Leith Copse, Harting

Meeting date: 2 June 2019

(Leader: Dawn Nelson)  

Dawn had arranged to survey this piece of woodland on the chalk scarp near Harting and eleven members and Alison’s guest Judy were joined by owner Andrew and ranger Scotty who has been advising on management. Although part of the site was used 40 years or so ago for motorcycle scrambling the bulk of it had avoided the disturbance and a large number of mature Field Maples and much Wych Elm suggested antiquity, which was amply borne out by the ground flora recorded on the day. Local ancient woodland indicator specialities included Paris quadrifolia (Herb Paris) and Polygonatum multiflorum (Solomon’s-seal), plus two spikes of Platanthera chlorantha (Greater Butterfly-orchid) discovered by Elisabeth when she ventured off-piste – whether intentionally or in a bit of a dream has not been established. Wherever there had been management intervention Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) had sprung up and there were some truly magnificent specimens on show, prompting one of Richard’s splendid anecdotes which are earning him something of a following (they are even more irresistible than the honey described in his Heyshott Common note below!). There was botanical aplenty to interest the party on the progress around the hillside but Scotty was also able to supply interesting snippets about some of the insects, for example the Black-headed Cardinal Beetle which has increased in recent years. There were roses to identify – Frances is one of those special individuals who can detect the fragrance of R. rubiginosa (Sweet-briar) and R. micrantha (Small-flowered Sweet-briar) at fifty paces and sure enough both were tracked down after a while. At length we found ourselves back at the owner’s house where to great delight sandwiches, cake and beverages were laid on. After this Dawn whisked off those not sated by the botany of the long morning to view some more Herb Paris in its stronghold at the extreme western end of the county.