DHBlog033 · A Dorset Flora Group field trip report from a special woodland
On 3rd May, Steve Masters (Reserves Ecologist for Dorset Wildlife Trust) led a group of ten Dorset Flora Group members in a survey of Girdler's Coppice near Sturminster Newton. This DWT reserve is an ancient oak woodland and hazel coppice with SSSI status and a superb ground flora, benefitting from a traditional system of rotational coppice management.
Our progress was slow (even by the standards of a botanical walk), testament to the impressive array of plants that we found. We started from the entrance along the main east–west ride and soon found a good number of Goldilocks Buttercup (Ranunculus auricomus) and Early-purple Orchid (Orchis mascula).
Other highlights here included Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides), Woodruff (Galium odoratum) and Bitter-vetch (Lathyrus linifolius). An unusual find was Midland Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), a small tree distinguished from the more widespread Hawthorn (C. monogyna) by the presence of two styles in the flower rather than one, and by more shallowly-lobed leaves.
The coppice also proved to be an interesting site for Wood-rushes (Luzula species). We found Great Wood-rush (L. sylvatica) and Hairy Wood-rush (L. pilosa) – notable woodland species in their own right – and also Southern Wood-rush (L. forsteri), which is scarcer by far. The latter two can be confused and also hybridise, complicating identification. As a general guide, the leaves of L.forsteri are narrower and its inflorescence is more delicate and drooping but as Robin later demonstrated, it is worthwhile checking the seeds and their basal appendages at close quarters to be sure. In L. forsteri, the appendage is short and straight while in L. pilosa, it is longer and hooked.
Still on the same ride, we stopped for lunch, after which Robin and Tom diverted to the south-western corner of the site where they found Common Twayblade (Neottia ovata). The party gradually made its way down the slope to the lower reaches near the flood meadows by the River Stour where we found Sanicle (Sanicula europaea) and many other interesting plants.
We ended the day with an impressive list of over 130 plant species, confirming that the flora of Girdler's Coppice is thriving. Our thanks go to both Steve and James from DWT for leading us around the site and to all who attended and shared their knowledge and enthusiasm.
This article contains contributions from Tom & Jean Smith, Carolyn Steele and Robin Walls, and was edited by Daniel Holloway.