Early Star-of-Bethlehem, Gagea bohemica

davidbr · #1 (**permalink**) 09-12-2009, 05:48 PM

I'm trying to arrange a trip to find the Early Star-of-Bethlehem at Stanner Rocks this coming Spring, hopefully guided by the reserve warden, and I was wondering whether any other members would be interested in coming along?

Exactly when it'll be depends on what the warden advises and when the plants are in flower, but I'd imagine around mid-February seems the usual. It looks as if it's nearly impossible to find them on your own without expert help, and it seems a shame to go to all that effort for just one person

KeenTeen17 · #2 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 02:03 PM

Very interested. Where is Stanner Rocks. Any train stations nearby?

davidbr · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009, 07:59 PM

It's not far from the English/Welsh border, the nearest train station is Llandrindod Wells about five miles away.

I expect what I'll do is travel to Llandrindod Wells by train, then take a taxi the rest of the way.

davidbr · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010, 01:25 PM

Right, I've heard back from Andrew Ferguson, the reserve warden, who says he'd be delighted to guide a small party to see the plant.

It's not easy to predict exactly when it's going to flower (any time between late January and mid-March is possible, apparently, although since we're looking like getting a cold winter it'll more likely be late than early) so Andrew says he'll contact me to arrange an exact date when he sees the first signs of buds appearing. He also can't say exactly where on the reserve it'll flower, so it could involve a fairly steep climb (only walking boots, though, not mountaineering equipment

)

The reserve isn't generally open to the public.

So, if anyone would like to join the expedition, let me know

leifus · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010, 09:16 PM

again, very interested, but I'd probably only be able to come if it were on a weekend - or in the february half term of course (mid-feb).

Look forward to hearing more details

davidbr · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 01:11 AM

Although, obviously, I can't make any promises, I'll do my absolute best to fix a date to accommodate everyone who wants to come along. Weekend or midweek makes no difference to me.

So, if you're interested, let me know when you'd prefer and, like I say, I'll do my best

leifus · #7 (**permalink**) 01-02-2010, 09:47 PM

the february half term is 12th-21st

any signs of buds/shoots yet do you know?

davidbr · #8 (**permalink**) 01-02-2010, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leifus

the february half term is 12th-21st

any signs of buds/shoots yet do you know?

I actually E-mailed the warden again this morning, because he still hasn't been in touch - I'd certainly hope something would be happening by the 21st, though

If I've got my dates right, the 21st is a Sunday; so I'd probably prefer either the Friday or (at a push) Saturday - would that be OK with you, assuming there's something to see of course

leifus · #9 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 09:54 PM

as far as I'm aware, yes

KeenTeen17 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-02-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidbr

I actually E-mailed the warden again this morning, because he still hasn't been in touch - I'd certainly hope something would be happening by the 21st, though

If I've got my dates right, the 21st is a Sunday; so I'd probably prefer either the Friday or (at a push) Saturday - would that be OK with you, assuming there's something to see of course

It's possible to do it. It'd be hard but worth it. I'll have to have a look at train times though because I'd be coming from Lancs. Wouldn't be able to do the Saturday definitely but the Sunday is possible.