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Excerpts from Flora of Cheshire – published 1970.
‘All the records in the Flora have been made during the period 1964 to 1969, and the older data are not given, except in special circumstances. What we have now is the flora as we see it today, recorded carefully and accurately …the habitat data as well as localities are given and this is most valuable…it is sad to note that some of the interesting species of former times such as the winter greens (Pyrola species) are now extinct but it is encouraging to see decorative invaders from abroad such as the Indian balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) which is not even mentioned in de Tableys flora …are now well established.’
‘Encouraging to see’ …hmmmm…I’m not so sure many people would agree with this comment – made by D.H.Valentine – how times have changed.
What is amazing with these type of books is the level of detail that they go into. The object of the ‘Flora of Cheshire’ was to present a snapshot of the Cheshire ground cover in 1964-69 – surveyed in detail on a 5 X 5 kilometre square basis – even making particular reference to Wythenshawe.
Now I’m pretty sure that not many people nowadays would want to visit Wythenshawe to carry out a vegetation survey*??
(*Maybe…some sort of weapons survey ….along the lines of …’have you got a gun or a knife ??’ …. ‘No ….well… here’s one of each just in case you need them…’)
The book goes through ‘gains and losses’ of species between 1875 and 1969 noting that species which show least change are those whose habitats for a variety of reasons have suffered least interference, these include woodland, grassland scrub and marsh. The book notes that woodlands in the county have not increased but are ‘rigorously preserved’ – with distribution very similar to a century ago.
Analysis of the species that have become extinct shows a close correlation between species which were then local and rare and sensitive habitats where change in environment has rendered the terrain inhospitable.
The text notes that many ‘rare’ and ‘exotic’ species colonising areas formed as a result of human activity. Notes refer to Langley reservoirs near Macclesfield with other species at Bolsley reservoir and orchids appearing on the lime waste beds of central Cheshire.
Questions are asked in the book as to whether ‘strand loving’ plants were brought in by water fowl before they became extinct? Was certain seed blown from Anglesey or the Lancashire dunes??
As far as additions to the flora are concerned, some of these originated from ballast and a few have become locally established in the Wirral. Rhododendron Ponticum is referenced and is quoted as ‘spreading rapidly’ from ‘original plantings in woodland on sandy or peaty soils’.
Railway ballast is also noted as being particularly favoured by certain species with ‘abandoned track beds’ providing suitable ground for the inland spread of plants which require… ‘dry open ground to survive’.
The spread of aquatic invasive species is put at the door of the declining use of canals as transport systems. When they were actively commercially used the canals had to be cleared of vegetation and the routes kept open by regular maintenance – without which the aquatics have spread rapidly.
Reference is also made within the text to the more exotic plants with Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant hogweed) spreading along the Manchester Ship Canal and the lower Bollin whilst ‘Impatiens’ (balsam) is well entrenched in Arnold loop of the Mersey’.
So whilst the book may be over 45 years old – many of the questions that it asks are just as pertinent today.
The language may have changed slightly but the amount of information contained within this book is incredible –
Mike C
Luckily Alex doesn’t read my blogs …or he would be embarrassed about what I’m about to write.
Alex Dayes… special in so many ways – (this could end up as a poem)
I’m now 55 – business owner, entrepreneur blah blah blah. I’m pretty experienced in the world of small to medium business ownership and management but have never met anyone who works quite as hard as Alex.
The reason for the blog is really to introduce him to anybody who hasn’t yet come across him and is looking for somebody to sort their site problems with invasive species. Alex is your man – I say this without the slightest hesitation. Well you would – I hear you say – he works for you. Yes I suppose this is true .but my recommendation goes beyond this..
I’ve worked with some good people over the years but never anybody quite as ‘immersed’ as Alex is – he gives 100% to every client he works for. He gives so much it’s a little painful to watch at times as I know he will burn himself out if he carries on at the rate he goes at things.
Father to a young son and relatively recently married he would have his hands full even if he weren’t ‘managing’ Japanese Knotweed Solutions Ltd yet he manages to do both tasks whilst making it look relatively easy (I know there are one or two hiccups with family life but nothing he can’t handle)…
What’s blindingly brilliant about Alex is his honesty. There is no bullshit with Alex – ever.
NOTE – I’m embarrassed to say that I’m full of it …but I’m trying to be a better man – honest
What I first liked about him when I interviewed him still shines through (…even though he’s been working with me for over 8 years) – he’s basically just a straight, honest lad from Stockport who has done well for himself – but he’s done well for himself without compromising his integrity. He still values his word and is genuinely upset if ever somebody shakes his hand then reneges on a deal. I’m still a bit anal about getting people to sign contracts …having been shafted once or twice by people that shake your hand whilst stabbing you in the back.
He is competitive and will want to win projects – but not at any cost. He will provide the best price and the most competitive price but will not lower his (or the companies) standards – if needs be he will walk away from a project if he feels the client is being mislead by another contractor.
I have never seen anybody with such a work ethic – I can safely say I have never known anybody who goes to the lengths he does.
He is a winner – and anybody that gets him on their project should consider themselves lucky to have him on their side.
Mike C
Cars July 12, 2016You know you want me to write about Mike Clough playboy extraordinaire …fast cars, loose women, casino’s, lap dancing bars …Mike Clough 007….a legend in his own mind.
Actually I think many of my problems may stem from reading too many James Bond novels at a very formative age. Much of my ‘love making’ technique stems from these early novels that I read by torchlight beneath the bedsheets …my wife is now a little fed up of me trying to undo her bra with my magnetic watch strap.. 🙁
So what you really want to know is ….does Mike Clough lead a glamorous life.
Well – the answer I’m afraid is …no.
I may have an Aston Martin, I may have a Performance Audi RS6 …but in reality all this means is that I spend a lot of time driving all over the bloody country. The reason behind the car fetish is simply the idea that if I’m going to spend a lot of time in a car …I might as well be in a nice car.
I may eat in nice restaurants in London and I may be a black card holder in some of the most exclusive places to eat and drink ….but…if you are on your own – to be honest – I’d much rather be with the Mrs in our local. The reason behind the restaurant fetish is the idea that if I’m going to eat away from home….I might as well eat in a nice restaurant.
I’ve always had a bit of a ‘bee’ in my head about where I sleep too ….you’ve guessed it …if I’m going to be away from home I might as well stay somewhere nice.
All in all, I’ve developed a routine that may leave some people baffled – but it makes a kind of sense to me. I’ve never understood the type of person that looks for the cheapest possible place to eat/drink/whatever …and drives a bloody Nissan X Trail. I say I’ve never understood – that’s not quite true – I’m now at a point in my life when I can safely say I don’t really care what other people do…it’s irrelevant.
I live in Glossop yet have another house in Alport near Bakewell – about 45 minutes away. Loads of people have said – ‘….why do you have a second home that’s so near? You could have had a place in Portugal or Spain for what you paid?’
Well – yes I could – but to me…what the bloody hell would I want to go to Portugal for? ….and what does Spain have to offer…? Bull fights..? Yeah right …must go there to live.
Alport has some of the best scenery in the UK with the Peak National Park – it’s got the best fly fishing a man could wish for …and mountain biking trails that never end – with the best people you could ever wish to meet* – (*NB apart from the dodgy couple at Rock House)
So not too glamorous I’m afraid – it’s all done for a practical reason.
I think one of the things I’ve seen a little too often is business men who scrape their way through life in a cheap suit and a crappy car with the intention of enjoying their retirement….?
Then they hit retirement and die.
My theory is to go through life in an expensive suit driving an Aston Martin…. with no intention of retiring ….ever.
I don’t hit retirement ….and …I don’t die.
Watch this space…
Mike C
