23rd August, 1959I was horrified on visiting the plot to find there had been a fire and the original part of the plot was a charred bank of ground with one or two dry grasses and a very few rose bay willow herb plants still standing. The fire had spread up to the Sycamores but had not damaged the main tree. Fires were still burning in various parts of the meadows and I only hope that the rest of the plot is not damaged.
The stream was almost completely dry, even the mud now hardening. Numerous spiders were running about in the bed of the stream, also many crane flies. Fewer moths were seen than usual.
One of the hawthorn trees appeared very dry and there were very few leaves left on the tree, particularly on the lower branches. The hawthorn haws were turning red and specimens were collected.
A Red Admiral butterfly was caught.
A meadow pea* plant (Lathyrus pratensis) was found growing near the thistle.
Flowers were still found on bittersweet, also green and red berries.
*More recent books tend to call this very common, yellow-flowered member of the Pea family, ‘Meadow Vetchling’ – Ed.
Posted by Dave Bishop, 23.08.2009
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3 comments:
Hi Dave,
Just wanted to make you aware of a new website - http://www.savechorltonmeadows.co.uk
This gives details about the proposed Hardy Farm development and ways to object.
Thanks
Anne Crocker
Resident of Redland Crescent
Thanks Anne,
Yes, I've seen it (or a similar one) and have circulated details to numerous people.
regards,
Dave.
I've noticed a small patch of japanese knotweed growing on the edge of the football fields amongst the elders on the Edge Lane side to the left ,where someone has fly-tipped garden waste over their back fence. It is small at the moment but has the potential. Is there any way to remove it before it becomes too much? I don't suppose it's up to me? Could someone look into it please.
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