Llanelli Naturalists Newsletter - December 1984
Richard Pryce
Joint Meeting of Llanelli Naturalists and West Wales Trust for Nature Conservation
Leader Mr. R.D. Pryce
About thirty members and guests from both organizations met in rather cold, unsettled weather to inspect the saltmarsh and dunes recently reprieved from the Borough Council's development proposals.
Following a brief introductory talk by Mr. F.H. Webb, the party set off along the formation of the new dunes road near the Coastguard lookout, The common, but little-known yellow crucifer, Hoary Mustard (Hirschfeldia incana) was seen in abundance, As this introduced species is, very poorly described in all the popular floras the leader pointed out its distinguishing features and compared it with other related species growing nearby, notably Wild Turnip (Brassica rapa), Black Mustard (Brassica napus), Charlock (Sinapis arvensis), Sea Radish (Raphanus maritimus) and Annual Wall Rocket (Diplotaxis muralis).
The group continued on towards the colony of Fragrant Evening Primrose (Oenothera stricta), discovered by F.H. Webb in 1978, one of only two Carmarthenshire sites for this Red Data Book species. Before reaching the place, however, six flowering plants of the species were discovered in disturbed ground adjacent to the new road, perhaps the start of a third colony, At "Mr. Webb's site" the differences between the Fragrant and Welsh Evening Primroses (Oenothera cambrica) were demonstrated as both were growing together. A little further on, several plants of the large-flowered Evening Primrose (Oenothera erythrosepala) were seen, completing the trio. At this point, Dr. Jones, who had collected several different fungi, stopped to explain their morphology to those present.
The sun had now broken through and the afternoon had turned out to be very pleasant as the party walked from the dunes onto the upper saltmarsh. One of the first plants we saw was the Glasswort (Salicornia pusilla) (confirmed by Ferguson at Kew) which is the second county record. The wide floral zonation of this habitat at Pembrey, was well seen, and several plants of the Rock Sea Lavender (Limonium binervosum), for which this sandy zone is noted, were found to be still in flower. The middle zones of the saltings amply demonstrated the adaptations that these halophytic plants have had to make to survive this hostile, salty habitat, the leaves of many of the plants are fleshy and succulent: the Sea Plantain (Plantago maritima), Sea Spurrey (Spergularia species), Sea Blite (Sueda maritima) and others. Further down the saltmarsh the lowest zones, were encountered, with the grass Puccinellia maritima and Glasswort (Salicornia species) covering large areas, Sea Purslane (Halimione portulacoides) concentrated on the banks of the creeks.
There was impromptu discussion amongst members as to whether encroachment of the marsh by Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) and Spartina grass could be limited by some degree of controlled grazing, or whether the system was in equilibrium and did not need management for its maintenance.
Whilst walking back to the cars, several plants characteristic of dry, disturbed ground were noted near a patch of Willow scrub. The floras were consulted to determine the Melilot, which proved to be Melilotus altissima with hairy, black seed-pods. Other plants were Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), Red Bartsia (Odontites verna), Ox ford Ragwort (Senecio squalidus) and Lucerne (Medicago sativa).
It was generally agreed that the afternoon had been very enjoyable and warranted the long distances travelled by many of the W.W.T.N.C , members present. although birds had been notable by their absence, only a Heron, a Buzzard and a flock of finches having been seen, the ornithologists had actively participated in the discussions, especially on the ecological aspects. The meeting broke-up, with those present having gained a greater insight into the reasons why there had been so much protest at the proposed destruction of the area.
R.D. Pryce, 11th October 1984.
