13
Soon after plodding through the mud, we were rewarded
by finding the first Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza
fuchsii). Bythis time we were in a steep grassy cutting and
the orchids were growing fairly plentifully in the sheltered
conditions. There were also 2 or 3 Bee Orchids (Ophrys apifera)
if one knew where to find them. A fine specimen of Ground
Thistle (Cirsium acuale) was seen and Sainfoin (Onobrychis
viciifolia) found on the bank.
The track then passed under a high brick bridge carrying
a farm road, and the path narrowed through a wetter area, with
a stream on one side, which later flowed down the path where
Brooklime (Veronica beccabunga) and Watercress (Rorippa nas-
turtium aquaticum) were in flower. This area probably has
some interesting Sedges and Rushes, certainly Pendulous Sedge
(Carex pendula) is common and also Reedmace (Typha latifolia)
is present. The opposite side of the path has been extensively
colonised by willows and together with more Common Spotted
Orchids are a considerable number of Twayblade (Listera ovata)
and in a damp open patch Ragged Robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi).
The track eventually ends as a footpath, when it reaches
the Dunmow By-pass, but shortly before this is a patch of
Spotted Medick (Medicago arabica). The by-pass follows the
route of the old railway past Hasler's Mill, the Dunmow Flitch
Bacon Co. and the site of Dunmow Station before leaving it again
to re-join the Braintree Road.
This party found that they had taken about 11/2 hours to
travel about 11/2 miles, but in all 72 species of flowering plant
had been seen, although not quite all of them were in bloom -
and we hadn't started on the Grasses. Sedges, Rushes, Lichens
or Fungi (except for some Puff-balls). The only young man who
was recording birds noted 15 species, including Blackcap,
Willow Warbler, Tree-sparrow, Linnet and Carrion Crow, 3
different types of snail, a dead mole and a rabbit which
crossed our path.
We did the return walk in much less time, but it enabled
us to find any plants that we missed on the outward journey,
have a second look at the specialities - and consider how much
colonisation had taken place in 12 years.
(Acknowledgement: Branch Lines to Braintree. C.P. Lombardelli.
(Stour Valley Railway Preservation Society) )
Pam Jermyn.