Changing conditions and conservation at Ashton Wold, the birthplace of the SPNR

N. C. Rothschild who founded the Society for the Promotion of Nature Reserves, stressed the importance of conserving specific habitats–especially those with no exact counterpart on the European mainland–and making surveys of such areas worthy of conservation. He also stressed the importance of the management of existing reserves. Owing to the conditions which pertained during World War II the area at Ashton Wold, subsequently declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest, lacked management for several years. The open spaces in the woodland became overgrown, the tree cover increased, drainage declined and the change which took place in the fauna and flora illustrated the need for enlightened management. The re-creation and creation of nature reserves and flowering grassland at Ashton are discussed.     

Aide memoire mimicry*

Abstract. 1. Animals and plants may gain protection by reminding would-be aggressors of failure, or an unpleasant experience following an attempt at capture and ingestion. Thus they need not be mistaken for noxious or dangerous prey; defence is adequate if the aggressor is forced to recall the attributes of such species, or the disagreeable sequela to a previous assault upon them. 2. Batesian mimics and mildly toxic Mullerian mimics can also add to their repertoire by such defensive strategies. 3. Several examples of this phenomenon, designated aide mémoire mimicry, are described.