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ANSWER: IT WAS A STONEWORT!
Chara vulgaris var. longibractea
Probably the most frequently encountered species of
Stonewort (Charophyte) in Essex, often found in vast
quantities in farm reservoirs and recently excavated
ponds. Come and find out more about these fascinating
giant algae on our special introducing stoneworts day.
After an introductory slide show we will be dipping
into Forest ponds and driving out into Essex to see
some other species in situ after lunch. We hope to
see the following species: Nitella translucens,
N. flexilis, Chara globularis, C. vulgaris var. longi-
bracteata, var. papillata and C. hispida - possibly
others will turn up as well.
PUT THIS DATE IN YOUR DIARY!
September 12th, 1987 BOTANY GROUP INTRODUCTION
TO STONEWORTS - Books, handouts, microscopes supplied.
Meet Epping Forest Conservation Centre, High Beach,
Epping Forest (TQ 412.911) at 11.00 a.m. Joint meeting
with the London Natural History Society Botany Group,
Leader Ken Adams.
REPORT OF MEETINGS
BIRD MEETING, Old Hall Marsh, 5th April, 1987
On the warmest day of the year, 10 members enjoyed a
leisurely and sunny walk along the Salcott Channel
on the northern fringes of the R.S.P.B.'s most
expensive acquisition, Old Hall Marsh.
In the fields outside the village Lapwings meandered,
Redshank prodded, Curlew strutted and a few pairs of
Shelduck slept. Some Golden Plovers glistened in the