Nature

Gorgeous grasses and Dazzling Daisies River Mel Restoration Group

Discovering the late-flowering members of the daisy family on the Systematic Beds

The Systematic Beds, which group plants in their families, are fascinating at any time of year. In most botanic gardens, systematic (or ‘order’) beds are long and rectangular but in Cambridge, they are all irregular, curving island beds. The visual effect in the height of summer is a great kaleidoscopic mosaic of flowering plants covering some three acres. In late summer and early autumn, the beds devoted to grasses (Graminae) and the daisy family (Compositae) are stunning.

The grasses occupy several beds in the central oval that is devoted to monocotyledons – plants that germinate with one seed leaf, such a lilies, grasses and alliums – which constitute about 20% of all flowering plants. They make a tapestry of tactile textures from the feathery plumes of many different varieties of Pampas Grass (Cortaderia) to the soft bristly ‘caterpillars’ of the Pennisetum flowers and the hazy sprays of Panicum. The golden and silvery tones create a muted metallic shimmer in the air, accompanied by a gentle rustling as the lightest breeze rustles through. It is impossible not to run a hand over the soft, billowing awns!

The central oval of monocotyledons are surrounded by the dicotyledons – those plants that germinate with two seed leaves – that make up 80% of flowering plants. On the north side, you will find a dazzling display of late-flowering members of the daisy (Compositae) family in a sizzlinghot palette: lemon-yellow perennial sunflowers, tangerinecoloured Tithonia and bright pink Cosmos.

The Botanic Garden is open 10am–6pm through the summer months. Admission is £4 (£3.50) or join the Friends & help the Garden grow! To discover this week’s Plant Picks from the Head of Horticulture, please visit the website at www.botanic.cam.ac.uk. Chalk streams such as the Mel form some of the world’s most beautiful and iconic rivers. They are found almost exclusively in the south and east of England and are home to some of our most loved and endangered native wildlife. These streams are unique in that they are fed by springs from underground aquifers that are naturally replenished during periods of rainfall. Unfortunately, a trend towards lower rainfalls and increased abstraction for public water supplies in recent years has had a detrimental affect on these rivers. Here in Melbourn the effects of this summer’s drought resulted in river levels that were 12–15 inches below those of the previous year. This resulted in exposed banks of silt and has put pressure on the wildlife that depends upon the river for their survival. This situation would have been markedly worse if the Environment Agency had not supported the river flow by pumping in water from aquifers elsewhere in the region. Rivers such as ours are now threatened by climate change and over use of water due to a growing population.

This situation was brought home to us in rather an unexpected way at this year’s Hampton Court Palace Flower Show where the WWF’s 50th anniversary garden was designed to highlight the importance of the UK’s chalk streams and to promote river protection and water conservation. This stunning

A chalk stream habitat at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show

garden recreated a natural chalk stream habitat which closely mirrored that of our own river Mel. Its visual message was strong, with the central stream suddenly disappearing down a giant plug hole at our feet. This was a powerful reminder that these special habitats are under threat from our overuse of water. We were surprised to learn that each of us uses approximately 150 litres of water a day in such ordinary tasks as cooking, washing and flushing the toilet. It is good to know that we can all help maintain our local rivers simply by taking a more responsible attitude to our own personal use of water. Tribute to Don Braggins We have been deeply saddened by the death of Don Braggins a founder member of the Group. Don was an enthusiastic and committed member of the Group, whose wisdom, experience and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. Although latterly he was unable to attend working parties he continued to support the Group behind the scenes in many ways. Not only was he a serving committee member, he and Anne have provided storage for all our materials during the time we have been working in Meldreth. All his friends in the Group send their deepest sympathy to Anne and the rest of Don’s family.

It is a tribute to Don and other members of the Group that the River Mel Restoration Group has just won a Conservation and Natural Heritage Award from the South Cambridgeshire District Council for their restoration of the river Mel. The Group is particularly pleased to receive this award as it recognises best practice examples of landscape enhancement, habitat creation and community conservation initiatives. The award was presented by Rob Mungovan, the Council’s Ecology Officer, during a visit by Councillors to see at first hand the improvements to the river. Working Party Dates: Saturday 24th September – Melbourn Saturday 15th October – Meldreth Saturday 19th November – Melbourn (RiverCare Litter Pick meet 9.45am) Saturday 10th December – Meldreth

All working parties meet at 9.15am for a 9.30am start and we endeavour to finish by about 12.30pm. In Melbourn we meet at the Pavilion on the Recreation Field and in Meldreth at 14 Flambards Close. For further information, please contact info@rivermel.com or telephone Maureen Brierley on 01763 262752. Steve Hawkins and Ann Barnes

Natural Heritage Award Councillors visiting the River Mel group