Conservation status: N, >3
First record: Ray,1660
see also:
M. Christy, 1897, Primula elatior in Britain, its distribution, peculiarities, hybrids and allies, J. Linn. Soc. (Bot.) 33:172–201.
M. Christy, 1922, Primula elatior Jacq.: its distribution in Britain. J. Ecol. 10:200–210.
D.H. Valentine, D, 1948, Studies in British Primulas. II. Ecology and taxonomy of primrose and oxlip (Primula vulgaris Huds. and P. elatior Schreb.) New Phytol. 47:111–130.
H. Meyer, and D. Meyer, 1951 in B.S.B.I. Conf. Rep. The study of the distribution of British plants. ed. J.E. Lousley, 80–81.
O. Rackham, 1969, Knapwell Wood, Nat. in Cambs, 12:25–31.
SRJ Woodell, 1969, Natural Hybridization in Britain between Primula vulgaris Huds. (The Primrose) and P. elatior (L.)Hill (The Oxlip. Watsonia 7(3):115–127.
G.F. Peterken, 1970, Oxlips in Knapwell Wood Reserve, Nat. in Cambs, 13:29–30.
D.H. Valentine, 1974, The Oxlip, Nat. in Cambs, 17:28–33.
C.D. Preston, The distribution of the Oxlip Primula elatior (L.)Hill in Cambridgeshire. Nat. in Cambs, 1993. 35:29–60;1995,37:35–41.
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Primula pratensis inodora lutea Great Cowslips, or Oxslips. Ray,1670:252,
Martyn,1727,71.
Primula inodora Oxlip. Relhan,1785; Appx, Relhan,1793.
Primula elatior We received this specimen from the Rev. Mr. Hemsted, who justly observes that the flowers are by no means inodorous, but have a very grateful smell. Smith,Eng.Bot. (1799) 8:513.
Primula elatior Oxlip. Great Cowslip. Relhan,1802;1820.
25
BUFF WOOD
Buff Wood n.c., n.d., CGE.
Buff Wood, AP Conolly, 4.1937, LTR.
Buff Wood, DH Valentine, 1939.
Buff Wood, 28–50–, CD Pigott & SM Walters, 12.3.1951.
Buff Wood, just past best on 10.5.1951. P. elatior x vulgaris (whole range of hybrids) very numerous & fine in zone between populations of parents as shown overleaf: many showing marked heterosis; umbels not secund, appear to remain flowering later than P. elatior (Primross still flowering well in this late spring), DE Coombe, Card index.
Buff Wood, SM Walters, Exc. 28.6.1956, 1 km cards.
Buff Wood, AS Watt & CNT exc. 7.5.1960, [R].
Buff Wood, all in 28–50– on O Rackham's map of 'History of Buff Wood', n.d.
Buff Wood, c.1000 plants, Bot. Sch. Exc., G.Murrell, 30.4.1992.
Buff Wood, 282.503, N Villis, PH Oswald & U3A group, 10.4.1995, [R].
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Croxton Park 'During the spring of 1966 I found a small patch of oxlip in woodland at Croxton Park 262.590. This lies just to the west of the map accompanying Christy's paper of 1922.' [just to W of B.1040] AJ Kerr, Nat. in Cambs. (1967) 10:26–27.
ELTISLEY WOOD
By Eltisley Wood, RH Goode, 6.4.1950, LTR.
Eltisley Wood, DH Valentine, 1939.
Eltisley Wood, in south east corner under a small stand of elm, 43.4 oxlips per sq.metre, and 29.6 per sq.metre in areas converted to conifers, GF Peterken, 29.4.1969, (Nat. in Cambs,1970,13:29).
Eltisley Wood, over 1000 plants, abundant in 27–58–, extends (in smaller quantity) into 26 –58–, P Bellamy, 1.5.1991.
Eltisley Wood, JCA Rathmell, 19.7.1995, [R].
GAMLINGAY WOOD
Gamlingay Wood, fruiting freely. West,1898,254.
Gamlingay Wood, 22.4.1908, 30.4.1909 & 4.5.1909, RS Adamson, BM.
Gamlingay Wood, ES Marshall, 3.5.1911, CGE.
Gamlingay Wood, L & JE Little, 13.4.1927, CGE. BM & 13.5.1927, BM.
Gamlingay Wood, West ann.
Gamlingay Wood, 1912, RS Adamson List.
Gamlingay Wood, 23–53–, FH Perring & LC Frost, 22.5.1953.
Gamlingay Wood, FH Perring, PD Sell & SM Walters, 30.4.1957, 1 km cards.
Gamlingay Wood, 23–53–, & 24–53–, DA Wells & CFG Exc., 11.5.1991.
Gamlingay Wood, 7,000 – 10,000 plants: 60% P. elatior, 5% P. vulgaris and 35% P. elatior x vulgaris, all doubtful plants counted as hybrids.The plants were counted in 30 of the 31 compartments of the wood, and a sketch map shows the distribution, Peter Walker, 5.1992.
HAYLEY WOOD
Hayley Wood Bab.1860,188.
Hayley Wood, 5.5.1909, RS Adamson, BM.
Hayley Wood, JL Crosby, 1939.
Hayley Wood, May 1946, Hb DEC/538. DE Coombe, Card index.
Hayley Wood, SM Walters, 28.4.1947, LTR, (drawn by Roles 1957–65).
Hayley Wood, O Rackham & CNT exc. 7.5.1966, [R].
Hayley Wood, NE sector, not far from the centre hut, 293.529, PD Sell, 87/27 & 87/29, & LC Nicol, 24.4.1987, CGE.
Hayley Wood, over 1000 plants in 28–52–, 28–53–, 29–52–, 29–53–, CJ & SM Pumphries, 1992.
Hayley Wood, JCA Rathmell, 1995, [R].
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Turtlow Plantation, Croxton, 263.589, under 10 plants in strip of woodland, PE Bellamy & CJ Pumphries, 1992.
[Waresley Wood , part in V.c. 29, 26–54–,?Charles Turner said he had looked and not found any, 1992.]
Long Stowe Wood, 19.4.1947. 2 plants of elatior x vulgaris.. DE Coombe, Card index.
35
Still plentiful between Long Stow and Bourn and in most of the woods in the W and SE of the county, where it quite replaces P. acaulis. West,1898,254.
BOURN WOOD
Bourn Wood, 31–55–, over 1000 plants in cleared and recently replanted wood, with some unusual plants, possibly hybrids, Mrs SM & Miss CJ Pumphrey, 1992.
Bourn Wood, most inflorescences were in early fruit by 10.5.1992, CD Preston.
Bourn Wood, 312.555, alt. 210m., E side of older sapling belt parallel to road, wood E of this has been cleared & replanted more recently. P. elatior frequent in both these areas, which are south of houses opposite entrance to Longstowe Hall, but most plants are past flowering. Wood has fairly rich ground flora with Hyacinthoides, Ranun fic, Silene dioica, little Mercurialis but locally abundant Filipendula etc., spec. coll. by damp rut with Desch ces & Juncu inf, CD Preston 92/7, & Susan Yates, 10.5.1992, CGE.
Bourn Wood, 315.556, alt. 210m., Frequent in this wood S of houses opposite entrance to Longstowe Hall, but most plants past flowering, amongst Filipendula ulmaria in cleared and replanted wood, CD Preston 92/6 & Susan Yates, 10.5.1992, CGE.
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Bourn Hall Woods, Mr Preston, Sept.1910, CUBG Entry Book, 140/10.
Bourn Hall Wood, c.318.557, J. Bulleid, 1972; elm trees lost and part of wood destroyedÑloc. freq. in a small area with Mercuriales per, in young woodland of sycamore and elm [?regenerating] J Bulleid & G Crompton, CPs. 4.1996.
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[Bourn Airfield Wood, 345.586, R Payne, 26.9.1980; error corrected on subsequent record card in 1981, R Payne; Ñ only P.veris and Orchis mascula etc., found, G Crompton & R Payne, 21.4.1992.]
[Cobb's Wood, 34–51–, recently replanted secondary woodland; very poor ground flora and no P. elatior, G Crompton & R Payne, 4.1992.]
EVERSDEN WOOD [this wood is in the parishes of Wimpole, Eversden and Kingston]
Eversden W. 1834,Coleman(a),22.
Eversden Wood, W Mathews, Hb CC Babington, 4.5.1851, CGE.
Eversden Wood. Bab.ann.Relhan,85.
Eversden, coll. illeg., Hb. Syme, 1857, BM.
Eversden, Bab. 1860.
Eversden, n.c., 20.4.1904, CGE.
Eversden, A Malins Smith, 6r> Eversden, abundant, JSL Gilmour, 1930.
Eversden, HC & MR G[ilson], 1942. [?names of recorders–see also Cadge's Wood]
Eversden Wood. 34–52–, FH Perring, 26.9.1955. 1 km card.
Eversden, 34–53–, FH Perring & LC Frost, 8.5.1956. 1 km card.
Eversden Wood. H Bowen, 4.1957, 1 km card.
Gt Everdsden Wood, 35–53–, 34–53–, 34–52–, over 5,000 but nearly all the blossoms had been bitten off, M. Cant, 5.1992.
Under 1000 in part of wood in Kingston parish, 34–52–, 34–53–, P. vulgaris also present, J & P Reynolds, 12.4.1992.
Eversden Wood in Kingston ph., under 1000 plants, mainly in west, 329.537, J & P Reynolds, 3.5.1992, [R].
Over 1000 plants but most inflorescences eaten off, perhaps by muntjac, 34–52–, 34–53–, CJ & SM Pumphries, 1992.
Great Eversden Wood, 347.531, R Payne, 19.6.1994, [R]
HARDWICK WOOD
Hardwick Wood Bab.1860,188.
Hardwick Wood, 17.4.1864, WP Hiern, BM.
Hardwick Wood, Mrs EM Walker, n.d., CGE.
Hardwick Wood, G Goode, 4.5.1891, CGE. LTR.
Hardwick Wood, ED Bostock, 8.4.1892, LTR.
Hardwick Wood, HH Thomas, Hb., n.d., CGE.
Hardwick Wood, SSCD List.
Hardwick Wood, 23.4.1898, G Goode, BM.
Hardwick Wood, 23.4.1898, G Goode, as P. acaulis x elatior, det. 'maybe, but looks pure elatior', Miller Christy BM.
Hardwick Wood, RH Goode, 26.4.1902, det. Miller Christy, LTR.
Hardwick Wood, Anthony Wallis, 26.4.1902, det. DH Valentine,1940, probl. P.elatior, CGE.
Hardwick Wood, ND Simpson, 1911 & 1913.
Hardwick Wood, Mills ann. 24.4.1916.
Hardwick Wood, AJ Crosfield, 14.5.1918, det. DH Valentine 1940, probl. P.elatior, CGE.
Hardwick Wood, west side, PH Oswald, 1952.
Hardwick Wood, 35–57–, PD Sell & JS Ryland, 17.7.1953, 1 km card.
Hardwick Wood, 'mainly of P. elatior. There are a few individuals within the range of P. vulgaris, and several falling between the two species.' Woodell,1969.
Hardwick Wood, over 1,000 in flower 9.4.1992, mostly eaten by 10.5.1992. Muntjac are known to breed in the wood. 35–57–. Not seen in 35–58–, an area only recently coppiced after long neglect and now with abundant Hyacinthoides, Jean Benfield.
Hardwick Wood, 35N, C Turner & CFG group, 21.6.1997, [R].
The hybrid P.elatior x P. vulgaris has been recorded from 'K16A', Stinnage's Wood, 350.580, Caldecote.? does P. elatior occur here, CD Preston.
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KINGSTON
Hawk's Wood, Kingston, 323.533, 12 clumps counted, probably more, (less than 100) with Mercurialis and Hyacinthoides in very small oak/hazel wood, G Crompton, Joan & Peter Reynolds 5.4.1992. About 75 plants on N edge & in & near pen, P Reynolds, 2000.
Pincote Wood, Kingston, 328,536, over 100, mainly in western area, clear–felled and recently replanted, rare in eastern part colonized by sycamore and planted Horse Chestnut, Joan and Peter Reynolds, 3.5.1992.
KINGSTON WOOD
Primula veris elatior pallido flore Great Cowslips or Oxslips. In Kingston... wood abundantly and elsewhere. Ray,1660,126(98).
Primula pratensis inodora lutea. Kingston Wood and in the closes and corn fast by. Ray Index Loc.
Kingston W. 1834,Coleman(a),22. Coleman(b).
Kingston Wood Bab.1860,188.
Kingston Wood, GClaridge Druce, 5.1906, CGE. BM.
Kingston Wood, ND Simpson, Trinity College, 11.5.1910. CUBG Entry Book 138/10.
Kingston Wood, TG Tutin, 1942.
Kingston Wood, 32–53–, FH Perring, 26.4.1956, 1 km card.
Kingston Wood, v. overgrown, 325.542, Joan & Peter Reynolds, 18.5.1991.
Kingston Wood, Frequent along ride and in open glade, 32–54–, Mrs SM & Miss CJ Pumphrey, 26.4.1991.
Kingston Wood, over 1000, mostly beside rides and on wet plateau, rare at low lying part near brook on north side, 32–53–, 32–54–, 33–54–, G Crompton, Joan & Peter Reynolds 5.4.1992.
Kingston Wood, NE quadrant only, 329.543, G Crompton & DA Wells, 21.7.1994, [R].
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'Wood near Caxton', see Swansley Wood in TL36.
Lady Pastures Spinney, 326.533, no oxlips found, J & P Reynolds, 3.5.1992.
Lady Pastures Spinney, 1 only on side of pond, Peter Reynolds, 5.2000.
Longstowe, R Ross, 17.4.1936, BM.
Longstow Hall Wood, EF Warburg, 1940.
Longstowe Wood, SM Walters, 30.3.1944,ÊLTR.
Longstowe Home Wood etc., 31–55–, FH Perring, 27.4.1956.
Over 1,000 plants, Longstowe Home Wood, and nearby parkland in grounds of Longstowe Hall, 30–55– & 31–55–, Kate Pumphrey and Mrs SM Pumphrey, 1992.
Between Longstow and Bourn, Newbould, CC Babington, Bab.1860,188.
36
ELSWORTH
Elsworth Wood 1938, DH Valentine.
Elsworth Wood, 'J15, [Conington]', JL Crosby, 1939, [=Elsworth Wood].
Elsworth Wood, 311.619, HF Tebbs, 3.4.1961.
Elsworth Wood, under 1,000, best flowering seen in the wood, including plantation on felled elm grove to west of main wood, 31–61–, 30–61–, 31–62–, little sign of browsing, PT Harding, 22.3.1992.
KNAPWELL WOOD
Knapwell Wood, J Carter.! Bab.1860,188.
Knapwell Wood, DH Valentine, 1937.
Knapwell Wood, TG Tutin, 4.1946, LTR.
Knapwell Wood, PH Oswald, 1952.
Knapwell Wood, estimated over half a million plants, G Peterken, & CNT exc. 27.4.1969, [R].Nat. in Cambs13:14.
Count of oxlips in Knapwell Wood was estimated 545,000, GF Peterken, 25.4.1969, Nat. in Cambs, 13:29.
Knapwell Wood, map showing area with abundant oxlips (1967) in Knapwell Wood, O Rackham,1969, Nat. in Cambs, 12:29,31.
Knapwell Wood, under 1,000, most plants flowering but 60% of inflorescences bitten off, 33–60–, 32–60–, a few hybrids seen, [P.elatior x vulgaris], PT Harding, 4.4.1992.
Knapwell Wood, 331.608, DA Wells, 6.9.1996, [R].
Knapwell Wood, few Oxlips, SM Walters & CNT exc. 10.5.1999, [R].
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OVERHALL GROVE
Overhall Grove DH Valentine, 1938. 'at nearby Overhall Grove the numbers of oxlips had not changed significantly since the War, according to Dr T.M.Owen, who has had a grandstand view of the wood and its large number of visitors for almost twenty years.' GF Peterken, Nat. in Cambs, (1970)13:29.
Overhall Grove, over 1,000 scattered throughout the wood. 33–62–, 33–63–, 34–63–, many not flowering, PT Harding, 16.3.1992.
Overhall Grove, PH Oswald & U3A group, 15.4.1996, [R].
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SWANSLEY WOOD
Wood near Caxton, RH Lock, 29.4.1901, det. DH Valentine, CGE.
Swansley Wood, DH Valentine, 1939.
Swansley Wood, 30–60–, FH Perring & Dr Prime, 14.4.1957, 1 km card.
W end of Swansley Wood, 30–60–, with Helleborus vir & Anemone nem, G Crompton, 24.4.1962.
Swansley Wood, [near Caxton Gibbet on Cambridge–St Neots Rd, on S side, just before (east) cross–roads; felled about 10 years ago but something may linger in the scrub. Paul Harding has checked 'Swansley Wood', 4.4.1992, saw no oxlips and thinks that the surviving scrub might be outside the ancient woodbank.
J16E, [Thorofare Spinney, 340.623, Boxworth], TG Tutin & EF Warburg, 1940.
Thorofare Spinney, 34–62–, a few plants, P Harding, c.1974; none seen, P Harding, 16.3.1992.
35,45
MADINGLEY WOOD
... and Madingley wood abundantly. Ray,1660,126(98).
Primula major pall. Madingley Wood, JM.ann.Index Loc.; Th.M.ann.Meth.–Index Loc.12.
Primula vulgaris & elatior Mr Relhan of Cambridge shewed me a specimen gathered in Madingley Wood where they both grew out of the same root. 13 Nov.1792. Cullum,TG ann.Hudson,83.WSRO.
Madingley W. Coleman(a),22; Coleman(b). Not accepted, Preston,1994,34.
Madingley Wood. none found, MJ Howe, 2.4.1992.
Primu ela var. Madingley, J.S.Henslow, 6.4.1825, BATHG.
Between A & B. [nr Madingley wood] 1834,Coleman(a),22.
45
Primula elatior Granchester. Okes ann.80.
Cambridge, FG Preston, 29.4.1905, CGE.
Near Cambridge, Mr Thomas, ex herb. CA Wright, BM.
Primula veris b elatior Cambridge to Whitwell Farm and the Petrifying Spring at Coton. 30.4.1830. Henslow Exc.
Coton–gate Copse. Copse at Whitwel. Coleman(a),22; Coleman(b). not accepted. Preston,1993,34.
46
Introduced – adhering to tree stumps dumped in pit, with a natural flora of boulder clay woods, Milton, 481.623, GMS Easy, 25.4.1970–1974; pit now filled in.
54
BALSHAM WOOD
Balsham Wood Bab.1860,188.
Balsham Wood, HD.ann.
Balsham Wood, RH Lock, 2.5.1901, CGE.
Balsham Wood, hybridising with P. vulgaris, 4.1926, T Stephenson, cf. BEC Rep.1920,237, BM.
Balsham Wood, JL Crosby, 1940.
Balsham Wood, NE corner, recently coppiced area & edge of wood, 59–49–, SM Walters & H Gilbert–Carter, 6.5.1953, 1 km card.
Balsham Wood, 58–49–, SM Walters Exc., 5.8.1953, 1 km card.
Balsham Wood, 100–1000, in old hazel coppice, 150 paces into wood from NW corner, on N side of ride, PJO Trist, 1991.
Balsham Wood, 58–49–, about 10,000, but almost no plants flowering, and the few in flower had only one or two fls. In NW section of the wood oxlips are almost the only vegetation under hazel coppice, standards ± absent. Also oxlips quite frequent on south–west side of ride, with Mercurialis and Hyacinthoides. Primula veris present in small numbers and P.veris x elatior, but numbers not known as there are so few flowering plants. One possible hybrid specimenn coll. for CGE. G Crompton, John and Philomena Trist, 24.5.1992.
Balsham Wood, along eastern edge, 59–49–, PJO Trist, 1.5.1991. [see also TL55]
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Bartlow Wood see under Westhoe below
BORLEY WOOD
P.veris var. b nr Wood back of Linton, Camb. W.L.P.G., 2.5.1834, SWN.
Borley Wood. Bab.1860,188.
Borley Wood, HD.ann.
Borley Wood, HC Gilson & TG Tutin, 1932.
Absent from Borley Wood, JL Crosby, 1940; ditto, 1942, WH Palmer.
Borley Wood, SW side, P.elatior x P vulgaris, with both parents, J Bevan & R Fitzgerald, 12.4.1987.
Borley Wood, (also P.vulgaris & P.veris,) G Crompton & R Payne, 29.5.1987.
Borley Wood, south, 582.478, (and P.veris), R Payne, 7.7.1987.
Borley Wood, no oxlips seen, even at SE edge of wood, 581.475, where P. elatior x vulgaris were reported in 1987, G Crompton, CD Preston, Susan Yates, 20.4.1992.
Via Devana near Borley Wood, EA George, 1939.
Roman Road, verge/old wood bank with hedges either side of ditch, running parallel with Borley Wood, along Roman Road, 575.489 – 584.487. Bluebells and Dog's Mercury, Primroses and cowslips, and possibly 1 plant of P.veris x vulgaris, fls pale yellow, 2 on stalk and lvs intermediate, but no P. elatior found, G Crompton, B Jackson, PJO Trist, 29.4.1992.
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[Bush Park, Gt Abington, Bluebells and Dog's Mercury under old maple standards and very old hazel coppice with oak rare and nettles abundant. No Primula species seen, G Crompton, B Jackson, P Daunt, 17.4.1992.]
Hildersham Wood 53–45–, FH Perring, SM Walters & PD Sell, 11.10.1956, '? h' or '?l' on 1 km card; only saw a few leafy clumps of P. vulgaris, G Crompton with Ashley Arbon & P Stebbings, 27.6.1992.
WESTHOE PARK
Bartlow JS Henslow, 8.4.1826, CGE.
Wood near Bartlow, Henslow, Bab.1860,188. [no wood shown on 1st ed. O.S. 1" map c.1830: this is Westhoe Wood, shown as 12–acre Wood on 2
"O.S.map.]... April, 1826, a few miles from Cambridge, at a place called Westhoe. I found there in great plenty a peculiar variety of Primula, which I scarcely knew whether to call the oxlip or the cowslip.... J.S.Henslow, On the specific identity of the Primsrose, Oxlip, Cowslip, and Polyanthus.... Although this variety was everywhere abundant, both in the copses and open fields, neither myself nor a friend who was with me could find a single primrose in the neighbourhood, and comparatively few decided cowslips; which however, were here and there scattered among this variety. ...Loudon Mag.Nat.Hist. 1830, 3:406–409.
Westhoe. 1834,Coleman(a),22.
Westhoe Park. Coleman(b).
55
Balsham Wood N edge of wood nr Wood Hall, partly coppiced, 58–50–, SM Walters & H Gilbert–Carter, 6.5.1953, 1 km card.
Balsham Wood, under 10 clumps, very little flowering, with Mercurialis & Hyacinthoides in NE corner of wood, 586.500, G Crompton, John & Phil Trist, 24.4.1992.
56
Bottisham. Jenyns ann.Relhan,1802.
Bottisham, L.J., 22.4.1830, BATHG.
64
One clump only, with c.25 inflorescences. Grassy bank on W side of broad footpath, just S of minor road, Burton End, 625.497. An unshaded locality some distance from woodland, c.500m N of population in Hill Farm Wood, [= Leys Wood] and at least 800m SE of population in Rand's Wood, B Hakin, SM Hakin & CD Preston, 13.4.1991; 'I could not find the five clumps of oxlips which I saw here with the Hakins in 1991', CD Preston, 26.4.1992.
CADGE'S WOOD
Cadge's Wood HC & MR G[ilson], 1942.
Cadge's Wood, W half, 63–49–, & E half, 64–49–, SM Walters, 21.9.1953, 1 km card.
Cadge's Wood, under 10 clumps in this area 638.493, in rather open area of wood, with Glechoma, Mercurialis perennis, Rubus etc., wood further E not examined, B Hakin, SM Hakin & CD Preston, 13.4.1991.
Cadge's Wood, population in wood is between 10–100, many clumps had inflorescences eaten off, only a few had flowers, CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 26.4.1992.
Cadge's Wood, 1 large clump with 6 inflorescences only. On grassy ditch–side. Between SW corner of Cadge's Wood and road, 637.492, B Hakin, SM Hakin & CD Preston, 13.4.1991.
c.20 clumps in one group and c.10 in another, in rather bare area of woodland floor, S of stream, N side of Cadge's Wood, West Wickham, 641.494, alt. 105m, CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 26.4.1992.
HARE WOOD
Hare Wood 62–47–, FH Perring, 7.6.1957, 1 km card.
Hare Wood, 62–47–, scattered plants in several habitats including: 1. banks of ditches in wood – most ditches currently dry; 2. amongst Mercurialis in ash wood and in open area with scattered hazels; 3. in rough grassland in area planted with conifers, conifers still young. Plants scattered, never abundant but individuals robust and vigorous, probably under 100 plants, (no attempt made to count them), B Hakin, SM Hakin & CD Preston, 13.4.1991.
Grassy ditch bank bordering wood and on footpath alongside ditch outside wood, with P. veris. (Only seen W of point where hedge runs from this footpath northwards), N side of Hare Wood, 622.481, B Hakin, SM Hakin & CD Preston, 13.4.1991.
LANGLEY WOOD
Langley Wood, DH Valentine, 1937.
Langley Wood, 60–42–, GF Peterken & FH Perring, 19.9.1967, 1 km card.
Langley Wood, 60–42–,61–42–, over 1,000 plants seen, all over the wood, including some on the field side of the wood bank, (but by 21 May all eaten by deer), M. Strugnell, 5.1992.
Langley Wood and Woolpack Grove 60–42–, FH Perring, 16.5.1955, 1 km card.
Langley Wood and Woolpack Grove. FH Perring & GF Peterken, 19.9.1967, 1 km card.
LEYS WOOD, West Wickham
West Wickham Wood, HC Gilson & TG Tutin, 1932.
Hill Farm Wood, CD Pigott, 1950; & 62–49–, CD Pigott & RG West, 23.4.1950, 1 km card.
Leys Wood, 62–49–, G Crompton & B Jackson, 2.6.1987.
Leys Wood, West Wickham 628.492, Ash–oak–hazel wood, with Mercurialis perennis, Rubus in rather open herb community, NE side of Leys Wood, West Wickham, also on bank of ditch bordering NE side of wood (didn't look at rest of wood), B Hakin, SM Hakin & CD Preston, 13.4.1991.
Leys Wood, 627.491, G Crompton & R Payne, 26.7.1991, [R].
Leys Wood, 62–49–. Rough estimate – up to 1500 plants in full flower & of good size, including 12 plants on side of track/F.P, at woodland end of north–south FP. Moisture definitely favoured oxlips & also fair clearing. Some edges protected by barbed wire, but 1 deer present. M Stokes & E Norman, 6. 4. 1993.
Leys Wood, G Crompton & DA Wells, 7.6.1996, [R].
NORTHEY WOOD
Northey Wood, (just N. of dismantled railway). 60–45–, 10 plants, & 61–45–, c.200 plants, very crowded, in 10 yds of northern edge of wood.where some clearing of thicket growth has taken place. This indicates that clearing might uncover many more plants, or re–establish them. M Stokes & E Norman, 6. 4. 1993.
OVER WOOD
Over Wood HC Gilson &TG Tutin, 1932.
Over Wood, DH Valentine, 1937.
Over Wood, CD Pigott, 1950; W end, 62–48–, CD Pigott & RG West, 23.4.1950, 1 km card.
Over Wood, 63–48–, JC Faulkner, 3.8.1967, 1 km card.
Ash Plantation, 62–48–, 5 plants, and 1 or 2 hybrids with P. veris between Ash Plantation and Over Wood, M Stokes & E Norman, 17.3.1993 & 4. 1993.
Over Wood, 2 plants seen with inflorescences eaten off. Amongst Mercurialis at edge of path in wood (ash, field maple etc), (Didn't look at wood away from S edge), SE side of Over Wood, 631.481, B Hakin, SM Hakin & CD Preston, 13.4.991.
Over Wood, Up to 200 plants in Over Wood, 62–48–, 63–48–: Oxlips most frequent near a stream running through the wood approx. parallel with O.S.63 grid line. Least frequent in NW corner (Suffolk border). Clearing in progress & definite increase in numbers in this area. No P. vulgaris seen but frequent P. veris in hedge beside farm track to Hill Farm. Hybrids with P. veris – see above under Ash Plantation. M Stokes & E Norman, 17.3.1993 & 4. 1993.
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A single clump in tiny wood W of minor road S of Skippers Hall Farm, 636.492, wood with Galium aparine, Mercurialis etc., (Cadge's Wood, where oxlip also grows, is on E side of minor road here). Only this one clump seen, though wood not searched exhaustively. Very close to county boundary. B Hakin, SM Hakin & CD Preston, 13.4.1991.
Wigmore Pond, Castle Camps, [62–41–], HC Gilson & H Gilbert–Carter, 1940. Pond has been filled in and there is no longer any wood, but 1 plant of P. veris present, M Strugnell, 5.1992.
65
Basefield Wood PW Richards, TG Tutin & EF Warburg, 1932.
Basefield Wood, under 1,000 in oak/ash wood with occ. spruce. Oxlips mostly in 65–57–, 64–57–, and some in 64–56–, also scattered clumps in recently felled area, 65–56–, sketch plan of distribution of oxlips and trees, E Norman, M Stokes, 25.3.1992.
BRINKLEY WOOD
Brinkley Wood, A Hosking, 10.4.1897, CGE.
Brinkley Wood, 61–55–, FH Perring & LC Frost, 19.4.1956, 1 km card.
Brinkley Wood, occasional plants in clear felled areas or at edge of undisturbed areas in semi–natural ash wood. Growing with Mercurialis, Hyacinthoides, Allium ursinum, 61–55–, CD Preston, 14.4.1991; only c.8 plants seen but did not search thoroughly: presumably over 10 very scattered plants in clear–felled and replanted areas or at edge of undisturbed areas of semi–natural ash wood, 61–55–, alt. 110m. CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 8.3.1992.
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Bushy Grove, Burrough Green, 65–54– & 65–55–: c.35 plants, only 1 of which was in flower, on rather bare soil on ride in decidious wood, with Carex syl, 653.549, also 1 plant at 651.549, alt. 90m., and over 20 plants at north end, in thin Hyacinthoides & Mercurialis under Corylus/Crataegus/Acer campestre, 653.550, alt. 95m. CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 20.4.1992.
CARLTON LANE
Carlton Lane Open track, between Weston Colville & Carlton, c.633.532, PD Sell, 68/1B, D, H, I, J, with JC Faulkner, M Keith–Lucas, N Marchant & S Woodell, 19.4.1968, (with P. elatior x veris), 19.4.1968, CGE.
Carlton Lane, on verges of track, SE of ford, 63–53, G Crompton & JC Faulkner, 1.5.1987.
Carlton Lane, fine population of vigorous flowering plants. Size category (100 – 1000 plants). With Primula veris in hedge banks on each side of byway. Population extends from just S of bend in byway at 634.530 to the R. Stour. None seen W of Stour. Approx.750m from nearest woodland population (Gt Coven's–Horse Pasture – Lower Wood). P. elatior x P. veris (with both parents), was reported from this locality in 1968, and in 1987, [Nat. in Cambs.1988, 30:60 .] Both species apparently absent from thin strip of woodland along this lane SE of R. Stour, Carlton Lane, 634.530–632.532, CD Preston, 14.4.1991
CARLTON WOOD
Carlton Wood H Gilbert–Carter & TG Tutin, 1932.
Carlton GW Chapman, 1932.
Carlton, 64–53–, N Halford, Brinkley School, 1955, 1 km card.
Carlton Wood, E Norman & M Stokes, 4.1992.
Carlton Wood, under 1,000 plants, plentiful in oak, ash, and a little horse chestnut, except in bramble area not penetrated, sketch map of distribution of oxlips and trees, 65–52–, 65–53–, E Norman & M Stokes, 3.4.1992.
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Charcoals Wood, Wood Ditton, 65–57–, alt. 120m. under 1000, most infl. eaten off, frequent on ride running W–E, and on SE side of wood, scattered elsewhere, in wood of scattered oak with much sycamore & some planted trees, ground flora dominated by Mercurialis, CD Preston, & Susan E Yates, 4.4.1992.
Combers Wood, 652.578, R Payne, 1.7.1987, [R].
Combers Wood, Stetchworth Ley, 650.577 – 653.578, alt. 110m, under 1,000, many infl. eaten off, very frequent on ride running entire length of this long, thin wood, scattered in cleared area recently planted with beech, Prunus laurocerasus, etc., and more thinly in the rather open wood, wood is still semi–natural, despite recent plantings. CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 4.4.1992.
DEVIL'S DITCH
Devil's Ditch south end, 65–58–, c.6 plants beside path on top very near Stetchworth end, [65–58–], David Jones, c.30.4.1973.
Devil's Ditch, 2–3 plants, one flowering, Committee Walk, 1.5.1975.
Devil's Ditch, 18 plants, mostly on NE side beside path, along c.60 paces, PJ Grubb & Committee Walk, 19.4.1982.
Devil's Ditch, none found by path but a few occur near arable on SE side, AC Leslie, Committee Walk, 15.5.1984.
Devil's Ditch,1 veg. plant near 'swing', Stetchworth end, Committee Walk, 10.7.1987.
Devil's Ditch, 27 plants, some consisting of several rosettes, in groups of 1–5 plants in 9 groups. In secondary woodland over ancient earthwork growing by path on top of bank. 8 plants were flowering, 1 in bud, 11 would have been in bud or flower but infl. had been eaten off, 7 were vegetative. (Vegetative plants which appeared to be cowslips were excluded!). Most plants grew on pathside or on NE side of path in wood within 2–3m of it, but the most southerly plants (a group of 5), grew in wood on SE side of path, again only a few metres from it. Plants seen from near S end of Ditch, 653.584, almost to large dip at 652.584; none seen near 'swing' just N of dip [1 reported here in 1987], or for the short length of Ditch searched N of swing. If parish boundary runs along path most plants are in Woodditton but some are in Stetchworth. alt. 110m. CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 4.4.1992.
DITTON PARK WOOD
Wood Ditton J.D., 8.5.1829, NTM.
Ditton Park Wood, CC Babington, 2.6.1852, CGE.
Ditton Park Wood, Bab.1860,188.
Wood Ditton, PM Hall, 22.5.1932, BM.
Ditton Park Wood, JL Crosby, 1940.
Ditton Park Wood, NE sides and margins of wood, SM Walters, MCF Proctor, J Turner, 16.5.1952, 1 km card.
Ditton Park Wood, 66–56–, 66–57–, 67–56–, 67–57–, CNHS Exc., 24.5.1952, 1 km card.
Ditton Park Wood, R Payne, 1.7.1981.
Ditton Park Wood, 66–57–, 66–56–, R Payne with G Crompton, 1.6.1987.
Ditton Park Wood, certainly over 1,000 (difficult to estimate such a scattered population). Scattered on rides and in parts of wood which are still deciduous. Despite much evidence of deer in wood, leaves were vigorous and ungrazed. Some plants in bud and one with first flowers. 66– 56–, CD Preston, 16.3.1991.
Ditton Park Wood, under 1,000 plants. Mainly on grassy edges of rides; also on remaining patches or plantations of deciduous trees or occasionally in open conifer stands. Walked round main rides & so only saw central core of wood. Plants in 66–56–, 66–57–, 67–56–, 67–57–, alt. 115m. Estimate of over 1,000 plants made in 1991 may have been an over–estimate, although many plants must have been destroyed by the extraction of timber which has reduced the rides to deeply rutted morasses of unvegetated clay slurry. No areas where oxlips were really frequent except perhaps thin strip of deciduous wood S of track from main entrance, 66–57–, CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 26.4.1992.
Ditton Park Wood, DA Wells & C Turner, 16.4.1994, [R].
GOVER'S GROVE
Small woods east of Carlton Green, H Gilbert–Carter & TG Tutin, 1932. [? = Gover's Grove, and Temple End in Essex].
Gover's Grove, 649.511, 6 clumps in cleared/replanted area with Rubus dominant, oak, ash, hornbeam, birch and elm plantation being replanted, Rsv on north side of wood, c.12 clumps of P. elatior and ?P.elatior x veris, (specs collected for CGE), growing with both parents, and Stella hol, Poten ans, Viola rei, Carex pen, [P. veris very abundant on north side of road along ditch bank of arable field]. G Crompton, E Norman, M Stokes & L Farrell, 18.4.1992.
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Great Chitlings Wood Stetchworth Ley, 654.573, and 655.574, alt. 115m. under 1,000 plants on steep bank at N end of wood, on woodland rides and in rather scrubby wood. An oak wood much altered by planting of conifers,CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 4.4.1992.
Little Chitlings Wood, Stetchworth Ley, 655.576 and 654.575, alt.115m. under 1,000 plants, frequent and vigorous on rides but most had infl. eaten off, perhaps by muntjac, which were seen. Much less common in woodland herb layer, oak–ash wood, CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 4.4.1992.
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GREAT COVEN'S WOOD
Great Coven's Wood, EF Warburg, 1935.
Great Coven's Wood, JL Crosby, 1940.
Great Coven's Wood, occasional plants on rides and amongst bluebells in wood visible from rides, but almost all have had inflorescences eaten off. On rides SSW and SE of Moat House, 62–53–, CD Preston, 14.4.1991.
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Hill Crofts, Weston Colville, 61–52–, 62–52–, alt. 120m. Partially coniferized, rather open wood. Up to 1000 plants. Unusually [for 1992], most clumps were flowering freely and only a few had infl. eaten off (though a muntjac was seen in the wood). Oxlips were most frequent towards the S end of wood, (618.525) where numerous clumps grew in a grassy cleared area with Juncus, Mercurialis, Rumex etc. which was beneath scattered standards of ash and other trees. Scattered individuals grew elsewhere beneath moribund conifers or on rides. No oxlips were seen on dry W edge of wood (where Mercurialis was dense) or in extension of wood N of public footpath at N corner (where Mercurialis was also dominant), CD Preston, 26.4.1992.
Hill Croft, 61–52–, M Gurney, 1.7.1999, [R].
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Lopham's Wood H Gilbert–Carter & TG Tutin, 1932.
Lopham's Wood under 1,000 plants, plentiful except for SE area and conifer plantation, in oak–ash wood, with occasional silver birch. Partly replanted with oak, ash and a small area of spruce, sketch map of distribution of oxlips, 65–51, E Norman & M Stokes, 2.4.1992.
LOWER WOOD
Lower Wood, EF Warburg, 1935.
Lower Wood, 62–.52–, frequent, but all inflorescences eaten off! A group of plants also grew in open grassland at SE corner of wood, but as these too had inflorescences eaten off I could not tell if they were cowslips, oxlips or hybrids. On ride running NW–SE through wood. CD Preston, 14.4.1991.
Lower Wood, DA Wells & PH Oswald, 9.5.1994, [R].
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1 plant seen with inflorescences eaten off. On ride, part of Gt Coven's Wood – Lower Wood population, running along S edge of Horse Pastures, 624.529, CD Preston, 14.4.1991.
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Lucy Wood [68–56–] WT Stearn, 1932.
Under 1,000 mostly in cleared area replanted with oak and cherry, and Eupho amy frequent on western half of wood, eastern half densely overgrown and not explored. P. vulgaris also present and possibly hybrids, but there was very little flowering. 1 muntjac seen, G Crompton, E Norman, M Stokes, L Farrell, 18.4.1992.
Lucy Wood, N end, 68–56–, CD Preston & CFG group, 13.4.1996, [R].
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MARMER'S WOOD
Marmer's Wood Stetchworth CD Pigott, 1950.
Marmer's Wood. 64–57–, CD Pigott & RG West, 23.4.1951, 1 km card.
Marmer's Wood Stetchworth c.12 plants on clear–felled area on west side of main NE–SW ride towards N end of wood, 645.574, and further plants on W side of this ride towards S end of ride, 644.573, alt. 105m. Only a single floret open, CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 8.3.1992.
OUT WOOD
Out Wood EF Warburg, 1935.
Out Wood, JL Crosby, 1940.
Out Wood, R Payne, 13.7.1987, [R].
Out Wood, Burrough Green, 661.550. Oak/ash wood, & conifer plantation, 662.552, CJ Cadbury, 21.7.1990.
Out Wood, over 1000 plants, 65–54–, 65–55–, 66–54–, frequent along N edge of Out Wood to S of public footpath (65–55– & 66–54–), growing in rather bare leaf litter under Quercus robur and Corylus. Also grows on footpath itself. Also grows, but in smaller quantity, elsewhere in wood on and by sides of rides and rather thinly scattered in woodland herb layer, CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 20.4.1992.
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Park Wood, Burrough Green, PW Richards, TG Tutin & EF Warburg, 1932.
Park Wood, Burrough Green, 640.544, 2 plants seen here. Among Mercurialis perennis in ash–hazel wood with scattered bluebells. Only S part of wood looked at – Mercurialis very abundant here and oxlip certainly rare. CD Preston, 14.4.1991.
BRINKLEY WOOD
Brinkley Wood, large fld var & 'true', A Hosking, 11.4.1898, CUBG Entry Book, 112/98.
'Brinkley', 63–54–, N Halford, Brinkley School, 1955, 1 km card. [also Galeob lut, Eranthis, & Ophrys ins in CGE on 1 km card: O. ins on CNHS Card index 'Brinkley' Wood deleted and 'Park' Wood inserted, via Brinkley School, June 1955', all in FH Perring's writing; on Ophrys spec. in CGE 'Brinkley Wood, 615.555 via Mr Halford, Brinkley School, June 1955'.
Brinkley, [?part of Park Wood] Population size (100–1000 plants). Damp ground in small streamside copse, Brinkley, 633.547, Particularly frequent at W end of copse, but not at extreme W border where Mercurialis dominates, and 1 plant grows just outside copse amongst nettles on bank of stream to E. This copse has obviously been 'gardened', with planted trees and shrubs including a Metasequoia, a weeping willow, Prunus, Syringa, Cornus etc. Ground flora appears natural (Filipendula on damper ground to E, Mercurialis and Hyacinthoides to W, much Glechoma, some Urtica dioica). It includes, however, some plants of Myosotis sylvatica which look as if they are garden escapes and a single garden daffodil. Oxlips look entirely natural, and are flowering very well (perhaps because soil is damper than in boulder clay woods), CD Preston, 14.4.1991. [? planted by Lady Keynes–(Sir Geoffrey Keynes' wife), suggestion by Mark Hill following talk with her son Richard, in litt. 25.11.1991].
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SE corner of wood S of Parsonage Farm, Little Ditton, Woodditton, 671.582, c.15 plants (many of them small) in a group together, on bare ground under Corylus, Crataegus, Rubus scrub & scattered ash trees, and one clump with enormous leaves nearby, the latter with Ajuga, Glechoma & Mercurialis. This wood has been disturbed, both historically [ground hummocky; on old 2
" map (the un–named wood)– shown as an area of rough pasture with occ. (2) broad–leaved trees, surrounds 'Brick Works'], and recently a new pond has just been dug here). All plants seen in the group of c.15 had been nibbled and none had inflorescences left. The leaves and peduncles had shaggy hairs & rather grey appearance of oxlip – they certainly were not cowslips or primroses – but collected a voucher and living material to grow, in view of the very odd plants at N end of this wood, 670.583. Latter, however, had leaves tapering more gradually into the petiole and a less shaggy pubescence. CD Preston 92/4, & Susan E Yates, 26.4.1992, CGE.Parsonage Farm Wood, 65U, A Davison, 3.11.1994, [R].
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Pickmore Wood [Stetchworth], FH Perring, 1967, (woodland survey card, BRC).
Pickmore Wood, 653.582 – 653.580, alt. 115m. 100–1000 plants, but only looked at E side of this private wood, which is devoted to pheasant rearing: 1) on woodland bank at S edge of wood, between edge of wood and conifer stands which occupy SE quadrant of wood, 653.680. 2) along ride along E edge of wood, 654.681–653.682. 3) in semi–natural oak–hazel wood which occupies NE quadrant of wood, 653.682, as scattered plants. Many inflorescences eaten off. CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 4.4.1992.
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Plunder Wood Burrough Green, 66–54–, alt.110m. up to 1,000 plants, frequent along N edge of wood, esp. in areas of rather bare leaf litter under Corylus, Crataegus and Fraxinus, also on wet ride. S of the N edge of the wood, the wood is dominated by dense Mercurialis and Oxlips are very sparse, (S part of Plunder Wood not looked at). In the area in which oxlips are frequent Mercurialis is rather thin (and, interestingly, bluebells are apparently absent). Extension of Plunder Wood as thin band W from NW corner (662.548 – 664.548) lacks any herb layer except for thin grass – although ditch bank along N edge has dense Mercurialis. This area has apparently been cattle grazed until relatively recently (v. old cow pats & remnants of fencing remain). It may be secondary as it is not bordered by a ditch & bank. CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 20.4.1992.
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Rand's Wood West Wratting, [see also Yenhall Wood], 2 plants seen in elm wood, with Mercurialis perennis, Galium aparine etc. Apparently a small population, but only looked at this end of the wood and spent little time there. SE end of Rand's Wood, 621.504, B Hakin, SM Hakin & CD Preston, 13.4.1991.
Rand's Wood 621.506, alt. 115, c.40 floriferous clumps, with Ajuga, Glechoma, & Mercurialis, in replanted area with Acer campestre, Corylus, Fraxinus etc. remaining. Also c.5 clumps at 620.507. Looked fairly carefully but could not find any oxlip plants in that area of wood which falls in 61–50–. This area has much dead elm (also Acer campestre, Corylus, Crataegus, Fraxinus, Malus) with Mercurialis dominant & Urtica freq. and loc. ab., CD Preston, 26.4.1992.
West Wratting, 65A, no loc., R Payne, 4.7.1991, [R].
SPARROW'S GROVE
Sparrow's Grove [65–54–, alt. 95m.] EF Warburg, 1935.
Sparrow's Grove, JL Crosby, 1940.
Sparrow's Grove, 65–54–, FH Perring & RG West, 4.1957, 1 km card.
Sparrow's Grove, R Payne, 13.7.1987, [R].
Sparrows Grove, habitats included 1) between Mercurialis & Hyacinthoides patches under Corylus/Quercus robur 2) in areas disturbed by deer, with Arum, Hyacinthoides etc. 3) on bank of ditch. Few flowering plants – most infl. easten off, CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 20.4.1992.
Sparrow's Grove over 1,000 plants, mostly eaten or not flowering, and most are in NW quartre of wood (as shown in DE Coombe's map of the wood), as well as sparsely beside main ride, G Crompton, J Hirsh & B Jackson, CFG Exc., 25.4.1992.
TEN WOOD
Ten Wood Burrough Green, JL Crosby, 1940.
Ten Wood, CD Pigott, 1950.
Ten Wood, NE corner, 66–56–, CD Pigott & RG West, 23.4.1951, 1 km card.
Ten Wood, Under 1000 plants, semi–natural boulder clay wood, alt. 105m., 66–55– & 66–56–, 1) occasional & locally frequent on rides, e.g. main NW–SE ride where it is especially frequent at c.663.559, 2) occasional as scattered plants in areas where herb layer in wood is rather bare. Certainly extends into 66–56–, e.g. turf over culvert where stream runs under main ride at 662.560, CD Preston & Susan Yates, 20.4.1992.
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Westley Wood. CC Babington, 3.5.1860, CGE. BM.
Westley Wood. Bab.1860,188.
Dr Cookson and I went by rail to Six Mile Bottom, and then walked to Westley Wood to get Primula elatior, which is abundant there, and now in flower. 3.5.1860. Bab.Mem.195.
Bonney and I went by rail to Six Mile Bottom. Walked to Westley Wood to look for Primula elatior; abundance of it, but very little come into flower. 14.4.1862, Bab.Mem.199.
Westley Wood, RP Murray, 10.5.1881, CGE.
Westley Wood, RP Murray, 10.5.1883, BM.
Westley Wood, ND Simpson, c.1913.
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Ladies Grove, Westley Waterless, 623.556. A few plants at edge of clearings – but species much less frequent than in adjoining Hay Wood. Ash wood, with patches clear felled and replanted with young ash, CD Preston, 14.4.1991.
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Hay Wood, Westley Waterless, 62–55–, population size under 1000. Ash–hazel wood, with patches cleared and replanted with young ash. The wood is currently a mosaic of clear–felled and replanted patches and undisturbed areas. Some areas have been clear–felled and not (yet?) replanted. Oxlip flowering well in clear–felled patches – a good example of 'coppicing' effect. With Hyacinthoides, Mercurialis etc., CD Preston, 14.4.1991.
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Weston Colville [Spring Plantation] wood west of Brinkley Road, [61–53–], WH Palmer, 1942.
Spring Plantation, 61–53–, no oxlips (nor cowslips), found, CD Preston, 14.4.1991.
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W. Wratting, JB Wilson. Bab.ann.Relhan,85.
W. Wratting, Bab.1860,188.
W. Wratting, HD ann.
HALL WOOD
Hall Wood, West Wratting, c.17 plants (10 in a clump) in W half of wood (610.533) amongst Anthriscus, Arum, Heracleum sphondylium, Mercurialis perennis. Also a single plant in south–easterly extension of wood (610.532), amongst Galium aparine, Glechoma, Mercurialis perennis and Urtica dioica – 7 inflorescences on this plant. Semi–natural ash wood with some planted beech. 610.532, & 610.533, CD Preston, 14.4.1991.
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The Grove, West Wratting, W part of The Grove, West Wratting, 611.520–612.521, 26 oxlip plants counted, but if there were plants without inflorescences I would have missed them. Amongst Mercurialis perennis or Mercurialis and Urtica dioica in semi–natural ash wood. All oxlips seen were in semi–natural belt of woodland along W side of The Grove. Part of The Grove consists of alternate strips of coniferous and deciduous plantation, and no oxlips seen on a very cursory inspection of this area. CD Preston, 14.4.1991.
WIDGHAM WOODS Dullingham
Widgham Wood n.c., 1935, CGE.
Many plants seen in Widgham Wood, SE of Dullingham, nr Newmarket, 23.2.1946. Buds of umbels just visible among leaves–which have a glaucous, hairy appearance at this time. DE Coombe, Card index.
Great Widgham, JL Crosby, 1940.
Great Widgham, 67–55–, FH Perring, 15.5.1957, 1 km card.
Great Widgham, beautiful carpet of oxlips, CNT exc. 5.5.1962, [R].
Great Widgham Wood, R Payne, 25.6.1981.
Great Widgham Wood, G Crompton & R Payne, 3.7.1987.
Great Widgham Wood, under 1,000 plants on rides and paths in coniferized boulder clay wood, 669.549, 66–55–, 67–54– and 67–55–, CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 20.4.1992.
Great Widgham Wood, Thin strip of woodland E of but directly adjoining Great Widgham Wood, 671.549, 1 plant, now in open ground on N side of stream running through recently cleared strip of deciduous woodland, CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 20.4.1992.
Great Widgham, 65S, DA Wells & G Crompton, 4.7.1995, [R].
Little Widgham [Dullingham] DH Valentine, 1937.
Little Widgham, EA George, 1940.
Little Widgham, PW Richards, 1942.
Little Widgham, R Payne, 2.7.1981.
Little Widgham, G Crompton & R Payne, 3.7.1987.
Little Widgham, 662.552, CJ Cadbury, 21.7.1990, [R].
Little Widgham, over 1000 of very vigorous plants in coniferized boulder–clay wood, 66–54–, and 66–55–, alt. 105m. Oxlips absent from dense conifer stands but survive 1) on N side of parish boundary ditch which forms S boundary of wood, in thin strip between ditch and edge of conifer stand, 2) on rides, especially main NW–SE ride in 66–55– (which is very wet), 3) between rows of conifers where rows are slightly further apart (3m.) than usual – esp. freq. in this habitat N of main NW–SE ride in 66–55–, but rarely flowering, 4) frequent marking line of disused track inside W edge of wood S of main entrance. P. elatior is ± absent from planted Fagus band along W edge, (only 1–2 plants seen here), but is frequent all along the old track just inside main conifer stand despite fact that track is in heavy shade of surrounding conifers. These plants show little sign of even attempting to flower. CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 20.4.1992.
Little Widgham, 65S, DA Wells & G Crompton, 4.7.1995, [R].
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In angle formed by N edge of Out Wood and W edge of Little Widgham Wood, Dullingham, 659.550, alt.110m. 2 vigorous clumps in grassland adjacent to boulder–clay woodlands with large oxlip populations. This small area of rough grassland lies between these woods and the boundary fence of the horse pastuire outside them. CD Preston & Susan E Yates, 20.4.1992.
Yenhall Wood Bab.1860,188. see also Rand's Wood,
75
GREAT WOOD
Great Wood, Upend Kirtling (adjacent to Brenches Park Wood which is all in Suff.)
Brenches Park Wood (in the Cambs part), WT Stearn, 1932.
Upend, 'nr Lidgate', MCF Proctor, 11.4.1952, CGE.
Great Wood, FH Perring, 1962, IR card, BRC.
Great Wood, only a few plants, by main ride, NE end of wood, c.705.548, G Crompton, (with Bernice Wolf), 25.4.1987.
Great Wood, 6 plants seen in a single group where ride is dampest, N edge of main ride running NE–SW through wood, W of junction with short ride running SE, 703.548, CD Preston, 26.10.1991.
Great Wood, 70–54–, M Gurney, 1.7.1999, [R].
