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| HISTORY MUSEUM 
-3 APR 2005 


__ PRESENTED 
GENERAL LIBRARY 


The Reading Naturalist 


No. 57 


Published by the Reading and District 
Natural History Society 
2005 


Price to Non Members £3.50 


THE READING NATURALIST 
No 57 for the year 2004 


The Journal of the 


Reading and District Natural History Society 


President 
Prof. Chris Bucke 


Honorary General Secretary 
Mrs Catherine Butcher, 42 Long Lane, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 6YJ 


Honorary Editor 
Dr Malcolm Storey, 43 Berry’s Road, Upper Bucklebury, Reading, RG7 6QL 


Editorial Sub-committee 


The Editor, Mrs Janet Welsh 
Miss June M. V. Housden, Mr Tony Rayner 


Honorary Recorders 
Botany: Mrs Janet Welsh, 56 Grove Road, Sonning Common, Reading, RG4 9RL 
Fungi: Dr Malcolm Storey, 43 Berry’s Road, Upper Bucklebury, Reading, RG7 6QL 
Lepidoptera: Mr John Notton, 16 Crawshay Drive, Emmer Green, Reading, RG4 8SX 
Entomology & other Invertebrates: Mr Chris Raper, 46 Skilton Road, Tilehurst, Reading RG31 6SG 
Vertebrates: Mr Tony Rayner, The Red Cow, 46 Wallingford Road, Cholsey, Wallingford, OX10 9LB 


CONTENTS 


Obituaries 1 
Presidential Musings Chris Bucke 1 
Members’ Observations Cath Butcher Z 
Excursions: (Oct 03 to Dec 04 Meryl Beek 4 
Wednesday Walks Meryl Beek 7 
Membership Norman Hall 8 
The Fishlock Prize 8 
Rare truffles leave farmer feeling like a pig in clover 8 
Flying Mushrooms! Malcolm Storey 8 
Meetings (2003-2004) Colin Dibb 9 
Presidential Address: Tony Rayner 13 
Senecio cineraria Hybrids Michael Fletcher 17 
The New Berkshire Flora Prof. Mike Crawley VF 
Asilus crabroniformis — An Update Tony Rayner 18 
An Odd Stinkhorn Malcolm Storey 19 
Recorder’s Report for Botany 2004 Janet Welsh 20 
Recorder’s Report for Mycology 2004 Malcolm Storey 24 
Recorder’s Report for Lepidoptera 2004 John Notton 26 
Recorder’s Report for Entomology and other Invertebrates 2004 Chris Raper 29 
Recorder’s Report for Vertebrates 2004 Tony Rayner 32 
The Weather at Reading during 2004 Ken Spiers 36 


EDITORIAL - PHENOLOGY 


As part of a general review of the timing of the Society’s activities, it has been decided to realign The 
Reading Naturalist to the calendar year. Consequently this edition reports meetings over the 15 months 
from October 2003 to December 2004. Recorders’ Reports have always been based on calendar years, 
so these are unchanged. (Members will recollect that “phenology” is the study of the times of year when 
things happen, like flowering periods, bud burst and leaf fall. It is currently much in vogue as an indicator 
of climate change) 


Copyright © 2005 Reading & District Natural History Society. 


Photographs illustrating “In Search of Europe’s Butterflies” (pages 13-16) copyright © Derek Goodban 
(Bukk & Aggtelek Reserves, Hungary and Pindos Mountains, Greece), John Marshall (Canary Is); 
Fred Rayner (Switzerland and Norway), Tony Rayner (others) 

Photograph of Asilus illustrating the Update: copyright © 2004 Tony Rayner 
Photographs of Privet Hawk-moth and Striped Lychnis 
illustrating the Lepidoptera Report: Copyright © 2004 John Notton 
Photographs illustrating the Vertebrates Report: Copyright © 2004 Tony Rayner 
All other photographs: Copyright © Malcolm Storey (www.bioimages.org.uk) 


OBITUARIES 


Jim Newman 


Jim died on 30 June 04 after a long illness. He was a member of the Society for many years and was 
President in 1960-2. He delivered three presidential addresses: “Man and Natural History” in 1962, 
“Natural History of Mosquitoes” in 1963 and “Measurements in Biology” in 1964 and was on the 
committee from 1973-6 and again in 1991-2. Jim audited the Society’s accounts from 1990-95. He 
was also a regular leader of walks, particularly to Thatcham Marsh, Padworth Common and Pamber 
Forest. On an excursion to Frensham Ponds he started by showing a map of the geology of the area 
before leading the walk to see the flora and fauna. He was confined to his home for some years, but 
never lost his sense of humour and interest in life, especially natural history and astronomy. 


Arthur Moon 


After joining the Society in 1961, Arthur contributed the annual Weather Reports for The Reading 
Naturalist from 1962 to 1973. He also wrote an article on “Atmospheric Pollution” in 70/71. Despite 
moving out of the area many years ago, he very kindly remembered us in his will and bequeathed 
part of his natural history library. The sale of these books has raised a considerable sum of money for 
the Society. 


Norman Shaw 


A keen ornithologist who led occasional walks for the Society, Norman passed away on 6th January. 
He was a member of the Society for 23 years. 


PRESIDENTIAL MUSINGS 


Chris Bucke 


This President came to live in the Reading area in 1972 at the instigation of his then employers rather 
than as a result of a reasoned decision. In fact, to someone from north west Britain, Reading ranked 
with Luton and Watford as one of those boring places with a Division 3 South football team and little 
else to recommend it. It did not have sea and Gannets or moors and Grouse. To find Heather was a 
matter for comment. Tinkling streams running through ferny glens over algae-covered rocks were few 
and far between. To work in London, which became the case in 1985, was emphatically not a lifestyle 
ambition. 


Now it is time for this President to make a decision as retirement looms — to stay or to move. Warmer 
places hold little appeal, especially those with no seasons so the decision is whether to stay or to move 
back north. A mental pro’s and con’s list is well-developed, concentrating on what would be missed. To 
a keen gardener, Reading is a wonderful centre, with Kew, Wisley and the Savill Garden as well as 
many other superb private gardens readily accessible but there are other places that must be visited at 
least once for a year to be complete, ideally as stops during a country walk. 


These days, late January is the start of the flower season. Our area has some special places for 
Snowdrops: my favourite is the woodland between Littlewick Green and Hurley (which has the 
remarkably remote Dewdrop pub as a bonus). Other early spring treats are Green Hellebores, a very 
special species to be found in the Warburg Reserve and beside the Ridgeway near Nuffield. It is 
imperative to walk beside the Kennet and Avon canal at almost any time of year, and Hosehill, especially 
in late April with Nightingales singing and the poplars pink with newly-burst leaf buds. The Fritillary field 
at Swallowfield must never be missed and usually provides other things of interest, like feral Mandarin 
Duck, Grass Snakes and early Orange-tip Butterflies. Moor Copse is essential for Bluebells and the 
extra thrill of Early Purple Orchids, then Hartslock for the chalk vegetation including, of course, the 
Monkey Orchids. There is never enough time in June, with so much to see and, not infrequently, poor 
weather to consume some of the time. My favourite June spot is Warren Bank for Bee Orchids and the 
first sightings of summer butterflies. 


For me July is perhaps the best month in this area: the Berkshire Downs can match alpine meadows in 
a moist summer and the profusion of butterflies there can be wonderful. No summer is complete for me 
without at least one sunny afternoon spent in Pamber forest in mid-July seeking, and finding, White 


Admirals and Silver-washed Fritillaries. It seems to me that other species, such as the Marbled White, 
are more frequent there than in the past. Chalk downland still rules in August — one of Ken Thomas’s 
walks introduced me to the field verges of Gatehampton, above Goring, which are the homes of a most 
impressive numbers of butterflies. 


A dry September can be the most boring of months (unless you are a home wine-maker) but moisture 
brings out the fungi, in different abundances in different locations in different years. By October 
butterflies are a bonus, but what a bonus they can be! Ivy blooms feeding Commas, Red Admirals, 
Peacocks, Painted Ladies, Brimstones and Speckled Woods can be a delight, in particular in the Pang 
valley. Autumn colours enliven late October and November, in beechwoods especially, more vividly than 
further north and the fungi continue. December is the month for people, socialising and reminiscence 
about the year past, plus, ideally, frosty walks with views such as that from Lardon Chase. Which is 
more pleasant, thoughts of the year past or anticipation of the year to come? | am inclined to stay! 


MEMBERS’ OBSERVATIONS 


Cath Butcher 


Before each evening talk begins, members are invited to announce their observations. Here is a 
selection of observations from the 2003/2004 winter meetings: 


21 Oct 03 Ted Nelson had seen 23 Golden Plover while a Red Kite at Sulham and Grass Snake 

were reported by Ivy Brickstock, Fiona Hoggarth had seen a dead Hare near railway 
tunnel, Child Beale Trust. Colin Dibb saw a Swallow at Ashampstead Common, where 
Martin Sell reported 3 Buzzards, 4 Red Kites and Speckled Woods & Red Admirals. 
John Marshall had seen a late Humming Bird Hawkmoth. 
Ken Thomas saw a white butterfly after a sharp frost; other late butterflies were 3 Small 
Coppers at his home on 17 Oct., following 2 Small Coppers, a Small White and a Red 
Admiral the previous day. On 21 Oct, late dragonflies at Cholsey Marsh: Common 
Darters and Migrant Hawker and 10+ Siskins at his home. 


14th Nov 03 John Marshall reported a Yellow-browed Warbler at Theale Gravel Pits on 30 Oct, a 
Pipistrelle bat at home and a Red admiral at Emmer Green 1 Nov 
Tony Rayner had had 2 darters on his pond; 2 Red Kites with 3 Buzzards on 27 Oct. 
Jan Hasler mentioned Redwing in her garden. Paula Dormer had 9 Small 
Tortoiseshells and Chris Bucke had seen Clouded Yellow and Peacock at Corfe Castle 


18th Nov 03 Martin Sell reported Song Thrush earlier that day, Common Darter at Woolhampton on 
16th and Mistle Thrush on 17th. Tony Rayner had also seen a Mistle Thrush and Dora 
Lucy had seen two, as well as Nuthatch and Muntjac. John Lerpiniere mentioned a 
Swallow at Searle Lane, Pingewood on 16th; and a Brambling. 
Chris Bucke reported Blewits in his garden, and Muntjac and Roe Deer on 16th. 
Sheila Smith saw hundreds of Lapwings near Theale Service Station Theale on 12th. 
Ken Palmer saw a pair of Muntjac: doe and buck, at Sulhamstead on 16th 


2nd Dec 03 Martin Sell reported Chiffchaff. Meryl Beek had seen the first Snowdrops coming 
through. Jan Hasler had had a female Blackcap in her garden while Paula Dormer had 
Butterflies in her house. Chris Bucke mentioned 2 Moorhens by the railway in Hodsall 
Road Recreation Ground in the centre of Reading. 
Dora Lucy listed 2 Nuthatches in garden, and a Jay, Goldfinch and 2 Mistle Thrushes 
Tony Rayner had seen a Barn Owl near the Wallingford Bypass on 26th Nov. 


6th Jan 04 


20th Jan 04 


3rd Feb 04 


17th Feb 04 


2nd Mar 04 


16th March 


N Dunn had a seen a bee at the end of December. 

V. Vincent saw a House Sparrow at her house. 

Mike Keith-Lucas mentioned a Fox eating a dead Badger. 

Colin Dibb had seen a December Moth attracted to light in Tilehurst. 

Tony Rayner listed: a flock of 12 Redpoll feeding on Silver Birch seeds in east end area 
of Cholsey from 16 Nov for some weeks; 20+ Corn Bunting over Red Cow on 22 Nov 
and 65 at Churn on 3rd Jan; a flock of 100+ Linnet on hill beside Breach House, 
Cholsey on 28th Nov; a dead young female Badger in the middle of the field opposite 
Cholsey Church on Christmas day, 3 Red Kites over Cholsey village centre on 27th 
Dec; 2 Roe Deer on Cholsey Hill on 1st and 4 on 4th; a flock of 35 Skylark at Manor 
Farm, Cholsey, on 4th Jan. 


Chris Bucke reported a Barn Owl at South Moreton, Didcot Road the previous day and 
a flock of 60 Redwings in Prospect Park on 15th. Colin Dibb relayed a report of a flock 
of Crows reported by farmer at Checkendon. Martin Sell had seen Waxwings. 


Barn Owls were reported by Tony Rayner on 28th Jan and Ken Palmer at Grazeley. 
John Marshall had 25 Blackbirds on his lawn and 3 thrushes seen regularly in garden. 
Martin Sell had 9 Redpolls in garden on 24th Jan, a female Smew, 46 Shoveller and 2 
Bitterns at Hose Hill. June Housden told us a male Red Purse Spider had been found 
at Goring primary school. 


Mrs.Raper had seen a Crossbill. Martin Sell reported Great Grey Shrike at Berry Down 
and 3 Short-eared Owls in same area, and a female Blackcap in his garden. 

Ken Grinstead had seen Blackthorn in flower. Yvonne Robinson saw 2 black swans 
displaying with a white swan (between Reading & Homebase) 

Norman Hall described cherry blossom. 

Jan Hasler reported Elder leaves and the first newt in her pond. 

Dot Nelson had seen a Merlin eating a Greenfinch at Caps Lane Cholsey on Feb 8th. 
Tony Rayner had seen 65 Corn Buntings on 12th and 25 Yellowhammers on 13th at 
the same place. He also reported Blackcap in full song in the centre of Wallingford and 
fresh Badger diggings at Red Cow on 15th. Other members listed 5 Short-eared Owls, 
Hen Harrier, 12 Golden Plover and Great Grey Shrike at Bury Down, West Ilsley on 
15th and a Badger crossing the Wallingford bypass on 16th. 


A Merlin at Child Beale Reed Beds was reported by Fiona Hoggarth. 

Dora Lucy had seen a Treecreeper in her garden. Sally Rankin saw a Grey Wagtail in 
Henley. Norman Hall mentioned a white almond tree, at the Three Tuns, Earley and 2 
ornamental cherries in Northcourt Ave. Chris Bucke mentioned Butterbur by canal and 
Coltsfoot at Sheffield Bottom along with 20 Snipe. M.K.Lucas had seen 2 mating Toads 
and Heather Baker reported a male and female Blackcap. Ted Nelson had seen 
another Merlin depluming a Greenfinch. Martin Sell reported 20 Redpoll. 


Tony Rayner has had Tortoiseshell, Peacock and Brimstone in his garden. 
Chris Bucke mentioned Green Hellebores at Nuffield. 

V. Vincent reported 3-inch square frogspawn 

Stewart Hine had seen a Hairy-footed Flower Bee 

Martin Sell had seen a Barn Owl at Warren and female Eider at Burghfield 
Jan Hasler had had a Slow-worm in her garden. 

John Marshall reported several bats in flight that night. 


EXCURSIONS: October 03 — December 04 


Mery! Beek 


During this period there have been 38 excursions, with varieties of venues and habitats. These include 
10 walks on Wednesday mornings, which have been well-supported and enjoyed. With the exception 
of one or two meetings, numbers have averaged about 10 people. Most of these are members of the 
Society, but it has been pleasing to welcome some visitors, most of whom are friends or relatives, but 
also a few through newspapers and other advertisements. It is hoped that some of these will become 
members soon. 


The 2003 season began on Saturday, October 18th, when Colin Dibb led a party of 16 members and 
two guests on a walk over Ashampstead Common and adjacent land. The party proceeded inside the 
13th century deer park boundary with chalkland plants and trees including a clump of Wild Service 
Trees. The open ground to the north was gained via Child’s Court Farm where hedge shrubs were a 
feature including Barberry. A Christmas Tree plantation was crossed and an ancient coppice and 
standard wood seen including an old coppiced Ash with ten trunks. Beautiful autumn tree and shrub 
colours could be seen from an ancient hay meadow and through the woodland walk back. 


A fungus foray was led by Gordon Crutchfield on 1st November in Nuney Green Woods. The first 
significant October rain had arrived on the 28-29th of the month, but it wasn’t in time to produce many 
fungi for the foray. The meeting was attended by nine people. A list has been submitted to the Fungus 
recorder, but even the few species found were present in only very small numbers. 


On 6th December, Chris Bucke and 12 other members met at Shinfield Grange and walked to Hall 
Farm, across the Holt, round into Bearwood, past Ellis’s Hill Farm, round to Arborfield Church and back. 
The conditions were dull and damp at first but soon brightened and in spite of recent rain, conditions 
underfoot were not too muddy. 


The area is good for small birds which feed on grains dropped in the area of the experimental dairy 
farms. Many dozens of Chaffinches were noted, also Greenfinches and Goldfinches. Fungi were 
prominent, with more in the hedges and ditches than the woodland. Some fine Parasols were noted, 
some Field Mushrooms, one or two Blewits, and several species of ink cap. One specimen of what was 
tentatively identified as Panellus serotinus was found near the Holt. In Bearwood Trametes versicolor 
was noted on several trees that had been damaged by fire. 


December is not a good time to find plants but some fine specimens of Butcher’s Broom were noted 
near the Holt, also Soft Shield Fern was present. 


A visit to the Oxford Museum of Natural History was planned by Tony Rayner on Wednesday 10th 
December. The purpose was to see the art exhibition of butterflies, moths and other insects by Richard 
Lewington. Disappointingly the weather was very foggy and several members felt that the driving 
conditions would be difficult. As a result only five people attended. 


2004 


A party of 10 enthusiasts accompanied Michael Keith-Lucas on an early new year walk round 
Whiteknights Park and the Harris Garden on January 4th. It was a cloudy winter afternoon but free of 
rain. Members were pleased to see the rare Beech from Castle Howard (one of only two in the UK). 
This had been given to the late Catherine Olver. Other trees of note were the Caucasian Wingnut, 
Hickory and various oaks including Quercus x Hispanicus “Lucombe Oak”, Quercus suber Evergreen 
Cork Oak and Quercus x Turneri “Turners Oak”. Some of the trees had been planted by the Marquess 
of Blandford and in the Harris Garden a stump of Turkey Oak was counted for rings. 199 rings proved 
this to be one of the Marquess’ plantings. 


About 20 people which included members of BBOWT where led by Martin Sell at Pagham Harbour, 
West Sussex on Sunday January 20th. This was a sunny and still day with ideal viewing conditions. A 
large flock of Brent Geese was grazing in a field next to the harbour road and the tide was still rising as 
the party set out. Waders seen on the rapidly diminishing mudbanks included Grey Plovers, Black- 
tailed Godwits, Knots, Dunlins, Redshanks and Curlews. Ducks included Wigeon, Teal, Pintail, 
Shelduck and Goldeneye. Five Mediterranean Gulls was seen on a lagoon at one side of the harbour. 


4 


A Black-necked Grebe swam in the deeper water in the middle of the harbour. Grey Plovers, 
Oystercatchers, Turnstones and Ringed Plovers were roosting on the last remaining shingle island in 
the bay while four Slavonian Grebes were further out to sea. An unexpected sighting was a Common 
Seal, loafing on a mud bank, and the last discoveries of the day were a distant Little Egret and a 
Peregrine. 


Séan O’Leary’s annual Bryophyte excursion was held on February 21st in Clayfield Copse, Emmer 
Green. As usual, the party were taken “back to basics” — quite necessary as most people find mosses 
and liverworts rather difficult. 15 people were present, and apart from Bryophytes, it was interesting to 
see the conservation work being done in this nature reserve so near to Reading. Thank you Séan. 


On a Sunday, 7th March, by popular request, a party of 12 travelled to the London Wetland Centre at 
Barnes. That day was enjoyed by all who visited the reconstructed ponds, pools, lakes and reedbeds 
and some of the wildlife it is attracting. Sir David Attenborough has described the wetland centre has 
"an ideal model for how the natural world and humanity might exist alongside one another in the 
centuries to come.” 


It was disappointing that the long-awaited combined meeting with the Abingdon Natural History Society 
only attracted three people. The visit was on 4th April to the new RSPB reserve at Otmoor. Maybe it 
was a bit much to expect large crowds on a Sunday morning at 10am to go to the north of Oxford, 
nevertheless another “get together” with Abingdon Nat’s must be tried in the not-too-distant future. 


On 29th April, which was a dull but still evening after a wet day, Chris Bucke led six members and a dog 
from the end of The Warren, up Gravel Hill and across Caversham Heath golf course, through Chazey 
Wood down to the grain store and back along the bridle path. The main target was to enjoy the Bluebells 
in Chazey Wood and these were duly admired, albeit in rather dull light, together with a good range of 
other woodland species. After a moist spring, a very good range of fungi was seen, including a Peziza 
species, Agrocybe praecox, Bolbitius vitellinus, Pluteus cervinus, and Wood Ears. It was a quiet, 
unspectacular walk but enjoyed by all. 


“A south-facing slope with dry acid soil at the top, a wet area across the mid-slope, and an acid sandy 
flatter area, adjacent to water, at the bottom. Most of the field is cut for hay, but with uncut areas 
reverting to woodland.” This is a good description of Ron Ward’s Flower Meadow at Tadley, around 
which Graham Saunders led a party on 8th May. Seven members were present. Among other plants, 
Marsh Thistle, Henbit Deadnettle, Yellow Rattle and Bitter Vetch were recorded. 


“Almost the biggest excursion of all time” could be the description of Martin Sell’s annual trip to the 
gravel pits at Theale on the 12th May. 17 members were present, and in excess of 25 BBOWT guests 
came. In spite of large numbers, the Nightingale was heard well, and the evening was voted a success. 


On 22nd May Colin Dibb led another excursion to Rushall Manor Farm and its surrounding fields and 
woods, including a private nature reserve by the River Pang. A good variety of plantlife was observed 
in all the locations, including Solomon’s seal, Hemlock Water-dropwort, Star of Bethlehem, Water 
Avens, and Water Chickweed in the nature reserve. Some members stayed on late and and walked to 
an abandoned field to the north of Rushall Farm where unusual white Bugle was flowering. The orchids 
with spotted leaves were not yet in flower. For these and other goodies another visit will have to be 
made to this field later in the season, perhaps next year? 


A visit to Dogmersfield to see the Basingstoke Canal and Tundry Pond was held on 30th May. Michael 
Keith-Lucas led, with 15 other people present. Good lists of botanical finds were made at various points 
on the route, including Bird’s Nest Orchid, Scaly Male-fern and Small-leaved Lime on the canalside. At 
Tundry pond and by the footpath were Fen Bedstraw, Celery-leaved Buttercup, Early Forget-me-not, 
and Brooklime among other things. A female Banded Agrion was also recorded. A pleasant afternoon — 
in spite of some rain! 


It was Rod d’Ayala’s turn to lead a group on 5th June, and the party of 15, which included two members 
of BBOWT, looked at the Turville Heath area, including a lime avenue on the Northend Road. Plants 
seen included Germander Speedwell with a Lighthouse Gall, Small-leaved Lime, White Helleborine in 
the roadside leaf litter, Green-flowered Helleborine and Wood Barley, which is a Chilterns speciality. 
Insects included a Silver-ground Carpet moth, a grey fly-induced gall on a Male Fern, and a Red- 
headed Cardinal Beetle. 


On 9th June 11 members met on a warm evening at the south end of Circuit Lane in Southcote, a new 
area to most of those present, and walked through water meadows to the Holy Brook and on to 
Southcote Mill, then along the canal to the rather spectacular weir, returning to walk beside the Kennet 
almost to Burghfield and back along the towpath. There was interest for all: a pile of gravelly soil had 
Corn Marigolds and Cornflowers, with signs of other interesting species to come. The water meadows 
were rich in Comfrey, Valerian, the usual wetland umbellifers, buttercups, handsome grasses and, in the 
mill race and the canal, Yellow Waterlilies. The first knapweeds of the year for most members were 
spotted close to the weir. Birds and damselflies starred though! Banded Agrions were plentiful and there 
were some areas of grass almost blue with roosting Common Blue and Blue-tailed Damselflies. Some 
of the party spotted a Kingfisher and all heard Cetti’s Warblers, Willow Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Reed 
Warblers, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and a Nightingale. A Common Tern fished spectacularly in the 
canal and some time was spent in attempting to determine how many families of Canada Geese there 
were in the creche of goslings on the canal — the consensus was three. Thank you Chris Bucke for this 
walk. A list of species seen was compiled by Susan Twitchett. 


The coach outing to Corfe Castle was well supported on 19th June and 38 people enjoyed the day out 
“doing their own thing”. Anumber decided on the railway down to Swanage, and some others attended 
a craft show in the castle grounds — including three witches in the party who bought broomsticks! Others 
maintained proper natural history interests, and the main party headed off to the west and found both 
wet and dry heathland areas to explore. A number of others botanically explored the lower slopes of the 
castle and were able to record Wild Clary (Salvia horminoides), Bastard Toadflax (Thesium humifusum) 
and Bee Orchid (Ophrys apifera). Vervain (Verbena officinalis) was seen growing on the castle walls. 
An excellent day! 


Veronica Vincent led the party round Lardon Chase on 3rd July and this ever-popular site attracted 19 
people. Some good plants were in flower including Sweetbriar, Long-stalked Cranesbill and White 
Horehound which is a comparative rarity. After tea and a time on Lardon Chase, the party continued up 
to the golf course. This part of the excursion produced Pale Toadflax, with some white-flowered plants; 
also many other late summer chalk grassland species. Thank you Veronica! 


An outstanding event of the summer was the superb mothing night at The Red Cow, Cholsey on 16th 
July, with twenty-one people present — including at least four experienced “mothers”. 164 species were 
recorded and grateful thanks are extended to Ro and Tony Rayner for hosting this event, including the 
peaceful walk round their fields and garden before darkness fell, and the refreshments in their house. 


It is some years since the society has been to Hungerford Marsh, but this was corrected on 24th July 
when Roger Frankum, the warden of this BBOWT reserve, took a party of 16 members round. Plants 
seen in the reserve included Fen Bedstraw and in the marsh area, Monkey Flower, Marsh Ragwort, 
Water Speedwell, Skullcap, and white Ragged Robin. The birds in the marsh included a Dabchick and 
a Common Tern 


On 31st July 16 people met for a walk across Padworth Common on a sultry afternoon. The first stop 
was the pond on the northern side where pines have been removed to open up the habitat. There is a 
good population of Marsh Pennywort here and Sally Rankin found the tiny pink-tinged umbels of flowers 
under the leaves. Broad-leaved Helleborine was seen under the birch on the way to the start of the Alder 
gully. Good finds here were Marsh Violet, Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage, Greater Tussock Sedge, 
Bulbous Rush and Hard Fern. 


After sorting out the three heathers (Ling not yet in a flower), the larger southern area of heath to Burnt 
Common was crossed where damp acidic grassland has Creeping Willow, Marsh Speedwell and what 
appeared to be Meadow Thistle. Dwarf Gorse is scattered along the track sides and its bright green 
foliage contrasts with the golden flowers. West Berkshire Council, the owners of Padworth Common, 
have recently declared the site a Local Nature Reserve and plan to fence and graze it in the near future. 
It will be interesting to see how the site develops. Janet Welsh, the afternoon’s leader, will keep the 
Society informed. 


The afternoon of 8th August was extremely hot and sultry, with threatening rain, which came later. As a 
result only four people turned up for Kit Brownlee’s walk round the Tilehurst Parks. In the circumstances, 
only Mcllroy Park was visited, and in the open space there were good views across the River Thames 
to Mapledurham. Quite a large number of butterflies were seen including a Gatekeeper, more than five 


Holly Blues, more than 12 Meadow Browns, two Small Coppers and a Speckled Wood. In the wooded 
area there were two Sparrowhawks and a Jay calling, and a variety of common flowers including Ling. 
Dead Man’s Fingers fungus was also seen. This is a beautiful oasis in a quite heavily built up area of 
Reading. The Society must go back soon to complete the rest of the parks. 


August numbers are generally low, and it was a party of only six people who got to Scuthammer Knob 
on the Downs for a pleasant afternoon’s walk down to the source of the Ginge Brook (dried up!) During 
the excursion, led by Meryl Beek, the plants growing on chalk were contrasted with the ones lower down 
on the greensand. It was a day of far reaching views, which added to the interest and tested members 
map-reading skills. 


An afternoon with a difference was held on 5th September when Graham Saunders led a “Spider 
Afternoon” on Tadley Common. With the help of books, about six spiders were identified within a few 
yards of the car-park. These included several crab spiders, (including at short-legged green one); the 
Garden Spider, also Araneus quadratus; Linyphia triangularis; “buzzing spider’ (Anyphaena 
accentuata) and Drassodes cupreus. Afterwards Graham invited the party to his home nearby where 
they were able to look closer at the spiders with the aid of his microscope. Seven people attended. 


Alice Ayers, assisted by Eric Ayers, led a group of eight from Waltham St Lawrence to explore the 
locality and Shottesbrooke Park on 12 September. A large number of plants were recorded, including 
Field Pepperwort and the Duke of Argyll’s Tea-plant. A number of fungi were found, and birds included 
a Peregrine Falcon and a Turtle Dove. An interesting insect was an Elephant Hawkmoth larva. Thank 
you Alice for leading. 


Malcolm Storey lead a combined group of 10 people from the Society and the Thames Valley Fungus 
Group on a walk around the old Bomb Dump, Bowdown Woods. After a damp start the weather 
improved and members saw fungi in abundance and variety. Notable finds included Lactarius citriolens, 
Lepiota grangei and Pluteus leoninus. 


Gordon Crutchfield led another fungus foray on Saturday 24th October to Lackmore Wood, near 
Woodcote. This wood was a favourite haunt of Alan Brickstock, although the Society had not visited it 
for a long time. Far more fungi were found this October and a list has been submitted to the recorder. 
A non-specialist remarked on its being “the year of the Butter Cap” — they were everywhere! 11 
members present. 


14 members and friends arrived at Farley Hill Village car-park on Saturday 27th November for Chris 
Bucke's walk down to the Rivers Whitewater and Blackwater — and their joining point the Broadwater. 
Over 20 birds were recorded including Long-tailed Tits, a Tree Creeper, Fieldfares, a Kestrel and a Red 
Kite. Marsh Chickweed was growing (and in flower) in a wet patch. Other plants still flowering included 
Field Pansies, Creeping Buttercup, Dove’s Foot Cranesbill and Fumitory, also quite a lot of fungi 
(unrecorded). 


And so the Society comes to the end of another year of excursions, which all will agree have been 
numerous and diverse. Special thanks go to all the walk leaders, especially two or three who are 
reasonably new to the job. 


Colin Dibb must be especially thanked for his sterling work in keeping records at 24 of the excursions. 
Thanks go to various other people who have made records at different times. The Society is always 
grateful for the large number of experts that it has available, who are always ready to teach others 
graciously and to share their natural history expertise. Now the society goes forward into the new year 
— let’s make it even better — if that is possible! 


WEDNESDAY WALKS 


Ken Thomas has excelled himself this year with the variety of venues his morning walks have covered. 
During the winter months of November 2003 and January and March 2004 he has led “informal walks” 
which means phoning him for a venue not more than 48 hours beforehand. These have covered the 
Checkendon area, where Beech leaves were still falling on 12th November (12 people), Beenham on 
the 21st January (11 people, who saw a large number of winter birds), and Cane End on 17th March 
(10 people, who saw Buzzards and Skylarks and Lesser Celandine in flower). 


The six Summer season walks started on the 7th April which was attended by 18 people in the Curridge 
area. Anumber of plants including Yellow Archangel, Moschatel and Common Dog Violet were in flower. 
On 5th May 7 people explored the Hambleden area; Steventon and Milton was the venue on 2nd June 
and was attended by 10 people. These villages are just within the Society’s 20 mile radius for records. 


7th July saw a party of 13 visit Dunsden and the area very near Caversham. Interesting plants included 
Trailing St John’s Wort, Round-leaved Fluellen, Corn Marigold and Many-seeded Goosefoot. A party of 
17 walked from Aldermaston Wharf on 4th August and again identified Corn Marigold amidst other flora 
and fauna. The last summer walk was on 1st September with nine members and two guests meeting 
at Eversley Church. A good number of fungi were identified and Bog Myrtle was a good find. 


On November 17th, another informal walk was held to the well-loved area of Sulham. After looking at 
the church, the party continued through familiar woods and open ground, where the Skylarks sang 
beautifully in the autumn sky. At the pond Burr Marigold and Water Blinks were recorded. It is good that 
this area remains so open and clear considering its nearness to Tilehurst. Long may it remain so! 


The social side has been important after all these walks, with the chance of a drink or pub snack. It has 
helped to make good friends of other members. “Just like a family” was a remark recently heard — but 
do not be put off — come and join the RDNHS family! 


MEMBERSHIP 


Norman Hall 


The following members were welcomed to the Society in calendar year 2004: 


Philip Allen Mrs Patricia Dixon 
Catherine Bailey Anne Scruby 

Mrs Alfreda Butler Mrs Ailsa Smith 
Howell Davies Mrs Joan South 


THE FISHLOCK PRIZE 


Fishlock Prize has not been awarded this year. 


Rare truffles leave farmer feeling like a pig in clover 


“The Newbury” or 23rd September, reported that a farmer near Little Bedwyn found a bumper crop of 
summer truffles, said to be worth £3,000. Roger Phillips examined the finds and sent samples to the 
mycology section at Kew Gardens. The farmer wished to remain anonymous to prevent his land being 
overrun by truffle hunters. The splendid haul ended up at The Harrow in Little Bedwyn, where the chef 
cooked up an enormous wild mushroom and truffle risotto for the farmer’s freezer. 


Flying Mushrooms! 


Malcolm Storey 


While walking through our local woods in Upper Bucklebury on 4th October, | saw and heard something 
fall to the ground with a thump a couple of yards from where | was standing. On investigation it turned 
out to be a tatty old (and rather smelly) Russula nigricans. | looked up to see where it had come from, 
and there was a Grey Squirrel watching me from about 15-20ft up the tree above. Presumably I'd 
disturbed its meal. 


MEETINGS (2003-2004) 


Colin Dibb 


On 7 October, 2003, the speaker was Martin Harvey who spoke on “The Moths of Berkshire and 
Hampshire” illustrated by slides from computer. There are about 2,600 British moths of which 800 are 
macro moths and the remainder micro moths but the distinction is not scientific. They appear in all 
habitats and are an important part of biodiversity being pollinators and food for bats, birds and small 
animals. Some are declining and others under severe threat. This is a good time for studying them with 
an increase in recording and web sites with pictures. 


Camouflage was illustrated by an Elephant Hawkmoth larva with eyespot and “trunk” on Rosebay 
Willowherb and often found on Fuchsia; the Dot moth; Spectacled moth; Merveille du Jour; Buff-tip on 
birch and Buff Arches showing broken lines. Aids to identification include Butterfly Conservation, local 
Wildlife Groups, County Recorder networks, Berkshire Moth group and a new Thames Valley Scheme. 
The UK Moths website has pictures of 1000 species, both adults and larvae. Others include the Malcolm 
Storey site and the Steve Nash site with migrant Lepidoptera including the Convolvulus Hawkmoth 
which has had an exceptional 2003. Books include Enjoying Moths by Roy Leverton and Field Guide 
to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland by Paul Waring and Martin Townsend illustrated by Richard 
Lewington. 


Looking for moths includes searching for eggs, caterpillars and pupae and attracting the adults to lights; 
the National Moth Night is on Saturday 22 May 2004. Ninety five species of macro moth fly in Berkshire 
during October-December including the Winter Moth and the rarer Northern Winter Moth. There are day 
flying moths such as the Six-spot (on one wing) Burnet. The Forester moth is found at Silwood Park. 
The Cinnabar moth has a red streak on the wing and the caterpillars feed on Ragwort and there is 
concern that the proposed tightening of regulations to prohibit Ragwort growing will reduce numbers. 
The Mother Shipton moth bears a wing marking resembling the facial outline of the eponymous lady. 


Conserving moths— twenty five species have gone extinct since 1900 with decline in other species. 
Causes include loss of habitat, bad management, possibly climate change and light pollution. The 
Swallowtail is flying earlier in spring and later in autumn. The Clouded Yellow is surviving the winter in 
the south. There has been a vast loss of habitat in the past fifty years including 97% of flower-rich 
meadows. The Reddish Buff moth is found only on a nature reserve on the Isle of Wight. The caterpillars 
are monitored by vacuum sampling and the adults caught in light traps to monitor their population. Saw- 
wort is their host plant but this grows elsewhere but with no moths so there is an undiscovered factor 
at work on this unusual heathy/grassy site. 


The Berkshire (including Old Berkshire) moth database holds over 63,000 records of 1420 species but 
with 46 macro moths not recorded since 1990. There are 150 recorders but four contributed 50%. More 
data are waiting to be entered. The three most abundant moths are the Large Yellow Underwing, Heart 
and Dart and Setaceous Hebrew Character. The three most widespread are Yellow Shell, Silver Y and 
Heart and Dart. The Least Carpet is increasing but the Argent and Sable has not been reported since 
1984. The V-moth is found on garden currants but is also doing badly. 


The National Macromoth Recording Scheme shows that the Garden Tiger is doing badly in the south in 
spite of the “woolly bear” caterpillars living on docks and plantains. Rothamstead moth records are not 
fully analysed but show that some species have declined by 90%. 


Questions elicited that mercury vapour lights were the most commonly used but did not attract all 
species. A guide to lights is available. Climate and microclimate effects and predator relationships are 
not yet understood. Hairy caterpillars are only eaten by Cuckoos but both prey and predator are 
declining. Human predators are not as important as Blue Tits! 


Nigel Glover-Wright gave a wide-ranging talk entitle “Mount Kenya National Park to Tarangire” on 4 
November with many illustrations of birds, mammals, plants and insects from different habitats. Mount 
Kenya National Park is 227 sq. miles with the top of the mountain at over 17,000 ft. The Rift Valley was 
illustrated by a tea plantation and a soda lake with guano from Pink Flamingo droppings. Eland meat 
was recommended from a carnivorous menu in Nairobi. Tarangire is 1000 sq. miles with ancient Baobab 


!) 


trees and dangerous Cape Buffaloes. The Serengeti - “land of endless space” in Swahili — has tropical 
rain forest on the volcanic rim but is hot and dry on the floor.A Cheetah with cub on a red termite mound 
and a flaming sunset rounded off over eighty high quality slides and over seventy species. 


On 18 November, Graham Atkins spoke on The Creation of a Nature Reserve at College Lake. He had 
been working as an environment consultant to the company which was extracting chalk from this 300 
acre site. When operations ceased, the plan was to restore the area to agriculture but the company was 
persuaded to opt for wildlife instead. The aims were to demonstrate maximum diversity but also the 
opportunity for everybody to visit including education for young people. When pumping ceased, the 
lowest level became a pond and plants established from wind-blown and bird-carried seeds. On 
somewhat higher ground, marsh was created by digging down to the water table. On 100 acres, the 
topsoil was still in place so a farm was created and rare breeds of cattle and sheep introduced so that 
rough grassland, hay meadows and sown but not harvested cereals provide other habitats. Over 
fourteen miles of fencing was erected and a number of trees and shrubs planted. A woodland craft 
centre has been built and working demonstrations of harvesting cereals with a binder and subsequent 
threshing operations are on view. An area is devoted to rare arable weeds and plants are available. A 
wide range of slides, including many of birds, animals and plants illustrated a most enjoyable and 
uplifting talk. 


On 2 December, the final meeting in 2003, Ken Grinstead spoke on the history, archeology, wildlife and 
particularly the plants and flowers of Mallorca, Sardinia, Malta and Gozo. Mallorca has limestone 
mountains up to 4700 ft and remains of ancient civilisations. Sardinia has tombs built in 5000 BC and 
tower houses with internal wall passages from 1100 BC. Rocks include sandstone on the coast and 
granite rising to 4500 ft. Malta has alternating bands of hard and soft limestones with sea cliffs up to 
800 ft. Gozo is similar with a central limestone plateau with a 3000 BC dolman. These varied habitats 
have produced a wide range of flowering plants some of which are endemic and others characteristic 
of Mediterranean flora from Spain to Egypt or even further afield including South Africa. Some plants 
were recognised as house and garden plants in this country and others were clearly related to our 
species but most were new to most listeners. All were illustrated with quality slides appreciated by a 
large audience. 


On 6 January 2004, Mike Watts, on his third visit to the Society, spoke on the Neptune Coastal 
Campaign organised by the National Trust for the conservation of coasts and coastlines in England, 
Wales and Northern Ireland. The talk was illustrated by slides of many of the Trust’s seaside sites and 
buildings. The National Trust was formed in 1895 (14 years after our own Society, as pointed out by the 
President!) and the first land was donated at Barmouth by the Bay of Cardigan. The new railways in the 
mid-1800’s gave a great impetus to visiting the seaside. Development of the coast through caravan 
parks, marinas and industry accelerated after the second world war.A survey in 1963 showed only one- 
third of the coast was of outstanding quality and hence there was an urgent need to buy to conserve 
and there has been a good response to appeals for funds then and subsequently. Landscape protection 
includes erosion control, better footpaths and encouragement of farming tenants to adopt new 
practices. Nature conservation of over 600,000 acres of land includes many diverse habitats and the 
creation of new ones such as salt marshes by “managed retreat” on land previously enclosed from the 
sea. Archeological remains need conserving including more recent industrial sites such as mines and 
lighthouses. Local communities benefit from the Trust’s activities by providing work, restoring buildings 
for community use and clearing up eyesores. Education of children is very important and includes litter 
campaigns and provision of sporting activities. There are many current problems over the 600 miles of 
coast under protection including potential clashes between different users, coastal erosion, pollution, 
wind farms and oil slicks. However, the philosophy of founding member, Octavia Hill, still remains from 
1895 — “Keep those far still places for your children and your children’s children”. 


On Tuesday 20 January 2004, Professor Hugh Dickinson, Sherardian Professor of Botany at Oxford 
University, spoke on the Natural History of Magdalen College and The Oxford Botanic Garden. His talk 
was illustrated by slides from computer and took the form of the historical developments which created 
the College, its garden, the Fritillary Meadow and the Botanic Garden including some land rented from 
Merton College. The Botanic Garden was laid out in the early 1600’s as a Physic Garden which entailed 
moving a cemetery and bringing in 4000 cartloads of manure. The wall dates from 1650 with a rockery 
outside it. The main use today is educational with the theme of discovery but some natural history 
recording is done. The national collection of Euphorbia is held. The only alien plant to have escaped is 
the Oxford Ragwort which subsequently spread along the railway network. 


10 


The College was established in about 1420 using parts of St John’s Hospital and is the only one to be 
founded by an educationalist — Bishop William of Wainfleet. During the Civil War, after the battle of 
Edgehill, Charles | retired to Grove and turned the College into an armoury — hence the old gun 
emplacement known as Dover Point or in the present day as Morse’s Corner. The President’s Garden 
was established in 1876. The deer park has some white Fallow Deer and they rotationally graze the 
Fritillary Meadow which floods periodically in winter. It is impossible to summarise the tremendous 
amount of detail that was presented and illustrated — so suffice it to say that the talk was extremely 
interesting and well received. 


On 3 February, lan Lewington spoke on Bird Identification and a close look was taken at the anatomy, 
topography and feathers, including the effect of the moult, of various birds followed by comparisons of 
species pairs and identification problems. The names and descriptions of different feathers, such as 
primaries, secondaries and tertials, were given and ear coverts and striping mentioned using Skylark, 
Rustic Bunting, Pipit, Shrike, Little Stint, Knott and Lesser Black-back Gull as examples. Features on 
the head such as eye ring and orbital ring were indicated. Anatomy enabled 95% of species to be 
immediately recognised and others, such as the Green Sandpiper, could be named on the call — but 
mimics, such as the Crested Lark, could be confusing. Separate distinguishing features were given for 
a wide range of British and non-British species. Some pairs of birds mentioned were Great Northern v. 
Black-throated Divers, Sedge v. Aquatic warblers, Scaup v. Lesser Scaup, Meadow Pipit v. American 
Tree Pipit and then v. Olive-backed Tree Pipit, Common v. Ring-billed Gull, Rock v. Scandinavian Rock 
Pipit, Goshawk v. Buzzard and then v. Sparrowhawk, Caspian v. Yellow-legged Gull and American 
Goose v. dark type Brent Goose. PowerPoint movies allowed the action to be “frozen” which enabled 
specific distinguishing features to be seen clearly. This was a highly technical talk which was rather 
difficult to follow for most of the audience. 


John Birks from the Vincent Wildlife Trust spoke on “The Return of the Polecat”, on 17th February. The 
Polecat is a native British wild mammal since just after the last ice age. It is related to the Weasel, Stoat, 
Otter, Badger, Mink, Pine Marten and Skunk and is widespread in continental western Europe. The Latin 
name of Mustela putorius means foul-smelling musk bearer referring to the pungent smell which is 
released from an anal gland as self defence. Polecat may be derived from the early French expression 
“poule-chat” (chicken-cat) due to its liking for poultry. It interbreeds with the domestic Ferret, which is an 
albino, and the fertile offspring can be confused with pure Polecats. Polecats have pale ear tips and 
pale fur above the lips which distinguishes them from Mink which also do not have pale under-fur. Very 
rarely, Polecats occur with gingery-red colouration. Wales and Cumbria were the last refuges until they 
began to regain ground before and after the second war and spread slowly eastwards as far as 
Leicestershire by the 1990s and into Berkshire by 1995. Being mostly nocturnal, evidence of occurrence 
is largely through road casualties. Over 85% of the diet is rabbits whose return after myxomatosis has 
helped the increase in numbers and whose burrows are favoured overnight accommodation. Farmers 
and gamekeepers are now more enlightened and regard Polecats as beneficial in keeping down other 
pests. Farm buildings are used in winter with rats as prey which leads to casualties from inadvertent 
ingestion of rodenticide. Surveys are now done by live trapping which shows one/two per square 
kilometre. The use of radio collars shows them travelling along hedges and woodland edges with males 
staying in different places overnight within their discrete territories. Females have four to six offspring 
once a year and males take no part in rearing the young. The talk was illustrated with slides and 
taxidermic Polecats and “The Polecat” leaflet was available. For the 2004-6 survey, members were 
encouraged to retrieve Polecat bodies from roadsides, deep-freeze them and contact the Vincent 
Wildlife Trust on 01531 636 441 for further instructions. 


Jenny Steele was our speaker for the final meeting of the winter on 2nd March at which 38 members 
were present. Her subject was "Gardening for Wildlife" and she set forward very useful points in 
managing a wildlife garden. 


Firstly, relax and enjoy your garden: stop mowing the grass and leave borders untouched during 
the winter, leaves can be left until Spring. Consider organic gardening: Jenny had not used pesticides 
for ten years and had no major problems: this encouraged insects which were beneficial to the garden. 

Have a pond: any water feature is good, even a terracotta saucer filled with water and pebbles. 

Create a nectar border, concentrating on plants which attract hoverflies, bees, butterflies etc. 
Grow Lavender, wild Rock-rose, Jerusalem Sage, Evening Primrose, Everlasting Sweet-pea, Nicotiana, 
Night-scented Stock, Marjoram and Foxgloves. 


11 


Plant a native tree. 

Have an artificial habitat booster, e.g. nest boxes, logs of wood tucked under a hedge, bury wood 
in earth for stag beetles. Hollow stems act as bee homes. 

Be tolerant of weeds and snakes. 
With all these helpful tips it was hoped members would follow suit and create their own wildlife garden. 


On 5 October, Professor Chris Bucke kicked off the new winter season with a talk on “The Natural 
History of the Isle of Man”. Our fellow member and newly elected President was born and brought up 
on the Island. He illustrated his talk with a map and slides showing many aspects of the geology, wildlife 
and Celtic and Viking history when the Kingdom was very strategically placed between the other 
Kingdoms of Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales and the Kingdom of Heaven! Today, it is neither part of 
the United Kingdom nor of Europe and the Tynwald Parliament is the second oldest (after Iceland) in 
the world. The diverse rocks of slate, red sandstone and limestone plus the Ice Age deposits in the north 
give a wide variety of topography and plant and animal life and copper, silver and lead were found in 
the volcanic intrusions. A few plants are Irish specialities such as the pure white sub-species (0’kellyi) 
of Common Spotted Orchid. Cotton Grass, Bog Asphodel, Bog Pimpernel and Bog Myrtle (used to 
flavour beer instead of hops) are found in wet, acid conditions. The Isle of Man Cabbage is found on 
the dunes with Yellow-horned Poppy, Sea Milkwort, Sea Rocket and Thrift. Naturalised introductions 
include New Zealand Holly and Fuchsia magellanica. Sea Spleenwort is only found where exposed to 
salt spray. Some lichens are unique to Britain. Coastal cliffs provide good nesting sites for seabirds and 
choughs appreciate the proximity of cliffs and short-grazed grassland. There are no deer, squirrels or 
Badgers but the Irish Hare is endemic and Rabbits have been introduced. Lizards and Frogs are 
present but not snakes and toads. The Herring industry, which once exported Herrings in sugar to 
Norway, is largely gone except for Manx kippers. Visitors come to see the TT races and to travel on the 
Electric Railway including the tram up to the summit of Snaefell at 621m (2036ft). 


Gordon Langsbury gave an illustrated talk on “Islay - Island of Birds’, on 2nd November. He has visited 
this island in the southern Inner Hebrides over thirty three years. The trip entails a two hour ferry ride 
from Kennacraig (about 100 miles from Glasgow but on the same latitude). This relatively low island, 
compared with the adjacent Jura, has seven distilleries and an agricultural economy. Farmers are paid 
compensation for the grazing of many thousands of winter visiting Barnacle and White-fronted Geese 
from the Arctic. Many other species of geese as well as swans, ducks, gulls, terns, sawbills, Little 
Egrets, waders, grebes and land birds, such as Red Grouse and introduced Black Grouse, were 
described with the use of high quality slides. The success of the Chough was particularly mentioned. 
Mammals mentioned were Red and Roe Deer, Grey and Atlantic Seals, Hares and Stoats. 


On 18 November, Dr Chris Newman and Dr Christina Buesching spoke on “Monitoring Badgers and 
other Forest Mammals in Wytham Woods, Oxfordshire”. Chris dealt with the badgers whose density in 
1996 (50/sq. kilometre) is a world record with each one identified with a tattoo. They are all caught 
annually in peanut-baited traps, weighed (biggest up to 15 kg), measured for length and head width, 
teeth examined, external parasites noted and a blood sample taken. Currently, there are 200 adults 
producing 20-40 cubs annually. Family territories are mapped by feeding differently coloured 
polystyrene beads mixed with peanuts and honey and examining the droppings in the latrines on the 
territory boundaries. Smaller groups have larger adults and cubs do better. For each 100 cubs born, 50 
die by 2 years (some killed by dominant females) and 10 survive until 8 years old — one individual 
reached 16 years. 2/3 cubs are born in mid-February with mating soon after but the embryos are 
suspended until December giving a 56 day pregnancy. The site is ideal for worms which are the main 
food source, hence dry years are disastrous for the cubs. Christina mentioned Water Voles and Red 
Squirrels as species that would have benefitted from earlier research work before their current decline. 
A standardised monitoring protocol is now in place for small mammals such as Bank and Field Voles, 
Yellow-necked and Wood Mice and Common and Pygmy Shrews. This time consuming work is largely 
done by volunteers, many from the Earthwatch Institute. Muntjac, Roe and Fallow Deer are present in 
sufficient numbers to need culling otherwise the whole of the understorey vegetation would be 
destroyed. Numbers and species are determined by counting droppings which can easily be confused 
with beech mast. Information at www.wildcru.org, www,mammalmonitoring.con, www.mammaltrust.org 
and www.earthwatch.org. 


12 


IN SEARCH OF EUROPE’S BUTTERFLIES 


PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS - by Tony Rayner 


(based very loosely on an illustrated talk given on 19th October 2004) 


What are butterflies? We could say they are either brightly coloured insects that can best be found 
nectaring on Buddleias in our gardens, or nasty white insects whose caterpillars munch their way 
through our cabbages. 


But what separates them from 
moths? Both form the insect 
order of Lepidoptera, so is the 
difference real or imagined? 


Leverton lumps_ them all 
together but devotes his book 
entirely to moths. Butterflies 
are diurnal, but so are many 
moths. Butterflies have clubbed 
antennae, but so do certain 
moth families such as the 
Burnets. Butterflies are brightly 
coloured, but who could say 
that the Scarlet Tiger or the 
Elephant Hawkmoth were not? 
Most moths have a hinge and 
bristle feature linking their fore 
and hind wings — but others 
have nothing like this. 


Apollo (Greece) 


Personally, separation between day and night flying lepidoptera makes better sense. Interesting to see 
day flying moths in at least one recent British butterfly field guide. 


The attractions for butterfly enthusiasts are many — there are not too many species to deter newcomers, 
no expensive equipment is necessary, you are led to nice locations — often plant/flower rich, in daylight, 
in sunny conditions, to watch good sized, brightly coloured insects that can combine wonderful aerial 
displays with strong territorial tendencies. With all this to recommend butterflies, it is hard to understand 
why more people are not enthusiasts! 


Maybe the lack of first-rate field guides has not helped in the past — but now there is no such excuse. 
There are two excellent books covering the whole of Europe. The Collins Guide to Butterflies of Britain 
and Europe with Richard Lewington’s illustrations, and Tristan Lafranchis’s Butterflies of Europe. \t is 
recommended to buy both as they complement each other so well. 


Sadly Britain is not well endowed with many species. The following European league tables show the 
United Kingdom firmly in the relegation zone of Division Three! 


PREMIER LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION 

Turkey 364 Macedonia 200 
Italy PAG Switzerland 196 
France 247 Bosnia & Herzogovena 187 
Russia 241 Croatia 187 
Greece 229 Germany 185 
Spain 221 Slovenia 181 
Bulgaria 214 Romania 179 
Austria 210 Albania 176 
Ukraine 208 Slovakia 167 
Yugoslavia 207 Hungary SY, 


SECOND DIVISION 


Poland 


Czech Republic 


Andorra 
Belarus 
Liechtenstein 
Portugal 
Lithuania 
Latvia 
Sweden 
Belgium 


CONFERENCE 


Ireland 
Malta 
Madeira 
Azores 
Iceland 


Clearly Iceland is not the place to take your 


butterfly net! 


In the Thames Valley we are well placed to find 
several butterflies that may be considered 
scarce in Britain. The Small Blue can be seen 
on Lardon Chase; the Dingy and Grizzled 


THIRD DIVISION 
151 Estonia 99 
146 Norway 99 
145 Finland 96 
131 Luxembourg 95 
120 Moldova 83 
118 Netherlands 71 
113 Denmark 64 
109 United Kingdom 55 
107 Cyprus 53 
106 Canary Islands 32 


Swallowtail (Spain) 


Skippers are at Hartslock; Black and Brown 
Hairstreak breed at Bernwood and Whitecross Green Wood; the Duke of Burgundy still exists at Aston 
Upthorpe; and Silver-spotted Skippers are easily overlooked on Watlington Hill. Adonis Blues can be 
found locally on chalk grassland, but numbers are low and it may be worth travelling further afield to say 
Martin Down on the Hampshire/Dorset border. 


All the sites mentioned here are remnants of good butterfly habitat, which is why virtually all our 
specialists are so scarce in Britain. Indeed habitat loss in Britain has occurred at an alarming rate as 


this table shows:— 


Since 1940’s 
Lowland Flower-rich Grassland 97% 
Fenland 90% 
Chalk and Limestone Grassland 80% 
Hedgerows — England 67% 
Ancient Broad-leaved Woodland 50% 
Since 1905 
Ancient Coppiced Woodland 95% 
Since 1800 
Lowland Raised Bogs 94% 
Lowland Heathland 83% 


Source — Millennium Atlas of Butterflies in Britain and Ireland 


Map (Poland) 


The picture is probably similar in 
much of continental Europe. 
Fortunately there are still large areas of unimproved habitat, especially 
in mountainous areas, alpine flower meadows for example. However it is 
claimed that of the 543 European butterfly species (576 if you include 
those that in Europe are on the edge of their range) approximately half 
are under threat. Source — Prime Butterfly Areas in Europe. 


Two-tailed Pasha (Corsica) 


14 


If that were not enough, with so many eastern 
European countries now in the Common Market, we 
can expect key habitat loss to accelerate as 
agriculture is intensified. 


It is obvious from the above that the butterfly 
enthusiast must travel abroad to see most of 
Europe’s species. Generally the further south and 
east the better it becomes. But before zipping across 
the Channel, field guide in hand, it is as well to reflect 
a little on identification problems — you are faced with 
potentially 500+ species! No longer is that blue 
butterfly almost certain to be a Common Blue — in 
fact there are 97 blues on the European ist. 
Twin-spot Fritillary (Hungary) Fritillaries are slightly easier — “only” 47 of them. 
Field guides provide valuable clues to identification 
in the form of distribution maps, preferred habitat, and favoured food plants. Reliance on the bright 
uppersides for identification may be dodgy, and apparent distinguishing features might prove to be both 
slight and variable. If possible take a close look at 
the undersides, especially the hindwing. Markings 
here very often give the game away. Fortunately 
there are some stars that scarcely need a field guide 
to assist — e.g. Swallowtail, Scarce Swallowtail, 
Apollo, Two-tailed Pasha and Black-veined White. 


The presidential address was illustrated with scarce 
local species and species photographed in Ireland, 
Norway, Germany (Thuringia), N.E. Poland, 
Hungary (Bakony & Bukk/Aggtelek), Czech 
Republic (Eastern), Slovakia (Western), Greece ( 
Pindos & Mt. Iti), Corsica, Switzerland, French 
Pyrenees, Spain (Extramadura), Morocco (Atlantic 
coast) and Canary Islands. In the majority of such "se : Astle AN hl EERE 29 Ae 
places it should be possible to find over 100 species Lesser Purple Emperor (Czech Republic) 
in a week. 


ere & 


ae ue be 


Ireland’s poor showing in the above tables was underlined with my sightings being restricted to Wall 
Brown and Green Hairstreak in two week-long visits. Norway supports some unusual Fritillaries in the 
northern regions, but this is not an easy country to get around quickly. Thuringia was especially good in 
the old border area between East and West where Purple-shot and Sooty Coppers, plus day-flying 
moths dominated. In a quiet valley just outside Zella-Mellis there were also plenty of Lesser Marbled 
Fritillaries, Silver-studded and Amanda’s Blues. Poland was notable for Camberwell Beauty and 
European Map easily found on the fringes of the famous Biebrza Marshes in May.A species of Emperor 
moth sped by along Bialowieza Forest rides at regular intervals. Hungary was superb for Fritillaries and 
Hairstreaks. In the Bakony Hills, to the west of Budapest, it was quite intoxicating to see such a vast 
array of Fritillaries. Assman’s, Marbled, High Brown, Glanville, Spotted, Twin-spot, Niobe to name but a 
few. At times the sheer number of Hairstreaks (mainly 
Ilex; Sloe and Blue-spot) on view was amazing, in 
complete contrast to the frantic search for just one or two 
specimens in Britain! Perhaps the best butterfly area in 
Hungary lies in the North East. Here the Bukk and 
Aggtelek reserves support Poplar Admirals, Hungarian 
Gliders, Chequered Blues and many more. The White 
Carpathian region of the Czech Republic was notable for 
the Mountain Alcon Blue and Scarce and Purple-edged 
Coppers. But the bounding flight of the Large Chequered 
Skipper on a steep mountain slope was simply amazing. 
Slovakia was memorable for Purple and Lesser Purple 

s= Emperors taking moisture or minerals from a muddy 
False Heath Fritillary (French Pyrenees) track after rain. Supporting acts included Mazarine and 


15 


Meleager’s Blues. Central Greece 
was so species rich that even a 
Short-toed Eagle floating overhead 
was ignored by the lepidopterists! 
Based near Mt Iti it was possible to 
see numerous species within easy 
walking distance from our remote 
hotel. Balkan Marbled Whites flew 
alongside plain Marbled Whites, 
and the Anomalous Blue was not to 
be confused with’ Ripart’s 
Anomalous Blue. Greek Clouded 
Yellows were easily distinguished 
from our familiar Clouded Yellows. 
Fiery and Lesser Fiery Coppers = 
were hard to locate, but their Lang’s Short-tailed Blues (Morocco) 

brilliance was well worth the search. 

Even on a sight-seeing detour to Delphi it was easy to see new species such as Inky Skipper, and both 
Freyer’s and Balkan Grayling. 


Corsica excels for endemics. Corsican Heath, Corsican Swallowtail, Corsican Grayling, Corsican 
Fritillary and no doubt there were others if only you had the time. The Southern White Admirals were 
smart enough, but even these paled alongside the Two-tailed Pasha which obligingly flew onto my hand. 
Both the central mountainous region south of Corte, and the southern end of Corsica near Bonifacio are 
to be recommended. 


Switzerland is the home of Apollos, Black-veined Whites and Violet Coppers among many others. The 
French Pyrenees in the region of Gavarnie also produced Apollos plus Clouded Apollos. The latter 
floated restlessly in a cloud over a very steep slope, and were almost impossible to photograph. Some 
of the high Pyrenean meadows were simply teeming with wildlife and each step was made carefully to 
avoid squashing a Field Cricket or other extraordinary insect species. The Pyrenees seemed especially 
rich in Skippers and Blues. Donkeys carrying tourists uphill from Gavarnie deposited dung on the track 
which was pounced upon by several kinds of Grizzled Skipper and British photographers alike — much 
to the amusement of the French tourists. Sad to say we failed to find the diminutive Gavarnie Blue, but 
then it is very small... Extremadura produced Swallowtails and Large Tortoiseshells even in February, 
and the Canary Islands have endemic forms of Speckled Wood and Large White, and it is also a place 
to find Monarchs. Whilst Morocco lies just beyond Europe, many of its butterflies qualify to be included 

; here, as they can be found in this 
continent too — notably in 
southern Spain. e.g. Lang’s 
Short-tailed Blue and African 
Grass Blue. Clouds of the latter 
to be found in the Oued Massa to 
the south of Agadir. 


From my own limited visits to a 
small sample of good butterfly 
areas, | hope this provides a 
taste of what is out there. So 
much to see, and with excellent 
guide books now available — no 
excuse not to combine your 
Scarce Copper (Thuringia, Germany) botanising with a bit of butterfly 
spotting. 


Photo. acknowledgements: Canary Is (John Marshall); Switzerland and Norway (Fred Rayner) Bukk & 
Aggtelek Reserves, Hungary and Pindos Mountains, Greece (Derek Goodban). 


16 


SENECIO CINERARIA HYBRIDS 


Michael Fletcher 


Senecio cineraria is a popular summer bedding plant, a short-lived shrubby perennial grown for its 
elegantly pinnate leaves, which are brilliant white with a thick layer of woolly tomentum, rather than for 
its flowers, which are yellow, very like those of other common ragworts. It is not fully hardy, though it 
may persist outdoors. | have even seen it naturalised near Sandwich in Kent, where new seedlings and 
mature bushes, up to a metre tall, grow on the barren windswept coastal shingle, making low thickets. 


In 1974, as | was becoming interested in more systematic recording of plants in my own part of Central 
Reading, | was walking along Liverpool Road in Newtown, looking at the tiny front gardens of the terrace 
houses on the East side. Most were hardly over one metre deep, yet they showed a great variety, from 
fully controlled colourful formal planting, to completely untended patches of urban weeds, or bare 
cement. 


In one such weedy garden, some neglected plants of Cineraria (S. cineraria) had persisted among other 
weeds, including Oxford Ragwort (S. squalidus). | was intrigued by several plants among them with 
lightly felted and similarly dissected leaves, which seemed to be intermediates. One even grew in a 
pavement crack outside the garden wall. It was pulled up (losing its roots), taken home and nursed back 
to health, then planted on a dry partly shaded bank of soil in my South Street garden. 


It persisted, showing itself intermediate in habit between the two presumed parents. Unlike other British 
native ragworts, it is a long-lived perennial, with slightly woody stems up to a metre tall, lasting two or 
three years before being overtaken by fresh growths from the base. The leaves, though covered with 
tomentum, are still visibly green, and the flowers, so far as | could see, were like those of the 2 spp of 
which | assumed it to be a hybrid. It flowered freely in summer, but seemed sterile, since no viable seed 
was ever found. The plant could be propagated from stem cuttings taken in summer. 


In summer 2001, in preparation for our intended move, | took cuttings, one of which which | brought and 
established in our new garden in Frome. 


In a pub garden in Nunney, near Frome, in summer 2002, | saw again some neglected S. cineraria 
growing in a small garden bed among Ragwort (S. jacobaea), and again, some intermediate plants, One 
was again brought home, and planted alongside the Reading hybrid. | was even more surprised in June 
this year, to find several similar hybrid plants among S. jacobaea and various other weeds, on neglected 
cement around garages near our house, in the estate on the North side of Frome. There was no S. 
cineraria Close by, though it is grown in several gardens on this estate. Seven such plants were seen 
altogether, One was again brought home and grown alongside the other two hybrids, and with a self- 
sown seedling of S. cineraria found locally (for comparison). 


These three hybrids, now they can be seen together, differ very obviously in leaf shape, but seem 
similar in habit, being perennials with weakly shrubby stems. The only hybrid mentioned by Clapham 
Tutin & Warburg is S. cineraria x jacobaea. This, and other similar hybrids, cannot be desperately rare 
if | have found them in three places, and are worth looking out for. 


THE NEW BERKSHIRE FLORA 


The long-awaited new “Flora of Berkshire” should be available early this year. 
Prof MJ Crawley FRS, Imperial College, Silwood Park, Ascot, SL5 7PY 


Editor’s note: 


The above flora can be ordered from Summerfield Books, Main St, Brough, Nr Kirkby Stephen, 
Cumbria, CA17 4AX. (Tel: 017683 41577, email: info@summerfieldbooks.com) 


17 


ASILUS CRABRONIFORMIS — AN UPDATE 


Tony Rayner 


My article in last year’s Reading Naturalist highlighted our remarkable colony of this scarce Dipteran in 
Cholsey. The story does not end there as the following account for 2004 shows. Diligent record keeping 
over several years usually provides an insight into species life cycles and population changes. Beware, 


Hornet Robberfly 7 


for record keeping can also lead to over- 
confident predictions about imminent events. 
So it was that at their expected emergence 
time in 2004 there was an absence of Asilus 
crabroniformis sightings. It seemed likely 
that we would experience another poor year 
for these noble flies, as is sometimes the 
case. The thought even crossed our minds 
that some habitat change had taken place, 
and they might not reappear at all. 


These worst fears soon evaporated when the 
first fly finally appeared on 28th July. 
Although a single fly was seen on various 
days up to and including 7th August, this 
remained the poorest early showing since 
records began in 1997. 


Suddenly on 10th August everything changed. On this fine day a total of ten flies were found scattered 
all around the meadow — we appeared to be back to normal! A similar level of sightings continued for 
the next two days. On 13th August excitement grew as the daily count quickly reached 25 when rain 
intervened and the transect could not be completed. Thereafter, decent daily counts followed, although 
once again sudden rainfalls prevented completion of transects when prospects seemed good. One 
typical count was carried out by Chris Raper on the afternoon of 21st August — he found eight flies 


including two pairs as he tried out a new digital camera. 


It is likely that Chris was more absorbed with deftly approaching flies to secure close-ups than with 
completing a full count. Otherwise it is difficult to explain the amazing total of 47 flies found the following 
day. This not only beat all previous records, it shattered them! If that were not enough, this density of 


flies was to continue for almost another two weeks without 
quite equalling the 22nd August number. 


On 5th September we decided to cut the hay, and Asilus 
numbers appeared to plummet from 30 to 3 overnight. 
Hopefully this has not drastically changed their future 
prospects, and many will have sought refuge in the 
neighbouring riding stables where they are thought to 
breed. It is also likely that once the meadow was cut, and 
the hay baled, the usual method of following mown paths 
to count flies became ineffective. With the meadow 
opened out, the flies could have found short vegetation 
anywhere, and had become much more difficult to locate. 


As in previous years there were many instances of robber 
flies with prey — usually blow-flies. It was common too to 
find mating pairs and on one occasion | photographed 
one couple that looked a little strange — only to discover 
from the developed film that the ‘twosome’ was actually a 
threesome! Does anyone have an explanation for this 
behaviour which is unique in my experience? 


18 


The Threesome! 


AN ODD STINKHORN 


Malcolm Storey 


During September a friend took me to photograph the Marsh Gentians at Bartley Heath, just off the M3 
near Basingstoke. The gentians, although slightly past their best, still had plenty of flowers, but as it was 
cloudy they were mostly closed. The clouds looked to be clearing so we waited. 


While we were waiting, a small group from another natural history society happened by and we chatted 
briefly. A few minutes later they called us over to look at a fungus they had found on the heath. | told 
them it was Dog Stinkhorn and took a couple of photographs because open heathland is far from its 
normal habitat of deep litter in broadleaf woodland. Also the tip was more carmine than orange and the 
stalk whiter than normal. 


We returned to the gentians and in due course the sun came out, the flowers duly opened, and | got my 
photographs. 


A few days later | happened upon the photograph of Mutinus ravenelli (Berk. & Curtis) Fisch (Red 
Stinkhorn) on p179 in Pegler et al (1995) which resembles my find. Apparently this was known from a 
nursery in Sunningdale (only 15 miles up the M3 from Bartley Heath!) for forty years from 1888 to 1929. 
It has since been recorded in East Anglia and is said to be widespread in continental Europe. 


Mutinus ravenelli? (Red Stinkhorn) 


Although probably originally from Asia or Australia, M. ravenelli was named from America. However 
the species illustrated in American books looks different from my fungus. Since then I’ve seen other 
photographs in books and on the web and there appear to be two different fungi going under the name 
M. ravenelli. 


The details are as follows: 
Mutinus ravenelli? (Berk. & Curtis) Fisch (Red Stinkhorn) 


19/9/04, Bartley Heath, GR: SU728533, under small twiggy birch regrowth, growing from Sphagnum 
among Purple Moor-grass, Heather and Gorse in damp heath. MWS. 


I’m still unsure about this record and it’s difficult to know how to take it further. | don’t have the specimen. 
It hardly differs microscopically from Dog Stinkhorn, but fresh material would enable more critical 
comparisons. It awaits refinding! 


Reference 


Pegler, D.N., Laessoe, T. and Spooner, B.M. 1995, British Puffballs, Earthstars and Stinkhorns, Royal 
Botanic Gardens, Kew. 


19 


RECORDER’S REPORT FOR BOTANY 2004 


Janet Welsh 


First a correction from last year. The blue scarlet pimpernel in Meryl's garden was, and hopefully still is, 
Anagallis arvensis ssp arvensis blue form and not ssp foemina as | incorrectly reported. This blue form 
is being encouraged by removing the red flowers as they appear. 


Many thanks to Colin Dibb for the comprehensive lists from the field outings this year. The species 
selected below are some of the rarer ones in our area, those not often recorded or of special interest. 


Personal botanising was restricted this summer but | was pleased to find some rare arable plants very 
close to home. In addition, | was involved with others in the re-survey of a tetrad around Shillingford as 
part of the BSBI Local Change project. The wide variety of habitats included river margin, wet grassland, 
woodland and neglected calcareous grassland. Many additional species were found compared with the 
first survey in 1987/8, probably a reflection of the amount of time spent in total. 


Thinking about the flora response to climatic change, might we now see a contraction of the ribbons of 
Danish scurvygrass along our major roads with a reduction of salt applications over the winter? Lin 
Carter estimated thousands of plants in 2000 in Berkshire on our heavily salted roads. 


Pteropsida (Ferns) Myosurus minimus Mousetail 

11/5/04 Roughly 70 plants in the corner of an 
arable field by Carversham Park recreational 
area. Rare in Oxon, this might 
be a new 10 Km square 
record. SU732768. JW 


Polypodium vulgare Common Polypody 
Fairly plentiful on earth banks 
beside Bear Wood Park. 
Reported as rare in Bowen's 
flora. SU769684 CB 


32 Papaveraceae 
Blechnum spicant Hard Fern 


31/7/04 Alder gully on the 
north edge of Padworth 
Common. Three plants only. 
SU616649 JW 

27/9/04 One clump in a wet 
hollow in an unmanaged field. 
Rushall Farm. SU589735 
CD/JW 


Papaver argemone Prickly 
Poppy 

13/6/04 In fruit. On gravelly 
bulldozed surface beside pit, 
SW end of cleared area, 
Harts Hill Gravel Pit. 
SU530684. Col/Id: MWS 


40 Myricaceae 
Athyrium filix-femina Lady 
Fern 

5/6/04 Beech woodland at 
Turville SU745915 Rd'A 


Myrica gale Bog Myrtle 
1/9/04 Abundant in moist area 
near Cudbury Clump, 
Bramshill. (Very local and 
decreasing 

in Berks, any — sightings 
welcome.) SU762605 CB 


Polystichum setiferum Soft 
Shield-fern 

6/12/03 A single specimen on 
earth bank near Ellis's Hill 
Farm, Arborfield. SU771678 eg 
CB Prickly Poppy 
5/6/04 Hedgebank at Turville Papaver argemone 
SU744913 Rd'A 


45 Chenopodiaceae 


Chenopodium polyspermum 

Many-seeded Goosefoot 
7/7/04 Edge of an arable field near the Flowing 

Magnoliidae Spring. (Not often recorded but the Oxon Flora 
records it as possibly increasing.) SU746766. MS 


30 Ranunculaceae 
46 Amaranthaceae 


Helleborus foetidus Stinking Hellebore A , 
7/4/04 Woodland edge near Curridge. Amaranthus hybridus Green Amaranth 


SU489726. CD 24/7/04 A number of plants on a footpath near 
Brightwell cum Sotwell. SU585924. JW 


20 


*Amaranthus retroflexus Common Amaranth 
24/7/04 A number of plants on a footpath near 
Brightwell cum Sotwell. SU585924. JW 

(Both species confirmed by Dr JL Mason) 


47 Portulacaceae 


Montia fontana Blinks 
8/5/04 Wet grassland in Caversham Park 
recreational area (Rare in Oxon) SU727768. JW 


48 Caryophyllaceae 


Spergula arvensis Corn Spurrey 
4/8/04 Plentiful in area near Aldermaston Wharf. 
(A declining arable species) SU602653. MS 


53 Clusiaceae 


Hypericum humifusum Trailing St John's-wort 
7/7/04 Dunsden Green. (Scarce in Oxon, an 
extension of the Chilterns localities.) SU739774. 
MS 


63 Salicaceae 


Salix repens Creeping Willow 

31/7/04 Flourishing on wet acid grassland on 
Padworth and Burnt Commons. SU 622645. JW 
19/9/04 Open area, Bartley Heath. SU728533. 
MWS 


67 Ericaceae 


Vaccinium myrtillus Bilberry 
7/4/04 Faircross Plantation. SU497722. CD 


69 Monotropaceae 


Monotropa _ hypopitys 
Yellow Bird’s-nest 
7/8/04 Near 
bridlepath in Oveys 
Wood, 2 __ flowering 
spikes. SU702831 JW 


the 


71 Primulaceae 
Anagallis arvensis ssp 
arvensis Scarlet 
Pimpernel 
2004 A good patch in 
Meryl’s garden in 
Caversham with more 
flowers than ever this 
year thanks to some 
encouragement. MB 


Primula veris x vulgaris 
False Oxlip 

26/4/04 Top of eastern 
bank, both near 
entrance and at far end 


Yellow Bird’s-nest 
Monotropa hypopitys 


21 


of Homefield Wood BBOWT Reserve. SU814867 
and SU814868. MWS 


Primula vulgaris Primrose (Scaped form) 
26/4/04 North end of field, by fence, halfway up 
eastern bank Homefield Wood BBOWT Reserve. 
SU 814868. MWS 


77 Rosaceae 


Rosa rubiginosa Sweet-briar 
3/7/04 Lardon Chase near a hedge. SU590800. 
MB 


Geum rivale Water Avens 

22/5/04 One plant seen in wet grassland by the 
River Pang. (Rather uncommon in Berks.) 
SU580716. CD 


79 Fabaceae 


Ononis repens Common Rest-harrow 

6/6/04 Grassland in Reading cemetery, a plant 
usually associated with the chalk. 

SU725757. JW 


81 Haloragaceae 


Myriophyllum spicatum Spiked Water-milfoil 
20/6/04 River Thames near Dorchester. 
S$U580933. JW 


88 Santalaceae 


Thesium humifusum Bastard Toadflax 
9/8/04 Quite widespread on Lough Down, 
Streatley. SU588810. MS 


111 Apiaceae 


Conopodium majus 
Pignut 

8/5/04 Patches in 
grassland in 
Caversham Park 
recreation area, 
uncommon this _ far 
south 


in Oxon. SU727768. JW 


Scandix pecten-veneris 
Shepherd’s-needle 


8/5/04 Arable _ field 
corner bordering 
Caversham Park 
recreation area. About 
50 plants of _ this 
nationally scarce 
species in an area 


ploughed but unsown. 
SU732768. JW 


11/5/04 Field edge at Littlestead Green. 2 
flowering and about 100 vegetative small plants. 
$U733770. JW 


Heracleum mantegazzianum Giant Hogweed 
6/12/03 A few in the grounds of Shinfield Grange 
and spilling out onto the footpath. SU742687. CB 


Petroselinum segetum Corn Parsley 

29/7/04 A few plants on the footpath on a chalky 
slope near The Flowing Spring PH. Uncommon 
in Oxon. (Adeclining arable species.) SU744767. 
JW 


114 Solanaceae 


Atropa belladonna Deadly Nightshade 
2/6/04 Alleyway in Milton village. SU488918. MB 


116 Cuscutaceae 


Cuscuta europaea Greater Dodder 

9/7/04 On common nettle under scrub near the 
Thames, a nationally scarce plant. SU580937. 
JW 


122 Lamiaceae 


Stachys officinalis Betony 
8/5/04 Ron Ward’s meadow, Tadley. SU601606. 
GS 


Marrubium vulgare White Horehound 

3/7/04 One plant in a hollow. (A rare herbal and 
medicinal species thought to be native only in 
some coastal localities.) SU588809. MS 


Salvia verbenaca Wild Clary 

20/6/04 Frequent along the roadside verge of 
= A423 west of 

Shillingford. Declining 

and scarce in Oxon. 

SU594930. JW 


128 Scrophulariaceae 


Kickxia elatine Sharp- 
leaved Fluellen 
28/7/04 Arable field 
edges south of 
Dunsden Green. 
SU742768. JW 


Sharp-leaved Fluellen 
Kickxia elatine 


Kickxia spuria Round- 
leaved Fluellen 

28/7/04 Arable field 
edges south of 
Dunsden Green. Less 
common here than the 
sharp-leaved. 
SU742768. JW 


Round-leaved Fluellen 
Kickxia spuria 


22 


Linaria repens Pale Toadflax 
3/7/04 Streatley golf course, near footpath. Some 
plants with white flowers. SU583813. CD and MB 


*Verbascum blattaria Moth Mullein 
10/7/04 Layby west of Chapel Row, Bucklebury 
Lower Common SU560692. MWS 


Veronica scutellata Marsh Speedwell 
31/7/04 Wet grassland on Burnt Common. 
SU622645. JW 


137 Valerianaceae 


Valeriana dioica Marsh Valerian 
8/5/04 Ron Ward’s meadow Tadley. SU601606. 
GS 


139 Asteraceae 


Chrysanthemum segetum Corn Marigold 
7/7/04 Fields to the north of the Flowing Spring. 
SU742767. MS/MB 


Erigeron acer Blue Fleabane 
8/9/04 Mapledurham, a field-full. SU693755 MS 


Onopordum acanthium Cotton Thistle 

20/6/04 Roadside verge near Dorchester, cut by 
the mower, otherwise would have been a 
splendid display. SU581938. JW 


Senecio aquaticus Marsh Ragwort 
12/9/04 Near Waltham St. Lawrence. SU836760. 
MS 


Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify 
27/5/04 Meadow in the garden at Cholsey, 
appeared in 2003 and flowered this year. (Aplant 
apparently spreading in Oxon. according to the 
county botanical recorder.) TR 


Liliidae 
152 Lemnaceae 


Spirodela polyrhiza Greater Duckweed 
20/6/04 In a ditch with Lemna minor near the 
Thames. Rare in Oxon. SU587934. JW 


155 Juncaceae 


Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush 
31/7/04 Alder gully on the north edge of 
Padworth Common. SU616649. JW 


156 Cyperaceae 


Carex viridula spp. oedicarpa Common Yellow- 
sedge 

31/7/04 Wet grassland on Burnt Common. 
SU622645. JW 


Carex panicea Carnation Sedge 
31/7/04 Wet grassland on Burnt 
Common. SU622645. JW 


157 Poaceae 


Hordelymus europaeus Wood 
Barley 

5/6/04 Beech woodland at Turville, 
nationally scarce. SU749919. 
Rd’A 

31/8/04 Roadside bank in Stoke 
Row. SU685849. JW 


162 Liliaceae 


Polygonatum multiflorum 
Solomon’s-seal 
22/5/04 One or two plants only in 
a copse by the River Pang. 
$U581716. CD 


Ruscus aculeatus  Butcher’s- 

broom 

6/12/03 A few good specimens in The Holt, 
Arborfield. SU762689. CB 

21/1/04 Near the Six Bells, Beenham. 
SU578691. MS 


162 Liliaceae 


Ornithogalum pyrenaicum Spiked  Star-of- 
Bethlehem 

14/6/04 3 flower spikes in roadside hedge, Harts 
Hill Road, Upper Bucklebury,.SU534685. MWS 


166 Orchidaceae 


Epipactis phyllanthes Green-flowered 
Helleborine 

3/9/04 12 plants in Lambridge Wood of this 
nationally scarce species. SU732842. MS 


NOTE All names are after Stace (1997). 
CONTRIBUTORS 


The semi-chlorotic Violet Helleborine at Bucklebury Common 
Epipactis purpurata 


Epipactis purpurata Violet Helleborine 

1/8/04 7 semi-chlorotic plants, mostly single- 
stemmed, at roadside E of layby, Bucklebury 
Lower Common. SU563694. MWS 


Herminium monorchis Musk Orchid 
22/7/04, Top pit to the west of the path, Noar Hill 
HIOWWT Reserve. SU742318. MWS 


Listera ovata Twayblade 
8/5/04 Woodland beside Caversham Park Road, 
a very urban site. SU 733760. JW 


Neottia nidus-avis Bird’s-nest orchid 

30/5/04 Woodland beside Basingstoke Canal 
Dogmersfield. SU781532. MKL 

7/8/04 Near the bridlepath in Oveys Wood, 4 
flowering spikes. SU702831. JW 


Recent introductions are marked * 


Thanks are due to the following members and friends for their submissions: 


(Rd’A) Rod d'Ayala, (MB) Meryl Beek, (CB) Chris Bucke, (CD) Colin Dibb, (MKL) Michael Keith-Lucas, 
(TR) Tony Rayner, (GS) Graham Saunders, (MS) Martin Sell, (MWS) Malcolm Storey and (JW) Janet 


Welsh 
REFERENCES 


Bowen, H.J.M. (1968) 

Clement, E.J. and Foster, M.C. (1994) 
Killick, J., Perry, R., Woodell, S.(1998) 
Preston CD et al. (2003) 

Stace, C (1997) 2nd Edition 

Stewart A. et al. (1994) 


23 


The Flora of Berkshire 

Alien Plants of the British Isles 

The Flora of Oxfordshire 

New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora 
The New Flora of the British Isles 
Scarce Plants in Britain. 


RECORDER’S REPORT FOR MYCOLOGY 2004 


Malcolm Storey 


After several poor seasons, 2004 will go down in history as one of the “Good Years” for fungi! A long 
damp spring, produced fungi well into May, then a long damp and frost-free autumn saw fungi from mid- 
September until December. Nowadays, rather than be knocked back by hard frosts, the fungi seem to 
just peter out, as this year, although we did have a few sharp frosts in mid-November. 


The Thames Valley Fungus Group continues to foray and collect records in Berkshire, and they are 
thanked for their contributions. 


Mycology is also thriving in the two neighbouring counties within the Society’s area. Both counties have 
groups and both of these have recently changed leadership, so the new contact details are given below. 


The Oxfordshire Fungus Survey Group is working to establish a reliable database of the distribution, 
diversity and abundance of fungi in their county. Such data could be used in future research to assess 
the effects of environmental change and other influences on the fungus flora. The group shares 
identification skills and welcomes anybody interested in fungi for their beauty/interest/weirdness and 
who wants to become more competent in identifying them. The secretary is Wendy MacEachrane (Tel: 
01993 811828 or email: wmaceachrane@aol.com) 


There is also an active Hampshire Fungus Recording Group with similar aims. The contact is Stuart 
Skeates (Tel: 01794 522192 or email: HHRG@hampshirefungi.org.uk) 


es * 


Zygomycota 


Chaetocladium brefeldii 

(a zygomycete) 

21/2/04, Upper Bucklebury, 
SU542683, on rat droppings from 
plastic compost bin after 36hrs 
culturing. MWS 


@4 = Mitrophora semilibera (a morel) 

( F §=26/4/04, Homefield Wood, 
SU814366, 7 scattered fruitbodies 
on disturbed soil at entrance and 
several more further up the road. 
MWS 


Morchella esculenta Garden Morel 
14/4/04, Park Wood, Moor Copse, 
a group of 15 just over the bridge 
by the barbed wire field fence 
MGTR 


Chaetocladium jonesii 
(a zygomycete) 
21/2/04, with above. MWS 


Kickxella alabastrina Leotia lubrica (an ascomycete 
iS Zygomyerte) Mitrophora semilibera oe) 

20/2/04, with above after 48hrs SieaGeel 24/10/04, Holly Wood, SU531694, 
culturing. Looking like a_ tiny Singly and in groups of up to 6 
Coprinus! MWS fruitbodies, at roadside, in leaf litter under Beech, 
Holly, Birch. MWS. 


Phycomyces niten zygomycet : i 
ae ee) This seems much less common in recent years 


22/2/04, Upper Bucklebury, SU542683, on rat 


droppings, on top of compost in plastic compost Basidiomycota 
bin. Sporangiophores bright egg yellow when 
young, then hyaline, unbranched, to 7cm long, Hymenomycetes 


finally steel grey after a week or so. MWS lenin ee 


Ascomycota 26/10/04, On fallen oak branch, Lambridge 

wood, SU731842, Oxon. TVFG 

Anthracobia melaloma (a discomycete) 

25/11/04, Kingwood Common, SU697827, on old Scytinostroma portentosum 

fire site. MWS 17/10/04, On dead fallen Beech trunk, Sulham 
Woods, $U648745, RED DATALIST. TVFG 

Chlorosplenium aeruginascens Green Wood Cup 

6/10/04, on decaying log between pond and 5- Ceriporiopsis gilvescens 

acre Field, under oak. MGTR 26/10/04, On rotten Beech branch. Lambridge 
wood, SU731842, Oxon. TVFG 


24 


Dacryobolus karstenii 
20/11/04, On pine wood. 
SU876661. TVFG 


The Lookout, 


Junghuhnia nitida (a bracket fungus) 
17/10/04, on Beech branch, Sulham Woods, 
SU648745. TVFG 


Litschauerella clematidis (a resupinate fungus) 
25/11/04, On Clematis stem, Kingwood 
Common, SU697828, Oxon. TVFG 


Oligoporus ptychogaster (a bracket fungus) 
20/11/04, on Pine stump, The Lookout, 
SU876661. TVFG 


Boletus parasiticus (a bolete) 

11/9/04, The Avenue, Bucklebury Lower 
Common, SU581699, on Scleroderma citrinum. 
MWS 


Paxillus rubicundulus (a bolete) 
15/10/04, under Italian Alder at side of lake, 
Thatcham Discovery Centre, SU507667. MWS 


Lactarius citriolens (a milk-cap) 
25/9/04, Bomb Dump BBOWT Reserve, 
SU508654, on Society foray 


Russula xerampelina var. graveolens (a Russula) 


10/10/04, Under birch, Pamber Forest, 
$U616622, North Hants. TVFG 
Amanita porphyria (an agaric) 
10/10/04, under birch, Pamber Forest, 


$U616622, North Hants., TVFG. 


Melanophyllum echinatum (an agaric) 
25/9/04, Bomb Dump BBOWT Reserve, 
SU508654, on Society foray 


Hygrocybe colemanniana (a waxcap) 
7/10/04, Noar Hill HIOWNT Reserve, N. Hants, 
SU7432. MWS 


Hygrocybe irrigata (a waxcap) 
26/10/04, grassland, St. Nicholas, 
Greys, SU726823, Oxon. TVFG. 


Rotherfield 


Lepiota grangei (a parasol) 
25/9/04, Bomb Dump BBOWT Reserve, 
SU508654, on Society foray 


Lepiota ignivolvata (a parasol) 

23/10/04, Cobham Frith, N. Wilts, SU253669, 
Rather pale specimen, in shade, at roadside, in 
leaf litter. MWS 


Pluteus leoninus (an agaric) 
25/9/04, Bomb Dump BBOWT Reserve, 
SU508654, on Society foray 


25 


Armillaria mellae agg. Honey Fungus 
1/11/04, numerous fruitbodies in grass on road 
verge, Crawshay Drive, Reading, JHFN 


Lepista saeva (Field Blewits) 
24/10/04, Lackmore Wood, GC on Society Foray 


Mycena adonis (an agaric) 
17/10/04, in Beech litter, 
SU648745. TVFG 


Sulham Woods, 


Omphalina ericetorum (an agaric) 
13/11/04, in grassland, The Coombes, Arborfield, 
SU775675. TVFG 


Tricholoma portentosum (an agaric) 
20/11/04, under Pine, The Lookout, SU876661, 
Berks. TVFG 


Pick-a-back Asterophora lycoperdoides 
chlamydospores (photomicrograph) 


Sor Ga 
z 
+8 


Nyctalis parasitica (an agaric) 

10/10/04, on Russula nigricans, Pamber Forest, 
SU616622, North Hants. TVFG. 

25/11/04, on Russula nigricans, Kingwood 
Common, SU697828, Oxford. TVFG 


Asterophora lycoperdoides Pick-a-back 
24/10/04, Holly Wood, SU531694, roadside, 
under oak, Beech, Holly. MWS 


Clitocybe umbilicata (a funnel-cap toadstool) 
25/9/04, Bomb Dump BBOWT Reserve, 
SU508654, Society foray 


Cortinarius bolaris (an agaric) 
10/10/04, under oak, Hazel. Pamber Forest, 
SU616622, North Hants. TVFG 


Cortinarius calochrous (an agaric) 
17/10/04, under Beech, Sulham Woods, 
SU648745. TVFG 


Cortinarius pholideus (an agaric) 
10/01/04, under birch, Pamber 
SU616622, North Hants. TVFG 


Forest, 


Ripartites metrodii (an agaric) 
25/11/04, in litter, Kingwood Common, SU 
697828, Oxon. TVFG 


Stropharia aeruginosa (an agaric) 
26/10/04, in leaf litter, Lambridge Wood, 
SU731842, Oxon. TVFG. 


Tulasnella violea 
26/10/04, on fallen Beech trunk, 
wood, SU731842, Oxon. TVFG 


Lambridge 


CONTRIBUTORS 


Urediniomycetes 


Phleogena faginea (a basidiomycete fungus) 
13/11/04, The Coombes, SU775675, on dead 
standing birch trunk. SC. 


Thanks are due to the following members for their submissions: 


(GC) Gordon Crutchfield, (JHFN) John Notton, (MGTR) Martin Raper, (MWS) Malcolm Storey, (Rd’A) 
Rod d’Ayala, (SC) Sandra Conn, (TVFG) Thames Valley Fungus Group. 


RECORDER’S REPORT FOR LEPIDOPTERA 2004 


John Notton 


The order of families and nomenclature used is that given in the standard Royal Entomological Society 
checklists, supplemented by Bradley and Fletcher for the Lepidoptera. Records presented are selected 
and edited. Full details of all records are available for examination on application to the recorders. It 
is encouraged that voucher specimens be retained. 


2004 was again an above average year for domestic species, although weather conditions seem to 
have been less favourable for major influxes of continental species. The Society's Moth Night at Red 
Cow, Cholsey on 16th July 2004 was a great success with over 160 species being recorded, many of 


which were new records for the site. 


Zygaena filipendulae stephensi, Six-spot Burnet 
After three successive years at Red Cow, 
Cholsey when the moths were too numerous to 
count, the best daily total in 2004 was just 3, 
(TR). However, at Emmer Green, the small 
colony in the garden was at the same strength as 
the previous three years. Early concerns about 
cold and damp weather during the larval growth 
period did not appear to be justified in this case 
(JHFN). 

More records are obviously needed. 


Monopsis laevigella, Skin moth (a micro-moth) 
At Emmer Green, 10/5/04, adult moths in the 
greenhouse as well as larvae eating green-house 
underfelt. (JHFN). 


Bembecia ichneumoniformis, Six-belted Clear- 
wing 

One in a meadow at Red Cow, Cholsey during 
the Society’s moth night, 16/7/04 (MWS/TR); one 
in the garden in Emmer Green, 17/7/04 (JHFN). 


26 


[The present status of all the UK clearwing 
species is unclear and records from all sources 
during 2005 will be very welcome. ] 


Six-belted Clear-wing 
Bembecia ichneumoniformi 


Coleophora limosipennella (a micro-moth) 
Larvae and feeding traces found in Homefield 
Wood, 2/6/04, (MWS). 


Acleris ferrugana (a Tortrix moth) 

Female at lighted window in Berry's Road, Upper 
Bucklebury, 27/11/04, genitalia confirmed 
(MWS). Probably an under-recorded species 
due to confusion with the similar A. tripunctana. 


Pyrausta aurata (a Pyralid moth) 

Reared from larvae in webs on Large Thyme 
bought from RHS Garden Centre, Wisley, 
11/7/04, (MWS). Apparently a new food plant 
record. Four recorded from 30/5/04 to 5/6/04 at 
Tilehurst (JH). 


Pyrausta nigrata (a Pyralid moth) 

One at Noar Hill HIOWWT Reserve, 22/7/04, 
(MWS); one at the Holies, 24/4/04 (JH). The last 
is a very early record. 


Elegia similella, (a Pyralid moth) 

One at Emmer Green, 15/6/04 (JHFN). A scarce 
species, said to spend all its life cycle in the 
upper branches of mature oak trees. Prior 
records noted by Brian Baker are mostly from 
woodland. 


Thymelicus sylvestris, Small Skipper 

Two at Battle Hospital Car Park, 5/7/04 and a 
mating pair at Tilehurst, in the garden, 14/7/04, 
(JH). 


Thymelicus lineola, Essex Skipper 
Three at Lardon Chase, Streatley, 4/7/04 and 
one at Tilehurst, 14/7/04 (JH). 


Colias croceus, Clouded Yellow 

Two at Lough Down, 8/8/04, 14/8/04 (MS); one 
at Emmer Green, 11/8/04 (JHFN); one at Calcot, 
SU657724, 14/8/04 (JH); recorded on 8 days at 
Red Cow, Cholsey 4-11/8/04 with a maximum of 
three, including one female form helice, (TR) 


Pieris brassicae, Large White 

Almost full-grown larvae found feeding on kale in 
the garden at Emmer Green, 5/12/04 (JHFN). 
Global warming?? 


Neozephyrus quercus, Purple Hairstreak 
One at the Harris Garden, University of Reading, 
13/7/04, (JH) 


Lycaena phlaeas, Small Copper 

Recorded on 86 days from 13/5/04 to 18/10/04 at 
Red Cow, Cholsey, with a peak count of 35, (TR); 
one at Shinfield Cemetery, Spencer’s Wood, 
13/5/04 and three at the Harris Garden, 
University of Reading, 7/10/04 (JH); several at 
Aldermaston churchyard, 4/8/04 and several at 
Lough Down 8/8/04 (MS). A good year for this 
species in the right habitat. 


ah 


Lysandra bellargus, Adonis Blue 

Two males and two females at Lardon Chase, 
Streatley, 21/8/04, (JH). The numbers of this 
beautiful insect seem to be recovering in line with 
habitat control work. 


Limenitis camilla, White Admiral 

One in Bernwood Forest, early June, (TR); one, 
a most unusual visitor to the garden at Emmer 
Green, 21/7/04 (JHFN). 


Vanessa cardui, Painted Lady 

One at Grovelands Garden Centre, Spencer’s 
Wood, 10/6/04 and one at Battle Hospital, 
Reading, 14/8/04 (JH); one near Eversley, 1/9/04 
(CD). 


Aglais urticae, Small Tortoiseshell 

One at Emmer Green, 8/2/04 (JHFN); five seen 
at the Harris Garden, University of Reading, 
31/3/04, (JH). Generally much commoner than 
last year. 


Inachis io, Peacock 

One at Emmer Green, 16/3/04 (JHFN); two seen 
at the Harris Garden, University of Reading, 
31/3/04, (JH); several at Mapledurham, 16/4/04 
(MS); one seen near Aldermaston Wharf, 4/8/04 
(CD). Generally much less common than last 
year. 


Polygonia c-album, Comma 

Three seen at Ferndown Avenue, Caversham 
Heights, 16/3/04, 2/4/04 and several seen at 
Mapledurham, 16/4/04 (MS). An absence of 
records of the autumn brood? 


Argynnis paphia, Silver-washed Fritillary 
A female seen at Berry’s Road, 
Bucklebury, 30/7/04, (MWS). 


Upper 


Tethea ocularis octogesimea, Figure of Eighty 
Three recorded from 30/5/04 to 25/6/04 at 
Tilehurst (JH); recorded at Red Cow, Cholsey on 
seven occasions from 05/6/04 to 17/6/04 with a 
peak of 10 on 06/6/04 (TR); one at Emmer 
Green, 11/6/04 (JHFN). 


Catarhoe cuculata, Royal Mantle 
One at Red Cow, Cholsey 14/6/04 (TR). A new 
record for the site. 


Minoa murinata, Drab Looper 

Ten recorded at Ashampstead Common, 19/5/04, 
and one at Moor Copse, 23/5/04 (JH). A 
nationally scarce species which needs to be 
studied further. 


Agriopis aurantiaria, Scarce Umber 

A male seen at Berry's Road, Upper Bucklebury, 
11/12/04, near a light which had been left on all 
night, (MWS). 


Ae 


Privet Hawk-mot 


Sphinx ligustri ) Striped Lychnis - ova and larva 
Shargacucullia lychnitis 
Sphinx ligustri, Privet Hawk-moth Shargacucullia lychnitis, Striped lychnis 


One at light at Emmer Green, 6/6/04 (JHFN). A female in the light trap at Emmer Green, 
This was generally a good year for most hawk- 19/7/04 (JHFN). Eggs were laid on Black Mullein 
moths. Verbascum nigrum and the resulting larvae were 


typical. 
Hyloicus pinastri, Pine Hawk-moth a 


One at house lights, Berry's Road, Upper Brachionycha sphinx, Sprawler 
Bucklebury, 25/7/04, (MWS). Seen at 1am at a lighted window at Berry's Road, 


Bucklebury, 12/11/04 (MWS). 
Mimas tiliae, Lime Hawk-moth Upper Bucklebury, 12/11/04 (MWS) 


One on 24/4/04, a local equal-earliest record, Lithophane ornitopus, Grey shoulder-knot 

and a total of eight throughout the year (JH); one One at Emmer Green, an early emergence from 
at Emmer Green, 23/5/04, (JHFN) hibernation, 19/1/04 (JHFN). 

Smerinthus ocellata, Eyed Hawk-moth Conistra rubiginea, Dotted Chestnut 


Six at Red Cow, Cholsey between 23/5/04 and One at Tilehurst, 16/4/04 (JH). This species is 
17/6/04 (TR); one at Emmer Green, 18/6/04 classified as nationally scarce, but its range has 
(JHFN). recently expanded. It is similar in habits to the 

related Chestnut and Dark Chestnut, but its life 


Macroglossum — stellatarum, Humming-bird cycle in the wild is not well understood. 


Hawk-moth 

Two seen at Ferndown Avenue, Caversham Apamea sublustris, Reddish Light Arches 
Heights, 11 & 13/8/04 and one seen at Three at Emmer Green, 18-25/6/04 (JHFN). The 
Mapledurham 24/9/04 (MS); seen at Red Cow, early stages of this species are apparently 
Cholsey on four dates from 13/6/04 to 18/9/04 unknown in the wild. The larva is believed to 


(TR). feed on grasses. 

Clostera curtula, Chocolate-tip Apamea anceps, Large Nutmeg 

One at Red Cow, Cholsey, 2/6/04 (TR). The Four at Tilehurst from 11-19/6/04 (JH); one at 

second record for the site. Red Cow, Cholsey, 16/6/04, a first record for the 
site (TR). 


Diaphora mendica, Muslin moth 
One at Emmer Green, 23/5/04 (JHFN). Many of Nycteola revayana, Oak Nycteoline 

the moths which have furry larvae are reportedto = One at light at Emmer Green after hibernation, 
be in decline. Records of Ermines and Tiger 1/4/04 and another before hibernation on 25/9/04 
moths are thus of interest. (JHFN). A macro-moth which is a Tortrix look- 


yar ; alike. 
Tyria jacobaeae, Cinnabar 


One near Rushall Manor, 22/5/04 (CD); two at Colocasia coryli, Nut-tree Tussock 
Decoy heath, 13/6/04 (JH); This species will be One on 17/3/04, the first of seven recorded at 


threatened if new regulations for Ragwort control Tilehurst on dates up to 4/8/04 (JH). A new local 
are enforced. early record. 


28 


Tyta luctuosa, Four-spotted Lygephila pastinum, Blackneck 
One at Red Cow, Cholsey 16/7/04 during the One at Red Cow, Cholsey 16/7/04 during the 
Society's moth night (TR). A new site record. Society’s moth night (TR). A new site record. 


CONTRIBUTORS 
Thanks are due to the following members for their submissions: 


(CD) Colin Dibb, (JH) Jan Haseler, (JHFN) John Notton, (MS) Martin Sell, (MWS) Malcolm Storey, 
(TR) Tony Rayner. 


RECORDER’S REPORT FOR ENTOMOLOGY and OTHER INVERTEBRATES 2004 


Chris Raper 


I'm not sure what your impressions were of the year but to me it typified a ‘good’year — not exceptional 
but reassuringly ‘normal’ in a decade of wild swings in the weather and predictions of impending doom. 
In our area we didn’t have serious droughts or floods — and after a slow start the insect life seemed to 
flourish. 


The general trend for warmer winters and mild summers seems to have benefited species that have 
recently colonised the UK or that have strongholds in the warmer parts of continental Europe. | help run 
a recording scheme for tachinid flies and we have noticed a group of species, which have always been 
uncommon here, are now definitely expanding their range and this has been ably demonstrated in our 
area with the finding of many new sites for Cistogaster globosa (extremely rare) and Phasia barbifrons 
(new to the UK in 1999). 


This trend was also backed up with the plethora of Hornet (Vespa crabro) sightings recently and the 
continued spread of Roesell’s Bush-cricket (Metrioptera roeselii). There can’t be many grassy places 
around Reading where it isn’t possible to hear their distinctive high-pitched cicada-like trill. Though | 
have noticed that many people (even some birdwatchers with good hearing) fail to pick them out, so 
they must have a very limited frequency range. 


Many thanks to all those members who took the time to contribute records — your efforts are much 
appreciated. | hope everyone sees plenty of interesting things in 2005 — note them down and send them 
in for the next Naturalist! 


Crustacea Insecta 

Amphipoda Orthoptera 
Crangonyx pseudogracilis (an amphipod) Metrioptera roeselii Roesel’s Bush Cricket 
14/3/04, Kintbury Newt Ponds BBOWT Reserve, Heard in the meadow on numerous occasions 
SU388663, Top Pond. [MWS] An_ introduced through the summer, Red Cow, Cholsey [AR] 
North American species. 20/7/04, Red Cow, Cholsey, SU593868, in long 


Le hAtecu: ; grass, East Meadow, [MWS] 
Physa (not fontinalis) (introduced bladder snails) 5/9/04, 5-acre Field, Moor Copse, Tidmarsh, 
14/3/04, Kintbury Newt Ponds BBOWT Reserve, Berks [MGTR] 
SU388663, Bottom Pond. Shell sinistral, mantle 
with short finger-like processes. Spire too long Leptophyes puntatissima Speckled Bush Cricket 
and processes too short for the native P. 23/8/04, 1 seen in garden. Purley-on-Thames, 
fontinalis. [MWS] Another gift from somebody's _ Berks. “on wall of house in the drive” [MGTR] 


aquarium! 


29 


Odonata 


Libellula depressa Broad-bodied Chaser 

One or two on various dates between 13/5/04 - 
22/6/04, Red Cow, Cholsey [AR] 

10/6/04. 1 seen in Park Wood, Moor Copse 
Reserve, Tidmarsh, Berks. “over pond — unusual 
record for Moor Copse” [MGTR] 


Calopteryx splendens Banded Demoiselle 
Vagrants probably drifting up from the Thames — 
singles on 8/6/04, 10/6/04, 23/7/04, 9/8/04 and 
1/9/04, Red Cow, Cholsey [AR] 


Calopteryx virgo Beautiful Demoiselle 
14/6/04, 2 seen mating in Hogmoor Copse, Moor 
Copse Reserve, Tidmarsh, Berks. [MGTR] 


Coenagrion puella Azure Damselfly 
10/6/04, 6 mating near the pond in Park Wood, 
Moor Copse Reserve, Tidmarsh, Berks. [MGTR] 


Gomphus vulgatissimus Club-tailed Dragonfly 
30/5/04, 1 seen in garden, Purley-on-Thames, 
Berks. [MGTR] 


Anax imperator Emperor Dragonfly 
Singles on 19/6/04, 14/8/04, 18/8/04, 19/8/04 
and a pair on 11/9/04, Red Cow, Cholsey [AR] 


Aeshna cyanae Southern Hawker 

Singles on 19/6/04, 14/8/04, 18/8/04, 19/8/04 
and a pair on 24/8/04, Red Cow, Cholsey [AR] 
21/8/04, 20 in 5-acre field, Moor Copse Reserve, 
Tidmarsh, Berks. [MGTR] 


Aeshna juncea Common Hawker 
6/8/04, 4 in Moor Copse Wood, Tidmarsh, Berks. 
[MGTR] 


Aeshna mixta Migrant Hawker 
One or two seen on various dates between 
23/8/04 and 11/9/04, Red Cow, Cholsey [AR] 


Aeshna grandis Brown Hawker 
Singles on 5 days between 15/7/04 and 10/8/04, 
Red Cow, Cholsey [AR] 


Ephemeroptera 


Ephemera lineata (a mayfly) 

31/5/04, Hartslock Reserve, Oxon, SU616795. 
[CMTR] This rare mayfly is locally common along 
the Thames in our area and can often be found 
miles from the river. 


Coleoptera 


Cychrus caraboides Snail Hunter 
13/6/04, Blacklands Copse, SU543682, under 
rotting Pine log. Hissed when prodded! [MWS] 


30 


Cylindrinotus laevioctostriatus 
beetle) 

12/2/04, Prospect Park, SU692728, after dark, 
numerous adults, some in cop, at base of Horse 
Chestnut trunk and in cracks in bark, near 
offices. [MWS] 


(a_ darkling 


Sinodendron cylindricum Rhinoceros Beetle 
31/5/04, on fallen Beech log, Bowdown BBOWT 
Reserve, SU505654, just off Bomb Dump 
plateau. [MWS] 


Dorcus parallelipipedus Lesser Stag Beetle 
4/6/04 one on gravel drive & 1/8/04 one in 
meadow, Red Cow, Cholsey. [AR] 


Lucanus cervus Stag Beetle 

Red Cow, Cholsey: 

7/6/04, 4 on wooden posts in orchard between 
21.30 and 22.00. 

8/6/04. At least 5 (two on same posts at dusk.) 
9/6/04. Female on ground near meadow 
entrance. 

29/6/04, 2 flying at 21.30 

14/7/04, 1 flying in garden at 21.45 [TR] 
25/5/04, 1 in garden, Purley-on-Thames, Berks. 
“flying 11am being attacked by Bluetit” [MGTR] 
14/6/04, 2 in Hogmoor Copse, Moor Copse 
Reserve, Tidmarsh, Berks. “One flying 10am 
landed on me! The other on ground” [MGTR] 


Melolontha melolontha Cockchafer 

A record year for this species at Red Cow, 
Cholsey. Moth trap counts in 04, 26th April: 2, 9th 
May: 33, 10th May: 55, 14th May: 9, 22nd May: 
1, and 10th June: 1. [AR] 


Amphimallon solstitialis Summer Chafer 
Specific dates not recorded but seen regularly at 
Red Cow, Cholsey during late June/ early July 
[AR] 


Cetonia aurata Rose Chafer 

3 seen flying around a bush in my garden in 
Tilehurst, Reading on various dates a week 
either side of 14/5/04. [CMTR] 


Cassida rubiginosa Thistle Tortoise Beetle 
7/7/04, Black Dam, Hants, SU653516, Pale 
brownish larvae on Lesser Knapweed, Meadow. 
Reared. While feeding the larvae retain a mass 
of excrement on the two posterior appendages. 
When fully grown they shed this and remain 
stationary for about a week (eg caught 7th, pupa 
found on 13th) before pupating. (This food plant 
is not listed in Bullock.) [MWS] 


Cassida vibex (a tortoise beetle) 
7/7/04, Black Dam, SU653516, Green larva on 
Lesser Knapweed, Meadow. Reared. [MWS] 


Pyrochroa serraticornis Red-headed Cardinal 
beetle 
5/6/04, Turville Heath [CD] 


Diptera 


Conops ceriaeformis (a fly) 
16/8/04, Upper Bucklebury, SU542683, Female 
on cultivated Golden Rod flowers. [MWS] 


Sicus ferrugineus (a fly) 
7/7/04, Black Dam, SU653516, Meadow. [MWS] 


Asilus crabroniformis Hornet Robber Fly 
A record year for this species at Red Cow, 
Cholsey. [AR] See separate article. 


Leptarthrus brevirostris (a robber fly) 
May 04, Hartslock Reserve, Oxon. [CMTR] 


Leucozona laternatia (a hoverfly) 
7/8/04. Moor Copse_ Reserve, 
Berkshire. [CMTR] 


Tidmarsh, 


Volucella inanis (a hoverfly) 
3/8/04. Tilehurst, Reading, Berks. Seen nectaring 
on garden plants. [CMTR] 


Acinia corniculata (a gall fly) 

7/7/04, Black Dam, SU653516, on Lesser 
Knapweed, Meadow. Only one specimen seen, 
but this seen three times as it kept disappearing 
into the plant when | tried to photograph it, then 
crawling back to the top when | next went past. 
Identified from photos (mainly wing pattern). 
[MWS] 


Rhinophora lepida (a fly) 

12/7/04, Upper Bucklebury, SU542683, Visiting 
Ox-eye Daisy in meadow. Eyes bare, arista with 
short hairs, parafacalia setulose [MWS] 


Cistogaster globosa 
(a parasitic fly) 
20/7/04, Red Cow, 
Care "IsMer y~* 
SU593868, Small 
orange-bodied 
parasite fly feeding 
on Wild Carrot 
flowers, East 
Meadow. [MWS] 

A new location for 
this very rare species. 
8/8/04, Hartslock Reserve, Oxon, SU616796. 
[CMTR] Another new location. 


Cistogaster globosa 


Phania funesta (a parasitic fly) 

20/7/04, Red Cow, Cholsey, SU593868, Small 
black parasite flies feeding on Yarrow and Ox- 
eye Daisy flowers, East Meadow, [MWS] 


31 


ag 


Phasia barbifrons (a parasite fly) 
19/8/04, Male, Upper Bucklebury, :SU542683, 
Male, on garden goldenrod flowers. [MWS] 


Phasia hemiptera (a parasite fly0 

24/4/04, nectaring on Lesser Celandine flowers. 
Moor Copse Reserve, Tidmarsh, Berks. [CMTR]. 
This species is usually seen in the second brood 
in mid summer — the early brood is rarely seen. 
3/8/04. Tilehurst, Reading, Berks. Many 
individuals seen nectaring on garden plants. 
[CMTR] 


Chaoborus crystallinus (a phantom midge) 
14/3/04, Kintbury Newt Ponds BBOWT Reserve, 
SU388663, larva in Top Pond. Pupated 18th or 
19th; adult emerged 23rd March (between 10am 
and 7pm). Keys out to C. crystallinus, but 
abdomen banded. [MWS] 


Ornithomya_ avicularia 
(a flat fly) 

28/7/04, Upper 
Bucklebury, SU542683, 
on dead juvenile 
Blackbird under window. 
Wing length 7mm. 8 
scutellar bristles. With 
attached phoretic feather 
louse (Mallophaga). 
[MWS] 


ieee a ie 


Hymenoptera 


Dipogon variegatus (a spider-hunting wasp) 
21/8/04, Female, Upper Bucklebury, SU542683, 
Female, indoors, at window, indoors. [MWS] 


Abia sericea (a clubhorned sawfly) 


22/7/04, Noar Hill HIOWWT Reserve, 
$U741320, Male imago on Ash_ and 
Dogwood/Clematis leaves, High ground 


between pits. When disturbed by photography 
the sawfly moved between two small patches of 
shrubby regrowth about 20m apart. Although of 
different species (Ash regrowth vs. a clump of 
Traveller's Joy and Dogwood) they were of 
similar size (about 1.5m across and 0.6m high) 
colour, tone, morphology (multi-stemmed 
regrowth) and even leaf shape (Ash and 
Clematis). [MWS] 


Diplolepis rosae (Robin’s pincushion gall wasp) 
15/5/04, Hartslock Reserve, Oxon, SU616796. 
Observed ovipositing on fresh Sweet Briar 
shoots. This species is very small (5mm) but 
surprisingly easy to observe and photograph — 
just spend a few minutes looking on Sweet Briar 
on Hartslock in late May and you can usually find 
one or two. [CMTR] 


Ornithomya avicularia 


Gasteruption assectator (a parasitoid wasp) 
31/7/04, Female at Moor Copse Reserve, 
Tidmarsh, Berks. [CMTR] 


Gasteruption jaculator (a parasitoid wasp) 
31/7/04, Female at Moor Copse Reserve, 
Tidmarsh, Berks. [CMTR] 


Osmia bicolor (a solitary bee) 

16/5/04. Hartslock Reserve, Oxon. Seen building 
its wigwam nests out of grass over the snail shell 
it had previously stocked with food and eggs. 
[CMTR] 


Vespa crabro Hornet 

4/8/04 near Aldermaston Wharf [CD] 

1/9/04 near Eversley [CD] 

23/5/04, 1 in Moor Copse Wood, Tidmarsh, 
Berks and 

21/7/04 common at same spot “going in & out of 
usual nest in split ash tree” [MGTR] 


CONTRIBUTORS 


Thanks are due to the following members for their 


submissions: 


Tony Rayner [AR], Colin Dibb [CD], Chris Raper 
[CMTR], Martin Raper [MGTR], Malcolm Storey 


[MWS] 


Siphonaptera 


Ctenophthalmus nobilis (a mammal flea) 

16/3/04, Upper Bucklebury, SU542683, small 
female flea from nest in plastic compost bin 
collected 29 Feb 04. Genal comb with 3 spines. 
Spiracular fossa of tergum VIII Y-shaped. [MWS] 


Hystrichopsylla talpae talpae Mole flea 
16/3/04, Upper Bucklebury, SU542683, large 
male flea from nest in plastic compost bin 
collected 29 Feb 04. Very large blind flea with 
well-developed genal and pronotal comb, and 
further combs on TI, TIll, TIV. [MWS] 


Mole flea 
Hystrichopsylla talpae talpae 


RECORDER’S REPORT FOR VERTEBRATES 2004 


Tony Rayner 


There are still too many gaps in this report - in particular will members please keep records in 2005 of 
any frog spawning, toad breeding sites, bats, water voles, and adders. We have to go back to 1999 
for the last reports of Adders in this journal. Sadly we often rely on road casualties for records of 
mammals - it would be helpful to have more reports of sightings as you travel from home to work or 


supermarket! 


My personal contributions all relate to Red Cow, Cholsey SU592868 unless stated otherwise 


PISCES 
Cottus gobio Bullhead 
In the Thames and Loddon. (TDFC) 


Salmo salar Salmon 


Found in the Thames in very small numbers. 
(TDFC) 


Salmo trutta sp. Sea Trout 
Found in the Thames and Loddon in very small 
numbers. (TDFC) 


Salmo trutta Brown Trout 
In the Thames and Loddon. (TDFC) 


Cyprinus carpio Common Carp 
In the Thames and Loddon, Pavillons Pond, 
Ruscombe and Causeway Lake, Charvil. (TDFC) 


Carassius carassius Crucian Carp 
Found in Pavillions Pond, Ruscombe (TDFC) 


Mirror Carp 
In the Thames and Causeway Lake, Charvil. 
(TDFC) 


Leuciscus leuciscus Dace 
In the Thames and Loddon. (TDFC) 


Leuciscus cephalus Chub 

4/8/04 In Kennet, near Aldermaston Wharf (CD) 
In the Thames and Loddon, Pavillons Pond, 
Ruscombe and Causeway Lake, Charvil. (TDFC) 


Barbus barbus Barbel 
In the Thames and Loddon. (TDFC) 


Gobio gobio Gudgeon 
In the Loddon. (TDFC) 


Rutilus rutilus Roach 
In the Thames and Loddon, Pavillons Pond, 
Ruscombe and Causeway Lake, Charvil. (TDFC) 


Alburnus alburnus Bleak 

In the Thames, Loddon, and 
Causeway Lake,  Charvil. 
(TDFC) 


Abramis brama Bream 
In the Thames, Loddon, and 


Causeway Lake,  Charvil. 
(TDFC) 

Tinca tinca Tench 

In the Thames, Loddon, 


Pavillons Pond, Ruscombe and 
Causeway Lake,  Charvil. 
(TDFC) 


Perca cernua Pope or Ruffe 
In the Thames and Loddon. 
(TDFC) 


Perca fluviatilis Perch 

In the Thames, Loddon, 
Pavillons Pond, Ruscombe and Causeway Lake, 
Charvil. (TDFC) 


Scardinus erythrophthalmus Rudd 
In Pavillons Pond, Ruscombe and Causeway 
Lake, Charvil. (TDFC) 


Esox lucius Pike 
In the Thames, Loddon, and Causeway Lake, 
Charvil. (TDFC) 


Phoxinus phoxinus Minnow 
In the Thames and Loddon. (TDFC) 


Anguilla anguilla Eel 
In the Thames and Loddon, Pavillons Pond, 
Ruscombe and Causeway Lake, Charvil. (TDFC) 


Common Lizard 
Lacerta vivipara 


AMPHIBIA 


Bufo bufo Common Toad 

One adult in Caps Lane Cholsey on 9/9/04 - a 
former breeding site. (RR/TR) 

N.B. No Red Cow records for third successive 
year. 


Rana temporaria Common Frog 

One in garden on 11/5/04. This the only Red Cow 
record for the year. (TR) 

First Frog seen at garden pond in Park Lane, 
Tilehurst (RG31) on 1/3/04 and 9 balls of spawn 
produced on 10/3/04.(exactly as in 2003). Only a 
few tadpoles appeared, possibly due to later 
frost. (CD) 


REPTILIA 


Lacerta vivipara Common Lizard 

Seen on 48 days from 10/5/04 to 18/10/04. 
These facts represent a 
significant increase in this local 
population. On occasions two or 
more were seen together, and in 
September several young could 
be found basking on most days. 
This is the first record of 
breeding success for the site. 
(RR/TR) 


Anguis fragilis Slow-worm 

Seen on 121 days from 16/3/04 
to 10/10/04. One mating seen on 
25/5/04. No evidence _ of 
successful breeding, but it now 
seems that a sighting of new- 
born young may be rare. The 
numerous records of one year 
old Slow-worms shows _ that 
breeding was achieved in 2003 
despite the lack of proof during 
that year. The maximum number 
of these lizards seen was 9 on 25/4/04 and 
29/8/04. All of which represents the best ever 
population figures for the site. (RR/TR) 

Colony previously reported in Wokingham 
(RG41) compost heap and adjacent log pile still 
present. On 26/7/04 young one about 7cm long 
seen undulating and disappearing down worm 
hole. (CD) 


Natrix natrix Grass Snake 

Seen on 77 days from 16/4/04 to 9/10/04. 
Although not a vintage year, 2004 showed a 
welcome sign of improvement from the previous 
year’s low. Occasional sightings of this year’s 
young from late August onwards and plenty of 
first year young suggesting successful breeding 
on or near the site in 2003. Maximum number 


Grass Snake 
Natrix natrix 

recorded just 3, but this count was achieved on 
numerous days through the season. (RR/TR) 
These snakes continue to be observed in Moor 
Copse under corrugated sheets. Earliest record 
not until 1/5/04 and last record 6/10/04. On 
6/8/04 a skin measuring 91cm was found under 
a tin. (MR) 


CHIROPTERA 


Pipistrellus pipistrellus Pipistrelle Bat 
Two flying on 11/4/04 - an early record. At least 
four flying on 14/4/04. Further sightings through 
the year, but no large numbers. Impression is of 
fewer bats than previous years. (TR) 


INSECTIVORA 


Erinaceus europaeus Hedgehog 

23/6/04 One in Caversham garden, SU702762, 
(MS) 

29/6/04 Highdown Hill Rd, Emmer Green (GC) 
16/7/04 Young animal on drive — the first live 
record at Red Cow since 2001. Another on the 
drive on 21/7/04 at 22.30 (TR) 

3/8/04 One snuffling in hedge bottom at Red Cow 
at 21.00 (TR/RR) 

14/9/04 One accidentally caught in rat trap in 
garden, Berry’s Road, Upper Bucklebury 
(SU542683) (MWS) 


Sorex araneus Common Shrew 

58 sightings in the year from 5/3/04 to 9/10/04. 
i.e. virtually unchanged in abundance from 2003. 
Would probably have been found beyond this 
period had monitoring continued. (TR) 

At Moor Copse on 16/3/04 and 13/7/04 under 
sheets. (MR) 


Sorex minutus Pigmy Shrew 
6 sightings in the year from 30/3/04 to 11/9/04. 
(TR) 


Talpa europaea Mole 
One individual seen above ground on 19/9/04. 
Molehills as usual in neighbour’s orchard. (TR) 


34 


CARNIVORA 


Meles meles Badger 
Fresh latrine on 27/3/04 
and fresh digging under 
fencing on 17/10/04. (TR) 


Mustela nivalis Weasel 
28/12/04 Caps Lane, 
Cholsey (RR) 


Stoat 
Mustela erminea 


Mustela erminea Stoat 
19/3/04 Streatley Hill - (GC) 
14/4/04 Cox’s Lane, Ipsden SU627880 (GC) 
3/6/04 A417 near West Hagbourne SU501881 
(GC) 

24/7/04 Binfield Heath SU 735778 (GC) 


Mustela putorius Polecat/Ferret 

Polecat reported dead in Newbury area - Oct 04? 
15/8/04 One white Ferret in Cow Lane, Reading. 
(HB) 


Mustela vison American Mink 

Reported as being “everywhere” including by the 
Thames, Loddon, St Patricks Stream, and 
Causeway Lake, Charvil. (TDFC) 

Seen on several occasions by anglers at Cholsey 
Marsh. (TR) 


Vulpes vulpes Fox 

2/2/04, 7/2/04 and 9/7/04 One in Caversham 
garden SU702762. Another in same garden 
27/12/04 badly affected by mange. (MS) 

13/5/04 Five cubs found at play in the Moor 
Copse sunshine at 11AM. Continued to be seen 
during daylight, on and off until 4/6/04 when the 
bracken became too tall to allow further views. 
(MR) 

14/5/04 One large animal disturbed in Red Cow 
meadow at 17.00 (TR) 

28/6/04 Two at Stanford Dingley SU598728 (MS) 
1/7/04 Two, probable young, crossing B481 at 
Sonning Common SU711805 by speed camera. 
(GC/JCC) 

13/7/04 Large animal at Red Cow at 5.00 (RR) 
28/7/04 One trying to catch Pheasant at Red 
Cow at 20.15 (RR) 

26/10/04 Large animal disturbed in Meadow at 
16.30 — many dark mangy patches.(TR) (One of 
our spaniels was found to have fox mange in 
early October) 

5/11/04 Same Fox disturbed in Meadow at 15.15 
(TR) 

26/11/04 Fox reported expired and buried near 
Wells Cottage, Caps Lane. SU603866 (CM) 
15/12/04 Two dead beside Henley road by May’s 
Farm. SU656889 (TR/RR) 

Regular visitor to Wokingham garden (RG41) 
throughout year. (CD) 


ARTIODACTYLA 


Muntiacus muntjak Muntjac 

4/4/04, 4/6/04 and 28/12/04 Moor Copse inside 
the deer fence. (MR) 

17/4/04 Reading Golf Course (JCC) 

22/4/04 Sonning Eye (GC) 

23/4/04 & 24/4/04 Reading Golf Course (JCC) 
29/4/04 Two in woods at Goring Heath by King 
Charles Head (GC) 

20/5/04 Checkendon, near Uxmore Farm (GC) 
28/6/04 At/near Stanford Dingley one at 
$U598728, another on 10/7/04 at SU583720. 
(MS) 

25 & 26/11/04 One in Caversham garden 
$U702762 (MS) 


Capreolus capreolus Roe Deer 

1/1/04 Two on Cholsey Hill — seen during 
Cholsey 1000+ annual Welly Walk (TR) 

21/1/04 Two near Beenham (CD) 

4/4/04 Four on Cholsey Hill — seen during 
Souster Amblers & Strollers walk (TR) 

11/4/04 Woods at Kingswood Common 
(GC/JCC) 

5/5/04 One near Hambledon (CD) 

8/5/04 Three female, two male at Tadley (CD) 
22/5/04 One heavily pregnant female near 
Stanford Dingley CD 

28/6/04 (two) and 10/7/04 (one) at Bucklebury 
Common SU559689 (MS) 

31/7/04 One near Padworth (CD) 


LAGOMORPHA 


Lepus capensis Brown Hare 

25/3/04 One at Red Cow (TR) 

6/4/04 One on A4074 at Woodcote. (GC) 

5/5/04 One near Hambledon (CD) 

30/5/05 Fifteen at Starveall Farm, SU542805 
(MS) 

7/6/04 Two at Sheepcote Farm, Crowmarsh 
Gifford SU624875 (GC) 

14/6/04 One at Red Cow at 9.30 (TR) 

15/6/04 Three at East End Farm at 5.00 (TR) 
28/6/04 One at Stanford Dingley, SU598728 
(MS) 

3/8/04 Two in East End farm at 7.00 (TR) 

1/9/04 Two in field at harvest - Red Cow (TR) 


Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbit 
Still common, no notable change from 2003. 


CONTRIBUTORS 


RODENTIA 


Sciurus carolinensis Grey Squirrel 

Appeared to be more numerous in Cholsey than 
in recent years. (TR) 

Seen eating Yew berries at Checkendon 
0n12/11/03. Autumn visitor to oak tree in Park 
Lane, Tilehurst RG31.Seen throughout year in 
large wooded garden in RG41 Wokingham (all 
CD) 


Wood Mouse 
Apodemus sylaticus 


Apodemus sylaticus Wood Mouse 

A better year for this species. 18 sightings in the 
year concentrated in periods 6/8/04 to 3/9/04 and 
from 26/9/04 to 29/9/04 when young were found. 
(TR) 

Found at Moor Copse in dormouse nest boxes 
only during Spring and Autumn, up to 4 in a box. 
(MR) 


Microtus agrestis Field Vole 

166 sightings in the year from 13/3/04 to 
17/10/04. Several nests of live young found. (TR) 
Often found at Moor Copse between 23/4/04 and 
5/11/04. (MR) 


Clethrionomys glareolus Bank Vole 

174 sightings in the year from 5/3/04 to 17/10/04. 
Several nests of live young found. For the first 
time this species slightly more often found than 
Field Vole. (TR) 

One under a corrugated sheet at Moor Copse on 
10/5/04. (MR) 


Thanks are due to the following members, friends and organisations for their submissions:- 


(CD) Colin Dibb, (CM) Colin Maclnnes, (GC) Gordon Crutchfield, (HB) Heather Baker, (JCC) Jane 
Crutchfield, (MR) Martin Raper, (MS) Martin Sell, (MWS) Malcolm Storey, (RR) Ro Rayner, (TDFC) 


Twyford & District Fishing Club, (TR) Tony Rayner 


35 


THE WEATHER AT READING DURING 2004 
Ken Spiers 


Department of Meteorology, University of Reading 


This was a disappointing year, following the previous year’s record daily temperatures and a string of 
dry, sunny months. A mild winter and a warm summer and autumn, without any extreme temperatures, 
still produced a year in the top ten warmest years, making it the fifth warmest since 1921. It was also 
the eighth year in a row with its annual mean temperature above the 1971-2000 average, with the mean 
minimum temperature for the year the highest since 1921. It was also the first year since 1998 when no 
daily maximum temperature reached 30.0°C. There were some notable wet months, namely August and 
October, with August the second wettest month since October 1987. There was a lack of sunshine at 
times, with only June producing two hundred hours or more. For the third year running, December was 
the dullest month of the year. With only three months recording totals above average, the total sunshine 
for the year was the lowest since 2000. 2004 was a windy year, with the mean wind speed the highest 
since 1992, however, the number of foggy days was the lowest since before 1960. 


January began cool and dull, then the weather became unsettled and remained so throughout the 
month. There was a short cold spell between the 28th and the 30th, with heavy snow on the 28th 
accompanied by thunder. There were no real extremes of note during the month. The mean monthly 
temperature was the highest since 1999, with the number of air and ground frosts just below the long 
term average. The rainfall for the month was 29% above average, the highest since 1999 and sunshine 
just above average, with the 29th, 7.9 hours, the sunniest January day since 1994. 


February started unsettled and wet, with most of the month’s rainfall being recorded in the first week. 
During this period it became very mild with a maximum temperature on the 4th, 15.5°C, the highest 
since 1998 and the minimum temperatures on the 4th and 5th, 11.5°C, the highest since 1971. The 
second and third week saw temperatures dropping to near normal, becoming dry but dull as high 
pressure dominated our weather. The last week witnessed a cold spell, with light snow showers on the 
last four days. Overall, this February was the driest since 1998 and the dullest since 1997. 


March began with three days of very low night-time temperatures. However, temperatures soon 
recovered to near normal, remaining fairly dry in the process. With high pressure to the west of the 
British Isles, cold winds blew from a northerly direction, bringing snow showers, with a moderate fall on 
the night of the 11th into the early hours of the 12th. From the 13th onwards it became unsettled, wet, 
dull and rather mild. However, temperatures settled down to near normal by the fourth week, becoming 
dry, with the last couple of days very spring-like, warm and very sunny. This was the thirteenth month 
since the start of year 2003, with its mean temperature above average. 


April started in true fashion, showers merging to give longer periods of rain with sunny periods and 
temperatures around average. The middle of the month saw high pressure near to the British Isles 
producing dry and fairly sunny days with daytime temperatures above average and ground frosts at 
night. From the 17th there was an unsettled spell with rain heavy at times. However, by the 22nd, this 
had again been replaced by high pressure, with temperatures in the low twenties and very sunny days. 
With three days recording above 20°C, this April had the second highest number of days above this 
temperature in the last fifteen years. The month ended unsettled with further rain, making this the 
wettest April since 2000. Although the month’s mean temperature was above average, it was still the 
coolest April since 2001. It was also the first time since 1994 that no air frost has been recorded. 


May opened very unsettled and wet with temperatures below average. By the 10th, high pressure 
began to establish itself to the west of the British Isles bringing with it dry, sunny and rather warm days. 
These conditions remained till the end of the month, when the weather became more changeable for 
the last few days. Mean temperatures were above average with the total sunshine and rainfall for the 
month around average. The number of ground frosts was the lowest since the year 2000. 


June brought summer early, enjoying very warm, dry and sunny conditions, as high-pressure stretched 
across the southern part of the country. It was not until the 17th that any rain was recorded. From then 
on, until the end of the month, the weather became changeable, with temperatures dropping back to 


36 


normal for June and rain heavy at times. However, the mean temperature for the month was the second 
highest since 1992. It still remained sunny during the latter period of the month, in fact the sunshine was 
the main feature of the month, with the total nearly two-hundred and twenty hours, the highest for June 
since 2001 and the sixth highest in the last twenty years. 


July started changeable with scattered showers and reasonable amounts of sunshine. Temperatures 
were disappointingly below average, with a ground frost being recorded on the 13th. However, as the 
month progressed, high pressure began to be the dominant feature, becoming very hot and oppressive 
by the end of the month. Temperature-wise, this was the first month since last October that the mean 
monthly temperature was below average and the second month in the last seventeen with its mean 
temperature below average. Although there were some very sunny days, this was the fifth month this 
year with its total sunshine below average. This is quite a contrast from last year when by this time five 
months had recorded above average sunshine. 


August had only seven days with daily pressure above the month’s average; as a result the month was 
dominated by thundery lows and their associated fronts. This gave us some very heavy rain at times, 
with the total on the 9th of 44.2 mm, the wettest August day since 1999 and the twelfth wettest day, for 
any month of the year, since 1921. It was also the wettest August since 1921. There were some very 
hot days during the early part of the month, culminating on the 8th, when a temperature of 29.7°C was 
recorded, the highest maximum this year. Overall, the mean temperature for the month was the sixth 
highest since 1971. 


September had a very hot, sunny and dry start to the month. The maximum on the 5th, 27.7°C, and 
the minimum on the 7th, 16.5°C, were the highest for any September day, for over twelve years. The 
rest of the month saw temperatures remain around average, with the mean temperature for the month 
the highest since 1999. There was no rainfall until the 9th and with daily amounts, apart from the 12th 
with 7.6 mm, light. This September was the ninth driest since 1971. Sunshine was the main feature, with 
a very sunny start which helped to make this September the sunniest since 1971 and the fourth sunniest 
since 1956 (when sunshine records first started). 


October had virtually the same pattern of weather throughout the month, characterised by numerous 
low pressures and fronts passing over the British Isles in quick succession. With only seven days with 
daily pressure readings above the month’s average, the mean pressure for the month was the lowest 
since 1976. The result of all this activity was that the total rainfall for the month made this October the 
wettest since 2000 and the fifth wettest since 1971. As would be expected the sunshine was in short 
supply, with this October the dullest since 1998. Temperatures remained around normal, throughout the 
month, with the number of ground and air frosts the lowest for three years. 


November had high pressure stationed to the south of the British Isles, so depressions and fronts 
tracked a more northerly path. Because of this daily rainfall amounts were light making this November 
the driest since 1990 and the seventh driest since 1921. Although it was a dry month, it was 
disappointingly cloudy. With the number of sunless days the highest since 1994, the total sunshine for 
the month was the lowest, also since 1994. On the 20th it was cold enough for rain to turn to snow for 
a time, however temperatures remained around or just above normal throughout most of the month. 


December had short periods of mild and then rather cold weather conditions. Nearly all the rain fell in 
the second half of the month, however, this December was still the driest for three years. Daytime 
temperatures and night-time temperatures were just above and below average respectively. However, 
this month was only the second this year and the fifth in the last three years with its mean temperature 
below average. On the 20th, 6.4 hours of sunshine was recorded, the sunniest December day since 
1990. However, the total sunshine was below average but it was still the sunniest December for three 
years. 


37 


DAILY WEATHER RECORDS: 2004 — UNIVERSITY OF READING (WHITEKNIGHTS) 


Daily Temperatures °C 
Maximum 

Minimum 

Mean 

Range 


Extreme Maximum 
Date 


Extreme Minimum 
Date 


Extreme Grass 
Minimum 
Date 


Days with: 

air frost 

ground frost 

Hours at/below 0°C 


Sunshine Hours 
Total 

% of possible 
Daily mean 


Precipitation 
Amount in mm 
Rain days 


Maximum rain in one day 
mm 
Date 


Mean wind speed 
mph 


Days with 

Snow or sleet 
Snow lying 

Fog at 09.00 GMT 
Thunder 

Hail 


Mean Pressure 
mbs 


Highest 
Date 


Lowest 
Date 


Jan 


5:0 


o-o--— 


1009.0 


1028.2 
18th 


986.5 
13th 


Feb 


68.3 
23.3 
2.34 


oooosFf 


1023.4 


1037.3 
9th 


1002.4 
27th 


Mar 


98.0 
26.6 


3.16 


39.8 
15 


78 
12th 


4.8 


o-no-f 


1021.2 


1037.3 
2nd 


1004.9 
21st 


Apr May 
14.2 17.4 
5.2 8.2 
9.7 12.8 
9.0 9:2 
21.0 23.1 
24th 17th 
1.2 3.0 
9th 23rd 
-6.1 -6.0 
12th 23rd 
0 0 
16 6 
0.0 0.0 
141.4 188.3 
34.1 39.1 
4.71 6.07 
76.4 49.0 
14 12 
15.4 13.6 
27th 3rd 
44 3.0 
0 0 
0 0 
0 0 
3 0 
1 0 
1013.5 1018.1 
1035.3 1028.8 
24th 16th 
979.7 981.2 
18th 5th 


38 


Jun 


219.8 
44.6 


7.33 


33.9 
8 


13.5 
22nd 


3.9 


oooo°o 


1018.8 


1032.1 
13th 


989.9 
23rd 


Jul 


172.4 
34.7 


5.56 


28.7 
11 


13.1 
7th 


o-0O00 


1017.0 


1033.4 
24th 


1005.7 
8th 


Aug 


23.1 
14.0 


184.8 
41 


5.96 


136.3 
18 


44.2 
9th 


onoo°o 


1011.0 


1028.0 
1st 


999.2 
18th 


Sep 


20.1 
WilszA 


178.3 
47 


5.94 


21.3 
11 


7.6 
12th 


ooo0co 


1019.4 


1022.3 
8th 


996.3 
14th 


Oct 


89.7 
26.9 


2.89 


113.1 
21 


16.3 
4th 


48 


o-O0°0 


1007.8 


1034.2 
31st 


991.3 
20th 


Nov 


rar 


oooo-— 


1024.0 


1022.2 
14th 


1014.0 
28th 


Dec Year 
8.4 15.0 
2.2 7.4 
Bs 11.2 
6.2 7.2 
13.2 29.7 
30th 8th Aug 
-3.5 -5.1 
20th 2 Mar 
8.6 -12.5 
27th 1st Mar 
8 30 
20 119 
104.0 317.0 
44.5 1489.2 
17.9 33.2 
1.44 4.07 
42.6 666.7 
8 164 
13.4 44.2 
18th 9Aug 
3) 4.0 
1 11 
0 2 
1 3 
0 12 
1 5 
1019.8 1016.9 
1038.6 1038.6 
8th 8 Dec 
995.7 979.7 
17th 18 Apr 


f 
ee