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by three deeply shelving lakes, those on the
western and southern margins containing
Hippuris, Myriophyllum spicatum, and
Ranunculus trichophyllus. In the ridge
and furrow area in between many thousands
of Common Spotted orchids and Common
Twayblade abound. Later in the year many
thousands of Pyramidal orchid also occur,
but these were late in 1986 and there was
no sign of them on the day of the visit.
In the south-eastern corner of this lake
enclosed area there is a localised colony of
the grass Calamogrostis epigejos, and a
large area of the Larger Wintergreen (Pyrola
rotundifolia, only known elsewhere in Essex
from the Grays Chalk Pit (and an introduced
colony at Fingringhoe Wick). The Broad-
leaved Helleborine and Stinking Iris were
also found in this corner. The hawkweed
Hieracium acuminatum and the Wild Strawberry
(Fragaria vesca) also carpet the chalk over
the whole of this area. Dragonflies clearly
breed in the area. An Emperor (Anax imper-
ata) was captured by hand and several Black-
tailed Skimmers (Orthetrum cancellatum) were
seen at close quarters.
The high, backfilled shelf on the eastern
side has become colonised by Vicia villosa,
Lactuca virosa, Iris foetidissima . Bee Orchid,
Blue Fleabane, Orobanche minor, Galega Offic-
inalis and Desmazeria rigida. Close to the
hedge in the south east corner of this shelf
two large colonies of the Milk-vetch Astra-
galus glycyphyllos made the day.
After lunch several members explored the
area to the east of the Warren Pit. A dead
adder was found here. The extensive Thanet