Kate Andrew, from the Earth Heritage Trust, spoke on ‘Biodiversity and Geology’ to the group. It is of great interest that Worcestershire supports examples of all geological time periods, except the cretaceous. The types of plants that will grow on soils resulting from sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks were described. For example, lime-loving plants such as stem thistle are found at Bishop’s Frome while spurge laurel grow on Much Wenlock and stinking hellebore at Woolhope Dome. At Clee Hill, sandstone, gorse appears. The relationship between the Devonian period, ice age, river Severn and deforestation during the Bronze Age resulted in the sand dunes currently seen on Hartlebury Common.

On Saturday July 20, there will be a bats and moths night on Hartlebury Common led by a member of Worcestershire Bat Group and Mike Southall of the Moths Group.

Meet at 9pm at the goal post car park on the Worcester Road (A4025) between Cook’s Garden Centre and the Sandy Lane Trading Estate in Stourport. All are welcome. For more information, visit hartleburycommon.org.uk or phone Dr Joy Rooney on 01299 877275.