33
18th May, 1984) This was a welcome return to
this spot - the first since 1980. In this same
area we saw a large flock of Tree Sparrows and
once again their call was clear and contrasted
with the House Sparrow.
Birds not recorded this year were the Chiff
Chaff and Tree Pipit. This probably reflected
the poor weather and also that we were restricted
in our search.
The Botanists present kept an eye out for
unusual plants, one being Bitter Vetch (Lathyrus
montanus).
A few deer slots were also seen.
After lunch in the Parish Room we had our AGM,
and a report of the mornings meeting. A total
of 32 species were either heard or seen.
MIKE PARKER
BOTANY GROUP MEETING AT WATER HALL MEADOW AND
BLAKES WOOD, LITTLE BADDOW - 27th May, 1984 ~
The weather forecast was for rain all day, but
in practice there was negligible rain, although
it had been raining all night.
Six of us met at the ford in Little Baddow.
Geoffrey Pyman, the person mainly responsible
for Water Hall Meadow becoming an Essex
Naturalist's Trust reserve, outlined its recent
history.
He then conducted us round this delightful small
meadow, a remnant of what was once extensive
meadows each side of Sandon Brook, which runs
along one side of the reserve. The most obvious