SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER: WREST PARK, SILSOE, BEDS

We have had some very successful forays here in the past so we are delighted to have been invited back again after a gap of a few years.

Wrest Park comprises 90 acres of gardens including many ornamental and ancient trees, woodland, grassland and water bodies. One of its original features is the formal Versailles-like canal, the Long Water, created in the 1680s. There are various gothic buildings (many of these the work of Batty Langley) and over 40 statues. There is also a conservatory giving the possibility of finding synanthropic species such as Leucocoprinus spp. Those who do not know the site may like to have a look at the Wrest Park website in advance of the meeting. It is a fascinating place and has proved to be rich in native flora, fungi and invertebrates.

Wrest Park is reached by turning east off the A6 at Silsoe onto Park Avenue.  Meet in the English Heritage car park (Grid ref: TL 091356). The normal entrance charge (£9) is being waived for those attending this meeting but please ensure you are punctual in order that we can enter the site from the free car park as a group. There is a good cafe and toilets and as there is plenty here to occupy people for the day so you may wish to bring lunch or purchase refreshments there. (It is not essential that we stay together once inside, nor that we leave together.)  To benefit from free admission and car parking, pre-booking with Alan Outen is essential no later than 1 October  (alanouten@virginmedia.com).

Leader: Alan Outen