The Flora of Derbyshire

enon which is well-documented in Berwickshire. The species accounts (chapter 7) are the author’s selection of rare and scarce species, axiophytes and intrusive neophytes, along with a few other notable species, in total 415 species. In contrast to most Floras, these are arranged not taxonomically but alphabetically by genus. These accounts mostly occupy two per page, with statistics of the frequency of the species in Britain and Berwickshire. For many species, the frequency in Britain is the higher of the two, but one can quickly pick out species of above average local significance such as Rockrose (Helianthemum nummularium) where the local frequency is higher. Each species has a map with four date classes, and concise but informative text. For more precise data one has to consult the Rare Plant Register and Botanical Site Register. It is in these highly selective and focussed species accounts where the greatest differences with traditional county Floras are apparent, but the benefits of this approach are self-evident. Following the species accounts, the remaining short chapters catalogue the decline of Berwickshire’s scarce plants, which on average are calculated at 14% per decade and described for many species as ‘disastrous’. This applies particularly to populations in the wider countryside but also significantly in SSSIs. Specific examples of important (and often ‘protected’) sites where important losses have been documented are cited, Gordon Moss being a particularly telling example. The book concludes with an excellent bibliography, supplements covering charophytes (the only group of non-vascular cryptogams included), and a very brief summary of critical genera such as Hieracium, Rubus and Taraxacum not covered in detail, and finally a full alphabetical check-list of the flora. I would rank this as one of the most important British county Floras of recent times, on account of the remarkable depth of supporting field work, data analysis and his highly informed conclusions, extremely relevant not just here but throughout the country. The author must be congratulated on his thoroughness and vision. As stated in his Botanical Site Register ‘Berwickshire is not a county with a rich flora by national or international standards. But it has much countryside that a botanist can find rewarding to visit and I would argue that it is an excellent study area for those seeking to sample the issues faced by our British flora in the face of man’s depredations’. It is to be hoped that others will seek to build on the outstanding foundations Michael has built, and continue his legacy into the future in this small corner of Scotland.