Derby Fen 07.08.23
On arrival Alistair outlined that the main job was to sample the Gaywood River, for micro fauna and to identify and count the species, and to assess the chemical composition of the water. The second objective was to obtain a record of the flora and compare with that from the early Spring. Jim, in waders, entered the river and provided the samples of water with the microfauna which were placed in shallow trays to be identified and counted. Using indicator stix, the nitrate, nitrite, hardness, pH and ammonia were assessed and recorded. The flowering species and fungi were identified and noted by Jenny and Sue . The area of grass had been nibbled flat by a large population of rabbits except for Ragwort and Ladies Bedstraw plants. The flora reflected the fact that the land was dry, of low nutrient status and heavily grazed. Details of the fauna in the river and the flower species on the flat grassy area are provided in the lists below.
