REPORTS OF MEETINGS
87
the tower by jackdaws. Many landmarks having been pointed out from
this commanding viewpoint, the party then descended and, thanks having
been accorded to the Rector for his kindness, the road was taken for Ingate-
stone, where the party separated for the homeward journey.
It is worth recording that, owing to the persistence of frost to such a
late date, an unusual overlapping of the flowering periods of several com-
mon trees and shrubs was observed, Elm, Almond, Sallow and Forsythia
all being in bloom at this date. A total of 24 flowering plants was recorded
by Mr. Howard. Several mosses and the common polypody were also
identified. Owing to the dull weather the only insects seen were a queen
wasp and some specimens of the March Dagger moth (Chimabache fagella
Fabr.).
Some twenty species of birds were seen during the ramble, including the
one swallow which proverbially "does not make a summer," and the songs
heard included, among summer visitors, cuckoo, chiff-chaff, tree-pipit, willow
warbler, Whitethroat and a very few but unmistakable notes of a recently
arrived nightingale.
RAMBLE IN EPPING FOREST (873rd Meeting)
SATURDAY, MAY 10TH, 1947
On this occasion it was intended to devote special attention to birds
and, about thirty members having assembled at Loughton Garage at 11 a.m.,
it was decided to vary the more usual routes to the Forest by first visiting
Debden Green. The morning was warm and sunny, and gardens everywhere
were gay with spring flowers amongst which ornamental crab-apples and
cherries, horse-chestnut and cherry-laurel were conspicuous.
After ascending Goldings Hill, the footpath to Debden Green was
followed across meadows spangled with flowering dandelion and affording
pleasant views of woodland, farms and fields. Here a green woodpecker
gave an exceptional opportunity for observation as he clung in full sunlight
to the bare branch of a tree. On reaching Debden Green time was taken
to enjoy the rural charm of this still secluded hamlet, and here were seen
some fine sporophores of the dryad's saddle (Polyporus squamosus Fr.) and
a few plants of ramsons (Allium ursinum).
The footpath towards Birch Hall was then taken and, turning along
the edge of Birch Wood, the Forest was entered; thence the bank of the
tank ditch was followed northward until it became necessary to cross the
ditch. The bridge having fallen into a bad state of disrepair, some ingenuity
and considerable exercise of the power of balance were called for in nego-
tiating the tree-trunks, which were all that remained of the solid structure
built by the Army a few years ago.
After a picnic lunch in a pleasant spot not far from the "Wake Arms,"
the Loughton road was crossed and a course set for the Wake Valley pond.
Just before reaching the pond the leaders detected the song of the redstart,
a bird which it was particularly desired to show to the party. Two male
birds were soon located, and practically every member was able to get good
views of the birds as they fed and sang among the old trees.
Continuing at a very easy pace, observing birds, plants and insects en
route, the Duke of Wellington Inn at High Beach was reached in good time
for tea at 4.30 p.m. After the enjoyable meal, which the members have
come to look forward to here, Mr. Pratt was thanked for his leadership
during the day, and several members gave short accounts of their observa-
tions during the ramble. Mr. Bernard Ward, speaking of the birds, said
he considered that the number of species seen fa total of forty) was satisfac-
tory, the chief disappointment being in the non-appearance of the wood-
warbler.