Was it worth it?
Interpretation
How successful was the method?
Can we learn anything from the data?
Interpretation
How successful was the method?
Can we learn anything from the data?
Was the method a success?
Yes. It was worth it.
The simplicity and the enjoyable nature of the method make it a way in which anyone with a basic level of botanical knowledge can collect valid data, or even without any knowledge make a contribution to its collection.
The method of recording the 8 figure grid references directly to squared paper on the spot (otherwise known as Orchid Bingo) was a useful way to deal with large areas of plant cover. It prevented double recording when the area was too big or complex for one session. Surprisingly, transferring from paper to digital format was easy.
What can we learn from the data?
The contrast between the north and south ends of the reserve was striking. In particular the Spotted-orchids show a fairly sharp division between Heath Spotted-orchid in the open areas to the north and Common Spotted-orchid in the south. They may well all be hybrids but the chosen distinguishing feature of lip shape was certainly different in different areas. The same was probably true for the Milkworts but we failed on the identification of specimens in the more southern areas. The small areas of open grassland in the south are slightly higher and therefore dryer.
There were many plants listed in the SWT Reserve file that we did not see, although this is hardly surprising as records go back to 1923. Some, such as Adder's-tongue Fern (1990) are small enough to be easily missed. Round-leaved Sundew (1971) is also small, but its habitat is quite specialised and we looked hard for that. Greater Spearwort (1995) is a striking plant that would be difficult to overlook. It is hard to escape the conclusion that some have been lost. Analysis of distribution patterns might suggest the best places to look for "missing" species.
Bog Pimpernel is a plant which (from personal observation) has spread in the last few years. Even though it is small, it is distinctive and we would be confident that the distribution record is more or less complete . A follow up would be interesting as surely it must still be increasing in the wet conditions of this year.
The gaps in the Total Records map were a surprise and an indication of how misleading the selective nature of the method could be! Some woodland areas in particular appear blank, leading to consideration of how best to "characterise" these areas. Concentrating on fern identification might be a way forward, particularly as this could be done at a time of year when the GPS was effective in woodland.
Yes. It was worth it.
The simplicity and the enjoyable nature of the method make it a way in which anyone with a basic level of botanical knowledge can collect valid data, or even without any knowledge make a contribution to its collection.
The method of recording the 8 figure grid references directly to squared paper on the spot (otherwise known as Orchid Bingo) was a useful way to deal with large areas of plant cover. It prevented double recording when the area was too big or complex for one session. Surprisingly, transferring from paper to digital format was easy.
What can we learn from the data?
The contrast between the north and south ends of the reserve was striking. In particular the Spotted-orchids show a fairly sharp division between Heath Spotted-orchid in the open areas to the north and Common Spotted-orchid in the south. They may well all be hybrids but the chosen distinguishing feature of lip shape was certainly different in different areas. The same was probably true for the Milkworts but we failed on the identification of specimens in the more southern areas. The small areas of open grassland in the south are slightly higher and therefore dryer.
There were many plants listed in the SWT Reserve file that we did not see, although this is hardly surprising as records go back to 1923. Some, such as Adder's-tongue Fern (1990) are small enough to be easily missed. Round-leaved Sundew (1971) is also small, but its habitat is quite specialised and we looked hard for that. Greater Spearwort (1995) is a striking plant that would be difficult to overlook. It is hard to escape the conclusion that some have been lost. Analysis of distribution patterns might suggest the best places to look for "missing" species.
Bog Pimpernel is a plant which (from personal observation) has spread in the last few years. Even though it is small, it is distinctive and we would be confident that the distribution record is more or less complete . A follow up would be interesting as surely it must still be increasing in the wet conditions of this year.
The gaps in the Total Records map were a surprise and an indication of how misleading the selective nature of the method could be! Some woodland areas in particular appear blank, leading to consideration of how best to "characterise" these areas. Concentrating on fern identification might be a way forward, particularly as this could be done at a time of year when the GPS was effective in woodland.
Polypodium vulgare
The pattern of distribution of Somerset Ancient Woodland Indicator species matches what is known of the history of woodland cover on the site - as indeed it should - but is a satisfying result nevertheless.