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The Society AGM will take place on Sunday 13th April between 2.00 - 4.00 pm at Preston Montford Field Studies Centre.
The agenda is below but first we would like to draw your attention to the talk which is a highlight of the day. This is entitled “Losing my Wellies in Wellington” – Botanical Surveys of Dothill and Shawbirch and Apley Woods Local Nature Reserves presented by Mark Duffell.
Dothill and Shawbirch Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and Apley Woods LNR both lie to the north of Wellington and are now surrounded by developments. Important to the local community, a repeat botanical survey was undertaken during 2023 to record the flora present and its significance.
Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife by Mark Duffell
This is a chance to hear about all the discoveries made on these two Local Nature Reserves, including at least one first country record, several first county records and numerous other weird and wonderful species.
Both sites have a fascinating history, and, using old maps and historical aerial photographs, changes in land use can be seen. An overview of the various habitats present on both sites, as well as the history of the sites and their botanical recording will be given. Historical botanists are uncovered (not literally!) along with the plants they found. Surveying also coincided with some recent management at Dothill, and this has resulted in several interesting finds from the seedbanks.
It is easy to ignore the wildflowers and trees on your doorstep, but this entertaining talk shows how much is on offer within Wellington.
Mark is a long-standing member of the Shropshire Botanical Society, enjoying botanising across the county and further afield, both professionally and as a volunteer. He has a wide interest in aliens and is BSBI referee for non-native shrubs. He enjoyed the opportunity to re-visit the subjects of this talk as it gave him a chance to really get to know a site and follow the flora throughout a season.
Agenda for the 2025 meeting:
1. Minutes of Previous Meeting (see below) and Matters Arising
2. Annual Report
3. Treasurer’s Report
4. Election of Officers
5. Any Other Business
There is a vacancy for Chair of the Society. Nominations should be submitted by April 5th to the Secretary, Penny Wysome. Both Secretary and Treasurer are prepared to continue in their roles but nominations are welcome for all committee positions. Members wishing to be elected to the committee are welcome to have their 'proposers' submit nominations to the Secretary by April 5th: pennywysome@yahoo.com
There is also a celebration day being held at Minsterley Meadows by the Middle Marches Community Land Trust on the 25th April.
