 500 years,
supplying hazel for sheep hurdles, thatching spars and crate
rods, and alder, ash and birch for charcoal, tool handles and,
more recently, turnery. Most probably wood turners established
themselves in the Thatcham area because of the abundance of
alder and birch on either side of the Kennet Valley.

Great Wood was probably part of Chamberhouse Park, created
in the 15 Century. It remained as woodland, probably regularly
coppiced, until 1798 when it was purchased by Henry Tull of
Crookham, The Tull family kept the wood until 1939 when it was
sold to a timber company, Baynes ({Reatling } Ltd. They felled
nearly all the worthwhile timber in 1940 after which it
remained untouched, save for the construction of an overhead
power line. The peace was shattered in 1981, when a timber
merchant felled about five acres. This led to:.a reappraisal of ~
the future of the Baynes' land, resulting in the company leas- —
ing it to B.B.O.N.T. at a peppereorn rent for five years: More
recently still, B.3:0.N.T. has purchased the freehold with the
help of grants from the Nature Conservancy Council, Berkshire
County Council, Worid Wildlife Fund and the National Heritage
Memorial Fund.

Not so much is known of the history of the Bowdown Woods,
except that they were bought by the Dormer Seer in 1920, from
whom B.B.0.N.T. bought the reserve in 1984.

“In between Baynes and Bowdown the Old Bomb Site now offers
a fascinating mosaic of heathland, acid grassland, bracken, .
scrub and woodland. Most of this area was arable in 1840 and
was probably used for rough grazing until sometime in the early
20 Century. The depletion of nutrients through arable farming
would have encouraged the formation of heathland. Today there
are good stands of Calluna vulgaris with its typical associates
Erica cinerea, Ulex mi minor and Teucrium scorodonia. Acid grass-~
land here supports : a wealth of small herbs such as Gnaphalium

Sylvaticum, Ornithopus pepusillus, Veronica arvensis, Myosotis

=i = G

ramosissima, Erophila verna, Aphanes arvensis, Montia fontana
joa the grasses Vulpia bromoides, Aira praecox and Aira

caryophyliea. Wartime activities involved constructing a net-
work of concrete roads, the edges of which now support
Agrimonia odorata, Sedum acre, Trisetum flavescens, Malva
ae oe _thapsus and ~Echium um vulgare.

The Lowen parts of the woodland in Baynes Reserve support
a remarkable variety of plants typical of ancient coppice
woods, e.g. Paris quactifolia, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Veronica
montana, Polygonatum multiflorum, Conopodium majus, Narcissus
pseudonarcissus, Orchis mascula, Listem ovata, Carex strigosa
and the grasses Bromus. _ramosus, Melica uniflora, and Festuca
gigantea. Wet flushes and streamsides support Cardamine amara,
flexuosa _ and pratensis, Ribes nigrum and R. rubrum, Stellaria
alsine, Scirpus sylvaticus, Galanthus nivalis, and
Chrysospleni um oppositifolium and alternifolium. The latter is
only known from one other site in Berkshire — a few plants in
one of the gullies on the south side of Greenham Common. Per-
haps the most striking feature of Baynes Reserve is the ferns.
The darkest patches of woodland tend to be dominated by
Dryopteris dilatata and D. filixmas; wetter areas often con-
tain Athyrium “filix-femina; patches where the canopy hau
recently been lightened te: tend to produce ars carthusiana,
.and there is a scatter of very large, stately Dryopteris
pseudomas. .Polystichum setiferum is present only as one old
plant; Polypodium 1 _interjectum “only eccurs in one place, and
Phyllitis scolopendrium is confined to some brickwork on the
disused wartime sewage works on the southern edge of the
reserve. Parts of the Bowdown Woods have a field layer composed
entirely of tall ferns, the dominant species being Dryopteris
PSeugomas :

The Bowdown Woods are heavily dissected by a series of
valleys which tend to contain very wet peaty soils but not a
lot of water flowing in the stream courses. The largest of
these is remarkable for the extent of very soft, permanently
waterlogged ground dominated by Ranunculus ‘repens, Lamiastrum
galeobdolon, Ajuga reptans and Dryopteris dilatata. The head
of this valley harbours a few plants of Carex laevigata with
Ranunculus flammula which here seems to pick out the most acid
spring-fed ground. A little further down the valley on the
edge of the waterlogged zone, is a fine stand of Carex
pseudocyperus growing with Cardamine amara.

The adjacent valley in Bowdown Woods is more open and has
an interesting Sphagnum dominated, flushed pond at the foot of
an area of heathland and bracken, This seems to have provided
an ideal refuge for some species which failed to survive else-
where, for it has fine stands of Carex demissa and C. echinata
along with Myosotis laxa, Carex - laevigata and Juncus
acutiflorus.,

In 1981 a timber merchant felled about five acres of wood-=
land in the heart of the area which became Baynes Reserve. He
was primarily concernéd to extract alder and birch for sale to
the turnery trade, but: he also took a quantity of ash and some
of the larger hazel. Most of the brash was burnt and much of
the ground was disturbed or churned by the tractor used to

= T7 s

extract the 'timber., The visual effect of this operation was of
course devastating, even though a few trees were left standing
within the clear-fell blocks and some patches of hazel and
other shrubs were left untouched.

Throughout 1982 much of the ground remained very bare,
though brambles were becoming increasingly eviident by the end
of the summer, The large areas of bare ground were exploited
in that first year by adders, common lizards and slow worms. In
subsequent years they have not been so evident but this is
probably because it became more difficult to see them rathen
than any real decline. Another species which appeared in 1982
was the tree pipit, a pair of which bred in an area with both
tall trees and bare ground.

The effect of the 1981 felling on the flora has been of ©
some interest, particularly as it helps in predicting the
results of further woodland management work. <A patch of wild
daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) responded well to addit--
ional light and produced a fine splash of colour in March 1982,
They were still flowering well in 1984 but are unlikely to be
able to compete with bramble for more than another year or two
unless they are given a helping hand. The one species which
responded most spectacularly to, the felling was foxglove
(Digitalis purpurea; which produced a few flowers in 1982 but
was a positive riot of colour in 1983. In the wetter ground
Scirpus sylvaticus made a welcome appearance, presumably from
seed, and in the autumn of 1982 seedlings of heather Calluna
vulgaris were noticed in an area which had supported dense
birch with no sign of a heathland flora. This area has been’
kept short by cutting and it Tow supports an attractive com-
munity of Calluna (flowering We Carex pilulifera, Galium
saxatile, Rumex acetosella, Polytrichum commune, ‘Veronica
officinalis, ‘Luzula pilosa and Aira praeccox. Annual mowing
should maintain this habitat which seems to be particularly
favoured by SCL CS) Chorthi ippus brunneus and C,paralellus.

Elsewhere within the 1981 felling or in areas Dy SEE to
subsequent coppicing or ride widening, various species have
flourished in the additional light. Notable examples are
Dryopteris carthusiana - (not present in the unmanaged woodland),

Hypericum humifusum, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Scirpus setaceus,
Carex strigosa and Orchis mascula. Several species have
appeared only along tk the main access track which was subjected
to repeated tractor movements. Polygoyum persicaria,
Chenopodium polyspermum , Coronopus didymus, Carex muricata and
C. ovalis all’ appeared in 1982, but Carex pallescens and
Hypericum pulchrum were not observed until 1984. Many rosettes
of Cirsium palustre appeared in 1983 and shot up to 6-8 feet
tall by July . 1984, providing a source of nectar much appreci-
ated by many butterflies.

One species which was quick to take advantage of the newly
created open areas in 1982 was the grayling butterfly. This
species breeds on Greenham Common, (probably with difficulty
now in view of the level of human activity), but prior to 1981
Baynes Reserve would have been too dense for it. It is the
only butterfly in the Reserve to habitually alight on the bole
of large trees where presumably it obtains a measure of

Sa =

security through camouflage. Butterflies are in fact one of
the best represented groups in the S.S.S.1I., with thirty
species recorded since 1982. Most spectacular are the white
admirals, which are very numerous particularly around the edges
of clearings. It has been particularly rewarding that purple
empercrs have been seen in various scattered parts of the
S.S.S.1. We are hoping that management will help this magnif-
icent species which is apparently quite strong in the Newbury ~~:
area but which is very restricted nationally and seems to be

in decline. The silver-washed fritillary is present in low
numbers in the reserve and we are hoping that sightings of
small pearl—bordered fritillaries can also be confirmed and
that both species will increase. Beating for larvae has shown
that the purple hairstreak is locally plentiful but rather
overlooked because of the adults! habit of staying in the tree-
tops. The grizzled skipper seems to be expanding out from its
localised stronghold on the Old Bomb Site, hopefully benefit-
ting from the network of open flowery habitats. An unexpected
discovery was that the brown argus is breeding on the Old Bomb
Site, possibly on a species of Geranium for its normal food —
piants of rockrose and storksbill are not present.

The other insect, group which is very much in evidence
throughout the S.S.S.I. is the dragonflies. Until recently
there has been no standing water habitat present within the
site so most species have been emerging from garden ponds or
the Kennet and Avon Canal and flying to the reserve because of .
the favourable conditions for feeding. This says quite a lot
for the numbers of small flying insects that must be present
in the summer (an observation supported by the number of bats
seen flying around the trees at dusk).

Fifteen species of dragonfly have been. observed in Baynes
Reserve alone. This includes Cordulegaster boltonii and Agrion
virgo which must be breeding in the streams, as they are both
flowing water species, and the Kennet would not be suitable >
for them. The still’ water species include Lestes sponsa,
Orthetrum cancellatum, Anax imperator, Libellula a depressa,
Aeshna grandis, A. cyanea and A. mixta. ~ The latter, the so-
Called scarce Aeshna, was very common in September 1984 and
seems to be on the increase. It is believed that it breeds’'in
the canal but it would be a species that would well Bar Ge 4 a
detailed study. oe

Another insect group which has received a fair amount of
attention is the moths. I am very grateful to Norman Hall. who
has carried out several nights of moth trapping and who has
managed to build up a list of about 200. species of macromoths
for a restricted area of Baynes Reserve.’ Some of the catches
have been very rewarding and many notable species have been
recorded, e.g. barred hook-tip, lead-coloured drab, barred
umber, chocolate-tip, yellow belle, map-—winged swift, tawny
pinion, pale pinion, white-marked, square-spot, rosy marbled
and the alder moth. The large dark-coloured galleries in cut
stumps of sallows turned out to. belong to lunar hornet clear-
wings, and in July 1984 .a group of-.us were delighted: to find a
yellow-legged clearwing taking. nectar from flowers in short
turf on the Old Bomb Site.

— 19+

Recording of other insects has been ticking over since
1982 but in 1984 it took off when Hugh Carter began to make
regular visits, This has proved very worthwhile for to date
he has found five species of Diptera, two of Coleoptera, three
of Hemiptera, two of Hymenoptera and one of Neuroptera which
have not previously been recorded in Berkshire. This must be
both a reflection of the richness of Baynes and the dearth of
entomological recording in most of the county.

In drawing up a management programme one tries to take acc-=
ount of all species of any nature conservation significance,
This is a tall order for even if one. could be sure of the
effects of management on individual species, we are still a very
long way from having found all the species. It is only for
vascular plants that the species list is reasonably complete,
but still new species appear each year: which had not been not-—
iced in previous years. Inevitably one has to judge the
probable effects of different management options and scales of
working, and weigh up the needs and implications for different
groups and species, Of course one is very much influenced by
personal experience and this is never likely to be adequate,

One has to try to determine a. programme which will maximise
possible benefits, bearing in mind all the advice which can be
obtained. One thing is clear — that there is a greater chance
of getting it right if more people are actively contributing
to the pool of knowlédge. I hope this article will encourage
more pecple to visit and record in this fascinating corner of
the Berkshire countryside.

Distribution of Freshwater Crayfish in the Thames Catchment

J. B. Hogger, Thames Water, Reading

; There is a general gel: of published information regarding
the national distribution of freshwater crayfish and this is
also true of the Thames catchment. This is surprising since
there is only one native species, Austropotamobius pallipes bs
(Lereboullet, 1858). It is the largest freshwater invertebrate
and is of both ecological and potential economic RRO TEAC fre

Early records Kop x crayfish occurrence in seg area have been
collated (Thomas & Ingle, .19713 Duffield, 1933) and indicate a
reasonably widespread distribution, Crayfish certainly occurred
in the main River Thames at the turn of the century when they
were reputed to be "plentiful from Staines upstream to, the
source" (Cornish, 1902).

As part of a wider study of the biology and distribution
of crayfish in the Thames catchment recent records have been
collected and up to date distribution maps plotted. For the

=n , 2s

purposes of this survey records were obtained from a variety
of sources, principally: Water Authority records, county bio-
logical recording schemes, published data and personal
observations and communications. Wherever possible records
have been verified. aradcamoor

To determine whether or not crayfish were present at a
site, hand séarching was carried out. This involved methodic-
ally working upstream turning over suitable hides whilst
holding a collecting net at their downstream side. As crayfish
are mainly nocturnal feeders some hand searching and observa-
tion were carried out at night, by torchlight. Most sites were
adjacent to roadbridges for ease of access and for the abundance
of hides, e.g. brick rubble, old tyres, etc., at such locations.
(N.B. Permission. of -the riparian owner and the water a ae
is required before crayfish may be removed. )

Figures 1 see 2 Sell eecsdeaenadines the distribution of A. pallipes.
Figure 1 shows national distribution and distribution in the
Thames catchment. Each solid 100 km+ square represents one in
which crayfish have been found since 1970. Figure 2 shows the
Thames area distribution recorded as occurrence in 4 km?
squares, the scheme used by the county biological recording
schemes. Unverified or pre-1970 records are plotted as open
squares, As can be seen A. pallipes are widely distributed
throughout the Thames catchment, occurring in all the major
tributary systems. There are numerous post-1970 records from
within a 15 mile radius of Reading:— R. Enbourne (whole length);
High Wycombe Dyke; R. Kennet (Marlborough to Burghfield);
Kingsclere Brook (whole length); R. Lambourn (Welford to Shaw);
R. Loddon (Sherfield to Sindlesham); R. Lyde (whole length);
R,. Pang (Blue Pool to Pangbourne )3 Ramsdell lake; Silwood
Park lakes; R. Whitewater (Odiham) Winterbourne (Bagnor).
Additional pre-1970 plus unverified records came from Hambridge
lake, Newbury; Holybrook, Calcot; Kennet (Blakes Lock);
Maidenhead Ditch, Bray; R. Thames at North Stoke and Caversham
Mill.

The distribution pattern of A. pallipes is constantly
under. threat from changes in water quality, alteration to the
physical nature of the site and biological changes.

In the Thames catchment natural water quality is ideal for
crayfish, being an area based largely_on chalk and limestone,
containing rivers with a neutral/alkaline pH and water with a
high calcium content. A. pallipes are reported to require a pH
of 7 to 9. However, man has greatly. influenced water quality
in this area of considerable urban and agricultural’ growth.

The relationship between crayfish distribution and the chemical
classification of water quality (National Water Council) indic-
ates that crayfish prefer Class 1A and Class 1B rivers; these
are also rivers that support diverse biological communities.
Temporary pollution incidents, either short-term or’ inter-
mittent, may also have a long-term effect on crayfish
populations by reducing or totally eliminating them. In this
area this is known to have occurred in the Kingsclere Brook,

The other major influence that man. can have on a water
course is the physical alteration of its nature, to improve

= 21-2

drainage, flood alleviation or to improve navigation, This

may involve periodic dredging, removal of bankside cover and
the removal of the type of habitat required by crayfish, which
is normally considered an impediment to water flow by the
drainage engineer. Crayfish may be bodily removed from the
water -— in an investigation on the River Beane in Hertfordshire
an average of 92 crayfish per dredger bucket load were removed.

Coupled with routine maintenance is the construction or
modification of flow-regulating mechanisms, such as weirs and
flood-relief channels. Such areas can be constructed to pro-
vide suitable crayfish. habitat and their colonisation by
crayfish has been demonstrated.in the River Lea at Ware.

'Natural't influences that may alter crayfish distribution ,,.
are generally the result of human interference, In recent
years large numbers of the Californian 'Signal Crayfish'
Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana, 1852) have been introduced
into the ce ae including the Thames area, for growing-on for
the table. These fetched up to £11 per kg. Since 1981 several
large-scale crayfish mortalities have occurred throughout the
U.K.3 the cause of some of these has been found to be
"Crayfish plague", a fungus Aphanomyces astaci (Schikora,
1903). This is known to be Carried by P.leniusculus in the
U.S.A. but has not. yet been found on this species in the U.K.
Generally all A. pallipes in a population will succumb to the
disease. In the Thames area outbreaks of ‘plague! have been
confirmed in the River Wey and River Lea systems and in the
Wessex area in the Bristol and Hampshire Avons. In this latter
river A. pallipes over a 65 km. length were wiped out ina ©
matter of 2—3 weeks in the spring of 1984, Other mortalities
of unproven cause have been reported from throughout the U.K.
in recent years.

Lastly fishing may: drastically influence crayfish popula-
tions in some areas, In the Woodstock area of Oxon, and
around Hungerford in Berks. crayfish suppers are a tradition
that still take place annually and presumably necessitate the
cropping of large numbers of A. pallipes from local populations.
It is not known how: serious an effect this has on crayfish
distribution,

In local streams some changes to A. pallipes populations
in recent years have been as follows:- Kingsclere Brook -
large scale mortality, 1980, due to pollutiong R. Loddon -
population ‘rescued! during infilling of redundant channel at
Sindlesham, 19783; R. Loddon and R. Lyde — general decline in
crayfish abundance, 1982-833; R. Kennet at Hungerford - decline/
disappearance of crayfish over last 3-4 years; R. Wey -— large
scale plague mortality, 1983, Alton to Godalming; R. Whitewater
- large scale mortality (suspected plague ) 1983, Odiham area.

On the whole, then, it can be seen that the native fresh-
water crayfish, A. pallipes, is widely distributed throughout
the Thames catchment and occurs in the Reading locality. This
situation is changing, however, and the continued monitoring of
crayfish distribution is essential. Any information concerning
the occurrence or disappearance of crayfish populations
(freshly dead crayfish are required for ‘plague! diagnosis )

- 22 -

would be most gratefully received. Write to: J.B. Hogger, —
Thames Water, Nugent House, Vastern Road, Reading RG1 ‘SDB, or
telephone: Reading 593585.

Acknowledgements:

Thanks are due to N. J. Nicolson, Environmental Services
Manager, Thames Water, for permission to publish this article.
The views are those of the author and not necessarily those of
Thames Water.

References
Cornish C, J. (1902) | "The naturalist on the Thames",
Seely and Co., London.
Duffield J. E. (1933) "Fluctuations in numbers among
freshwater crayfish".
J, Anim. Ecol, 2°: 184-196.

Jay D. & Holdich D. M, (1981) "The distribution of
— ; Austropotamobius pallipes in
British waters",
Freshwater Biology 11 : 121=129.

Thomas W. J. & Ingle R. (1971) “The nomenclature, bionomics
and distribution-of the cray-
fish A. pallipes in the
British Isles",
Essex Naturalist 32 : 349-360.

Figuke l-

Distribution of A.pallipes in the U.K.

post-1970 records
for A.pallipes.
based on 10km.
squares.

(may include more

than 1 record tor

that square).
0 oo
eee
(2a ae

7 6 a oO ? 3
7 < P
Pret se 4 a
. yi;
acer fo i~
.
FAn ee
Cp GaN
Sve Ghee oes
| wee
ae i / \
va

oe ae 2

i sas:
kak UX

oti eT Na

af Ee
LSIARS

SK
SR
—

Comers Wee Author niy Ares Bounty (CWA RD

post-1870

SNe
aes

IS sncaneeeat
as DX

ul

A

Distribution of A.pallipes in the |
~"| Thames Catchment (10km).

Fiqueé 2.

(WZ)
juewYydIeDH sowey] 9y}

ul sadiyjed'y 40 Uol}Ng!43S!IG

ALIBVOHLNV
Y3ALVM
NYFHLNOS

or ie) oOo
HON! 3NO O1 S3TIW N3L LNOGY YO 000'SZ79:1 ajAIVOS
© OL6L-}80d pealjis8AUN B

- 0261-90

026}-380d

4 OOP
CE'V'V'M'D) Asepunog eesy AyjJoyiny J018M HseUeD

QN3931

FL aN
ALIMOHLNY
SIUM
. XaSsaM sl

iad

ALIGOHLNY
YALUM
4IN3YL ~ NYFARIS

ee

Some recollections of NUS Bryophyte Excursions, with special
reference to the bryophyte flora of the Mortimer—Silchester
district and that of Cleeve, Goring

For more than twenty years, with only a few gaps in the
sequence, it has been my pleasure to lead a ‘Winter walk!
where attention has been focused on the bryophytes. On the
whole, the policy has been to visit: alternately two sharply
contrasted areas where the bryophyte flora is both of consid-
erable interest and reasonably well known to me. The first
includes Mortimer 'Pickling Yard', some adjoining land such as
'Gibbet Piece’, and —- a mile or two away — the heath and bog
communities of Siichester Common, Occasionally this excursion.
has extended Paget ee afield, to include Brimpton Cummon,
Tadiey or parts of Wasing Woods. ©The whole region comprises a
sizeable complex of prevailingly acid habitats and the bryo-=
phyte flora reflects this marked acidity. The second general
area, that lying behind the village of Cleeve, Goring, on the
edge 6f the Chilterns, is of an entirely different character.
Because of the underlying chalk which comes close to the sur-
face (or appears actually on the ‘surface) in some habitats,
theugh not in ail, this region supports a diversity of
'calcicole! (or fener AS) bryophytes many of which are
absent from the heathlands to the southwest of Reading; but
where the chalk lies far below the surface certain acidophile
species can find a place, In both areas, but especially in
the more sheltered woodland habitats of the Cleeve district,
some epiphytes can be found.

On these excursions it has been a principal purpose of
mine to assist any members who might chance to be embarking
on the rather technical study of mosses and liverworts, by
emphasising salient features of some of the commoner :species
and providing a few 'short cuts! to identification. We have
also set out to-appreciate the existence and: character of
certain bryophyte communities (which at their best, in early
spring, cain be objects of great aesthetic beauty ) amid to
sense the role of these little plants in the larger and more
conspicuous units of general vegetation of which they form a
part. In short, record making as such has never been @ pri-

mary concern on these essentially introductory walks, neither
in the sense of a desperate search for new vice-county records
nor in the wider context of adding something new to the-known
local flora, Nevertheless, it has been suggested to me that
the time might be ripe to set down some kind of written record
of what kas come to our notice over the years, especially as
it has never been NHS custom to publish a bryophyte
'Recorder's Report'. It was felt, both by Miss Leonie .Cobb
and myself, that what we needed was, at this stage, a general
introductory statement, enough to recall past events and help
put members ‘in the picture! bryologically. From this there
might perhaps flow, in later years, a series of articles going
3jnto a little more detail regarding particular areas.

First, let :it be said that the bryophyte flora of the
whole Reading district is reasonably well known and adequately
documented, We have the useful annotated list in H. J. M.
Bowen's Flora of Berkshire (1968). This list was edited by —

a DR ws

E., W. Jones and is essentially a summary statement from his
own earlier papers (1952, 1953) suitably brought. up to date
by the inclusion of something: on species that had been discov-
ered in our area over the intervening 15 years. These earlier
papers, collectively entitled "A Bryophyte Flora of Berkshire
and Oxfordshire" (for they are really two parts of a single
work) constitute the real source from which present-day
studies of local bryophytes must spring. It must be stressed,
however, that where our two excursion areas are concerned it
has serious limitations, This is partly because so much of
the ground we cover in the Mortimer-Silchester district lies
not in Berkshire (V-C. 22) but in North Hampshire (V-C. 12).
This is true of almost all the Pickling Yard and of the whole
of Tadley and Silchester Commons. Secondly, although the
interesting chalk country beyond Cleeve, Goring, lies in
Oxfordshire (v-C.23) and is hence within the scope of Dr.
Jones's flora, it is quite evident, on perusing the work, that
extremely few records, at least of the more interesting
species which occur there, were available to Dr, Jones at the
time. Thus, one of our chosen areas lies in what until rec-
ently was a decidedly underworked part of Oxfordshire; the
other lies principally in North Hampshire of which no modern
Bryophyte Flora exists. aa

What then is the picture that emerges of the bryophyte
component in the flora of these two chosen areas? And what
are the principal species that have habitually been seen to
advantage on tnese walks? We may begin with the Mortimer-
Silchester area, which was visited, always in March or April,
in 1967, 1969, 1973, 1975 and 1979. Its most characteristic
communities are those of lowland heath, examples of which are
found in the higher, better drained parts of Mortimer Pickling
Yard, on the adjoining Gibbet Piece, on Silchester Common and
at Tadley. Amid stretches of Calluna the bryophyte under-
storey reflects in its composition and character the precise
stage reached in the ‘burn regeneration cycle'. Sometimes,
closely following a heath fire, we have come across *Funaria
hygrometrica in quantity, the individual tufts in various
stages of development. But often, notably on the higher,
level parts of Silchester Common it has been sheets of
Polytrichum juniperinum or P. piliferum that have met the eye,
the male plants bright with the deep olive or red-tinged
flower-like reproductive shoots. Polytrichum species, and
various lichens of the genus Cladonia, tend to signify a later
stage in the succession, So too, probably, does an extensive
‘carpet! of Pohlia nutans. This is a heathland moss which we
could easily overlook, were it not for the bright green cap-
sules —- in varying degrees of maturing - that are such a
conspicuous feature in spring. As long ago as 1967, close to
the NE boundary road of Mortimer Pickling Yard, we were struck
by the impressive amounts of Campylopus introflexus, an invas-—
ive alien colonist of heathland (white 'stars' at tips of
shoots). It had first appeared there in March 1953 when it
had been found by two Reading University students of botany.

Not in every year has it been easy to find, in luxuriant
condition, the typical understorey of really old, tall Calluna.
This consists principally of Hypnum_ jutlandicum (until rec-
ently H. cupressiforme var. ericetorum), Pleurozium schreberi

castes oe

and one of the tall states of Dicranum scoparium, After a
heath fire, at least thirty years are said to have to elapse
before full restitution of this community. Other parts of
Mortimer Pickling Yard are very different from the dry Calluna
heath, and certain parts of the lower-lying ground, where a
smali. stream flows through deciduous woodland, support a far
richer assemblage of bryophytes. Here, in deep shade. and on
soil of a higher nutrient.status, we have seen several. of. the
bigger species of Brachythecium and Eurhynchium, the beautiful
frond--like aun tamariscinum, species af Mnium and “
Peineida and Aulacomnium im androgynum, both ee
ferous, On the ‘ground, “beneath BP 28 a resi va out of the
fimas been locally plentiful. -,On. “oe Ea cae itself
Pelilia epiphytia has usuaily been plentiful (and very fertile)
but has sometimes received a set-back after a very dry summer.
_The ditch banks flanking the SW boundary road have been, for
at least forty years and probably much longer, the special
local habitat of the leafy liverworts, Lophozia ventricosa,
Lepidozia reptans and Diplophyllum albicans. They are more
localised than their commonest moss associate, Dicranella
heteromaila. In some years we have 'stopped off! to see them,
Hven after the most punitively dry summers the colonies have
invariably shown good powers of recovery by the following
spring.

Close to the SW Boundary of the Pickling Yard is one very
limited area where something like true bog has developed; for
in it, among Molinia tussocks, we find big mounds of the tall
Polytrichum commune and, in the hollows, Sphagnum palustre,

=

In order: to see to Meee advantage the bryophyte flora of a
'Valley bog! we have, in most years, proceeded on to
Silchester and down to the low-lying ground where we could see
the important part played by different species of Sphagnum in
the vegetation. In the wettest spots the slender, grass-green
S. recurvum or the pale, robust shoots of S, palustre will
often have been.the first to. catch the eye, or the curved
(horn-like ) shoots of partially submerged S. auriculatum; but
a the drier: mounds one can find too the rose—tinted

S._ capiliifolium ee rubellum), the delicate, light greed

S. tenellum and. the tufts of Sphagnum compactum, which are at
times so tightly compacted as almost to resemble Leucobryum.

So far as I am aware, however, the bog at Silchester is not

at a sufficiently early stage of its development to harbour
many of the characteristic bog leafy liverworts; but it does
happen to be a locality for the remarkable subterranean sapro-
phytic liverwort, Cryptothallus mirabilis, which was first
found there, under birches, by Dr. James Dickson in October,
1964, Many times, in the ensuing twenty years, have NHS
parties excavated for it, most often unsuccessfully. <A bog
moss which we have usually succeeded in seeing, both at
Mortimer and Silchester, is Aulacomnium palustre.

Brycphyte communities are constantly changing, often in
response to subtle changes in the habitats that support them,
In some years, when dealing with heathland on the Tertiary
gravels, we have made a brief stop at Tadley Common where
much of the ground is fairly level and supports a type of

2 (DG)

Callunetum,. But at the western extremity the land falls away
sharply, making a seasonally wet hollow. When a British
Bryological Society party visited Tadley on October 1964,
extensive sheets of the rather uncommon Campylopus brevipilus
carpeted the ground in much of the Callunetum, the rare
Dicranum spurium was found locally and the distinctive pale
green shoots of Calliergon stramineum (Acrocladium stramineum
were not haxd to come by in the moist hollow. In the last few’
years the Cempylopus has been much reduced in amount, Dicranum
spurium hrs disappeared and we have been unable to find

C, stramineum anywhere in a hollow largely taken over by a
massive growth of Polytrichum commune.

When I first knew the banks beside the road, close to

where the "Three Firs" Inn used to be, they were the site of
a small but healthy colony of the so-called "apple moss",
Bartramia pomiformis. “I remember. noticing in the spring of

1963 that these plants appeared to have suffered (especially
the developing green capsules) as a result of the exceptionally
severe winter. Sometimes, on later visits, I failed to locate
the plants, but when the NHS party, on 10th March 1973, stopped
to examine tiis bank, Bartramia pomiformis was still there.
On the moss walk of 6th March 1982 (a very wet afternoon! )
members of the party found B. pomiformis, with a few capsules,
some four miies farther west. This was on a similar roadside
bank, soutn of Brimpton Common.

Members who attended 'moss walks! in the Mortimer area
more than 20 years ago will very likely have been shown the
liverwort Anthoceros punctatus (better known as A. husnotii )
on the moist clayey soil of a ditch bank close to the SE
extremity of the Pickling Yard. I had known this as the sole
local site for this interesting liverwort ever since it was
pointed out to me by Professor T. M. Harris in 1946, Year
after year, it continued to flourish there (though the strength
of the colony varied from season to season) because the tena
cious substratum and the water regime were right. Then, quite
suddenly, drainage beside the road was 'improved', the habitat
was grossly modified and Anthoceros was seen no more. Dr.
Jones in his Flora alludes to a number of remarkable’ records
of leafy liverworts from Mortimer, some of them made by
Professor Harris, rather more by A. D. Banwell, in the period.
1938-1945. The reason lay partly in the fact that Mortimer
(and especially the pentagonal area of the Pickling Yard) was
the favourite locality for field studies run in those days by
Reading University Botany Department. One of the most notable
was Nardia gscoscyphus from a spot close to the "Three Firs" Inn,
It is most unlikely that it survives in that heavily populated
area today.

Our sectond area, the chalklands up beyond the village of
Cleeve, Goriz:ig, is not only a total contrast both geologically
and in its txyophyte flora but also, happily, it is not under
threat to thie same extent. The main areas explored by NHS
parties on the Cleeve moss walks have been mixed woodland
behind Fiddie Hill, and the edges of Park Wood, to the south,
and Eimorepark Wood to the north of Elvendon road - a botanic-
ally interesting area lying east of Goring and SW of Woodcote.
It includes several quite distinct types of woodland habitat -

= Bf =

their differences neatly reflected in the bryophyte flora.
It-also supports some chalk grassland, heavily encroached on
by shrubs. Variants of this walk were undertaken, always in
“March, in 1971, 1974,°1976, and 1980. In.March 1983 we con-
centrated on the bryophyte flora of my own garden. (Little
Court, Cleeve)’ end the good habitats at the top of Hivéndon
road. This same general area has been examined, too, by, stu-
dent parties on many different occasions. eee by now, the
salient features of its bryophyte flora are reasonably well
known and the walk holds few surprises. Even so, in most
years something fresh of interest. has turned up. On a partic-
ularly successful day one might hope to see up to.70 mosses
and 10 liverworts on this short round.

In fact, no less than six different types of woodland
ground. flora are encountered so far as the bryophyte element
is concerned, The first, seen when we enter'the first stretch
of mixed woodland, Hest by above Icknield road, is a moss
flora which includes Atrichum undulatum, Mnium hornum,
Polytrichum formosum and Dicranella 1 heteromalla. Because here
the chalk lies: weli below the surface “they are the mosses of
a mildly acid substratum (all: these four occur at Mortimer).

It is a community that can be seen widely in the Chilterns,
The canopy here is well broken. . The second woodland commun-
ity appears along the narrow path leading down, to the south-
west, towards Battle farm. Here we are in the shade of a
mee larch plantation and ‘there appears at first to be an
abundant and luxuriant bryophyte cover. It turns out to be
almost “S paiiea B pumtel with or Burhynchium praelongum, with just

a: Oe A

is sa shade-imposed 3 ae - spectacular but restricted,
Lower down, this same path opens on to a very small area where
the slope is ‘steep, the soil thin with chalk close to the sur-
face (rendzina soil). It is under beeches;, sanicle and white
helleborine (papabi see denkivon iain) are in.the field layer, '
This is indeed a tiny fragment of 'Fegetum-calcicolum' and
this is reflected in a totally distinct bryophy tic. element.
Bryophytes tend to be sparse but here, in different years, we.
have met with Ctenidium molluscum, Fissidens taxifolius,
Cirriphyllum « crassinervium and the liverwort ‘Borella ~

platyphyila, ‘roe.

From ilie path that runs its narrow course between’ this
beechwood and the adjacent pasture fields we have, in earlier
years, frequently turned back up, to the left, through chalk
scrub and out on to quite a good chalk grassland slope. In
the summer of 1959, during the laying of a long-distance
pipeline, a broad white ‘scar! could be seen from a: distance
on this slope, where turf was removed and chalk exposed. In
the early stages of re-colonisation many small ‘acrocarp!
mosses, such as Pottia recta, Pottia starkeana ssp. minutula,
Barbula fallax, Be unguiculata, species of Weissia and others
came in as early « colonists. Now, after 25 years, the re- ,
colonisation of "closed! chalk grassiand is to a large’ extent
complete. More than that, succession. to chalk scrub has :gone
on, more of less unchecked, over large parts of this slope
and its interest to the bryologist has diminished. In the
last few years, moreover, it has been made difficult of
access, This is a pity since, besides the minute primary

a ae

colonists, several of the most robust ‘and characteristic mosses
of chalk grassland can. be seen to. advantage on. this west- -~facing
slope, ‘notably Pseudoscleropodium purum and Homalothecium
(Camptothecium) lutescens. It was from this grassland and scrub
slope that on a few of our earlier Cleeve walks (but not many )
we gained access to our fourth type of forest floar community.
This consists, in effect, of the few mosses which characterist-
ically establish themselves on the raw humus arising from deep
leaf litter on a shallow, sheltered slope under beech, They
are not mimerous but they include Leucobryum glaucun,
Pelytrichum formosum and a few others. By this route one ret-
urns to the mixed ‘plateau woodland! from which the detour
began.

The majority of our NHS walks, at least in recent years,
have not included this detour — larch plantation, rendzina
Slope, chalk grassland and Leucobryum site. They have simply
proceeded through the woodland, along the top path, where much
can be seen on logs, stumps,and tree boles, quite apart from
the ground flora mentioned above (see later: for a consideration
of these elements), As we leave the main area of woodland
behind, and move on down towards Elvendon road, opposite
Elvendon Priory, we skirt a narrow strip of woodland that

amounts to little more than a shelter belt. The rather exposed _

substratum is thick with flints and chalk fragments. There is
a little shelter and shade. In this, the fifth kind of wood-
land encountered on the walk, the prevailing moss is
Rhynchostegium (Eurhynchium) confertum, but on moist shaded >
chalk 'pieces' we have sometimes turned up the minute Seligeria

aucifolia, and - equally small - Fissidens pusillus. But it
is too exposed a site to. be very promising bryologically.

Our sixth and final example consists of a very small area
of what can be called rich ‘bottom land! at the extreme edge «=
of Park Wood, a short way up the road from Elvendon Priory.
Instantly we recognise the presence of a much richer, more
varied (as well as more luxuriant) bryophyte flora than any-
thing seen hitherto. In addition to several: very common
species, such as Brachythecium rutabulum and Eurhynchium
Swartzii which grow strongly here, we have never had difficulty
in finding, in some quantity, Thuidium tamariscinun,
Plagiomnium (Mnium ) undulatum and Cirriphyllum piliferum, three
species which impart character to this community. The moss: —
flora is that of a substratum which: is moist, mest sheltered
and reasonably base rich.

As we might expect, it is the first and last examples of
woodland site which offer us the best chance of seeing inter-
esting epiphytes, especially in sheltered places ‘where old
elders occur. The abundantly fruiting Dicranoweisia. cirrata
is more widespread, but it is on old elders that we “we have most
frequently been able to see small amounts of several species
of Orthotrichum, Zygodon viridissimus and the leafy liverworts
Frullania dilatata and Radula a complanata, Although we have
little in the way of quantitative data, it seems fairly cer-
tain that most epiphytic species have decreased markedly in
our district within the past thirty to forty years on account
of various forms of atmospheric pollution. ¥

= 26 2

If an extensive epiphytic flora is nowhere easy to come
by on the Cleeve walk, logs and tree stumps are a different
matter. They often support @ rich cover of bryophytes. Old
logs and long-dead stumps are often well-draped in ‘moss mats.
Yet close inspection, in these woods at least, usually reveals
only iimited variety. It is ‘here that fibinbers have often seen
superb fruiting mats of Brachythecium rutabulum and Hypnum
cupressiforme and those unfamiliar with leafy liverworts have
observed for the first time the developing capsules of
Lophocolea heterophylla, each enveloped in its tubular
'perianth!, along with some lengthened silver-white setae and
cruciform empty capsules. On decaying stumps too, we have
sometimes found several species of Plagiothecium; Isothecium
myosuroides and I, myurum both occur locally.

Finally, on this walk, the earthy banks of Elvendon road
itself provide an interesting and fruitful habitat,’ tesa
far from homogeneous one; for different sections of the two-
mile long road offer conditions optimal for different groups
of species. Thus, in a section near the top is a fine colony
of the tall, handsome moss, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus. A
little further down, on more markedly clacareous Sout, can be
found the dendroid Thamnobryum (Thamnium ) alopecurum — with
its tendency to form loose 'moss balls', and tufts of the
liverwort Plagiochila porelloides, At other points, for
example in deepest shade near the 'bottom'land! wood described
above, we have sometimes found EPurhynchium schleicheri and
almost always Ek. pumilum. Elsewhere, forming cushions dir-
ectly on the calcareous soil, there is Barbula cylindrica. A
few » ee ago we would meet plenty of Be recurvirostra (with

Ot

scarce,

On numerous occasions some study of the bryophytes of my
own garden, at Little Court, has formed an integral part of
this walk, but. they will have to form the subject of a separ-
ate article on another occasion. So, too, will a consideration
in any depth, of certain other 'Chiltern edge' localities
which have been visited in some years. The chief of these
are Bottom Wood, Mapledurham, which we visited in 1968 and
1981, College (or Abbot's Wood), NW. of Cane End (visited
12th November 1977) and Nippers grove, Hook End, which we
explored all too briefly on 18th February 1984. Suffice it
to add here the briefest word on each. Bottom Wood, on the
Hardwick estate, offers varied habitats and supports an
extensive bryophyte flora. Thirty to forty years ago it was
much studied by parties from. Reading University and it was
here that Professor T. M. Harris discovered the liverwort,
Blepharostoma trichophyllum in 1940 - still its only locality
in our area. College wood, being up on the 'plateau', where
the chalk lies far below the surface, bears a prevailingly
calcifuge bryoflora,. Here in November 1977 we found the
liverwort Gymnocolea inflata, new to Oxfordshire. Our visit
to Nippers grove in February 1984 served to confirm that
Bartramia pomiformis still grew on the same stretch of bank
where I had found it more than thirty years ago, All three
are potentially interesting areas bryologically.

Although many other localities with considerable

= 250 ee

bryological potential clearly exist within the Reading area
it is arguable that the greatest satisfaction can be derived
from a close long-term study of a chosen few. Hence this |
article has concentrated on just two such places, the two. that
have been most frequently visited by NHS parties over the
years. Turning his attention to Reading town itself, M. V.
Fletcher has reported (Reading Naturalist 1973, 1983) remark—
able finds in what might appear to be decidedly umpromising:.
terrain, His work shows how, with plants so inconspicuous as’
many of the smaller bryophytes, close scrutiny will almost
invariably bring unexpected rewards. This must be true of
Mortimer and Cleeve, where detailed investigation must surely
bring fresh things to light.

*Nomenclature, for mosses, is that of Smith, A. J. E. Moss
Flora of Britain and Ireland; for liverworts, that of
Watson, E. V. British Mosses and Liverworts. 3rd Edn.

References

1. Bowen, H. J. M. (1968) The Plora of Berkshire.
t Holywell Press, Oxford.

2. Fletcher, M.'V. (1973) Bryophytes of Reading. Reading
Naturalist, 25, 14-21.

3. Fletcher, M. V. (1983) Mosses of Central Reading: Update.
Reading Naturalist, 35, 20-23..

4, Jones, El W. (1952) A Bryophyte Plora of Berkshire and
Oxfordshire. 1. Hepaticae and

Sphagna. Trans. Brit. bryol. Soc.
2, 19-50.

5. Jenes Pon) we (1953) II Musci. Trans. Brit. bryol.
Soc. 2, 220-277.

6. Smith, A. J. BE. (1978) The Moss Flora of Britain and
Ireland. Cambridge University
Press.

7. Watson, BE. V. (1981) British Mosses and Liverworts, 3rd
-. . Edn. Cambridge University Press.
E. V. Watson

Author's address; Little Court, Icknield Road, Cleeve,
Goring, Reading RG8& ODG.

= 28.2

The Recorder's Repoxwt for Botany 1983-84

B. M. Newman

The many records sent in by members are eratefully.
acknowledged and a selection is listed below.

The nomenclature and order used in this report are accord-
ing to the "Flora of the British Isles" by Clapham, Tutin and
Warburg (1962). An alien taxon is indicated by an asterisk (*).
Most of the English names are from "English Names of Wild
Flowers", the recommended list of the Botanical Society of the
British Isles.

List of Members" Records _

POLYPODIACBHAE

Ceterach officinarum DC. Rustyback
One plant in the Roman wall, Silchester (WGH).
Polypodium vulgare L. Polypody
Brimpton, near the River Enborne, 2.8.84 (AB’.
AZOLLACEAE

*Azolla filiculoides Lam, Water Fern

Basingstoke canal, Greywell, 6.4.84 ‘aB>.

OPHTOGLOSSACEA®

Ophioglossum vulgatum L. 4dder's-—tongue
Tadley meadow, 10.6.84 (AB); several spikes reappeared in
1984 at the Transport and Road Research Laboratory,
Crowthorne (MJD); large quantity in a horse-grazed field near
Pangbourne (MRH). ; a

BERBERIDACEAB

Berberis vulgaris L. _,Barberry=

One bush at Aston Upthorpe Downs, {JMB ).
PAPAVERACEA®

*Papaver somniferum L. Opium Poppy

Edge of Wasing Estate, 18.7.84 (AB).
CRUCIFERAE

Arabis hirsuta (L.) Scop. Hairy Rock=cress'

Old Burghclere pit, 9.6.84 (AB).

POLYGALACEAE

Polygala calcarea F. W. Shultz Chalk Milkwort
Hartslock and Great Chalk Wood, 28 5.84 (AB) *S

=~ ‘3 4£

HYPERICACEAE

Hypericum pulchrum L. Slender St. John's-wort
Padworth Gully, 7.7.84 (AB).

Hypericum elodes L. Marsh St. John's-wort
Padworth Gully, 7.7-84 (AB). f

CARYOPHYLLACEAE
*Aorostemma githago Le orncockle
EAS Whitelnights, 266060 (Rue

Cerastium arvense L. ield Mouse—ear
Old Burghclere Lime pit, 16.6.84 (AB).

AMARANTHACEAE

*Amaranthus hybridus L. :
A bird seed alien, Eastbury, Mrs. M. Thomas (HJMB ).

MALVACEAE

*Lavatera thuringiaca L.
Whiteknights Park, Reading (HJMB ).

LINACEAE

Radiola linoides Roth Alilseed
Wokefield Pond, 8.84 (WGH).

GERANTACEAE

Geranium lucidum L. Shining Crane's-bill
Speen Lane, Newbury, 7.84 (RJG).

PAPTLIONACEAE

*Cytisus multiflorus (Aiton) Sweet White Broom
New roadside near St. Ann's, Wokingham (HJMB).

Medicago arabica (L.) Huds. Spotted Medick
Verge of Ferry Road, South Stoke, 7.5.84 (HHC).

*Melilotus alba Medic. White Melilot
Wargrave, 25.7.84 (RJG). . ;

Vicia tenuissima (M. Bieb.) Schinz & Thell.
Slender Tare
Arable land, Aston Upthorpe, M. J. Senior (HJMB).

Lathyrus nissolia L. Grass Vetchling
Meadow near Tadley, 10.6.84 (AB).

Lathyrus montanus Bernh. Bitter Vetch
Meadow near Tadley, (MRH).

ROSACEAE

Geum rivale L. Water Avens
Near Sole Common Pond; Rack Marsh, Bagnor (HJMB); Freeman's
Marsh, Hungerford (MRH). pat

Alchemilla vestita (Buser) Raunk. Lady's lMantle
Greenfield Wood, 10.6,84 (HHC).

- 33 -

*Pyrus pyraster Burgsd. Wild Pear
Aston Upthorpe, NHS walk, 4.8.84 (AB).

CRASSULACEAE

Sedum telephium L,. Orpine 7?
Old Copse, Beenham; Padworth Gully, NHS walk, 7.7.84 (HJMB);.
between Nuney Green and Goring Heath, 3.6.843 Bix, 15.7.84 (AB).

Sedum _anglicum Huds. English Stonecrop
Baynes Reserve, 30,6,84 (AB).

Umbilicus rupestris (Salisb.) Dandy Navelwort

Five plants at Silchester, two flowering, 5.84 (WGH).
SAXTFRAGACEAE . |

Saxifraga tridactylites L. Rue-leaved Saxifrage

Eight plants in flower on Silcnester church wall and Roman
wall, 5.84 (WGH).

LORANTHACEAE

Viscum album L. | Mistletoe
On Salix fragilis, Moor Copse near Tidmarsh (MRH).

UMBELLIFERAE

Myrrhis odorata (i) Scop. Sweet Cicely

Bixes 15.7.8 AB). ' |

Apium graveolens L. Wild Celery
Padworth Comaon, 4.4.84 (AB). alle

EUPHORBIACEAE

Euphorbia platyphyllios L. Broad—-leaved Spurge
Waste ground, Newbury, 26.7.84 (RJG).
POLYGONACEAE

*Polygonum pennsylvanicum L.

Greenham tip, R. S. R. Fitter (HJMB).

SALICACEAE

Salix repens L. Creeping Willow
Tadley Common, 8.6.84 (AB),

PRIMULACEAE

Anagallis tenella (L.

} L. Bog Pimpernel
Tadley meadow, 10.6.84 {

AB): Pamber, 8.84 (WGH).

GENTITANACHAE

Gentiana pneumonanthe L. Marsh Gentian
Chobham Common, NHS walk, 18.8.84 (RJG).

Gentianella x pamplinii (Druce) E. F. Warb. (G. amarella x
Turville Hill Cnty. germanica )

- 34 =

MENYANTHACEAE
Nymphoides peltata (S. G. i » O. Kuntze Fringed Water-lily
South Hill Park, Bracknell, 6.84 (RUG).

BORAGINACEAE

*Trachy.stemon orientalis as ) G. Don ; Abraham-Isaac-Jacob
Om bank near Earley Station, J. A. Keroyd (HJMB ).

*Mertensia virginica (L.) Pers.
In disturbed ground on the Surrey side of Virginia Water (HJMB ).

SCROPHULARTACEAE

*Scrophularia vernalis L. Yellow Figwort
Aldermaston Court, 6.6.84 (AB). ae
*Erinus alpinus L. Fairy Foxglove
Wall of Welford House (HJMB).

Melampyrum pratense L. var. laurifolium Beauv.
Common Cow-wheat
Calcareous hedgebank, Elmore Park wood, Woodcote, Oxon, (HJMB ).

OROBANCHACEAE

Lathraea squamaria L. Toothwort
Near White Shute Hill, on hazel in sunken lane (HJMB).

*Lathraea clandestina L. . Purple Toothwert
Brimpton, near river Enborne, 2.6.84 (AB).

Orobanche elatior Sutton Knapweed Broomrape
Old Burghclere chalk pit (MRH).

VERBENACEAE

Verbena officinalis L. ' Vervain
Bix, t5e7.04 (AB);

LABLATAE
Acinos arvensis (Lam.) Dandy Basil Thyme

Chalkpit in Crowsley Forest, 4.7.84 (HHC).

Scutellaria minor Huds. Lesser Skullcap
Many plants in flower, Silchester Common ; one plant in flower,
Wokefield, 8.84 (WGH).

PLANTAGINACEAE

Littorella uniflora (L.) Aschers. Shoreweed
Many plants at Wokefield Pond (WGH). This confirms an old
record.

CAMPANULACEAE

Campanula latifolia L. Giant Bellflower
Whiteknights Park Wilderness, confirming an old record (HJMB ).

~ 35:-

COMPOSITAE

Senecio inte egrifolius (Ley Clairv. Al Field Fleawort
Old Burghclere Lime pit, 16.6. 84, (AB). .

Gnaphalium sylvaticum L. Heath Cudweed
Padworth Gully, NHS walk, 7. rt. 8h; on wall, Christchurch Road,

Reading (HJMB).

Cirsium eriophorum (L.) Scop. | Woolly Thistle
Aston Upthorpe, NHS walk, 4.8,84 (aB>,
Cirsium dissectum (L.) Hill : Meadow Thistle

Tadley meadow, 10.6.,84 (AB).

*Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Milk Thistle
Between Buckiebury and Hermitage, Sarah Webster (HoMB )

Serratula tinctoria 2 Saw-wort
Aston Upthorpe, NHS walk, 4.8.84 (AB). Sait

*Hieracium aurantiacum L. Fox and Cubs
Kennet west from Old Mill, Aldermaston, 22.8.84 (AB)

HYDROCHARITACEAE

Stratiotes aloides L. .Water-—soldier
Pond near Pinkneys Green, Sarah Webster (HJMB ).

LILIACEAE

*Allium paradoxum (Biebs) G. Don . ' Few-flowered Leek
A la large patch in a grass verge near a) ae 20.4, 84 (BK).

TRILLIACEAE

Paris quadrifolia L. ft : Paetie Paris
Ash wood near canal, Thatcham, R. J. Sa (HOMB)§

AMARYT LIDACEAE

*Galanthus elwesii Hook, Giant Snowdrop
Above old tunnel workings, Greywell, N. Hants. (HJMB).

*Narcissus bulbocodium L, Hoop Petticoat Daffodil
Naturalised by Virginia Water and "(eal well AHTMB) 4

ORCHIDACEAE © Tce xiG
Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz °° ~ Broad-leaved
Helleborine
Hurley chalk pit, 24.6.84 (RJG); appeared following coppicing
at Moor Copse near Tidmarsh, the first record for the Reserve
- (MRH). (am ee
Epipactis purpurata Sm. ; ¥o: Violet Helleborine
Four groups with three to five flowering spikes at Hannington,
Hants. 9,84 (WGH).

Epipactis leptochila (Godf.) Godf. Narrow-leaved

Wolverton Road, Baughurst, 6. 8.84 (AB). Helleborine
Epipactis phyllanthés Gewks -Smixt« Green-flowered::
Helleborine

Roadside verge near Tadley water tower, 2,8.84 beak

= 36 =,

Gymnadenia conopsea (L.) R. Br. Fragrant, Orchid
Aston Upthorpe, NHS walk, 4.8.84 (AB). . ~ rds ogee
Platanthera chlorantha (Cust.) Rchb. Greater Butterfly
Chalk downland.at Woodcote, 1.7284 (AB). .. Orchid
Orchis mascula cert Be , ; Early-purple Orchid

One flowering spike at Transport and Road Research Laboratory,
Crowthorne, 23.5.84 (MJD); a great increase in numbers follow-
ing coppicing at Moor Copse near Tidmarsh (MRH).

Dactylorchis incarnata (L.) Vermeul. Early marsh-orchid
Freeman's Marsh, Hungerford (MRH).

SPARGANIACEAE ~ .

Sparganium angustifolium Michx. Floating Bur-reed
Meadows at the Oid Mill, Aldermaston, 8.8.84 (AB).
TYPHACEAE

Typha angustifolia L. Lesser Bulrush

Caversham Mill stream, 24.7.84. Last recorded at Caversham
Bridge in 1967 (HHC).

CYPERACEAE

Carex demissa Hornem, Common Yellow-sedge_
Tadley meadow, 10.6.84 (AB).

Carex seudoc erus L. . Cyperus Sedge
Clayfield Copse, 6.7.84 (HHE).

Carex strigosa Huds. Thin-spiked Wood-sedge
Old Copse, Beenhams; Padworth Gukly, NHS walk, 7.7.84 (HJMB). ~
Carex pallescens L. Pale Sedge

Tadley meadow, 10.6.84 (AB).

Carex echinata Murr. Star Sedge
Tadley meadow, 10.6.84 (AB). ‘

GRAMINEAE ee
Sieglingia decumbens (L.)) Bernh. ~ Heath-grass
Padworth Gully, 7.7.84 (AB).

*Festuca heterophylla Lam. Various—leaved Fescue
Old lane below Padworth Gully, NHS walk, 7-104 (HJMB).

Contributors:

Dr. H. J. M. Bowon (HJMB), Dr. A. Brickstock (AB), H. H. Carter
(HHC), Dr. M. J. Dumbleton (MJD), Dr. R. J. Grayer (RJG),
W. G. Helyar (WGH), M. R..Hughes (MRH), Mrs. B. Kay.

Correction to report in Reading Naturalist 1984 No. 36 pake 38:

Spiranthes spiralis (L.) Chevall. A single flowering spike
not 19 as stated) was seen near the Transport and Road
Research Laboratory, Crowthorne.

beg 1)

The Recorder's Report for Entomology 1983-84

B. R. Baker

The order and nomenclature used in this Report are those
given in Kloet and Hincks, A Check List of British Insects,
Pert 13 © Small Orders and Hemiptera, 1964: Part 2: Lepidoptera,
1972: Bart 8: _Coleeptera,=1977; ) Part Ae Hymenoptera, 19783
and Part 5: Diptera, 1975. yt ae :

ORTHOPTERA Grasshoppers, Bush Crickets, Ground-Hoppers
Meconema thalassinum (Dee. ) - Oak Bush-Cricket

Crawshay Drive, Emmer Green, 14.8.84 (JHFN); Padworth,
18.11.84, female ovipositing under oak bark (BRB).

Pholidoptera griseoaptera (Deg. ) Dark Bush-Cricket -
Chambers Copse, Emmer Green, 26,.8.84, waste ground near
Caversham Park, 25.8.84 (JHFN): |

Leptophyes punctatissima (Bosc) Speckled Bush-Cricket
Chambers Copse, Emmer Green, 26.8.84, waste sround near
Caversham Park, 25.8.84 (JHFN).

ODONATA | Dragonflies
Agrion splendens (Harris) Banded Agrion

Matlock Road, Caversham, 29.6.84, one male, evidently a
wanderer from the Thames (BRB).

Gomphus vulgatissimus (Ls) Club-Tailed Dragonfly
Thames side at Hurley Lock, 20.5.84, one female (BRB}

Libellula quadrimaculata L. Four-Spotted Libellula’
Emerging from Sole Common Pond, 9.6.84 (HJMB).

LEPIDOPTERA Butterflies and Moths

Hepialus fusconebulosa (Deg. ) Map-Winged Swift
Unhill Wood, 15.6.84 (PAD). ise
Zeuzera pyrina (L.) Leopard Moth

Surley Row, Caversham, 6.7.84 (PS); Wellington Country Park, .
21.7.84 (NMH). )

Apoda_ limacodes (Hufn. ) . The Festoon
Wellington Country Park, 21.7.84 (NMH).

Synanthedon formicaeformis (Esp. ) Red-Tipped Clearwing
Richfield Avenue, Reading, 24.4.84, 8.5.84, bred from cankerous
growths on Salix caprea (BRB). ce

Thymelicus lineola (Ochs, ) Essex Skipper

Bracknell, 28.7.84, 29.7.84, Crowthorne, 3.8.84 (RAR);
Crowthorne, 1.8.84, 8.8.84 (MJD); Owlsmoor, 9.8.84 (BRB, NMH).
(Until this year this species had only been reliably reported
from the Ascot area but a note in Reading Naturalist No. 31
suggested that it might be worth looking in the Bracknell-
Wokingham district). New records would be welcomed but a single
voucher specimen should accompany each new record.

a Be

Erynnis tages (L.) Dingy Skipper .
North End, Bucks, 3.6.84, Cleeve Hill, 9.6.84, Aston Upthorpe,
10.6.84, Swyncombe, 16.6.84 (HJMB).

Pyrgus_ malvae Ci} Grizzled Skipper
Swyncombe, 16.6.84 (HJMB); Aldermaston, 11.5.84 (PS).

Gonepteryx rhamni (L. ) Brimstone

Warren Hill, 28.4.84, Swyncombe, many pairs 16.6.84, Pamber
Forest, 2.6.84, Aston Upthorpe, 10.6.84 (HJMB); Aldermaston,
13.4.84 (PS); Tilehurst, 12.4.84 (SW); Charvil, 20.4.84,
Earley, 25.4.84, Bix, 10.6.84 (RJG); Emmer Green, 12.4.84
(JHFN); Caversham, 10.11.84 very late record (HGB); Purley,
6.3.84, Blenheim Road, 14.10.84 (MRH).

Anthocharis cardamines (Fo3 Orange-Tip

Pamber Forest, 2.6.84, Assendon, 3.6.84 (HJMB); Earley, fre-
quently between 30.4.84 and 9.6.84; High Wood, Woodley, 5.5.84,
Tidmarsh, 13.4.84, near Bix, 10.6.84.(RJG);. Emmer Green,

2.5.84 (JHPN); Surley Row, 27.4.84 (PS). *

Callophrys rubi (L.) Green Hairstreak
Old Burghclere Limeworks, 9.6.84 (SW); Aldermaston, 23.5.84
(PS); Owlsmoor, 2.6.84 (BRB).

Quercusia quercus (Le) Purple Hairstreak »

Tanners Lane near Emmer Green Golf Course, 11.8,84 ( JHEN ).

Celastrina argiolus (7. ) Holly Blue
Dunsden, 29.4.84, Pamber Forest, 2.6.84, Glebe Road, Reading,
29.7.84 (HJMB); High Wood, Woodley, 5.5.84 (RJG); Caversham,

244.84, 28.4.84, 22.7.84, 23.7.34 (BRB); Tadley Common,
24.44.84, Aldermaston, 2.5.84 (PS).

Hamearis lucina (L. ) Duke of Burgundy Fritillary
Cleeve Hill, 9.6.84, Aston Upthorpe, 10.6.84 (HJMB).
Ladoga camilla (L.) White Admiral

Chambers Copse, Emmer Green, 22.7.84 (JHFN); Padworth Common,
7.7.84 (HJMB).

Apatura iris (i. ) Purple Emperor
Near Baughurst, 19.7.84, 3.8.84 (PS); Padworth, 29.7.84 (BRB).
Vanessa atalanta CE) Red Admiral

Glebe Road, Yeading, 18.8.84 (HJMB):; Harcourt Drive, Earley, —
8.7684,5.- 18.7. S84 p4des 84845..2:9804, 26.9.8 001407844220. 10258.
21.10.84, 26.10.84, 27.10.84, 1.11.84, Twyford Gravel Pits,
22.7.84 Pete Surley Row, 10.8.84, 17.8.84, 27.10.84, 3:11.84,
24.11.84 (PS); Caversham, 28.9.84, 29.9.84, 30.9.84, 20.10.84,
23.10.84, 10.11.84, near Baughurst, 8.7.84 (BRB); Tilehurst,
26.10.84 (SW).

Cynthia cardui (L. ) Painted Lady
Harcourt Drive, Earley, 5.9.84, 6.9.84 (RJG).

Polygonia_ c-album (L. ) Comma
Reading, 7.7.84, 29.7.84, Ufton:Nervet, feeding on blackberries,

16.9.84 (HJMB); Emmer Green,’ 12:4.84 (JHFN); Harcourt Drive,
Earley, 6.7.84, 27.7.84, Dinton Pastures, 7.7.84 (RJG);
Crowsley Park, 14.4.84 (SW); Caversham, 28.9.84 (HGB).

Boloria selene (D. & S.) Small Pearl-Bordered
Padworth, 3.7 84 (BRB). . *. Pritillary

- 39%

Melanargia galathea (L. ) Marbled White.

Woodcote, 8.7.84 (HJMB); Aldermaston, 16.7.84, near Baughurst,
19.7.84 pee in garden of 16, Crawshay Drive, Emmer Green,
13.7.84 (JHFN).

Hipperchia semele (La) The Grayling
Crowthorne, 21.8.84% (HJMB).

Pyronia tithonus (i...) The Gatekeeper

Nuney Green Chalkpit, a gynandrous form, left forewing reduced
and with female marking, other wings with male markings,

12.8.84 (JHFN). .
Lasiocampa quercus (L.) °° | Oak Egegar |
Owlsmoor, 28.7.84 (NMH). wk: ets
Cyclophora porata L:) False Mocha
Owlsmoor, 28.7.94 (NMH).

Idaea straminata (Borkh. ) Plain Wave
Gwismoor, 28.7.84 (BRB).

Thera firmata (Hubn. ) The Pine Carpet
Bracknell, 2.10.84, 13.10.84, 16.10.84 (MJD)3 Owlsmoor, 28.7.84,
Wellington Country Park, 21.7.84 (NMH).

Rhodometra_ sacraria (ic,;) The Vestal
Aldermaston, 23.8.84, a single specimen of this periodic
migrant (PS).

Xanthorhoe biriviata (Borkh, ) Balsam Carpet
Bracknell, 25.8.84, new County record (MJD); near Hurley,
25.8.84. larvae (BRB, PAD); 3.9 84, further larvae (BRB, TJGH).

Mesoleuca albicillata (Hubn. ) -Beautiful Carpet

Surley Row, 7.8.84 (PS).

Rheumaptera hastata (L.) Argent and Sable
Owlsmoor, 2.6.84 (TJGH); Aldermaston, 31.5.84, 8.6.84 (PS).
Chesias rufata (Fabr. Broom-Tip

Owlsmoor, 28.7.84 (DR).

Aleucis distinctata (H.-S. }. : Sloe Carpet

Mortimer, 25,.4.84 (BRB).

Hyloicus pinastri (L.) Pine Hawk-Moth :
Owlsmoor, 28.7.84 (NMH): Baynes Wood Nature Reserve, 29.6.84

(BRB, NMH); Wellington Country Park, 21.7.84 (BRB, NMH).
Macroglossum stellatarum (L. ) Humming-Bird Hawk-Moth

Glebe Road, Reading, 7.7.84, 29.7.84 (HJMB); Tilehurst,
2.7.64 -(AB).

Dasychira fascelina (L.) _ Dark Tussock

Owlsmoor, 2.6.84, one larva (TJGH); Owlsmoor, 28.7.84 (NMH).
Rhyacia simulans (Hufn. ) Dotted Rustic

Bracknell, 7.7.84 (MJD).

Xestia ditrapezium (D. & S.) Triple-Spotted Clay
Wellington Country Park, 21.7.84 (NMH).

Naenia typica (L. ) _ The Gothic

Surley Row, 16.8.84 (PS): Greenham Common, 17.8.84 (BRB)
Lacanobia contigua (D. & Ss.) Beautiful Brocade

Owlsmoor, 28.7.84, Wellington Country Park, 21.7.84 (NMH ) .

= On

Hadena compta (D. & S.) Varied Coronet
Surley Row, 20.6.84 (PS) ~

Mormo maura (ary. Old Lady
Wellington Country Park, 21.7.84 (NMH); Greenham Common,
25.8.84 (PAD).

Dicycla_oo L. Heart Moth
Wellington Country Park, 21.7.84 (NMH);

Tyta luctuosa (D. & S.) Four-—Spotted

Surley Row, 22.7.84 (PS). This is a species which has much
declined in recent decades although in the early fifties it
was not uncommon on the downs between Streatley and Blewbury.
Although regarded as an occasional immigrant it is to be
hoped that the specimen recorded above may indicate the
resurgence of a local colony. ays ;

Parascotia fuliginaria (L.). Waved Black Enon =
Bracknell, 2.8.84 (MJD); Wellington Country Park, 21.7.84

| (NMH )
COLEOPTERA Beetles

Leistus rufomarginatus Duftschmid )
Leighton Park, 5.10.83 (TDH).

"
Patrobus atrorufus (Strom. )
Near Shinfield, 7.9.84 (TDH)

Bembidion properans Steph.
Swyncombe House, near Cookley Green, 25.2.84 (TDH).

Bie bruxellense Wesm,.

anne

Near Aldermaston Wharf, 4.4.84 (TDH).

Bembiaion aenum Germar
Near Shinfield Grange, 1.2.84 (TDH).

B. ilunulatum (Fourc. )
Near Searles Farm, Pingewood, 17.3.84 (TDH).

Agonum assimile (Payku11 )

Heckfield Heath, 16.12.83 (TDH).

A. moestum (Duft. )
Near Shinfield Grange, 1.2.84 (TDH).

Acupalpus consputus (Duft. )
Leighton Park, 16.9.84 (TDH).

Chiaenius vestitus (Paykul11) .
Near Aldermaston Wharf, 4.4.84 (TDH).

Saprinus aeneus (Fabr. )
Leighton Park, 6.7.84, in carcase of blackbird (TDH).

Carcinops pumilio (Erich. )
Leighton Park, 5.9.84 (TDH).

Nicrophorus investigator Zett.
Emmer Green, 12.6,54 at light trap (JHFN).

Platydracus stercorarius (Olay. ).

Leighton Park, 11.9.84 (TDH).

ae ETT ce

Lucanus cervus (L.) Stag Beetle
Wessex Hall, Whiteknights, 18.6.84 (HJMB), Blenheim Road,
19, 27.6.84 (MRH).

Silis ruficollis (Fabr.) i |
Child-Beale Wildlife Trust, near Lower Basildon, 11.7.84 (DH).

Lampyris noctluca (Lie) Glow Worm
Warren Hill, 28.4.84, larva (HJMB), Chambers Copse, Emmer Green,
2.11.84, larva (sHEN). : ae

Ptinus sexpunctatus Panz.
Emmer Green, 19.10.84, bred from cell of Osmia rufa (L.) built
into window frame (JHFN). Fe Wee Oe

Pocadius ferrugineus (Fabr.) .
Chambers Copse, Emmer Green, 7.2.84, bred from Lycoperdon
pyriforme (JHEN ).

Tytthaspis sedecimpunctata (Gy)

Chambers Copse, Emmer Green, 23.12.83, hibernating on: fence
posts in large numbers (JHFN). eee

Scaphidema metallicum (Fabr.))
Near Shinfield,. 22.2.,84 (TDH).
Pyrochroa serraticornis (Scop. ) Cardinal Beetle i torus

Chambers Copse, Emmer Green, 5.4.83, bred from rotting elm
bark (JHFN).

Prasocuris junci (Brahm )
Kennet & Avon Canal near Tyle Mill, 2.6.84 (TDH).

Galerucella calmariensis (L. )
Near Shinfield, 22.6.84 (TDH)}.

Barynotus moerens (Fabr. )
Near Hall Farm, Shinfield, 7.3.84 (TDH): | -

Notaris scirpi (Fabr. )
Near Hall Farm, Shinfield, 7.3.84 (TDH). °

Ceutornynchus cochleariae (Gyllenhal )
Leighton Park, 13.5.04 (TDH).

HYMENOPTERA | Sawflies, Ichneumons, Bees and Wasps
Urocerus gigas (L.) Giant Woodwasp or Giant
Horntail

Circuit Lane, Reading, 25.7.84. Specimen submitted to Reading
Museum and then released.

Sirex noctilio Fabr. ee eh

Road Research Laboratory, Crowthorne (MJD); Rosehill Park,
Emmer Green, 28.8.84 (JHFN).

Arge ustulata Cee
Crowsley Forest, 23.5.84 (HHC)

Heptamelus ochroleucus (Steph. )
Raynes Wood Nature Reserve, 16.6.84, last record Reading 1933

(HHC ).
Phyllocolpa leucaspis (Tisch, )
Great Hazes Cie y.

Nematus cadderensis Cam.
Great Hazes (DG).

pe MED son

Nematus leucotrochus Hartig
Great Hazes (pee

N. viridis Steph,
Baynes Wood Nature Reserve, 16.6.84 (HHC).

Pachynematus truncatus Benson
Great Hazes (DG).

Stenichneumsn rufinus (Grav. )
Bred from pupa of Common Emerald, 11.7.82-(DN).

Andrena helwvocia (io)
Crowsley Forest, 23.5.84 (HHC ).

DIPTERA True Flies

Psychoda cinerea Banks
Crowsley Forest, 5.4.84 (HHC).

Rhamphomyia sulcatella Collin
Crowsley Forest, 15.5.84 (HHE).

Phalacrotophora berolinensis Schmitz

Reading, 11.7284. On leaves of Lime in Forbury Gardens.
species is said to be a parasite of the ladybird Adalia
bipunctata (L.). (HHC).

Chaetopleurcphora erythronota (Strobl)
Reading, 25.3084 ee

Triphleba papillata (Wingate )

Caversham Park below reservoir, 29.3.84 (HHC).

Volucella inanis (L.)

a

Windsor Forest, 27.8.83; Tilehurst, 8.84 (RL).

Minettia longiseta. (Loew)
Baynes Wood Nature Reserve, 16.6.84 (HHC).

Neoleria propingqua Collin
Crowsley Forest, 5.4.84 (HHC).

Leptocera leuco tera (Hal. )
Caversham, 22.3.04 (HHC).

Amiota albceuttata (Wah1b. )
Baynes Wood Nature Reserve, 16.6.84 (HHC).

Chirosia albitarsis (Zates)
Baynes Wood Nature Reserve, 9.8.84 (HHC).

Lasiomme anthom inum (Rdn. )
Kennylands, 23.5.84 (HHC).

Fannia_ speciosa (Ville. )

Baynes Wood Nature’ Reserve, 16.7.84. Last recorded Wytham

ec. 1920 (HHC).

Helina vicina (Czerny )
Baynes Wood Nature Reserve, 9.8.84 (HHC).

This

Pt os

The Society's Entomological Night

This annual event was held at Wellington Country Park on
21st July 1984 ‘and we are indebted to John Davison for making
the arrangements ‘to visit’ this splendid locality. and for show-
ing us the extensive grounds during the hours of daylight. The
Barbesue, organised this year by Jocelyn Whitfield and valued
helpers Dr. Alan and Mrs. Ivy Brickstock, made an enjoyable
and lengthy interlude taking us up to the time of mothing
activity. In almost 20 years of mothing evenings the 1984 event
was probably the best we have ever held; the weather conditions
were just right and the species list of 116 was the highest we
have ever recorded. The specialities are embodied in the fore-
going report and speak for the richness of the locality.
Special thanks are due to Sheila Ward for much writing of names
and to Norman Hall for the laying on of sugar and supplying and
operating an abundance of equipment without which we would.
almost have been in the dark.

Contributors

The Recorder would like to thank the following members
and friends for records received:-

Mrs. H. G. Baker (HGB), Dr. H. J. M. Bowen (HJMB), Dr. A.
Brickstock (AB), the late Dr. E. Burtt (EB), H. H. Garter (HHC),
P. A. Davey (PAD), Dr. M. J. Dumbleton MID), D. Gibbs. (DG),
Dr. R. J. Grayer (RUG), N. M. Hall (NMH), T. D. Harrison (TDH),
T. J. G. Homer (TJGH), M. R. Hughes (MRH), J. H.. F. Notton
(JHFN), David Notton (DN), R. Leeke (RL), D. Rees (DR), R.A.
Ramsdale (RAR), P. Silver (PS), Mrs. Sheila Ward (SW). °

Our thanks are additionally due to the Director of
Reading Museum and Art Gallery for allowing us to incorporate
any relevant records from the Museum's collections,

‘)
as
¥
le

a
J.

‘
as
4
“s

le
<

L
>
6

The Recorder's Report for Fungi 1984.

A. Brickstock

1984 was another good year for fungi, many species persist-—
ing until the end of November, despite two rather heavy frosts
earlier that month, The final tally for the year was 347
species, te

The Society's Forays produced 64 species at. Fence Wood,
Hermitage on 29.9.843 35 species at the Warburg Reserve on
6.10.84, a low total, but including two outstanding Amanita

species, the very uncommon A. echinocephala and'A. solitaria;
and 71 species at Harpsden on 20.10.84, the most interesting

- Ay -

find here being the uncommon yellow-ringed variety of Amanita
rubescens var, annulosulphurea.

There was. an interesting record from Pamber Forest, a Buff
Tip caterpillar on-which was growing a white mould, Beauvaria
bassiana, upon which were growing minute black fruiting bodies

of Melanospora parasitica.

Six of the species found at Ashampstead, denoted by '*,
were new records for Berkshire. f

Ye
H4 E

Special thanks once again to Mary and Neville Diserens for
their records, and help with identifying many of the species,
to the other contributors and to Pat Andrews for identifying
several species. :

Names of Agarics and Boleti are as given by Moser, others
from Phillips. : pe

Records have been included (a) for species not recorded
in the last few years, or (b) for relatively uncommon species
recorded at fresh localities, even though recorded recently
from other localities.

AGARTICALES

Agaricus abruptibulbus
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84 (B, H & F).

Agaricus porphyrizon
Sulham, ficie ea (3).
Amanita echinocephala
Warburg Reserve, Bix, 6.10.84 (NH).

Amanita porph ria
Suitham, 14.10.84 (B).
Amanita rubescens var. annulosulphurea

Harpsden, 20.10.84 (NH).

Amanita solitaria
Warburg Reserve, Bix, 6.10.84 (NH).

Boletus porosporus
Ashford Hill, 20.10.84 (D).

Boletus queletii
Bulmershe College, 6.11.84 (SS).

Clitocybe dicolor
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84 (B, H& F).

Collybia confluens
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84.(B, H & F); Great Wood, Hambleé&n,
3.11.84 (D, B). | a

Conocybe rugosa
Nettlebed, 11.11.84 (D).

Coprinus angulatus 6
Nettlebed, 21.10.84 (D).

Coprinus impatiens
Harpsden, 20.10.84 (NH).

ree

=

es Dy

Coprinus lagopides
Nettlebed, 21.10.84 (Dp).

Cortinarius pholideus
Newtown Common, Newbury, 14.10.84 (D).

Drosella fracida
Warburg Reserve, Bix, 6.10.84 (NH).

Entoloma_ rl rhodopolium
AWRE, esi. 1 10, 8k (B .
Hebeloma radicosum
Wasing Wood, 20.10.84 (D).

Hohenbuehelia geo enia
Harpsden, 20.10. an (NH).

Hohenbuehelia rickenii
Warburg Reserve, Bix, 6.10.84 (NH)

Inocybe griseolilacina
Ashampstead Common, 29.9.84 (B & ny Newtown Common,

Newbury, 14.10.84 (D).

Inocybe pyriodora var. JR SRERAES
Ashampstead, 11.11.8 :

Lactarius _controversus

ee

AWRE, 31.10.84 (B).

Lactarius zonarius

ower ee ee es

Ashampstead, 11.11.84 (B).

Leccinum roseofractum

AWRE, 17.10.84 (B)3 Newtawn Common, Newbury , 14.10.84 (D).
Lepiota friesii
ae 20.10.84 (NH); Great Wood, Hambledon, aero

D, oe

pephete, Lentve mere
Sulham, 13.11.84 (B).

*Lepiota konradii
Ashampstead Common, 29.9.84 (B & H).

*Lepiota marriagei
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84 (B, H & P).:

*Lepiota subgracilis (probably)
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84 (B, H & F).

Lepiota ventriosospora az
Path Hill, Hardwick Bstate, 21.10.84 (B); Great Wood,
Hambleden, 3.11.84 (D, B).

Leptonia __ iam ropus
AWRE, 10. 10.84 (By.
*Marasmius bulliardii

Ashampstead Common, 29.9.84 (B & H).

Marasmius _cohaerens
Ashampstead Common, 29.9.84 (B & #).

*Marasmius lupuletorum
Ashampstead Common, 6,190.84 (B, H@.F).

Melanophyllum_ echinatum
Path Hill, Hardwick Estate, 21.10.84 (aN

ox WG x

Micromphale brassicolens
Great Wood, Hambledai, 3.11.84 (D, B).

Mycena epipterygioides
Virginia Water, 13.10.84 (MS)..

Myceua leptocephala
Ashampstead Common, 29.9.84 (B & H).

Mycena olida
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84 (B, H & F).

Mycena roridca

Ashampstead Common, 29.9.84 (B & 8).

Nolanea_ hirtipes

Great Wood, Hambleden, 3.11.84 (D, B)s: Garden Cockney Hill,
Tilehurst, 17.11.64 (B).

Panacolus sph inctrinus
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84 (B, H & Le

Panellus serotinus

cr a ee

The Chase, Woolton Hill, 28.10.84 (B).
Photiota alnicota

AWRE, 31.10.84 (B).

Pholiota aurivella

Nettlebed, 11.11.84 (D).

Pholiota carbonaria
Nettlebed, 21.10.84 (Dp).

Pholiota gummosa
Virginia Water, 13.10.84 (Ms).

Pleurotus cornucopi iae
Whiteknights Park, 10.10.84 (B).

Pluteus 2eoninus

re ee

Pliuteus umbrosus
Prospect Park, 17.10.84 (B).

Psathyrella pennata
Nettlebed, 21.10.84 (D)

Psathyreila spadiceogris:

ome es Se

ea
Path Hill, Hardwick Estate, 21.10.84 (B).
Rhodotus palmatus

ee

Sulham, 23.11.94 (B).

Russula emetica LAR, Jonapes
Virginia Water, 13.10.84 (MS).

Russula pseudointegra
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84 (B, H & F).

Russula sororia

ee a a a

Padworth Guligy 27.10.84 (B).

Suillus aeruginascens
Sulham 1s ALO Bk (B).

fs Psrehs relate era
Virginia Water, 13.10.84 (MS).

er eee

Tricholoma columbetta
Ashford Hill, 20.10.84 (D).

Volvariella speciosa
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84 (B, H & F)3 Prospect Park,

23.10.84 (B).

*Xerocomus armeniacus
Ashampstead Common, 6.10.84 (B, H & F).

APHYLLOPHORALES

Auriscalpium vulgare
Virginia Water, 13.10. 84 (MS).

Clavariadelphus - fistulosus
The Chase, Woolton Hill, 28.10.84 (B).

inonotus radiatus
Padworth Gully: 27.10.84 (B).

GASTEROMYCETALES

Cyathus striatus
Ashampstead Common, 29.9.84 (B & H).

Geastrum triplex
Ashampstead Common, 29.9.84 (B & H).

ASCOMYCETES

Chliorosplenium aeruginascens
Fence Wood, Hermitage, 29.9. 84 (NH).

Claviceps purpurea
Virginia Water, 13.10.84 (ye

Humaria hemisph aerica
Harpsden, 20.10.84 (NH); AWRE, 7.11.84 (B).

Peziza L_anthrocophila
Nettlebed, 21.10.64 (D).

Peziza echinospora
Nettlebed, 21.10.84 (D).

Contributors

Ivy and Alan Brickstock (B), Barry Bristow and Alec
Henrici (B & H), B & H plus Virginia Field (B, H & F), Mary
and Neville Diserens (D), Siobhan Skeggs (ss), Society Forays
are denoted by (NH) and the Mycological Society Foray at
Virginia Water by (MS).

-~ 48 -

The Recorder's Report for Vertebrates 1983-1984

H, H. Carter /

FISH
Cyprinus carpio L. Carp

Mirror Carp in ponds on Greenmore Hill, Woodcote (SP )

Tinca tinca (L.) Tench
In ponds on Greenmore Hill, Woodcote (SP)

Beis _gobio (iu) Bullhead
Sul l brook, 12.063 nat

Gasterosteus aculeatus L. | Three-spined Stickleback

sul brook, 72.03 (DNB)

Pygosteus pungitius (ls ned Ten-spined Stickleback
Sul brook, 12.83 (BRB)

Nemacheilus barbatula (L. ) Stone Loach
Sul brook, 12.83 (BRB )

Anguilla anguilla fe ay Bel
Three in R. Loddon near Twyford, 8. 7 84 (RP)

AMPHIBIANS

Triturus vulgaris (L.) ' Smooth Newt
Bred in garden pond, Tilehursts; young newts emerged in Fale
and returned to the pond in early December (PRC).

Triturus helveticus (Raz. ) Palmate Newt
Bred in garden pond, Tilehurst ( RC). Adults in pond on
Snelsmore Common, March to July (WW

Triturus cristatus (Schr. ) Crested Newt
Bred in garden pond, Tilehursts; several overwintered as
tadpoles (PRC). :

Rana vemporaria L. Frog

No data on spawning dates this year.

Abundant in Tilehurst, where 10 new garden ponds were stocked
with spawn (PRC). 15 mated pairs in pond at Fairford House,
Spencers Green (PG). Newly metamorphosed frogs seén leaving
pond on Snelsmore Common, 5.7.84 (ww). One in garden at

16 Crawshay Drive, Emmer Green, 1.7.84 and throughout
September (MAN).

Bufo bufo (L.) Toad

Seen at all usual sites but less abundant than Frog (PRC).

Dead on roads in the Sonning Common’ area during Spring migra-
tion woe 3. 84, 2 Binfield Heath Lane, 14 Kiln. Road, one by
Coach and See ponds, during Autumn migration 28.8,84, one
Kennylands Road, one Binfield Heath Lane, 16 Kiln Road, mainly
young of the year. Evidently the species still breeds in
these ponds but I have not been abls to obtain direct evidence
as access is restricted. Many tadpoles at 79 Cockney Hill,
9.5.84 (HW). One in garden at Harcourt Drive, Earley, 22.7.84
and 29.9.84 (RJG). None seen at Snelsmore (WW).

/

we. ees

REPTILES

Soe ot ae ee oe

Lacerta vivipara L. : Common Lizard

Common on heathland areas of Snelsmore Common, 1982-1984 (Www).
Present at Aston Upthorpe reserve, 10,6.,84 GHIMB).

Natrix natrix (i) Grass Snake

A small colony at the Snelsmore Common pond seen April to
aa Myce (ww). One at Fairford House, Spencers Wood,
7.84 (CG). aa

Vipera berus (L.) Adder »

Adults and juveniles common on heathland, Snelsmore, 1982-1984;
5 to 9 individuals might be seen in the course of a day during
the summer months (WW).

MAMMALS
Talpa europuea L. Mole

Molehills at Pishill, 15.1.84, Marsh Lane near Henley, 11.2.84,
Dinton Pastures, 12.2.84, Crowsley Park, 12.3.84.

Sorex araneus L. Common Shrew

One found dead at Dry Sandford pit, 9.4.83 (HJMB). Calls
heard in Sonning Common area on several dates 4 to 6.84. One
found dead in Chambers eee: Emmer Green, 4.7.84 (MAN).
Erinaceus europaeus Le Hedgehog

Hibernating in observer's garden, 3.84 (MJA). Adult in spring,
adult and juvenile in 9.84 at 332 London Road (ME). One near
Theale, 16.5.84 (3JMB). A large one 16 Crawshay Drive,

Emmer Green, 27.7.84 (MAN). Two dead on road in Woodley,
3.7.84: One alive, 8 dead on road in Sonning Common-Emmer Green
area between 19.10.83 and 11.8.84, mainly in May, June and
August.

A juvenile in the garden of 16 Harcourt Drive, Earley,

7-9.9.84 seemed sickly, was -pund dead 13.9.84 and eaten by a
scavenger next day (RIG).

One in Reading town Fab eit 24.5.84 wandering in street (MRH).

Myotis da daubentoni (Kuh1 ) Daubenton's Bat
Often seen in summer, but no summer roosts located; hibernat—
ing in chalk caves at Henley. (PRC).

Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Schr.) Pipistrelle

108 Berkshire summer roosts located, chiefly between tiles
and roofing felt or in cavity walls (PRC). One found in
hibernation during building work at Rose Farm, Mapledurham,
3.1.84. Present at Wood Vale, Spencers Green for the last
ten years (PG). At Theale, 16.5.84 (HJMB). Seen in garden
at Harcourt Drive, Earley, 27.7.84 and 17.8.84%: 2 around
boiler house at Whiteknights, 8.9.84 (RJG).

Plecotus auritus (L.) Long-eared Bat
Five Berkshire roosts located in roofs,’ one-r~a porch (PRC Gs
otis noctula (Schr. ) Noctule

Four Berkshire roosts located, all in hollow trees (PRC). At
Theale, 16.5.84 (HJMB).

Vulpes vulpes he Fox
One in Warwick Road, Reading last week of 10.84 (CG). One

seen at Padworth, 29.12.83; one dead on road at Round Oak,
Padworth, 10,4,84 (MJH). One dead on road north of Round Oak

ap Bbiic

29.7 84 (BRB). One resident next door to 164 Kidmore End
Road, Emmer Green, 12.83 (TW). Two in garden at Harcourt
Drive, Earley, adjoining Leighton Park School, 21.2.84 (RJG).
One in Hurdle Shaw, 1.4.84 in daylight (HJMB),. One calling in
Bur Wood, Sonning Common, 22.9.84. Several around Cainer t
Lane, Southcote, 2.10.84 (CAS).

Meles meles (L. ) Badger
A sett by the Bailey bridge in Rose Kiln Lane, Whitley. One
dead on Burghfield Road between the railway and the River
Kennet, 95 eB oA juvenile dead on Tidmarsh Road near a run-
way, 30.5.84. One dead in Mill Lane, Calcot, 26.6.84 (Little
Heath School per SYT). One dead on M4 by Burghfield gravel
pits, 30.6.84 (PRC). |

Mustela erminea L. Stoat

One on Garson's Hill, 29.4.84 (HJMB). Two at Moor Copse,
8.9.84 (mMRH).

Mustela nivalis L. Weasel

One at 164 Kidmore Hnd Road first week of 12.83 (TW). One on
Henley Road north of Playhatch, 22.1.84 (man), One dead on
Watlington Hill, 8.4.84 (MJC). One caught. at Whiteknights,
5.6.84 (DR).

Dama_dama (L.) Fallow Deer
Three at Padworth, 15.1.84 (MJH). Slots north of Pishill on
the same date, Two does at Crowsley Forest, 19.5,84.

Capreolus capreolus (L. ) Roe Deer |
Total of 30 at Bearwood, 23.1.84 (BTP). Present throughout
the year at Moor Copse (MRE

Muntiacus reevesi Ogilby Munt jac

Two seen on several dates at 164 Kidmore End Road, Emmer
Green, 12.83 (Tw). One crossing Kennylands Road, Sonning
Common, 10,45. p.m...25.-1.84 and.one there, 24,5,84. .Slots at
Star Brick.:Works, Knowl Hill, 22.2.84. One in garden at
Ridgmcunt Close off Long eee Tl lehurst, 5. 3—04 (DL). Drop-
pings on Silchester. Common on the same nega (Mr Pace), One
calling in Crowsley Forest, 7.3.84. One at Upper Basildon
and one in Sulham Woods, 3.843; one in Aldworth area, 13.4.84,
4.5.84 and 22.5.843 one in Arthur Newbury Park, Tilechurst,
4.84: one in Moor bones: 12.5.84 (MRH). One watched for 5
meee feeding in field by 2. Pang, Moor Copse, 9.9.84 (PRC).
One calling in Morgan's Wood, Sonning Common, 29.6.84,

31.6,84 and 217. Bhs One sees at Chalkhouse Green, ZS «Ota

Lepus capensis Pallas ‘Brown Hare

One in field at Comp Farm, Sonning Common, 18.10.83 hunted at
night with gun and land-rover; one on Bryant's Farm, Sonning
Common, 9.2.84: one on north side of Bishopsland Farm, 10.2,84
and two there 14.3.84. One at Upper Basildon, 13.4.84 (omit)

Oryctolagus cuniculus CL a) - - Rabbit

Sightings in usual places, many on grassland at Hardwick Stud
(PRC). Numbers still increasing in the Sonning Common area;
3 Bryant's Farm, 9.2.84; 3°Pack Saddle and 6 Crowsley Park,
23.5.843 18 at old pit, Chalkhouse Green, 27.5.843 44° in
fields west of this, 24.5.84; 34 in fields by Cucumber Plant-
ation, 18.5.84: 3 Morgan's Wocd, 9.9.84 conforming to the
usual pattern of seasonal increase and decrease; total
sightings 600.

oa tee

Clethrionomys glareolus Schr. Bank Vole

Seen on several occasions in suitable habitat, trapped during
survey work (PRC). A male killed by cat, 16 Crawshay Drive,
Emmer Green, 31.7.84 (MAN) ~~" -

Apodemus sylvaticus | Wood Mouse
Trapped at Padworth, 13.1.84 (MJH). Breeding in garden shed,

Tilehurst (PRC). One killed by cat, 16 Crawshay Drive,
21.8.84 (MAN).

Rattus norvegicus Berk. | viet Brown Rat
aQ

Abundant in log pile at New Copse near Sonning Common, 11.63
(EMC). One in ditch by Richfield Road where rubbish is
dumped, 19.1.84. One dead on road, Emmer Green, 26.1.84. Two
dead on Kiln Road, Emmer Green, 28.9.84. Breeding in air raid
sheiter, Tilehurst; two attempts by pest officer failed to

. eliminate these (PRC }) - perhaps a Warfarin-resistant strain.

Sciurus carolinensis Gmelin Grey Squirrel

Breda in horse chestnut tree in garden, Tilehurst, where one to
three were present most months (PRC). One in Emmer Green,
14.2.84 and 3.4.84, dead on road, 24.4.84, One in Reade's
Lane, Gallowstree Common, 15.4.84. One dead at Sulham, 9.5.84
(CB). One in St. Laurence's Churchyard, 31.5.84.

Thanks are due to the following contributors;

Martin Andrews (MJA); Brian Baker (BRB); Humphry Bowen {(HJMB);
Cyril Bulmer (CB); Elizabeth Carter (EMC)3 Mary Carter (MJC);
Paula Cox (PRC); Marjorie East (ME); Renee Grayer (RJG);

Cilla Green (CG); Patricia Green ater Malcolm Hitchcock (MJH);
Dora Lucy (DL); Margaret Notton (MAN): Mr. Paces; Basil

Parsons (BTP ); Stephen Pitt (SP); Rg prior (RP); David Rees
(DR); Helen White (HW); Trevor Wilton (Tw); Wolfgang

Wuster (ww).

lt Y Tier

sie ap eva Bote e pooch i ang FE a veg h

WEATHER RECORDS : 1984

contributed by M, Parry

STATION: READING UNIVERSITY (WHITEKNIGHTS) ©

oa wetey ole So ee: S400) + 44 DHE SF eres
| ia H le i i
ER ey es Jen. ue Feb | March! April | Ma ay. tm | [Aug Sept 4 Oct Nov | pee
j | | |
|
Mean (Max. « | £6 6.8 | 8.2 | 13.9 | 14.4 | 20.5 | 23:2 [23.5 | 17.9 | 14.9 11,4):
| Daily iMin. | he UGS IO, SOT BEG | OBO 5.9
| Temperatures [Mean 4.4 | = FO SHPO S | SOS! 534548722 $18I2 | A422] SH5-| Be
Le {Range 6.5 9 10:25) 12/040. 6 0 74. (J6bSt | StS

! 6.1 | 10.3 | 11.2 |12.9 | 10,5 | 8.1
| 30.0 | 29.6 | 24.3 | 18.8

|
[Beem Max. | 12,5 | 12.2 | 13/5°| 21.7 | 21.8 | 26.0 | 17.9
| Extreme Date 12, 13! <3 6 |21 124 | 20 | g [21 2 g 1
| Temperatures |Extreme Mim. |-4.0 | -3.9 | -1,5 |-3.5 | -0.8! 4.0) 611) 65] G1) -15] 0.
oC Shgaeaten | 20 13 19 3 OF ele At 3 11 | 25 27 15
|Ext, Grass Min -9.1 |-10,5 | -7.5 |-10.0 | -7.4/ -1.9|-1.5 | %8| 1.0 | -7.2 2B Od $
_ [Date 205 | 48 old. Lat | Be Wt tp | Aoedails 128.4 5] 2p
1 -
Days with frost 10 | 10 he ag ae | © 0 0 fe 1 in 0
{
Days with ground frost 24° | 16) | ae") Sc eve ag | C°Oh ag. hega EPG
he ltinc seat, i ae laa ec sve. A a coon ares eS)
Sunshine Sum 91.2'| 63.6 | 59.1
Hours |% of possible |35 22 16 56

_ Daily Mean | 2.9

30 | 48 46 | 43 28

Precipitation Amount in mm69 5 “pe &&
Rain Days 211 | 18

| Maximum rainin oneday mm/18.1 14.3, 12.7
fe ee eee = r

|
|
| |
eh Mo
ale 237.9 230, 3 195. 4 105. 9 = 3} —
|
|

Longest Run of Comecutive
; Rain Days
Longest Run of Consecutive 4

| Dry Days at I clr Ng oes | ; “
Days with snow or sleet 5 | |

o | 6s
Days with snow lying 2 | @ | 0
\
Visibility Days with fog | G 7 : 1
| at 0900 GMT

————— set ee

(Fuanderatil | Days ae huade Cc
-eauaty |
| eyes with hail | 2

a eee eis Se ra aS

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBE:

DECEMBER

miei eae

MONTHLY WEATHER NOTES -— 1984

Milder than usual, though with the coldest night
of the year. Rainfall well above average, but
some sunny days too.

Average temperatures, only 2 normal rainfall, but
cloudy with sunshine a little below average.

Slightly on the cool side. Rather wet (including
the wettest day of the year), though most of the
rain fell in the last week, Sunshine hours well
down.

Near average temperatures. Hardly any rain —- the
driest April since 1938; an absolute drought began
on 12th and lasted into May. Unusually sunny.

The absolute drought continued until 10th, but
thereafter very wet, making the total 70% above
average. Dull and cool, its warmest day little
warmer than April's.

Fairly average temperatures, a little on the dry
Side, quite sunny.

Rather warm, with the year's hottest day, sunny
and rainfall 70% below average.

Continued warm, dry and sunny; rainfall less than
4 normal, though thunder heard frequently.

Average temperatures, but very wet (70% above
average); dullest September since 1956.

Near normal temperatures, but rainfall and sun-
shine both somewhat below normal values.

Mild (2°c above average), but rather wet and
lacking in sunshine.

Average temperatures and rainfall, a little
sunnier than usual.

M. Parry

Membership Gist -

a eee
‘

Honor ars y¥_members

Butler, Miss Ky I. (*athle¢en), Springfield, St. Lukes, 24 Surley Row,
Caversham, READING, Berks RG4 8LY¥

Nelmes, Miss E. M. (Bnid), 'Dormers', 194 Cainscross Road, STROUD,
Gios Tels 045 36 2666 :

Paul Mrs. V. MN. (Vera), O.B.E. B.Sca., Overdale, Peppard Common,
READING, Berks yi

Sandels, Mrs. A. M. (Nan), 3 Churchill House, Hailey Road, CHIPPING
NORTON, OX7 5LD | . ot 4 os

Watson, Dr. EH. V.-(Eric), B,Sc. Ph.D. F.L.S., Little Court, Cleeve,
GORING nONW THAMES, OXON Tél. 924 2803 .

Watson, Miss J. M. (Joyce), 30 Westwocd Road, Tilehurst, READING,
Berks RG3 SPW Tel. 23337

Grdinary, Junior and Family Members

reas

Abraham, Mr. M. J. (Mike), M.Sc. & Mrs. ©. {Elizabeth}, 21 Hillside
Road, Earley, READING, Berks RG6 2LP Tel. 64105

Adams, Mr. C. J. (Christopher John), B.Sc., 50 Fairford Road,
Tilehurst, READING, Berks RG3 6OOR 7

Albertini, Mrs cMs Mo baka tes Fy. B.Sc. M.Biol., 72 Dropmore Road,
Burnham, SLOUGH, Berks SL1 BAR. Tel. 946 3280

Andrews, Dr. ©». (Pat), Ph.D. & Dr. J. (Joyce), Ph.D., 21 Redhatch
Drive, Earley, READING, Berks RG6 29S Tel. 863724

Appleton, Mr. J. (John) & Mrs. D. (Diana), 7 Darell Road, Caversham,
READING, Berks RG4 7AY Tel. 473515

Archer, Mr. D. (David), Mrs. M. (Margaret), Catharine & Martine, 194
Silverdale Read, Earley, READING, Berks RGS 2NE Tel. 64494

Baggaley, Mrs. M. (Maureen), 554 Wokingham Road, Earley, READING,
Rerks RG6 238 Tel. 666286

Bailey, Mrs. F. E.,,52 Basingstoke Road, READING, Rerks RG2 OEL

Baker, Mr. 8..R. (Brian), B.Sc. F.M.A F.R,#.S. & Mrs. H. (Heather), 2
Matlock Road, Caversham, READING, Berks RG4 7BP Tel. 477809

Banks, Miss K. M., 34 Courts Road, i, Earley, READING, Berks RG6 2DH
Tel. 6/933 ; ominre

Barker, Mr. S. R. dg. {Simon), BtAai Le. Heme y Street, READING, Berks
RG1L 2NN 2 :

Barney, Mr. P. A., B.Sc., Bere House, Berecourt Road, Pangbourne,
READING, Berks RGS SHT : : Sng

Beadle, Mrs. J. 7. (Jacky), 17 The Square, Spencers Wood, READING,
Berks RG? 18S Tel. 984538 . :

Beek, Mrs. M. (Meryi), 29 Morecombe Avenue, Caversham, READING, Berks
RG4 7NL Tel. 477428 m

Belyavin, Miss E, J. J. (Jean), B.Sc., 244 Tilehurst Road, READING,
Berks RG3 2NE Tel. 597329 ae el

Benda, Mr. P. & Mist Cc. L. (Corra), 25 Wittenham, Avenue, Tilehurst,
READING, Berks RG3 SLN Tel. 25804

Betts, Mrs. G. M. B.A. Dip.Ed., 38 Priest Hill, Caversham, READING,
Berks RG4 7RY ‘Tel. 477125

Betts, Mrs. J. M. (Jill), Wells Hall, Upper Redlands Road, READING,
Rerks RG1 SUF : ;

Blackmur, Mr. R. (Raymond) & Mrs. B. (Beryl), 11 Cievedon Road,
Tilehurst, READING, Berks RG3 GRL Tel. 21360

Bolger, Mr. B. (Edward), 10 Woolford Way, Winklebury Estate,
BASINGSTOKE, Hants RG23 SAT

Bowen, Dr. H. J. M. (Humphrey), M.A. D.Phil., 8 Glebe Road, READING,

‘Berks RG2 7AG Tel. 871669

ee
a ad

Or OVAL an) s9MeAacPhaDe, .Mres Ts 'M (Ivy) '& Richardy 25
Cockney Hili, Tilehurst, READING, Berks RG3 4HF Tel. 25073
Brough, Dr, P. R. (Peter), M.B. BYS. D.R.C.6.G., Meadows Cottage, Old
Lane, Ashford Fill, NEWBURY, Berks RG15 8RBG
'Bucke, Dr. C. (Christopher), B.Sc. Ph.bD., 29 Downshire Square,
READING, Berks RG1 6NH Tel. 53419
‘Buckley, Mr ND. K., 3 Ashwood, Woodiey, READING, Berks RG5 3RX
Budden, Mr. M. 0. (Maurice), 17 Barnsdale Road, READING, Berks RG2
| j%7IG Tel. 874034 | Cy Le a
Budge, Mr. A. (Alan), B.A. & Mrs. S. (Susan), B.Ed., 108 Clares Green
Road, Spencers Wood, READING, Berks RG7 1DU Tel. 884014
“Bunker, Miss G., 102 Langley Hiil, Tilehurst, READING, Berks RG3 5EF
1 Tel. 27963
sBunting, Prof. A. H., M.Se., 27 The Mount, Caversham, READING, Berks
t RG4 7RU Tel. 472487 eek LK - ia
“Butcher, Mr. F. (Prank) & Mrs. CC. (Catherine), Beirnfels, Long Lane,
Tilehurst, READING, Berks RG 5J3V
(Carlisle, Mr. A. F. {Tonv), & Mrs. A. (Ann), ‘Tonis', 2 Baileys Lane,

Brickstock, D

3
' West End, Waltham St. Lawrence, READING, Berks RG1O ONS Tel. 343672
‘Carr, Mrs. A. (Ann), 4 Eversley Road, Arborfield, READING, Berks RG2
m PU Tel. 760339 ao,...be
mart, Mr, RR. Kk. F., B.Se., Culverton, Hillerest, Peppard,
' HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxon Tel. 597222
Marter, Mr. H. H. (Hugh), M.A. B.Sc. A.M.A, 82 Kennylands Road,
Sonning Common, READING, Berks RG4 9IT Tel. 723027
apple, Mrs. & Mr. R. G. (Rodney), 2 Wavell Close, READING, Berks RG2

Clapton, Miss Janet, 6 Harcourt Drive, Earley, READING, Berks RG6 2TJ

, Tel. 82580 Parser.

welarke, Miss J. (Jennifer), 15 Clanfield Crescent, Tilehurst, READING,

|. Berks RG3 GON Tel. 21345

Mlase, Dr. & Mrs. H. J., 74 Upper Redlands Road, READING, Berks RG1 5JS
‘Clements, Miss M. J. W., 108 Kenilworth Avenue, READING, Berks RG3

3DW Tel. 52699

Wonnell, Brian, 5 Swainstone Road, READING, Berks RG2 ODX Tel. 863378
Muir. P. C. (Peter), M.R.C.H. A.I.F.S.T. , Mrs. P. R. (Paula),
Emma, Hester & Sophie, 102 Westwood Road, Tilehurst, READING, Berks
me RG3 SPP Tel. 412058
Mmins, Mr. J. A. (John Arthur), 296 London Road, READING, Berke
mel. (Work) 55337
suUrtis, Mr. M. (Mike), 39 Purfield Drive, Wargrave, READING, Berks
| RG1O BAR Tel. Wargrave 3158
WBarbyshire, Mrs. V. F.. J. (Ginni), B.A. A.L.A., 70 Culver Lane,
) Earley, READING, Berks RG6 IDY Tel. 663807
|Davies, Mr. R. H. (Bob), 1 Wychwood Close, Earley, READING, Berks RG6
m 2RB Tel. 872645
| Davies, Mr. R. W. (Raymond) & Mrs. D. (Doreen), 81 Galsworthy Drive,
' Caversham Park Village, READING, Berks RG4 OOH Tel. 476181
Davison, Mr. J. D. (John), B.Sc. & Mrs. S. D. (Sonja), 9 Robindale
» Avenue, Earley, READING, Rerks Tel. 68575
Bicker, Mrs. I. (Iris), Lavender Cottage, Church Lane, Arborfield,
READING, Berks ‘Tel. 760239 P
Diserens, Mr. J. N. (Nevilie) & Mrs. M. J. (Mary), B.Ed, 113 Redhatch
_ Drive, Earley, READING, Berks RG6 2Q0N Tel. 862763
| Dumbleton, Dr. M. 3. (Michael) & Mrs. M., 25 Warfield Road, BRACKNELL,
| Berks RGi2 20Y Tel. 427492 i

Dunham, Mr. J. T., 17 Beta House, Southecote Road, READING, Berks RG3
2AR

Dunn, Mr. &. (Walter) & Mrs. N. (Nora), 22 Kidmore Lane, Sonning
Common, READING, Berks RG4 9SH Tel. Kidmore End 724162

Bast, Mrs. MO COC. (Marjorie), 332 London Road, Earley, READING,
Berks RGG LAR nee

EFastwick-Field, Lt.~ Col. G. G. (Gordon), Little Earlstone,
Burghclere, NEWBURY, Berks Tel. Burghclere 219

Edington, Mr. M. J. (Michael), 11 Alderney Close, Woodley, READING,
Berks RGS 4TC Tel. 694324 F

Eley, Mr. P. R., The Orchards, Tanners Lane, Chalkhouse Green,
READING, Berks RG4 9AA

Eiton, Deborah, 39 Liverpool Road, READING, Berks RGl 3PW Tel. 665432

Emerson, Mrs. 7. (Joyce), 4 Stoneham Cicse, Tilehurst, READING, Berks
RG3 4HB Tel. 22677

Emmitt, Mr. C. (Colin), Mrs. D. (Doreen), Keith & Nigel, 6 Grahame
Avenue, Pangbourne, READING, Berks . RG& 7LF

Evans). Drw.-Kiuho BwSa. en. De &olivrsee Le J. BSG... Lio. awe
Kendrick Court, Kendrick Road, READING, Berks RG1l 5DS

Fletcher, Mr. M. (Michael) & Mrs. I. (Iris), 70 South Street, READING,
Berks RGL 4RA Tel. 51814

Flew, Prof. A. G. N. (Anthony) & Mrs. A., 26 Alexandra Road, READING,
Berks RG1 5PD Tel. 61846

Foat, Mr. N. J. W., 3 Arbor Lane, Winnersh, WOKINGHAM, Berks RG11 SHY

Foley~Fisher, Mr. D. (David), 8.Sc. & Mrs. M. (Mary), 23 Camellia Way,
WOKINGHAM, Berks RG11 2NB Tel. 775233

Foley-Fisher, Dr. J. A. (John), Ph.D. & Mrs. B. (Beryl), 39 Kerris
Way, Earley, READING, Berks RGG 2UW Tel. 869781

Frank, Mrs. C. M., Netherleigh, Riverview Road, Pangbourne, READING,
Berks RGS 7AU Tel. Pangbourne 2883 14iMe, o>

Frewin, Mr. S. & Mrs. S., Olden Oak, 103 Reading Road, Woodley,
READING, Berks RG5S 3AG ;

Gambles, Mr. R. M. (Robert) & Mrs. M. (Margaret), Windings, Whitchurch ©
Hill, READING, Berks RGS 7NU

Gold, Mr. D. & Mrs. P. M., 34 Campbell Road, Woodley, READING, Berks
RG5 3NB Fel. 695162 Pat.

Grayer, Mr. Cc. J. (Colin), B:Sc. & Mrs. R. J. (Renee),
Biol.Dre.(Leiden), 16 Harcourt Drive, Rarley, READING, Berks RG6
27. sap

Green, Mr. & Mrs. W. A., Pairford House, Basingstoke Road, Spencers
Wood, READING, Berks RG7 1AE Tel. 882581

Grinstead, Mr. K. & Mrs. M., 8 Wellington Crescent, Baughurst,
BASINGSTOKE, Hants RG26 5PF Tel. Tadley 2512

Gumbreil, Mrs. v. (Vi), 5 Heathlea House, Little Heath Road,
Tilehurst, READING, Berks RkG3 572 Tel. 25113

Guyatt, Mr. T. (Trevor) & Mrs. M. (Mavis), 46 Hillside Road, Earley,
READING, Berks RGG 2LS Tel. 661573

Hall, Mr. N. M. (Norman), M.A., 9 Edney Court, Gladridae Close,
Earley, READING, Berks RG6 2DN Tel. 65540

Halstead, Dr..L. B. (Beverley), D.Sc. Ph.D. & Mrs. J. A., M.M.A.A-,
The Red House, 85 Christchurch Road, READING, Berks RG2 7BD Tel.
871613

Harrison, Mr. T. D. (Thomas),»,B.Sc., Fryer's Orchard, Leighton Park:
School, READING, Berks RG2Z 7D8 Tei. 871355

Hartwell, Mr. V. (Vic) & Mrs. D. (Doris), 37 Byron Road, Rarley,
READING, Berks RGS LEP ;

Hawkes, Mr. Q. J., B.A., 73 Inglewood Court, Liebenrood Road, READING,
Berks RG3 2DU. Tel. 586871

Hawkins, Mrs. S., 63 Tilehurst Road, READING, Berks RG3 23L.- Tel.
52139

A..{Janet), B.Ed., 10 Barnwood Close, READING, Berks

Haytree. Miss J
RG3 1BY Tel. 594604 Tel. 594604

Heather, Mrs. V., 6 Pembroke Place, Caversham, READING, Berks RG4
OLU Tel. 470982 raneey

Helyar, Mr. W. G. (Bill), 29 West Street, Tadley, BASINGSTOKE, Hants
RG26 6ST Tel. Tadley 53889 ?

Herlihy, Mrs. D. J. (Dorothy), Cherry Pool, Chestnut Grove, Fleet,
ALDERSHOT, Hants GU13 9BN Tel. 9584 7222

Heydeman, Mr. M. T. (Tom), B.A. & Mrs. E. C. (Elizabeth), B.A., 62
Northcourt Avenue, READING, Berks RG2 7HQ Tel. 874801

Highwood, Miss S. (Susan), 78 Foxcombe Drive, Tilehurst, READING,
Berks RG3 5HS Tel. 415970 es

Hine, Mr. &. J. (Stuart John), 99 St. Saviours Road, READING, Berks
RG] 6GEJ Tel. 52895 ii (20 a

Hobson, Mr. J. A. (John), C.Eng. M.Sc.({Eng.), 27 Burnham Rise, Emmer
Green, READING, Rerks RG4 8XJ Tel. 477773

Hodge, Mr. A. R. (Alan), A.R.P.S. & Mrs. D. J. (Doreen), 66 Tawfield,
BRACKNELL, Berks RGi2 4YU Tel. Bracknell 426287

Hogger, Mr. J. B. (John), M.1T.Biol., 31 Argyle Road, READING, Berks
RG1 7YL Tel. 586526 pn eke ee

Holly, Miss E. F. (Bileen), 38 Kings Road, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxon RGY
2DG Tei. Henley 576495

Homer, Mr. T. J. G. (Theo), M.A., St. Timothee, Pinkneys Green,
MATDENHEAD, Berks SL6 6PA Tel. 94 21900

mecewer., Mr..K.. (Ken), F.C.1.S. F.C.B.S-L. & Mrs. B. (Beryl),
R.S.C.N., & St. Andrews Road, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxon RG? LHP Tel.
Henley 574555

Housden, Mrs. H. C., 4 The Holt, Purley, READING, Berks RG8 SHZ Tel.

418654 aa

Housden, Mrs. H. V. (Vada) & Miss J. (June), B.Sc., 9 Knowle Close,

_" Caversham, READING, Berks RG4 7LH Tel. 474271

Hughes, Mr. M. &. (Michel) & Mrs. H. A. (Heather), 25 Blenheim Road,

| READING, Berks RG1 5NG Tel. 67038

K ts, 7 Grove Road,

523 (Mother)
36 Winton Road,

unt, Mr. J. P. (James), B.Sc. M.Sc., The Chestn
» Emmer Green, READING, Berks RG4 9TJ Tel. 72
meet, Mr. T. W. J. (Tom), & Mrs..D. M. (Doreen),
READING, Berks RG2 SHH
Wackman, Mrs. J. M. (Jennifer), B.Sc., 14 Orwell Close, Caversham,
: READING, Berks RG4- 7PU Tel. 472545
Walland, Mr. R. V. (Raymond), Mrs. &. (Elaine), Kiu & Paul({Senior),
§ 460 Wokingham Road, Earley, READING, Berks RGG 2HY Tel. 67637
Yee, Mr. R- I. , B.Sc. M.Biol., 31 Angel Mead, Woolhampton, READING,
Berks RG7 5SJ Tel. Woolhampton 712708
Jones, Mr. R. N., 3 Newfield Gardens, MARLOW, Bucks SL7 1TN
Kay, Mrs. 5. (Beatrice), M.Sc., 39 St. Peters det Caversham,
: READING, Berks RG4 7DH Tel. 474502
Keith-Lucas, Dr. D. M. (Michael), D.M. M.A. Ph.D. M.I.Biol., 51

_ Northcourt Avenue, READING, Berks RG2 7HE Tel. 872328

Kemp, Pr. 8. R. (Brian), B.-A. Ph.D., 12 Redhatch Drive, Earley,
: RE ADING, Berks RG6 2QP Tel. 860377
\Bambden, Mrs. H. D. (Hilda), 8.Sc. M.I.Biol., 74 Beech Lane, Farley,
| READING, Berks RG6 209A Tel. 872721
|lang, Mrs. A. (Ann), 8.Sc., Rose Cottage, Church Lane, Arborfield,
| READING, Berks RG2 97R Tel. 760367

Lawton, Mrs. G. M. (Gwen), 128c Woodcote Road, Caversham, READING,
Berks RG4 7EZ ‘Tel. 481057
|) bee, Miss M. M. (Marjorie), 16 Troon Court, Muirfield Close, READING,
, Berks RGl 4PW Tel. 65262
| Leeke, MPs Gad. (Cyril), B.Sc. A.M.I.Biol. & Mrs., 1 Heathway, Chapel
Hijl, Tilehurst, READING, Berks Tel. 28861

LeMare, Dr. P. (Peter}, Ph.D. & Mrs. J. (Joy), 66 Highmoor Road,
Caversham, READING, Berks RG4 7BG Tel. 479763

Levy, Dr. B. G. (Bernard), B.A. Ph.D., Tine Pits Cottage, Hiil Bottom,
Whitchurch Hill, READING, Berks RG3 7PU Tel. Pangbourne 2677

Lomax, Mrs. C. J., 11 Roundhead Lane, Theale, READING, Berks RG7 5DL
Tel. 302624 :

Long, Mrs. M. M. (Monica), B.A., 3 Ennerdale Road, READING, Berks. .RG2
7HH. Tel.<871589

Lorimer, Mrs. M. (Mary), ‘The Pines', 276 Wokingham Road, READING,
Berks RG6 1JU. Tel. 61365 eerie aH

Lucy, Mr. G. (George) & Mrs. D. (Dora), Pike Croft, Ridgemount Close,
Long Lane, Tilehurst, READING, Berks. RG3 6YZ Tel. 24473

Lush, Mr. R. (Ray), B.Sc. & Miss G. M., 37 Matthews Green Road,
WOKINGHAM, Barks

Macleod, Mr. R. M. (Roderick), M.A., 46 Josephine Court, Southcote
Road, READING, Berks RG3 2DS Tel. 507994

Marcan, Miss 4. (Helen), B.Sc., 5 Carnarvon Road, READING, Berks RG1
5S8

Mayes, Mr. 5. A. (Samuel), F.C.C.A. & Mrs. L. (Laurie), Soc.Sc.Dip.s, IL
Melrose Avenue, READING, Berks RG6& ?BN Tel. 61538

McEwen, Mrs. ©. J. (Cecilia), 26 Junction Roud, READING, Berks. RG1
5SA Tel. 669497 ies

Moon, Mr. A. &., F.R.Met.S., 267 Mount Pleasant Road, HASTINGS, East
Sussex TN34 385

Moore, Mrs. B. (Brenda), 8 Pierces Hill, Tilehurst, READING, Berks RG3
ORB

Morgan, Dr. ©. J. (Chris), 4 Fir Tree Corner, Tadiey, BASINGSTOKE,
Hants RG13 5NE as

Morphew, Mr. DB. (David}, B.Sc., 46 Queens Road, Caversham, READING,
Berks RG4 8DEL

Morris, Mr. Jd. F. (John), Windsor Road, Upper Redlands Road, READING,
Berks

Murphy, Miss A. V., 12 Gurney Drive, READING, Berks .RG4 7LG Tel.
475499 yr pra

Needs, Miss B., 26 Lorne Street, READING, Berks RGIL 7YN

Newing, Miss J. M., 8.A., 16 Maldon Close, READING, Berks RG? 2bH
Tel. 594009 G

Newman, Mr. J. F. (Jim), §8.Sc. FeRs.EsS. & Mrs. B. Ms (Betty), BeSeu;
Earley Cottage, 25 Reech Lane, Earley, READING, Berks RGS 2PT
Tals 58713833

Newman, Mr. J. A. (John) & Mrs. M. (Mary), 37 Sevenoaks Road, Earley, 7
READING, Berks RG6 2PT Tel. 65557

Norris, Mr. P. A. (Peter), 170 Caversham Road, READING, Berks RG! .SAZ®

Notton, Mr. J. H. F. (John), Mrs. M. (Margaret), Gwynneth & David, 16
Crawshay Drive, Emmer Green, READING, Berks RG4 8SX Tel. 475715

Olver, Miss ¢. (Catherine), 38 Naw Road, READING, Berks RG] 50D Tel,
874347 ‘<n

Osorio, Mr. M. (Michael), Walliscote Cottage, Whitchurch, Pangbourne,
READING, Rerks RG& 7DB Tel. Pangbourne 2194

Owen, Dr. H. (Harold), Ph.D., 223 Church Road, Earley, READING, Berks |
RG6 LHW Tel. 61622

Padley Mr..F. C. (Fred), M.8.E., 2 Eldon Place, READING, Berks——-REt
4ED Tel. 582625 bu

Palmer, Mr. 0. C. (Donald) & Mrs. R. (Ruth), 44 Redhatch Drive,
Farley, READING, Berks RG6 20R Tel. 875853.

Parker, Mr. W. d., 17 Meadow Way, Dorney Reach, MAIDENHEAD, Berks a
Tel. Maidenhead 25307

Peacock, Mr, J. (John) & Mrs. C. (Carole}, 9 Wychwood Close, Earley,
READING, Berks RG6 2RB Tel. 867303

-
:

y))
,

# 59 =

Penman, Mr. 8. (Bruce), M.A., 123 Upper Woodcote Road, Cavershan,
READING, Berks RG4 7LB Tel, 472057

Parry, Mrs. A. K. (Amy) & Miss R. (Rowena), 44 Reading Road,
Burghfield Common, READING, Berks RG7 3QA Tel. B'field Common 2696

Phillips, Mr. N. J. (Nigel) & Mrs. J. (Janet), The Warden's House, Bix
Bottom, HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Oxon Tel. Nettlebed 641727

Pont, Mr A. C. (Adrian), THAW M TuBhoL. FI RLE.S.,° Oakleigh’ ,
Gatehampton Road, Goring, PEADING, Berks RGS OEP Tel. Goring
873749

Priest, Mr. A. S, (AIF), & Mrs. I. (Irene), 81 Beverley Road,
Tilehurst, RERDING Berks RG3 5SPU

Ramsdale, Mr. R. (Roland), M.A. & Mrs. R. E. F. (Roberta), 8
Harcourt oe Ne cxates te Berks RGi2 47D Yel. Bracknell 50742

Reed, Mr. B. (praany, 8 Pierces Hill, Tilehurst, READING, Berks RG3
6RB Tel. 414433 RRs 5 tac

Reynolds, Dr. D. J. (Debora), B.V.Sc. Ph.D. M.R.C.V.S., Woottens
Cottage, Bucklebury Common, Upper Woolhampton, READING, Berks RG7
SUA Tel. Woolhampton 712287 iii ilies

Rhodes, Mrs. . F, Sea ae Gain Meat, GS Ti Laniret Road,
READING, Berks RG? 23C el. 5960161

Ryley, Mr. M. (Martin) & mbes R. (Ruth), 8&7 Grange Avenue, READING,
Berks RG6 1DL Tel. 665134 aur

Bandell, Mr. K. A., 95 Porter Road, BASINGSTOKE, Hants RG22 4JR

Sandford, Mt. & Mrs. J. E., ‘St. Elmo", South Stoke Road, Woodcote,
READING, Berks RGS OPL Tel. Ghewendon 681665

Sell, } Mr. M. R. W. (Martin), B-A., 27 FPernbrook Road, Caversham,

[ READING, Berks RG4 7HG Tel. 471170

Shaw, Mr. G. N. (Norman) & Mrs. F. (Edith), 21 Burlington Road,
Tilehurst, READING, Berks RG32.49G Teli. 23600

Siiver, Mr. P. (Peter), 11 Scott Close, Emmer Green, READING, Rerks

| RG4 8NY Tel. 478736 paige

Sinclair, Miss C. (Chris), &.Sc. Ph.D., 82 Cumberland Road, READING,

j Berks RG1 30T Tel. (Work) 861345 wie.

emith, Mr. R. H. (Robert), B.A. M.Sc., 7 Repton Road, Farley, READING,

. Berks RG7 390A

Stafford, Mrs. ©. M., 28 Rowan Close, Sonning Common, READING, Berks

) RG4 9LD

‘Steel, Mrs. C. A. (Caroline), B.Sc. M.Phil., Brasenose Farm, Eastern

me by-pass, OXFORD

Bteven, Dr. E. M. (Eluned}, 9 Wincroft Road, Caversham, READING, Berks

® RG4 7HH Tel. 471505 . zo

Sytad, Mark, 12 Westerham Walk, READING, Berks RG2 OBA

Mumeed, Dr. D. (Doreen), M.A. Ph.D., Dr. G. (Lillian), M.A. Ph.D.,

» Ariadne, Penelope & Helen, 239 Hemdean Road, Caversham, READING,

® Berks RG4 7QX Tel. 471306

Taylor, Mr. B. R. (Brian) & Mrs. M. R. (Margaret), 22 Eliot Close,

» Gmmer Green, READING, Berks RG4 SPP Tel. 476959

Baylor, Miss Kk. F. (Katherine), 6 Cannon Court Road, Furze Platt,
MAIDENHEAD, Berks Tel. Maidenhead 76803

(Thiel, Mrs. H. M., ‘Torbreck', Oatlands Road, Shinfield, READING,

| Berks RG2 SDN Tel. 883577

Tomas, Mr. *. (Ken), 20 Glebe Road, Purley, READING, Berks RG8 8DP

Thomas, Mrs. D. N. (Nansi), B.Sc., 91 St. Peters Avenue, Caversham,
READING, Rerks RG4 7DP Tel. 473412

Townend, Miss S. Y. (Shirley), B.Sc., Flat 6, 74 Wensley Road,

| READING, Berks RGL 6DN Tel. 590778

| Trembath, “Mrs. BE. M. isd 5 Thames Avenue, Pangbourne, READING,

Berks RG& 7BU Tel. Pangbourne 2475

Peeener, Mr. R. W., 123 kee apeebais Terrace, LONDON NW6 3EX Tel. (Work)

Reading 581144 ext. 226 One,

Vick, Mr. G. S. (Graham), B.Sc.,'"Crosstields*, Little, London,
FAST NG STOKE Hants

Walker, Dr. A. Reena, M.Sc. Ph.D., 6 Salcombe Drive, Earley, READING,
Berks RG6 2HU Tel. 666930 Smee t Ti ti

Ward, Mr. J. Lit {d@hn),!) M.Phil. C.Eng, M.1.MechvE.~,;)Mrayw Si (eheida)>
ee Sandra, &.Sc., 19 Uffington Close, Tilehurst, READING, Berks®
RG3 5LY

Watson, Mr. J. F. (John), 36 Goldsmid Road, READING, Berks RG1 7YB

Webb, Mr. J. J3., Mrs. J. {Jean), Andrew & Richard, 13 Crawshaw Drive,
Emmer Green, READING, ae ley RG4 SSX Tel. 475719 :

Webster, Miss S. 0D. (Sarah), &H.A., Plant Sciences Laboratories,
University of Reading, Whig tenes cht. READING, Berks RGO 2AS

Welsh, Mr. J. D. BD. (Jerry), & Mrs. J. {Janet), 56 Grove Road, Sonnings
Common, READING, Berks RG4 ORL Tel. Kidmore End 722137

wWithfiela, Dr. Gl Rk, George), Ph.Ds & Mre,._S..J,, (Jocel injeue eee
‘Ashdown’, Basingstoke Road, Spencers Wood, READING, Berks RG7
IPH Tel. 383672 iia

Wilkinson, Mr. W., 6 Cedar Close, WOKINGHAM, Berks RG1L 1EA Tel.
Wokingham 784249 an eam © .

Wills, Miss A. &. (Anne), Merrie Bells, Church Lane, Arborfield,
READING, Berks RG2 9JB Tel. 760403

Woodman, Mr. A. G., 52 Crescent Road, Tilehurst, READING, Berks RG3
5AH Tel. 28028

Woof, Mr. M- A. (Mike), 119 Whiteknights Road, READING, Berks RG6
2BB. ~Tei+.61782

Young, Mr. D. A. & Mrs. P. (Pauline), 32 Valley Road, Burghfield
Common, READING, Rerks RG7 3NF, Tel. Burghfieid Common 4309

Schools and Institutional Members

Roemer

Alfred Sutton Boys School, Crescent Road, READING, Berks RG1 55R

Bulmershe School, Chequers Way, Woodley, READING, Berks RG5S SEL

Kendrick Girls School, London Road, READING, Berks RG1 538

Reading School, Erleigh Road, READING, Berks RG1 5LW

Science Department, Reading College of Technology, Kings Road,
READING, Berks RGI 4HJ

Southlands School, WNorthumberiand Avenue, READING, Berks RG2 7PY