The 2002 AGM address. The changing flora of the Essex countryside
But not all is doom and gloom, as there have been new arrivals. Some alien plants have been with us
for so long that we accept them as everyday sights in the countryside. Others are more recent.
Oxford Ragwort Senecio squalidus brightens our urban landscape without harming our native flora
- it is a welcome addition. Other species are introductions from abroad or escapes from cultivation.
Russian Comfrey Symphytum x uplandicum and Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum are
examples. Others include Slender Speedwell Veronica filiformis. Canadian Fleabane Conyza
canadensis and Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica._ although most people would agree that not
all these new arrivals are welcome here. This comment applies also to the recent aquatic invaders
which threaten our ponds and rivers - New Zealand Pigmyweed Crassula helmsii and Floating
Pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides.
In conclusion, should we be worried about what is happening to our flora? After all, it has been
changing for centuries and will certainly continue to do so with global warming. It is not the intention
of this presentation to discuss the issues raised by the various changes taking place, nor is it my
intention to suggest solutions or strategies for conservation. That perhaps would provide a theme for
future discussion.
It is however, the duty of the Essex Field Club to monitor the changes taking place and to record the
increase or decline of all flora and fauna of the county, on the basis of which conservation decisions
can be made.
Fig. 1 Stemless Thistle Cirsium acaule, a declining plant of calcareous grassland
© Charles Watson
Essex Naturalist (New Series) 19 (2002)
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