‘We can’t live against the grain of reality and expect to survive indefinitely.’
So wrote a highly respected social observer nearly twenty years ago (he pointed to the environmental crisis as clear evidence).
That truth is said to have been demonstrated in the 11th century by King Canute by failing to hold back the rising tide.
Now rising sea levels threaten low lying island communities today, and many major cities, such as London, in the medium term. The cause is well known: polar icecaps melting at an unprecedented rate due to climate change, a result of burning fossil fuels. Some rub their hands as the Arctic ice fields retreat, making their access to oil fields much easier. Who said irony is dead? We cannot feel unaffected if we don’t live on low lying lands, devastating floods can occur anywhere as we have seen recently.
On 2nd November we held our well attended 35th AGM in the Village Hall. In his report our Chairperson, Mick Denness, mentioned some of the changes we have seen since our first AGM. Not least in communications. He reported on the year’s work and showed we are carrying out more conservation and less amenity work. He thanked members and the committee for their work.
He introduced our speaker, Dr Nick Sturt (Chairman of the Sussex Botanical Recording Society) who gave an expert illustrated talk on wild flowers of the Arun Valley. Starting at the shore he showed examples of flowers like Rough Clover which grow on shingle, others such as Bindweed, on dunes. He mentioned that the seed of Lizard Orchid is perhaps blown in from the Continent. Moving upstream he showed examples of river bank flowers and grassland flowers mentioning plants like Early Meadow Grass, which is becoming more common probably due to warmer winters. He covered common and rare species, such as the Small Teasel, which is an Arun variety. The journey up the Arun concluded with the Downland plants, one example being the Prickly Poppy. Altogether a fascinating insight to the rich variety of wildflowers for us to enjoy.
The work party on 9th November on Chantry Hill continued clearing the damaging scrub from the important chalk grassland. The next work party meets at 10.00am on 7th December at Sullington Warren working on the Heathland. As ever volunteers new and old (in both senses) are always welcome. We meet in the NT car park at the Washington end of Water Lane, sharing transport where possible. A refreshment break gives time for a chat.
For information about this and our other activities, or on becoming a member, or offering advice, please get in touch with Chairman Mick Denness on 01903 745971, or see our website: www.storringtonconservation.org.uk/.
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