this is a barren area. Owing to this underlying clay moisture is retained 

 even in the hottest weather; and late flowers may often be found in 

 the Warren in a hot, dry season when they have ceased blooming 

 elsewhere. 



THE LYNSORE VALLEY AND SURROUNDING WOODS 



(1546—1650) 



From the Hythe-Canterbury Road (B2068), a mile or so north of 

 Six Mile Cottages, a side road runs into the Lynsore Valley, describing 

 an S bend and then carrying on between Atchester Wood on the left 

 and Palmstead Woods on the right. A good parking place is provided 

 by a large disused chalk pit halfway through the valley. These woods 

 are of great interest to botanists. The wild Columbine (Aquilegia 

 vulgaris). Wood Vetch (Vicia sylvatica). Herb Paris {Paris quadrifolia), 

 and Green Hellebore (Helleborus viridis), may be found; while the Bee, 

 Pyramidal and Scented Orchids have colonized the grassy banks. 



West of the Lynsore Valley is the Rose and Crown Inn on Stelling 

 Minnis (142469), a useful landmark; still further west across Stone Street 

 is Dean Hill, with another convenient chalk pit. The aforementioned 

 orchids, together with Man Orchid {Aceris anthropophord) grow 

 beside the road. In nearby woods — Yockletts Banks — Butterfly 

 Orchids {Habenaria bifolia and H. virescens) and the Broad-leaved 

 Helleborine (Epipactis latifolia) are well established. 



West Wood (1343 — 1443) is a State Forest extending from Stone 

 Street to the Gate Inn. 



Covert Wood lies between Bladbean and Barham (1848). The 

 steep, narrow lanes are practicable for cars, and the scenery is very 

 lovely at all seasons. Green Hellebore can be found here, and Orpine 

 (Seduin telephium), and Long Stalked Cranesbill {Geranium colum- 

 hinum). These woods are particularly rich in Mosses. 



