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SPIDERS OF FLATFORD MILL REGION
Colne Point is probably the most varied of these coastal localities, •and this is borne out by its spider fauna of well over one hundred species. The main feature is a shingle spit, widening in places to Support considerable areas of sandy shingle, covered with various grasses, and behind which lie the inevitable Salt Marsh complex. The basic potential of the area has been increased by the limited activities of man, principally by the erection of a sturdy sea-wall, very far from sturdy bungalows and by localised commercial excavation of shingle. The litter of scrap metal and baulks of timber left by the latter has provided a number of extremely interesting habitats. Havergate Island, lying within the protective sweep of Orford beach, ought also to be listed here amongst the coastal localities, but as it is a Nature Reserve, strictly controlled by the Nature Conservancy, it is not ordinarily available to the collector. Brackish marshes abound in the region, but the only ones to be extensively studied are those near to Fiatford Mill and those bordering the Stour estuary at Wrabness. Fresh water marshes are not readily found in the Fiatford region, and although one visit was made to Redgrave Fen, this has been excluded from " The Fiatford Region " for obvious reasons of distance. The one area of true Fen within easy reach of Fiatford, namely Scotland Fen, has recently been cleared and drained by the Forestry Commission, and the only visit in search of spiders showed that any specialised fauna it may have possessed has been totally destroyed. In various parts of East Suffolk the Red Crag beds have been commercialy exploited, and visits have been made to two of these exposures in search of spiders. They consist of a 20 to 30 ft. wall of exposed Crag, with grass and shrubs all round, and on the floo of the pit. There does not appear to be a particularly striking fauna associated with these outcrops, although a number of interesting species have been taken on them. A number of areas of woodland have been included, but unfortunately the one which is most likely to be of interest, Staverton Thicks, which is a relict stand of primaeval oak, it not accessible for much of the year. Upper Hollesly Common is the heathland most frequently visited, and has provided a surprising number of interesting captures. Essentialy it consists of a small area of heather (recently planted with conifers by the Forestry Commission !) entirely surrounded by Pine trees. At the lowest point the ground is fairly damp, as evidenced by the scattered clumps of Juncus, and the presence here several years ago of a large heap of wood chips (teste Lampel) now widely scattered, provided a habitat of extraordinary richness. The rapidly changing character of this small area should provide an excellent study for future courses.