One particular interest of our Chairman, Dr Adrian Rundle, is the study of the
relationship between fossils and their living counterparts. The value of such a
study was clearly demonstrated in one of Adrian's recent Microfossil Workshops,
using samples collected from a pond in Richmond Park. There can surely be no
better way to appreciate the beauty of a fossil Ostracod than to watch, through
a microscope, a live specimen swimming in a Petri dish.
Adrian lives within comfortable walking distance of the Royal Botanic Gardens at
Kew and has been able to pass on some of his enthusiasm for the fossil/current
comparison by leading guided walks in Kew Gardens to study some living specimens
of very early plant types.
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On Sunday 4th November 2007 Adrian led a group of about a dozen (KGG members and
friends from NHM) on an informal visit to the gardens. The group met at the
Victoria Gate entrance at 11.00 a.m. The aim of the visit, apart from having an
enjoyable day out in beautiful surroundings, was to look at trees. The group looked
at modern descendants of some of the earliest species and how trees adapt to
particular environments. As always, Adrian was a 'walking encyclopaedia' giving
countless facts on trees, fruits, leaves and seeds.
The tour took in the Marianne North Gallery of botanical paintings, the Pagoda
Vista, the Evolution House, the Temperate House and the Princess of Wales
Conservatory, where a particular interest was the giant catfish in the pond near
the carnivorous plants section. The group also saw specimens of Ginkgo biloba.
Fossil remains of this species, dating from the Jurassic, have been found on the
Yorkshire coast.
Kew Gardens is not only one of the finest botanical gardens in the world but, in keeping
with its designation as a 'World Heritage Site', it also puts on regular themed displays
for the public's entertainment. This autumn the theme was Henry Moore and a large
number of his sculptures were placed around the garden; an ideal setting for them.
As Adrian likes several of Henry Moore's sculptures, the display was an interesting
adjunct to the botanical tour.
The autumn colours were close to their best, the weather was perfect and the
everchanging setting at Kew always has new surprises. So, if you would like
to join the next Kew visit, watch for details on the 'Field Programme' page of
this website.
The pictures below were taken by Diana Franks.
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