The Botany Section of the Societe Jersiaise visited Pre Arthur in May with great anticipation hoping to find that the four spikes of Anacamptis laxiflora Jersey Orchid that we saw in the meadow in 2024 would have increased this year. We were not to be disappointed, we found 21 spikes scattered around the eastern end of the meadow. This is very good news, we now have four sites on the island where this special Orchid grows. Green hay from Noir Pre was spread on the meadow and this is how the orchids have appeared in this wet meadow.
Another plant we were pleased to find was Oenanthe fistulosa Tubular Water-dropwort, one of Jersey’s Protected Plants under the Wildlife Law. We saw many plants, some just about to come into flower. These plants were scattered around the pond area where they grow in very damp soil.
Many thanks to Maggie Esson and her team for the fantastic work they have done in managing this wet meadow and showing what can be done with this special type of habitat to encourage the special flora and fauna that thrive in this ecosystem.
Author: Anne Haden
botany@societe.je
