41
GENERAL MEETING TO RAY ISLAND NATURE
RESERVE, 14TH JULY, 1985
As David Scott was on holiday, I led the
meeting in his absence. The day was
fine, becoming humid later on. At the
meeting point our attention was drawn to a
white Crucifer in flower, which was Dittander
(Lepidium latifolium). Nearby were the
purple flowers of Salsify (Tragopogon
porrifolius). We were shown round the
reserve by the warden Mr. David Nicholls,
who pointed out several Whimbrels on the
way across the salt-marsh to the reserve.
They were most easily recognised by their
rapid series of whistles, reputedly seven
in number, although they appear rather
smaller than a Curlew. Also observed
were a number of Redshank.
The area was inhabited by many salt marsh
plants including Sea Milkwort in flower
(Glaux maritima). This plant is a member
of the primrose family. We examined the
sea lavenders and came to the conclusion
that Common Sea Lavender (Limonium vulgare)
and Lax-flowered Sea Lavender (Limonium
humile) were present. The differences
between Sea Arrow Grass (Triglochin mari-
tima) with its flattened shoot at the base
and Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima) with
its basal rosette of linear leaves were
observed. The foliage of Sea Wormwood
(Artemisia maritima) , Golden Samphire (Inula
crithmoides) which is a yellow composite,
and Pepper Saxifrage (Silaum silaus), an
Umbellifer, were seen. The characteristic
sight of large marginal areas of Mud Rush
(Juncus gerardi) was noticeable. On the
island the remains of garden plants were