The photo voted best overall was Rob Stallard's 'Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner' for which he received 

 a book token in addition to his certificate. The colours of the leaf enhanced the pattern made by 

 the nnoth larva. 



The Amateur Botanist - David Cliffe 



I am the very model of an amateur botanist, 



I copy down the Latin names and put them in a big long list 



My Clapham, Tutin, Warburg, in the trade that's CTW 



Are always in my rucksack just in case I need to find a clue, 



And if you think they're out of date, I'll have you know what you should know, 



I've brought my BSBI lists and copy of Clive Stace also. 



My eye for detail means that I've become a noted splitter - 



The arguments with lumpers can turn out to be quite bitter. 



I then arrange the list of names in taxonomic order. 



And send it to the Naturalists' botanical recorder. 



I'm thorough and meticulous, there can't be very much I've missed, 



I am the very model of an amateur botanist. 



When on a field excursion I go dressed for any weather, 



I've gaiters and a big cagoule with map pocket that's clever, 



My vasculum and GPS are always at the ready. 



My trusty folding Leki poles will keep my footsteps steady. 



I talk into a microphone - a miniature recorder 



So that I can remember things in consequential order. 



I can't walk fast and that's because I carry quite a lot of stuff. 



I have to stop from time to time because I'm often out of puff. 



I'm not quite so decrepit as a lot of you have come to think. 



And contrary to rumour I don't bring along the kitchen sink, 



There can't be anything I've missed, it's written down in my check-list, 



I am the very model of an amateur botanist. 



Selective as to where I go, a seasoned connoisseur am I. 



And never happier than walking round some noted triple-SI 



And when I find a rarity I sink down on my hands and knees. 



Then hand-lens down and bottom up, no ridiculing if you please. 



Then from its case I extricate my camera, now please don't curse. 



You'll have to wait, I shan't be long, in any case I saw it first, 



You're in my light - just move away, that's if it is no bother, 



For safety's sake I really think I'd better take another. 



In situations such as this I'm careful not to trample - 



Not easy when you're rather stout and walking boots are ample. 



I look behind when I get up - I've squashed it when I thought I'd missed, 



I am the very model of an amateur botanist. 



[With apologies to W. S. Gilbert] 



PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION 2012 

 Ricki Bull - competition coordinator 

 RDNHS Photo competition 2012 Category winners are: 



Small Is Beautiful - Butterfly: Jenny Greenham (continued page 29) 



26 



