EDITORIAL

Following in the footsteps of Colin Hawes is a fairly awesome prospect. I told Colin that I was not an expert on any aspect of natural history, to which he replied that neither was he. Nevertheless he seems to know a heck of a lot, and not only about Stag Beetles. However, I am enthusiastic and will do my best; and hope that with time I might begin to match Colin’s scope and depth of knowledge. In his care White Admiral has grown. It has always been published on time and it has consistently been filled with enjoyable and informative material. We all owe him a debt of gratitude. I am pleased to report that this was recognised by Council at the AGM, when he was awarded the status of Rivis Vice President. Congratulations, and warmest thanks to Colin!

I should like to draw the attention of readers to the article by our Chairman, Paul Lee, ‘Ad hoc is not enough’. Although this was originally written as a paper for the 2001 recorders’ conference, it is a thoughtful position that other members may wish to reflect on and seek to implement. Unfortunately Paul has not been able to pursue all of his recommendations. Please submit your views to Paul directly, or through White Admiral.

May I urge members to participate in the programme of current surveys? In addition to the familiar ongoing studies a couple of new requests for help have been received: one for records of wood ants nests and the other an invitation to join in the SWT’s ‘tiddlers’ survey. Your help is invaluable and very much appreciated. Full details are in the surveys article.

Reading Geoff Heathcote’s item on popular names made me think about some of the Midlands terminology for wildlife that I remember from my boyhood in D. H. Lawrence country. A chain of thoughts took me back to family debates about one of my mother’s favourite sayings, which is common across the UK, as far as I know: “Ne’er cast a clout till may is out”. The question we argued was, does it mean May, the month, or may, the blossom? I suppose the difference is only a matter of a few days, but…

This edition contains one or two new features. SNS Webwatch is a collection of reviews on natural history websites. I hope that we can continue this for the next few editions. I thank Tony Prichard and Adrian Chalkley for their prompt response and willingness to help. I hope that other recorders with access to the Internet will provide reviews too. There is a short piece on medicinal uses of plants, which will also hopefully be the first of a series.

Let us hope for some good summer weather or, at least, a brief respite from this ‘global raining’. Ah well, so far I haven’t had to fret about topping up my new pond with nitrate-laden tap water.

David Walker, Editor

Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk

SUMMER 2002