Meeting report

A beautiful afternoon

Seven of us met below the Darens on a perfect sunny day for our last official meetings of the 2024/5 season. The decision to visit this site across our Gloucestershire borders in Herefordshire was based on two of us in search of the elusive Silurian moth last summer and realising it was likely to hold great bryological diversity. On further research we noted the Borders group last held a meeting here in 2005, so we were delighted that  Mark Lawley was able to join us.

The Darens did not disappoint; with some of us ranging further than others we had a list of close to 100 by lunchtime. The lower slopes, wetter areas, wooded stream as well as the crags produced a tally of 165 after everyone’s packets had been examined. There were so many highlights, of note Mark finding Blepharostoma trichophyllum (confirmed by Nick Hodgetts and a debracket for VC36). In addition Bryum elegans,Tortella fasciculata, Archidium alternifolium, Barbilophozia sudetica, Fissidens celticus and Nogopterium gracile all worth a mention. Thanks to Claire and Pete for some great images and to Sharon for boosting the count and identifying some tricky customers.

Meeting details

We usually throw in an upland Welsh meeting once the weather warms up, for a bit of variety – but this year have decided to visit Herefordshire instead. We will visit The Darens, an upland area with sandstone block scree to the west of the county, in the Black Mountains.

Meet at 10.30, at the car park at SO 297299, What3Words ///huts.unless.putty

This is a large area but we will probably focus on Black Darren. The Borders Group held a meeting here in 2005 (20 years ago!) so it’s due another visit. Plants of note include Andreaea rothii, Anomobryum julaceum, Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens, Isopterygiopsis pulchella, Orthothecium intricatum, Ptychomitrium polyphyllum, Marchantia quadrata, Mesoptychia bantriensis, Orthocaulis floerkei, Barbilophozia barbata, Scapania aspera and Tritomaria quinquedentata.

Stout footwear is essential, and you may find a walking pole useful. Bring warm clothing as the site is exposed so could be chilly even on a nice spring day.