THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales
Officers and Committee from September 1998
President: M.H. Rickard
Vice-Presidents: J.H. Bouckley, A.R. Busby, Dr N.J. Hards, Dr T.G. Walker, J.R. Woodhams

Honorary General Secretary: Miss J.M. Ide
42 Crown Woods Way, Eltham, London SE9 2NN

Membership Secretary: MSS. Porter, 5 West Avenue, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 9LG
Tel.: 016973 43086

Treasurer: A. Leonard, 11 Victory Road, Portsmouth, Hants. PO1 3DR
E-mail: GBZURALE@IBMMAIL.COM

Meetings Secretary: P.J. Acock, 13 Star Lane, St Mary = Kent BR5 3LJ
Editors of the Fern Gazette: Miss J.M. Camus & J.A. Crabbe

Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, pos SW7 5BD

E-mail: J,CAMUS @NHM.AC.UK

Editor — the Pteridologist: Prof. B.A. Thomas
Department of Geography, University of Wales Lampeter, Lampeter, Ceredigion SA38 7ED

Fax: 01570 424714, E-mail: B. THOMAS @LAMP.AC.UK

Editor of the Bulletin: Miss A.M. Paul
Department of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell —_ London SW7 5BD

ail: AMP@NHM.AC.UK

Editor of BPS WWW Site: A.C. Pigott
Kersey’s Farm, Mendlesham, ene Suffolk IP14 5RB

1: ANTHONY.PIGOTT@BT.COM

Committee: E.J. Baker, L. Kirkham, Miss R.J. cas Mrs M.E. Nimmo-Smith,
MLS. Porter, R.N. Timm, Prof. A.C. Wardlaw, B. Wright

Conservation Officer: R.J. Cooke, 15 Conduit Road, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 1QQ
Spore Exchange Organisers: Mr & Mrs B. Wright
130 Prince Rupert Drive, Tockwith, York YOS 8PU

Plant Exchange Organisers: r & Mrs R.J. Smith

M
184 Solihull Road, Shirley, Solihull, Warwicks. B90 3LG
Booksales Organiser: S.J. Munyard, 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 5NG
Trustees of Greenfield & Centenary Funds: M.H. Rickard, Miss J.M. Ide, A. Leonard

The BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY was founded in 1891 and today continues as a focus for
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~ e Society oaiees
deners, nurseryme n and botanists, both amateur a itd "proteiniond: The ‘Society’ s journals, eae Fh

Gazette, Pteridologist and Bulletin, are published annually. The Fern Gazette agree matter gee gs of
specialist interest on international Pteridology, the Preridologist, ria of more general appeal, an
Bulletin, Society business and meetings reports. WWW site: http://www.nhm.ac. citoosteik: gran
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(Front cover: Leptopteris superba, Prince of Wales Feathers. Illustration from: J. Cea (1892) Ferns
and Fern Culture.)

Back numbers of n Gazette, Pt i le for purchase from
P.J. Acock, palin St Mary Cray, ease 3LJ, Secs oc ene ee oe

THE
BULLETIN
OF THE
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Vol. 5 1998 No. 3

HRH The Prince of Wales
Patron of the
British Pteridological Society

We are delighted to announce that His Royal Highness The Prince of
Wales has agreed to become the British Pteridological Society’s first
Patron.

His Royal Highness has demonstrated a great love for ferns in his
wonderful garden at Highgrove where ferns are cultivated with great
success in some remarkable settings. Most notable are the stumpery,
or Temple Grove, and Wall of Gifts. Both are fine examples of
innovative garden design, using ferns as the main plantings. Both
cultivated and wild ferns feature strongly in other areas of the
Highgrove garden.

The Society is thrilled to have such a high profile Patron who is sure
to increase public awareness of the Society, thus helping to promote
fern study, cultivation and conservation. We hope that, for his part, The
Prince of Wales will benefit from the services and advice provided by
the Society.

Martin Rickard

President
MISSOURI BOTANICAL

FEB2 1999

GARDEN LIBRARY

101

BUCKINGHAM PALACE RECEPTION

Although not really a ferny note, it may interest members to know that because HRH
The Prince of Wales is the Society’s Patron the Society received an invitation to a
reception at Buckingham Palace. After discussion with several senior Society officers it
was decided that I, as President, should be the lucky recipient of the invitation. In due
course it arrived.

“The Master of the Household has received Her Majesty’s command to invite Martin
Rickard to a Reception to be given at Buckingham Palace by the Queen and The Duke
of Edinburgh ... to celebrate the public works of His Royal Highness The Prince of
Wales on the occasion of his Royal Highness’s 50th birthday.”

Needless to say, I was thrilled to have the chance to attend such a high profile reception
and to have the pleasure of seeing inside Buckingham Palace.

The party took place an Friday the thirteenth of November; it was not an unlucky day!
The whole evening was magical. Walking through the front arch of the Palace into the
huge courtyard at 5.30 p.m., we could see the many entertainers and coloured lights in
the main entrance. Once inside it was up a short flight of steps into the Grand Hall
where the Royal College of Music Choir sang a full programme of appropriate songs.
Inevitably there was more! Turning left and up the incredible red carpeted, dead
straight, main stairway with numerous landings to the first floor, we were greeted by the
Royal College of Music Harp Sextet. From here we were allowed to wander at will
through numerous magnificent rooms, in most of which there was some entertainment
laid on, all of the highest quality. It was really all too much to take in!

In all, I believe there were about 800 guests, and of course, as my name badge revealed,
I was there as representative of The British Pteridological Society. Eight hundred guests
may seem quite a lot but when you examine the Prince’s involvement with so many
groups it must have been difficult to limit the numbers. Quite appropriately, The
Prince’s Trust was strongly represented, as were Welsh and Cornish organisations,
conservation groups, military personnel, big business, Palace staff, politicians and show
business and sporting personalities, etc., etc. There was plenty of opportunity to chat
and I hope a few people learnt what pteridological meant that evening! Of course many
of the guests were high profile — the guest list included many members of the Royal
Family, four Prime Ministers, leaders of all the main political parties and about 30
Members of Parliament, including most of the Cabinet. Other familiar names might be
Joan Armatrading, Rowan Atkinson, Rory Bremner, Frank Bruno, Phil Collins, Dion
Dublin, Ben Elton, Dawn French, Stephen Fry, Susan Hampshire, Lenny Henry,
Penelope Keith, Ben Kingsley, Joanna Lumley, Spike Milligan, Vanessa Redgrave and
Sir James Savile. Quite a gathering! I was particularly pleased to see Lady Susana
Walton, the widow of William Walton, one of my fern growing contacts from Italy.

Towards the end of the evening it was a privilege to witness the delightful exchanges
between The Prince and The Queen in the Palace’s ballroom. It was poignant for me to
think that a few years earlier our first and only President Emeritus, Jimmy Dyce, had
been in the same room for his investiture as a Member of the British Empire for his
services to our Society.

My appreciation goes out to all involved with the organisation of this wonderful
evening, but particularly my special thanks goes to Her Majesty The Queen for
including a representative of The British Pteridological Society on the guest list.
Martin Rickard
102

NATIONAL FIELD MEETINGS 1998

HASTINGS, EAST SUSSEX - 23-25 May

Saturday 23 May Steve Munyard
Members and guests assembled at Fairlight Lodge Hotel before driving the twenty
miles north to Sissinghurst Castle Gardens (National Trust) (51/8038). Here we were
able to observe many British and foreign ferns growing amongst the spring flowers in
the garden created by Vita Sackville-West.

Having spent the morning in the gardens we drove to The Oak and Ivy public house at
Hawkhurst for lunch. Suitably refreshed, the group travelled to Winchelsea
(51/904173) to inspect the walls of St Thomas the Martyr Church and other walls
around the village. This is one of the few East Sussex sites for Asplenium ceterach and
Polypodium cambricum. Also seen were Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens,
A. scolopendrium, A, adiantum-nigrum and A. ruta-muraria.

We then made our way to Mark Border’s house, stopping briefly at a roadside verge in
Guestling (51/850148) to view a colony of Ophioglossum vulgatum which extends for
about fifty yards. Bob Finch from Cambridge, a former Hastings resident, had known
this site for more than twenty years. Upon arrival at Mark’s home we were treated to a
tour of his garden which contains many unusual and interesting ferns and other plants.
There was also a display of fossils, including ferns, some of which we hoped to find
examples of the next day. Mark and his family laid on a superb spread of food to provide
us with energy for the next part of this full day.

It was intended that we should then visit a number of sites around Hastings by car.
Unfortunately we lost half the party in the bank holiday traffic but some of us were able
to see Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. scolopendrium, A. trichomanes, Polypodium
interjectum, Athyrium filix-femina and Dryopteris affinis growing in the walls of Christ
Church in St Leonards (51/802093). We continued to Old Roar Gill (51/804117) and
saw, among other ferns, luxuriant plants of Asplenium scolopendrium (including
crested forms), Blechnum spicant, Polystichum setiferum, Dryopteris affinis subsp.
borreri and Equisetum telmateia growing in the damp shady conditions at the site.
This completed a well organised day for which we all owe Mark our thanks.

Sunday 24 May Paul Ripley
Jennifer Ide joined us for our first visit of the day — Powdermill Wood, near Battle
(51/735144). This acid sandstone wood comprises a drier upper part and a lower
stream bed, dammed at one point to create a lake and a rich wetland marshy habitat. In
the drier areas Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilatata and Pteridium aquilinum were
abundant, as was Athyrium filix-femina in the wetter places. In the damper areas
D. carthusiana was common, together with probable examples of its hybrid with
D. dilatata, D. x deweveri. As the wood was explored and we ‘got our eye in’, frequent
examples of D. x deweveri were seen, including stands containing numerous large plants
without either parent and in situations that would be regarded as too dry for
D. carthusiana. These plants were characteristically large and erect, with frond and
scale characters clearly intermediate. Polypodium interjectum was occasionally found,
and a single large Polystichum setiferum in an area where some landscaping was in
progress. Several more plants of the latter were seen here during a reconnaissance visit
the previous autumn. Dryopteris filix-mas was not uncommon, likewise Dryopteris
affinis. D. affinis borreri was the commonest morphotype, but a few distinctive

103

examples of morphotype affinis were also seen. A characteristic foliose form with
almost spathulate pinnules is frequently present in Sussex woods and was seen in this
one. It is never abundant and always occurs as sporadic plants, rather than colonies. Is
this paleaceolobata?

After lunch we were joined by about ten members of the Hastings and District
Geological Society (and by Peter Clare and his family). This proved to be a richly
rewarding joint visit. The Geological Society have made a detailed study of the early
Cretaceous fossil beds for which Hastings is famous. One member has published many
articles and had produced a beautifully illustrated hand-out with meticulously accurate
drawings of fossil ferns and fern allies found in this area. Along the beach at Pett Level
the constant movement of the sea exposes new strata in the soft rocks after every tide.
We were rewarded by seeing specimens of quillworts presented in situ with the original
line of the lake floor clearly visible. Eguisetum lyellii imprints were abundant, and
although members did not find fossilised tree-fern trunks, the Geological Society had
brought a barrow-load of examples with them!

On returning to the Royal Military Canal, Patrick was pleased to find Equisetum
telmateia and E. arvense, as well as the very local bur chervil.

We went on to Steven and Karen Munyard’s house in Hastings where a barbecue and a
superb tea had been prepared. Of course we were also able to see the garden. I never fail
to be amazed at Steven’s greenhouses, where semi-tropical ferns cohabit with frogs and
toads, and where fine fern specimens fit the terrain perfectly. I fear we stayed too long
enjoying Steven and Karen’s generous hospitality and wonderful food, but we were
rewarded by seeing the badgers which had come as usual for their nightly feed.

Monday 25 May Patrick Acock
Our first port of call was a whistle-stop on the Hastings seafront (51/090808) to see a
long established alien in the wall cracks of two basement flats. Since at least 1972
Cyrtomium falcatum has occupied this site close to the sea (Hall, 1980) and a few
mature and immature plants were recorded.

We proceeded to Mark Border’s mother’s house in New Cut, Westfield (51/157810).
Mrs Border has established a magnificent garden of plants surrounding the bungalow.
Mark has of course contributed many ferns including planting a couple of fern borders.
Many plants that Mark finds difficult to grow to maturity in his own soil race away here.
We were grateful to Mrs Border for tea and cake and for opening her home to us.

At a crossroads a short drive away (51/156799) we were enclosed in the most beautiful
Sussex hedgerows, themselves enclosing lovely meadows of flowers. In a deep cutting
we saw many strongly growing common ferns including Dryopteris filix-mas,
D. dilatata, D. affinis subsp. borreri, Athyrium filix-femina and Blechnum spicant. Of
special interest in another arm of the crossroads was a large polypod which could have
been Polypodium x mantoniae; a small fragment is being grown on to seek
confirmation. Six Carex species including Carex hirta were observed in the damp part
of the lane.

After lunching at a pub west of Battle and bidding farewell to a few of our party we
moved on to Rocks Wood (51/577335) south of Frant to look at Dryopteris aemula and
Hymenophyllum tunbrigense. We were disappointed to see how dry the area had
become and although the D. aemula was present in good numbers it was inundated with
bracken. The filmy fern was not thriving in these conditions and looks doomed unless
the canopy restores itself soon or the humidity level rises. The interesting boggy area

104

still has a thriving community of ferns including Dryopteris dilatata, D. carthusiana,
D. affinis subsp. borreri, Athyrium filix-femina and Oreopteris limbosperma.
Dryopteris x complexa and D. x deweveri might occur but were not found on this
occasion (see Ripley 1984).

The final stop of the day was at Eridge Rocks (51/557356) where Hymenophyllum
tunbrigense was again observed but in a more healthy state here, although a fraction of
one mat was worryingly found on the ground, possibly dislodged by a passing animal.

Our thanks go to Paul Ripley, Mark and Rosemary Border and Steve and Karen
Munyard who not only put together a very interesting and diverse weekend but wined
and dined us to the point of exhaustion.

REFERENCES
Hall, P.C. (1980) Sussex Plant Atlas p. 34.
Ripley, P.H. (1984) The British Pteridological Society Bulletin So 14-12,

LLANWRTYD WELLS, POWYS - 31 July - 2 August B. Porter & P.J. Acock

Friday 31 July. Craig Cerrig-gleisiad a Fan Frynych. During the day two of us
visited Craig Cerrig-gleisiad NNR (22/971222). We recorded Oreopteris limbosperma,
Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride), A. trichomanes, Equisetum palustre and
ten other species. In the early evening while the later comers were having something to
eat, six of us, led by Ray Woods, went for a walk out of town alongside the river and
back down the other side.

The hedgerows were full of ferns, mostly Dryopteris filix-mas but amongst the male
ferns we also found D. oreades. It was flourishing quite happily and after much
discussion about glands and pale stems and scales, the consensus was that it really was
D. oreades. We also found Athyrium filix-femina, both the green- and red-stemmed
varieties. There was Polypodium interjectum on an old wall and P. vulgare growing on
a tree. Patrick tried to climb up to it, but even he couldn’t quite reach it, so we had to
decide on its identity from ground level.

Along the road there were a couple of tattered buildings, one of them containing a
hydrogen sulphide well and near here an anomaly in Dryopteris filix-mas caused yet
more discussion. It concerned the indusia; some were much flatter than others which
stood out quite prominently in a sort of truncated kidney-shaped cone. Also, some
plants were nowhere near ripe while others were shedding spores. Near here there was
D. affinis subsp. affinis. We also found Pteridium aquilinum as we got further out into
the country. We crossed the river and came back down another lane. Finally, when it
was nearly dark, we found an Asplenium scolopendrium on a wall just over the bridge
on our way back to the hostel.

Saturday 1 August. Cwm Dyfnant Ravine. We started by exploring the bottom of the
ravine (22/9042). Along the roadside there was Equisetum telmateia and while
scrambling across the river we found E. arvense. We visited the flat marshy area just off
the road at the bottom of the wooded slopes. There were many scattered clumps of
Dryopteris carthusiana, D. dilatata and Athyrium filix-femina and just where the land
began to rise we found both Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and subsp. borreri. There
was much interest and excitement when we managed to distinguish D. x deweveri
(carthusiana x dilatata). Someone found Egquisetum palustre and a very branched
E. fluviatile. We found several E. palustre with cones on all the upper branches as if it

105

was var. polystachyum, but we thought it could be a strategy on the part of the plant to
produce spores, as in each case the main central cone had been damaged.

On our way round to the top of the ravine, we were escorted on to Cillieni Marsh
(22/8838), MoD land, by a civilian employee of the army in a jeep. He looks after the
wildlife in the firing range. We trampled over what seemed to be miles of Molinia
swamp, trying to pick our way through slippery clumps of grass and not slide into deep
wet holes too much. We finally reached the clump of trees which was our objective and
among the Dryopteris carthusiana found Thelypteris palustris, the marsh fern.
Unfortunately there were no fertile stems.

photo: A. Leonard

Cillieni Marsh, Powys.
Sitting on tank: Ray Woods, Mike Wagstaff, Howard Matthews, Robert Sykes, Pat Acock,
Lesley Williams, Jonathan Crowe, Graham Ackers.
Standing: Christine Mullins, Jennifer Ide, Barbara Porter, Doreen Holly, MoD escort,
Keith Holly.

A steep descent into Cwm Dyfnant Ravine (22/9142), courageously tackled by most of
the party, rewarded the most adventurous with Hymenophyllum wilsonii close to the
bottom. Upon their return they discovered that persistence had rewarded the rest of the
party with the same species much nearer the top. Also in the base-rich shale outcrops,
Cystopteris fragilis and Polystichum aculeatum occurred in some abundance.

In the later afternoon, with rain threatening, a somewhat depleted party visited Nant
Irfon NNR in the valley above Abergwesyn (22/8454). The abundance of tussocky
Molinia grass and Steep terrain persuaded others to stick to the rocky ravine beside the
River Irfon where Oreopteris limbosperma occurred in abundance together with
smaller quantities of Phegopteris connectilis. As river levels were high, access for the
intrepid few was gained to the actual reserve by a natural rock arch over the river. A
slog through dense vegetation with a major uphill component brought the party to the

106

narrow, rocky defile of the Nant Hir. A large population of P. connectilis was seen

eside an impressive waterfall with a few clumps of Huperzia selago but no other
outstanding finds. Exceptionally heavy rain on the return trip persuaded members to
ford the river rather than face the rock arch since remaining dry had ceased to be a
consideration. The scenery undoubtedly outshone the ferns at this site.

Sunday 2 August. Allt Rhyd y Groes (22/7846) is a National Nature Reserve. It
consists of a dramatic deep valley where a hanging sessile oak wood grows along two
miles or so of the river. Along the riverside are a series of herb rich meadows where the
damp conditions are ideal for ferns. We stayed here all day and lunched in one of the
meadows, borrowing each others’ insect repellent.

Most of us kept to the path where there was plenty of Pteridium aquilinum as
sometimes the tree canopy was thin and open. There was also Dryopteris filix-mas and
Athyrium filix-femina. On an old farmhouse just before we got to the reserve itself, we
found Polypodium vulgare and Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens on the
wall. We also found Dryopteris dilatata and D. affinis subspp. affinis and borreri in the
reserve itself.

Martin Rickard and Andrew Leonard went exploring up a steep slope where a stream
ran down and found Hymenophyllum wilsonii and then Jonathan Crowe found it on a
big rock not a yard from the path with Phegopteris connectilis. Towards the end of the
reserve Cryptogramma crispa and Huperzia selago were discovered.

photo: J.M. Ide

Ray Woods, Jonathan Crowe, Mike Wagstaff and Howard Matthews (background) discussing
and photographing Cryptogramma crispa at Allt Rhyd y Groes, mid Wales.

The meeting was well attended both days and we would all like to thank Ray Woods for
organising such an interesting weekend and introducing us to his most beautiful ‘patch’.
He’s doing a heroic job in these valleys to keep conservation alive, keeping the forestry
people from planting conifers in every conceivable corner and making sure that
biologically sensitive areas are kept free from invasive roads, sheep and farmers, so we
are doubly thankful that he took time off to arrange it all for us and to accompany us as
well.

107

SOUTH LAKE DISTRICT, CUMBRIA - 10-13 September

Thursday 10 September Barbara Porter
The first visit of this long weekend was to the western shore of Thirlmere along a
narrow road which ran along the lakeside through deciduous woodland rising steeply to
the heights above. In some places along the road were old walls, in others steep banks,
and down the hillsides ran many fast, tumbling and tumultuous streams to join the lake.
It rained!! Ferns were everywhere and they loved it. We took an hour and a half at least
to walk a mile down the road, there were so many ferns. As soon as we got out of the
car park (35/305170) there were banks of ferns facing us, including Dryopteris filix-
mas, D. oreades with its paler scales, and possibly the hybrid between the two, D. x
mantoniae. There were two D. affinis subspecies — affinis and borreri, also D. dilatata,
and just to vary the Dryopteris theme, there were Athyrium filix-femina, Oreopteris
limbosperma and Pteridium aquilinum.

Further along the road we came across Asplenium ceterach in a mortared wall and ten
yards further along there began a stretch of many plants of Cryptogramma crispa. On
the other side of the road on the wall were Polypodium vulgare and Asplenium
trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens. Through a stile about a mile southwards along the
road from the car park, a path led steeply upwards by the side of a tumbling stream full
of water. It was wet and slippery but at the sides of the path were many patches of
Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Phegopteris connectilis. Also higher up there were
Huperzia selago and Dryopteris expansa; the latter was verified by microscope in the
hotel on Friday evening.

After lunch at a local pub we paid a visit to Sizergh Castle gardens (34/497879) — a
National Trust garden, one of the few that is predominantly a haven for ferns. There
were many native species of Dryopteris, Polystichum, Adiantum, Polypodium,
Osmunda, etc., but also many rare varieties and many hardy foreign species. Among
our native ones there was the loveliest and most intensely undulating Osmunda regalis
‘Undulatifolia’. There were man crested, crisped and waved Asplenium
scolopendrium, many crested and divided polypodies, Polystichum setiferum in all
sorts of ‘Divisilobum’ forms, and others. Many foreign Dryopteris such as
D. erythrosora grew there too.

The garden itself is gradually, section by section, being dug over, weeded, and
replanted with the original species. (The rock garden is in this process right now.)
Malcolm Hutcheson, the Head Gardener, has just one assistant and a few volunteer
helpers to look after a large, complex and intricate garden, nursery beds, greenhouses
and a large garden frame dedicated to the development of new ferns.

Sizergh Castle seems to be the only specialist fern garden run by the National Trust and
we all hope that they will continue to nurture and sustain this interest. This is a rare and
beautiful place.

Friday 11 September Graham Ackers
With the weather prospects better than the almost continuous rain of the previous day,
we set off in loose convoy for the hour-long trip to Eskdale, via the scenic Ulpha an
Birker Fell route. The walls and bridge in the vicinity of our first car park (35/128038)
harboured Polypodium vulgare, Asplenium trichomanes and particularly fine clumps of
A. ruta-muraria. This species community became a frequent sight in other similar
habitats during the field meeting. Following a short walk across a rough meadow, Flass
am was reached, with its dominant central vegetation of Juncus species. The
Pteridological interest was provided by some fine, bright green, tangled mats of

108

Pilularia globulifera occupying the
perimeter muddy shallows. After much
admiration and flashing of cameras, it
was left to one or two of us to wonder
why a similar body of
water close by had no sign of
Pilularia.

The starting point for our second site
of the day was the small village of
Eskdale Green (35/142002). Our
walk took us along a dark, gloomy
track lined with woodland to our
left. The ferns dominating the track
sides were Athyrium filix-femina,
Dryopteris affinis subsp. affinis and
D. dilatata. Characteristic and
luxurious growths of Polypodium
vulgare adorned the wall tops. As
the track emerged into the open, the
ferns lining our route changed, with
Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris affinis

subsp. cambrensis, Oreopteris

limbosperma an Pteridium

aquilinum being most noticeable. The photo:.A. Leonard
track led to our intended site, Miterdale Members looking at Pilularia at Flass Tarn.

Wood, where, crossing a stream, we

immediately came across several lovely clumps of Osmunda regalis. As their rhizomes
were of comparatively modest proportions for this species, it is possible these
specimens were fairly young, with frond lengths of about one metre. The wood was very
boggy in places, the woodland floor being dominated by carpets of Sphagnum moss.
Other fern species were widely scattered, with small specimens of Dryopteris dilatata
being dominant, often clustered around tree bases and thus avoiding the wettest
substrates. Plants of D. carthusiana were also present, as possibly were D. x deweveri
(unsurprisingly, some identification doubts lingered!). Perhaps surprisingly, bracken
was also present, seemingly happily emerging from the boggy conditions — is there
anywhere this plant will not grow?! Occasional specimens of Athyrium filix-femina and
the ubiquitous Oreopteris limbosperma were seen. Blechnum spicant occupied a
characteristic niche on the somewhat drier banks surrounding the bog. This was a
lovely area of woodland, enhanced by the bubbling River Mite, along the bank of
which was noticed a stand of Phegopteris connectilis. But taken together, the ‘stars’ of
the wood were the royal ferns.

Our next site was an even finer area of woodland, Milkingstead Wood (34/153996).
Our route into the wood was lined with Dryopteris dilatata, Oreopteris limbosperma
and Phegopteris connectilis. On entering the wood itself, we proceeded to inspect the
face of a large crag on which was a good stand of Hymenophyllum wilsonii. A short
walk took us to another crag harbouring H. tunbrigense. This was an excellent
opportunity to study the field characters that serve to differentiate these two filmy fern
species, in particular frond shape and the extent to which the fronds are pressed to the
substrate. The party then scattered to explore the wood and its many crags, when
further isolated patches of both species were found, doing battle with the abundant

109

mosses. Both the crags and the woodland floor were dominated by mosses of many
species, providing a wonderful, verdant tapestry clothing the whole wood. The trees
were mainly oak and silver birch, with all tree species being distributed according to
their preferences for wetter or drier ground. Once again, Dryopteris dilatata was
common, some Oreopteris limbosperma was observed and Blechnum spicant occupied
bank sites. Some time ago, Francis Rose reported a number of plants of Dryopteris
aemula in this wood, unfound in searches conducted in recent years. However, with the
agility of a mountain goat, our intrepid fern hunter Patrick Acock traversed and combed
the whole area, finally encountering three specimens of — Dryopteris aemula! Various
whoops and cries of delight followed, whereupon the rest of the party entered into a
love/hate relationship with the finder!

A short drive took us from an evocative wood to an even more evocative gorge. The
beautiful trail took us along the west side of Stanley Ghyll (34/174997), the sides of
which became increasingly narrower and steeper. Eventually, we arrived at a series of
bridges crossing the ghyll, which at this point was flowing through a verdant and humid
gorge, reminiscent in many ways of similar gorges in Madeira. The fern flora was
equally luxuriant, with curtained stands of Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis
subsp. cambrensis and D. dilatata. Hymenophyllum wilsonii clothed many of the rocks
and Blechnum spicant and Phegopteris connectilis the banks. Also observed in less
Steep areas were Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Oreopteris limbosperma and Dryopteris
filix-mas (generally uncommon in such humid locations). Some of the Dryopteris
species showed evidence of deer grazing and significant areas of the gorge had been
invaded by inaccessible plants of Rhododendron ponticum. However, the piéce de
résistance was the magnificent waterfall (Stanley Force) at the end of the path, a fine
view of which was available from a platform outcrop.

A splendid day’s ferning was completed by the highly scenic and slightly awesome
return drive via the Hardknott and Wrynose Passes, and an evening microscope session
courtesy of Barry Wright to observe some of the finer ferny structures.

Saturday 12 September Jonathan Crowe
While members of the committee were holding their meeting, the remaining Society
members visited Brantwood House (34/312958), former home of W.J. Linton and
subsequently Ruskin.

The gardens are being restored to the ideals established by Ruskin in a most sensitive
and imaginative way; the fern collection complements his landscape philosophy of
using the natural materials to hand. Sally Beamish, the Head Gardener, took us on a
fascinating guided tour of the work being done, explaining Ruskin’s design for the
garden and the way it is now being restored in sympathy with the plant habitats and the
romantic symbolism of the structure created by Ruskin.

Of particular interest to members was the Fern Garden. This has been laid out in three
ascending terraces under a tree canopy, the lowest terrace devoted to ferns native to
Coniston, followed on the next terrace by cultivars or forms of the fern species
originally found in the Coniston area (with a ‘normal’ example of each species for
comparison), and finally on the top terrace examples of ferns found elsewhere
throughout the county. The stimulus for this collection was primarily taken from The
Ferns of the English Lake Country, an exquisite early fern Flora of the county
researched, written and illustrated at Brantwood by W.J. Linton in 1865. The garden
tour offered magnificent views of the lake and crags beyond, made all the more
beautiful by the clear sunlight which followed an early morning of rain and thunder.

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After the AGM a group of enthusiasts led by Marjorie and Jack Garstang set out in
torrential rain for a brief walk around the environs of Coniston. They were well
rewarded; the waterfalls in Coppermines Valley were spectacular after the downpour,
the clouds cleared away to give superb views of the fells, and a wide range of ferns was
seen. Walls in the village held Asplenium ceterach, A. ruta-muraria and
A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and there was a fine plant of Osmunda regalis in a
cottage garden. On the way up to the Coppermines Valley Asplenium adiantum-
nigrum, Polypodium vulgare and P. interjectum were seen on trackside walls while
Cryptogramma crispa and
Oreopteris limbosperma
were everywhere. Near the
waterfalls (34/294980)
Polystichum aculeatum and
Asplenium scolopendrium
were noted, while in woods
just above Coniston, there
was a good selection of
Dryopteris, including
D. affinis subspp. affinis
and borreri. On the final
half-mile to the hotel some

subsp. quadrivalens were photo: courtesy A.C. Wardlaw
Martin Rickard, Eric Baker and Alastair Wardlaw after dinner
nearby were some creste following AGM at Coniston.

forms of Athyrium filix-

femina.

Sunday 13 September Neil Timm
On a clear bright morning Jack and Marjorie Garstang led a group of twenty-nine
members to the nature reserve at Hay Bridge (34/336876). Here we first visited a
marshland habitat with a thin cover of small, scattered birch trees which is, we were
told, subject to tidal flooding. Here the main point of interest was to be Osmunda
regalis, and we were pleased to see many large clumps, plus a number of smaller plants
which seemed to indicate that it was actively regenerating. Some members were
unfortunately forced to view them from a distance due to the extreme wetness of the
site, which also yielded Dryopteris carthusiana, D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Athyrium
filix-femina and Pteridium aquilinum. We then walked a short distance to the woodlan
part of this reserve where the same group of ferns (except Osmunda) were to be seen,
together with Dryopteris affinis subspp. affinis and borreri, Oreopteris limbosperma
and a good stand of Phegopteris connectilis. Polypodium vulgare and Blechnum
spicant were seen on the roadsides back to the car park. The interest of this site was
further raised by a display of artefacts belonging to traditional woodland craftsmen,
including a kiln used in the burning of bracken in order to produce potash for the soap
industry in a process described to us by Jack Garstang.

We then drove, now under the leadership of Mike Porter, the short distance to Roudsea
Wood (34/330827), an old favourite with the BPS. Here we saw the newly
rediscovered Thelypteris palustris which we found to be spread over quite a large area.
Here also were Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris affinis subsp. borreri, D. carthusiana,
D. dilatata, D. filix-mas, Equisetum arvense, E. palustre, Phegopteris connectilis,

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photo: A. Leonard
Matt Busby beside large clump of Osmunda regalis at Hay Bridge.

Polypodium vulgare and Pteridium aquilinum. The rocks in the reserve gave us a small
but choice selection of spleenworts, namely Asplenium trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens, A. scolopendrium and A. adiantum-nigrum. There was not,
unfortunately, time to see the Osmunda.

After a lunch well organised in advance by Mike, a smaller number of members drove
to Hutton Roof (34/552788) to look at the limestone pavements. Here we saw
Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, Dryopteris affinis subsp.
borreri, D. dilatata, Gymnocarpium robertianum, Phegopteris connectilis, Asplenium
scolopendrium, Polypodium interjectum, Polystichum aculeatum and Pteridium
aquilinum. Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum (A. viride) was also found but only after a
long search and much climbing over rocks which meant that some members were not
able to see it. Nearly all, however, were able to see Dryopteris submontana and its
main features were explained for the benefit of those not familiar with this plant.

Finally, members wandered back to their transport, enjoying the good views which the
clear but windy day
provided from the
crest of the hill. We
thanked our leader
for such an enjoyable
and smooth-running
visit, and then as a
bonus Cystopteris
fragilis was found
growing at the foot of
a wall by the parking
place, giving us a
total of twenty-five

photo: A. Leonard

i imes av on Roof.
rewarding day. Barry Wright and Mike Porter on limestone pavement at Hutt

112

LECTURE MEETINGS AND DAY VISITS 1998

SPRING INDOOR MEETING, CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN, LONDON —
7 March
“My Life as a Pteridologist”

It is always a pleasure for the Society to meet at the Chelsea Physic Garden, with its
good facilities and fine gardens. These were looking particularly vibrant (and tidy!)
after a mild winter. Saving the main theme of the meeting until the afternoon, the
morning was dedicated to members’ slides. These sessions are always a risk, as one
never knows whether anyone is actually going to turn up with any slides! Such fears
were soon dispelled by some very interesting presentations.

Graham Ackers started with a few slides of ferns of Long Island, New York, with
particular emphasis on those liking to get their feet wet. Jennifer Ide, recently returned
from New Zealand, presented pictures which were taken mainly from a single foray in
the Dunedin area. As there had been considerable wind, Jennifer’s tripod could not be
deployed, and so the photographs were taken using flash. New Zealand is relatively rich
in ferns, and we were treated to fine pictures of species of Blechnum (several),
Lycopodium, Polystichum, Cyathea, Hymenophyllum, Leptopteris, Tmesipteris and
Asplenium. Rob Cooke followed with a few slides from La Gomera, requesting
assistance with identification of the ferns. The New Zealand theme resumed with more
fine slides from Christine Mullins. Johannes Vogel then presented a fascinating tutorial
on the European species of Diphasiastrum and their hybrids. Owing to their variability,
it is possible to view this group on a continuum, and one school of thought maintains
that they could all be the same species. Diphasiastrum spp. (or sp.!) are very attractive,
and most photogenic, as Johannes’ beautiful slides showed. The final show o the
morning was presented by Peter Richardson, whose theme was the Gleicheniaceae.
Many of the slides shown were of Gleichenia and Dicranopteris species from around
the world. Peter pointed our their preference for bare but undisturbed soil, and how in
their tropical locations they behave ecologically rather like bracken in the British Isles.
A fascinating account was given also of the unusual branching morphology of their
fronds.

There never seems to be sufficient time on these occasions to do justice to the gardens
and greenhouses. The main impression of my own whistle-stop tour was of the fine
collection of Macaronesian ferns, housed in considerably more opulence than my own
collection from the same region!

During the afternoon, five BPS member pteridologists gave personalised accounts of
their careers. Chris Page started the afternoon by relating his birth during a bombing
raid, perhaps resulting in his later developed determination to succeed at whatever he
set his mind upon. Early interests in natural history emerged in the form of fossil
hunting, and the evocative recollection as a young child of wading through a ‘forest’ of
horsetails to reach a small bay by the sea. At university, he had the good fortune to
benefit from the tutorship of Trevor Walker, and they became kindred spirits. He also
had the encouragement of Clive Jermy. Chris identified six ways in which he had set
about his study of ferns — field observations, collection for herbarium study,
photography, laboratory studies, glasshouse studies and taxonomic presentation. How
much less might we have known about ferns had we not grown them in cultivation
either in a glasshouse or the garden? As to why Chris retained his interest in ferns, again
six reasons were identified:—

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Working with a plant group that has a good fossil record,

Working with plants which have a good temperate and tropical diversity,

Working with a plant group which is well represented on islands,

Working with plants that can be extensively cultivated,

Working with a plant group that includes practical subjects for laboratory analysis,
Working in a natural environment in which pteridologists are themselves
‘indigenous’.

In an elaboration of the last point, Chris cited the BPS, and indicated how

pteridologists work well as a team, each contributing something to the jigsaw. My
overall impression from Chris’ talk is that the spirit of the Victorian naturalist lives on!

Mary Gibby opened her talk by pointing out that her interests were in several fields of
botany, not simply pteridology. She grew up adjacent to the Lake District, from where
her love of plants was born. At Leeds University, she was inspired by the lectures of
Prof. Irene Manton, then in her 60s. She learnt about biosystematics from John Lovis,
another of her lecturers. Mary did her PhD at Liverpool University, investigating the
origins of Dryopteris dilatata, which she determined to be D. intermedia x D. expansa.
She then joined the Natural History Museum, and started her association with the
Chelsea Physic Garden. She continued her work on Dryopteris, citing Hugh Corley as
one of her inspirations in this work. Travels had included a trip to Guernsey to advise
on the conservation of the rare hybrids Asplenium x microdon and A. x sarniense. Prof.
Manton had initiated a study of the ferns of Madeira, which Mary continued,
culminating in her writing (with Alison Paul) the pteridophyte section of the Flora of
Madeira. Mary concluded her talk by showing a slide of her various colleagues at the
Natural History Museum and describing their contributions to the world of pteridology.

Adrian Dyer started his contribution by explaining that his early inclinations had been
towards coelenterates, mineralogy and archaeology, as well as flowering plants. He
studied botany at university, developing a dislike of ferns, which he did not therefore
study during the first part of his career! He decided on cytogenetics, which formed the
subject of a PhD at Oxford University, using trilliums as the research subject. The early
part of his career as a university lecturer was devoted to teaching cytogenetics and plant
breeding. This led, via investigations of cell division and differentiation, to an interest
in ferns, and in particular to a study of the effect of environmental conditions on
gametophyte development. He has considered what determines where a fern will grow,
and whether the two phase life cycle is a help or a hindrance. He has also studied the
biology of bracken spores and their potential as a health hazard. His more recent
interests have been the study of soil spore banks and he has grown many species from
soil samples. Following on from this, Adrian has concluded that full investigation of the
reproductive biology of ferns requires more work on the identification of gametophytes,
even in the well studied British flora. Adrian concluded by taking us on a pictori
whistle-stop tour of various locations around the world to which fern studies have taken
him, and showing the fern collection in his garden. And the aspect of his work he
enjoyed the least? The midges in Scotland!

Like Adrian, Liz Sheffield admitted to being a ‘hemi-pteridologist’. She professed to
having been a reluctant botanist, but received inspiration in her student years from the
lectures of Barry Thomas, with whom she also hunted for fossils. Liz’s main
pteridological focus, instigated by Peter Bell, has been the study of bracken, including
its reproduction. In studying its sporogenesis, she has concluded that bracken has a
surprisingly inefficient reproductive system. The gametophyte is very difficult to find in
the field. In studying vegetative reproduction, she pointed out that bracken rhizomes

114

last about 30 years or so. Thus, determining whether a stand of bracken results totally
from vegetative reproduction or not cannot be determined by digging! She showed
some biochemical methods which can do so. Her studies have taken her to Hawaii,
where bracken is an early coloniser of lava flows. Liz had also been inspired by Chris
Haufler, from whom she gained much of her biochemical knowledge. She noted that in
the US bracken is not a weed as it is in the British Isles. Liz concluded by showing
slides of various newspaper articles reporting on the potential danger from bracken
spores, in many cases illustrated by pictures of other ferns!

Having been raised in Norfolk, Clive Jermy studied botany at University College
London, where Peter Bell was Clive’s mentor. After an early spell of teaching, Clive
joined the Natural History Museum to look after the Fern Section with Jim Crabbe.
Clive paid homage to the various colleagues, both past and present, with whom he had
worked during his years at the Museum. He was also grateful to have been befriended
by Trevor and Molly Walker in 1959, and Trevor invited him to visit Trinidad in 1963.
After some surreptitious vetting by the then BPS hierarchy, Clive was invited to be
editor of the British Fern Gazette which he developed into an international journal but,
in retrospect, he regretted changing its name simply to the Fern Gazette. He reminisced
on his early associates in the BPS — Jimmy Dyce, Fred Jackson and Reg Kaye. Clive
was very active botanising in Britain and Ireland with the BPS and BSBI and collected
for the Museum in 17 European countries and made expeditions/excursions to Trinidad,
New Guinea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, India, Nepal, Costa Rica, Canada and the
USA. Throughout his career, he has been concerned about man’s interaction with the
natural world, matters such as the depletion of forests being a particular concern. He
was Founder Chairman of the International Association of Pteridologists and serves on
the IUCN Plant Conservation Subcommittee, where, with David Given, he is working
on a Conservation Status survey and an Action Plan for Ferns.

photo: A.C. Wardlaw

Clive Jermy, Mary Gibby, Chris Page, Liz Sheffield and Adrian Dyer
at Chelsea Physic Garden.

There is a risk in organising a meeting such as this that attendees might be subjected to
an overdose of self-indulgence from the speakers. However, this was far from the case,
all the pteridologists presenting highly entertaining accounts of their lives, striking
excellent balances between the autobiographical and matters ferny. The consensus was
that we had all attended a highly successful meeting.

Graham Ackers

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RHS GARDENS, WISLEY, WOKING, SURREY - 13 June

We met at the entrance to the Royal Horticultural Society gardens at 10.30, where our
leader for the day, Andrew Leonard, introduced us to Mike Grant, a botanist at Wisley,
who had agreed to be our guide for the day.

We started in a pleasant walled garden where the ferns, though few, were an interesting
mix of Polystichum setiferum varieties and other Polystichum species. We moved on to
the wooded area where the small stream and damp conditions allow a number of British
species and varieties and also American hardy ferns to grow to their full potential. Most
notable were the osmundas. There was much discussion over the varieties of Osmunda
regalis, particularly var. spectabilis, which seemed to reach spectacular heights.

In the rock garden we were impressed by the number of ferns that have become
established over the years. Amongst the plantings, Pseudophegopteris levingei made a
most pleasant and generous ground cover. Above the rock garden the Alpine House
was home to a number of interesting friends, including Cheilanthes and Asplenium
species, as well as a few more unusual plants.

We broke for lunch and then picked up the trail again in the greenhouses where there
are a large number of well grown ferns hanging, climbing and some just colonising
where they felt happiest. Some passers-by were amused at the discussions on Adiantum
raddianum varieties in one display. Apparently they were just being used as a backdrop
for the orchids which some of our number had failed to notice...

Outside the houses in the pouring rain we admired the very fine fern border which
despite its (normally!) sunny drying position seems to grow better each time we see it.
On we went to see the Dicksonia antarctica which have now survived three winters.
Soaked by now we dripped for a while on the herbarium steps while a few sensible
members retired to the bookshop. Inside, Mike introduced us to the nature of the
herbarium which specialises mainly in cultivars. At this point we each took out sheets
reflecting our own interests.

We finally thanked Mike for all his efforts during the day and I guess he must have
enjoyed it a little because he said we could make it an annual event.
Patrick Acock

MIDLANDS FERN SHOW, UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK, COVENTRY -

18 July
Nineteen members attended this annual event which is an opportunity to see and exhibit
ferns. During the morning members paid a visit to my garden and I was most obliged
that several members agreed to relieve me of several roots of Pseudophegopteris
levingei which was spreading through my polytunnel at an alarming rate, threatening to
Swamp many other small treasures. During the morning I gave a short talk on the history
of my garden and I am indebted to Jennifer Ide for the following report:
If you didn’t go you missed a treat!
By 11 o'clock, most competitors had arrived with their plants and assembled them in
the show room, one or two requiring some ‘repairs’ due to disarrangement occurring in
transit. Untangling fronds is, I suppose, an inevitability when they are nearing four feet
in height and have travelled 70 or more miles to get there! It was obvious to all
competitors that their plants were facing even greater competition than in previous
years. It must be very gratifying to Matt to see the show, which he instigated, steadily
growing in size and with standards rising each year.

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For members attending, the sheer pleasure of seeing beautifully grown plants is well
worth the effort of going to this meeting at Warwick University even if you do not enter
the show. Most of the entrants have never entered plants at shows before exhibiting
here, so why not try it next year? You may surprise yourself!

After a quick cup of coffee we all assembled in a nearby lecture room to hear Matt
describe his initiation and subsequent developing interest in ferns, and in particular, the
development of his garden at Kirby Corner Road, with a few compromises to keep
Margaret happy! I always find it a joy to listen to Matt; you know that you are in for an
informative talk laced with wit and a quiet sense of humour! Today was no exception.

Matt’s interest in ferns dates from his days as a science technician at Aston University
hen, as the result of one of his own suggestions, he was given the task of building up a
living collection of ferns for teaching purposes. (That'll l’arn ya’, Matt!) An early
acquisition was an eight foot tree-fern which turned up as a result of a request to Chris
Page at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh for help in provisioning the collection!

Matt’s first fern garden was just eight foot square at the front of his and Margaret’s first
home in Smethwick, near Birmingham. On moving to 16 Kirby Corner Road, Coventry
in 1985, Matt inherited a larger, though still small but useful sized garden, which, in his
own words, “had previously had a great deal of expense and expertise spent on
planning and laying out the lawn and one apple tree!” The snag? Heavy clay soil! It
may be hard work and it may crack but it at least it doesn’t dry out!

The soil was so heavy that Matt was forced to hire a rotovator to dig a border alongside
the straight path Margaret required for hanging out her washing (compromise no.1!).
(Later Margaret was persuaded that she could still hang clothes out from a ‘bent’ path!)
This border today boasts a fine collection of lady ferns and hellebores. He planted
several bushes in strategic places to provide shade and acquired a greenhouse from a
neighbour in which to grow some of the more tender ferns. A large trough sink, rejected
by the college where he worked, was converted into a raised bed for alpine and
maritime plants to provide interest near the house. Matt experimented with bamboos as
a curtain shade, but the shade was too deep. Marital harmony was retained when Matt
agreed to Margaret’s wishes for a pond, but the clay soil defeated efforts to make a
large one, and so a small pond and a bog garden were created instead! This still left
some lawn on which Margaret could sunbathe (compromise no.2!).

A more recent and developing interest of Matt’s is growing foreign hardy ferns. He has
a theory that such ferns do better if kept dry in winter and has constructed a large
polythene tunnel for this purpose. Runner beans grown on the sunny side of the tunnel
in the summer provide green shade for the plants inside. A collection of male ferns do
well on the shady side of the tunnel and at the far end is a fine Cupressus macrocarpa
to provide shade, grown unexpectedly large, from seed from Tunisia! At the far end of
the garden raised benches support Matt's NCCPG collection of osmundas, potted and
standing in trays in order to maintain the moisture these plants require.

In different parts of his garden Matt has experimented with combinations of ferns and
other plants. One of the most successful is in his front garden. Here he has planted the
scaly male ferns varieties Dryopteris affinis ‘Revolvens’, ‘The King’, “Ramossisimum
Wright’ and ‘Stableri’ with winter flowering heathers. The heathers provide shade for
the fern roots in summer and give colour and ground cover in winter.

Matt’s talk was followed by the practical demonstration — a conducted tour of his
garden. There are many other goodies in the garden not mentioned and not a few of us

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came away with carrier bags holding samples of “some of the more aggressive ferns” —
and others!

The show judge was Mrs Rita Coughlin assisted by Mrs Margaret Collins and the
results were:

Class | — One Pot Fern (any kind or variety)

Ist Mr L. Kirkham, 2nd Mr A.H. Ogden, 3rd Mr R.J. Smith
Class 2 — Three Pot Ferns (any kind or variety)

Ist Mr L. Kirkham, 2nd Mr L. Kirkham, 3rd Mr R.J. Smith
Class 3 — One Pot Equisetum (any kind or variety)

Ist Miss J.M. Ide, 2nd Mr PJ. Acock, 3rd Mr P.J. Acock
Class 4 — One Pot Aquatic Fern (Azolla, Salvinia or Marsilea only)

Ist Mr P.J. Acock

This year saw the innovation of a points system, with the exhibitor amassing the most
points over all classes to receive the J.W. Dyce Trophy. Mr L. Kirkham was awarded
the trophy having achieved eight points.

photo: J.M. Ide

Matt Busby (left) presenting Lawrence Kirkham with the J.W. Dyce Trophy
at the Midlands Fern Show.

During the afternoon members were able to peruse a collection of ferny postcards
collected by Jennifer Ide during her recent visit to New Zealand, pictures sure to whet
the appetite for a visit to that wonderfully ferny country. Jennifer also exhibited non-
competitively an arrangement of ferns with other plants in a container. This may form
the basis for a new competitive class in future shows.

My sincere thanks to everyone who attended the meeting and especially to all the
exhibitors, to Brenda Smith for overseeing the refreshments, to Margaret Collins -_
acting as Show Steward, to Rita Coughlin for judging the ferns and to Jennifer Ide for
her contribution to this report.

A.R. Busby

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REGIONAL MEETINGS 1998

LEEDS & DISTRICT Barry Wright

Raydale and Wensleydale, North Yorkshire — 20 June

The day dawned clear and bright for the first of our excursions. The fine, mild weather
was to become a feature of our field trips during a year when others seemed less
fortunate! We assembled on the village green of Marsett in a short valley — Raydale —
off Wensleydale, near Bainbridge (34/933862). The object of the morning was to
explore Bardale Beck, a typical mountain stream which cuts its way through the
Carboniferous Limestone bedrocks on its way to Semer Water. There were small
waterfalls and associated clifflets less than 2m high that supported a fern flora of
Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum (syn. A. viride) and A. ruta-muraria. On the steep
banks associated with one of the waterfalls (34/893861) and under some trees were
small colonies of Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas and a few
Polystichum aculeatum. There were also some epiphytic plants of Polypodium vulgare
nestling in the humid shade on the north bank.

Some 30m further upstream there was a real cliff —- 6m high — supporting Cystopteris
fragilis, Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and more Polypodium vulgare.
Still further upstream we searched, in vain, for Botrychium lunaria, But, we did find
moderate quantities of Selaginella selaginoides. Both species are best looked for before
the sheep have had too long on the fells to eat all of the above-ground parts.

In the damp grasslands bordering the stream were both Equisetum arvense and
E. palustre; the latter was fruiting well in some colonies. Curiously, there was a low pile
of stones near the stream which supported Asplenium trichomanes-ramosum,
Cystopteris fragilis and Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens. An odd collection
for what seemed to be a fairly recent pile of boulders.

En route to the pub for lunch we stopped off at a known station for Botrychium lunaria
at 34/984899. In addition to the moonwort, there were also a few Selaginella
selaginoides and Equisetum palustre plants.

After suitable refreshment we tackled the very ferny Gillfield or Condenser Wood near
Preston-under-Scar (44/077917). This extensive woodland was remarkable for the lack
of Pteridium aquilinum and the abundance of ‘good’ ferns such as Dryopteris filix-mas,
Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata and several subspecies of D. affinis. Without
confirmation the specimens were closest to subspp. affinis, borreri, cambrensis and
robusta. There was an outcrop of limestone rock along one valley which was home to
Polystichum aculeatum, Cystopteris fragilis and Asplenium trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens.

All-in-all a good day out, with only a hint of rain as we headed back to the cars.

Cotterdale, Hawes, North Yorkshire — 4 July

Not quite a BPS meeting, but one to which we were invited by the Yorkshire
Naturalists Union. They were short on pteridological expertise and asked if we would
like to join them. So we met up at the head of Cotterdale — another short valley leading
off from Wensleydale. We were to cover a stretch of West Gill from 34/831938 to
34/821959.

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Again another glorious mild and sunny day for a full and rewarding excursion. At the
start-point the bridge was colonised by Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens
and A. ruta-muraria. Progressing up the valley there were patches of both Equisetum
arvense and E. palustre, with odd plants of Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Athyrium
filix-femina, Oreopteris limbosperma and Blechnum Spicant.

At a shale cliff (10m high) there were calcicolous elements to the fern flora with the
addition of Cystopteris fragilis, Polystichum aculeatum, Asplenium trichomanes subsp.
quadrivalens and A. trichomanes-ramosum. Phegopteris connectilis and Polypodium
vulgare were also present. In this area there were very few Dryopteris affinis subspp.
affinis and borreri with the ubiquitous Pteridium aquilinum. Further up still there was
a magnificent stand of Phegopteris connectilis on the side of the stream beside a small
waterfall. Also, curiously, this species was growing within 10cm of a plant of Asplenium
trichomanes-ramosum in a limestone crevice on a dry waterfall on a small tributary
some 30m away from the stream.

At the end of the long trek up the valley there was a treat. From a distance across on the
northern wall of the waterfall at Seavy Sike Force (34/821959) I saw a horsetail whose
name I dared not speak in case it turned out to be something entirely different. But it
looked, through binoculars, to be Equisetum variegatum. It was in fact that species, and
a superb colony, clinging to the dripping ledges next to the main fall. One of the
reasons for hesitation was the presence of E. arvense intermixed with the
E. variegatum. This was a new 10km square record and vindicated our presence on the
excursion. Honour intact, we returned to base to see a specimen of E. sylvaticum which
had been collected by a YNU member down by the stream in the village.

Falcon Clints, Teesdale, Durham — 11 July

A truly marvellously sunny and warm morning set the tone for another typical northern
fern excursion. Having pondered over the identity of some marsh orchids at the meeting
place (35/847310) near Langdon Beck we set off to walk the 2km to the start of the
rocks and scree which formed the base of the infamous Falcon Clints (former home to
Woodsia ilvensis). We couldn’t get the key to the gate from English Nature because
there were no disabled members in our party and we could not possibly have taken
anyone with disabilities across such terrain; so we were in a ‘catch 22’ situation — talk
about bureaucracy!

Having passed a few flushes with Equisetum palustre on the way, we started the
scramble at 35/832286. We had a good start with one of those boring Teesdale rarity
flowering plants, Saxifraga aizoides or something(!), plus a really good find of some
Selaginella selaginoides. Things went a bit downhill after that with Pteridium
aquilinum, but soon began to pick up with some good stands of Dryopteris oreades in
the boulder scree. Other species included Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-femina,
Dryopteris dilatata, Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens, Huperzia selago,
Polypodium vulgare and Cryptogramma crispa. With the boulders comprising a mix of
limestone and acidic rocks, the fern flora was also mixed, with Cystopteris fragilis,
Asplenium ruta-muraria and Polystichum aculeatum in the more calcareous areas and
in Crevices in limestone blocks.

On the cliffs above the scree there was a limestone sandwich, with igneous rocks above
and below a seam of limestone which was some one metre thick. Where the limestone
interfaced with the upper bed of the igneous rocks there were scattered plants of

120

Polystichum lonchitis. Also along this cliff were Dryopteris filix-mas and
Gymnocarpium dryopteris.

Back down to the boulder scree and on to search for ‘Ken’s Big Rock’. This is a huge
monolithic rock standing at the foot of the scree close to the river where Ken Trewren
had assured our leader (John Durkin) that there was a colony of Dryopteris expansa
and also a possible hybrid between it and D. dilatata — D. x ambroseae. We were
certainly convinced, particularly in view of the location. The D. expansa was growing
in large boulder scree of some half metre dimensions. This fits with a similar site near
Thirlmere where the D. Ate grows in almost identical circumstances of massive
boulder scree. As at Thirlmere, the D. expansa at ‘Ken’s Rock’ was surrounded by
lesser boulder scree (less than fae metre dimensions) supporting the more common
D. dilatata. Hence the potential for hybridisation was high; there did seem to be at least
one plant which was intermediate between the two parents.

The only other excitement was when we reached Cauldron Snout (35/814286) and
found some Phegopteris connectilis and a handsome plant of Dryopteris affinis subsp.
affinis growing in the spray of the falls.

As a coda, we tripped off downstream on the path from the car parking spot to see a
good colony of Equisetum pratense.

photo: courtesy B. Wright

Betsy Kohler, John Durkin, Paul Ruston and Barry Wright
at Cauldron Snout waterfall, Teesdale.

Harlow Car Botanic Garden, Harrogate — 25 July

The good weather continued for one of our horticultural meetings which was organised
by Jack Bouckley to show members the state of the NCCPG National Collections of
Dryopteris and Polypodium. And what a state they were in. Despite Jack’s best efforts
the labelling left a lot to be desired. Species which had been correctly identified in the
past no longer had their labels. There were many interesting species, but no-one knew
what they were. Some of the labels were wrong, even in the eyes of relative novices. It
was a very handsome and attractive collection in a fine setting, but it begs the question,
“is this the best place to house such collection?” Only time will tell.

121

One of the jobs we had to do whilst we were there was to remove some of the invading
Gymnocarpium dryopteris (both the normal and plumose forms) and Phegopteris
connectilis from their shade house. Thankfully it comes out very easily and members
went home with bagfuls of the stuff.

photo; courtesy B. Wright

Neil Timm, Paul Ruston and Richard Unett weeding out oak fern
at Harlow Car Gardens, Harrogate.

Finally, after a speedy car-boot fern exchange we rounded off the day with a quick trip
to Tockwith to look at my garden and relieve me of some of my surplus ferns, all in aid
of group funds. I had spent much of the previous two weeks struggling to finish off my
first attempt at a shade house. This was only 18ft x 8ft, but was stocked with 49
different taxa all of which were found to dislike the almost total lack of shade in the
open garden. Shade houses make marvellous places to hide from digging and washing-
up!

Todmorden, West Yorkshire — 15 August

With the weather continuing to be mild and sunny the assembled few set off to
hopefully track down some old fern records for Atlas 2000. We started at Sheddon
Clough (44/893297) looking hopefully for Gymnocarpium robertianum, Asplenium
trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and A. adiantum-nigrum. All to no avail. However,
we did find Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Cystopteris fragilis, Dryopteris
dilatata, D. filix-mas, Equisetum arvense, E. palustre and Oreopteris limbosperma.

here was also one of those embarrassing moments when we saw, through binoculars,
what seemed to be a limestone outcrop on the side of a steep valley. Just the place for
Gymnocarpium robertianum, Asplenium trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and
A. adiantum-nigrum. Or so we thought. Much walking and scrambling ensued only to
find that our outcrop had bits of metal and an old bedstead embedded in it. It wasn’t
limestone at all, but a load of concrete dumped there some 30 to 40 years ago which had
weathered down to look like limestone!

After lunch we bade farewell to our leader, Richard Unett (still recovering from an
operation to his knee) and set off to Great Bridestones (44/932268), supposedly home

_
N
N

to Diphasiastrum alpinum. Not a chance! The area was heavily sheep grazed and used
by rock climbers. But we forged on towards our next site only to come across a nice
little colony of Ophioglossum vulgatum at 44/927263 on a small patch of calcareous
grassland surrounded by a more acidic sward.

The next area to search was described as Rake, or Rake Hey and supposedly contained
Equisetum telmateia and Hymenophyllum tunbrigense. Both species are normally
found in woodland. That’s where we had trouble: there weren’t any woodlands there
any more. Obviously things had changed since 1904 when the area was presumably
more wooded. We did search one steeply wooded gill at 44/925260, but all we could
find was Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilatata, Equisetum
arvense, Oreopteris limbosperma and Pteridium aquilinum, with one record of
Asplenium scolopendrium on the outside of a garden wall. Thanks to Richard for all his
research. It was a shame we couldn’t refind any of the old records this time.

Messingham Sand Quarries, Lincs. — 19 September
Our final bask in the sunshine was mixed field and garden/nursery visits.

The first stop was to see a colony of Pilularia globulifera at the local nature reserve
near Messingham (44/907031). There were several water-filled pits supporting colonies
of Pilularia. One of the best for pillwort was still in use as an irrigation reservoir which
means that there were fluctuating water levels. At the time of our visit the depth ranged
from drying mud to 0.5m depth. In winter the depth was up to 2m.

We proceeded to the home of Ron and Pat Cole in Messingham for a guided tour of
their garden and a much needed ‘cuppa’. It was truly amazing that so many plants (both
ferns and flowers) of different types could be crammed into such a small garden. There
were greenhouses and frames everywhere. Ron showed us some handsome specimens
of unusual taxa which he had grown from spores.

The second field site was coniferous woodland at Nettleton Moor near Caistor
(53/089995). Coniferous woods are not renowned for their interesting fern floras, but
this one had a few surprises. There was a dense undergrowth of Pteridium aquilinum,
but where there were drainage ditches we found species such as Athyrium filix-femina,
Dryopteris dilatata and D. filix-mas. There was also a magnificent plant of what
seemed to fit either D. affinis subsp. robusta or D. x complexa. As it turned out to have
good spores it was put down as the former.

Our leader, Neil Timm, took us to a site for Polypodium. It was in a most unusual
setting, on the top of the boundary ditch for the wood, above a rabbit hole. The plants
resembled Polypodium interjectum in their gross morphology, so fronds were taken
back for closer examination. Unfortunately, there were no normal sporangia. All were
shrivelled, making determination using the indurated cell characters impossible. So it
went down as Polypodium vulgare? We await further developments and better
specimens.

Neil had also seen Dryopteris carthusiana on a previous visit. There did not seem to be
any suitable habitat for it until, by chance, some 300m from the car park we spotted
three or four tight colonies growing near a drainage grip. A search for the hybrid
Dryopteris x deweveri proved fruitless.

The final stop on our whirlwind tour of the ferny spots of Lincolnshire was Neil’s Fern
Nursery at Binbrook. At first glance it seems too small to hold enough stock to run a
fern business. But once round the back, the property opened up to reveal beds, borders,

123

ponds and trees and, of course, a converted polytunnel for the nursery stock. Neil and
his family had done a marvellous job of turning fields into ferneries. Many of the
plantings were not fully established but there was enormous potential. And, of course,
we did not go home empty-handed, nor hungry, as Neil’s mother had prepared a feast
for us to digest with the many tales of ferns, both in the wild and in cultivation. Warm
thanks for their hospitality and a very civilised and fitting end to our 1998 meetings.
1998 must go down as the best one for weather for our meetings. We can’t understand
why people complained about rain; what rain?

SOUTH-EAST

Rumsey Gardens, Clanfield and Portsmouth, Hampshire — 11 July
(Leader: Andrew Leonard) Patrick Acock

Nine South-East members were met at Rumsey Gardens, Clanfield by the owner, Mr
N. Giles, who enthusiastically showed us his hardy ferns at the entrance to the nursery.
From here we were led to his garden where the shading and the many water features
made it an ideal situation for ferns to flourish. Many choice plants were grown amongst
the ferns with some areas and borders devoted mainly to ferns. There was a mixture of
species and varieties.

We were then taken behind the scenes at the nursery and shown some pressed
specimens of hardy ferns brought back from China by one of Mr Giles’ children, all but
two of which were now in various stages of cultivation. We moved on to see many of
these in the houses and were allowed to add some to our own collections at a reduced
price. We then went into the greenhouse where the stock plants and sporelings were
being raised. The nursery is a fine place to visit and we would like to thank Mr Giles
for his hospitality.

From here we ventured South to Portsdown Road for lunch where we had a splendid, if
windswept, view of Portsmouth, Hayling Island and the Isle of Wight.

It was on reaching our next destination that Linda discovered that the ‘Portsmouth
Botanic Gardens’ as it is affectionately known by some SE Group members, is a
euphemism for an allotment plot in the south-east corner of the peninsular. Having said
that, one should not be in any doubt that the collection grown here would shame many
botanic gardens in one section, namely, the ferns. Apart from a few palms beside a
grandiose entrance to the large shade house, there were only ferns. The ‘curator’,
Andrew Leonard, explained that although Portsmouth is obviously close to the sea, the
temperature did drop at times to —5°C. He often took this into account when in the
field, enquiring of the natives as to whether frosts occurred in their region. He tends to
take risks if he has many plants of the same species raised from spores, planting some
outside, and this seems to have paid off, with native ferns from Madeira, Canary
Islands, Hong Kong and Malaya all successfully intermingled with British plants. After
availing ourselves of many carrier bags of ferns we travelled on to the ‘nursery
department’ across town.

Two rooms of Andrew’s house are dedicated to the raising and propagation of ferns
and also the nurture of frost sensitive ferns. We were once again allowed to carry off
more prizes. We would like to thank Andrew for leading such a fascinating day and for
all his generosity with the plants.

124

BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY

MEMBERSHIP LIST

December 1998

NOTE

Please remember to notify the Membership Secretary of any changes of address.
Amendments to this list will be published in future issues of the Bulletin.

H denotes Honorary Member
* denotes new member for 1998
** denotes new member for 1999

MEMBERS

Ackers, Mr R.G. & Miss L.A.M. Williams, Deersbrook, Horsham Road, Walliswood, Surrey RH5 5RL
Acock, Mr P.J., 13 Star Lane, St Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ

Adam, Mrs S.K., 58 Amberley Gardens, Stoneleigh, Surrey KT19 ONG

Adamek, Mr G., Flurstrasse 25, Berne 3014, Switzerland

Adams, Dr J., 1 Low Dog Kennel, Field Broughton, Grange over Sands, Cumbria LA11 6HP
Adams, Mr J.C., Muirlands, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria LA17 7TT

Adams, Mr R., 17 Kirkby Avenue, Ripon, North Yorks. HG4 2DR

Adlam, Mr K.W.H., Kings Gatchell, Higher Metcombe, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1SL
Aguraiuja, Miss R., Kloostrimetsa Tee 52, Tallinn, EE-0019, Estonia

Akeroyd, Dr J.R., Lawn Cottage, Fonthill Gifford, Tisbury, Wilts. SP3 6SG

Akers, Mr J.A., 33 New Street, Wordsley, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 SRY

Alexander, Mrs P.G., 8 Station Road, Wallingford, Oxon. OX10 OHU

Applebee, Mr B.J., ‘The Lymes’, Main street, Willoughby Waterleys, Leics. LE8 3UF
Ashcroft, Mr C., School of Biological Sciences, 3.614 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester,
M13 9PT

Baker, Wg Cdr & Mrs E.J., 1 Clarke Wood Close, Wiswell, Clitheroe, Lancs. BB7 9BX
Bannister, Mr D., The Fernery, 10 Maple Way, Royston, Herts. SG8 7DH
Barcelona, Miss J.F., Botany Dept., Miami University, Oxford, Ohio 45056, USA
Barker, Miss J., 103 Portland Street, Derby, Derbys. DE3 8QD
Barnard, Mr T.C., Rowan House, 6 Gibbons Close, Sandhurst, Berks. GU47 9BB
Barnes, Mr P.G., Alltgoch, Llangeitho, Tregaron, Dyfed SY25 6TT, Wales
Barnett, Mr J.J., Old Malleys, Straits Lane, Read, Burnley, Lancs. BB12 7RA
* Barrie, Mrs A., 6 Whitestone Crescent, Yeadon, Leeds, West Yorks. LS19 7JS
Bates, Mrs P.P., P.O. Box 230502, Encinitas, California 92023-0502, USA
Battaglia, Prof. E., Dip. Scienze Botaniche, Universita, Via Luca Ghini, 5, Pisa 56100, Italy
Batten, Dr set Institute of Earth Studies, UCW University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Dyfed SY23 3DB,

*

es
Baxter, Mr W.D., 307 Riverdale Cir., Stephenson, Virginia 22656-2120, USA
Baylis, Dr H.A., 16 Great Eastern Street, Cambridge, Cambs. CB1 3AD
Beamish, Miss E.S., Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AD

Benl, Dr G., Bauerstrasse 27, Miinchen, Bavaria D-80796, German
* Bennallick, Mr I.J., Lower Polmorla St., Wenn, Bodmin, Cornwall PL30 5PE
Bennert, Dr H.W., Spezielle Botanik, Abteilung fiir Biologie, Ruhr-Universitit, Universitatsstrasse 150,
hum 1, , German
* Bennett, Miss M., 49 Harris Drive, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB24 2TF, Scotland
Bentley, Mr G.H., 154 Rachael Clarke Close, Corringham, Essex SS17 7SX
Bemard, Monsieur Y., 20 Ave. Max de Nansouty, Asnieres, Hauts de Seine 92600, France
Bere, Mrs A., 16 Merton Avenue, Portchester, Fareham, Hants. PO16 9NE
* Berrio, Mr J.C., Kruislaan 318, 1098 SM, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bhardwaja, Prof. T.N., 4-R-1 Jawahar Nagar, Jaipur, 302004, India

*

*
*

*

a”

* ot

*

Bidin, Dr A.A., Dept. of eg Faculty of Life Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi,
Selangor, 43600, Malaysia
Bird, Mrs J., Flat 3, Penjerrick, Budock Water, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11
Birkett, Mr M., 18 The Hollows, Auckley, Doncaster, South Yorks. DN9 3LB
Bishop, Mr & Mrs T.E. & D., 6 Padwick Avenue, East Cosham, Portsmouth, Hants. PO6 2JL
Blackstock, Dr N., Cwm, Penmarian, Llangoed, Beaumaris, Gwynedd LL58 8SU, Wales
Blattler, Mr D.A.A., 20 Mill Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 2PG
Bobrov, Mr A.E., Bot. Inst. of Acad. of Sci. of USSR, Prof. Popov Street 2, Leningrad 197022, USSR
Bocock, Mr J., 48 Siward Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 9JZ
Boff, Mr M., 2 Rue Edouard Cadol, Asnieres/Seine 92600, France
Bolton, Mr R.B., Craig Holme, Birdbrook, Halstead, Essex CO9 4DA
Bond, Mr J.D., Georgia Lodge, Buckhurst Road, Cheapside, Ascot, Berks. SL5 7RP
Border, Mr M.G., 18 Madeira Drive, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 2NJ
Borelbach, Mr A., Hohenzollernstrasse 27, Trier, 54290, Germany
Barbara Drive, Sebastopol, California 95472-4820, USA
Borwick, Mrs E., 40 Hatton Road, Luncarty, Perths. PHI 3UZ, Scotland
Bouckley, Mr & Mrs J.H. & R., 209 Woodfield Road, Harrogate, North Yorks. HG1 4JE
Boudrie, Monsieur M., Les Charmettes C, 21 bis Rue Cotepet, Clermont Ferrand 63000, France
Bowyer, Mr J., 9 Heyfields Cottages, Tittensor Road, Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. ST12 9HG
Boyd, Mr P.D.A., Hill Cottage, Meadowtown, Minsterley, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SYS ODZ
Boyles, Mr R., 220 Blakes Drive, Pittsboro, North Carolina 27312-8146, USA
Braithwaite, Dr A.F., 4 Kendal Drive, Beeston, Nottingham, Notts. NG9 3AW
Bray, Mr R.J., The Cottage, Durlow Common, Tarrington, Herefordshire HR1 4JQ

Bridges, Miss K.M., 3.614 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT
Britton, Dr D.M., Dept. of Molecular Biology & Genetics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario NIG

anada

Brock, Mr T.J., "89 Highfield Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO22 8PD,

Brotherton, Mr C.S., 43 Shakespeare Road, Sedgley, Dudley, West Midlands DY3 3BJ

Brown, Dr D.H., 38 Laurie Crescent, Henleaze, Bristol, Avon 4

Brown, ns af H:, kaos ees Garden, University College of North Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd
7 2RQ, W

Brown, Mr we F. ae Caan: Bardsea, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 9QY

Brown, Mr S., The Flat, 9 Coppice Drive, Northampton, No rthants. NN3 6ND

Buhr, Mr H., Baekbjerg 5, Graasten, DK 6300.1 ark
cine Mr W., Neuwiese 13, Trier, Rheinland- Pfalz D-54296, Germany
rman, Mr W.F., 97 Aylestone Drive, Leicester, Leics. LE2 SB
Bink, Mr A.R., ‘Croziers’, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry, West Midlands CV4 8GD
Bushen, Mrs D.J., Halsway Nurseries, Crowcombe, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4BB
Byrne, Mr A., 133 New Ridley Road, "Stocksfield, Northumberland NE43 7EX
Cadinouche, Mr Y.A., 15 Bourbon Street, Port-Louis, Mauritius
Cameron, Mr J.B.C., P.O. Box 30156, Nairobi, Kenya
Camus, Miss J.M., Dept of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
Carmichael, Dr D.S., Ridgway House, Colyton, Devon EX13 6RP
Carter, Ms A.B., 86B Balmoral Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6NY, sie Ireland

ome nbc Corner House, Scarborough Road, Driffield, East Yorks. YO25 SEH
Chue CF., Dept. of Biological Science, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio 44555,
USA

Clare, Mr P.J., 16A Edward Street, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0EZ

Clarke, Mr D.N., Charity Farm Oast, Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3PS

Claxton, Mrs B., 8 High Beech, South Croydon, Surrey CR2 7QB

Clough, Mr & Mrs P. & A.G., Higher a set. Constantine, Falmouth, rinepent TR11 5QS
Cockburn, Mr & Mrs G.M. & B.J., Burrow Heights, Scotforth, Lancaster, Lancs

Cocker, Ms H., 16 Mill Lane, Treeton, Rotherham, South Yorks. $60 5P.

Cogswell, Mrs E., 6 Kenmoor Close, Preston, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 6JZ

Cole, Mr R. & Mrs P.J., 26 Knightsbridge Road, Sicbtahinns Scunthorpe, S. Humberside DN17 3RA

*

=

x=

*

*

*

Coleman, Dr J.N., Henderson Hall, Red Hall Drive, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE7 7JUY

Coley, Dr G.D., 17 The Dell, Vernham Dean, Andover, Hants. SP11 OLF

Collins, Mr & Mrs J.A. & M.W., 73 Hazelwood Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham, West Midlands
WwW

Collinson, Dr M.E., Dept. of Geology, Royal Holloway & Bedford New College, University of London,
Egham Hill, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX

Colville, Dr B. & Dr E.A., Poolfoot, Clappersgate, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9NE

Cooke, Mr B., Quarryside, Back Western Hill, Durham, DH1 4RG

Cooke, Mr R.J., 15 Conduit Road, Stamford, Lincs. PE9 1QQ

Corbin, Mr P.G., Newtake, Crapstone, Yelverton, Devon PL20 7PS
Corley, Mr H., Pucketty Farm, Faringdon, Oxon. SN7 8JP

9LG
Cresswell, Mr K.J., 80 Bridle Road, Burton Joyce, Nottingham, Notts. NG14 5FS
Crichton, Mrs J.H., Carrowgarry, Beltra, Sligo, Eire
Crowe, Mr J.P., Kellys Cottage, Tredilion, Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 8BB, Wales
Crowther, Mr & Mrs D. & N., 16 Heyworth Street, Derby, Derbys. DE33 3DL
Croxford, Mr A.W., Bryn Hyfryd, Llangaffo Road, Holland Arms, Gaerwen, Anglesey, LL60 6LL,
Wales

Cubas, Dr P., Departamento de Biologia Vegetal II, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense,
i , Spain

adrid,
Czeladzinski, Mr S.E., 17 Pyrland Road, Canonbury, London, N5 2JB
Dacus, Mr C., 28 Spencer Villas, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Eire

Delbecque, Mr Y., Stephensonstraat 17, Den Haag, 2561 XP, Netherlands
Dickinson, Mr T.M., Preston Montford Field Centre, Montford Bridge, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4
1DX

Dickman, Mr A.J., 22 Finchfield, Parnwell, Peterborough, Cambs. PE] 4YG
Dickson, Mrs J.D., 1 Beechwood Avenue, Milber, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4LJ

i 644, Germany

Dixon, Mr C.D., 58 Wallace Cross, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 OLN, Scotland

Douglas, Mr B., 43 Clifford Gardens, Kensal Rise, London, NW10 SJE

Downey, Mr G., 31 Greenway, Frinton on Sea, Essex CO13 9AL

Drewett, Mrs H.L.J., Bryn-y-groes, Howey, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5RE, Wales
Drummond, Mr & Mrs A., 22 Knoll Road, Dorking, Surrey RH4 3EP

Dufourd, Mr M., 12 Rue de Jouy, Chaville 92370, France

DrP. f
Durkin, Mr J.L., 25 May Avenue, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon, Tyne & Wear NE21 6SF
Dury, Mr G.P., 88 Marine Avenue, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear NE26 3LS
Dwyer, Mrs C.M., 77 Standfield Drive, Boothstown, Worsley, Manchester, M28 1WB
Dyer, Dr A.F., 499 Lanark Road West, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH14 7AL, Scotland
Earnshaw, Dr M., 22 Hague Street, Whitfield, Glossop, Derbys. SK13 8NS

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Edwards, Dr D.S., University of Brunei Darussalam, Tungku Link, BE1410, Brunei Darussalam, SE
re

sia

Edwards, Mr P.J., The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE

Edwards, Mr T.C.T., Boningale Nurseries, Holyhead Road, Albrighton, Wolverhampton, West
Midlands WV7 3AE

Egan, Miss J.H., 43 Springfield Road, Sheffield, South Yorks. $7 2GE

Elks, Miss R., 15 Manor Road, Wheathampstead, Herts. AL4 8JG

Ellis, Mr & Mrs C.P., 39 West Square, London, SE11 4SP

Fairweather, Mr G., 3 Bear Street, Lowerhouse, Burnley, Lancs. BB12 6NQ

Faulkner, Mr J.W.C., 102 St Johns Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA21 5NQ

Fillan, Mr M.S., 6 Fortescue Terrace, Tavistock, Devon PL19 8LT

Finch, Dr R.A., 68 Holbrook Road, Cambridge, Cambs. CB1 4ST

Fletcher, Mr H.W., 4 Grove Park Terrace, Station Road, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 4DY

Foley, Mr P.J., Holden Clough Nursery, Bolton-by-Bowland, Clitheroe, Lancs.

Forsgate, Mr M.B., 58 Shalstone Road, Mortlake, London, SW14 7HR

Forster, Herr S., Rote-Kreuz-Str. 40, D-01689, Weinbohla, Germany

Fortune, Mrs D., 23 The Grove, Hartlepool, Cleveland TS26 9LZ

Fortune, Mr G., 13 Strathfillan Road, Edinburgh, EH9 2AG, Scotland

Francis, Mrs P.M.A., c/o Natural History Section, Bolton Museum & Art Gallery, Le Mans Crescent,
Bolton, Lancs. BL1 1SE

Fraser-Jenkins, Mr C.R., Newcastle House, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan CF31 4HD, Wales

Freshwater, Mr P.B., 43 Corstorphine Road, Murrayfield, Edinburgh, EH12 5QQ, Scotland

Fuchs-Eckert, Dr H.P., Tignuppa 189, Trin Vitg, CH-7014, Switzerland

Fuller, Mrs M.A., Woodend, Byfleet Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 IDY

Fyfe, Mr & Mrs W.P. & K.M.S., Ascog Hall, Isle of Bute, Argyll PA20 9EU, Scotland

Gaddis, Mrs N.M., 52 Lakeview Avenue, Piedmont, California 94611-3515, USA

Gardner, Mr R., 25 Coneybury View, Broseley, Shropshire TF12 5AX

Garrett, Mr M., P.O. Box 49, Bicheno, Tasmania 7215, Australia

Garstang, Mr & Mrs J. & M., Overbeck, Pennybridge, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7RQ

Gaunt, Mr D.J., 33 Victoria Avenue, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 SDJ

Gibbs, Mrs E.-A., 25 Glenpark Drive, Southport, Lancs. PR9 9FA

Gibby, Dr M., Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Gibson, Dr J.A., Foremount House, Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire PA10 2EZ, Scotland

Giles, Mr D.A.J., 131 Cardinal Avenue, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey KT2 5RZ

Giles, Mr & Mrs N.R. & V.N., Rumsey Gardens, 117 Drift Road, Clanfield, Waterlooville, Hants. PO8

r

D
Gill, Mrs A.V., High Pasture Cottage, Moor Lane, Threshfield, Skipton, Yorks. BD23 5NS
Gillet, Prof, C., Facultés Universitaires, N-D de la Paix ASBL, Rue de Bruxelles 61, Namur, 5000,

elgium

Gilman, Mr AN. P.O. Box 82, Marshfield, Vermont 05658-0082, USA

Giraud, Mr C., 75 Rue Roger Cazala, Cour de la Pingaudiére, Chateauroux 36000, France

Glaves, Dr P., c/o University of Greenwich, Grenville Building, Chatham Maritime, Kent

Godard-Key, Mr R.L., The Old Bakery, East Side, North Littleton, Worcs. WR11 5QW

Godfrey, Mr M.F., 403A Kennedy Street, Lakenheath, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 9PN

Godfrey, Mr T., Craggan Cottage, Balmacara, Kyle of Lochalsh, Ross. [1V40 8DN, Scotland

Golding, Mrs Y.C., 47 Tatton Road, Sale, Manchester, Cheshire M33 7EE

Gooderham, Dr K., 4A Ulundi Road, Johnstone, Renfrewshire PAS 8TE, Scotland

Goodman, Mr C., Foulis Court Nursery, The Vicarage Botanical Garden, Manchester Road, Carrington,
Manchester, M31 4AG

Gordon, Dr L.S., 24 Fort Nugent Drive, Harbour View, Kingston 17, Jamaica

Goudey, Mr C., 25 Cozens Road, Lara, Victoria 3212, Australia

Goulding, Mr & Mrs R.V. & D.J., 239a Carr Road, Northolt, Middx. UBS 4RL

Gowen, Dr S.R., The Walnuts, Rickinghall, Diss, Norfolk IP22 1BN

Graham, Mrs B.M., Polpey, Par, Cornwall PL24 2

Graham, Mr C., 2 Gosling Drive, Carlisle, Cumbria CA3 0QG

Grant, Mr M.L., The Little House, Cobham Road, Stoke D’ Abernon, Surrey KT11 3QL

Graty, Mr D.J., ‘Fairhaven’, Shepherd’s Road, Bartley, Southampton, Hants. SO4 2LH

Gray, Mr & Mrs I., 34 Rafborn Grove, Salendine Nook, Huddersfield, Lancs. HD3 3UB

Green, Miss V., Honeysuckle Cottage, Halstead Road, Aldham, Colchester, Essex CO6 3PP

Grewcock, Mr O., 10 West Street, Enderby, Leics. LE9

Grimbly, Mr P.E., Upper Blacon, Fosse Way, Chesterton, Leamington Spa, Warwicks. CV33 9JP

Grimshaw, Mr J.M., 35 Wessex Way, Cox Green, Maidenhead, Berks. SL6 3BP

Gre, Mr J.D., Briarfield, Moss Lane, Broadbottom, Hyde, Cheshire SK14 6BD

Guest, Mrs D.C., The Old Rectory, Purleigh, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 6QH

Gura, Mrs M., 32 Remez Street, Herzlia, 46288, Israel

Haigh, Mrs F., 56 Church Street, Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7DZ

Hainsworth, Mr P.H., Station House, Achnashellach, Strathcarron, Ross. IV54 8YU, Scotland
Hall, Mr N.A., 15 Mostyn Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 SHL

Hall, Mr P., 14 Kingstone Gard Fareham, Hants. PO15 6EX

Halley, Mr R., 1714 Maiden Street, San Diego, California 92109-2206, USA

Hamilla, Dr D.S., c/o IEMC, 802 Wabash Ave., Chesterton, Indiana 46304, USA

Hamilton, Mr M.D.S., Holly Lodge, 222 Stanley Road, Teddington, Middx. TW11 8UE
Hammond, Mr P., 3491 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 941 10, USA

Hammond, Mr P.W., 3 Campden Terrace, Linden Gardens, Chiswick, London, W4 2EP
Hancock, Mr & Mrs M.T. & L., 2 Forge Croft, Minworth, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 1YB
Hanson, Mr F.D., Albion House, Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR3 SAP

Harwood, Mrs I., 1 Aston Hall Drive, Aston on Trent, Derbys. DE72 2DD

Haskins, Mr B.P., Willowbrook Cottage, Waste Lane, Cuddington, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2TD
Haufler, Dr C., Dept. of Botany, Haworth Hall, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA
Hayward, Prof. R.J., Coed-y-Glyn, South Road, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 2HH, Wales
Hennessey, Mr B.J., 25 Malgraves Place, Basildon, Essex SS13 3PY

Hilmer, Dr O., Hochgrevestrasse 1, Goslar, D-38640, Germany

Hindle, Mr & Mrs P. & J., 20 Belgrave Avenue, Penwortham, Preston, Lancs. PR1 0BH
Hoare, Mr A.E., 15 Essex Road, Borehamwood, Herts. WD6 1BP

Hoare, Mr & Mrs G.K., 8 Church Road, Locks Heath, Southampton, Hants. SO3 6LU

7

Holly, Dr & Mrs K.H. & D.M., 36 Sunderland Avenue, Oxford, Oxon. OX2 8DX

Homes, Prof. & Mrs J. & E., Avenue Micara 58, Brussels, B-1160, Belgium

Hopton, Mr B.B., 47 Himley Crescent, Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV4 5DE
rmany

Horne, Mr K.G., 21 Thomas Street, Walcot, Bath, Avon BAI 5NN
Hoshizaki, Mrs B.J., 557 N. Westmoreland Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90004-2210, USA
Houldsworth, Mr J.N., Greystones Farm, Bogthorn, Keighley, West Yorks. BD22 7LY
Howlett, Mrs G.M., Folly Farm, Folly Lane, Warminster, Wilts. BA12 7RG
Hubble, Mr R.J., Dippers, Shaugh Prior, Plymouth, Devon PL7 SHA
Hubert, Mr J.F.D., 23 Walnut Tree Avenue, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent DA1 1LT
Hudson, Mr J., Gilfach, Bryn Glas, Groeslon, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 7TB, Wales
Huge, Mr M., Anemonevej 24, Hareskov, Vaerlose, DK 3500, Denmark

ughes, Mr & Mrs R.M. & B., Rose Cottage, Creech Heathfield, Taunton, Somerset TA3 SEG
Humphreys, Mr J., Chygwedhen, Long Lane, St Stephen-in-Brannel, St Austell, Cornwall PL26 7SX
Hutcheson, Mr M., Garden Cottage, Sizergh Castle, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 8AE
Hutchinson, Dr G., 3 Retford Court, The Philog, Whitchurch, Cardiff, S. Glamorgan CF4 1EE, Wales
Hyde, Mrs S.A., 6A West Grove, Greenwich, London, SE10 8QT
Ide, Miss J.M., 42 Crown Woods Way, Eltham, London, SE9
Ivanova, D., Institute of Botany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Blok 23,

Sofia, 1113, Bulgaria

Jackson, Mrs H., c/o California Ferns Inc., P.O. Box 50871, Palo Alto, California 94303-0672, USA
Jackson, Mr W.B., 69 Moorside Avenue, Neston, S. Wirral, Cheshire L64 6QS
Jacobs, Mr D-P., 18 Havelock Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 6GF
Jager, Herr W., Finkenweg 45, Wulfrath-Diissel, D-42489, Germany
Jagoe, Mr J.A., Roche Cottage, Main Street, Little Brington, Northants. NN7 4HS

James, Mr R.J., 21a Grove Hill, Highworth, Swindon, Wilts. SN6 7JL

James, Dr T.E., Hollybank, Balmoral Place, Halifax, West Yorks. HX1 2BG

Jarvis, Mr J.E., Vermont, Jubilee Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, Glos. GL6 ONG

Jarvis, Miss R.A., 10 Southview Terrace, Trull, Taunton, Somerset TA3 7JX

Jeffries, Mr J., Sylvanus, Long Lane, Wiveton, Holt, Norfolk NR25 7DD

Jermy, Mr A.C., Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 SBD
Jessen, S., Arktisch-Alpiner Garten, Schmidt-Rottluff-Strasse 90, Chemnitz, 09114, Germ:

Johns, Mr R.J., The Herbarium, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AE

Jones, Mrs J.I., 1911 4th Avenue West, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA

Jones, Mr R.E., 14 Post Office Road, Dersingham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 6HP

Jones, Mr V., Hillways, Ingleby Greenhow, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS9 6LL

Jury, Dr S.L., Plant Science Laboratories, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berks. RG6

Kamermans, Mrs E.M., Box 95, Southampton, Ontario NOH 2L0, Canada
Kato, Dr M., Botanic Gardens, University of Tokyo, 3-7-1 Hakusan, Tokyo, 112, Japan
Katzer, Mr F., 71 Deepdene Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, Strathclyde G61 1NT, Scotland
Kear, Mr P.J., 35 Newmarket Street, Usk, Gwent NP5 1AU, Wales
Keating, Ms A.D.Z., The Old Manse, School Hill, Mevagissey, Cornwall PL26 6TQ
Keatley, Mr W.H., Heddon Hall, Parracombe, Devon EX31 4QL
Kelly, Mr G.J., c/o Atlanta House, Main Street, Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland
Kelsall, Miss C.J., Gowan Beck, | Ings Hall, te Kendal, Cumbria LA8 9PZ

d

37 2EA
Key, Mrs H., Fibrex Nurseries Ltd, Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, Stratford on Avon, Warwicks. CV37
8XT

Khan, Mr S., Flat no.3, Rafique Square, Latifabad no.7, Hyderabad, Sindh 71800, Pakistan

Kingston, Miss M.M., 5 Wesley Avenue, Cheslyn Hay, Walsall, Staffs. WS6 7JF

Kirkham, Mr L., 6 Queens Row, Longton Road, Barlaston, Stoke on Trent, Staffs. ST12 9AJ

Kirsch, Mr H., Waldschloss- strasse 42, Frammersbach, D-97833, Germ

Kitchen, Mr & Mrs M.A.R. & C., The Cottage, Bevington, Berkeley, Glos. GL13 9RB

Kitchener, Mr G.D., Crown Villa, Otford Lane, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7EA

Knight, Mr I.G., 18 Greenbank Close, Grampound Road, Truro, Commwall TR2 4TD

Knox, Mr J.S., Thorn House, Jacksons Lane, Thornhill, Dewsbury, West Yorks. WF12 OLS
Knox-Thomas, Ms E., Flat Four, The Tollhouse, 1 Llanbadarn Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Dyfed

F S
Kohler, Ms B., 51 Grove Road, Sheffield, South Yorks. S7 2GY
Kottke, Mr U., Hermeskeiler Strasse 1a, Waldrach, D-54320, Germany
Kramer, Mr H., Hessenweg 41, Ede (GLD), 6718 so rn a

Germ
Laaka-Lindberg, Mrs S., Opistonie 160, Evo, FIN-16970, F
Laansoo, Mr U., The Tallinn Botanical Garden, Tallinn, 70019,E nia
Lacey, Mr C.T., Pimms Cottage, 45 Burpham Lane, Guildford, a GU4 7LX
Lamant-Voirin, Mrs C., Roompe-Coual RN7, Le Luc en Provence, 83340, France
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Lasenby, Mr I.R., Head Gardener, Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, East Sussex RH19 4JY

Lau, Dr Tak-Cheung, P.O. Box 065-01 160 Taichung, Taichung City, Tai

Lawrence, Mr M.J., 7 Hanscomb Close, Woolstone, Milton Keynes, Satie. “MIKI i

Lees, Mr R.M., 8 Essex Terrace, Plasmarl, Swansea, W. Glamorgan SA6 8LY,

Lellinger, Dr DB., US National Herbarium, Dept. of Botany, MRC-166, Seiden Institution,
Was hington DC, 20560-0166, USA

Lenski, Dr I., F.B. Biologie - Botanik, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse, Marburg, D- 35043, Germany

Leon, Dr B. & Dr K.R. Young, Department of Geography, University of Maryland Baltimore County,
Baltimore, Maryland 21228, USA

Leonard, Mr A., 11 Victory Road, Portsmouth, Hants. PO] 3DR

Leslie, Mr A.C., Monksilver, 72 Boxgrove Road, peragervele Surrey GUI 1UD

YD
Liquorish, Miss E.M., 6 Hope Street, Beeston, Nottingham, Notts. NG9 1DR
Loraine, Miss J., Greencombe, Porlock, Somerset TA24 8NU

*

*

*

Lovis, Prof. J.D., Dept. of Plant & Microbial Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 1, New

Lucas, Mr P., 23 Shottery Avenue, Braunstone, Leicester, Leics. LE3 2ST

Lynch, Mr P.A., 7 Fairview Avenue, Earley, Reading, Berks. RG6 1HE

Machon-Wells, Mr T.A., 39 Whitmore Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3NU

MacQueen, Ms S., 194 Smith Street, Apartment 1-L, Freeport, New York 11520, USA

Maerz, Mr G., Vogelsangstrasse 51, Stuttgart, D-70197, Germany

Mandt, Mrs F., Godesberger Allee 68a, Bonn, D-53175, German

Manickam, Dr V.S., St Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu 627 002, India

Marley, Mr & Mrs J.A., 5 Seaview Street, Mount Kuringai, New South Wales 2080, Australia

Marper, Mrs E.E., 3 Beech Terrace, Kirkbride, Carlisle, Cumbria CA5 5JS

Mariage, Mr A., The Moorings, Rocombe, UpLyme, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3RR

Marston, Mrs J.K., Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, Driffield, N. Humberside YO25 OLF

Martin, Mr S., 25 The Rock, Helsby, Cheshire WA6 9BB

Martinelli, Dr S.D., Pelham House, Brent Pelham, Buntingford, Herts. SG9 OHH

Mashiter, Mr J., Elfrigg, Beachwood, Arnside, Carnforth, Lancs. LAS OAU

ason, Mrs E.O., Dial Park, Chaddesley Corbett, Kidderminster, Worcs. DY10 4QB

Masuyama, Dr S., Dept. of General Education, Tokyo Womens’ Christian University, 2-6-1 Zempukuji,
Suginami-ku, Tokyo, 167, Japan

Matsumoto, Dr S., Tsukuba Bot. Garden, National Sci. Mus., Amakubo 4-1, Tsukuba-Shi, Ibaraki-ken
3 an

Mattheij, Mr W.M., Marijkeweg 26-B-O, Wageningen, 6709 PG, Netherlands

Matthews, Mr H.W., 39 Maple Avenue, South Harrow, Middx. HA2 8DG

Matthews, Mr M.G., 56 Stanford Road, Ashchurch, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8QU

Maxted, Dr N.W., School of Biological Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham,
West Midlands B15 2TT

McGavigan, Mr F., 12 Glenbank Avenue, Lenzie, Glasgow, Strathclyde G66 5AA, Scotland

McGraw, Mr & Mrs M. & D., 8207 Colonial Oaks Ln, Spring, Texas 77379-3908, USA

McHaffie, Miss H.S., 180 Granton Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1 AH, Scotland

McLellan, Mr T.A., 24 North Quay, Abingdon Marina, Abingdon, Oxon. OX14 SRY

McLeod, Mr D.M., Dunvegan, 10 Lowndes Street Barrhead, Strathclyde G78 2QX, Scotland

Meakin, Mr A.C., Rocklea, Main Street, Dent, Sedbergh, Cumbria LA10 5QL

Mearns, Mr P., ‘Poo Croft’, 77 Hints Lane, Hopwas, Tamworth, Staffs. B78 3AB

Meegdes, Mr P.H.L., Diamant 46, Heerhugowaard, 1703 EW, Netherlands

Merryweather, Mr J.W., Biology Dept., University of York, Heslington, York, North Yorks. YO1 SDD

Mickel, Dr J.T., New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York, New York 10458-5126, USA

Mitchell, Mr J., 22 Muirpark Way, Drymen, Glasgow, Strathclyde G63 ODX, Scotland
Chalet, Los Barrios, Cadiz 11370, Spain

Munyard, Mr & Mrs S.J. & K., 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 SNG
Murphy, Mr A.J., 63 Dulvorton Road, Ruislip, Middx. HA4 9AF
Murphy, Miss R.J., Shang-ri-la, Reskadinnick, Cambome, Cornwall TR14 OBH
Muscat, Mr C., 7 College Street, Rabat, RBT 06, Malta
Myers, t M.D., Fairview Smelthouses, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorks. HG3 4DH :
Nagalingum, Miss N., School of Botany, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
Nakamura, Dr T., Gen. Edu. Bot. Lab., Tokyo Nogyo Univ. 1-1, Sakuragaoka 1-Chome, Setagaya-ku,
Tokyo, 156 AC, Ja
Nakato, Dr N., Narahashi 1-363, Higashiyamato-shi, Tokyo, 207, Japan
Nethercott, Mr P.J.M., 6 Hazelwood Court, Hazelwood Road, Bristol, Avon BS9 1PU
Herr R.N., Tiergartenstrasse 24, Montabaur, D-56410, Germany

Newbould, Mrs J.P., Dromore House, 88 Coolyvenny Road, Coleraine, Co, Londonderry BTS1 3SF,
rthern Ireland

Newey, Mr V.F., 27 Watts Road, Studley, Warwicks. B80 7JP

Nichol, Mr P., 5 Elm Avenue, Newark, Notts. NG24 1SE

Nicholson, Mr B., 37 Amderley Drive, Eaton, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 6HZ

Nielsen, Mr J.H., Halskovvej 12, Horbelev 4871, Denmark

Nieuwkoop, Dr J.A.W., Vluchtheuvelstraat 6, Dreumel, 6621 BK, Netherlands

Nimmo-Smith, Mrs M.E., 201 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, Cambs. CB4 1AH

Noonan, Mr J., 12 Vernon Road, Wenn, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4JS

Norton, Mrs R., Bramble Cottage, Lower Broad Oak Road, West Hill, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11

Norton, Miss S.M., Weaver’s Cottage, 35 Streetly End, West Wickham, Cambridge, Cambs. CB1 6RP
Nunn, Mr N.R., 31 Southbank Road, Hereford, HR1 2TL

O'Shea, Mr B.J., 141 Fawnbrake Avenue, London, SE24 0BG

Ogden, Mr & Mrs A.H. & V.H., 9 The Drive, Hopwood, Alvechurch, Birmingham, West Midlands B48

H
Oglesby, Dr A.I., 20 School Lane, Copmanthorpe, York, North Yorks. YO2 3SG
Ollgaard, Mr B., Biological Institute, 68 Nordlandsvej, Risskov, DK-8240, Denmar
Olsen, Mrs S.S., Foliage Gardens, 2003 128th Avenue S.E., yond hist e008: USA

Page, Dr FAR Gillywood Cottage, Trebost Lane, Stithians, Truro, Cornwall TR3 7DW
Page, Dr J.D., The Old Stables, Newbridge Green, Upton-upon-Severn, Worcs. WR10 1AA
uasage-ets Ms Monica., Depto. Sistematica Vegetal, Instituto de Ecologia,A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz

, Mexic
Palmer, D. = 1975 Judd Hillside Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822-2007, USA
Pangua, Dr E., Departmento de Biologia Vegetal 1., Facultad de Biologia, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid
28040, Spain
Parker, Mrs J., 30 Tytherington Drive, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 2HJ
Parris, Dr B.S., 21 James Kemp Place, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Pariridee, Mr & Mrs R.G. & W.M., 12 Pollards Hill South, Norbury, London, SW16 4LN

Paul, Miss A.M., Dept. of Botany, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
Peace, Mr D., 8 St Martin’s Way, Kirklevington, Yarm, Cleveland TS1
Peace, Mrs R., Yew Tree Cottage, Ham, Marlborough, Wilts. SN8 3RB

e

aly
, Mr A.R., Dept. of Botany, National Museum of Wales, Cardiff, S. Glamorgan CF1 3NP, Wales
a Mr R., 35 Offenham Road, Evesham, Worcs. belo 1 Pine
ers, Dr B., Schleswiger Str. 83, Siiderbrarup, D- 243 any
. Mr T.S., 63 Landor Road, Leamington Spa, Whitnash, Warwicks. CV31 2JY
Peto, Sir H., Stream House, Selborne, Alton, Hants. GU34 3LE
Petty, Mr J.S., 3 Carrs Crescent, Formby, Liverpool, ~paedear™ L37 2EU
Pfeiffer, Mr K.H., 7 Far Meadow Way, Emsworth, Hants. PO107PA
Phillips, Mr R., 15a Eccleston Square, Lonioe. chy : cn
Phipps, M., t Close, Ledbury, Herefordshire
i chi sera hareie yl it l, ae Val di Pesa, Firenze, 50020, Italy
N

YQ
= Miss S.J.A. & Mr D. Seary, 89 High Street, Measham,

Porter, Mrs B.. 1 Hazel Close, Marple, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 7QT

Porter, Mr M.S., 5 West Avenue, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 9LG

Prelli, Mr R., 32 aed ae Salles-Plestan, Lene Sona France
on, Miss S.A., Hivu Nursery, P.O. Box utare

Pretty, Mrs S.J., spat House, Lankelly, Fowey, Cornwall PL23 1HN

*

Price, Dr M.G., P.O. Box 468, Michigan Center, Michigan 49254, USA

Price, Mrs P.A., 24 Stetchford Road, Ward End, Birmingham, West Midlands B34 6BG
Price, Mr T.I., 34 Ridgeway, Lisvane, Cardiff, S. Glamorgan CF4 5RS, Wales

Pride, Mrs R.M., 37 Bevishall, Paston oe geet eros Cambs. PE24 7PS
Pritchard, Mrs D.L., 1 Bartlet’ s Close, Martinstown, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 9LE

: On .

Pyner, Mr T., 260 Carlton Avenue, Westeliff-on.Sea, Essex SSO OPX

Rademacher, Mr H.-J., Bahnhoffstrasse 11, Steyerberg, 31595, Germany

Rakotondrainibe, Dr F., Laboratoire de Phanérogamie, Musée National d’ Histoire Naturelle, 16 Rue
Buffon, Paris, 75005, France

Randall, Miss L.J., Holly Grove Cottage, The Great Park, Windsor, Berks. SL4 2BU

Randall, Mrs M.F., 3 Brook Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3AP

Rasbach, Mrs H., mamaria i 23, Glottertal, D-79286, Germany

Raven, Mrs F., Docwr ”s Manor, Shepreth, Royston, Herts.

Raybould, Dr A.F., Tnetiins of Terrestrial Ecology, Furzebrook Research Station, Wareham, Dorset
BH20 SAS

Raymond, Dr & Mrs S., Low Green, Lindale, Grange over Sands, Cumbria LA11 6ND

Regan, Mr R.C., 4 Jackson Avenue, Mickleover, Derby, pale DE3 SAR

Regenwetter, M. H., 44 Rue du Bois, Soleuvre, L-4481, Luxem urg

Riba, Prof. R. oe de Biologia, Univ. Auto. Reta be ce. Aptdo Postal 55-535, Mexico
i . 09340, Mexico

Riemer, Mr R. M., Planetenstrasse Si, 4 Heese D- 40223, Germany
Riley, Mr P.M., 42 Marlborough Close, Ramsbotto m, Bury, Lancs. BLO 9
Ripley, Mr & Mrs P.H., North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens, Shipbourne sear Tonbridge, Kent TN11

Robbins, Mrs A., Kirkby House, Scrooby, Doncaster, South Yorks. DN10 6AD
Roberts, Mr D.M., 1 Barley Close, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol, Avon BS17 2ED
Roberts, Mr F.J., Eden Croft, Wetheral Pasture, Car lisle, Cumbria CA4 8HU

Roberts, Mrs P.D., Unicorns, Long Hill, Seale, Farnham, Surrey GU10 ING

Roberts, Mr R.H., Quinton, 51 Belmont Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2HY, Wales
Robinson, Mr C., 5 Cambridge Road, Moseley, Birmingham, West Midlands B13 9UE

Rogers, Mrs J.E., Carwinion, Mawnan Smi ith, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11

Rogers, Clir K., 8 Birch Coppice, Droitwich Spa, Worcs. WR9 7QA

Roskam, Mr H.C., Valkstraat 19, Utrecht, 3514 TG, Netherlands

Rotherham, Dr I LD., 84 Amold Avenue, Charnock, Sheffield, South Yorks. $12 3JE

Rothwell, Mrs M. E., 42 Victoria Avenue, Elland, West Yorks. HX5 0AZ

Rowland, peek y -A., Long Acre Cottage, South Marsh, Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton, Somerset BA9

Rugh, Mr J.B., 395 Whitney Street, Northboro, Massachusetts 01532-1151, USA
Rumsey, Dr Fd yee Dept., The Natural tye! Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 SBD
E

, Middx.
Sahashi, Dr N., Shoyaku Kenkyushitsu, Yakugaku-Bu, Toho Daigaku, 2-2-1 Miyama-cho, Funabashi-
Shi, Chiba-ken 274, Japan
Sanderson, Mr M.C., 105 Burringham Road, Scunthorpe, Lincs. DN17 2DF Le
Saunders, Dr G.C., School of Chemistry, The Queen’s University of Belfast, David Keir Building,
Belfast BT9 SAG, Northern Ireland
Savage, Mr W.E., Dragon Cross, 10 Chestnut Hill, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Beds. LU7 7TR
Schaupp, Mr A., Hohrenbergstrasse 25A, Allensbach, D-78476, Germany

Schieb, Mr C.-J., Peter-Franzen-Str. 19, Koeln, 50827, Germany

* Schieber, Mr J.R., 1621 Chinquapin Rd., Holland, Pennsylvania 18966-1719, USA

Schippers, Mr R.R., 19 Travertine Road, Walderslade, Chatham, Kent ME5 9LQ

Schmitt, Mr L., Hofstr. 9, Kirschweiler, D-55743, Germany

Schneider, Dr H., Botany Department, Field Museum of Natural History, Roosevelt Road at Lake Shore
Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605-2496, USA

Schneller, Dr J.J., Kusertobelweg 11, Kiisnacht, CH-8700, Switzerland

Schroder, Mr N.R., 2 The Dell, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1JG

Schulze, Dr G., Leuschnerstrasse 46, Ludwigshafen, Rheinland-Pfalz D-67063, Germany

Schweizer, Mr R., Hohwachtweg 5, Strengelbach, CH-4802, Switzerland

Sclater, Mr A.D., 54 Innis House, East Street, London, SE17 2J

Scott, Mr D.J., 19 Abbotts Grove, Peterborough, Cambs. PE4 5BP

Scott, Mr M.M., Strome House, North Strome, Lochcarron, Ross. 1V54 8YJ, Scotland

Scott, Mr W., New Easterhoull, Castle Street, Scalloway, Shetland ZE1 OTP, Scotland

Scott, Mrs W., 31 Mulberry Hill, Shenfield, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8JS

Scouller, Mr C.E.K., Tigh-na-Faoileige, Rhue, Ullapool, Ross. 1V26 2TJ, Scotland

Scudder, Mr J.H., 1361 52nd Avenue North, St Petersburg, Florida 33703-2625, USA

Searle, Mr M.G., Oak Lodge, 108 Cumnor Hill, Oxford, Oxon. OX2 9HY

Sears, Dr E.J., 6 Hitchwood Cottages, Preston, Hitchin, Herts. SG4 7RY

Seccombe, Mr R.J.O., 7 Lanhill View, Chippenham, Wilts. SN14 6XS

Sharpe, Dr J.M., 88 East Pittston Road, Dresden, Maine 04342, USA

Sheffield, Dr E., Dept. of Cell & Structural Biology, University of Manchester, Oxford Road,
Manchester, M13 9PL

Sherlock, Mrs N.M., 590 E Kings Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia V7N 1J3, Canada

Shuttleworth, Mr A., 17 Rossendale Avenue, Burnley, Lancs. BB11 SHF

Simmonds, Mr M., 32 St Dominic’s Drive, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 ODR

Siwoku, Mr T.O., 5 Desborough Close, Paddington, London, W2 6PQ -

Skog, Dr J., Dept. of Biology, 3E1, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444, USA

35, Kea’au, Hawaii 96749-0935, USA

*

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M
Smith, Mr K., Streather, Outertown, Stromness, Orkney KW16 3JP, Scotland
Smith, Mr & Mrs R.J. & B., 184 Solihull Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 3LG
Smout, Prof. & Mrs T.C. & A.-M., Chesterhill, Shore Road, Anstruther, Fife KY10 3DZ, Scotland
Snudden, Mr M.J., Kimsbury House, Moor Street, Saul, Glos. GL2 7L

PP
ree
Spray, Mr M., Hillside, Aston Bridge Road, The Pludds, Ruardean, Glos. GL17 9TZ
Stark, Mr G., Flat 3, Carlton House, Fernleigh Road, Grange over Sands, Cumbria LAI 1 7HP

Stevenson, Mr B.R., Willow Cottage, Cowlinge, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9QB
Stirling, Mr A.McG., 17 Austen Road, Jordanhill, Glasgow, Strathclyde W3, Scotland
Storey, Ms I.N.J., North House, Hayes Road, Bromley, Kent BR2 9AF
Strachan, Mr P.W., Yew Tree Cottage, 30 The Street, Brooke, Norwich, Norfolk NR15 1JT
Strang, Mr F.A., Kin Moss, Welsh Row, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TY
* Stringer, Mr G., 51 Littleton Close, Great Sankey, Warrington, Cheshire WAS 1HB
Sutton, Mr & Mrs R.L. & J.1., Clarebank, Logs Hill, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5LW

Swell, Mrs N., 505 Baldwin Road, Richmond, Virginia 23229, USA |

Sykes, Mr & Mrs R.W. & S., Ormandy House, Crosthwaite, nomi Cumbria LA8 8BP

Tattersall, Mr B.G., 262 Staines Road, Twickenham, Middx. 2 ,

Tavernier, Mr W.J.MLE. & Mrs S.J.J. Van den Bossche, Regelsbruggestraat 46, Aalst, B-9300, Belgium

Taylor, Mr I., Melody Cottage, Haverthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria AF

Taylor, Mr T., 12 Madin Street, New Tupton, Chesterfield, Derbys. S42 6EH

Taylor, Dr W.C., Botany Department, Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 West Wells Street, Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53233-1478, USA ‘

Temple, Mr P., The Forge at West End, Sherbourne St ens Basingstoke, Hants. RG24 9LE

Terry, Mr S.P., 59 St Albans Road, Sandridge, St Albans, Ferts. Dy

an Dr B.A., Department of Geography, University of Wales Lampeter, Lampeter, Ceredigion

SA48 7ED, Wales

Thomas, Miss C., 1 Fairy Cross, St Winnow, Lostwithiel, Comwall PL22 OLL

*

*

*

*

-— +

*

Thomas, Mr J.B., 7 Marlborough Close, Burbage, Hinckley, Leics. LE10 2AN

Thomas, Mr M.O.W., Ynys Einion, Eglwys Fach, Machynlleth, SY20 8SX, Wales

Thompson, Dr R., 36 Princes Gardens, Codsall, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV8 2DH
Thomsit, Mr G., 37 Belgrave Road, Wanstead, London, E11 3QW

Thomson, Mr R.M., Mayfield, Silverdale Road, Arnside, Camforth, Lancs. LAS OAG

Thom, Mr R., 456 Rte de Longwy, Luxembourg, L 1940, Luxembourg

Timm, Mr R.N. & Mr & Mrs G.G. Timm, The Fern Nursery, Grimsby Road, Binbrook, Lincs. LN8

Timmins, Mrs S., 154 Warley Hill, Brentwood, Essex CM14 S5HF

Tinker, Dr M.D., Hillside, 1 Hillside Crescent, Langholm, Dumfriesshire DG13 OEE, Scotland

Trewren, Mr K., 2 Station Cottages, Egton Bridge, Whitby, North Yorks. YO21 1UX

Turner, Dr D., 39 Karen Close, Bideford, Devon EX39 4P

Turner, Mr L., 31 Shrubbery Road, Barbourne, Worcester, Worcs. WR1 1QR

Twyman, Mr P., P.S.L., 11 Finsen Road, London, SES 9AX

Underwood, Miss G.E., 740 NE 23 Ave #D44, Gainesville, Florida 32609, USA

Unett, Major R., 15 Belmont Gardens, Bradford, West Yorks. BD12 OHJ

Unsworth, Mr I., 15 Malvern Avenue, Stalmine, Poulton Le Fylde, Lancs. FY6

Urquhart, Mr & Mrs A.D., ‘Wayside’, 82 Banbury Road, Kidlington, Oxon. OX52 BX

Veldkamp, Mr J., Tweede Spoorstraat 1, Groningen, 9718PC, Netherlands

Vervloesem, Mr L., De Roest d’ Alkemadelaan 5, Bus 38, Berchem, 2600, Belgium

Viane, Dr R.L.L., Bakkereelst 30, Ronse, 9600, Belgium

Vogel, Dr J.C., Botany Dept., The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Vulcz, Mr L., RMB 51180, Beech Forest, Victoria 3249, Australia

Wagner, Dr F.S., Dept. of Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1048, USA

Wagner, Mrs V.J., c/o 12 North View, Wimbledon Common, London, SW19 4UJ

Wagner, Prof. W.H., Dept. of Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1048,
USA

Wagstaff, Dr M., Cherry Tree Cottage, Gaer Fawr, Llangwm, Usk, Monmouthshire NP5 1HJ
Walker, Mrs D., 6 Mbuya Nehando Drive, Rusape, Zimbabwe

Walker, Dr T.G., 25 Lyndhurst Road, Benton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE12 9NT
Walkinshaw, Mr D., 10 Cluny Drive, Bearsden, Glasgow, Strathclyde G61 2J6, Scotland

Walsh, Mrs J.E., Glas Fryn, Cwm Penmachno, Betwys-y-Coed, Gwynedd LL24 ORN, Wales
Wardlaw, Prof. A.C., 92 Drymen Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, Strathclyde G61 2SY, Scotland

Watson, Mr C.M., The Lawns, Newfield Estate, Dundonald, Ayrshire KA2 9AW, Scotland

Weller, Mr D.J., St Clements Cottage, Hawkstone Park, Marchamley, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 SLF

Welss, Dr W., Max-Busch-Str. 20, Erlangen, D-91054, Germany

Westfold, Miss J., 39 Marsh Lane, Crosspool, Sheffield, South Yorks. $10 5NN

Wheatley, Dr T., Mote Croft, Church Lane, Horsted Keynes, West Sussex RH17 7AY

White, Mr B., 24 Ruby Street, West Essendon, Victoria 3040, Australia

White, Mr L., The Nook, New Road, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 7AU

White, Ms M.J., Rockley Cottage, East Creech, Wareham, Dorset B

Whittingham, Miss S.M., 5 Roslyn Road, Redland, Bristol, BS6 6NJ

Whysall, Mr J., 51-55 The Green, Markfield, Leicester, Leics. LE6 OWD

Wilkins, Mr & Mrs G. & J., 126 Cranbrook Road, Acomb, York, North Yorks. YO2 5SH

Williams, Mr & Mrs B. & C.B., Sira, Whilton, Daventry, Northants. NN11 5NN

Williams, Mr D.E., Ashbank, Nantwich Road, Church Minshull, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DY

Willmot, Dr A., 2 Kedleston Close, Allestree, Derby, Derbys. DE3 2RA

Wilmshurst, Mr R-W., 94 Croston Road, Garstang, Lancs. PR3 1HR

Wilsher, Mr N., c/o Claymore Group, Springs Farm, Westbury Lane, Purley-on-Thames, Reading,
Berks. RG8 8DL

Wilson, Prof. K.A., P.O. Box 39512, Los Angeles, California 90039-0512, USA

Wilson, Mr P., 50A Vassall Road, Kennington, London, SW9 OHX

Winder, Mr & Mrs G.H. & M.D.,7 Sharpes Hill, Barrow, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP29 SBY

Winkler, Dr G.M., 12 Non Pareille Str., Paarl, 7646, South Africa

Wood, Dr C.C., 2 Westfield Crescent, Wellesbourne, Warwick, Warwicks. CV3 9RP

Wood, Mrs J.N., Kelvin View, Ashton Lane, Ashton, Chester, Cheshire CH3 8AA

Woodhams, Mr & Mrs J.R., 203 Barnfield Avenue, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT2 5R

oo

Q
Woods, Mr R.G., c/o Countryside Council for Wales, Gwalia, Ithon Road, Llandrindod Wells, Powys
, Wales

* Woodward, Mr J.E., 74 Alexandra Road, Grimsby, Lincs. DN31 1RW
Woolveridge, Mr D.C., 2 Manor Road, Killinghall, Harrogate, North Yorks. HG3 2DP
Worland, Mr A.J., Harcam, Mill Road, Barnham Broom, Norwich, Norfolk NR9 4DE
Wornick, Mr W.K., P.O. Box 101, Highland View, Alstead, New Hampshire 03602-0101, USA
Wright, Mr B., 130 Prince Rupert Drive, Tockwith, York, North Yorks. YOS 8PU
Wright, Mr E.V., Litthkeworth House, Amberley, Stroud, Glos. GLS 5AG
Wright, a ne Collinwood Mount, Priest Lane, Mottram St Andrews, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10

ey 3 R.P., Dept. of Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620-5150, USA
* Wynn, Miss J.M., 3.614 Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13

Yasuda, Mr K., Dept. of Biology, Faculty of Education, Saitama University, 255 Shimo-Ohkubo,
Urawa, 338 AC, Japan
* Yesilyurt, Mr & Mrs E. & J.C., 49 Avonmore Road, Garden Flat, London, W14 8RT
Yoroi, Miss R., D 1415, Sunlight Pastoral, 5-Bangai, 7-221 Shin-matsudo, Matsudo-Shi, Chiba 270 AC,

Japan
Zenner, Mr G., Freiherr-vom-Stein-Str. 33, Kirn/Nahe, D-55606, Germ
Zimberoff, Mr S., Santa Rosa Tropicals, P.O. Box 6183, Santa Rosa, California 95406, USA
Zimmer, Dr B. oe Garten und Botanisches Mus., K6nigin-Luise-Strasse 6-8, Berlin 33, D-

4195, Germ
Zink, Dr M.J., Hackstr. 19, D - 67657, Kaiserslautern, Germany

SUBSCRIBERS

Aarhus eet beets Biologisk Institut, Nordlandsvej 68, Risskov, DK-8240, Denmark

Adelaide Botanic Gardens, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia

Agent for the Copyright Libraries, 100 Euston Street, London, NW1 oad

Akron University, Bierce Library, Serials Dept., Akron, Ohio 44325, USA

Allied Publishers Subs. ea APSA/CAL-KU/95, GPO Post Box Bo. 764, Calcutta, West Bengal
001 (WB),

American Fern Societ Hot any Department Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 W Wells Street,
Milwaukee, Wiscuusia 53233, U

Auckland University, Biological Library, avid Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

Austicks Bookshops, 21 Blenheim Terrace, Leeds, West Yorks. LS2 GHJ

Australian National Botanic Gardens, G.P. O. Box 1777, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia

Bibl. Inst. voor Syst. Plantkunde, Transitorium 2, De Uithof, Heidelberglaan 2, Utrecht, 3584 CS,

onion Rossiiskoi ea Nauk, Birzhevaya Liniya 1, Leningrad 199164, Russia
BI Control Dept., 2100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-1399, USA

E etane ‘a Bordeaux '. U. ER. de Biologie, Centre d’Ecologie montagnarde de Gabas, 64440

Laruns,
Botanical abi 8 fit “6t Texas, Library, 509 Pecan Street, Ft Worth, Texas psa te iis,
Botanischer Garten und Museum, The Library, KOnigin- -Luise-Strasse 6-8, 1 Berlin (Dahlem), D-

Germany
Botanisk Centralbibliotek, Solvgade 83 opg. S, Copenhagen, DK-1307, Denmark
British Council, Resource Centre, ISM, Medlock we Sac oggsal M15 4AA
British Library, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorks
CSIC, Seccion de Intercambio Bibliografico, Vitruvio 8, Madrid, 28006, Spai ‘
CSIRO, Black Mountain Library, GPO Box 109, A Slyke A.C.T. 2601, pees ia
Calicut University, P.O. 673 635, Calicut, Kerala State, In
California Hoheraity Library, Bioscience & Natural Res. Library, 2101 VLSB 6500, Berkeley,
alifornia 947206500, US
Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Cory Lodge, Bateman Street, aie ata 1JF
Center for Research Libraries, 6050 S eniwied Ave., Chicago, Illinois OTR
Chiba University Library, c/o Kwe/Access, P.O. Box 1518, Slough, geen S hh
China National Publications, Import & Export Corp... London Office, Periodic
Cc R ad, London, NW10 7LR sobcidcowiciebl
oimbra U idade, Instituto Botanico, Coimbra,
Colorado saab by s Halabies: Serials Dept., Campus Box 184, Boulder, a peoeneie oe
Connecticut University, Serials Processing U-5AS, Homer Babbidge Library, 369 Fairfield Roa
Storrs, Connecticut 06260-1005, USA

*

Conserv. & Jardin Botanique de Genéve, Bibliotheque, Chemin de I’ Impératrice 1, Caisse Postale 60,
Chambesy, Genéve CH-1292, Switzerland
Conservatoire & Jardins Botaniques, 100 Rue du Jardin Botanique, 54600 Villers-Les-Nancy, France

Cornell University, Albert R. Mann Library, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA

Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, Botanical Institute, Pruhonice U Prahy 25243, Czech Republic

DEA - Biol.TS, Via Lima 28, Roma, 00198 Italy

Duke University, Perkins Library, Box 90187, Durham, North Carolina 27708-0187, USA

E.Cereal & Oilseed, Wm Saunders Bldg.#49,C.E.F., Agriculture & Agri-food Can, Ottawa, Ontario
ada

1A 0C6,
English Nature, Information Resource Services, Northminster House, Northminster, Peterborough,
Cambs. PE] 1UA

. Box 45, Heidelberg, Victoria 3081, Australia
Field Museum of Natural History, Roosevelt Road, Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60605-2498,
USA

Garden News, Apex House, Oundle Road, Peterborough, Cambs. PE2 9NP

Georgia University Libraries, Acquisitions Dept. - Serials, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA

Hardy Fern Foundation, P.O. Box 166, Medina, Washington 98039-0166, USA

Harvard University, Gray Herbarium Library, 22 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138-

2020,
Hawaii University Library, Serials Division (P/O PNX 82912), 2550 The Mall, Honolulu, Hawaii
USA

Helsinki University, Dept. of Botany Library, Unioninkatu 44, Helsinki, SF-00170, Finland
Indian Fern Society, c/o Prof. S.S. Bir, Department of Botany, Punjabi University, Patiala 147 002,
Indi

ndia
Institute of Scientific Information, The USSR Academy of Sciences, Baltijakaja ul. 14, Moscow, A219,
Instituto de Botanica Darwinion, Biblioteca, Casilla de Correo No. 22, 1643 San Isidro, Buenos Aires,
ina

gen
Institutum Botanicum Bi-jun Yao, Exchange Library, Academia Sinica, Beijing, Republic of China
Iowa State University, Serials Dept., Parks Library, Ames, Iowa 50011, U
Japanese Pteridological Society, Botanical Gardens, University of Tokyo, Hakusan 3-7-1, Bunkyo-Ku,
kyo 112, Japan
Jardin Botanique, Parc de la Téte d’Or, Ville de Lyon, Lyon Cedex 06, F-69459, France
Kansas University Libraries, Serials/Retrieval Services, 210 Watson, Lawrence, Kansas 66045-2800,

U
Kendal Library (Cumbria County Library), Strickland Gate, Kendal, Cumbria LAO 4PY
Konyvtar, E., Universitatsbibliothek, P.O.B. 233, Budapest, H-1364, gi
Landcare Research New Zealand, P.O. Box 69, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
Leicester University Library, P.O. Box 248, University Road, Leicester, Leics. LE] 9QD
Leiden Rijksherbarium, Bibliotheek, P.O. Box 9514, Leiden, 2300 RA, Netherlands
Library of ee Exchanges and Gift Division, Gift Section, 10 First Street SE, Washington DC
40, USA
Libreria A. Raguzzi SRL, Via San Marino 32, Roma 00198, Italy
Liege University, Dept. de Botanique, Sart Tilman, B.22, Liége, B-4000, Belgium
Linnaean Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1
Liverpool Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 8EN
London Natural History Society, Central Libraries, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ
Los Angeles International Fern Soc., P.O. Box 90943, Pasadena, California 91109-0943, USA
Lowveld National Botanic Garden, P.O. Box 1024, Nelspruit 1200, South Africa
Malaga University, Departmento de Botanica, Biblioteca, Facultad de Ciencias, Camino de la
Misericordia, Malaga 29071, Spain
Manchester University, John Rylands Library, Periodicals Dept.,Medical/Science Sectn., Oxford Road,
anchester, M13 9PP
Trebah Garden (attn Ms R. Martin), Mawnam Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 5JZ
Melbourne University, Baillieu Library, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
Miami University, Dept of Botany (attn Dr M.A. Vincent), 79 Upham Hall, Oxford, Ohio 45056, USA

Michigan State University, 100 Library, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1048, USA

Miller Library, University of Washington, Box 354115, Seattle, Washington 98195-4115, USA

Missouri Botanical Garden Library, P.O. Box 299, St Louis, Missouri 63166, USA

Musée Botanique Cantonal, 14bis Avenue de Cour, Lausanne, CH 1007, Switzerland

Museum of New Zealand, Hector Library, P.O. Box 467, Wellington, New Zealand

National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Eire

National Botanical Institute, Private Bag x101, Pretoria, Transvaal 0001, South Africa

National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001, India

National Museum of Natural Science, 1 Kuan Chien Road, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China

National Museum . Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff, S. Glamorgan CF] 3NP, Wales

Natural History Museum, Acquisitions Section - DLIS, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD

Nederlandse 4 sbi ate ging, The Secretary, J.G. Greep, van Remagenlaan 17, Amhem 6824 LX,
rlands

Nelson Fern Society Inc, 9 Bay View Road, Atawhai, Nelson, New Zealand

New York sma Garden, Luesther T. Mertz Library - Serials Exch, 200 Southern Boulevard,
Bronx, New York, New York 10458, USA

Nippon Femist ‘Club, c/o Dr T. Nakaike, Chiba Prefecture Central Museum, Aoba-cho 955-2, Chuo-Ku,

Chiba 260, Japan
North Carolina University at Chapel Hill, CB-3938 Davis Library, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514-
890, USA
Northern Horticultural Society, Harlow Car Botanical Gardens, Crag Lane, Harrogate, North Yorks.
HG3 1QB

NPK Landlife Ltd., 40 Farlands Drive, East Didsbury, Manchester, M20 0GB
Oxford University, Dept. of Plant Sciences, South Parks Road, Oxford, Oxon. OX1 3RA
Queensland Herbarium, Dept. of Environment and Heritage, Sone Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, Mt
Coot-tha Road, Toowong, Queensland 4066, Austr:
Royal Botanic Garden, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 SLR, Séitteod
Royal Botanic Garden/National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Australia
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3
Royal Horticultural Society, Lindley Library, 80 Vincent Square, London, SWI1P 2EP
SGAP (Fern Study Group), c/o Moreen Woollett, Hon. Sec., 3 Currawang Place, Como West, New
South Wa a 226, Australia
San Diego Fern Society, 1418 Park Row, La Jolla, California 92037, USA _ ae
Schweizeris Vereinigung der Farnfreunde, Inst. fiir Systematische Bot., Zollikerstr. 107, Ziirich, CH
, Switzerlan
Senckenbergische Naturforschende Gesell., Abtlg., Zeitschriften-Tauschverkehr, Senckenberg-Anlage
, 6 Frankfurt, D60325, Germany
Societas Botanica Czechoslovaca, Benataka 2, 128 01 Praha 2, Czech Republic
Southport Flower Show Ltd, 28a Princes Street, Southport, Merseyside PR8 IEQ
Swets Subscription Service, P.O. Box 142, Abingdon, Oxon. OX14 1GY ce
Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens, Mrs MacQuaries Road, Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
Tartu University, Gardens, Lai 38, Tartu EE2400, Estonia
Tasmanian Fern Society, 72 Bush Creek Road, Lenah Valley, Tasmania 7008, Australia ie
Tropical Botanic Pee & Research Inst., Pacha Palode, Nedumangad, Trivandrum, Kerala State

562, In pe
Tulane University, Serials Section, Howard-Tilton Memorial Library, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118,
USA
Turku University, Dept. of Botany, SF-20500, Turku gee ,
Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Belfast BT9 5AB, Northern Irelan Re ;
Univ. Complutense, Fac. Farmacia, Dept. de Biologia Vegetal II, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, Madrid

ain

University College Of Wales, Hugh Owen Building, Penglais, Aberystwyth, a a 3DZ, Wales

Vakgroep Biologie Lab, Plantkunde, (attn Prof. E. Coppejans), Ledeganckstraat n

Vanderbilt jase Library, Serials Receiving, Suite 700 Baker Building, 110 21st Avenue South,
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-2408,

ashington University Libraries, Serials ii

West Australia Fern Society, 73 Point Walter Road,

Ziirich Botanischer Garten und Institut fur ee ade
8008, Switzerlan

os = Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
n, Western Australia 6157, Australia
ee Zollikerstrasse 107, Ziirich, CH-

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St Leonard’s Forest nr. Crawley and High Beeches Gardens, Handcross,
West Sussex — 26 September Paul Ripley

Twelve members met near Spring Farm (51/231313) to visit St Leonard’s Forest, an
area not previously covered by the group. We were particularly pleased to be able to
welcome Bruce Douglas to his second meeting with us. We were also very grateful to
Pat Acock, Tim Brock, Graham Ackers and Andrew Leonard for bringing some very
well grown ferns for other members.

Walking down through formerly coppiced woodland we encountered, apart from the
ubiquitous bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis morphotype
borreri (one plant), D. dilatata, D. carthusiana (never common, and growing in very
dry positions) and Blechnum spicant. By the ghyll, large Athyrium filix-femina plants
were common and a single Oreopteris limbosperma plant was noted. Some interesting
Dryopteris affinis were inspected; apart from morphotype borreri, morphotype affinis
was also present. Further down the ghyll in old masonry under a bridge Asplenium
scolopendrium was found.

We walked further along this footpath, past Springfield Farm and some handsome
Sussex cattle. At 51/220313 there was a fine stand of well grown Oreopteris
limbosperma. By a circuitous route, only slightly longer than intended (!) we lunched at
the Wheatsheaf at Plummers Plain. There are some interesting hammer-ponds here and
Equisetum fluviatile, among other plants of interest, had been found during
reconnaissance; Trevor Lording left us at this point to look for hybrid pondweeds, but
we did not have time to visit these areas.

The manageress of High Beeches Gardens, Anne Boscowen, her husband, and the Head
Gardener, Chris Wardle, accompanied us on our visit to these beautiful gardens
(51/275309). One of the famous Loder gardens in this part of the sandstone Weald, the
gardens were created out of a cleared oak plantation, some 150 to 200 years old.
Standards had been left to provide shade, but clearance following the hurricane of 1987
has made the gardens much more open than when they were created. We found almost
entirely Dryopteris affinis (morphotype borreri) scattered through the gardens, whereas
D. filix-mas grows only near the buildings, an indication that the gardens were once
more wooded. A number of ghylls tracked through the grassy slopes, and Equisetum
telmateia was seen here in addition to most of the species seen earlier. Some very fine
Osmunda regalis specimens were present and were happily seeding themselves on the
Stream banks.

ile we got thoroughly soaked, a detour was made to
A. scolopendrium, A. ruta-muraria and (in
alls of former stable buildings.

After a welcome cup of tea and wh
see Asplenium adiantum-nigrum,
abundance) A. trichomanes growing in old w
Mention must be made of the willow gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea), naturalised in the
wooded area and still flowering, and the fact that Ophioglossum vulgatum grows in the
Preserved ‘hay meadow’. The Boscowens travel widely and plants, especially
thododendrons, are being added to the collection here all the tme. We were indeed
grateful to them and also to Chris Wardle, for giving up so much time to show us their
beautiful gardens.

End of Season Meeting, Sheffield Park, East Sussex — 10 October Pat Acock
friends gathered at these lovely National Trust gardens

Ar d
ound twenty members an noted for their spring flowers and

(51/4124) encircling splendid lakes. The gardens are

125

autumn colours. We managed to see a few ferns including many sporeling osmundas on
a large waterfall, and many spectacular trees.

We returned to Paul Ripley’s house in Tonbridge, Kent to tour his estate which is
constantly developing and expanding on the fern front. Since our last visit the
Polystichum collection in the side borders has been much enlarged and a fine Dicksonia
antarctica has been added to the woodland section. A new greenhouse has been added
for planting out sporelings and protecting the more delicate ferns.

Inside we were treated to a marvellous tea provided by Linda and Paul.We then had an
end of season slide-show of members’ fern forays; these included talks on Bulgaria, La
Palma and two on the GEP visit to the Italian Alps.

EAST ANGLIA

Indoor Meeting, Barrow, Suffolk — 1 February Barrie Stevenson

Barrow, near Bury St Edmunds, where we enjoyed two and a half hours of sunshine
and ferns, a contrast indeed to the cold, damp weather of an English winter afternoon.

The video, made by Keith Rogers, included a tour of his garden, with its 5,000sq.ft
shade house and extensive collection of platyceriums, tree-ferns, davallias and
Marattiaceae. Almost all of Keith’s 3,000 ferns are in pots because of the calcareous
clay soil at Mannum, and he has automated watering for them. Also included in the
video was a section on ferns in the wild on Australia’s east coast in the Blue Mountains
and around Townsville in Queensland (Platycerium veitchii in particular). A highlight
was a visit to the famous fern-bedecked railway station at Kuranda, Queensland and the
gardens of fellow enthusiasts Calder Chaffey in Wollongba, New South Wales, and
Rod Pattison in Brisbane. The final hour of the video covered a trip to Lord Howe
Island showing some of the ferns (including the endemic Cyathea robusta) and the
Howea palms for which this World Heritage designated island is most famous.

The innovation of a meeting at this time of year was considered a great success; a mid-
winter meeting will therefore be included in next year’s programme.

Swiss Garden, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire and Craddock’s Garden,
Ampthill, Bedfordshire — 14 June Tim Pyner

Twelve members and friends arrived at the Swiss Garden, 43 miles west of
Biggleswade and were met by Dr Nancy Dawson, Conservation Officer for the
Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire Naturalists Trust for ten years, and Julia Powell the
Head Gardener, who acted as leaders for our visit.

We went first to an area of semi-natural, damp woodland adjacent to the garden
entrance. There we saw plentiful Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, D. affinis subsp.
borreri, Polystichum aculeatum, P. setiferum and their hybrid P. x bicknellii.
Asplenium scolopendrium grew along the stream banks. These had all been recorded in
the past by Dr Dawson but we did find several plants of Athyrium filix-femina which
was a new record. The polystichums seemed quite confusing until we found

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P. aculeatum on a stream bank and realised that many of the largest plants were P. x
bicknellii. Microscopic examination of the spores later confirmed this. Also of interest
were scattered plants of broad-leaved helleborine (Epipactis helleborine) which had
developed well due to the wet spring and early summer.

We next visited the Swiss Garden, an early 19th Century ornamental garden with many
interesting plantings and fascinating buildings, including a Swiss Cottage and a Grotto
and Fernery. Within the garden ferns were conspicuous in several areas. Cultivars of
Dryopteris filix-mas were detected and puzzled over. Pteridium aquilinum was added
to the list of recorded ferns. Finally before lunch we visited the Grotto of tufa and
Pulhamite stone, which has recently been replanted with a selection of common hardy
and tender ferns. Species not seen previously included Osmunda regalis (nice
specimens), Cyrtomium falcatum and C. fortunei, Pteris cretica, Adiantum hispidulum,
Polystichum polyblepharum and Polypodium agg. “Cornubiense’ group.

The afternoon was spent visiting Mick and Linda Craddock’s garden in Ampthill,
where we were joined by Ray and Brenda Smith. Several members had not been to the
garden before but we were already aware that this was no ordinary garden. We were not
disappointed. As previous visitors have noted, space to grow ferns is found everywhere
(I shall only mention the other groups such as palms and agaves in passing). The
ground, walls and even the roof are covered in ferns while Mick’s ingenious irrigation
system is worthy of an article of its own. Of particular note is the impressive NCCPG
collection of Davalliaceae in a small greenhouse. A large Stenochlaena palustris climbs
up a brick wall of the same greenhouse. Various Cyathea and Dicksonia species are
grown in tubs and in a border of another greenhouse in the rear garden. I noticed

photo: Hugo Stevenson

East Anglian Regional Group’s visit to Mick and Linda Craddock’s home.

Standing: Geoff Winder, Howard Matthews, Barrie Stevenson, Rosemary Stevenson,
i ox, Alf Hoare (front), Peter Richardson, Tricia Craddock, Tim Pyner.
. Mick Craddock, Jennifer Cox, Linda Craddock,

rian C
Sitting: Marie Winder, Mary Hilton, ;
Brenda Smith.

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Polystichum proliferum and P. vestitum in the same greenhouse along with several sub-
tropical Blechnum species. Outside, two shelves of containers house a large collection
of Equisetum species and hybri ardy ferns grow around a small pond and on a
rockery, while everywhere eel the garden grow ferns I had only read about in
books: obscure Asplenium species and hybrids, adiantums, a beautiful scaly
Polystichum from the Himalaya, pyrrosias and polypodiums. The front garden is also
full of hardy ferns shaded by large Chusan palms (Trachycarpus fortunei).

A splendid tea was provided by Linda which completed a marvellous day which the
whole group thoroughly enjoyed

Wolves Wood, Hadleigh, Suffolk and Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead,
Essex — 22 August Marie Winder

Wolves Wood (60/054436) is an RSPB Nature Reserve 1} miles east of Hadleigh.
Eighteen of us plus two very young future members met Neil Griffiths, the Warden, at
the entrance to the reserve. He told us that the wood was about 90 acres in area and was
relatively wet for this part of East Anglia being situated on heavy clay. He said that
there could be up to 42 ponds in the reserve depending on rainfall but there were 28 at
the time of our visit, some having great crested newts in them. The wood is very
ancient, probably having existed continuously since the last Ice Age. Coppicing has

en carried out for hundreds of years, mainly on hazel, hornbeam, birch and ash. He
told us that wood anemone, early purple orchid and the rare violet helleborine could be
found in the wood, also herb paris and yellow archangel, both indicators of ancient
woodland. The Midland hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), which has two-seeded
berries, is also present.

We set off into the wood to look for ferns and other items of interest. The first fern
found was a specimen of Dryopteris filix-mas. Later we came across a mixed group of
ferns: D. filix-mas again, together with D. carthusiana and D. dilatata. Typical of many
woods in this part of East Anglia, there were no large stands of ferns nor many species,
just a few small groups or single plants. These three species were all the wood had to
offer. However, we saw many other plants including guelder rose, meadow sweet,
tormentil, welted thistle, perforate St John’s wort and gipsywort, with reedmace
growing round some ponds. The warden also pointed out various features of the fauna:
migrant hawker dragonflies, a bat roost in a hollow ash, the site where the rare great
gray slug was first found in the wood and, of course, various birds including chaffinch,
great, blue, longtailed and marsh tits and evidence of woodpecker activity.

At lunch time we moved to the Beth Chatto Gardens and Nursery at Elmstead Market
where we were joined by four more members. Here, after a picnic lunch, we were met
by Beth Chatto herself who showed us round her gardens. Firstly we saw her gravel
garden, a recent development containing a wonderful range of plants suitable for
growing in dry places, then a screened tunnel in which she grew special plants such as
Arisaema, orchids and several less common ferns. Much to Beth Chatto’s delight,
members, especially Tim Pyner, were able to identify several ferns for her:
Pseudophegopteris levingei, Onychium japonicum and Cystopteris fragilis. The latter
had, until our visit, only been known by Beth Chatto as ‘The Dressmaker’s Fern’ since
the friend from whom she had received it had always called it this, having been given it
in her turn by her dressmaker.

We were then taken into the main garden — a beautiful valley set with mature trees
where Beth Chatto has created a series of lakes, and beds containing a wide range of

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plants including a number of ferns. These were mainly Polystichum setiferum and its
varieties and species of Dryopteris and their varieties. There were also many Asplenium
scolopendrium and several groups of polypodies. Near her bungalow was a good
specimen of P. setiferum ‘Plumosum Bevis’ and a patch of Blechnum penna-marina.
The lakes were surrounded by various marginal aquatics including Onoclea sensibilis,
Osmunda regalis and a very good Matteuccia struthiopteris. Beth Chatto was in her
element discussing details and identities of the various ferns and other plants and was
reluctant to depart at about 3 p.m. when she was summoned back to more humdrum
matters in the office!

We continued to explore the garden, especially the newly developed woodland area in
which are various ferns including Cystopteris bulbifera and Woodwardia unigemmata
(complete with large bulbils) while under a Paulownia tree was a fine patch of
Adiantum venustum.

Our visit was completed with a sortie to the excellent nursery to buy plants and we left,
just as the gates were being closed for the night, with the feeling that further visits in
different seasons were essential in order to do the gardens justice, as there was so much
to see and enjoy.

Hyde Hall RHS Garden and Ausfern, Writtle, Essex — 27 September
Peter Richardson

greenhouse, only Dicksonia antarctica and Blechnum cordatum (syn. B. chilense) were
found, plus a Woodwardia radicans outside in a pot. The group then progressed all
round the gardens and the two other greenhouses, deliberating over each fern in turn.
They turned out to be mainly native species and cultivars. (The East Anglian group
shows a sharp divide between those who delight in cultivars and those who are revolted
by them!)

After lunch the group moved on to an appointment with the proprietor of Ausfern, Neil
Pike, at the glasshouse which they currently use close to Writtle Agricultural College,
where we were made welcome with sherry and snacks. Ausfern specialise in salvaging
Dicksonia antarctica from forest which is being logged, at first in Tasmania and now in
Victoria. Neil gave us an illuminating talk on how the business came to be set up — a
long and convoluted tale — and the many setbacks he suffered. Nota horticulturalist by
training, while on a trip to Tasmania he was struck by the sight of tree-ferns piled in
enormous heaps which were being wasted as virgin rainforest was clear felled. He was
initially given permission by the forestry companies to take away a truckload of ee
ferns free of charge for selling at his father’s nursery. The scale of the operation ton y
expanded, and many other people moved into the business, some less scrupulous a ie
where they obtained their tree-ferns. Because of this unregulated proliferation, ia

ike and some other ecologically-minded acquaintances formed the Australian Tree em
Association. Unfortunately, the publicity generated about the scale of deforestation in
Tasmania did not endear him to the state government and the forestry companies. As a
result there is at present a moratorium on the export of tree-ferns from Tasmania, i
means that they are once more being pushed into piles and burnt as the forest is fellec,
4 return to the position which existed before Neil started his salvage operation.

129

At their current premises, an acre of glass contains a potted forest of ninety thousand
tree-ferns, their bright green fronds intermingling into an impenetrable canopy. This
seems a lot, but all those taken for horticultural use in Australia, Europe and the US
still only represent 5% of the tree-ferns being uprooted as the forests are felled.
Astonishingly, they are now shipped here in refrigerated containers, at around —5°C, to
stop them leafing up during the 11-week journey from Australia. When stood upright in
the glasshouse they produce complete new crowns in a few weeks, even if not potted
up. Their cultural requirements were discussed; apparently D. antarctica can be found
naturally in swampy valley bottoms and will tolerate having its feet in water, unlike any
other temperate tree-fern. In any case they definitely benefit from frequent and
generous water application, particularly in the South-East, which is where most losses
are sustained. The glasshouse manager now uses a very low-nutrient regime for them,
having lost many to overfeeding. As a rooting medium, anything organic was
recommended, particularly tree leaf-mould.

Ausfern is in the early stages of establishing a European branch near Biarritz, in one of
the few parts of Europe where the climate really does suit southern Australian ferns,
and from there they plan to market the same range of some eighty Australian ferns
currently offered from their sister operation in Melbourne, Fern Wor

After the talk, BPS members disappeared under the fern canopy, bent over double and
shuffling up and down the rows in a competition to see who could spot the most
epiphytic ferns sprouting out of the fern trunks. The common ones proved to be
Rumohra adiantiformis, Microsorum diversifolium and Hymenophyllum venosum, but a
few H. flabellatus and Tmesipteris tannensis were spotted as well. We emerged at the
end of the afternoon with armfuls of specimens for purchase — Blechnum, Polystichum
and Calochlaena (Culcita) as well as Dicksonia. We were most grateful to Neil, to his
niece, who kindly provided the refreshments, and to glasshouse manager Ed Pearman
for giving up their Sunday afternoon to receive us at the nursery.

End of Season Meeting, Barrow, Suffolk — 1 November Barrie Stevenson
At the time of writing we are looking forward to our traditional autumn get together at
the home of Marie and Geoff Winder at Barrow near Bury St Edmunds, where our
programme will include a slide-show of ferns of both France and Bali, a presentation
describing Jn Vitro Culture of Spores and a viewing of the BPS fern video. There will
also be a display of Victorian and Edwardian fern books, ferny artefacts and
photographs and a fern bring-and-buy stall, thus rounding off a most enjoyable season.

NORTH-WEST

Hawkshead, Southern Cumbria (34/353980) — 20 June Peter Hindle
The variety of habitats explored on this meeting included a churchyard, woodland and
open fellside up to a height of 200m. Rainfall is high and the soils mainly acid.
Nineteen members attended.

Close to the car park, a high stone wall provided an attractive community of Asplenium
trichomanes, A. scolopendrium, A. ruta-muraria, A. ceterach and Polpodium
interjectum. In the steeply sloping churchyard members were very interested in several
clumps of Cystopteris fragilis larger than any of us had seen previously. Kaye once
reported a variety which he named C. fragilis ‘Crenatum’ but no-one could be definite
about this.

We then ascended fairly steeply through Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina,
Polypodium interjectum in walls and some good specimens of Oreopteris limbosperma.
As the path levelled out we came to more open ground where the rather wet path was
lined with Blechnum spicant in profusion. Goosey Foot Tarn failed to provide us with
Thelypteris palustris though it has been reported there. Dryopteris carthusiana was
found nearby.

Lunch was taken here and we then went on through more woodland and crossed
Hawkshead Moor seeing plenty of the previously mentioned plants. The next piece of
woodland additionally gave us Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Phegopteris connectilis
close together, with the latter, in some cases, under beech trees. Close to the road at the
base of a wall was found a single plant of Asplenium scolopendrium. We were lucky
with the weather as rain did not fall until we were refreshing ourselves back in
Hawkshead.

(The full five mile walk route is in Bowker, T., Coniston and Hawkshead Walks. p.37. Dalesman
Books.)

Holme Crag Garden, Witherslack, Cumbria (34/423837) — 11 July

Peter Hindle
This private four acre garden, at a height of 40m above sea level, has woodland,
including an ancient oak, rocky outcrops, a bog and a pond. It has been developed over
the last 24 years by the owner, Mr J. Watson, as a wildlife and bird sanctuary. The soils
are, in general, very acid. Twenty members attended.

The steeper areas and the patches of woodland have been largely left unimproved and
here we found stands of Dryopteris filix-mas including ‘Crispa cristata’, D. dilatata,
Blechnum spicant, Athyrium filix-femina, Asplenium scolopendrium including some
‘Crispum’, A. adiantum-nigrum, Polypodium interjectum and Phegopteris connectilis.
The pond provided Equisetum fluviatile, E. arvense and good clumps of Osmunda
regalis. The garden provided many ‘non fern’ distractions and it took Les Dugdale to
call us to order and lead us to the fern collections situated close to the house and in
heavy woodland shade. A complete list would be very long but members were
particularly impressed by fine examples of Polystichum setiferum ‘Bevis’, Blechnum
penna-marina ‘Alpina’, Asplenium scolopendrium ‘Laceratum’, Cyrtomium fortunet
and Athyrium filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’.

Lunch was taken in Allithwaite village (34/387766) where we then visited the nearby
garden of Les Dugdale for the afternoon. In addition to the large collection of British

for example Cystopteris bulbifera, a lime an
Blechnum tabulare from the Falklan 7 ban
Polystichum polyblepharum, Adiantum pedatum ‘Imbricatum : A. ra cree .
A. cuneatum), Phlebodium aureum and Davallia fejeensis were particularly admired.
Les and Mildred provided us with afternoon tea and on departure each = was
given a ferny gift, for which many thanks. This excellent day had been planned for us
by Jack and Majorie Garstang.

Johnny’s Wood, Borrowdale (leader: M. Porter) and the as
Keswick, Cumbria (leader: Nan Hicks) — 16 August ead ila
Threatening clouds and a hint of rain in the wind met the eleven BPS members who
gathered in the car park at Seatoller (35/245138) to examine the ferns of Johnny’s

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Wood, a famous and extensive oak wood near the head of Borrowdale. The first
interesting ferns were, in fact, found little more than 100 yards from the car park and
consisted of a typical Lakeland grouping: Oreopteris limbosperma, Athyrium filix-
femina, Dryopteris filix-mas and, on the wall behind, Cryptogramma crispa. All were
in excellent condition.

The path now led into the wood itself which, somewhat surprisingly, is not particularly
fern rich at this western end with only Dryopteris dilatata being at all frequent, though
there was a scattering of Polypodium vulgare, much of it growing on the lichen-
encrusted trunks of the oak trees. Further on, however, just past the hamlet of
Longthwaite, the path swings back towards the west and climbs steeply through moist,
craggy woodland and here ferns were found in profusion. Hymenophyllum wilsonii was
growing on wet rock faces, Phegopteris connectilis was widely distributed both in
hollows and on slopes, Oreopteris limbosperma was abundant along the edges of the
wood, one patch of Gymnocarpium dryopteris was noted by the beck and various
members of the Dryopteris group were seen along the paths. Interestingly, many ferns
had lost parts or all of their fronds, the result, as far as we could judge, of grazing by
deer but, equally, a large number of plants had fresh green fronds, suggesting
considerable regrowth in this the wettest of recent summers. As if to emphasise the
point, the rain which had held off all morning now began to fall once again as we made
our way back to the cars.

Fortified by a nourishing pub lunch in Keswick, the group, now led by Nan Hicks, set
out for the second destination of the day and there followed a brisk walk from Keswick
former railway station (35/272237) along a disused section of railway line in the
direction of Penrith. Unfortunately the rain now began to fall heavily and it was a rather
wet group which arrived at the afternoon’s objective, a rocky railway cutting whose
sheer sides were thickly clothed with a variety of ferns. Here Dryopteris filix-mas,
D. affinis, Athyrium filix-femina and superb fronds of Asplenium scolopendrium and
Polystichum aculeatum were all noted, while on steep slopes below the craggy sides of
the cutting there were several healthy colonies of Phegopteris connectilis. High up and
out of reach was what appeared to be a small colony of Gymnocarpium dryopteris. This
was felt to be an excellent site, well worth the walk and attractive even in the pouring
rain, which gradually eased as we made our way back to Keswick.

AGM, Holehird, Windermere, Cumbria — 10 October Jack Garstang

Spectacular scenery, sunshine and lusciously colourful gardens greeted thirty-one
members and our guest speaker for our fifth AGM. Following the financial business,
the meetings reports for 1998 reflected another successful season, a special vote of
thanks being given to Mike Porter for all the effort he put into organising the splendid
four day national meeting at Coniston. The many suggestions put forward for the 1999
meetings should ensure an engaging and varied programme.

We were fortunate in having the President of the BPS, Martin Rickard, as our speaker
and he gave us a superb illustrated talk on the finer scientific and taxonomic points of
cultivars of European Polypodium vulgare agg. The three fern competitions drew a

ood response in the form of some very fine plants from the members. The tricky ‘Fern
word’ competition was solved by Jack Bouckley, who now has the unenviable task of
compiling one for next year. Refreshments were followed with displays of photographs,
ferns and fossils. The plant sale organised by Alec Tate was once again a treasure-trove
of unusual plants and besieged by eager buyers.

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CORNWALL Rose Murphy

The Lizard, West Cornwall — 11 February

This year we were able to hold our first meeting in February, the mild weather being a
marked contrast to the cold, cold spring of 1997. Five of us met at the National Trust
car park at Kynance Cove on The Lizard. Walking north, we looked first at the large
serpentine outcrop immediately to the west of the path (10/688134). This outcrop is
noted for its assemblage of unusual flowering plants and in the numerous rocky
crevices there were tiny plants of Asplenium adiantum-nigrum with very narrow fronds.
Such a morphology is thought to be induced by the heavy metal content of the
serpentine and a contrast was provided by more normal forms growing nearby.
Polypodium interjectum was also present.

Crossing the stream at Kynance Gate, we turned inland for a short distance to search the
slopes of other serpentine outcrops (10/687137), this time for /soetes histrix.
Population numbers of the land quillwort vary from year to year as the plants
sometimes remain dormant, so although 35 plants were counted at the first site nearest
the Gate, there were none around the next outcrop, this despite their abundance in
previous years. Further searches were then made to the west. Here, in the extremely
short turf around an extensive outcrop (10/684135) the quillwort was present in
abundance, while to the north, in a tiny area of rabbit-grazed turf (10/684136) we found
another 27 plants.

Lunch was followed by a drive to a small parking area at the side of the road north-west
of Traboe Cross (10/738212). Still continuing the search for Isoetes histrix which was
the main reason for the meeting, we walked across rough heath to look for a small
disused quarry where the /svetes had last been recorded 12 years ago. After struggling
through a quagmire(!) the quarry was found and so was the Isoetes (10/734215). The
population was small — just 12 plants — but they were of varying size and age, so would
seem to be safely established. More Asplenium adiantum-nigrum and Polypodium
interjectum were seen and one plant of Asplenium marinum with fertile fronds up to
only 2cm long and amazingly about five miles from the sea.

The Gover Valley, near St Austell, East Cornwall - 5 August
Nine of us met on the west side of the Gover Valley at the start of the track
(10/987538) that led down to the Gover Stream, often called the White River. The track
ted except for small patches of open
Sandy quartz gravel. Pteridium aquilinum, the only fern at this point, was ges x
lower down, as we passed through a secondary growth woodland of Quercus robur an
various willows, ferns became abundant both with
Stream that ran alongside the track — Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum _
Dryopteris aemula (at 10/993538), D. dilatata, D. venison and Asplenium
scolopendrium. Two different morphotypes of the Dryopteris affinis group were seen
and their characters demonstrated; D. affinis subsp. affinis was abundant but there were
few plants of subsp. borreri.
On the return, a diversion was made to some china clay waste and an engage ie
but though we saw Epilobium brunnescens (New Zealand willowherb) ae ee
minima (small cudweed), both typical of china clay, there were no ferns, no sed
orsetails that can so often be found in wet areas at the base of the china clay Ai
However, one determined member of the group went searching for Hymenophyllum

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tunbrigense and Oreopteris limbosperma — there were old records for these in the area.

e plants were refound, the filmy fern covering granite boulders overhanging the
shaded part of the river (10/993541) and the Oreopteris limbosperma on a north-facing
bank by a track near the ford (10/991547).

After lunch, in brilliant sunshine, the group walked down a sheltered lane towards this
ford, exploring gravel tracks, revegetated china clay waste, hedgebanks and walls,
adding Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes subsp. quadrivalens and Osmunda
regalis to the list of ferns seen during the day.

A few days later, another member of the group returned to the valley, finding
Hymenophyllum tunbrigense in abundance (10/993539), growing both over granite
boulders and on the trunks of fallen trees that were hanging over the water.

St Dennis Junction, by Goss Moor, East Cornwall — 16 September

Seven of us attended this meeting led by Dr Chris Page and Ian Bennallick who has
long studied the area. St Dennis Junction (10/934598) is adjacent to the western side of
Goss Moor, a National Nature Reserve. It has been successively tin-streamed and
worked for gravels and, until recently, was the site of a concrete block works. The
whole area is criss-crossed with tracks and railways (two now dismantled) and has been
used as a dump. As a result there is an absolute mosaic of habitats — willow carr, open
water, seasonal pools, dry rough grassland, scrub and disturbed, open, stony ground
often with impeded drainage — supporting a wide range of pteridophytes.

Athyrium filix-femina was found everywhere, but Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris pls nis
subsp. affinis and D. filix-mas were only occasional. D. dilatata grew on the
hummocks within the Salix carr and Polypodium x mantoniae was recorded on one of
the willows with one parent, P. interjectum (10/936599). Osmunda regalis was
abundant and Chris Page located one plant of Oreopteris limbosperma growing quite
unexpectedly in this rather shaded habitat (10/937595).

fan Bennallick guided the group along a flooded trackway to see a very luxuriant
population of Pilularia globulifera at 10/939596. After a picnic lunch on a sunny bank,
we continued to look at the extensive stands of horsetails. Three species were abundant:
Equisetum fluviatile, E. palustre and E. telmateia. E. arvense occurred at intervals. The
first hybrid seen was Equisetum x rothmaleri (E. arvense x E. palustre) growing by the
branch line to Newquay, (10/933599). Then, alongside a wet track, both Equisetum x
dycei (E. fluviatile x E. palustre) and Equisetum x litorale (E. arvense x E. fluviatile)
were found, growing very close together at 10/939596. E. x rothmaleri and E. x dycei
were first records for Cornwall, and a fourth hybrid, involving E. telmateia, was
suspected. It was a most amazing day and as Chris Page said, the combined factors of
disturbed ground with both calcareous and siliceous substrates affecting the ground
water seemed to be producing “one of the highest concentrations of Equisetum hybrids
in the country”. Our thanks were extended both to Ian, who added Dryopteris
carthusiana to the list (10/935597) and to Chris Page who so carefully demonstrated the
characters of these horsetails.

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS

BBC GARDENERS’ WORLD LIVE! - 10-14 June A.R. Busby
For a second year I decided to stage a display of hardy ferns for the Society at the
National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. This huge show of nurseries and garden
sundries suppliers attracts thousands of visitors each year and is an excellent venue to
display to the gardening public our Society’s aims and activities.

The stand was furnished by eighteen pots of both British and hardy foreign ferns. I was
far from satisfied with the final arrangement, largely because I used virtually every pot
fern I had at the time and one or two were not in the best of condition.

Last year the specialist societies stands were placed on the periphery of the show
opposite the plant créche. This year we were placed in an area to the left of the main
entrance and as a result enjoyed the attention of far more visitors. Many Society
application forms were given out and it is most gratifying to see several new members
joining as a result.

I am indebted to Sue Seary, Alan Ogden and Ray and Brenda Smith for manning the
Stand on the days when I was unable to be there and to them I extend my sincere
thanks.

SOUTHPORT FLOWER SHOW - 20-22 August A.R. Busby
It was very gratifying to see more entries in most classes this year, and with such good
fern growing weather the quality of the exhibits was much better. The exception was the
class for Asplenium scolopendrium; many of the exhibits had a rather yellowy, anaemic
look to them, a condition to which ‘scollies’ are prone. Care with the choice of compost
and some judicious feeding should avoid jaundiced looking scollies.

Some exhibitors still make very simple mistakes by misinterpreting species and varietios,
It is most depressing to have to disqualify exhibitors simply because their exhibits are ‘not
according to schedule’, knowing the time and trouble they have gone to to grow, transport
and stage their entries. Presentation has improved dramatically over the last ten years or
So and careful presentation pays dividends.

For me, I think the best fern in the show this year was a most attractive Adiantum capillus-
veneris ‘Cornubiense’. Not the biggest fern exhibited but a real delight to the eye.

This years judge was A.R. Busby. The prize winners are listed below.

Class6 Individual Championship: Four hardy, two greenhouse and two foreign hardy
ferns: Ist Mrs E.A. Gibbs, 2nd P. Clough, 3rd W.W. Howarth (3 entries)
Class7 Three Hardy British Ferns (dissimilar): Ist L. Kirkham, 2nd P. Clough,
3rd H.C. Shepherd (3 entries)
Class 8 Three Hardy Foreign Ferns: Ist Mr &
3rd H.C. Shepherd (5 entries)
Class9 Three Polypodium (distinct varieties): 1st L. Kirkh
(3 entries; 1 disqualification)
Class 10 Three Polystichum (distinct varieti
5 entries) .
Class 11 Tie jet a Kirkham, 2nd P. Clough, 3rd H.C. Shepherd @ pany
Class 12 Three Asplenium (excluding A. scolopendrium): lst Mr & Mrs B. Russ,
2nd H.C. Shepherd, 3rd W.W. Howarth (4 entries)

Mrs B. Russ, 2nd A. Lovell,
am, 2nd Mr & Mrs B. Russ

es); Ist L. Kirkham, 2nd Mrs E.A. Gibbs,

135

Class 13 One British Fern (any kind or variety): 1st L. Kirkham, 2nd Mr & Mrs
B. Russ, 3rd H.C. Shepherd (6 entries)
Class 14 _. Greenhouse Fern: Ist Mrs E.A. Gibbs, 2nd L. Kirkham,
J. Worthington (4 entries)
Class 15 Thies Asplenium scolopendrium (3 distinct varieties): 1st L. Kirkham,
nd W.W. Howarth, 3rd H.C. Shepherd (5 entries)

My thanks to Lawrence Kirkham, Ray and Brenda Smith and Libby Gibbs for assisting
with the manning of the Society stand. We are always short of help on the stand so if any
members have just a few hours to spare I would be very pleased with any offers of help.

Some Southport Flower Show reminiscences

This year marked my twenty-fifth consecutive Southport Show and such a milestone
made me stop to consider how the show has changed over the intervening years and the
many pleasures and pitfalls that have occurred.

1973 was my first show and it introduced me to fern growing, fern growers and fern
growers’ idiosyncrasies. Firstly, in spending time with Jimmy Dyce, Bernard Hayhurst,
Norman Robinson, Fred Jackson, Noel Brookfield and Reg Kaye, you could not help but
imbibe the fern growing ambience. There were others who called in from time to time
but these were the ‘regulars’ and from them I learnt much. For example, I quickly learnt
about ‘imbibing’. It appeared that if you did not know anything about whisky you had no
business talking about ferns. I ‘lied’ about my liking for whisky but explained my
absence from visits to the beer tent by (a) ‘volunteering’ to look after the fern stand and
(b) explaining that my imbibing was restricted to the hours after sunset. Fred thought
my first reason very noble and my second ‘weird’.

The fern classes looked very different in those days. Class Six was for a stand of ferns
‘displayed naturally’ on an area of 100 square feet and not more than six feet high. This
was usually contested by Reg Kaye and Noel Brookfield although Noel’s son John had a
go from time to time after Reg started judging. The judge that first year was Reg Kaye,
W.G. MacKenzie having ipanicr! the previous year. I value the time Reg kindly spent with
me looking around the e displays and explaining to me why he had merited one
exhibit over another and how important presentation was in gaining that extra point that
gave one exhibitor the edge over another. Noel Brookfield’s exhibits were remarkable
but his presentation was dreadful. He had large terracotta pans of polypodiums and
gymnocarpiums about two feet in diameter. These he tilted on house bricks to ‘catch the
judge’s eye’. In reality you could not miss them or the house bricks. I recall him
exhibiting a fern grown in a four inch ‘long tom’ — I cannot remember what the fern was,
but I do recall it being perched on top of a column of four inch pots about 20 inches high
with no attempt to hide them. I also recall the face to faces about the results between
Reg as Judge and Noel as Exhibitor. An experience I was to face as a judge some years
later but thankfully not with Noel.

Bernard Hayhurst was wonderful company with a wicked sense of humour; propriety
prevents me from relating many of them but I cannot help but smile even now at some of
his stories. One involved the Rev. E.A. Elliot, (Hon. Sec. 1951-59) who apparently would
sit on the stand, reading glasses perched on the end of his nose, reading a copy of a church
magazine which concealed a cowboy adventure book. Visitors to the show would see
the word ‘pteridological’ and look at the Reverend’s dog-collar and ask if it was a new
religion.

136

Norman Robinson was a small, kindly man who had a real passion for ferns. He gave me
one or two from time to time. He never enjoyed robust health and I recall his last visit to
us while he was dying of cancer. He came in, walking with great difficulty, to give his
precious fern books to Jimmy Dyce for the booksales. When he left we all knew we would
not see him again. I am so grateful that I was able to meet him and enjoy his company.

Some twenty years ago Jimmy and I began using the Roundtrees Restaurant in Lord Street
for our evening meals. This has become a regular event and the proprietors expect us
every year. We formed an informal ‘Roundtrees Dining Club’ whereby Jimmy and I listed
all the members who dined with us over the years. If my memory serves me correctly, to
date the list looks like this: A.R. Busby, J.W. Dyce, R. Kaye, R. Cartwright, R. & R.
Coughlin, L. & J. Dugdale, B. & A. Russ, D. Kershaw, J. Bouckley, J.A. Crabbe,
B. Bruty, R. & B. Smith, M. & J. Collins, M. Nimmo-Smith, E.A. Gibbs and L. Kirkham.
The walls of that restaurant have reverberated to much ‘fern talk’.

Some of my less pleasant memories of Southport involve bad weather: howling gales
which have threatened the marquee with disaster, the frequent flooding, now thankfully a
thing of the past, being cooked and chilled, sometimes on the same day! However, all
these are mere discomforts compared with the night our stand was raided for fern books.
Several were stolen, mainly Jimmy’s prized copies of fern books given by and signed by
the authors. Jimmy was quite devastated and it marred that particular show. The police
were involved but to the best my knowledge none of those books were ever recovered.

The Society has had a fern stand at every Southport Show since 1926 and long may it
continue to do so. It is the only major show to provide competitive classes for ferns.
Although we do not enrol many new members at such shows I feel that they are important
as ‘shop windows’ to display our Society and its activities to the gardening public.

Variation in cultivated Polystichums by J.W. Dyce

The above book by Jimmy Dyce was left in manuscript form and is being prepared for
publication. The undersigned editors are keen to illustrate the book, as Jimmy had
oped it would be, and would like to see any photographs, transparencies or prints, in
colour or black and white, of any named variety (i.e. cultivar) of Polystichum. dacs
note, we do not want photos of unnamed plants, unless they are @) of high ee an
(b) you have the plant growing and could send a frond either with the photo or later :
the season. You would retain the copyright of such photos and they would be oe
to you as soon as possible. You would also receive a free copy of the book if the
photograph(s) is/are used!
ipment/skill to photograph it,

I ivation but not the equ
f you have a good plant in cultivation bu ss with you the possibility of

Please let us know as soon as possible and we will discu
Someone visiting you to take a picture in due course.
soon as possible and send photos by the

Ple ddress below) as : ;
ase contact Jennifer Ide (a the possibility of m aking this book well

end of February at the latest, so we can assess
illustrated.
Clive Jermy
in Rickard
Jennifer Ide, 42 Crown Woods Way, Eltham, London SE9 2NN. Tel. 0181 8503218.

137

SECRETARIAL NOTES

Please note:

The BPS Honorary General Secretary is now Miss Jennifer M. Ide,
42 Crown Woods Way, Eltham, London SE9 2NN.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1999, PRELIMINARY NOTICE — The 96th
AGM will take place on Saturday 20th March 1999 at Reading University at 2.00 p.m.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES - In accordance with paragraph 3, section 3 of the
Society’s Constitution, two vacancies will occur due to the retirement of the two
longest serving Committee members. Nominations are invited from Society members to
fill these vacancies at the Annual General Meeting in 1999. The names of the
nominees, proposers and seconders, together with a letter from the nominee indicating
his/her willingness to serve, should reach the General Secretary by 20 February 1999.

SUBSCRIPTIONS 1999 — Members are reminded that subscriptions for 1999 are due
on the Ist January 1999 and should be paid to the Membership Secretary, Mr
M.S. Porter, 5 West Avenue, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 9LG. Cheques should be made
payable to ‘The British Pteridological Society’. Current rates are given inside the front
cover. Standing Order forms are available from the above address. Payment can be
made by Credit Card — see renewal form.

PUBLICATIONS BY AIRMAIL — Our journals can be sent by airmail to overseas
members, provided they advise the Membership Secretary and pay an additional
subscription to cover airmail postage. See inside front cover for rates.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY -— Our Society is affiliated to the RHS,
enabling a limited number of members to enjoy certain privileges in connection with
RHS Shows, competitions and services.

GREENFIELD FUND - This fund, set up as a memorial to one of our Society’s great
fern growers, Percy Greenfield, is used to finance approved research projects, helping
with the cost of necessary equipment, books and travel expenses. Percy Greenfield’s
interest leaned very much towards the non-scientific side of our activities and it is felt
that he would want this taken into consideration when decisions are made. Workers
eligible for university or college grants and similar support are not therefore eligible for
help from the fund. Members wishing to benefit from this memorial fund should apply
to the trustees via the General Secretary.

CENTENARY FUND - This fund is used to promote the study of all aspects of
pteridophytes — horticultural, scientific and educational, whether by amateurs, students
or professional pteridologists. As such its scope is much broader and more flexible than
the Greenfield Fund. Anyone wishing to avail themselves of this fund should contact
€ trustees via the General Secretary.
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS - There are three Special Interest Groups. For
further information please send a stamped addressed envelope to the organisers:
Tree-ferns: Prof. A.C. Wardlaw, 92 Drymen Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 2SY.
Foreign Hardy Ferns: A.R. (Matt) Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD.
Filmy Ferns: S.J. Munyard, 234 Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 5NG.

138

MEMBERS INFORMATION SERVICE — Members often require information and
advice on many aspects of Pteridophytes but are reluctant to ask or simply do not know
where to obtain help. Queries from members on any aspects of the biology,
identification or cultivation of ferns or fern allies should be sent, with three first class
stamps, to A.R. Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD.

READING CIRCLE — The Society operates a reading circle for several journals. The
American Fern Journal is a quarterly publication containing much information for
those seriously interested in ferns; it is accompanied by the Fiddlehead Forum, which
publishes many ‘ferny’ items of interest to the amateur grower. To receive these
journals contact A.R. Busby, 16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD.

WORLD-WIDE WEB SITE — The URL (address) of the BPS Web site hosted by the
Natural History Museum is “http://www.nhm.ac.uk/hosted_sites/bps/ ’. The content
should be expanded and updated very shortly.

BACK NUMBERS OF JOURNALS - Our back numbers are a valuable source of
information pertaining to most aspects of ferns. A mixed pack of six of our journals is
available for just £5 post free to whet your appetite; other back numbers of the
Society’s journals are available to members at reasonable prices. A full list is available
from Pat Acock, 13 Star Lane, St Mary Cray, Kent BR5 3LJ.

BPS VIDEO ‘BRITISH FERNS’ - This twenty-five minute video shows most of the
native British ferns growing in their natural habitats. It demonstrates the wide variety of
size and form to be found in British ferns and the broad range of habitats they colonise.
Attention is drawn to key identification characters for each species. ;
The video was funded by Schering Agriculture and the National Museum of Wales. It is
available for loan, free of charge, to interested individuals and organisations (UK only).
For further details write to the General Secretary enclosing an SAE.

WANTED: ARCHIVIST -— The Society requires an archivist to acti
enhance its collection of various archive materials, mainly photos,
sundry items. Further information from the General Secretary.

WANTED: INDEX COMPILER -— How many times have you had to hunt through
issue after issue of the Pteridologist or Bulletin looking for an article on a particular
topic, or to search numerous indexes of the Fern Gazette to find a certain paper, or

and if so, when?

wondered if the BPS has held a meeting in a certain area

In order to answer these questions we need:

~An index to volumes | & 2 of the Pteridologist.

~ A cumulative index to the British Fern Gazette/Fern Gazette volumes 1-14.

~ An index to the BPS Newsletter nos 1-10 and BPS Bulletin volumes 1-4. :
If you think you could prepare or help prepare any one (or more!) of sae .
be very pleased to hear from you. Please contact Miss Alison Paul, a sau
The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 S5BD, tel. ,

€-mail: amp@nhm.ac.uk.

vely maintain and
letters and a few

IN MEMORIAM

We were sorry to learn of the death of the following long standing members:

Dr Norman W. Runham who joined the Society in 1979.
Mr Tony Kelly who joined the Society in 1962. ae
Mr Gerard pi ancl from the Netherlands who joined the Society in 1981.

139

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1998

MINUTES of the 95th Annual General Meeting held at the Waterhead Hotel,
Coniston, Cumbria on Saturday 12th September 1998 at 2.00 p.m.

IN THE CHAIR: The President, M.H. Rickard.

PRESENT: R.G. Ackers, PJ. Acock, E.J. & R. Baker, E.S. Beamish, A.R. Busby,
E.A. Colville, M.J. & L.I. Craddock, T. Craddock, J. & M. Garstang, Dr M. Gibby,
Dr N.J. Hards, P. & J. Hindle, K.H. & D.M. Holly, J.M. Ide, L. Kirkham, A. Leonard,
B. Porter, M.S. Porter, PH. Ripley, R.J. & B. Smith, R.W. Sykes, R.N. Timm,
A.C. Wardlaw, B. Wright.

ITEM 1 - APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: J.H. Bouckley, J.M. Camus, R.J. Cooke,
J.A. Crabbe, A.C. Jermy, H.S. McHaffie, J.W. Merryweather, R.J. Murphy,
M.E. Nimmo-Smith, A.M. Paul, Prof. B.A. Thomas.

ITEM 2-APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of the 94th Annual General Meeting
held on the 18th October 1997 had been published in the 1997 Bulletin and
were approved.

ITEM 3 —- MATTERS ARISING: None.

ITEM 4 — REPORT OF THE HONORARY GENERAL SECRETARY:

1997/8 has been a year of many changes for the Society but I am pleased to report
another successful year in spite of various hiccups along the way. It is my delightful
duty to report that His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales has graciously consented
to be Patron of this Society. I know that the Officers and Committee are most grateful
for this rare honour and I am sure that I speak for the membership when I express our
pleasure that His Royal Highness should take an interest in our activities.

MEETINGS: The Meetings sub-committee are to be commended on having worked so
hard to get the 1998 programme arranged in such good time. I have not seen any
detailed reports on meetings this year but through conversations with various members
and leaders, I understand that meetings have been well attended and most successful.
The Meetings sub-committee are always anxious to receive ideas for future meetings
and offers to lead them. This may seem a daunting task but it is well worthwhile
contacting Patrick Acock directly or the sub-committee via the General Secretary.

REGIONAL GROUPS: I regret that I have been unable to organise a programme for
the Midland Group and that I shall not be able to continue to lead it. I have received a
report from Rose Murphy who leads the Cornwall Group in which she reports that
although only small in number, they continue to hold very successful meetings with an
average of about 15 attending. Other groups covering the North-West, North-East,
South-East and East Anglia continue to hold very successful meetings and members are
encouraged to support them. Details of their leaders can be found in the Bulletin and on
the Membership cards.

MEMBERSHIP: One of the changes this year was the retirement of Alison Paul as

Membership Secretary, a post she has filled since 1985. Alison organised a very

smooth handover to Mike Porter who has taken up the burden enthusiastically. Mike

informs me that we have had 29 resignations and 75 members appear to have lapsed but

we hope that many will renew their membership when they receive a further reminder.

ie have enrolled 60 new members during the year. Our membership total stands at
.

140

PLANT AND SPORE EXCHANGE SCHEMES: The Spore Exchange was taken over
by Barry Wright during April and I am pleased to include a brief report from him: After
a shaky start the Spore Exchange went ahead with an average turn around of ten days.
To date there have been over 79 requests for spores. Spores are now in short supply
and we request that donors should send any spores in as soon as they can. Even what
might be classed as common species are running out fast. We have a number of ideas to
streamline the system and hope that the next distribution will be less of a scramble and
will enable members to sow their spores at a more appropriate time. (BW)
We owe a debt of thanks to Margaret Nimmo-Smith for her painstaking efforts to
maintain and develop the spore exchange over the last ten years. I re-emphasise Barry’s
request to send in a constant supply of fresh spores to keep the Spore Exchange going.

The Plant Exchange Scheme continues to be run most successfully by Ray and Brenda
Smith. I know that they would want me to remind you that you do not have to have
plants to offer in order to participate in the Scheme.

MERCHANDISE: Mick and Linda Craddock report an increase in sales of 39% for
1997, however, comparing 1998 sales so far, they report a drop of about 31%. I think it
is most unlikely that everyone has Society tee-shirts, sweatshirts and badges, etc., so I
urge everyone to peruse the Merchandise list and order whatever takes your fancy.

BOOKSALES: Steve Munyard reports that the Society’s Special Publications sell
slowly, with J.W. Dyce’s book on hardy fern cultivation being the most popular item.
Secondhand and new fern books continue to sell at a steady rate but there is little profit
to be made at the moment. Few really interesting titles have been available this year.

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: The Foreign Hardy Ferns Special Interest Group
have not received a newsletter this year; however, some copy is to hand and I hope to
produce a Newsletter before the end of the year. The Tree-fern Special Interest Group
was started by Martin Rickard in 1995 and now has 27 members, mainly in the UK but
with one member in each of Australia, France, Germany, Ireland and the United States.
Four Newsletters have been issued and the fifth is due to appear shortly. The organiser
is now Alastair Wardlaw to whom enquiries and contributions should be addressed. I
have not received a report from the Filmy Fern Group. Any members wishing to ee
these groups should contact the respective leaders. Their names and address can
found in the Bulletin.

COMMITTEE BUSINESS: Amongst the —— m2
Committee over the last year is a forthcoming book by
Polystichum varieties. This was a subject very close to Jimmy’s heart and hs a
Teports, it is something to look forward to. There are plans for an interna a
Symposium to be held in 2001 on the subject of ‘The Threat to the hase a :
Worldwide’. It is hoped that it will attract delegates from all parts of the aaereas
Committee are still exploring the possibility of registering our Society . iz aa y
Which would bring many benefits. The timing of the Society s annual gener one a '
as been reviewed; in future our AGMs will be held in late March. As membe i
realise from a flyer with the last Bulletin, there are plans for a Society meeting in

aland, an exciting venture.

things being discussed by the
he late J.W. Dyce on British

As this is my last report to the membership, may I take this cp hadgenadl —
Committee members who have given me their support over the = wt _ fas
My sincere appreciation to my fellow Officers and past Sa oll
€ncouragement, support and the much needed chiding and chivvying
Hopefully it has kept me pointing roughly in the right direction.

141

This Society has come a long way since that first meeting of a handful of enthusiasts in
Kendal on 23rd September 1891. It has become an internationally recognised body
capable of forging new ideas and organising symposia on all aspects of pteridology. It
has seen its leading light, J.W. Dyce, nationally honoured and now it has been
graciously honoured with Royal Patronage. Achievements far beyond the aspirations of
our founding fathers.

In my first Secretary’s Report in 1980 I drew the Society’s attention to its rapidly
approaching Centenary in the hope that the Society would celebrate the occasion
accordingly, and we did. We now stand on the threshold of a new century and I am
confident that with the example of our past endeavours and with the encouragement and
enthusiasm of our present and future members, the Society will go on to even greater
achievements.

I will end my last report by wishing the Society and its members every success.
Mr Busby’s report was duly approved and the President thanked Mr Busby.

ITEM 5 - REPORT OF THE HONORARY TREASURER: Andrew Leonard
circulated a copy of the balance sheet for 1997. This was duly approved and the
President thanked Mr Leonard.

ITEM 6 — REPORT OF THE MEETINGS SECRETARY: PJ. Acock reported that
the 1997 programme had been transitional, consisting of a skeleton programme put
together by the previous Meetings Secretary augmented by two additional meetings. It
was presented late and some meetings were poorly attended.

The 1998 meetings had proved successful if numbers attending and compliments paid
are a measure of success.

The 1999 programme was circulated in May with the Bulletin and two further meetings
may be added by the next circular.

By January 1999 the year 2000 programme should be finalised. Opportunities to visit
Nepal, the USA and Tenerife have been offered to the Society for future years.
Generally we have little feedback or input on what members desire in the way of
meetings. We therefore put together a programme based on an agenda worked out by
the sub-committee and offers by members to lead meetings. Any ideas or criticisms will
be discussed sympathetically by the sub-committee.

The President commended the Meetings sub-committee for all their diligent hard work
to produce details of meetings so well in advance and thanked Mr Acock for his report.

ITEM 7 —- REPORTS OF THE EDITORS:

Fern Gazette — Mr Busby read the report received from J.M. Camus. She apologised
for not publishing a second issue of the Fern Gazette in 1997; she did not inherit from
the previous desk editor any manuscripts appropriate for publication. The next issue of
the Gazette will be published later this year. Some momentum has now been gained
with another four new manuscripts at different stages in the system.

Pteridologist — Mr Busby read the report received from Prof. B.A. Thomas in which he
expressed his dissatisfaction with his first issue of the Pteridologist. Publication was
late because of late submission of copy particularly appropriate for this part and a
resultant clash with other commitments; next year there would be no such reason for
waiting. The colour photographs are not good enough and unless the printer can
guarantee better results another printer may be used next year. The typographical errors
came about through an unfortunate series of events which hopefully will not be
repeated and he apologised for the transposition of captions in one paper.

142

He was, however, pleased with the articles which he believed to present a good mix.
Some papers could not be included but may be retained for the next issue.

Bulletin — Mr Busby read the report received from Alison Paul in which she apologised
for the exceptionally late publication of the 1997 Bulletin. Very late arrival of some
reports, the handing over of membership business and a close family bereavement were
contributory factors. A few reports for the 1998 Bulletin have already been received; if
the other contributions arrive by the end of September earlier publication should be
possible. The 1998 issue will feature a full copy of the membership address list which
we have decided to publish every three years. Photographs make a big difference to the
Bulletin and members were asked to send for possible inclusion any taken at meetings
during the year.

World-Wide Web Pages — No report was received from the Editor, A.C. Pigott.
The President thanked the Editors for their reports.

ITEM 8 —- REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION OFFICER: Rob Cooke reports
that with the publication of the second tranche of the Biodiversity Action Plans there
are now five ferns identified as being in need of special conservation: Trichomanes
speciosum, Woodsia ilvensis, Athyrium distentifolium var. flexile, Pilularia globulifera
and Lycopodiella inundata. Projects identified range from surveys and habitat
management studies to genetic work and will involve a wide range of organisations and
individuals, including several people in our Society. The action plans for Woodsia,
pillwort and marsh clubmoss were only published a couple of months ago, so much of
the detail has yet to be sorted out.

The other news to report is the continuing work on the development of the National
Biodiversity Network, which will allow the pulling together of survey and monitoring
data on rare habitats and species, allowing quick assessments of their status. So far the
work is preliminary, but as development continues apace, it is likely that the BPS will
be invited, either as an organisation or directly through its members, to Sen bee the
monitoring of some of the rarer species. This may range from the adoption ty
Species at a site by someone who then regularly reports on how well it is doing, to the
Participation in targeted surveys for specific species in specific habitats.

I will keep the Society informed and involved in discussions as necessary.

ITEM 9 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE: ERE steer
Election of Vice-President: It was proposed by the see T id Bee
and approved by the meeting that Matt Busby be elected a Vice-President.

Award of the Stansfield Medal: At this point, the President ann “et sg eee :
and Committee felt that due to the outstanding contribution Matt | a ae re
the Society during his 26 years of membership, it had been decid 5

receive the Society’s highest award — The Stansfield Medal.

In reply, Mr Busby expressed his deep sense of honour at ee as
President of the Society and that he was greatly aware of the great Gis es a
im by the award of the Stansfield Medal. He thanked the Officers and “Omen == °°
the award and expressed a hope that he could continue to be of service to y
future years.
gret at having to announce that after
retiring as Honorary Secretary. The
e and members for all his efforts. It

Election of Officers: The President expressed his re

Some twenty years in office Matt Busby was now

President thanked him on behalf of the Committe
143

was proposed by A.C. Jermy, seconded by E.J. Baker and approved by the meeting that
Jennifer Ide be elected as Honorary General Secretary.

Both A. Leonard and P.J. Acock had expressed their willingness to stand for a further
year as Honorary Treasurer and Meetings Secretary respectively. This was approved by
the meeting.

Election of Editors: Our Editors had all agreed to stand for re-election: J.M. Camus and
J.A. Crabbe as Editors of the Fern Gazette, Prof. B.A. Thomas as Editor of the
Pteridologist, A.M. Paul as Editor of the Bulletin and A.C. Pigott as Editor of the

It was proposed by M.S. Porter, seconded by N.J. Hards and approved by the meeting
that they be re-elected en bloc.

Election of Committee: The two longest serving members of the Committee due to
retire were H.S. McHaffie and A.C. Jermy. J.M. Ide was leaving the Committee to take
up the appointment of Secretary. The President thanked them for their service. Two
nominees to join the Committee were Barry Wright, proposed by M.S. Porter and
seconded by R.N. Timm, and Lawrence Kirkham, proposed by M.H. Rickard and
seconded by A.R. Busby. The remaining members of the Committee standing for re-
election were: E.J. Baker, R.J. Murphy, M.E. Nimmo-Smith, M.S. Porter, R.N. Timm
and A.C. Wardlaw. Two vacancies remain unfilled.

It was proposed by R.W. Sykes, seconded by P.H. Ripley and approved by the meeting
that they be elected en bloc.

ITEM 10 - ELECTION OF HONORARY AUDITORS: Graham Hoare had
expressed his desire to retire as an Auditor. The President thanked Mr Hoare for his
Service over the last seven years. It was proposed by N.J. Hards, seconded by
E.J. Baker and approved by the meeting that P.H. Ripley and R.G. Ackers be elected as
Auditors.

ITEM 11 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
a. Mapping scheme: This item was not discussed as none of the mapping sub-
committee were present.

b. Change of date for Annual General Meetings: The President announced that the
Committee had decided that the AGM would be moved to March, starting with the
1999 AGM which will be held on 20 March 1999.

R.W. Sykes questioned the need for yet another change to this event.

In 1991 the AGM was moved from March to September so that we could celebrate our
Centenary with a meeting on the actual anniversary of the inaugural meeting of our
Society. However, since 1991 the year being reported on at the AGM has been the
calendar year after that for which the accounts are being presented. To avoid this
confusing situation and to keep members better informed, the move to March was
agreed.

As there was no further business the President thanked members for attending.

The meeting closed at c.3.15 p.m.

A.R. Busby
Hon. Gen. Sec.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 1997

ORDINARY ACCOUNT
£11,673.15 — Subscriptions £11,825.40
476.54 _Interes' 842.74
174.26 Merchandise 263.00
— Plant Sale 99.70
3.00 Sundries es
- GEP 3,002.99
£12,326.95 TOTAL INCOME £16,033.83
EXPENDITURE:
2,775.00 __ Pteridologist 2,878.34
1,196.00 Gazette 2,129.17
1,838.00 Bulletin 1,692.00
428.70 Printing & Stationery 709.38
1,659.08 Administration & Postage 478.24
7.15 Subscriptions to Societies 35.15
Plant & Spore Exchanges 84.18
465.70 Meetings 505.45
— Merchandise 565.91
479.57 Mapping Project 60.00
— GEP 3,002.99
— Donations 250.00
£8,849.20 TOTAL EXPENDITURE £12,390.81
3,477.75 BALANCE for 1997 3,643.02
6,330.65 Brought forward from 1996 9,808.40
_£9,808.40 Carried forward at 31.12.1997 £13,451.42_
CENTENARY FUND
5,440.06 Brought forward from 1 5,853.50
245.09 Interest 309.33
— Grants (450.00)
56.00 World of Ferns 24.00
112.35 _—_ Intercept =
£5,853.50 Carried forward at 31.12. 1997 £5,736.83
GREENFIELD FUND
1,444.35 _ Brought forward from 1996 sap
65.07 _ Interest 80:
(50.00) Grant ae
55.00 Donations 28.00
£1,514.42 Carried forward at 31.12.1997 £1,622.45
PUBLICATIONS ACCOUNT mae
2,507.25 Brought Forward from 1996 aig
295.50 prints 93.80
82.00 Special Publication No. 2 “ae
245.00 Special Publication No. 3 336
21.00 Special Publication No. 4 as
46.50 Special Publication No. 5 :
£3,712.60

$3,197.25 Carried forward at 31.12.1997

145

Notes to the Accounts
1. The Society had the ee stocks of books at 31.12.1997 (1996 stocks in brackets): Fern
Names and their Meanings 209 (240), Cultivation and Propagation of a dey' Ferns 143 (223),
History of British Pteridology 849 (854), BPS Extracts and Papers 445 (453).
2. Small floats were held by three officers at 31.12.1997; these are not included in the accounts.
3. The accounts reflect the subscriptions actually received in the year. Approximately £2,612 is
subscriptions received in advance for 1998 but some subscriptions remain outstanding for 1997.
4. BPS Booksales had assets of £4,164.76 (£4,056.48) at 31.12.1997.
5. The Centenary Fund had 182 (185) copies of A World of Ferns at 31.12.1997.
6. The Society also possesses the following assets with less tangible value:
The Membership Secretary has a computer that cost £1,000 in 1992 and a printer that cost £200
in 199]
The Spore Exchange has a computer and software that cost £1,000 in 1996 and a fridge that cost
£200 in 1991,
Back issues of the Bulletin, Fern Gazette and Pteridologist valued at approximately £3,000.
Merchandise valued at approximately £1,500

. The Society made three grants in 1997:
Sussex Wildlife Trust £250 (General fund) — see report in 1997 Bulletin (5)2: 90.
Vlastimil Mikolas £250 (Centenary Fund) — see 1997 Bulletin (5)2: 57.
Kate Pryor £200 (Centenary fund) — see below.

MAIDENHAIR FERN - A GRANT FROM THE CENTENARY FUND

I would like to thank the trustees of the BPS Centenary Fund for the contribution I
received in September 1997 towards fieldwork costs for my PhD. For my PhD project
I am studying the population biology and ecology of Adiantum capillus-veneris in the
British Isles under the supervision of Dr HJ. Rogers, Dr J.E. Young (Cardiff
University) and Dr FJ. Rumsey (The Natural History Museum). Using three different
techniques — anchored microsatellite PCR, a specifically designed microsatellite marker
set and allozymes — I am studying genetic variation within and between the widely
separated populations. We hope to reveal detailed information on population biology
including the relative size of the gene pool in the British Isles, the amount of gene flow
within and between populations, the breeding systems in operation and the relative

equency of sexual reproduction via the
gametophyte phase versus vegetative spread.

y project also includes both field and
laboratory based studies on the specific
ecological requirements/tolerances of this
species in the UK with studies focusing on
the gametophytic lifestage and conditions
required for sexual reproduction.

The contribution from the BPS Centenary
Fund was an enormous help in assisting to
fund my field visits to all the Cornwall sites
in September 1997. These visits were very
successful largely thanks to the very
comprehensive locality details supplied by
Rose Murphy who I would also like to take
this opportunity to thank.

Kate Pryor

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

FOREIGN HARDY FERN GROUP A.R. Busby
Regrettably, I have not been able to produce a newsletter so far this year but hope to
remedy that shortly. The Group now has about 20 members and membership is open to
anyone who has a particular interest in foreign hardy ferns. Enquiries to: A.R. Busby,
16 Kirby Corner Road, Canley, Coventry CV4 8GD.

TREE-FERN GROUP Alastair C. Wardlaw
The Tree-fern Group, which was started by Martin Rickard in 1995, now has 27
members, mainly in the UK but with one in each of Australia, France, Germany, Ireland
and the United States. Four Newsletters have been issued and the fifth will appear as
soon as enough copy has been received. The Group, because of its widely scattered
distribution, has little opportunity for face-to-face meetings, which means that exchange
of information has to be by the printed word. The editor would therefore like to
encourage all Group members as a regular routine to send in comments, notes, short
articles, and especially photos of themselves with tree-ferns, for the Newsletter, so that
observations on, and experiences with, these plants can be shared by all in the Group.
In this way, over a period of time, we can build up a resource of information on tree-
ferns and the conditions for their cultivation away from their native lands. Especially
welcome would be observations on the over-wintering of tree-ferns of various species
in British gardens, particularly if data on local temperatures and micro-climates can
also be provided. Contributions can be sent to Alastair C. Wardlaw, 92 Drymen Road,
Bearsden, Glasgow G61 2SY, UK, or by e-mail to a.wardlaw @bio.gla.ac.uk. The next
Tree-Fern Newsletter will contain records of weekly temperature readings made in
Glasgow last winter with thermocouple probes fastened directly in the apical clefts of
Several species of tree-fern that had been planted outside and covered with bubblewrap.

FILMY FERN GROUP S.J. Munyard
Following a visit to Ausfern at Writtle near Chelmsford, we were fortunate enough to
obtain pieces of Dicksonia antarctica trunk to use as a growing medium for many
Species of filmy fern. Also, growing material of Trichomanes venosum and 7. caudata
Were carefully removed from other trunks and the former will be offered to members
for cultivation. It is hoped next year to arrange a meeting at a good filmy fern site but
this is likely to be difficult as members live great distances apart.

Anyone else interested in joining this group should contact Steve Munyard at 234
Harold Road, Hastings, East Sussex TN35 5NG.

THE AMERICAN FERN SOCIETY

The AFS invites all readers of this Bulletin to join the American Fern Society. Regular members
Teceive the Fiddlehead Forum five times a year. This newsletter is published for the benefit of

S€ who are interested in growing ferns, hunting for them, and expanding their knowledge of
ferns, Journal members also receive the scientific quarterly American Fern Journal. Membership
Costs $11 and $22 per annum respectively for members residing : ;
mcluding postage for airmail-assisted delivery. For particulars please write to Dr David
. Lellinger, 326 West St. NW, Vienna, VA 22180-4151, USA. Prospective members residing
Great Britain should write to Mr M.S. Porter, 5 West Avenue, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 9LG.
os SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENTS: Our societies have an exchange arrangement whereby
members of the BPS can pay their AFS subscription through the BPS Membership Secretary and
vice versa. Contact your Membership Secretary for details.

147

MEETINGS PROGRAMME 1999

Meetings Secretary:

: ock
Meetings Sub-Committee: R. G. Ackers, N.J. Hards, J.M. Ide, A. Leonard, P.H. Ripley

Sat 20 March

Sat 29 May

Fri 18 - Sun 20 June

Sat 3 July

Sat 17 July

Sat 7 - Wed 11 August

Thurs 19 - Sat 21 August

Sat 18 - Sun 19 September

Sat 23 October

Sat 15 January 2000

February 2000

Spring Indoor Meeting & AGM - Reading
Location: Botany Dept (Plant Science Labs), Reading Univ.
Leader: Graham Ackers
Day meeting - RBG Kew
Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey
Leader: Jennifer Ide
Long Weekend Field Meeting — Wells, Somerset
entre: iddy, near ]

Leader: Nick Hards

Day Visit — Saville Gardens, Windsor

Location: Saville Gardens, Windsor Great Park

Leader: Graham Ackers

Day Indoor Meeting & Fern Show — Coventry

Location: Warwick University, Dept. of Science
Education, Canley, Coventry

Leader: Matt Busby Time: 11.00

Long Weekend Field Meeting — Isle of Man

Centre: Port Erin, Isle of Man

Leader: Pat Acock

Southport Flower Show: BPS Stand
Further Info.: Matt Busby
Weekend Field Meeting — Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
Centre: Hawes, Wensleydale, N. Yorkshire
Leader: Barry Wright
Autumn Indoor Meeting - NHM, London
Location: Natural History Museum, London
ader: Graham Ackers
Day Indoor Meeting - NHM, London
Location: Natural History Museum, London

Leader: Graham Acker
Fortnight Field Excursion — New Zealand
Leaders: Jennifer Ide, Patrick Brownsey & Barbara Parris

For further details of these and other meetings of interest to members, including information
on accommodation, please see the separate Meetings Programme sheet. This can be sent to
overseas members on request.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

For details of additional meetings in the following areas, please contact the regional
organisers, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope.

Leeds & District B. Wright, 130 Prince Rupert Drive, Tockwith, York YOS 8PU

South-East England PH. Ripley, North Lodge, Dene Park Gardens, Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge,

Kent TN11 9NS

East Anglia B.R. Stevenson, Willow Cottage, Cowlinge, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9QB
North-West England = Mrs M. Garstang, Overbeck, Pennybridge, Ulverston, Cumbria LA12 7RQ
Cornwall Miss R.J. Murphy, Shang-ri-la, Reskadinnick, Camborne, Cornwall

TR14 0OBH

148

eT

FIBREX NURSERIES Ltd
Honeybourne Road, Pebworth, nr Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire CV37 8XT
Hardy and tender ferns
Begonias, Gloxinias, Hederas, Hydrangeas, Primroses, Arum Lilies
and plants for the cool greenhouse
Catalogue on request

RICKARDS HARDY FERNS Ltd
Hardy and half hardy ferns
Kyre Park, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR15 8RP
Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

FANCY FRONDS
Specialising in North American and British hardy ferns
Judith Jones
1911 4th AvenueWest, Seattle, Washington 98119, USA
Send two International Reply Coupons for catalogue

HARDY FERNS
R.N. Timm
The Fern Nursery, Grimsby Road, Binbrook, Lincolnshire LN3 6DH
Please send stamped addressed envelope for list

Se BR Re See
MRS J.K. MARSTON

Specialist Fern Grower
A wide range of hardy and greenhouse ferns, especially Adiantums
Culag, Green Lane, Nafferton, nr Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 0LF
Send £1 for catalogue

MONKSILVER NURSERY
Oakington Road, Cottenham, Cambridge CB4 4TW
Hardy British and foreign ferns
(together with over 700 choice herbaceous and woody plants)
Please send six first class stamps for catalogue