Thursday 13th August: Sundon Chalk Quarry, Bedfordshire
Leader: John Wakely
Meet 10.30 in Common Lane, Upper Sundon. Grid Ref: TL043277; what3words: /// extra.perfumes.match. This is a cul-de-sac with parking for about 6 cars parked tidily. There is additional parking further up the hill in the village. The nearest station is Harlington on Thameslink. I could pick folks up from there. The quarry has not been worked for at least 30 years. Plant succession has been limited by extensive off-road vehicle use and rabbit grazing. These conditions are ideal for Chiltern Gentian Gentianella germanica, together with smaller numbers of Autumn Gentian G. amarella and the hybrid between the two G.x pamplinii. Many species associated with the chalk are likely to be found, including Lesser Centaury Centaurium pulchellum, Wild Liquorice Astragalus glycyphyllos and Small Toadflax Chaenorhinum minus. A spring at the bottom of the quarry supplies ponds which contain some interesting aquatics. The walk will be about 3 miles including some rutted tracks which will be slippery if wet.
If time allows, we may visit some nearby arable field margins with several Fumitories Fumaria spp. and Narrow and Broad-fruited Cornsalad Valerianella dentata and V. rimosa.
To book, contact Janet John wfs.meetings@gmail.com