©Martin Rand 2006

I wonder if you can help me obtain samples from bee orchids (Ophrys apifera) for a University research project into their genetic diversity?

It started when we were very surprised to see one plant outside the front door of our School of Biological Sciences in the centre of Liverpool. Since then, we have learnt of many more around Merseyside and also become more familiar with its fascinating biology. It seemed to me that a number of questions could be answered if we had a good way to identify individuals. Therefore, in collaboration with a colleague who has pioneered genetic fingerprinting systems for over 25 species of animal, we intend to see if this can be done for the bee orchid.

To get a good idea of the genetic diversity in bee orchids in the UK, I would like have some samples from the south of England. I’d like one flower from at least 10 individual plants from one site, each with the ovary and picked while the petals and sepals are still in good condition. I obviously would like to know the location of the site where they came from. If we are successful in obtaining suitable markers for genetic fingerprinting, we will then be able to test them on plants from across its range in the UK.

I will, of course, be happy to repay the postage, and to answer any questions by email or over the phone.

Meriel Jones

Dr Meriel G Jones
School of Biological Sciences
Biosciences Building
University of Liverpool
Liverpool L69 7ZB
Tel: +44(0) 151-795-4562
Fax: +44(0) 151-795-4410

Meriel.Jones@liverpool.ac.uk

OK, so it's not an Early Gentian, but this Burnt-tip Orchid was one of the many downland flowers enjoyed by the surveyors on this perfect summer day.

34 people from Plantlife International, Hampshire Flora Group, Dorset Flora Group and Wiltshire Botanical Society converged on the three counties' borderland at Martin Down. We split into two parties, one working the north-west parts of the National Nature Reserve and the other visiting a site in the centre before proceeding to Pentridge Down in Dorset.

The first group had modest success, recording a total of 81 plants of Gentianella anglica on two known sites of disturbed grassland around the rifle butts and northern car park. The second party did not manage to find any; while the site condition on Martin Down seemed satisfactory for the plant, Pentridge Down appeared to be in poor shape.

©Martin Rand 2008

©Martin Rand 2006

Eighteen enthusiastic volunteers turned out on a beautiful day to update records of Long-leaved Lungwort (Pulmonaria longifolia) for the Hampshire Rare Plant Register. Five different areas of the southern Forest were covered, concentrating on sites where records were old or there was evidence of decline. Nevertheless over 400 plants were recorded, although it is clear that some sites are being lost both on the open Forest and within the Inclosures.

A fuller report on the outcome of the day will be published here when all the recording sheets have come back to me.

About twenty hardy Wiltshire and Hampshire botanists braved the frequent downpours of rain and hail to take part in this survey of Dwarf Sedge (Carex humilis). Through their stalwart efforts some 150 hectares of the Martin Down National Nature Reserve were recorded at the 100m x 100m scale, with useful information on abundance, the state of vegetation and physical factors. A full report will appear later, but there was enthusiasm for following the exercise through next year on the western half of the down.

We also had a look at the few Pasque Flowers (Pulsatilla vulgaris) here, and counted six plants in two locations. This is excluding those over the border in Dorset. Hairy Violet (Viola hirta) was making a good showing but Cowslips (Primula veris) were surprisingly late. Peter Billinghurst also managed to spot some Spring Sedge (Carex caryophyllea) coming into flower.

©Natural England 2005