Doncaster Scientific Society

Martin Beck Wood was visited by this society on Thursday last. The wood is little known to the majority of local nature lovers, being some distance from a main road, and further being strictly preserved by the owner, Mr. B. I. Whitaker, of Hesley Hall, who kindly granted permission for the visit.

Its chief interest, from a naturalist’s point of view, lies in the fact that although situated bout 1,000 ft above sea level, and on the dry gravelly soil, characteristic of the district around Rossington and Bawtry, yet its surface is distinctly peaty and supports a vegetation typical of a peat-moor. This was soon noticed by the investigators on Thursday.

Immediately on entering the wood, the soft, springy turf told of a peat soil, and soon characteristic plants were in evidence. Among these were several species rarely found in the Doncaster district. The beautiful Bog bean (Menyanthes trifoliata) was abundant, though unfortunately not in flower. The water crow foots (Ranunculus lenormandi and R. godronii) dotted the ditches with their white star-like blossoms; while in open grassy places the lovely yellow spikes of the Bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) made a fine show. Many other bog-land plants of more general distribution were noted, among which may be mentioned Marsh cingfoil (Potentilla palustre), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), pincus Pemfreocarpus, Sastroea spinulosa, etc.

A very pleasant ramble and a good tea at Rossington were enjoyed by the twelve members who took part.