I recently received a social media message advising me of the discovery of a rare plant on my local patch at Staunton Harold Reservoir.
The Marsh Dock (Rumex palustris) the plant in question, hasn’t been seen in Derbyshire since 1976. So I checked out the plant on the internet, in order to know exactly what I was looking for and decided to go and search for it on Saturday 27th October 2018. All I had to go on was a rough grid reference. After searching the exposed gravel beaches at the reservoir for at least an hour, I eventually found the Marsh Dock. I discovered three separate plants all together. Two fairly close to each other and the third specimen, which was more isolated and some distance from the first two.
The extremely low water levels must be a reason for this plants discovery. I suspect that the seeds have been in the ground for all this time and the exposed gravel shores, drying out, have influenced the germination of the seeds. Whilst searching for the Marsh Dock, I also discovered Marsh Cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum) another plant that I have never seen before.
Marsh Dock – Above 4 images – Staunton Harold Reservoir – Tony Davison©
Marsh Cudweed – Staunton Harold Reservoir – Tony Davison©
Staunton Harold Reservoir – Extremely low water levels has exposed plant rich gravels that have not been seen for many years. Looking North East towards the dam
Staunton Harold Reservoir – Looking South towards Calke Park and Spring Wood
Staunton Harold Reservoir – 54% full October 27th 2018
