Below is an article which may be of interest to some members regarding the recent publication of the excellent book The Flora of Derbyshire.
The Flora of Derbyshire
In the Spring of last year, we were acclaiming the publication of The Birds of Derbyshire and acknowledging the many excellent reviews of the book. This year comes a counterweight for the other end of the bookshelf in the form of The Flora of Derbyshire.
Based on 840,000 plant records, it is the culmination of some 20 years of research and fieldwork. It gives details of all 1,919 species of wildflowers, grasses, trees and ferns that have ever been recorded in the county with over 1,100 mapped in colour and more than 100 coloured photographs.
It is instantly impressive both visually and in terms of the detail covered. Introductory chapters describe the various landscapes and vegetation of our county, the history of Derbyshire field botany and the story of local plant conservation. There is also a chapter entitled “Where to See Plants in Derbyshire” which describes over 50 easily accessible and botanically rich sites, as well as some of the plants that one might expect to find at each. It is the first county flora to appear since 1969 and covers a 400 year historical period running to 458 pages in large format. It is in full colour throughout.
The authors, Alan Willmot and Nick Moyes are to be warmly congratulated on a magnificent achievement, although they generously share the credit with the many who have assisted the recording efforts that they have coordinated. The book seems set to become an outstanding reference for students and botanists and is highly recommended. We feel sure that it will appear in local bookshops soon and even if you have to pay the full price of £38.50, we think it good value for money. Further details can also be obtained from the publishers at www.naturebureau.co.uk/bookshop/
Bryan & Kate Barnacle