Basil Thyme

We had a good work party at the nature reserve this morning. The plan was then to have a session this afternoon with the volunteers surveying the chalk scrapes we dug out 2 years ago to see what further plant species might have colonised this year. However, just as we were finishing a lovely sun-bathing lunch, the dark clouds gathered over the highest point in the Chilterns and we were suddenly subjected to an absolute deluge. 15 minutes later the rain started to ease, but we were all soaked to the skin and were squelching around in sodden boots. The enthusiasm for the plant survey had seriously dampened, but we still had a superficial look for anything new. Just as we were giving up to go home and have hot showers I spotted a lovely clump of Basil Thyme, Clinopodium acinos, a new arrival (presumably) from the small population on the grassy slope on the other side of the valley. Our cattle graze both areas and we had hopes that they might transfer seed of this and a few other special plants. It is a very rare plant in the county and is classed as 'Vulnerable' nationally. Now it has another ideal site to help ensure its survival.