# file3

FAUNA:
Noted during Phase 1 survey: willow warbler, reed buntings.

VEG:
This common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985, with a single target note being made. There was insufficient time to visit this small site during the course of the present survey.

The available target note reads: NY 396 157 (1985): "Mill Moss. Willow Carr very open with {\it Betula, Salix capraea, Salix} sp., around the edges. Main areas dominated by {\it Carex} spp., with {\it Sphagnum palustre, Typha latifolia, Equisetum fluviatile, Viola palustris, Narthecium ossifragum, Molinia, Deschampsia} sp."

This feature appears to be a small basin mire. The adjacent habitats are acidic grassland with localised scattered bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
No information about the management of this site: probably sheep-grazed.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, wren, meadow pipit.

VEG:
The common comprises part of an area of open fell which lies to the west of St. John's Beck. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. This shows that the greater part of the common has a complex mosaic of habitats. 

The predominant feature are numerous rock outcrops, which have associated areas of {\it Calluna vulgaris} dry heath. In between the rocks, the Phase 1 survey shows acidic grassland. However, at the time of the present survey, it appeared that at least two thirds of this area has now been colonised by dense bracken  {\it Pteridium aquilinum} (NVC U20). Most of the remaining acidic grassland appears to be of NVC type U5, dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}. This has frequent {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Galium saxatile}, plus occasional {\it Potentilla erecta, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Luzula campestris}. Elsewhere, often present beneath the colonising bracken, is a NVC U4 sward dominated by {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}. This vegetation too has {\it Potentilla erecta, Luzula campestris} and {\it Galium saxatile}, with {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Pleurozium schreberi, Polytrichum} sp. and {\it Pseudoscleropodium purum} also present. 

The {\it Calluna} plants are restricted to the more inaccessible rocks. Other species noted on the outcrops include {\it Polypodium} sp., {\it Thymus} sp., {\it Hypochearis radicata, Lotus corniculatus, Cryptogramma crispa, Vaccinium myrtillus, Hieracium} sp., {\it Rosa} sp., {\it Dryopteris} spp. and {\it Digitalis purpurea}, with occasional small bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and stunted trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. The bare rock appears to have excellent crustose lichen colonies, plus mosses which include {\it Racomitrium lanuginosum} and {\it R. sudeticum}. 

Several areas of scree are present on the common. One area to the west was noted to have occasional individuals of {\it C. crispa}. Several planted deciduous trees were noted close to the road along this part of the common, opposite Broadstones - 2x {\it Betula} sp. and 1x {\it Sorbus aucuparia}.

A final feature to note is High Rigg Tarn, a small water body at GR NY 305 214 (see P. Kelly report of 9.2.84).

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. Of particular relevance to Lake District commons is the impact of grazing levels upon the ecology of certain upland habitats such as  heathland and a range of mire types, many of which feature amongst the "Priority Habitats" of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.  

Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date). 

The observed increase in the cover of bracken may be partly related to the cessation of the excercising of estover rights. At one time, bracken was used extensively for winter bedding for livestock. Many upland fell commons have regsitered rights of estover, bearing witness to the importance of this resource. The bracken would have been collected in September once the fronds had died; this prevents the build-up of an insulating litter layer, which protect the frost-sevsitive rhizomes from frost. With the availability of cheap straw and other alternatives, coupled with the manual effort involved in harvesting, these estover rights are rarely excercised today. Some commons with fairly level terrain can have the bracken harvested by mechanised methods, but this would be almost impossibe on this common. A further factor which may be involved is grazing by cattle. Few upland commons are grazed by cattle today, although many have rights to graze them. Trampling by cattle is thought to damage the rhizomes and suppress the spread of the plant.

A handful of deciduous trees have been planted adjacent to Broadstones. The road is gated.


VEG:
The common forms the most northerly extension of the block of fells which make up the Helvellyn Massif. It lies on a north-facing slope rising gently from the valley of the River Glenderamackin. Mosedale Beck forms the eastern boundary.

The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. This provides the following general description (GR NY 345 241, 1985):

Most of the common supports "a marshy grassland sward dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and locally by {\it Juncus articulatus}. The degree of wetness varies considerably from very wet flushy patches with carpets of {\it Sphagnum} amongst the {\it Juncus}, with {\it Viola palustris}, to drier areas with species more characteristic of acidic grassland, such as {\it Galium saxatile} and {\it Festuca ovina. Carex nigra} is common, as is {\it Polytrichum} sp. and other bryophytes". 

The Phase 1 map also indicates local patches, to the south and east of the common which are dominated by a mixture of {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}.

Peripheral to the common are drier acidic grassland strips dominated by {\it Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Galium saxatile}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. Of particular relevance to Lake District commons is the impact of grazing levels upon the ecology of certain upland habitats such as  heathland and a range of mire types, many of which feature amongst the "Priority Habitats" of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.  

Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date). 

The Phase 1 survey target note from 1985 mentions that the whole area is being drained.


FAUNA:
No records of fauna specifically relating to this common, which was not visited during the course of the present survey.

VEG:
The common comprises a north-western section of the Helvellyn Massif. The southern boundary lies close to Helvellyn Gill. From here it runs northwards and occupies the steep slopes falling away towards Thirlmere.

Most of the following description, together with the habitat map, have been based on the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. There was insufficient time to visit the common during the course of the present survey.

The greater part of the hillslopes support an acidic grassland sward of {\it Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Festuca ovina} and {\it Galium saxatile}. Occasionally present: {\it Danthonia decumbens, Carex binervis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris}.

To the north of the common, around Clough Head and Threlkeld Notts, there is a heathy element to the vegetation in the form of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, shown as a mosaic of acidic grassland with dry heath. Extensive screes and rock outcrops noted from a distance below Clough Head.

Locally there is a wet acidic grassland sward over thin peat. Here {\it N. stricta} and {\it J. squarrosus} are dominant, with {\it Deschsmpsia flexuosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Carex} spp., {\it Polytrichum} spp. and occasionally, {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} (possibly remnants of degraded blanket mire on deeper peat?). Occasional mossy flushes contain {\it Saxifraga stellaris} etc.

Locally the slopes have rocks and scree, especially towards the botton of the valley. These support species such as bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, with scattered trees/shrubs: {\it Juniperus communis, Sorbus aucuparia, Crataegus monogyna, Larix decidua, Betula} sp., {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. Some screes have growth of {\it Cryptogramma crispa} and at higher altitudes, {\it Racomitrium lanuginosum} and lichens, plus {\it Huperzia selago}.

Close to Helvellyn Gill are Brown Cove Crags, lying on the southern boundary of the common. These are sparsely vegetated, with dry crags, plus scree and boulders below. Scattering of {\it Empetrum nigrum, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

There are a number of steep, often rocky-sided gills along the valley sides, often with associated ephemeral streams/waterfalls. The most southerly of these is Helvelllyn Gill. Other notable examples include Fisherplace Gill (GR NY 322 182), Stanah Gill (GR NY 324 189). Often there are scattered trees/shrubs among acidic grassland on the valley sides: {\it Betula} sp. {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus} sp., {\it Larix decidua, Taxus baccata, Corylus avellana, Castanea sativa, Ilex aquifolium, Salix capraea, S. cinerea, Juniperus communis, Calluna vulgaris, Cytisus scoparius} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

Other species growing on gillsides and amongst other rock outrcops on the common include {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Geranium robertianum, G. sylvaticum, Hedera helix, Luzula sylvatica, Solidago virgaurea, Erica cinerea, Pteridium aquilinum, Carlina vulgaris, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Succisa pratensis, Ranunculus acris, Cryptogramma crispa, Crepis paludosa, Thymus drucei, Polygala serpyllifolia, Blechnum spicant, Huperzia selago, Alchemilla alpina, A. glabra} and {\it Digitalis purpurea}. 

Flushed areas occur in the gills and also within the open grassland on the valley sides. These are often relatively base-rich and have species such as {\it Saxifraga aizoides, S. stellaris, Pinguicula vulgaris, Molinia caerulea, Carex panicea, C. echinata, C. pulicaris, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Pedicularis sylvatica, Drosera rotundifolia, Montia fontana, Valeriana dioica, Filipendula ulmaria, Linum catharticum, Juncus bulbosus, J. effusus, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Pinguicula vulgaris, Viola palustris, Athyrium filix-femina, Montia fontana, Euphrasia offininalis, Epilobium brunnescens, E. palsutre, Ranunculus flammula, Hydrocotyle vulgaris} and {\it Briza media}.

The south-eastern edge of the common lies on the summit plateau running southwards from Raise. Here there is an area of montane lichen-bryophyte heath. The most extensive vegetation community is a type described as being a "grassy variant" of NVC type U10a. This relatively species-poor vegetation has a short sward dominated by {\it Festuca ovina and Deschampsia flexuosa}.  Other associates include {\it Carex bigelowii, Vaccinium myrtillus, Cladonia} spp., {\it Galium saxatile, Racomitrium lanuginosum, Huperzia selago, Salix herbacea} and {\it Campylopus paradoxus}. This particular stand of vegetation is said to be more diverse than that occurring on other commons to the south of Helvellyn. 
 
The U10a community in fact accounts for the vast majority of montane heath in the Lake District and that on Raise is said to be comparable with many other Lakeland sites.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep (and ponies) and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. Of particular relevance to Lake District commons is the impact of grazing levels upon the ecology of certain upland habitats such as  heathland and a range of mire types, many of which feature amongst the "Priority Habitats" of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.  

Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date). 

The extensive areas of grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}, together with a general lack of dwarf shrubs, are indicative of a sustained high grazing pressure. 

The recent Helvellyn Management Plan (LDNPA, 1977), discusses a wide variety of proposed/planned management; this area overlaps with the southern portion of the common. Many of these issues are applicable in general to the whole common. 

1. At present the more botanically interesting areas are mainly confined to inaccessible gills/crags/screes, out of the reach of grazing livestock. The National Park authority have proposed, on parts of the Helvellyn Massif, some experimental enclosures to study the potential effects of exclusion of stock from certain areas to allow regeneration. In particular, scattered individuals of hawthorn, rowan and juniper form part of an important habitat for certain upland birds such as ring ouzel and would have become established at a period of time when there was a temporary reduction in the grazing pressure.  The threshold stocking rate for this to happen is not clear, but a reduced stocking rate (under the ESA scheme), would help the situation. Tree/shrub saplings of known provenance could also be planted. 

2. Install experimental exclosures on the Raise Summit lichen/bryophyte heath to investigate the potential for the restoration of this habitat, following a reduction in both levels of grazing and trampling by humans.

3. Identify areas of heathland that might benefit from reduced grazing pressure. This could take the form of an overall lowering of stocking rates and/or a reduced stocking density in winter, or changes in flock management, such as moving winter feeding areas. This to be done with relevant landowners and graziers in relation to various options offered within the ESA system (as mentioned above). 

4. Encouragement of broadleaved woodland along Helvellyn Gill. This may be a remnant of more extensive woodland which occupied the lower fells and now only confined to inaccessible sites due to the grazing pressure. This to be achieved by planting of trees/shrubs of known provenance, with temporary fencing to be removed when they become established.

5. National Park/North West Water to continue the programme of footpath restoration and maintenance. This work to be done in the context of landscape impact, nature conservation needs and safety to walkers. An especial consideration is to be given to paths which have become eroded, not due necessarily to the high numbers of users, but due to the fragility of the substrate. This is a particular problem on wet/peaty areas, where even light use can cause enormous damage. One option may be to re-align routes to avoid such areas. 

6. To aid public understanding of the Lakeland Fells environment and the need for various management work, the LDNPA are to produce visitor information boards, to be sited at the main access car parks.

There is some suggestion in the Phase 1 target notes, of localised treatment of bracken with herbicide on lower fellsides. Account should be taken of other fern plants which may be affected by this treatment. eg. {\it Cryptogramma crispa} on screes.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust site files: NY 320 220 "Bramcrag Quarry" Geological Review Site.


VEG:
The common was viewed from the adjacent road. It is a field of improved grassland. Occasional clumps of {\it Urtica dioica} were noted locally.

MANAGE:
The common has the same appearance as the surrounding enclosed fields, and is itself bounded by dry stone walls. At the time of the site visit, the grass sward was short. No grazing livestock were present. It had either been grazed in the spring or an early silage crop had been cut. 

Lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
No fauna records available for this commom.

VEG:
The Cumbria Phase 1 survey has only basic habitat information available for this site, with no target notes, and a field survey has therefore been undertaken. 

The common appears to lie at the edge of a more extensive area of blanket mire, most of which has been afforested. Intact mire occupies the western side of the common, with a 'tongue' running eastwards into an area of remnant and disrupted peat. The main area of blanket mire has a well-developed hummock-hollow microtopography, about 90 per cent cover of {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with abundant {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. Locally abundant on the hummocks are {\it Cladonia portentosa, Pleurozium schreberi} and {\it Hypnum cupressiforme}. There are also some well-developed hummocks of {\it Sphagnum capillifolium}. Other Sphagna noted were occasional {\it S. magellanicum}, locally abundant {\it S. recurvum}, plus locally occasional {\it S. russowii} and {\it S cuspidatum}. Also present were locally occasional {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos}. The {\it Calluna vulgaris} here appears to be ungrazed, is all fairly even-aged, and is around 40cm tall. This blanket mire appears to be of NVC type M19. 

Surrounding the margin of the intact section of raised mire is an obvious step in the surface, marked by wall of bare peat. The depth of peat on the main area must be as much as 2.0m. Surrounding this, in the eastern portion of the common, is a rather complex and tussocky mosaic of different vegetation types on thinner remnants of peat. Much is again dominated by hummocks of {\it E. vaginatum}, often with abundant {\it Calluna vulgaris}, plus locally frequent {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Pleurozium schreberi} and {\it Hypnum cupressiforme} (possibly NVC M20). In between the hummocks are Sphagna - {\it S. recurvum} mainly, plus locally frequent {\it S. palustre} and {\it S. capillifolium}, also with locally occasional {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos}. Smaller areas have hummocks of dominant {\it Molinia caerulea}, with abundant {\it E. vaginatum, Polytrichum commune} and {\it D. flexuosa} (possibly a transition to NVC M25), with abundant {\it Sphagnum recurvum} in between. This vegetation becomes more prominent towards the road. {\it Carex curta} was also noted in "flushed" areas. 

Several more obvious areas of flushing occur nearer to the road; these are dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sphagnum recurvum} (NVC M6c), and often have abundant {\it Rumex acetosa}. An ill-defined track runs from the road to the edge of the deep peat, with flattened vegetation dominated by {\it Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Carex nigra}. This area appears to still have more than 0.5m depth of peat and has therefore been mapped as blanket bog plus some acidic flushing. However, the peat is disrupted and probably less than this depth locally, and so small amounts of marshy grassland and wet heath have also been included. Also noted growing in this area were several trees of {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}.

MANAGE:
The common appears largely unmanaged at present. It is not fenced from the road. The track leads to the edge of the blanket mire, where there there is evidence of small-scale cutting of peat having taken place recently, probably in a loose form for horticultural use, rather than being cut into blocks for fuel. Several pieces of corrugated iron sheeting and wooden boards have been laid out to stand on while doing this work. The scale of the working is on a very small scale at present, but nevertheless is seen as a potential threat to the site. 

The area of uneven and remnant peat surrounding the blanket mire may have also arisen through a history of peat cutting. Although small, Blinks Moss forms a representative section of blanket mire. Continued monitoring of the site and further detailed study of the {\it Sphagnum} and other species present are recommended.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
No fauna noted during the site visit, apart from ducks on a small pond.

VEG:
The common lies adjacent to the road which runs through the hamlet of Hesket Newmarket. There appeared to be no relevant information from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, and a field survey has therefore been undertaken. 

The north-western portion of the common (1) has the appearance of a village green. This is crossed by several roads which form a junction, with part of the common thus being divided into "islands". There are no fences and the grassland is closely mown. Also noted were two planted trees: {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and a cherry {\it Prunus} sp. 

The central portion of the common, known as "The Green", has two main sections. To the east (2) is an area of rather overgrown neutral grassland. This has abundant {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Festuca rubra}, with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus repens, R. acris} and {\it Cerastium fontanum} (probably an impoverished NVC type MG5). Locally the grassland is slightly more diverse with {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Conopodium majus}. 

Toward the car park, there are localised infestations of {\it Urtica dioica} and tall herbs such as {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}. Crossing this area appear to be a number of wet ditches and other areas which have a marshy grassland sward dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, with many of the above species still present, but also with occasional {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Caltha palustris, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Stellaria alsine} and {\it Veronica beccabunga} (probably representing NVC type MG10). Once again there are scattered planted trees in this area of {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Fagus sylvatica} (red and "ordinary" variety), {\it Tilia} sp., {\it  Quercus} sp. and {\it Castanea sativa}. 

To the west of here (3) is a complex area with frequent earth tracks running across it. There are further areas of mown amenity grassland in between the tracks. Elsewhere is a small pond which is surrounded by tall grassland and planted trees of {\it Salix} spp., and {\it A. hippocastanum}. The pond is of no botanical interest as it is home to several mallards and other hybrid ducks. A few wet areas near to the pond have plants such as {\it Juncus effusus, Mentha} sp., {\it Caltha palustris, Cardamine} sp., {\it Ranunculus repens, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}. Taller grassland in the vicinity of the pond is similar to that at (1) and near the car park. 

At (4) is a small block of semi-natural broadleaved woodland occupying a narrow valley. This has trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}, with an understorey choked with {\it Urtica dioica}.

MANAGE:
The management of the site apparently lies with the National Park, although the community council and the highway authority could also be involved. 

As discussed above, part of the common (1) is mown amenity grassland with planted trees and looks like a village green. The area of coarse grassland at (2) had recently been lightly grazed by a few cattle. The area at (3) is fairly intensively managed. This has the earth tracks which provide access to adjacent properties. Part of the area is used officially as a car park. The local fete appears to be held on the common and the marquee is apparently sited here. So too is the annual bonfire. 

The small pond has possibly been dug in recent years, although it has no conservation value due to the ducks. Garden rubbish is being dumped over the walls of adjacent properties on this part of the common. Scattered trees have been planted here and across the grassland at (2). 

The grassland on the common appears to lack diversity, although it may be good habitat for small mammals. The site overall appears to have limited nature conservation value. 

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The grassland to the east of the common was target noted during the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1986: NY 356 363 -  "An area of rank grassland with {\it Festuca} spp., {\it Agrostis} spp., {\it Poa} spp., {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Arrhenatherum elatius, Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus effusus, Achillea ptarmica, Lotus pedunculatus, Prunella vulgaris, Odontites verna, Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica} and {\it Stachys palustris} (possibly hybridise with {\it S. sylvatica})". 

This grassland appeared to be much the same at the time of the present survey. It is quite obviously wet in places, with some patches of {\it Juncus effusus} evident. 

Grassland further westwards on the common appears to be semi-improved in character - this area was not visited. The boundaries of the common are marked by hedges with trees, which have fully grown specimens of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus} sp., {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Salix cinerea, Ilex aquifolium}, and some very attractive old trees of {\it Crataegus monogyna} (9-10m tall).

MANAGE:
The common appears essentially unmanaged and it is not gated from the road. There are signs of slight grazing by an occasional straying sheep. At the extreme eastern end there is some dumped rubble and stored farm implements. 

The site is of note for its well-developed hedgerow trees, particularly the ash and hawthorns. The common may provide nesting sites for birds such as robins, thrushes, tits, blackbirds etc. 

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
The Skiddaw Group supports the most diverse assemblage of montane breeding birds West Cumbria and also the second most important upland bird population. This rich avifauna is due to the extent, diversity and quality of the upland vegetation of the site, particularly the abundance of heather-dominated communities and the presence of montane grass-heath. Breeding waders include curlew, snipe, golden plover and dotterel. Raptors are well-represented with nesting peregrine, buzzard, kestrel and merlin. Other breeding birds include raven, ring ouzel, whinchat and red grouse.

The Skiddaw-Caldbeck group as a whole have a Grade B entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. This is described as "An important area for the invertebrate fauna of upland habitats". Species recorded include the rare montane ground beetle {\it Leistus montanus} and the nationally notable northern dart {\it Xestia alpicola}, one of the few English stations for this moth. The damper areas of the site support species such as the nationally notable beetle {\it Carabus nitens}, a species associated with boggy areas, and {\it Bembidion atrocoeruleum}, this being linked to gravelly streams. The large heath {\it Coenonympha tullia} has also been recorded.

VEG:
The common lies for the most part, within the Skiddaw Group SSSI. This site is also listed in "A Nature Conservation Review", Ed. D.A Ratcliffe, 1977. The underlying geology here is dominated by by the Skiddaw Slates. The main biological interest of the SSSI as a whole lies in extensive tracts of sub-montane blanket mire and heathland (poorly represented on this common). The habitat map and following description have been taken mainly from the Cumbria Phase 1 habitat survey and the SSSI citation. The common was viewed from the northern side, but was not visited as part of this survey. See under CL 20C for map showing boundary of the Skiddaw Group SSSI and the location of commons within this block.

The common lies to the eastern side of the SSSI, on the northern slopes of Bowscale Fell and adjoins the valley of the river Caldew along its northern edge. The predominant habitat type on the common is upland acidic grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}, with locally dominant {\it Agrostis/Festuca}. Part of Bowscale Fell also has dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}. The heather condition survey by R. Jerram in 1989 shows the {\it Calluna} here to be around 30cm. tall and at more than 75 per cent cover. However, at the margins, the {\it Calluna} is only around 10cm tall and at between 26-50 per cent cover. On Tarn Crags, above Bowscale Tarn, the heath occurs as a mosaic with acidic grassland, and the {\it Calluna} is at less than 10 per cent cover overall.

The northern flank of Bowscale Fell has a small remnant of degraded blanket mire dominated by {\it Eriophorum} spp. with some {\it Calluna} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

Bowscale Tarn itself is one of two high level corrie lakes to be found within this SSSI. Recorded from here are {\it Isoetes lacustris, Litorella uniflora} and {\it Lobelia dortmanna}. There is also an old record for {\it Subularia aquatica}.

There are several acidic flush features along the northern edge of the common, dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. and locally, {\it Carex} spp. 

To the east of the common lies Bowscale Moss, a small basin mire, surrounded by marshy grassland dominated by {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus} and {\it Nardus stricta}. The basin mire itsef contains {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Molinia caerulea, Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Erica tetralix}. Locally there is colonisation of the magrins by trees of {\it Betula} spp. This feature is situated outside the boundary of the SSSI.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. Of particular relevance to Lake District commons is the impact of grazing levels upon the ecology of certain upland habitats such as  heathland and a range of mire types, many of which feature amongst the "Priority Habitats" of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.  

Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date). 

The northern and western portions of the SSSI have until relatively recently been managed as grouse moor. The portion to the SE of the River Caldew, which includes this common, has not been so managed and has a long history as sheep walk, with consequent grazing of the vegetation and conversion to acidic grassland over much of the area.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: meadow pipit, willow warbler, skylark, wren, chaffinch, carrion crow.

VEG:
The common has no information available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey and so a full field survey has been undertaken. 

The site comprises verges to either side of a minor road, which have been the site of past small-scale quarrying of limestone. The workings are of restricted extent, with exposures of about 2.0m tall. The site supports a fairly complex mosaic of grassland communities, of both neutral and calcicolous character. As the site appears to be infrequently grazed, the grassland is all rather tall and is being invaded in places by scrub and tall ruderal species. Note that the road marks the boundary of the Lake District National Park.

The most obviously calcicolous swards are associated with the disused quarry workings. One of these lies to the SW (1) and the other is to the NE of the road (2). At (1) the calcicolous grassland is confined to just the very top of the old quarry faces. This is dominated by {\it Festuca rubra}, with frequent {\it Briza media, Helictotrichon pubescens} and {\it Trifolium repens}, abundant {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}, plus occasional {\it Galium verum} and {\it Ranunculus repens}. The prominence of {\it H. pubescens} would suggest that this grassland has affinities with NVC type CG6. 

To the south of here is unimproved neutral grassland plus tall ruderals and some scattered scrub. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} is dominant, with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata}, locally frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Alopecurus pratensis, Poa pratensis} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}, plus occasional {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Carex flacca, Lathyrus pratensis, Galium cruciata, G. boreale, G. aparine, G. verum, Stachys sylvatica, Centaurea nigra, Alchemilla} sp., {\it Veronica chamaedrys, Conopodium majus, Plantago lanceolata, Vicia sativa, V. sepium, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Rumex acetosa} (probably NVC type MG1) . 

At the edge of the lay-by, there is the most diverse grassland, where it appears to have colonised old quarry spoil and {\it A. elatius} is much less dominant. Scattered bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} are present throughout. 

The remaining area to the west of the road has similar grassland to that above. Also present here are dense patches of {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium} spp., plus locally frequent {\it Geranium pratense, Myrrhis odorata} and {\it Geum rivale}, plus the occasional bush of {\it Rubus idaeus}. 

The quarry at (2) is larger than the first and has a somewhat similar grassland composition. The base of the quarry has tall grassland with a large population of {\it Listera ovata}; probably around 100 individuals. Also noted here were {\it H. pubescens, Carex flacca, Alchemilla ? glabra, Geum rivale} and {\it Knautia arvensis}. The top of the rock faces have {\it Thymus polytrichus}. 

Grassland to the south of here appears to be a semi-improved calcicolous sward with abundant {\it F. rubra, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it H. pubescens}. The substrate is uneven, and is possibly derived from spoil. Many of the above species are present, but also noted were a small clump of {\it Sanguisorba officinalis} and several plants of {\it Primula vulgaris}. Once again there are bushes of {\it Rubus idaeus}. 

Grassland to the extreme NE is once again co-dominated by {\it F. rubra} and {\it H. pubescens} with frequent/abundant {\it D. glomerata}. This appears to belong to NVC type MG5, although the abundance of {\it H. pubescens} would suggest a calcicolous component, possibly the grassland is moving from CG6 to MG5. 

The grassland communities on the common are in practice very difficult to characterise as they seem to vary on such a small scale.

MANAGE:
On the original visit, there was no evidence of any management on the common. The site was passed again subsequently on 05.08.95, when it was noted that a horse was tethered on the common. On closer inspection it was realised that the animal had been tethered at various points all round the site, resulting in localised slight grazing of the sward. This grazing is seen as beneficial in maintaining the grassland sward, but it is not known whether this happens every year, or if this was an isolated occurrence. 

The calcicolous grassland is not particularly well-developed, but the site is notable for the population of {\it Listera ovata}. There is a danger of the grassland becoming dominated by coarse species and eventually progressing to scrub, without continued grazing. Rabbits could also be important grazers in this regard, although no direct evidence of their presence was noted. 

One of a number of grassland sites in disused limestone quarries in this part of the county; has quite diverse grassland, but there are more diverse examples in existence. 

The lay-by is large and may be used by lorries and other large vehicles. Its presence has encouraged the dumping of rubbish at the edge. This includes bags of builders rubble, road scrapings and old silage bails. 

The portion of the common within the National Park also lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: willow warbler, blackcap, wren, small skipper.

VEG:
The common was target noted during the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. At the time of the present survey, this information was not to hand and a brief field survey was undertaken. 

The old quarry dominates the site, the working face being between 20-30m tall, creating a deep pit in the centre. A path contours down into this from the road entrance. The quarry has a complex mosaic of grassland types. For the most part this is neutral in character and dominated by coarse grasses such as {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, with occasional/frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Poa trivialis} and {\it Festuca rubra}. Forbs include {\it Galium cruciata, Galium boreale} and {\it Vicia sepium}. Most of this grassland is probably of NVC type MG1. Also noted was one individual of {\it Polemonium caeruleum}, not considered to be native in Cumbria, and possibly a garden escape (source: Halliday, 1997). 

Locally there are signs of a transition to a calcicolous sward noted by the presence of {\it Helictotrichon pubescens} and {\it Trisetum flavescens}, plus some {\it Briza media}. Scattered scrub and trees of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europeus, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} are present locally, often with {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Geum rivale} growing beneath. 

The base of the quarry has large exposed "slabs" of limestone. Much of this area has a short calcicolous grassland turf with abundant {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Briza media}, frequent {\it Pilosella officinarum, Carex flacca}, occasional/frequent {\it Trifolium repens, Linum catharticum, Agrostis capillaris, Homalothecium lutescens, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus} and {\it Hylocomium splendens}, plus occasional {\it Bellis perennis, Trifolium dubium, T. campestre, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Trisetum flavescens}. More detailed survey is needed to elucidate the NVC communities present. 

The tall face of the quarry is a particularly impressive feature and could have some interesting plants, but would be very difficult to survey properly! Surrounding the top of the quarry is further coarse neutral grassland and scrub/trees as described above. 

To the SW at (1) is an area of rather different character, with an uneven surface, which has possibly been used for tipping in the past. This has damp neutral grassland with {\it Phleum pratense, Glyceria fluitans, Juncus inflexus, Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus repens, Arrhenatherum elatius, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Filipendula ulmaria, Centaurea nigra, Deschampsia cespitosa, Lathyrus pratensis, Geum rivale, Galium cruciata, Cynosurus criststus, Poa trivialis} and {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi}. There are also several planted trees on this section - {\it Betula pendula, S. aucuparia, Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Viburnum opulus}. 

A shallow pond has been created in this area, but this is now dry, revealing a cracked, muddy substrate with clumps of {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}, plus occasional {\it Iris pseudacorus, Ranunculus flammula, Senecio aquaticus} and {\it Veronica beccabunga}.

PHASE 1 SURVEY TARGET NOTE:

NY 33 NE, GR NY 372 391: "Old quarry, species-rich neutral grassland with limestone outcrops, with hawthorn and gorse scrub around the edges and the occasional ash tree. Grassland consisted of {\it Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Briza media, Poa} sp., with {\it Hieracium pilosella, Centaurea nigra, Myosotis} sp., {\it Vicia} spp., {\it Veronica chamaedrys, Galium cruciata, Galium odoratum, Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium pratense, Cirsium palustre, Urtica dioica, Ranunculus acris} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Thymus drucei, Saxifraga tridactylites, Medicago lupulina, Cerastium holostoides} and {\it Arenaria serpyllifolia} were common on the limestone outcrops".

MANAGE:
The common appears to have been used for limited tipping in the past. This area has probably been "landscaped" as discussed above. A padlocked gate at the entrance prevents any further tipping. 

The quarry itself is apparently used for clay pigeon shooting - numerous broken clay pigeons were seen lying on the floor. The site is likely to be a refuge for local wildlife, as much of the surrounding land has been agriculturally improved.


VEG:
The common lies at the head of the Kentmere Valley, with the Kentmere Reservoir situated roughly at its centre. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1986 (incorporating earlier target notes from a 1980 survey). The habitat map and vegetation description has been based entirely upon this source. There was insufficient time to visit this common during the course of the present survey.

The area is underlain by rocks of the Borrowdale Volcanic Series. The Kentmere Reservoir (GR NY 445 080) was formerly a corrie tarn but was turned into a reservoir to maintain the flow of water in the River Kent for industry. It is now reported to be badly silted and has been drained. With the demise of the industries which necessitated its construction, it is not known whether repair would be worth it.

The greater part of the common comprises steep slopes which support an acidic grassland sward. This is dominated in the main by {\it Nardus stricta} or {\it Juncus squarrosus}. Other locally dominant species include {\it Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Galium saxatile}. Other local associates: {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. 

To the SW corner of the common on the rocks between Ill Bell and Rainsbarrow Crag there is a scattered heathy element to the vegetation in the form of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. The target notes (GR NY 437 073), include an old record (i.e. 1954) for a number of interesting species: {\it Asplenium viride, Cochlearia alpina, Cystopteris fragilis, Oxyria digyna, Sedum rosea, Selaginella selaginoides, Saxifraga aizoides} and {\it S. hypnoides}. As at 1986 these crags were described as "very grazed".

In addition, rocks at Leads Howe (GR NY 443 082), in 1980 provided records for {\it Alchemilla alpina} and {\it Cryptogramma crispa}. Among the rocks were {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. Scattered small trees of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Scattered bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} amongst acidic grassland. Stand of dense bracken on slope to the north of the reservoir.

There are a number of acidic/neutral flush features on the common. At the head of Kentmere Reservoir lies a large flush associated with the entry stream. Species recorded include: {\it Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus, J. acutiflorus, J. articulatus, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Polytrichum} spp., {\it Potentilla erecta, Nardus stricta, Molinia caerulea, Eriophorum} app., {\it Pinguicula vulgaris, Drosera rotundifolia, Viola palustris, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Carex echinata, C. panicea} and {\it Parnassia palustris}.

There are a number of smaller flush features on the grassland slopes leading down to the reservoir. Additional species recorded from these include {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Anagallis tenella} and {\it Pedicularis sylvatica}.

A flush recorded along the southern boundary of the common (GR NY 456 071, 1980/1986) provides records also for {\it Briza media}, (suggesting an influence of base-rich water), plus {\it Carex viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, {\it Juncus bulbosus, Succisa pratensis} and the moss {\it Aulacomnium palustre}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. Of particular relevance to Lake District commons is the impact of grazing levels upon the ecology of certain upland habitats such as  heathland and a range of mire types, many of which feature amongst the "Priority Habitats" of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.  

Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date). 

The extensive areas of grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}, together with a general lack of dwarf shrubs, are indicative of a sustained high grazing pressure. Indeed, the Phase 1 target notes use the term "heavily grazed" to describe the grassland vegetation of the slopes. 

Cumbria Wildlife Trust: Steel Rigg Quarry (Geological Site) - NY 445 073 (ref. ??). Lies to the south of Kentmere Reservoir. A series of disused quarries cut in the bedded tuffs of the Borrowdale Volcanics.

Kentmere Quarry - NY 445 074 (ref. 209). Presumably also a Geological Site.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visits were: swallow, buzzard, meadow pipit, kestrel, wheatear, curlew, skylark and raven.

VEG:
The common comprises a steep hillside rising from the southern shore at the northern end of Ullswater, which stretches out onto the edge of the plateau to the northern end of High Street. The underlying geology belongs to the Borrowdale Volcanics, with a low hill of Carboniferous Limestone running across the north-eastern tip. This includes Heugh Scar (GR NY 486 236), the largest limestone outcrop in the area.

The majority of the area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey during 1983. The south-eastern boundary of the common lies contiguous with an area of land which was covered by a survey of the NWWA Haweswater Estate by Gilham and Kirkland (1979). The common was visited during the course of the present survey, walking up on the main bridleway from Pooley Bridge and northwards for some way along the bridleway across Heughscar Hill and then returning and progressing southwards along High Street as far as Barton Fell.

A significant portion of the plateau area supports an acidic grassland dominated by either {\it Nardus stricta} or {\it Juncus squarrosus}, or locally by {\it Agrostis capillaris/Festuca ovina}. Other associates include {\it Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. 

Locally there is a heathy element to the vegetation. One example occurs in the area of relatively level ground at the head of Elder Beck (NY 4822). This vegetation is in fact contiguous with a larger area of heathland on the contiguous CL 87W. The cover of dwarf shrubs is generally less than 30 per cent (i.e. grass/heath mosaic). There are a mixture of both dry and wet types. The former is characterised by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with some {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, while the latter has {\it Calluna} with {\it Erica tetralix} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. All of the dwarf shrubs were in a very suppressed condition (see under CL 87W).

A further area of heath lies on the flanks of Barton Fell (NY 4620). Again this is a mosaic of {\it N. stricta/J. squarrosus} with {\it Calluna vulgaris} as very suppressed plants, reaching a maximum height of only 10cm tall. Also recorded by earlier surveys are {\it Empetrum nigrum} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

To the extreme north (NY 486 240), the Phase 1 survey shows a stand of {\it Ulex gallii} "scrub". In Phase 1 terms this is actually also classified as heath ("topiary"-shaped bushes observed during present survey). Areas of base-rich flushing are also noted here, "dominated by {\it Juncus conglomeratus. Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina} grassland". Other species include: "{\it Juncus squarrosus, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Nardus stricta, Briza media, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Carex pulicaris, Euphrasia nemorosa} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis}".

The steeper slopes to the west tend to be dominated by bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Locally this has an acidic grassland understorey dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris/Festuca ovina}, with {\it Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile, Luzula campestris} and {\it Potentilla erecta}, plus the mosses {\it Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}. Very little in the way of a bracken litter layer noted during the site visit. 

The limestone outcrops to the north-east of the common lie within a band of closely-grazed (i.e. 1-2 cm) calcicolous grassland dominated by {\it Festuca ovina}. Other associates include locally frequent {\it Thymus polytrichus}, occasional {\it Carex caryophyllea, Pilosella officinarum, Carlina vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Plantago lanceolata, Luzula campestris, Galium sterneri, G. verum, Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Aphanes arvensis}, plus the moss {\it Hypnum lacunosum}. 

There is a small base-rich spring recorded during the 1983 Phase 1 survey (GR NY 484 236): "Dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}. Also present:- {\it Ranunculus flammula, R. hederaceus, Prunella vulgaris, Potamogeton natans, Veronica beccabunga}".

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and ponies. It is widely-accepted that stocking densities in recent decades have been in excess of what is desirable to maintain the nature conservation value of this ecologically important area. In particular, these fells include a diversity of upland habitats such as heathland, and several mire types, which feature amongst the "Priority Habitats" of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. As outlined already, areas of heath vegetation on the common appear to be in an extremely suppressed condition. 

This situation is a function of Common Agricultural Policy which pays a sheep subsidy (with an additional premium for upland areas), coupled with the registration of grazing rights on common land in 1965. The levels of grazing rights established at this time were based entirely on the numbers given by individual claimants. As a consequence, the numbers of stock 
registered are in general often higher, both in ecological terms, and to some extent also in agricultural terms, than the land can support. Headage payments under the CAP have therefore encouraged graziers to hold as many stock as possible, this being related primarily to their holding of commoners rights.

There is, however, some scope for the amelioration of these problems since the establishment of the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date).

There are no physical boundaries between the various commons which make-up this block.

Extensive tyre marks/tracks seen across the common from use by graziers' vehicles.

A variety of archaeological features present.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: rabbit, willow warbler, meadow pipit, carrion crow.

VEG:
The common was target noted during the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1983. A brief visit was made to the common during the present survey, using available rights of way. There appears to have been little change since 1983. 

The common appears to have a mixture of acidic grassland dominated either by {\it Festuca ovina/Agrostis capillaris} (NVC U4) or {\it Nardus stricta} plus some {\it Juncus squarrosus} (NVC U5). Areas of the former type, being more palatable to sheep, are heavily grazed. Clumps of {\it Juncus effusus} are prominent in wet areas. There is scattered scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus} to the north and west of the site. 

Much of the grassland in this area is said to have base-rich flushing, but there was insufficient time to investigate this. A bridleway passes onto the common at its extreme southern tip. This is a particularly favoured area by sheep, with large stands of {\it Urtica dioica} being present.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. The site boundary is stock proof, with fencing/dry stone walling. The grazing is patchy, as discussed above, with localised areas of heavy grazing of palatable vegetation. There has been dumping of rubble and silage near to the bridleway at the southern tip of the common. 

The site appears to be of limited conservation value, although there is no information available on the species diversity of the flushed areas.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visits were: swallow, buzzard, meadow pipit, kestrel, wheatear, curlew, skylark and raven. Also recorded during RSPB survey: red grouse, golden plover, lapwing, snipe, whinchat.

VEG:
This common lies to the north of a block of moorland which occupies the divide between Ullswater and the Lowther Valley. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1983. A heather condition survey was conducted by the RSPB as part of a survey of Helton Fell and Moor Divock. This combines an analysis of aerial photographs from 1967 and 1988 together with a heather condition survey using standard methodology. The common was visited during the course of the present survey (21.06.95 and 29.08.96). The northern portion of the common is crossed by a low hill of Carboniferous Limestone.

Moor Divock has a central, relatively level portion, with a mixture of dwarf shrub vegetation. The majority comprises dry heath of {\it Calluna vulgaris} with cover rates of between 50-75 per cent. The growth form of plants shows a low carpet or "topiary" forms between 15-20 cm tall, plus occasional taller "drumstick" forms. Frequent twisted, dead stems noted in places. Occasional plants of {\it Erica tetralix} and {\it Ulex gallii} also noted. Adjacent to and also within this area are stands of wet heath vegetation. Here {\it Calluna} is joined by {\it Erica tetralix} plus {\it Sphagnum} spp., such as {\it S. compactum, S. palustre} and {\it S. capillifolium}. Other local associates include {\it Empetrum nigrum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Molinia caerulea}, and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos}.

Leading from the upper reaches of Elder Beck (GR NY 484 223) is an acidic flush feature, dominated by {\it Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum} and {\it S. auriculatum}.

Away from this central section the cover of dwarf shrubs is much lower, giving rise to a mosaic of heath within acidic grassland (i.e. overall cover of dwarf shrubs less than 30 per cent). Again the {\it Calluna} takes the form of very short, suppressed (i.e. grazed) plants.

The acidic grassland component of this mosaic and in pure swards elsewhere on the common is typically dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and locally by {\it Juncus squarrosus}. Elsewhere there is a closely-grazed {\it Festuca ovina/Agrostis capillaris} sward. Other associates include {\it Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. Mosses recorded from acidic grassland communities: {\it Hypnum cupressiforme, Dicranum scoparium, Polytrichum juniperinum, P. piliferum, Rhytidaidelphus squarrosus, Pleurozium schreberi} and {\it Pseudoscleropodium purum}.

The broad picture appears to be in agreement with the earlier RSPB survey. It is clear that the dwarf shrubs on this common are in an extremely grazed/suppressed state and appear to be in danger of terminal decline under the present grazing regime. 

Note the presence of Shake Holes on Tarn Moor/Moor Divock.

On the northern side of Askham Fell, a slope rises northwards towards the limestone outcrops. This is generally dominated by a dense sward of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. This has relatively little in the way of a litter-layer present and beneath the canopy is a short sward of {\it Festuca ovina} with frequent {\it Galium saxatile}, locally frequent {\it Juncus squarrosus}, plus occasional {\it Potentilla erecta} and {\it Luzula campestris}. Mosses here include {\it Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}.

The limestone outcrops to the north of the common lie within a band of closely-grazed (i.e. 1-2 cm) calcicolous grassland dominated by {\it Festuca ovina}. Other associates include locally frequent {\it Thymus polytrichus}, occasional {\it Carex caryophyllea, Pilosella officinarum, Carlina vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Plantago lanceolata, Luzula campestris, Galium sterneri, G. verum, Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Aphanes arvensis}, plus the moss {\it Hypnum lacunosum}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and ponies. It is widely-accepted that stocking densities which have been seen on upland fells in recent decades have been in excess of what is desirable to maintain the nature conservation value of these ecologically important areas (breeding upland birds in particular). This is especially relevant on a common such as this, where an area formerly with abundant heather and managed as grouse moor now sees its heath vegetation being unsustainably grazed into a very suppressed condition, with the consequent spread of less palatable acidic grassland species such as {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. The stands palatable of calcicolous grassland have similarly been closely-cropped into a short (1-2 cm) sward.

This situation is a function of Common Agricultural Policy which pays a sheep subsidy (with an additional premium for upland areas), coupled with the registration of grazing rights on common land in 1965. The levels of grazing rights established at this time were based entirely on the numbers given by individual claimants. As a consequence, the numbers of stock registered are in general often higher, both in ecological terms, and to some extent also in agricultural terms, than the land can support. Headage payments under the CAP have therefore encouraged graziers to hold as many stock as possible, this being related primarily to their holding of commoners rights.

There is, however, some scope for the amelioration of these problems since the establishment of the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date).
 
The spread of bracken onto this common may be a further management problem exacerbated by the grazing pressure. It is not known if there is any active treatment of the bracken on this common.

There are no physical boundaries between the various commons which make-up this block.

Extensive tyre marks/tracks seen across the common from use by graziers' vehicles.

A variety of archaeological features present.


VEG:
This common forms a northerly element of the fells which lie along the length of High Street. Most of the area is underlain by the Borrowdale volcanics and comprises gently undulating moorland which falls in a north-easterly direction from Loadpot Hill. This is dissected by a number of easterly-flowing becks draining the plateau. To the north lies a relatively flat area associated with the broad, shallow valley of Mossy Beck. A small outcrop of Carboniferous Limestone occurs at the extreme north-eastern edge of the common. 

The information from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey relating to this common originates primarily from the 1979 survey of the NWWA Haweswater Estate by Gilham and Kirkland. The north-eastern section, from just beyond the course of Mossy Beck was covered separately under the Phase 1 survey itself, during 1983. A heather condition survey was conducted by the RSPB as part of a survey of Helton Fell and Moor Divock. This combines an analysis of aerial photographs from 1967 and 1988 together with a heather condition survey using standard methodology. The common was also visited during the course of the present survey (21.06.95 and 29.08.96).

To the south-west of the common there are extensive swards of acidic grassland dominated by either {\it Nardus stricta} or {\it Juncus squarrosus}. This is typical of the extensive blocks of contiguous common land to the south; indeed, the majority of upland hillsides of most Cumbrian Commons. Grassland along the course of the road up from Helton is semi-imroved in character. 

Moving north-eastwards, there is a transition into dwarf shrub vegetation. This generally takes the form of dry heath of {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and occasionally, {\it Empetrum nigrum} plus, at higher altitudes, {\it Vaccinium vitis-idaea}. The overall impression gained whilst walking this area during the present survey is that of a mosaic of dry heath and acidic grassland habitats (i.e. cover of dwarf shrubs on avearge is less than 30 per cent). However, locally, as on Tarn Moor/Moor Divock (1), there is a pure heath sward with cover rates of between 50-75 per cent. The growth form of plants shows a low carpet or "topiary" forms between 15-20 cm. tall, plus occasional taller "drumstick" forms. Frequent twisted, dead stems noted in places. 

The grass/heath mosaic (2) typically has abundant {\it Nardus stricta}, locally abundant {\it Juncus squarrosus}, frequent/abundant {\it Calluna vulgaris}, locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Cladonia} sp., {\it Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. The {\it Calluna} here is at an overall cover rate of 25-30 per cent, as very short, suppressed (i.e. grazed) plants. Elsewhere the vegetation gives way to a closely-grazed {\it Festuca ovina/Agrostis capillaris} sward. Mosses recorded from acidic grassland communities: {\it Hypnum cupressiforme, Dicranum scoparium, Polytrichum juniperinum, P. piliferum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Pleurozium schreberi} and {\it Pseudoscleropodium purum}.

Elsewhere, the cover of {\it Calluna} was observed to be much lower, as at (3), where it is only in the order of 5-10 per cent. Some areas of heath on Moor Divock appear to be undergoing colonisation by bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

The broad picture appears to be in agreement with the earlier RSPB survey. It is clear that the dwarf shrubs on this common are in an extremely grazed/suppressed state and appear to be in danger of terminal decline under the present grazing regime. 

Also found on this part of the common are areas of wet heath vegetation. Here {\it Calluna} is joined by {\it Erica tetralix} plus {\it Sphagnum} spp., such as {\it S. compactum, S. palustre} and {\it S. capillifolium}. Other local associates include {\it Empetrum nigrum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Molinia caerulea}, and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos}.

Note the presence of Shake Holes on Tarn Moor.

The valleys to the south-east of the common have a number of associated acidic/neutral flush features. A number of different communities occur. These tend to comprise either a sward of tall {\it Juncus effusus} with {\it Sphagnum} mosses beneath, or "sedge rich lawns". Species seen/recorded include {\it Juncus squarrosus, J. acutiflorus, J. articulatus, J. bulbosus, Carex panicea, C. echinata, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Sphagnum palustre, S. recurvum, S. subnitens, S. flexuosum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Potentilla erecta, Galium palustre, Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Holcus lanatus, Scutellaria minor, Hylocomium splendens, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Succisa pratensis, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula, Cirsium palustre, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Drosera rotundifolia}. Some interesting hummocks noted with {\it Sphagnum capillifolium, S. papillosum} and {\it Polytrichum alpestre}. Occasional spring/flush areas have mosses such as {\it Philonotis fontana, Aulacomnium palustre, Calliergon cuspidatum} and {\it Drepanocladus ?uncinatus}.

There are also smaller features associated with the streams which lead down into Brown Beck and Heltondale Beck. These intoduce other species, some indicative of base-rich flushing, such as {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium Fontinalis antipyretica, Succisa pratensis, Myosotis} sp., {\it Viola palustris, Epilobium palustre, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Lotus pedunculatus, Ranunculus aquatilis, Andromeda polifolia, Menyanthes trifoliata, Sagina nodosa, Parnassia palustris, Briza media, Pinguicula vulgaris} and {\it Equisetum fluviatile}.

The bank-sides/crags support individual trees of {\it Sorbus aucuparia} or bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus}, while other associates include {\it Urtica dioica, Thymus drucei, Digitalis purpurea, Calluna vulgaris, Geranium robertianum, Teucrium scorodonia, Blechnum spicant, Erica cinerea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Filipendula ulmaria, Oxalis acetosella} and {\it Cryptogramma crispa}.

Associated with more sheltered areas within these two valley systems and to the east of Whitestone Moor are stands of dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and ponies. It is widely-accepted that stocking densities which have been seen on upland fells in recent decades have been in excess of what is desirable to maintain the nature conservation value of these ecologically important areas (breeding upland birds in particular). This is especially relevant on a common such as this, where an area formerly with abundant heather and managed as grouse moor now sees its heath vegetation being unsustainably grazed into a very suppressed condition, with the consequent spread of less palatable acidic grassland species such as {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. The stands palatable of calcicolous grassland have similarly been closely-cropped into a short (1-2 cm) sward.

This situation is a function of Common Agricultural Policy which pays a sheep subsidy (with an additional premium for upland areas), coupled with the registration of grazing rights on common land in 1965. The levels of grazing rights established at this time were based entirely on the numbers given by individual claimants. As a consequence, the numbers of stock registered are in general often higher, both in ecological terms, and to some extent also in agricultural terms, than the land can support. Headage payments under the CAP have therefore encouraged graziers to hold as many stock as possible, this being related primarily to their holding of commoners rights.

There is, however, some scope for the amelioration of these problems since the establishment of the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date).
 
A variety of archaeological features on this common. 

There are no physical boundaries between the various commons which make-up this block.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: willow warbler, blackcap, chaffinch, song thrush, rabbits, 7-spot ladybird. The mosaic of habitats on the common appears to offer excellent potential for birds such as those noted above.

VEG:
The common was target noted during the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985, where it is described as "a disused limestone quarry with some sandstone faces". At the time of the present survey, this information had not been located, so a field survey has also been undertaken: 

The site is botanically diverse, with a complex mosaic of different grassland communities. The following is a brief outline of some features noted. 

Around the centre of the common, associated with the old quarry itself, are calcicolous grassland swards. At the very tops of the working faces is a thin sward dominated mainly by {\it Festuca rubra} with abundant {\it Pseudoscleropodium purum, Thymus polytrichus, Sanguisorba minor, Galium verum, Pilosella officinarum} and {\it Leontodon hispidus}, plus locally frequent {\it Carex flacca} and {\it C. caryophyllea}. 

Further away from the exposed rock are deeper soils with similar, but more diverse grassland. Additional species noted include locally frequent {\it Helictotrichon pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Trisetum flavescens, Galium cruciata, Leucanthemum vulgare, Lotus corniculatus, Veronica chamaedrys, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Hypericum perforatum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Campanula rotundifolia, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Alchemilla} sp. and {\it Pimpinella saxifraga}. 

The quarry floor has much bare ground and concreted areas. These tend to have a moss-dominated carpet which includes {\it Homalothecium lutescens, Ctenidium molluscum} and {\it Hypnum cupressiforme} var. {\it lacunosum}. Higher plant species present include {\it Bellis perennis, Fragaria vesca, Myosotis ? discolor, Centaurea nigra, Hypericum perforatum, L. corniculatus, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Pilosella officinarum, Geranium pusillum, Aphanes arvensis, Trifolium dubium} and {\it Trifolium campestre}. Noted elsewhere were two individuals of {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii} and one of {\it Listera ovata}.

In the area surrounding the quarry is a complex mosaic of rank neutral grassland, plus tall ruderal plants, with scattered scrub and trees. The longer grass is dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Poa pratensis}, plus herbs which include {\it Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Centaurea nigra, Heracleum sphondylium, Arctium minus, Galium cruciata, G. boreale, Geranium pratense, Leucanthemum vulgare, Alchemilla} sp., {\it Vicia sepium} and {\it Geum rivale}. The scrub and trees include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europaeus, Fraxinus excelsior} (seedlings), {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Sambucus nigra, Rosa canina} and {\it Cornus sanguinea}. To the south this rapidly merges into a band of scrubby woodland with essentially the same mix of species.

The Phase 1 target note from 1985 (NY 478 282) shows a very similar pattern of habitats and species. A number of additional species are recorded, which include: {\it Medicago lupulina, Geranium molle, G. lucidum, Adoxa moschatellina, Myosotis arvensis, Rumex crispus, Conopodium majus, Filipendula ulmaria, Sedum acre, Alliaria petiolata} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}.

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged. Grazing by rabbits may be important in maintaining the grassland turf. The site appears to have good botanical diversity and further survey and monitoring are recommended. The mosaic of grassland types, scrub and woodland suggests that the common may be an important local wildlife refuge, with nesting sites and cover for birds among the scrub and trees; tall grassland for small mammals and invertebrates, and probably hunting areas for birds of prey such as kestrel and tawny owl.

The 1985 target note mentions that part of the quarry "is used as a tip by the local council, but the rubbish is located in a hole, is neat and tidy and does not encroach in the vegetated area". This feature was not noted during the present survey and perhaps the activity has now ceased.

Potential threats to the site include the danger of renewed tipping and eutrophication by dogs.


FAUNA:
Ullswater Lake as a whole has an ungraded entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. There are records for a range of rare and local invertebrates, although many of these are dated or old. There is a more recent record for a nationally notable species, the bumble bee mimic hoverfly {\it Arctophila fulva}. This is described as "very local in northern and western Britain".

Amongst fish present in the lake is the schelly.

VEG:
This common comprises a section of Ullswater lying in the former county of Cumberland. For the habitat map and a fuller account of the lake as a whole, please refer to the larger contiguous CL 157W.

MANAGE:
This common comprises a section of Ullswater lying in the former county of Cumberland. For the habitat map and a fuller account of the lake as a whole, please refer to the larger contiguous CL 157W.

Although the common lies within the Lake District ESA, this designation is not in this case relevant. The scheme is focussed on agricultural management and there is nothing in the scheme targeted specifically at freshwater lakes.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: willow warbler, curlew, wren, yellowhammer, plus coots on pond. The scrub on the common may be important local habitat for birds such as those seen, plus others such as chaffinches, thrushes, blackbirds, tits, robins, etc. The ponds could have dragonflies, damselflies and newts/frogs etc, but none appear to have been recorded.

VEG:
The common comprises land to the west of the road (with the verges to the east being CL 343C). The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1983/84, with several target notes being made. There is also information on file from the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Further notes have been made during the present survey. 

The southern portion of the common has an area of amenity grassland with trees planted at the edges - {\it Larix} sp., {\it Fagus sylvatica, Aesculus hippocastanum, Prunus} sp., {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Tilia} sp. At the southern tip is a small complex area with overgrown neutral grassland plus planted broadleaved trees of {\it Salix} sp., {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Prunus} sp. and {\it A. hippocastanum}. Also recorded from this area is {\it Gymnadenia conopsea}. 

A small pond has {\it Iris pseudacorus, Equisetum fluviatile, Cardamine pratensis, Epilobium hirsutum, Ranunculus lingua, Stellaria alsine, Potentilla sterilis, Typha latifolia} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. To the north of the amenity area is a site recently dug for another new pond, bare ground at the moment. 

The northern section of the common is mainly dense scrub. This is very dense and contains {\it Salix} spp. ({\it S. myrsinifolia, S. cinerea}), {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Prunus spinosa}. A wide diversity of other species are recorded from the understorey: {\it Potentilla erecta, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Juncus effusus, Valeriana officinalis, Platanthera bifolia, Scrophularia nodosa, Serratula tinctoria, Sanguisorba officinalis, Filipendula ulmaria, Stachys officinalis, Achillea ptarmica} and {\it Geum rivale}. Extensive marginal 'glades' appear to have been cut into the scrub at some time. 

To the north of this area is an open glade of marshy grassland, which is dominated by {\it Filipendula ulmaria} with locally frequent {\it Galium boreale, Deschampsia cespitosa, Geum rivale, Iris pseudacorus, Juncus effusus, Equisetum arvense} and occasional {\it Cirsium palustre}. 

To the extreme north of the common is yet another pond. Plants found here include {\it Iris pseudacorus, Ranunculus lingua, Epilobium hirsutum, Cornus sanguinea, Carex rostrata, Menyanthes trifoliata, Potamogeton} sp., {\it Hippuris vulgaris, Nymphaea alba, Caltha palustris} and {\it Potentilla palustris}. There is also a record for {\it Butomus umbellatus} from one of the ponds on the common.

MANAGE:
The common has been managed in the past under a management plan agreed with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. This work appears to have included the creation of 'glades' in the scrub. This was presumably to stop the scrub from enveloping the whole site, to maximise the area of scrub/grassland interface and to maintain the diversity of the understorey species. 

The digging of ponds appears to have been in conflict with the stated aims of the management plan and, as noted, a new pond appears to have been dug recently. Nest boxes were noted in some of the trees. Part of the common is managed as an amenity area and is regularly mown. 

The site is of botanical significance and habitat diversity, particularly with reference to the presence of particular plants (several species of orchid, plus {\it S. tinctoria}), the diverse scrub and the tall herb-dominated marshy grassland. The site also is likely to be important in a local context for birds of scrub-dominated habitats. Continued monitoring of the common is recommended. Future control of the scrub may again be necessary to maintain the botanical diversity of the site.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were flocks of swallows feeding above the common and a blue tit.

VEG:
The Cumbria Phase 1 survey shows the site to be {\it Juncus}-dominated marshy grassland. A field visit was made to examine the site in more detail. 

The major part of the common has a rank sward of {\it Juncus effusus}. This has locally abundant {\it J. acutiflorus}, locally frequent {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and locally occasional {\it Cirsium palustre, Galeopsis tetrahit, Succisa pratensis, Galium uliginosum} and {\it Achillea ptarmica} (NVC M23). In a few places, {\it Molinia caerulea} becomes dominant, marking localised patches of NVC M25, with {\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Juncus squarrosus, Luzula multiflora, Deschampsia flexuosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris}. 

A small scrubby patch on an area of slightly higher ground has {\it Ulex gallii, U. europaeus, Betula pendula} and {\it Salix} sp., with small areas of {\it Calluna} wet heath. Elsewhere on the site are very occasional trees of {\it B. pendula} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}.

MANAGE:
The vegetation of the common has a very rank and unmanaged appearance. However, a number of tracks could be seen around the periphery, created by a grazing horse (although this not visible at the time). The site could be of local conservation importance, as it is mostly surrounded by improved farmland. A more detailed survey would seem to be worthwhile.


FAUNA:
During the site visit, a tawny owl was encountered at close quarters in the woodland. No other fauna recorded.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. Most of the following description has been based on the present survey. 

The western portion of the common has a stream running along it. To the south is a wooded slope. This deciduous woodland has a varied composition, with trees of {\it Betula} sp., {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus} sp., {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Fagus sylvatica}. Along the edge of the road there are also {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Populus tremula}. The understorey of the wood also has shrubs of {\it C. monogyna}, plus {\it Sambucus nigra, Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Salix caprea}. Elsewhere there is abundant bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and locally, {\it Urtica dioica, Athyrium filix-femina, Mercurialis perennis, Dryopteris filix-mas} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. 

To the north of the stream is an area of semi-improved grassland which also supports areas of scrub with {\it Ulex europaeus, U. gallii} and {\it Cytisus scoparius}. 

Toward the middle of the common are a number of stone dwellings and their associated gardens. Immediately to the west of here (1) the wood gives way to a mosaic of coarse neutral grassland ({\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata}), tall ruderal ({\it Heracleum sphondylium, U. dioica, Chamerion angustifolium}), scrub ({\it C. monogyna}) and scattered trees of {\it F. excelsior}. 

A grassy track leads eastwards from here and, on a steep slope to the north of this (2) a srtip of rather untidy woodland of {\it Corylus avellana, Prunus} sp., {\it Betula pendula} and {\it F. excelsior}. Old coppice stools of hazel {\it Corylus avellana} are present. Abundant {\it Luzula sylvatica} is present as an understorey. 

To the extreme east (3) the wood has {\it F. excelsior, A. pseudoplatanus, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. The remaining area (4) has a complex mosaic dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, tall ruderal and rank neutral grassland of {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus} and {\it H. mollis} with forbs which include {\it Centaurea nigra, Potentilla anserina, Lotus corniculatus, Bellis perennis, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Ranunculus repens}. Occasional bushes of {\it C. scoparius} are also present.

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged, apart from the localised gardening activities of the householders. The Phase 1 target notes suggest possible earlier gravel working. The disused quarry to the east is very deep and is being used for tipping.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. A brief visit was made to the site, which was viewed through binoculars from the roadside.  

To the north of the common there appears to be a remnant of deep peat, possibly raised mire and wet heath comprising {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. The margin is marked by a fringe of exposed peat. This suggests that the maximum peat depth may be around 1.0m. Locally there are self-seeded trees of {\it Betula pendula} and conifers from the adjacent plantation. 

At (1) is an area with scattered trees/scrub of {\it B. pendula, Salix cinerea} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. To the south of here, the vegetation gives way to marshy grassland. This has a rather rank appearance and is dominated by {\it Juncus effusus, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Holcus lanatus}, with locally abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and occasional {\it Cirsium palustre, Digitalis purpurea, Succisa pratensis, Galeopsis tetrahit, Angelica sylvestris, Athyrium filix-femina, Phalaris} sp. and {\it Sphagnum} spp. along the drain. Occasional trees of {\it B. pendula} and {\it S. cinerea} are also present.


FAUNA:
The common forms a small part of the eastern section of the Shap Fells SSSI. The SSSI as a whole supports the largest and most diverse upland breeding bird assemblage in west Cumbria. This is attributable to the extent, quality and diversity of upland vegetation within the site, particularly in the abundance and structure of heather-dominated communities. Breeding waders include curlew, lapwing, snipe, redshank, dunlin and golden plover. Breeding raptors recorded include peregrine falcon, merlin and short-eared owl. Other breeding birds present include raven and twite, as well as red grouse, which is managed for sport (i.e. shooting).

VEG:
The common lies to the south of two upland blocks which comprise the Shap Fells SSSI. The vegetation map is based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. A heather condition survey has also been undertaken by English Nature. 

The SSSI as a whole is important for its extensive blanket bog and heather moor communities, the former habitat type being represented on this common, on a small plateau area to the west. This is target noted by the Phase 1 survey to be dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. According to the heather condition survey, the {\it Calluna} is all around 30cm tall. To the extreme west the {\it Calluna} is at 51-75 per cent cover. Progressing eastwards, the cover declines initially to between 25-50 per cent and finally to between 10-25 per cent. Other species which appear to be present include {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Erica tetralix, Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it S. capillifolium, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus} and possibly {\it Rubus chamaemorus}. 

To the east of the common is an acidic grassland sward, the dominant species being noted as {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. Also within this area is a large flush feature shown as dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}. To the south of the common is a small portion of a valley mire. This is indicated to be dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, Juncus effusus, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. No other information on management available.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: kestrel, carrion crow, pair of ravens and meadow pipit. The common forms the major part of the eastern section of the Shap Fells SSSI. The SSSI as a whole supports the largest and most diverse upland breeding bird assemblage in west Cumbria. This is attributable to the extent, quality and diversity of upland vegetation within the site, particularly in the abundance and structure of heather-dominated communities. Breeding waders include curlew, lapwing, snipe, redshank, dunlin and golden plover. Breeding raptors recorded include peregrine falcon, merlin and short-eared owl. Other breeding birds present include raven and twite, as well as red grouse, which is managed for sport (i.e. shooting).

VEG:
The common lies within the smaller of two upland blocks which comprise the Shap Fells SSSI. Most of the following description is based on the citation. The vegetation map is based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. A brief visit was made to the western portion of the common, from where it was viewed from the public bridleway. A certain amount of re-classification of some Phase 1 habitats has been done as a result of this. A heather condition survey has also been undertaken by English Nature; this has also been used to re-map certain areas. 

The SSSI as a whole is important for its extensive blanket bog and heather moor communities, both of which are represented on this common. Also included within the boundary of the common is one of two features of geological interest, namely Wansdale Beck, which runs along the NW edge of the common. This includes outcrops of the Shap Granite. 

To the west of the common is a small plateau area with blanket bog. This appears typical of much of that within the SSSI. This has between 51-75 per cent cover of {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with abundant {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}, locally frequent {\it E. angustifolium} and {\it Erica tetralix} and abundant {\it Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it S. capillifolium} (NVC type M19). Hagged edges of bare peat were visible during the site visit, possibly with localised transitions to a mosaic of wet heath/acidic grassland. Peat depth here is probably between 1.0-1.5m. Other species associated with the blanket bog include {\it Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Rubus chamaemorus}. 

Not shown on the Phase 1 map, the SSSI citation refers to small areas of upland raised mire "east of Crag Hill on Birkbeck Fells", and described as a habitat only recorded from one other upland site in west Cumbria. Additional species noted here are {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos, Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Drosera rotundifolia}.

To the north of the common is a significant block of {\it Calluna vulgaris} dry heath. The extreme edge of this area (GR NY 563 075) was inspected from the bridleway during the present survey. The cover of {\it Calluna} was around 80 per cent. Most of this appeared to show signs of having been grazed by sheep, with a rather untidy appearance and with "topiary" shaped bushes prominent. Frequent small grassy patches are also present in the heather, with even more obvious signs of grazing around these. 

The heather condition map indicates that most of this block of heath has {\it Calluna} at more than 75 per cent cover. Height varies from as little as 5cm up to 40cm. This area has a regular programme of heather burning - this was clearly evident from the above location and also when viewing the common from the A6 to the north. To the east of this block, the cover falls to between 51-75 percent. Around Stakeley Beck the cover rates of {\it Calluna} are lower, less than 10 percent in some areas and much of this area has been mapped as a mosaic of dry heath within acidic grassland. 

Much of the remaining part of the common sees the dwarf shrubs giving way to an entirely acidic grassland sward, the dominant species being noted as {\it Nardus stricta}. Also within this area are a number of large flush features shown as dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}. The largest feature, to the south of the common, has been interpreted as a valley mire. This is indicated to be dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, Juncus effusus, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. The SSSI citation notes that the Birkbeck Fells have very small springs characterised by the moss {\it Philonotis fontana} and {\it Saxifraga stellaris}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. The northern portion is also managed for red grouse by burning of the heather. The resulting patterns of different ages of {\it Calluna} plants could be clearly seen on this part of the common. There are at least two rows of grouse butts on the common, one to the west, as indicated on the habitat map. The second lies to the east of here and was noted whilst driving along the M6 Motorway, although its precise location is uncertain. 

The SSSI citation suggests that "burning and grazing pressure have resulted in a degradation of the heathland communities, encouraging the invasion of grasses. This is reflected in the expansion of grassmoor on the east of Birkbeck Fells". This is further supported by the frequent grassy patches noted during the present survey and it appears that, in nature conservation terms, present stocking densities are too high. A further feature, noted on the heather condition map is a narrow 'strip' running across the {\it Calluna} heath area. This may be the route of a buried pipeline. 

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
No information on fauna available for this common. However it lies within the Shap Fells SSSI - see under CL 8W for general details of fauna for whole site.

VEG:
The common lies to the south of the eastern portion of the Shap Fells SSSI. For fuller details of the SSSI in relation to common land see under the contiguous CL 8W. The habitat map here is based on the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. This shows this particular common to comprise a sward of unimproved acidic grassland. This suggested that the site was likely to be of only limited conservation interest and, in view of severe time constraints, it was decided not to visit this common. To the north is a section of a valley mire complex. This is shown to be dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, Juncus effusus, Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.

MANAGE:
The common is probably grazed by sheep, but no management information is available.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
No information on fauna available for this common, which was not visited during the course of the present survey.

VEG:
The common lies on an outlier to the Birkbeck Fells. The Cumbria Phase 1 habitat survey indicated an acidic grassland sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}. This suggested that the site was unlikely to be of great nature conservation interest and, in view of severe time constraints, it was decided not to visit the site. The boundary and habitat map for this common can be found under CL 14W. The only other mapped habitat is a ghyll to the NW which has a ribbon of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} woodland. Ideally this site should be surveyed fully.


VEG:
The common lies on a block of upland fells to the south-west of Tebay. In the east, the terrain falls very steeply from Jeffrey's Mount into the Eden Gorge. This portion of the common was viewed from the A685 Kendal to Tebay road, but otherwise there was insufficient time available to visit the site. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. This shows that most of the common comprises an acidic grassland sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Festuca ovina}. A number of features are illustrated which have been translated as valley mires or flushes, according to topography. 

The flush at (1) is shown to be dominated by {\it Carex} spp., {\it Juncus} spp., {\it Sphagnum} spp. and bryophytes. Locally, the margins of the common have stands of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Full survey recommended.

MANAGE:
Probably sheep-grazed, but no information available.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common lies to the south of Breterdale Beck, itself lying SW of Tebay. The habitat map is based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. As this indicated that most of the common has an acidic grassland sward, it was decided in view of severe time constraints, not to visit this common. Most of the grassland occurs on steeply sloping ground. The dominant species are {\it Nardus stricta, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}, locally with {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. Around the summit of Whinash is less steep ground with an area of blanket mire. This is dominated by {\it Eriophorum} spp., {\it Carex} spp, {\it N. stricta, Juncus} spp., and {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. It has been mapped as dry-modified bog due to the presence of grass species, coupled with the lack of a mention of any {\it Sphagnum} spp. mosses. Full survey recommended.


VEG:
The common lies on a hilltop plateau to the east of the A6, at the point where it crosses the Shap Fells. Land falls first gradually and then steeply, eastwards into Bretherdale. The vegetation map is based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, which also provides some target noted information. A visit was made to the plateau area of the common, where it was inspected from the public bridleway which crosses this part. 

This plateau (1) has blanket bog with quite a lot of hagging visible in places. Peat depth may be as much as 3.0m. There appear to be two distinct vegetation communities present. The first is the most abundant type and is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. A typical quadrat contains locally abundant {\it Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum}, locally frequent {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Sphagnum subnitens}, frequent/occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris}, occasional {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} plus locally occasional {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, V. oxycoccos, Empetrum nigrum, Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum jutlandicum, Campylopus} sp. and {\it Erica tetralix}. This vegetation appears to belong to NVC type M19. 

The second community is only present in small amounts. This is dominated by {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} and accompanied by frequent {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}, locally abundant {\it Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it S. cuspidatum}, locally frequent {\it Sphagnum subnitens}, occasional {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Calluna vulgaris, V. myrtillus} and locally occasional {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Erica tetralix}. This vegetation is most likely to be of NVC type M17, although it may have affinities also with M15 (more detailed information on {\it Sphagnum} species present is needed). Over both communities, the {\it Calluna vulgaris} is all very short and in a suppressed condition. 

The remainder of the common is mainly acidic grassland shown to be dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. A small feature to the north of the common (2) has been interpreted as a basin mire - this has {\it Carex} spp. and {\it Sphagnum} spp. Streams at the head of Bretherdale (3) appear to have flushed areas with {\it Juncus} spp. (incl. {\it J. acutiflorus}). An area at (4), shown to be dominated by {\it E. vaginatum}, has also been mapped as blanket bog. To the SE of the common is a steep hillside (5) with bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, plus scattered scrub progressing to woodland. Further small wooded blocks ({\it Betula} sp.) are identified to the north of here.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. On the plateau area, any heather present was in a very short and suppressed condition. Stocking levels, on this part of the common at least, would appear to be too high for sustained heather maintenance. There is no information available about the management of the rest of the site. 

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common comprises a block of upland fell within Grayrigg Forest. There is a steep slope to the north down to Borrow Beck. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1986. As the common is relatively inaccessible, and has several relevant target notes, it was not visited during the present survey (severe time constraints). 

Most of the common comprises upland acidic grassland, although the species present are not indicated. A number of flush features, plus a small area with some wet heath vegetation are also present. These are described by the various target notes: 

GR SD 582 010 "Flushes consist of patches dominated by {\it Juncus acutiflorus} and other patches dominated by {\it Carex panicea}". 

GR SD 588 008 (target noted in 1977, updated in 1986) "Small soligenous flush along the streamside: {\it Galium palustre, Euphrasia officinalis, Pedicularis sylvatica, Succisa pratensis, Ranunculus repens, Cirsium arvense, Potentilla erecta, Parnassia palustris, Pinguicula vulgaris, Cardamine flexuosa, Epilobium palustre, Stellaria palustris, Achillea millefolium, Linum catharticum, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Briza media}" (interpreted as base-rich flush).

GR SD 579 991 "Area of flush and wet heath dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} with {\it J. conglomeratus, Eriophorum angustifolium, Polytrichum} sp., {\it Sphagnum} sp., {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos, Calluna vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Narthecium ossifragum, Achillea ptarmica, Parnassia palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Erica tetralix} and {\it Succisa pratensis}. The area of dry grass/heath mosaic to the west supports {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Deschampsia flexuosa, Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}, with {\it Molinia caerulea} in some areas". Note that this south-western portion of the common is coincident with a Cumbria Wildlife Trust "County Wildlife Site".

GR SD 587 997 "A large flush in acidic grassland. The area is species-poor dominated by {\it Juncus conglomeratus} and {\it J. acutiflorus}. Other species present are {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Ranunculus flammula, Myosotis} sp., {\it Viola riviniana} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. The area is grazed and trampled".

MANAGE:
The area is grazed by sheep. The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
No records of fauna available specifically relating to this common. For a discussion of the fauna for the Crosby Ravensworth Fells SSSI as a whole, of which this common overlaps a tiny part, see under CL 10W.

VEG:
The common lies along the western side of the Crosby Ravensworth Fells range, partly within the SSSI of the same name. This SSSI also forms a part of the Asby Complex proposed Special Area of Conservation (pSAC) to be designated under the EC Habitats Directive. 

The common is effectively cut in two by the M6 Motorway. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, which also provides some dominant species information. Heathland on the common was covered by a heather condition survey in 1991 by Rigby Jerram. A brief site visit was made to the common, viewing areas of remnant heath from the unfenced B6261. 

The northern part of the common is shown to be unimproved acidic grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. A smaller area of the semi-improved category is shown to be dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}. To the NE is an area of limestone spoil from the encoraching Hardendale Limestone Quarry. 

The remainder of the common appears mostly to comprise a mosaic of {\it Calluna vulgaris} dry dwarf shrub heath and acidic grassland. The majority of this area was mapped as having a heather cover at less than 10 per cent, with smaller areas locally having a cover as high as 75 per cent. A small amount of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} was also present. The general impression gained during the present survey is that the heather on this common is in an extremely suppressed condition. Cover appeared to be very low, mostly only around 5 per cent, with hardly any appearance of heath vegetation at all. Localised areas with a cover of as much as 15 per cent were noted, but a general impression is that percentage cover may have fallen still further since the 1991 survey. Parts appear to have progressed to a pure grassland sward, especially at the edges of the road, with localised invasion by bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} in places.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. With the presence of the M6 Motorway and its link road, all protected by fencing and cattle grids, the common is effectively divided into several different grazing units. The remnants of {\it Calluna} heath on the common are in an extremely suppressed condition and possibly beyond recovery.


VEG:
The common lies to the NW of the Crosby Ravensworth Fells complex. The habitat map has been prepared from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. In view of the time constraints and the fact that most of the area appeared to be acidic grassland, this area was not visited during the present survey. However, part of the common is encroached upon by the Hardendale limestone quarry. In addition, when viewed from a distance, there appeared to be a number of limestone outcrops within the grassland and a part falls within an area covered by a Limestone Pavement Order covering the limestone pavements of the Asby Complex - see under CL 11W for full details of this notification. The acidic grassland is noted to be dominated by {\it Nardus stricta, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}. To the north the grassland is described as being of the 'poor semi-improved' category.

MANAGE:
The common is presumably grazed by sheep, although there is no information as to the grazing levels.


FAUNA:
No information on the fauna available for this common.

VEG:
The common lies to the extreme NW of the Crosby Ravensworth Fells complex. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey and the common was not visited. The site appears to comprise a narrow roadside strip with both acidic grassland and poor semi-improved grassland present. No species information is available.

MANAGE:
There is no information available about the management of this site. The road across the common is protected by cattle grids. An ancient stone circle lies at the intersection of this common and its contiguous neighbours, CLs 12W and 15W.


FAUNA:
Old records of Odonata (dragonflies/damselflies) from Haskew Tarn (GR NY 521 113, 1983): common hawker {\it Aeshna juncea}, large red damselfly {\it Pyrrhosoma nymphula}, four-spotted chaser {\it Libellula quadrimaculata} and golden-ringed dragonfly {\it Cordulegaster boltonii}.

VEG:
The common lies at the eastern fringe of the Lake District National Park, just to the west of Shap village. The larger portion of Ralfland Forest comprises an area of moorland with a complex topography, crossed by a pattern of broad, shallow valleys. Steep slopes fall away into the Swindale valley, which effectively separates-off the northern portion of Rosgill Moor. 

The habitat map and species description have been based primarily on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. This has originated from the 1979 survey of the NWWA Haweswater Estate by Gilham and Kirkland. It is recoginsed that this source is now somewhat out of date. However, there was insufficient time to re-survey. The age of the original Phase 1 survey has also introduced a number of difficulties of interpretation, most significant of which is the revision of bog and mire habitats in the present (1990) methodology. The descriptions of the mire habitats in this report are therefore recognised as being only a rough approximation. Had time been available, these habitats should have been re-surveyed; indeed, this is recommended for the common as a whole. However, a brief look was taken at the area of Rosgill Moor adjacent to the Swindale Road.

Much of the common supports a closely sheep-grazed sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} with locally frequent {\it Juncus effusus} (the latter occurring as pure marshy grassland swards in places). Other associates include {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Luzula campestris} and {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. Dwarf shrubs appear very scarce, with only locally occasional plants of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.

Rosgill Moor has an area of acidic grassland with scattered topiary-shaped bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus}. 

The valley sides along the length of Swindale Beck have extensive swards of dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, with rock outcrops/screes plus, at the head of Swindale (GR NY 5011) and elsewhere, scattered deciduous trees/dwarf shrubs: {\it Betula} sp., {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Ulex europaeus, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

There are also a number of steep gorges at head of Swindale Beck. E.g. Gathercrag Gill (GR NY 518 128); (GR NY 509 114). Species recorded include those above plus {\it Ulmus glabra, Prunus padus, Sorbus aucuparia, Salix capraea, Juniperus communis, Erica cinerea, Rosa} agg., {\it Geum rivale, Mercurialis perennis, Luzula sylvatica, Solidago virgaurea, Blechnum spicant, Oxalis acetosella, Campanula rotundifolia, Alchemilla alpina} and {\it Geranium sylvaticum}. Smaller gills and crags occur elsewhere on the common.

There are also some areas of flushing alongside Swindale Beck: {\it Juncus effusus/acutiflorus} etc. The beck itself has a stony bottom with records for {\it Littorella uniflora, Myriophyllum} spp., {\it Callitriche} sp., plus {\it Ranunculus aquatilis}.

Much of the common, especially Ralfland Forest, supports a complex mosaic of flush and mire vegetation. As discussed above, a revision of the Phase 1 survey methodology in 1990 has introduced considerable difficulties of translation. The hollows support a variety of basin mires, with more extensive valley mires occupying the valleys. Pockets of blanket mire tend to occur on gently-sloping ground. Elsewhere the peat thins to give a wet heath vegetation. Throughout the site there are also freqent flushes, with acidic/neutral and base-rich types all represented.

The blanket mire tends to be dominated by species such as {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. Other associates include {\it Empetrum nigrum, Erica tetralix} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. The 1990 revision of the Phase 1 methodology introduced sub-divisions into the former category of blanket bog. This is now placed in either blanket mire (un-degraded, with more than 25 per cent cover of {\it Sphagnum}), dry modified bog, or wet modified bog (i.e. with less than 25 per cent {\it Sphagnum}). Of course, it is not possible to translate directly from pre-1990 target notes, but it would appear that on the whole, the blanket mire of this common has abundant {\it Sphagnum}. 

Basin and valley mire habitats may also often be dominated by the above species, plus others which can also be associated with flushing. Species recorded include {\it Juncus effusus, J. bulbosus, Carex} spp. (incl. {\it C. panicea, C. echinata, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. nigra, C. curta, C. rostrata}), {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Polytrichum commune, Narthecium ossifragum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Potamogeton} spp., {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Viola palustris, Ranunculus flammula, Agrostis canina, Equisetum fluviatile, Molinia caerulea, Festuca vivipara, Huperzia selago, Potentilla palustris, Caltha palustris, Mentha aquatica, Galium palustre, Montia fontana} and {\it Epilobium palustre}. The more base-rich examples also contain species such as {\it Pinguicula vulgaris, Bellis perennis, Pedicularis sylvatica, Euphrasia} sp. and {\it Triglochin palustre}.

One of the mires contains a small, shallow, peaty tarn (i.e. Haskew Tarn - GR NY 521 113). This has abundant emergent vegetation which includes {\it Carex rostrata, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Equisetum fluviatile, Utricularia} sp., {\it Eleogiton fluitans} and {\it Nuphar lutea}. {\it E. fluitans} is described as a species with a pronounced south-westerly distribution in Cumbria (Halliday, 1997). This source does not show any records of the species from this locality. Its mention in the Phase 1 target notes for this common, so far to the north-east, is therefore of interest.

Note to the extreme south-east of the common (NY 5512), two small blocks of conifer plantation.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. In the area observed during the present survey, grazing levels appeared high on the acidic grassland. The adjacent scattered gorse scrub has been grazed to produce distinctive topiary forms. The presence of large areas of acidic grassland dominated by species of low palatability to sheep, coupled with a general lack of dwarf shrubs, suggests a sustained high grazing pressure.

This situation is a function of Common Agricultural Policy which pays a sheep subsidy (with an additional premium for upland areas), coupled with the registration of grazing rights on common land in 1965. The levels of grazing rights established at this time were based entirely on the numbers given by individual claimants. As a consequence, the numbers of stock registered are in general often higher, both in ecological terms, and to some extent also in agricultural terms, than the land can support. Headage payments under the CAP have therefore encouraged graziers to hold as many stock as possible, this being related primarily to their holding of commoners rights.

There is, however, some scope for the amelioration of these problems since the establishment of the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date).


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were a buzzard soaring above the common, plus a large white butterfly.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Phase 1 survey in 1979, with several target notes being made. Although time was short, in view of the age of the previous survey, a brief visit was made to the common to see if there had been any significant changes (and this appeared not to be the case). 

A single target note covers the western portion, "Yews Mire" - GR NY 503 175: "Yews Mire. A misnomer, this area being a moderated, sloping area of damp rough grassland and gorse scrub, above Howes Beck. Overall there is a short grassy sward dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}, with {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Potentilla erecta, Luzula campestris} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}, grading frequently into damp, peaty areas with {\it Nardus stricta, Molinia caerulea, Pedicularis sylvatica, Viola palustris, Carex} spp. and {\it Sphagna}. Scattered throughout are dense stands of {\it Ulex europaeus} and occasional patches of {\it Juncus squarrosus}. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} becomes dominant in patches towards the beck, where {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is also found". 

The eastern portion was also target noted, as follows: GR NY 507 179. "The Howes. A large area of open common running down as far as Howes Beck, and closely grazed by sheep and ponies. The area is visually attractive with the rocky outcrops, gorse patches, rough areas and short swards giving small scale variation. {\it Festuca ovina} is predominant in the sward, together with associated calcifuge species. In small wet and damp patches there are Sphagna, {\it Carex} spp., {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Viola palustris, Drosera rotundifolia, Ranunculus flammula, Potamogeton polygonifolius} and {\it Juncus} spp. Birds associated with the scattered {\it Ulex} scrub include yellowhammer and pipits". 

Both of the above areas were viewed from the road and were seen to still comprise a mix of acid grassland and scrub, and possess the same visual characteristics. However, it was not possible to check whether the above wet areas were still as botanically diverse. 

Running across the common to the south is Howes Beck, target note GR NY 508 178. "Howes Beck. 2-4m wide, clear, fairly fast flowing over stony bottom. No special beck-side flora, but fringed with shrubs and trees: {\it Alnus glutinosa, Sorbus aucuparia, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Ribes rubrum}. Grass-rich banks, but with {\it Alchemilla xanthochlora, Myrrhis odorata} and {\it Sanguisorba officinalis}". This feature was not examined in the present survey. 

To the east of the common the grassland appears to be as per the target notes, comprising a very closely grazed sward dominated by {\it Festuca ovina} with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}, plus locally frequent {\it Carex caryophyllea, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus} (NVC type U4). {\it Nardus stricta} was also present in a few areas, and also noted were locally occasional {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Danthonia decumbens} and {\it Achillea millefolium}. 

The rock outcrops support low-growing moss species such as {\it Dicranum scoparium} and {\it Hypnum cupressiforme}, plus {\it Cladonia} sp. lichens. {\it Aira praecox} was also locally abundant here. The scrub is mainly of {\it Ulex europaeus}, but also with some {\it Ulex gallii}.

MANAGE:
The common is crossed by a minor, metalled road which is unfenced from the common. It is protected by cattle grids where it crosses onto the site. The common is very heavily grazed by sheep and ponies, and also free-ranging chickens to the east. At the time of the site visit, the weather had been hot and sunny for some considerable time and the turf was looking brown and parched, with scorching due to the effect of animal urine. There were also abundant sheep droppings in the grass. Significant areas of the gorse scrub appear to have been burnt in recent years. 

The site has attractive landscape qualities, but is very heavily grazed and its botanical diversity may have declined since the 1979 survey. A full botanical survey is needed to investigate this. The old quarry to the east of the common has a number of wooden sheds and garages sited within it.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common is a level area on the flood plain of the River Lowther. It supports an intensively grazed sward of improved grassland. The habitat map from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey shows the presence of scattered bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} throughout the site, but this has now disappeared, presumably due to the intensive management regime. Two long thin ditches, possibly once pools, are indicated on the Phase 1 map. The one to the south is dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}. Near to the river there are further clumps of {\it J.effusus}, and also of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. Elsewhere on the common, depressions support further clumps of {\it J. effusus}.

MANAGE:
The common is intensively grazed by sheep, plus some ponies. The river is shallow and can be crossed easily by the livestock from the adjacent CL 89W (the rights are cross-referenced). The site appears to have little conservation value.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1983/84. The site supports the greater portion of an area of limestone pavement which is protected by a Limestone Pavement Order (1994). A brief visit was made to the common, concentrating on the area to the west, adjacent to the River Lowther. 

The main area of Limestone Pavement lies at the top of a limestone scar (Map 1), this forming a distinctive and visible landscape feature. The scar itself is between 1-1.3m tall. Most of the pavement is described as being in discrete blocks greater than 3.0m across. To the eastern end of the common (Map 2) are a further series of limestone outcrops, a smaller area of pavement, plus an area of pavement damaged by past removal (1). For a fuller account of the geology of the pavement, please refer to the Limestone Pavement Schedule, held by English Nature. 

A number of fern species are found in the grikes of the pavement: {\it Cystopteris fragilis, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Polystichum aculeatum, P. setiferum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Asplenium ruta-muraria} and {\it A. trichomanes}. Herbs recorded include {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Geranium robertianum, G. molle, G. lucidum, Arum maculatum, Lotus corniculatus, Alchemilla filicaulis, Veronica serpyllifolia, V. chamaedrys, Euphrasia nemorosa, Potentilla sterilis, P. erecta, Glechoma hederacea, Carex caryophyllea, C. flacca, Mycelis muralis} and {\it Primula vulgaris}. There are also occasional trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} grazed to below the level of the clint surfaces and a relict woodland flora which includes {\it Mercurialis perennis, Galium odoratum, Sanicula europaea, Viola riviniana, Oxalis acetosella, Geum urbanum, Anemone nemorosa} and {\it Stachys sylvatica}. 

Surface solution features, for example runnels, contain mats of low-growing plants including {\it Thymus polytrichus, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Galium verum, Pilosella officinarum, Sedum acre, S. album, Aphanes arvensis, Sagina procumbens} and, more rarely, {\it Helianthemum nummularium} and {\it Saxifraga tridactylites}. Moss species are often also abundant in these areas, including {\it Neckera crispa, Ctenidium molluscum} and {\it Tortella} sp., plus the lichen {\it Squamaria cartilaginea}, a markedly calcicole species. 

Within and surrounding the immediate perimeter of the pavements are small areas with a calcicolous grassland flora. These have {\it Festuca ovina, F. rubra, Briza media, Phleum pratense, Helictotrichon pratense, Cynosurus cristatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Trisetum flavescens, Sesleria caerulea} (NS) and {\it Koeleria macrantha}. 

N.B. NS = Nationally Scarce: species recorded from between 16 - 100 ten km squares of the Ordnance Survey Grid (JNCC, 1994). 

Additional species noted during the Cumbria Phase 1 survey from Knipe Scar (GR NY 540 180) include {\it Arabis hirsuta, Scabiosa columbaria, Sanguisorba minor, Galium cruciata, G. sterneri} and {\it Hippocrepis comosa}. Associated with the scar itself, {\it Carlina vulgaris} has also been recorded.

Surrounding the pavements, there are significant areas dominated by bracken (NVC U20), and elsewhere, acidic grassland. This is dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}. Locally there are {\it Danthonia decumbens, Sagina nodosa} and {\it Potentilla erecta}, plus signs of heavy grazing in the form of {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium arvense} (target note GR NY 540 184). There is also scattered scrub in the form of bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus}. 

Acidic grassland above the scar at (2) is also recorded to have {\it Luzula sylvatica}. To the west of the scar is a steep bracken-dominated slope, and below this, running down to the river, is a more gentle slope of acidic grassland. This was investigated during the present survey and was found to mainly be a sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} with occasional {\it Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and locally frequent {\it Juncus squarrosus} (NVC U5). Nearer to the river are localised patches of closely grazed {\it Agrostis/Festuca} grassland (NVC U4). Once again, {\it U. europaeus} bushes are scattered throughout. Near to the river are clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and ponies. The site is said to have a limestone flora limited by the effect of a high grazing level. Nor do the pavements appear to be of particular geological significance; the main interest appears to lie in the landscape quality. There has been past removal of clints from pavement to the east of the common (1), for dry stone wall construction. For further information about the Limestone Pavement Order, please consult the Schedule held by English Nature. The road which crosses the common is unfenced from the site and is protected by cattle grids.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
Noted during site survey were: sandmartin, swallow, blue tit, housemartin, feral geese (on river), large white butterfly.

VEG:
The common has two target notes available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1984), whilst additional information has also been gathered during the present survey. 

To the west of the River Lowther is an area of unmanaged neutral grassland. There appear to be a number of distinct grassland communities present. A major part is dominated by or has abundant {\it Festuca rubra}, with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris}. In addition, there are also large areas with abundant {\it A. capillaris} and frequent {\it Holus lanatus} plus {\it H. mollis}. These areas are all likely to be of NVC type MG5. 

Smaller areas occur which are becoming dominated by coarse grasses such as {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}, with some {\it Dactylis glomerata} (these will be of NVC type MG1). 

A wide range of other grasses and forbs are present over the area as a whole, including {\it Galium verum, Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Achillea millefolium}. Species found in small amounts locally were {\it Geranium pratense, Senecio jacobaea, Trifolium pratense, Potentilla anserina, Pimpinella saxifraga, Stachys officinalis, Rhinanthus minor, Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Lathyrus pratensis}.

To the edge of the river there is a steep bank. In this area the grassland is somewhat overgrown with tall herbs. Found in this area (including at the edge of the river) were {\it Urtica dioica, Geranium pratense, Stachys sylvatica, Galium mollugo, Phalaris arundinacea, Polygonum persicaria, Caltha palustris, Epilobium hirsutum, Mentha} sp., {\it Juncus effusus, Myosotis} sp., {\it Veronica beccabunga, Rumex obtusifolius, Filipendula ulmaria, Senecio palustris} and {\it Geum rivale}. There is scattered scrub along this strip which includes {\it Salix cinerea, Ulex europaeus, Rosa canina}, plus scattered trees of {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus glabra} and {\it Prunus} sp. Along the edge of the river, to both sides, are trees of {\it Alnus glutinosa}.

Additional species noted from this side of the common during the Phase 1 survey include {\it Knautia arvensis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Prunella vulgaris, Malva moschata} and {\it Campanula trachelium}. 

To the east of the river is an area which appears to comprise poor semi-improved grassland, as a fairly short sward, with clumps of {\it Cirsium arvense} noted.

MANAGE:
The western portion of the common appears totally unmanaged at present. It has obviously been grazed in the past, judging from the numerous grazing rights. There may be slight grazing by rabbits. Much of the grassland retains a fairly diverse, though not outstanding species composition, but there are localised signs of coarse species taking over. Ideally the grassland would benefit from the reintroduction of some grazing (or a hay crop) if it is to retain its present species diversity. 

Land to the east of the river is intensively grazed by geese and sheep (no apparent conservation value). Numerous feathers were present throughout this area! 

Further conservation interest exists in the form of the river and its tree and shrub-lined banks, and the site as a whole appears to be of value to local wildlife.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common lies to the NW of the Crosby Ravensworth Fells complex. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey and the site was not visited. A significant portion is taken-up by the M6 Motorway. Otherwise the common comprises a sward of unimproved acidic grassland shown to be dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris/Festuca ovina}. The presence of the nearby Hardendale limestone quarry suggests that there may be some limestone outcrops/calcicolous grassland present, but no such features were mapped.

MANAGE:
The common is probebly grazed by sheep, but there is no information as to the grazing intensity.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: willow warbler, blue tit, robin, pied wagtail and large white butterfly.

VEG:
The common has no relevant information from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey and a full survey has therefore been undertaken, using existing rights of way. The larger portion of the common lies on a steeply-sloping bank to the east of the River Lowther. 

The northern tip (1) has land at the top of the slope which has a mosaic of fairly coarse grassland dominated by {\it Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}, plus locally frequent {\it Centaurea nigra, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Achillea millefolium}. This area also has scattered scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. plus {\it Rosa} spp., with scattered small trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Salix cinerea} and {\it Prunus ?domestica}. Damp areas have {\it Juncus effusus, Filipendula ulmaria, Senecio aquaticus} and {\it Lotus pedunculatus}. Elsewhere there are clumps of {\it Urtica dioica}, {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. This area has recently been trampled by cattle. Recent bonfire site: tree cuttings.

The steep slope which runs down to the river (2) has very dense scrub plus trees. This includes {\it F. excelsior, C. monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Ulmus glabra} (small seedlings, plus dead mature trees), {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Salix cinerea}. Toward the edge of the river there are also trees of {\it Alnus glutinosa}. The understorey is locally dominated by bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Elsewhere there is grassland similar to the above. 

The section to the south (3) takes on the character of true woodland, with a field layer which includes {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Mercurialis perennis, Galium aparine, Geum urbanum} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}. Again, several dead trees of {\it U. glabra} are present. To the top of the slope, a narrow metalled farm track runs at the edge of the common (4). Here the site boundary comprises a hedgerow with numerous trees which include {\it F. excelsior, Populus} sp. (planted variety?), {\it C. monogyna, Corylus avellana, Rosa} spp., {\it Pinus} sp., {\it Prunus} sp. and {\it A. pseudoplatanus}. To the south this widens out to become what is in effect a narrow wooded verge. 

There are two further portions of the common. That at (5) has quite a complex vegetation. Next to the road there is a wide strip of coarse grassland dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}. This has been planted with small trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus} sp. Beyond this is a damp low-lying area next to a small stream. This has scattered scrub and trees of {\it F. excelsior, U. glabra, A. glutinosa} and {\it C. monogyna}. Underneath is tall ruderal vegetation which includes {\it Urtica dioica, Filipendula ulmaria} plus {\it Petasites hybridus}. 

The final area at (6) largely comprises an overgrown stand of coarse grassland/tall ruderals; {\it A. elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Centaurea nigra, Stachys sylvatica, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Rumex obtusifolius, Chamerion angustifolium, Geranium pratense}, with scattered trees of {\it A. pseudoplatanus} and {\it F. excelsior}. A small area of amenity grassland has been created as a childrens play area, through regular mowing by an adjacent householder.

MANAGE:
The larger component of the common is grazed lightly by cattle. The bonfire site in this area appears to have arisen from the burning of cut scrub/trees (though apparently these are not from the common itself). 

The two smaller portions, which are unfenced from the road, are no longer grazed. As discussed above, a part of one of these is being managed by an adjacent householder as a private garden. The grassland next to the road is probably cut by the local authority, who may also be responsible for the tree planting noted. 

The three parts of the common taken as a whole offer a wide variety of habitats. Much of the surrounding land has been agriculturally improved and the site is probably an important refuge for local wildlife. The mosaic of scrub, trees, well-developed hedge and grassland on the section next to the river appears to offer particular potential for birds of woodland and woodland edge, plus the large dead elm trees which may be of value to dead wood invertebrates.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


VEG:
This common lies along the course of Briggle Beck, situated at the foot of the North Pennine Fells, just to the south of the hamlet of Croglin. Basic habitat information is available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. A very brief visit was made to the site, viewing it from the lane. 

Most of the common comprises an improved grassland sward. The exposed face of the diused quarry has some bracken {it Pteridium aquilinum}, plus other species such as {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Dryopteris} spp., {\it Teucrium scorodonia}, plus trees of {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. The base of the quarry appears to be eutrophicated, with stands of {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium arvense}.

Briggle Beck has occasional trees of {\it Alnus glutinosa}. Other species noted were {\it Juncus effusus, Phalaris arundinacea, Veronica beccabunga, Angelica sylvestris, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Apium nodiflorum}.

MANAGE:
The common is probably grazed by stock from the adjoining fields (no stock noted). There is no physical boundary along the northern edge of the common. There has been extensive dumping in the base of the old quarry - silage and other rubbish. The site appears to lack any nature conservation potential.


FAUNA:
Noted during the field visit were: common frog, meadow pipit.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1984. This provides a habitat map, dominant species codes, plus one target note. Additional information has been gathered during the present survey. 

The small portion of the common to the north lies within Ravenstonedale village and is a small triangular plot of mown amenity grassland. There are also four mature trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} growing here. 

The larger southern portion of the common is mainly an area with discrete stands of {\it Calluna vulgaris} dry dwarf shrub heath, giving way locally to patches of acidic grassland. The heath has 90 per cent cover of mature {\it Calluna}, within which are occasional plants of {\it Erica tetralix}. This {\it Calluna} appears ungrazed, and was flowering actively at the time. Beneath is a mossy understorey of {\it Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Hylocomium splendens, Dicranum scoparium} and {\it Hypnum jutlandicum}. The areas of acidic grassland have abundant {\it Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Holcus lanatus} plus locally frequent {\it Molinia caerulea, Succisa pratensis, Potentilla erecta, Ranunculus acris} and {\it Juncus effusus} (i.e. it may be marshy in places). 

To the south of the common, at the base of a slope runs a stream. This was target noted during the Phase 1 survey: GR NY 720 035 "Steamside with {\it Caltha palustris, Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla erecta, Cardamine pratensis, Juncus} sp. and {\it Alchemilla vestita}". Additional species noted during the present survey include {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, Mentha} sp., {\it Lotus pedunculatus, Epilobium hirsutum, Veronica beccabunga, Myosotis} sp., {\it Senecio palustris}, plus one clump of {\it Echinops sphaerocephalus}. To the edge of the stream is a sward of poor semi-improved grassland. This has {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cirsium arvense, Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus, Holcus lanatus, Cynosurus cristatus, Trifolium pratense, Bellis perennis} and {\it Urtica dioica}.

MANAGE:
The smaller portion of the common is managed as amenity grassland and is regularly mown. The larger portion is relatively unmanaged. The area around the stream appears to be grazed by cattle, though no stock were present at the time of the survey. The remaining vegetation, including the {\it Calluna} heath, appears ungrazed. The track across this area leads out onto the open fell on the northern slopes of the Howgill Fells. This is used by graziers' vehicles, and a significant portion of the dwarf shrub vegetation has been flattened by vehicle tyres. To the north of this area is a patch of bare ground created by people from adjacent houses parking their cars on the common. A scorched area here is probably the site of the annual village bonfire.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were kestrel, meadow pipit, wheatear, rabbits, a brown hare and two buzzards.

VEG:
The Cumbria Phase 1 survey provided an overall habitat map for the site. This was augmented by additional notes made during the present survey, the common being viewed from the bridleway which runs along its northern boundary. Further detail was mapped by referring to an aerial photograph taken in 1992. 

Most of the steep slope of the common is dominated by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Within this, to the eastern end are wide grassy tracks, probably created by graziers' vehicles. More gently sloping land at the extreme NW of the common has an area of acidic grassland, closely sheep-grazed, having {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa}, and locally, {\it Juncus effusus}. Some areas also have frequent {\it Cirsium arvense}, suggesting localised semi-improvement of the sward. Occasional wind-sculpted and dead bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} were also noted. A track used by graziers using this more level ground has resulted along here. 

Further down the slope, the Phase 1 map indicates that there are calcareous rock outcrops, presumably limestone. However, from the viewing position at the top of the slope, all the rocks looked to be sandstone of some kind, although, those further down the slope could not be checked. It is not unlikely that there would be limestone outcrops at this location, given the underlying geology of the locality. Also associated with some of the outcrops are occasional trees of {\it C. monogyna} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, and a small copse of woodland, probably also {\it F. excelsior}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep, although the amount of available grazing is restricted due to the overall dominance of bracken. There are various breaches in the dry stone wall along the northern boundary, which must allow sheep onto and off the common from adjoining grassland.


FAUNA:
During the site visit a buzzard was noted above the common. No other fauna records available.

VEG:
The site has only limited habitat information available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. The site was viewed from the road to its western edge to gather additional site information. From here, there is a steep slope down to Croglin Water. The Phase 1 map indicates this area to comprise a mixture of improved grassland, semi-improved grassland, scattered bracken and scattered scrub. 

At the time of the present survey, most of this area now appears to be dominated by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. There are small remnant patches of coarse neutral grassland dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}, with an occasional bush of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and tree of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. 

To the south-west is a small area of dense scrub and bracken. This contains shrubs/trees of {\it Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra, Rosa canina, Sorbus aucuparia, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Malus sylvestris}. This area could be progressing to woodland. 

Next to the stream is broadleaved woodland mainly dominated by {\it Alnus glutinosa}, with occasional {\it Betula pendula} and {\it F. excelsior}.

MANAGE:
The site appears unmanaged at present. Bracken seems to have spread over most of the site since the Phase 1 survey (1985). The riverside woodland is one of a number of strips along the course of Croglin Water. Survey of this area and also the stream itself, would be desirable (insufficient time during present survey). 

The mix of habitats present on the common appears to offer some potential for birds of woodland/woodland edge and also possibly the stream as a suitable habitat for birds such as dipper and heron. There may be additional development of scrub/woodland in future with a continued lack of management and this may further enhance the site's habitat potential.


FAUNA:
The Howgill Fells range have an ungraded entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. The Howgills are described as very underworked entomologically. T. Bird of Kendal found a number of local upland beetles (Coleoptera). There is also a record for the golden ringed dragonfly {\it Cordulegaster boltonii}. 

There is a fair degree of ornithological interest within the Howgills Fells as a whole. The upland grassland is important for ground-nesting birds such as syklark, meadow pipit and possibly twite. There are a small number of records for breeding merlin in the locality. Craggy areas may provide nesting sites for peregrine. There are a number of pairs of buzzard known to breed in the area.

VEG:
The common comprises the northern-central portion of the Howgill Fells range. There are a number of steep-sided valleys incising into the hills to the south, with more gentle slopes to the north. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, which also provides dominant species information - there are no target notes. Unfortunately there was insufficient time to visit the common, apart from to view it from a distance. 

Most of the site comprises an acidic grassland sward, mainly dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}. Locally there are also areas of {\it Agrostis/Festuca} grassland, {\it Juncus squarrosus} and occasionally, {\it Deschampsia cespitosa. Vaccinium Myrtillus} is present along the eastern side of the common, along Bowderdale. 

The narrow hilltop ridges support thin strips of blanket bog. This is shown to be dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. There is no {\it Sphagnum} indicated and the bog is probably degraded and transitional with acidic grassland. As such they have been mapped as the revised Phase 1 category of 'E18' dry modified bog (the original survey would have been conducted before this category was introduced). 

Along some of the valley bottoms are flushed areas which have been translated as valley mires. The largest of these is at Birkgill Moss, to the north. Dominant species recorded from these areas are {\it Juncus effusus, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Polytrichum commune}. Other {\it J. effusus}-dominated areas have been mapped as marshy grassland.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. There may have been a sustained high grazing intensity, as much of the vegetation of the common appears dominated by unpalatable species such as {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. 

The system of streams and valleys cutting southwards into the fells is of considerable geomorphological interest and the area is due to be scheduled as SSSI on these grounds.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. There are no specific target notes available. The site occupies a low hill  and is shown to have a sward of unimproved acidic grassland. To the south, at the edge of Bothrigg Burn, is a small copse of broadleaved woodland.

MANAGE:
The common was viewed through binoculars and was seen to be similar in character with much of the surrounding land, and is grazed by sheep and cattle.


FAUNA:
Appears to lie within an area of importance for upland birds and has entries on the BTO site register. Also consult English Nature and Cumbria Wildlife Trust site files. Birds recorded from the general area within which the common lies (ie. Black Preston Moss) include: curlew, kestrel, wheatear, skylark, snipe, merlin, short-eared owl, golden plover, redshank, dunlin, goosander. 

Also recorded: fox.

VEG:
The two portions of this common lie on fells in the remote north-eastern part of the county. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey during 1985. The Black Preston Moss area was also visited by John Gallacher and Judy Palmer in April 1985. Due to the small size and the remoteness of the common, the site was not visited during the course of the present survey.

The larger, northern part of the common, lies at the edge of a large expanse of blanket mire dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it E. angustifolium. Calluna vulgaris} is locally frequent at around 50 per cent overall. In drier areas this rises to around 75 per cent or more. Other species present locally include {\it Rubus chamaemorus, Erica tetralix, Nardus stricta, Molinia caerulea, Juncus squarrosus, Deschampsia flexuosa}, plus flushes dominated by {\it Sphagnum} spp.

The smaller, southern portion is associated with a small quarry and a track leading to this from the adjacent road. This area comprises and acidic grassland sward, which cuts into Black Preston Moss. This is characterised by species such as {\it Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina, Deschampsia flexuosa, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}.

MANAGE:
The common appears to be grazed by sheep and grazing levels are described as high (the site is unlikely to be fenced from any of the adjacent land).

There is a threat to the general area, of land drainage and subsequent afforestation. There are very large afforested blocks of land nearby, which seem to be gradually encroaching across much of this area.

This would generally have a negative impact on the ornithological and botanical value of the area. However, in such upland situations, new plantations can provide a safe refuge for persecuted raptors such as hen harrier. However, this benefit is only temporary and is lost as the trees begin to mature and the forest loses its attractiveness as nesting habitat.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. The portion to the east, which adjoins Bothrigg Burn, is shown to have broadleaved woodland with trees of {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Fagus sylvatica}. Further up the slope this gives way to unimproved acidic grassland. The western portion of the common appears to be improved grassland, but with infestation of {\it Juncus} spp.

MANAGE:
The common was viewed from a distance and was seen to be grazed by sheep and cattle.


FAUNA:
There are no fauna records available for this common.

VEG:
The Cumbria Phase 1 survey has no target noted information for this site. As there were no public rights of way, the common was inspected only from the road. 

The whole area appears quite heavily grazed by sheep and cattle, and supports grassland which is mostly semi-improved in character. In the main, this falls into the acidic category, with locally frequent {\it Cirsium arvense} and occasional {\it C. vulgare} and {\it C. palustre}. 

There are also several good Carboniferous Limestone exposures in the form of the old quarry workings, to a maximum height of around 5.0m. Associated with these is a small amount of calcicolous grassland. Only on the inaccessible parts could calcicole species be seen: {\it Briza media, Carex flacca, Thymus polytrichus} and {\it Linum catharticum}. 

The best-developed calcicolous grassland appears to be at the ungrazed roadside edges. This is dominated by {\it Festuca rubra}, with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Trifolium repens}, occasional {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Pilosella officinarum}. Locally abundant are {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Hylocomium splendens, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Hypnum cupressiforme} var. {\it lacunosum}; locally frequent are {\it Thymus polytrichus, Linum catharticum, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Lotus corniculatus, Cladonia} sp., and locally occasional are {\it Galium sterneri, Achillea millefolium, Deschampsia cespitosa, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Campanula rotundifolia}. This vegetation appears to have affinities with NVC type CG10.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed for the most part by sheep and cattle and effectively belongs to three different grazing units, by virtue of it being sub-divided by the fenced roads. The common has no physical boundaries and thus each compartment forms only a very small piece of much larger grazing units.


FAUNA:
No records of fauna for this common, which was not visited during the course of the present survey.

VEG:
This common lies in the remote north-eastern part of the county. The site was not visited, with basic habitat information being taken from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. This shows the common to entirely comprise a conifer plantation.

MANAGE:
This common and a very significant proportion of this part of the county have been planted with conifers. This is one of a number of threats to such upland habitats. In general, registration as common land tends to prevent afforestation, but not in this case.


FAUNA:
The Howgill Fells range have an ungraded entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. The Howgills are described as very underworked entomologically. T. Bird of Kendal found a number of local upland beetles (Coleoptera). There is also a record for the golden-ringed dragonfly {\it Cordulegaster boltonii}.  

There is a fair degree of ornithological interest within the Howgills Fells as a whole. The upland grassland is important for ground nesting birds such as syklark, meadow pipit and possibly twite. There are a small number of records for breeding merlin in the locality. Craggy areas may provide nesting sites for peregrine. There are a number of pairs of buzzard known to breed in the area.

VEG:
The common forms the north-western corner of the Howgill Fells range. The habitat map has been prepared from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1984), which also provides some target notes and dominant species codes. There was insufficient time to visit the common, apart from viewing it from a distance. 

Most of the site comprises steep hillslopes having an acidic grassland sward. This grassland is mainly dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and elsewhere by {\it Juncus squarrosus} (increasing in abundance with altitude). Smaller areas of {\it Agrostis/Festuca} grassland occur plus, on the slopes above Carlin Gill to the south, {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} is co-dominant. Locally frequent associates include {\it Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. 

The plateaux carry blanket bog. This is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}, with some {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} on the tussocks. The margins merge into the {\it Juncus squarrosus} grassland. There is no mention of {\it Sphagnum} spp. and this vegetation has therefore been placed in the Phase 1 category of 'E18' - dry modified bog.  

Some of the Gills and less steep valleys to the north of the common support areas of marshy grassland dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}. One such feature - Tebay Gill, at GR NY 618 038 (1) is target noted also to have occasional {\it Drosera rotundifolia} round the margins. 

At (2) the Phase 1 survey target notes an area of marshy grassland: GR NY 626 020 "{\it Juncus effusus} - dominant flush with {\it Polytrichum}. Also {\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Epilobium brunnescens, Trifolium repens, Viola} sp., {\it Myosotis secunda}". 

A further target note for GR NY 627 024 reads: "Shallow-angled W-facing poorly-drained fellside with small patches of {\it Nardus stricta}. Grassland surrounded by {\it Molinia caerulea, Juncus squarrosus} and many {\it Juncus effusus} flushes no peat blankets". 

The final target note is at GR NY 620 016: "Dried-up tarns with {\it Juncus effusus} - dominant peat bog, with {\it Polytrichum} but no other aquatic/acid bog flora". 

The bases of the slopes to the west of the common, along the edge of the Lune Gorge, have localised stands of bracken, while to the south along Carlin Gill, the acidic grassland occurs in a mosaic with {\it Calluna vulgaris} dry heath.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. Grazing intensity appears to have been sustained at high levels for a considerable period of time in view of the fact that the unpalatable species {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} are dominant over much of the common. Part of the Howgills is to be scheduled as SSSI on geomorphological grounds.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: curlew, swallow, willow warbler, jackdaw and buzzard. The pool to the north of the common was observed to have a lot of hoverfly activity.

VEG:
The common was mapped by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1984. A detailed survey was also conducted by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust in 1988, apparently with a follow-up visit in 1994. A brief visit was made to the common to look at management/recreational use etc. 

The principal interest of the common lies in the species to be found among the wet habitats present. The actual distribution of habitats across the common is extremely complex. The main pattern is one of acidic grassland plus marshy grassland. The former appears to be dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina} (NVC type U4), with locally frequent {\it Nardus stricta, Danthonia decumbens, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Lotus corniculatus}. Locally {\it N. stricta} becomes abundant/dominant, probably marking transitions to NVC type U5. 

Elswehere there is a marshy grassland sward dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} (probably NVC type M25) - {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it J. acutiflorus} are found locally within this. Present in localised areas (mostly within the acidic grassland) are patches of seedling {\it Calluna vulgaris} (consistent with a recent reduction in grazing intensity?) - these have been interpreted as the Phase 1 category of 'D5' - dry heath/acidic grassland mosaic. 

Elsewhere, possibly related to the sites of old lime kilns, are indicators of a calcicolous grassland flora. One such area near to the road was noted to have {\it Trisetum flavescens, Briza media, Carex flacca, Linum catharticum, Campanula rotundifolia, Cirsium arvense, Plantago media} and {\it Helictotrichon pratense}. 

Immediately next to the road some of the grassland appears to progress to an improved sward dominated by {\it Lolium perenne}. To the south and west of the A683, the grassland was considered to be poor semi-improved in character, but locally still to posess indicators of acidic grassland ({\it Potentilla erecta, Juncus effusus}) and elsewhere, calcicolous indicators ({\it Briza media, Carex flacca}). Several wet areas here are reported to have suffered a decline in their species diversity. 

To the north of here (1) the acidic and marshy grasslands are also accompanied by base-rich flush features. Species recorded from the marshy grassland/flushes on the common by Cumbria Wildlife Trust are: {\it Blysmus compressus, Briza media, Callitriche stagnalis, Caltha palustris, Carex viridula} subsp. {\it brachyrrhynca, C. flacca, C. nigra, C. pulicaris, Crepis paludosa, Eleocharis palustris, E. quinqueflora, Eriophorum angustifolium, Glyceria declinata, Menyanthes trifoliata, Parnassia palustris, Dactylorhiza purpurella, Pedicularis sylvatica, Pinguicula vulgaris, Primula farinosa} (nationally scarce), {\it Selaginella selaginoides} and {\it Triglochin palustris}. 

N.B. Nationally Scarce = plants recorded from between 16 - 100 ten km squares of the Ordnance Survey grid (JNCC, 1994).

The base-rich flush at (1) appears to have many of these species, with {\it Succisa pratensis, Carex hostiana} and {\it Equisetum palustre} also being noted - this is probably an example of NVC type M10. There is locally frequent {\it Primula farinosa}, although {\it B. compressus} is not present here. This species is reported to have been lost from a marsh/flush area to the extreme SW of the common, but it was reported in 1994 to still be present at GR NY 736 011, to the SE. 

Moving northwards on the common, at (2) there is a small pond, said to be "bottomless", and fringed with {\it Juncus effusus}. This is described as a "Coal Pit Hole" on the CWT map. Recorded in 1984 were {\it Potentilla palustris, Potamogeton} sp. and {\it Mentha x villosa}. Also noted during the present survey were {\it Sparganium emersum, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Achillea ptarmica, Juncus articulatus, Caltha palustris} and {\it Galium palustre}. 

The narrow northern point of the common appears to have a complex of limestone spoil mounds - species noted here include {\it Briza media, Galium verum, Carex flacca, C. caryophyllea, Campanula rotundifolia, Leontodon hispidus, Lotus corniculatus, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca rubra, Thymus polytrichus} and {\it Euphrasia officinalis} agg.

MANAGE:
The common is unfenced from the road but is recorded to be grazed by sheep and cattle, and during the Appleby Fair, tethered horses. No stock seen at the time of present survey. 

The Wildlife Trust comments that a potential threat to the site is a practice first started in 1993, of using electric fencing to fence stock from the road. It was thought that this may lead to more intensive stocking and winter foddering, which could damage the flora. Some areas were noted to have already been affected by winter feeding of cattle, with the reported loss of {\it Blysmus compressus} from one area. The Trust recommended a reduction in grazing pressure to allow the recovery of {\it Calluna} on the common, present in a suppressed condition in the moorland areas. 

Taken as a whole the common is botanically diverse, with some uncommon plants, and worthy of continued monitoring.


FAUNA:
GR NY 773 045 and GR NY 775 045. These target noted areas may overlap with the common. They refer to the River Eden in this vicinity as being of importance for a number of breeding bird species such as ringed plover, oystercatcher, redshank, common sandpiper, wheatear, snipe, yellow, grey and pied wagtail, dunlin, greenshank, kingfisher and dipper.

The acidic grassland across the open fell is probably a significant breeding area for common upland ground-nesting birds such as skylark and meadow pipit.

VEG:
The common lies to the western side of the Eden Valley, just south of Kirkby Stephen. It is one of a number of blocks of common land occupying much of the surrounding open fell. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1984?) and the habitat map has been based on this source. A small part of the common, to the SW lies within a site identified by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. 

Most of the common appears to comprise a species-poor acidic grassland sward. In view of severe time constraints, it was decided not to visit this particular site. The grassland of the common is dominated mainly by {\it Nardus stricta}, locally also with {\it Juncus squarrosus, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Juncus effusus}. To the SW of the common is a small area of dry dwarf shrub heath which forms part of a larger block of this vegetation which has been identified in the site files of Cumbria Wildlife Trust. This is described as {\it Calluna vulgaris} heath with some {\it Nardus stricta}. The target notes suggest that other localised heathy areas are also present north of here. 

Also present on the valley sides of the southern part of the common are three large flush features which have been interpreted in Phase 1 terms as valley mires. These are shown to be dominated by {\it Juncus} spp. and {\it Sphagnum} spp. No target noted information.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. There is no information as to the grazing intensity, but it is probably fairly high in view of the fact that much of the grassland on the common appears to be dominated by the impalatable grass {\it Nardus stricta}.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: on the pond - coot, mallard and Canada geese. Elswehere - swift, housemartin, swallow, black-headed gull, carrion crow.

VEG:
The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1984. A single target note relates to a pond lying in a hollow - this has also been identified as a "County Wildlife Site" by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust (see map - interestingly, the boundary of the common bisects this feature). 

The target note reads: GR NY 728 026 "An unimproved meadow with plentiful {\it Caltha palustris, Polygala vulgaris, Pedicularis sylvatica, Potentilla erecta, Valeriana dioica, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Salix repens}. There is a submerged corner of the meadow making a small tarn with islands, {\it Salix} sp. and many ducks including mallard". 

The pond was viewed through binoculars from the public footpath. This has fringes of {\it Menyanthes trifoliata}, plus a clump of vegetative {\it Carex} sp. There are also areas of {\it Salix} sp. scrub. Surrounding the pond is a band of marshy grassland grading into acidic grassland. Noted from this area were {\it Juncus articulatus, J. squarrosus, Carex flacca, C. panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Pedicularis sylvatica, Succisa pratensis, Viola palustris, Briza media, Prunella vulgaris, Nardus stricta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Ranunculus flammula, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}. From the above species composition it appears to be locally base-rich in character. Towards the pond, {\it Molinia caerulea} looks to become dominant. 

The high ground has a closely-grazed acidic grassland sward with abundant {\it Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta, Agrostis capillaris, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}, plus locally frequent {\it Potentilla erecta, Succisa pratensis, Leontodon autumnalis, Cynosurus cristatus, Trifolium repens} and {\it Euphrasia officinalis} agg. Occasional plants of very short {\it Calluna vulgaris} were also noted.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and cattle. The turf is very short and may be in danger of becoming eutrophicated. A full survey of the site is recommended to establish its present botanical diversity, in particular to look for {\it Salix repens}. The small tarn/pond appears to be a fairly unique feature and is probably worthy of conservation.


FAUNA:
No information on fauna available for this common. May be improtant for common ground-nesting birds such as skylark and meadow pipit. The summit of Wild Boar Fell has an ungraded entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. There are no species recorded, but it is considered likely to be of interest for montane summit species.

VEG:
The common lies along the western side of the Eden Valley, stretching from Shoregill Fell in the north, to Aisgill Moor in the south. A ridge runs along the western edge of the common, marked by Swarth Fell and Wild Boar Fell. The land falls away into the Eden Valley to the east. The habitat map has been based upon that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. A number of target notes from 1986 are also available from this source. 

A small area of limestone pavement at Angerholme Wold has been notified to Cumbria County Council by English Nature in 1994, under Section 34 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. (The notified area accounts for 4.0 per cent of the area of this common). There are, in addition, two entries in the site files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust - these account for just 0.45 per cent of the area of the common (see below). Unfortunately there was insufficient time to visit the common during the present survey, apart from viewing it briefly while driving along the road over Ais Gill summit. 

Most of the common comprises a sward of unimproved acidic grassland. This is dominated mainly by {\it Nardus stricta} and also locally by {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. At the lower part of the slope this gives way to marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. About half way along the upper part of the common is an extensive scar, comprising High White Scar, Low White Scar and Blackbed Scar. This again has acidic grassland, plus numerous outcrops of both acidic and limestone rocks. 

Where the slopes are less steep, pockets of blanket bog are present. Target notes from nearby bog to the west of Swarth Fell describe this as in a degraded state and occurring in a mosaic with acidic grassland. Such habitat on the common is shown to be dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}, locally also with {\it E. angustifolium}. This has been interpreted as belonging to the revised Phase 1 category of 'E18' - dry modified bog, which did not exist at the time of the original mapping (this interpretation further supported by the apparent lack of {\it Sphagnum} spp. mosses). 

Small flushes are present locally along the hillside, dominated mainly by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. To the SE of the common is a section of a small valley mire, target noted as follows: GR NY 779 964: "Small soligenous valley mire with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea, Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. Much {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix} with good patches of {\it Narthecium ossifragum. Sphagnum} carpet included {\it S. palustre, S. capillifolium, S. recurvum} and {\it S. cuspidatum. Drosera rotundifolia} and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos} both occur with some {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Polytrichum commune}". This feature is also recorded as a Cumbria Wildlife Trust "County Wildlife Site" (see map - E/SD79/06).

The final feature target noted is a limestone gorge on the hillside at White Kirk: GR NY 770 975 (1981) "A limestone gorge open and grazed in the central part but with steep limestone cliffs above and below. {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Ulmus glabra} and {\it Prunus padus} on the steep buttresses. Ferns include {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Polystichum setiferum, P. aculeatum, Athyrium filix-femina, Cystopteris fragilis, Asplenium trichomanes} and {\it Polypodium vulgare}. Grassy flushes have {\it Galium sterneri} and {\it Saxifraga hypnoides}. Damp shady areas have {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Angelica sylvestris, Filipendula ulmaria, Hieracium prenanthoides} and {\it Epilobium montanum}". 

Note that {\it H. prenanthoides} was formerly listed as nationally scarce (NS) (i.e. recorded from between 16 - 100 ten km squares of the National Grid). The new list of scarce species: "Scarce Plants in Britain" (JNCC/Stewart, Pearman and Preston, 1994) does not list large apomictic genera such as {\it Hieracium}). This feature is also recognised as a Cumbria Wildlife Trust "County Wildlife Site" (see map - E/SD79/03). 

At Angerholme Wold is the notified area of limestone pavements (see habitat map for approximate boundary). These are severely weathered, with approximately 70 per cent of the grikes being wide and grassy. The high level and exposed nature of the pavements has restricted most of the plants to the grikes and deeper solution features. Many of the species present are typical of limestone grasslands at this altitude and include {\it Galium sterneri, Campanula rotundifolia, Thymus polytrichus, Linum catharticum, Cardamine hirsuta, Carduus nutans, Lotus corniculatus, Potentilla sterilis, Carex caryophyllea, Ranunculus ficaria, Veronica serpyllifolia}, plus the grasses {\it Sesleria caerulea} (NS) {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it F. rubra}.

Ferns are present in the grikes or growing from the grike walls and are represented mainly by spleenworts ({\it Aspleinum} spp.). The "uncommon" {\it A. viride} occurs on most of the pavement outcrops, along with {\it A. ruta-muraria} and {\it A. trichomanes}. Other ferns present include {\it Dryopteris filix-mas} and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}, plus the "uncommon" {\it Cystopteris fragilis}.

Species present in shallow solution cups and runnels include {\it Sagina procumbens, Sedum acre, Saxifraga tridactylites, Saxifraga hypnoides} and {\it Draba incana}. The deeper grikes also contain a relict woodland flora with species such as {\it Allium ursinum, Mercurialis perennis, Oxalis acetosella, Anemone nemorosa, Geranium robertianum, Viola riviniana, Epiobium montanum} and the "uncommmon" {\it Mycelis muralis}.

Pot holes are present to the west of the pavements. Noted here were {\it Polystichum aculeatum, Phyllitis scolopendrium} and {\it Asplenium viride}. Some of these features are tens of metres deep and have mature trees growing in them

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. The grazing levels appear to be quite high, with the grassland on the common being dominated mainly by the unpalatable {\it Nardus stricta}.

The limestone pavements at Angerholme Wold contrast sharply with the grazed acidic grasslands around them and can be seen from many parts of the surrounding countryside. They form a stunning part of the landscape when viewed from the B6259 to the south and from the footpaths and bridleways along the esatern side of the valley, with the pale pavements standing out against the dark sandstone outcrops above them.


VEG:
The common lies to the NE of the Crosby Ravensworth Fells complex. The vegetation map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, and there was insufficient time to visit the common during the course of the present project. 

Most of the common comprises an acidic grassland sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}. Towards the centre of the common is an area of limestone outcrops, within which is situated a disused limestone quarry. Most of the grassland surrounding these features appears to be calcicolous in character. There is no target noted information relating to its species composition. To the north of the common the grassland is of the 'poor semi-improved' category.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep, although there is no information as to the grazing intensity.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: flock of feeding swallows, carrion crows, curlew.

VEG:
The common lies next to the A66(T) just to the south of Appleby. The Cumbria Phase 1 survey provides a habitat map and several dominant species codes for the common. A site visit was made to gather more detailed information, and some re-mapping was found to be necessary. 

The major portion of the common comprises a flat hilltop with a very impoverished acidic grassland sward. This is mainly of {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina} (NVC type U4) and is very closely grazed. Locally {\it Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus} and {\it Nardus stricta} are also present. Within this area there are in addition several patches of dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. 

On the slope to the north of the common this vegetation gradually gives way to a stand of dry dwarf shrub heath. On the lower part of the slope there is around 75 per cent cover of {\it Calluna vulgaris}, mostly in the form of a grazed carpet around 5cm tall. Within this is locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and frequent throughout are {\it Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. Moving further up the hillside, the cover of {\it Calluna} gradually declines, becoming progressively more suppressed (2cm tall), until it disappears altogether. 

Other habitats occur on the common in association with a steep-sided gully which lies at the boundary with CL 28W. This area appears to be fenced from the remainder of the CL unit and also from CL 28W. There are some large outcrops of red sandstone in this area. Among the outcrops are patches of {\it Calluna} heath, dense bracken, acidic grassland, and frequent planted trees in plastic guards, together with older individuals of {\it Pinus} sp., {\it Larix decidua, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Betula pendula}. The area adjacent to the outcrops also has well-developed {\it Calluna} heath which appears to be invaded by self-seeded trees of {\it Pinus} sp. 

At the base of the slope is an area of wet vegetation. This has {\it Juncus} spp., {\it Cirsium palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium hirsutum, Valeriana officinalis, Heracleum sphondylium, Mimulus guttata} and trees of {\it Alnus glutinosa} (?planted). The Phase 1 map shows a small block of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub next to the A66.

MANAGE:
The major part of the common is grazed by cattle and sheep. These appear to prefer the more level ground on the top of the hill. The present level of grazing on the common is clearly having a pronounced effect on the small remnant area of {\it Calluna vulgaris} heath on the slope to the north. Given that there is still 75 per cent cover of {\it Calluna}, it may be possible for this vegetation to recover if the present grazing levels were to be reduced. It can be clearly seen that {\it Calluna} in the fenced and ungrazed portion of the common is in a healthy and vigorous condition. Trees have been planted in this area, presumably with a conservation theme in mind. Graffiti was noted carved on the base of the rocks here. The hilltop of the common has mounds of dumped silage. The common is contiguous with, but fenced from CL 28W.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: flock of lapwings, and several meadow pipits.

VEG:
The common lies to the south-east of Appleby. The habitat map has been prepared from that of the Phase 1 survey. A brief visit was made to view the site. 

The greater part of the common has been mapped as unimproved acidic grassland - the dominant species are coded as {\it Agrostis capillaris, Juncus squarrosus, Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}. While walking next to the road it was also realised that some of this grassland, in addition, has fairly frequent patches of very short, and very suppressed {\it Calluna vulgaris}. 

To the south of the common around George Gill there is marshy grassland with {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}, and adjacent to this are small areas of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub, plus larger stands of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Further along the valley are impressively sculpted outcrops in the red sandstone (GR NY 719 199). 

There is one large pond on the common, known as Brackenber Flodders - this is a Cumbria Wildlife Trust County Wildlife Site. Its interest lies in the occurence of {\it Persicaria minor}, first referred to in 1980 and still present in 1985. There was insufficient time to search for this plant during the present survey, but the area around the pond appeared to be very disturbed due to numerous sheep, with dense clumps of {\it Juncus effusus} present.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by cattle and sheep. The road crossing the site is unfenced and is protected by cattle grids. The site is also managed as a golf course. There has been some dumping of silage near to the pond. Although the site has a heavy recreational use, lapwings and meadow pipits were seen. Although this appears to be the right sort of breeding habitat for these birds, it may not be of major importance due to the high levels of disturbance. 

Small areas of very suppressed {\it Calluna vulgaris} are probably beyond recovery. Some of the bracken was yellowed - possibly sprayed, or perhaps becoming droughted (very dry summer during 1995).


FAUNA:
Numerous rabbits were seen when the site was viewed from a distance through binoculars.

VEG:
The common lies in a poorly-drained location within the valley of the River Eden, just to the north of Warcop. There are several target notes available from the Phase 1 survey. The site was not re-surveyed, but was viewed through binoculars from a lay-by on the adjacent A66. Most of the site (excluding the area to the north marked as 'B6' - poor semi-improved grassland, lies within a Cumbria Wildlife Trust "County Wildlife Site" - see habitat map). 

From a distance, the general impression gained is that most of the site is dominated by tall {\it Juncus} spp. The 1984/85 target note (GR NY 727 170) reads: "Sandford mire. Most of the area is dominated by {\it Juncus acutiflorus} with {\it J. effusus} fringing the drains. Also present:- {\it Phragmites australis, Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris, Succisa pratensis, Cisrium palustre, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Valeriana dioica, Potentilla palustris, Carex} sp. (incl.{\it C. rostrata}), {\it Epilobium} sp., {\it Cardamine Armara}. Mosses include {\it Sphagnum palustre, S. capillifolium} and {\it Calliergon cuspidatum}". 

Also recorded at GR NY 729 169 were {\it Menyanthes trifoliata} and {\it Carex rostrata}. A main drain runs along the centre of the common, this was clearly visible as was a small stand of {\it Phragmites australis} within the {\it Juncus} spp. Also within the mire itself were noted occasional bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ulex europaeus}, with a further narrow strip of {\it U. europaeus} along the edge of the shallow railway embankment. Several patches of semi-improved grassland were noted around the margins, this is where the stock appeared to congregate. 

The southern boundary has a small clump of {\it Pinus sylvestris} trees.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by cattle and sheep. The quality of available grazing appears limited, with the stock mainly staying within peripheral patches of semi-improved grassland. The whole common surrounded by a barbed wire fence, and the main drain is also fenced-off. In addition, there appeared to be some internal barbed wire fences to the NW end of the common. A pile of dumped silage was also noted in this area. It is thought that the area is gradually drying out.


VEG:
The common comprises a complex of broad roadside verges leading from the village of Brough Sowerby. This area has a good coverage by the Phase 1 survey, with three separate target notes made in 1985. 

A brief visit was made to the common, during which there appeared to have been little change since this time. The most noticeable difference has been the construction of houses to the extreme western end of the common. Part of the adjoining common land has been mown opposite some of these properties by the householders and now has the appearance of amenity grassland. 

The target notes read as follows: GR NY 799 127 - "Area of rough and marshy grassland with {\it Ulex} scrub" (i.e. {\it U. europaeus}). "Flushed areas with {\it Juncus} sp. and {\it Galium palustre}, also present {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Deschampsia cespitosa, Senecio} sp., {\it Prunella vulgaris, Lathyrus pratensis} etc.".   

GR NY 807 128 - "Roadside verge with {\it Campanula latifolia, Centaurea nigra, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa, Prunus} sp., {\it Sambucus nigra, Salix} spp. {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Lathyrus pratensis, Filipendula ulmaria, Sonchus asper, Juncus inflexus, Galium mollugo, Hypericum} sp., {\it Medicago lupulina, Deschampsia cespitosa}". 

GR NY 811 132 - "neutral grassland/marshy grassland and scrub with willows, birch and some {\it Ulex. Filipendula ulmaria, Vicia cracca, Angelica sylvestris, Phleum pratense, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Poa} sp., {\it Galium mollugo, Juncus articulatus, Lathyrus pratensis, Potentilla reptans, Equisetum arvense} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}". 

Locally and especially to the eastern end of the common, some of this scrub appears to be progressing to woodland ({\it F. excelsior} and {\it Betula pendula}).

MANAGE:
The common appears largely unmanaged at present (with the exception of the small mown areas to the west). The diverse mosaic of grassland and scrub habitats appears to have significant wildlife potential. The site is quite large as an example of the "roadside verge" type of common, and may be an important local wildlife corridor. 

Much of the grassland is structurally diverse, and may present suitable microhabitat conditions for certain invertebrates. This type of habitat may also support many small mammals, thereby providing hunting areas for birds such as kestrels and owls. The scrub areas may be good nesting and foraging sites for birds of woodland edge such as blackbirds, thrushes and tits. The site was presumably a grazing verge in the past, and the scrub and trees will have regenerated since the grazing rights ceased being excercised. This often happens in such a situation, due to the growth in vehicular traffic. 

At present the scrub has become quite dense, and while it offers considerable habitat potential, there may be some loss of diversity if all of the grassland habitat were to diappear. Ideally it would be beneficial to control the growth of the scrub by cutting back "glades" into it to recreate open grassland and maximise the interface of the two habitats. It is unlikely that grazing could be reintroduced under present conditions, although one or two similar commons were noted to be sporadically grazed by tethered horses. 

Some tipping of garden rubbish was noted on the common, together with a bonfire site.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: blackbird, blue tit, swallows, chaffinch, pheasant, rabbits, plus large white butterfly.

VEG:
The common lies close to the village of Brampton, just to the NE of Appleby. The Cumbria Phase 1 survey appeared to have no relevant information for the common, and a field survey has therefore been undertaken. 

For a small site, there are a very wide range of different habitat types present. A strip of broadleaved woodland follows the course of Brampton Beck. The canopy trees are mainly of {\it Alnus glutinosa}, with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. There is little in the way of a shrub layer, while the field layer is mainly grass-dominated - {\it Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, H. mollis, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Festuca gigantea}. Herbs present include {\it Silene dioica, Ranunculus repens, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Mercurialis perennis, Oxalis acetosella, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Stachys sylvatica, Polygonum persicaria, Filipendula ulmaria, Circaea lutetiana, Veronica montana, Galium aparine, Lapsana communis} and {\it Campanula latifolia}. This appears to belong to NVC type W7. Some of the alders are multi-stemmed and could have been coppiced in the past. There is little in the way of dead wood, apart from small twigs and branches fallen from the trees. 

The stream itself is fairly slowly flowing and has a sandy and gravelly bed and banks. To the SW of the wooded section is a steep bank leading down to the brook. On a section of this is a triangular patch of unimproved neutral grassland dominated by {\it Holcus mollis}, with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. Also present are occasional bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and trees of {\it Malus ?sylvestris}. At the bottom of the slope, along the brook are trees of {\it A. glutinosa, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Salix fragilis}, while along the southern boundary are trees of {\it A. pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fagus sylvatica}. 

A grassy track meanders eastwards along this edge of the common, eventually fording the brook. This has {\it H. mollis, Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Rumex obtusifolius, Cirsium arvense, Arctium minus} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. There is a steep bank along its southern edge (i.e. at the boundary of the common). This has trees of {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Betula pendula, Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, and beneath, bushes of {\it Sambucus nigra} and {\it Prunus spinosa}. 

To the east of the common is the area known as Mill Hill. Most of this is dominated by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Over this are occasional patches of dense {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub, plus occasional trees of {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pendula} and {\it Prunus} sp. In addition, there are small grassy clearings which have numerous rabbit burrows. The vegetation here apperas to be a closely grazed acidic grassland sward of {\it Agrostis capillaris}, with locally abundant {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}. Also present are locally frequent {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Holcus lanatus, Galium saxatile} and {\it Stachys officinalis}. In one locality there was also a small clump of {\it Carex binervis}. Occasional individuals of {\it Hieracium} sp. were noted at the edges. A large bonfire site in this area has abundant {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium arvense}.

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged at present. Some of the alder trees looked to have been coppiced in the distant past. The track leading down to the ford has cowpats, but these have probably arisen from driven, rather than grazing cattle. Grassland in the Mill Hill area is grazed by rabbits. 

There are two bonfire sites on the common; the larger one at Mill Hill, appears to have been lit to burn unwanted timber and garden clippings. 

The common has a very diverse mosaic of different habitats within a small area and is likely to be of singificant value to local wildlife.


VEG:
The common is a field lying near to the village of Murton. The Cumbria Phase 1 survey provides one target note (GR NY 720 218 - 7.85). This survey mapped the field as a mixture of semi-improved neutral and acidic grasslands. A brief look was taken from the public footpath to the south of the common. 

The grassland here appeared to be dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Nardus stricta, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}, plus occasional {\it Leontodon autumnalis} and {\it Danthonia decumbens}. Damp areas have {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, Carex panicea, Prunella vulgaris}, with the moss {\it Climacium dendroides} (a calcicole) also being noted. 

The earlier target note reads thus: "Mixture of acid and neutral grassland species with patches of {\it Juncus effusus} (marshy grassland). Grasses include {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}, with {\it Luzula} sp., {\it Carex nigra} and {\it C. panicea}. Other species present include {\it Trifolium repens, Potentilla erecta, Conopodium majus, Lotus corniculatus, Pedicularis sylvatica, Ranunculus acris, Galium saxatile} and {\it Veronica officinalis}".

MANAGE:
There were no stock present on the common at the time of the site visit, although there were signs that the site has been grazed by sheep and cattle. However, an application of some substance had recently been made to the vegetation of the common, possibly lime. The site may have been interesting grassland in the past, but now appears to have restricted botanical diversity and may be on the verge of destruction. The presence of {\it Climacium dendroides}, a moss of generally calcicole conditions is somewhat unexpected. Continued monitoring of this site is recommended.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: a buzzard overhead, plus robins, swallows, jackdaw, blue tit, woodpigeon and rabbits.

VEG:
The common lies close to the village of Murton. It has the appearance of an enclosed field. There were no target notes available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, and the site was assessed while walking along the footpath which crosses it. 

Most of the common is an area of sloping improved grassland leading down to a small stream. Plants noted along the stream were {\it Mentha} sp., {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus effusus, Veronica beccabunga, Myosotis} sp., {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. There are also several mature trees along the banks of the stream - {\it Alnus glutinosa, Quercus petraea, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus} and some bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. 

To the NE of the common is the cliff face of a small abandoned quarry (to 5.0m). There are more trees growing along the top of the cliff, shading the area below. There are some large clumps of {\it Urtica dioica} growing at the base, while crevices in the rocks have {\it Dryopteris dilatata, D. affinis, Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. 

Further westwards is a grassy bank, which appears to be acidophilous in character - {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Stachys officinalis}. 

To the west of the site is a small fenced area through which the stream runs. This is ungrazed and has taller vegetation as a consequence. This appears to be unimproved neutral grassland; species seen from the edge include {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Juncus} spp., {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Deschampsia cespitosa, Sanguisorba officinalis, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium palustre} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. There are more trees of {\it A. glutinosa} along the stream, and elswehere, planted trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum, Sorbus} sp., {\it S. aucuparia, Prunus} sp., {\it Quercus} sp., plus naturally-occurring {\it Ulex europaeus} bushes. Further {\it U. europaeus} bushes occur scattered on the B6 grassland to the north of here.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is grazed. No stock present at time of survey, but evidence of cattle. Part of the area has been fenced to exclude livestock. Here tall neutral grassland has developed, and a number of trees have been planted, probably with conservation in mind. This adds further habitat diversity to the common.


FAUNA:
During the brief site visit, the distant call of a raven was heard. 

The SSSI citation notes that the site supports a typical assemblage of breeding moorland birds such as golden plover, red grouse, redshank, oystercatcher, curlew and lapwing. A survey of the breeding birds was conducted by Rigby Jerram in May-June 1990. Species seen during the survey included buzzard, kestrel, red grouse, lapwing, curlew, redshank, golden plover, oystercatcher, snipe, common sandpiper, jackdaw, wheatear, carrion crow, black-headed gull, common gull, lesser black-backed gull, wood pigeon and swallow. Not all species are necessarily breeding on the common. The site was not considered to be of outstanding ornithological importance. It has good numbers of lapwing, but poor numbers of other breeding waders. The main interest is in the presence of breeding golden plover (3 pairs in 1990). This species appears in Annex 1 of E.C. Directive 79/409 on the Conservation of Wild Birds and is considered to be an uncommon breeding species in Cumbria. The distribution of breeding waders on the site was very localised, with most to be found in association with a mosaic of wet heath and short {\it Agrostis/Festuca} grassland and flushes which lies between the lower northern slopes of Long Scar Pike and Hardendale Quarry.

VEG:
This common lies for the most part within the Crosby Ravensworth Fell SSSI and has within its boundaries a wide variety of different habitats. This SSSI also forms a part of the Asby Complex proposed Special Area of Conservation (pSAC) to be designated under the EC Habitats Directive. 

The common lies on the northern flanks of an upland area which connects the Pennines with the Lake District. There is much available information relating to the site, from the SSSI citation and other sources. A brief visit was made to two parts of the common: Orton Scar, to the east, and the south-west, near to the M6 Motorway. The habitat map is based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, with minor modifications as thought appropriate. A number of target notes were also available.

Of major significance to the site is a significant area of lowland {\it Calluna vulgaris} heath, one of the few remaining examples of this habitat in Cumbria. English Nature have carried out a detailed heather condition survey of this area (1991). This heath has survived through management as a sheep walk and grouse moor, although the total extent and quality has been significantly diminished. 

A further major feature are limestone pavements which form western outliers of the Great Asby Complex. Stone removal has affected most of the Crosby pavements, which are estimated to vary between 40-80 per cent intact. Associated calcicolous grassland adds further botanical diversity. These limestone pavements have been notified to Cumbria County Council by English Nature, under Section 34 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981 (see map). There is also a reference to these pavements in the files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. 

The heathland occupies the central portion of the common. The height, cover and condition vary considerably across the site, depending on the incidence of burning, severity of grazing and degree of exposure. The heath is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with frequent {\it Erica cinerea}. Other associates include {\it Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and very occasionally, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. There is a well-developed moss understorey which includes {\it Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi, Hypnum cupressiforme, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus} and {\it Pseudoscleropodium purum}. 

On the flatter, lower lying areas of the site, there are transitions to wet heath of {\it Erica tetralix, Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. mosses. 

The main block of heather, centred on Crosby Ravensworth Fell, has more than a 75 per cent dwarf shrub cover - areas (1), Maps 1 and 2. Away from the central area the cover declines. Significant areas have been put in the range of 51-75 per cent cover. Examples of this are to the north of Robin Hood's Grave (area (2), Map 1) and to the north of Long Scar Pike (area (3), Map 2). Where cover has been placed at less than 25 per cent, these areas have been mapped as a mosaic of heath and acidic grassland. Finally an area should be noted on the SW edge of Crosby Ravensworth Fell, where there appears to be invasion by bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} (4), Map 2.

Dissecting the heathland is a complex system of shallow drainage channels which support plants normally associated with base-rich flushes. These are dominated by small sedges such as {\it Carex panicea, C. hostiana} and {\it C. viridula} subsp. {\it brachyrrhyncha} growing over a ground layer of calcicolous mosses such as {\it Drepanocladus revolvens, Ctenidium molluscum, Campylium stellatum, Tortella tortuosa} and {\it Calliergon cuspidatum}. Associated herb species include {\it Saxifraga aiziodes, Pinguicula vulgaris, Succisa pratensis, Selaginella selaginoides, Eleocharis quinqueflora} and the nationally scarce (NS) {\it Primula farinosa}. 

N.B. Nationally Scarce = species recorded from between 16 - 100 ten km squares of the Ordnance Survey grid (JNCC, 1994).

Where grazing levels have been high, the heathland has given way to acidic grassland typified by {\it Nardus stricta}, with {\it Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. To the east of the common (Map 1) there is an abrupt change in habitats due to the presence of a fence across the common which marks the SSSI boundary. The effect of differing stocking densities can clearly be seen. To the western (SSSI) side is mature {\it Calluna} heath, while to the east is what appears to be a short sward of {\it N. stricta} (n.b. mapped as 'D5' - grass/heath mosaic in Phase 1 survey). 

The most extensive areas of acidic grassland lie along the western edge of the common, following the M6 Motorway. This again appears to be mainly {\it N. stricta}, with a short sward of {\it Festuca ovina/Agrostis capillaris} in places. Locally there are infestations of {\it Juncus effusus}, particularly in areas which are shown as semi-improved grassland. Locally, some stands have been mapped as {\it J. effusus}-dominated marshy grassland. Small areas have been invaded by bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. During 1990 a gas pipeline was laid across this area, contouring above the M6 along the hillside below Long Scar Pike. The route of this was still fenced at the time of the present survey.

Several distinct areas of limestone pavement lie within the boundary of the common. The main areas lie to the east (Map 1). Those in the area around Howe Robin (GR NY 625 105) to the east of Crosby Gill, lie in a mosaic with heather moorland. Further east lie the pavements of Orton Scar and Gaythorn Plain. These lie within a mosaic of acidic grassland. There has been removal of limestone from the majority of the pavements in this area. There are two smaller areas which lie to the NW of the common (Map 2), known as Oddendale and Long Scar Pike. 

The general exposure of the site, altitude and the effect of continued grazing, have prevented the growth of many trees and shrubs on the pavements and there is little vegetation protruding above the grikes.  The grikes contain a range of herb and fern species. Ferns are frequent on all of the pavements and include {\it Cystopteris fragilis, Asplenium viride, A. ruta-muraria, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Polystichum aculeatum} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}. 

Many of the herb species found within the sheltered grikes are more typical of a shaded woodland environment. These include {\it Anemone nemorosa, Oxalis acetosella, Mercurialis perennis, Viola riviniana, V. hirta, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Allium ursinum} and {\it Sanicula europaea}. Other species such as {\it Arabis hirsuta} and {\it Mycelis muralis} are more typical of rocky habitats. The most sheltered and botanically diverse areas of pavement are those shown on Map 1, lying within the heather moorland around Howe Robin. These support a number of uncommon plants absent from other pavements on the fell. These include {\it Gymnocarpium robertianum} (NS), {\it Carex ornithopoda} (NR), {\it Melica nutans} and {\it Thalictrum minus}. Common species include {\it Circaea lutetiana, Geum urbanum} and {\it Tussilago farfara}.

N.B. NR = Nationally rare: i.e. species recorded from 15 or fewer ten km squares of the Ordnance Survey grid (Perring and Farrell, 1983). 

The extensive damaged pavements of Gaythorn Plain have heavily-grazed vegetation. The more uncommon species are therefore restricted to small areas with remaining deep, narrow grikes. Additional species present in this area include {\it Fragaria vesca} and {\it Saxifraga tridactylites}. There is generally an absence of mature trees and shrubs.

Also found in association with the pavements are areas of calcicolous grassland. They are not of outstanding botanical diversity, but add to the overall interest of the site. These contain grasses such as {\it Sesleria caerulea} (NS), {\it Festuca ovina, Koeleria macrantha} and {\it Briza media}, plus forbs such as {\it Thymus polytrichus, Helianthemum nummularium, Polygala vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Pilosella officinarum, Antennaria dioica} and {\it Galium sterneri}. The Phase 1 survey notes that there does not appear to be any calcicolous grassland in the area around Orton Scar. "Mainly {\it Nardus-Festuca} grassland with {\it Calluna vulgaris} and patches of wet heath in peaty hollows having {\it Calluna, Erica tetralix, Empetrum nigrum} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} (Grid Refs. NY 634 100; NY 636 104 and NY 638 107, 1984)". 

The Phase 1 target notes also include other species for the limestone pavements, not mentioned above. GR NY 596 121: {\it Sanguisorba minor, Linum perenne} subsp. {\it anglicum} (NS), {\it Potentilla crantzii} (NS), {\it P. tabernaemontani, Scabiosa columbaria, Cruciata laevipes, Koeleria macrantha, Leontodon hispidus}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. The areas of heather moorland are also managed for grouse through controlled rotational burning. The levels of grazing appear to vary across the common. The effects of this are illustrated graphically by the presence of an internal dividing fence across the common (thought to pre-date registration). This runs north-south along the western edge of the Crosby Ravensworth-Orton road and marks the boundary of the SSSI. There is an abrupt contrast between well-developed heather moor to the west and a short acidic grassland sward to the east. The impact of this grazing on the limestone pavement flora in this compartment has been discussed above. 

The western edge of the common, surrounding the M6 Motorway also appears to have partcularly high grazing levels. Next to the roads in particular there is a very closely grazed sward, and there are numerous areas infested by {\it Juncus effusus}, together with localised spread of bracken. At the time of the site visit, the sheep were seeking shade from the heat of the sun beneath the M6 overbridges.

The conservation importance of heather moorland, plus a decline in extent of the habitat is now widely accepted. In order to encourage lower grazing levels of the heathland within the SSSI boundary, English Nature tried in 1995 to negotiate with the Commoners Committee to establish reduced stocking levels, through a financial inducement. These efforts proved to be unsuccessful. New regulations on HLCA payments now take regard to ecological factors and this may be able to influence stocking densities, which should ideally be as low as 1.1 livestock units per hectare to allow areas of heather to regenerate. The Ministry of Agriculture are now proposing (February 1996) to cut subsidies paid to the commoners by 37 per cent, in order to limit the effect of current grazing levels on the heather. The Ministry's Regional Panel has held a three day hearing in Penrith to hear evidence from the commoners, who claim that there were many other factors involved in heather loss, not just grazing. A decision on the outcome, which will prove to be something of a test case, is now awaited. Continued grazing at low levels, together with management of the heather for grouse through burning, are seen as essential tools for maintaining the attractiveness of the common to breeding birds. 

As mentioned above, many of the limestone pavements have been damaged through past removal of limestone. There is still planning consent for limestone removal over part of the area. The lack of cultivation of the pavements has allowed the survival of a number of archaeological features. For example, a Roman Road known as Wicker Street, crosses Map 2. Stone removed from the pavements in the past has been used to build the many cairns and ancient field boundaries around such places as Oddendale and Long Scar Pike. There are also the tumuli at Hollin Stump and numerous bields.

The area is a whole is important for a number of reasons. First is the diverse range of habitats and species present: The limestone pavements and flushed areas support a number of rare or notable species. The heather moor is an example of a lowland heath type not found extensively in Cumbria and is important nesting and feeding habitat for a number of ground-nesting bird species. Second are the archaeological features and thirdly, the area is one of outstanding landscape quality. 

There may be some disturbance to ground nesting birds by walkers crossing the common.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: wheatear, whinchat, oystercatcher and rabbits. The pond at Hyton Marsh, on the coastal portion, is a recorded natterjack toad breeding site. Old ant hills recorded in Phase 1 target notes.

VEG:
The common has two portions. One lies approx. 1km inland of the coast and comprises improved or semi-improved grassland. The hedge at the roadside is well-maintained and has {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Ulex europaeus, Salix capraea} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. 

The second portion lies along the coast at the edge of the River Anas and this general area has been the subject of various Phase 1 target notes (1974, 1977, 1986). Further information about this part of the site was gathered during the present survey. 

The are a range of different habitats, occurring in a complex mosaic. The most significant, in terms of area, is coastal grassland. The best way of discussing the habitats is to consider a typical transect across the northern portion of the site. 

Starting from the landward edge: at the margin of the common is a hedgebank which is faced with pebbles. This has dry grassland with {\it Festuca rubra, Thymus ?drucei, Sedum anglicum} and {\it Spergularia ?rupicola}. In front of this is a strip of dry, parched grassland, which is mostly improved in character and dominated by {\it Lolium perenne}. In places there is scattered scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus} running along this area. Beyond this is a thin maritime grassland over shingle, sometimes giving way to exposed areas of bare shingle. This grassland is mainly dominated by {\it Festuca rubra}. Other species present, varying in proportion in different areas, are {\it Sedum anglicum, Armeria maritima, Hypochaeris radicata, Jasione montana, Achillea millefolium, Thymus polytrichus, Aira praecox, Plantago lanceolata, Atriplex} sp., {\it Silene maritima, Aster tripolium, Lotus corniculatus, Lolium perenne, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare} and {\it Senecio jacobaea}. On shingle at the edge of the river, marking the seaward boundary of the common, are {\it Spergularia ?rubra, Plantago coronopus, Atriplex} sp., {\it Stellaria media, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Matricaria matricarioides} and {\it Polygonum aviculare}. 

Moving southwards, the distribution of habitats remains substantially the same. However, across the centre of the site is a depression which eventually leads into the pond. The extent of this is likely to vary according to season. It is probably fed by water from the river at high tide, there being no visible inlet or outlet. In the grassland over the periodically inundated area there is abundant {\it Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera} with occasional {\it Potentilla anserina, Spergularia} sp., {\it Rumex crispus} and {\it Plantago major}. The main pond looks to have a fringe of similar vegetation with no other emergent plants. The pond itself seems quite deep in the centre.

MANAGE:
The inland portion of the common is grazed by cattle (and sheep?). It is sub-divided into several smaller grazing units by internal barbed-wire fences. It has the same general appearance as the surrounding enclosed farmland. 

The second, coastal portion, is of major importance for the breeding colony of natterjack toads. This area is also grazed, by both cattle and sheep. Grazing levels appear quite high, with much of the maritime grassland showing localised signs of eutrophication. The impact of this upon the terrestrial habitat of the toads is not known. The bare shingle has some interesting pioneer communities. Continued monitoring of this part of the common is recommended.


FAUNA:
The Phase 1 survey notes that numerous snipe were present in an acidic flush at GR SD 129 884.

VEG:
The common lies on the western slope of Bootle Fell, overlooking the coastal plain. The upland habitats of the area were covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey during 1985. A good number of target notes relate to this particular common, which was therefore not visited as part of the present survey. 

Most of the slopes to the east of the common support an acidic grassland sward. This is mainly dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}, with {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Agrostis capillaris} dominant in parts. {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Danthonia decumbens} are locally occasional. 

At GR SD 130 896 is an area known as Levens Moss. This is described as "Degraded bog dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it E. angustifolium} with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. Also present: {\it Dicranum scoparium, Plagiothecium undulatum, Leucobryum glaucum, Carex echinata,  Narthecium ossifragum, Molinia caerulea, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta, Agrostis} sp., {\it Cladonia arbuscula}". 

At the lower edges of the hill, to the west of the common, dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} dominates over many areas.

A particular feature of this common are extensive areas of acidic (and neutral) flushing. Species recorded from these include {\it Sphagnum} spp. ({\it S. papillosum, S. recurvum, S. palustre, S. auriculatum}), {\it Juncus acutiflorus, J. conglomeratus, J. bulbosus, Viola palustris, Pedicularis palustris, Philonotis fontana, Danthonia decumbens, Nardus stricta, Succisa pratensis, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Cirsium palustre, Carex echinata, C. panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. binervis, Lotus pedunculatus, Aulacomnium palustre, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Ranunculus flammula, Narthecium ossifragum, Hypericum elodes} (GR's SD 121 887 and 127 892), {\it Peplis portulacoides} (GR SD 121 887), {\it Rhynchospora alba} (GR's SD 125 885 and 127 892), {\it Menyanthes trifoliata} (GR SD 128 888), {\it Drosera rotundifolia} (GR SD 128 888). In addition, at GR SD 129 884 there are also recorded {\it Sphagnum capillifolium, S. magellanicum} and {\it S. compactum}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.

There is no information relating to the grazing levels. The dominance of the impalatable species {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} over much of the grassland would suggest a sustained high grazing pressure for some years. The Phase 1 survey notes (GR SD 125 895) that an "area of flush and bracken with {\it Ulex gallii} has been cleared and is used for motor bike 'scrambling'. In a way, this may help preserve some of the excellent flushes present in the surrounding 4 sq. km. but some show tracks across them by the more adventurous".


VEG:
The common lies on the western slope of the valley which overlooks the Duddon Estuary. Basic habitat data were available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. A site visit was also made to describe the species present. The major part of the common lies on a steep, narrow hillside. Most of this is dominated by a sward of dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Within this are scattered scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and scattered broadleaved trees of {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Betula pendula}. Locally there are also stands of {\it Chamerion angustifolium}.

To the opposite side of the road which runs along the top of the hill is an interesting hedge bank with trees. Species recorded from the bank include {\it Sedum anglicum, Teucrium scorodonia, Agrostis capillaris, Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Digitalis purpurea, Stellaria holostea, S. graminea, Campanula rotundifolia, Jasione montana, Plantago major, Hypochoeris radicata, Tussilago farfara, Pteridium aquilinum, R. fruticosus} agg., {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, Silene dioica, Polypodium vulgare, Geranium robertianum, Galium aparine, Holcus lanatus, Urtica dioica, Lotus corniculatus, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Torilis japonica, Rosa canina, R. ?pimpinellifolia, Ulex europaeus, Heracleum sphondylium, Matricaria matricarioides, Lapsana communis, Lolium perenne, Plantago major, Rumex obtusifolius, Quercus} spp. and {\it Polynonum aviculare}.

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged at present. Although small, the mix of bracken, scrub and trees may be an important refuge for birds and other wildlife. The hedge bank appears to support a fairly wide range of common plant species.


FAUNA:
The common is an ungraded site on the Invertebrate Site Register. The small spider weevil {\it Barypeithes sulcifrons}, a nationally notable species, was reported in 1982. This species is "usually found at roots in dry grassland". There are no other species recorded. 

The heather moorland which covers much of this common is likely to be an important habitat area for red grouse. Flush features probably provide refuge for snipe.

VEG:
The common comprises Black Combe, White Combe and associated hills, situated in south-west Cumbria. These are a promnent landscape feature, composed of Skiddaw Slates of Ordovivian age and rise steeply from the coastal plain. Steep-sided stream valleys cut into the western slopes. The upland habitats of this area were covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. There is an extensive series of target notes available and it has only been possible to give a brief summary here. In view of the large amount of existing survey information, plus severe time constraints on the project, the common was not visited. 

The steep south and west facing scarp slope of Black Combe itself supports extensive areas of dry dwarf shrub heath. Much of this is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}, locally also with {\it Erica cinerea}. Elsewhere {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is dominant, often accompanied by species such as {\it Vaccinium vitis-idaea, Cladonia} spp., {\it Festuca ovina, Galium saxatile, Polytrichum commune, Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum majus, Luzula campestris, Danthonia decumbens} and {\it Carex binervis}. The cover of dwarf shrubs within these habitats is high, in the order of between 75-100 per cent. Locally the cover falls and there is a transition toward acidic grassland. Some areas have been mapped as a mosaic of the two habitat types, with either {\it Calluna} or {\it V. myrtillus} as the dominant species. 

Rock outcrops on this part of the common are recorded in several cases to be rich in lichens. For example at GR SD 119 849 there are {\it Cladonia pyxidata, C. arbuscula, C. mecilenta, C. floerkeana} and {\it Umbilicaria pustulata}. 

In places where the rocks/ledges are inaccessible to sheep, species such as {\it Cryptogramma crispa, Luzula sylvatica, Blechnum spicant, Phegopteris connectilis} and {\it Oreopteris limbosperma} are present. {\it C. crispa} also recorded from a small disused quarry at GR SD 132 871. 

On deeper soils to the north and east of the common, there are pure acidic grassland swards. These have probably originated through a sustained grazing of dwarf shrubs by sheep. The dominant species are {\it Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}. At the bases of the steep slopes to the SW of the common are stands of dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, occasionally with scattered bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus}. Beneath this, in places, is an acidic grassland sward with {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Galium saxatile}, while elsewhere there is a dwarf shrub understorey (GR SD 125 836) of {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it V. myrtillus}.

To the NE of the common is a plateau which has a small area of blanket bog. The peat here is recorded to be at least two feet (metres?) deep (GR SD 147 870). This vegetetion is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} with {\it Juncus squarrosus}, frequent {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and occasional {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. The Phase 1 map also shows {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. mosses as dominant species, while the target notes state that there is patchy acidic grassland similar to that of the surrounding area. 

A further habitat type which is well-represented on this common is acidic/neutral flush. There are numerous target notes to these features, with some being recorded as valley/basin mire. It has not been possible to record every tiny feature on the habitat map. A particularly extensive area of flushing appears to be present to the east of the common (GR SD 168 865). Many species are to be found among these habitats and include: {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, J. bulbosus, Sphagnum} spp. ({\it S. recurvum, S. palustre, S. papillosum, S. capillifolium}), {\it Polytrichum} sp., {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Carex panicea, C. echinata, Drosera rotundifolia, Ranunculus flammula, Narthecium ossifragum, Molinia caerulea, Viola palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Potentilla palustris, Callitriche stagnalis, Montia fontana, Lotus pedunculatus, Anagallis tenella, Chrysospenium oppositifolium, Hydrocotyle palustris, Cirsium palustre, Vaccinium oxycoccos} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. 

Areas of neutral (and possibly slightly base-rich flushing) are suggested by the presence of species such as {\it Succisa pratensis, Pingiucula vulgaris, Philonotis fontana} and sometimes, carpets of pleurocarpous brown mosses.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.

No information was located relating to the grazing levels on this common. The sheep probably spend most of their time in the acidic grassland areas to the north of the common and avoid the steep SW slopes. Impalatable species such as {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} dominate large areas of the grassland, suggesting a sustained high grazing intensity in some areas. Some of the flushed areas also appear to be favoured by sheep. 

it is not known whether there is any management for grouse shooting - e.g. heather burning. Some of the numerous flush features appear to have quite a high degree of botanical diversity.


FAUNA:
The Duddon Mosses as a whole display a rich fauna. Roe deer are particularly frequent and the breeding bird community includes species such as nightjar, woodcock, grey heron, curlew, cuckoo, tawny and barn owls and buzzard. Reptiles found include adder, common lizard, common frog and common toad. 

The insect life of the mosses is rich, with the site as a whole having several entries (Grade B) in the Invertebrate Site Register. Arnaby and Shaw Mosses appear to have been well-recorded and have an individual entry. The leaf and flea beetles (Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Coleoptera; Curculionidae) have been studied in recent years, with several local species being found. Three nationally notable species have also been found; these include {\it Cryptocephalus parvulus}, which is associated with birch and {\it Anoplus roboris}, which is linked to alder. The local green hairstreak butterfly ({\it Callophrys rubi}) has also been recorded.

VEG:
The common forms a part of the Duddon Mosses SSSI. This site is now also on the list of proposed "Special Areas of Conservation" (SAC) to be designated under the EC Habitats Directive. The habitat map for this common has been derived from that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, while the site is described in "Peatlands of the Duddon Valley" by R. A. Lindsay (1978). The common was also viewed through binoculars from several distant vantage points. 

The mosses as a whole are an extensive system of raised mires at the head of the Duddon Estuary. The site comprises eight discrete areas of mossland. Most of these lie in the Kirkby Pool Valley, but this common is part of the area known as Arnaby Moss and Shaw Moss, the only significant peatland remaining on the western side of the Duddon estuary. As a whole the mosses represent, after those of the south Solway Plain, the most important group of lowland raised mires in Great Britain in terms of their size and the diversity of habitats present. Such estuarine raised mire systems were also formerly extensive around Morecambe Bay but have been reduced in extent both nationally and in Cumbria due to peat extraction, agricultural reclamation and afforestation.

The SSSI as a whole supports areas with typical bog communities as well as areas of wet heath, scrub, broadleaved and mixed woodland and acidic marshy grasslands. Peat cutting in the past has affected all of the mosses to varying extents. Arnaby and Shaw Mosses have been almost entirely cut-over, leaving only isolated remnants of the original mire surface. However, since most of these cuttings occurred prior to 1945 there has been time for recolonisation of these areas with typical peatland vegetation.

The intact moss on this common is shown on the Phase 1 map as raised mire and is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris, Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. There is invasion of the mire surface by trees of {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Pinus sylvestris}. To the NE of the common this has developed into true mixed woodland, with small stands of {\it Betula} sp. woodland elsewhere. These woodlands support species such as {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Caltha palustris, Valeriana dioica, Cardamine pratensis, Carex remota, Carex rostrata, Phalaris arundinacea}, and {\it Ranunculus flammula}, whilst in parts there are hummocks of {\it Sphagnum} mosses ({\it S. palustre, S. recurvum, S. squarrosum} and {\it S. fimbriatum}). Woodland throughout the SSSI supports large clumps of {\it Osmunda regalis}. 

To the south of the common is a strip of marshy grassland dominated by {\it Juncus} spp. and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. The development of woodland at the mire edges is thought to be an on-going process due to the effects of agricultural drainage and subsequent drying of the peat. 

There is an account of Arnaby Moss in "Peatlands of the Duddon Valley" by R.A. Lindsay, 1978, which is held in the English Nature library at Blackwell.

MANAGE:
The site is thought to be unmanaged at present. There has been considerable spread of trees and scrub onto the common and English Nature are planning to undertake scrub clearance work in the future (Jacqui Ogden, pers. comm.).


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: grasshopper warbler, sedge warbler, song thrush, jackdaw, swift, willow warbler, wren, wood pigeon.

VEG:
The common lies in the Whicham valley to the east of the village of Silecroft. There are target notes from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1977, 1986). A visit was made to the site, which was viewed from the adjacent A5093 through binoculars. 

The relevant target notes are as follows: GR SD 135 818, (1977) - "Arrow Moss. Possibly a remnant of a basin mire. {\it Salix} scrub covers large areas, the open areas have {\it Phragmites australis, Holcus lanatus, Juncus} sp., {\it Valeriana officinalis, Dactylorhiza fuchsii} and {\it Eriophorum} sp". 

(1986) - "Abundant {\it Salix} sp. scrub, with some {\it Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna, Betula} sp., and {\it Ulex europaeus} with occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} sapling near roadside. Species as above, including {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Centaurea nigra} and some {\it Pteridium aquilinum} near edges. Abundant bird life in this area. Parts of area are grazed by pigs and therefore very disturbed". 

At the time of the present survey, the site appears substantially the same (although it now appears unmanaged - see below). However, the Phase 1 survey shows areas to the south and west of the common as improved grassland, wheras this appeared more like a mosaic of marshy and semi-improved types ({\it Juncus effusus, Phalaris arundinacea, Arrhenatuerum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Valeriana dioica} being noted). The area shown as swamp appears to be dominated by {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. 

At the north of the common (1) an area of woodland appears to have developed - {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}, still with abundant {\it C. monogyna, S. cinerea} and {\it Ilex aquifolium}. At (2) is a patch of {\it Salix} sp. scrub with occasional {\it Ulex europaeus} and various planted ornamental shrubs. To the SE is a defunct hedgerow of {\it C. monogyna, A. glutinosa, Salix cinerea} and {\it Sambucus nigra}.

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged at present. The Phase 1 target note for 1986 refers to disturbance by grazing pigs, but there is no evidence of this now. 

The site is of undoubted importance for the local bird population, with the diverse mosaic of tall grassland and scrub/woodland habitats. A good range of species were noted during the very brief site visit. As well as the scrub offering nesting sites, the location may attract birds of prey such as sparrowhawks and the tall grassland is probably excellent for small mammals - food for kestrel and owls etc. The area of scrub may be increasing over the site and this could eventually reduce its habitat diversity (parts of the scrub were apparently cleared in 1979). 

Continued monitoring and survey of the common is recommended, with a possible future need for scrub control work. The site is considered to be vulnerable to drainage and possibly also from the effects of dairy effluent.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, skylark, goldfinch, meadow pipit, plus meadow brown and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies. Snipe flushed from Roerigg Tarn area.

VEG:
The common lies to the north of the Furness Peninsula, at the southern fringe of the National Park. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1984. Several target notes were available from this source. However, part of the common was not mapped, so the site was visited in order to fill these gaps and investigate other areas more fully.

To the south of the A5092, most of the common is dominated by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Locally there are scattered trees and scrub of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula pendula, Sorbus aucuparia, Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Salix cinerea}. The bracken does not appear to have much in the way of dead litter beneath it. Locally there are small grassy/heathy clearings which have {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Erica cinerea}. In addition, {\it Carex binervis} was noted on one of the grassy paths. 

The summit area to the south is mapped as acidic grassland with scattered bracken, this area was not visited. To the NE of the minor road, broadleaved  trees present also include {\it Alnus glutinosa} along the stream, plus {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra, Quercus} sp., plus two large standing dead trees, possibly {\it F. excelsior}.

Scattered across the main part of the common, the base map shows a number of small tarns. None of these were shown as open water on the Phase 1 map. There is a survey of Lowick Common Tarn (Aquatic Macrophytes, by R. Stokoe in 1983). This is referenced to GR SD 287 845 and possibly relates to the feature known as Roerigg Tarn. It was not possible to investigate all of the small tarns on the common during the present survey. 

Roerigg Tarn itself (1) now has the appearance of a small basin mire. There is a very wet central area with abundant {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Equisetum fluviatile} and {\it Galium palustre}, plus locally frequent {\it Ranunculus flammula}. Surrounding this is a band where {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} is locally abundant. The margins tend to be dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} with abundant {\it Sphagnum} spp. (mostly {\it S. recurvum}, with occasional  {\it S. ? subnitens}), plus locally abundant {\it Juncus articulatus} and J. {\it conglomeratus}. Other species noted here include {\it Aulacomnium palustre, Epilobium palustre, Viola palustris, Potentilla palustris} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris}. In addition, there is one part of the mire which is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}. There are obviously several NVC communities represented here and further survey would be needed to define these accurately. 

The second tarn which was visited is Beacon Tarn (2). Once again, this is now largely vegetated, with only a small area of open water remaining.

Also target noted during the Phase 1 survey (SD 292 849, 1984) is the feature known as "Little Tarn": "Fully overgrown with {\it Juncus effusus, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, V. oxycoccos, Viola palustris} and {\it Potentilla palustris}".

Another important feature of the common are a number of depressions which have stands of marshy grassland. The largest of these lies to the NW of the common (3). This is mostly dominated by tall {\it Juncus} spp. (mostly {\it J. acutiflorus} with some {\it J. conglomeratus} and {\it J. articulatus}) To the west, however, {\it Molinia caerulea} becomes the dominant species. A diverse range of other plants are to be found throughout this area. Locally frequent are: {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Holcus lanatus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Stellaria alsine, Galium palustre, Angelica sylvestris, Carex echinata, C. pulicaris, C. panicea, Lotus pedunculatus, Mentha aquatica, Agrostis canina,  Viola palustris, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Succisa pratensis}, plus locally occasional {\it Sphagnum palustre, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Cirsium palustre, Crepis paludosa, Valeriana dioica} and, in the western portion, {\it Achillea ptarmica, Caltha palustris, Briza media, Dactylorhiza maculata} and {\it Erica tetralix}, plus bushes of {\it Salix cinerea}. Stands with {\it Juncus} spp. dominant are likely to be of NVC type M23, while areas dominated by {\it Molinia careulea} are probably of NVC type M25. Smaller areas of somewhat similar marshy grassland occur at other localities on the common. However, none were found to have either {\it Crepis paludosa} or {\it Dactylorhiza} spp.

To the north of the A5092 are a number of rather different habitats: Esps Wood is semi-natural broadleaved woodland of {\it Betula pendula, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. To the NE, in front of houses, is amenity grassland (football pitch), plus an area being used as an allotment.

MANAGE:
The main part of the common is grazed by sheep. All of the site lies within the Lake District ESA (see below). Overall grazing levels appear very slight, reflecting the lack of available herbage. The traffic on the unfenced A5092 is fast-moving and may be another factor discouraging the putting-out of sheep onto the common. The bracken would have been cut for bedding in the past (see estover rights). The lack of a dense litter layer could suggest that some cutting may still take place. 

To the north of the A5092, there is a school and playground on the common - this probably represents an error of registration. To the NE is an area in front of houses with a football pitch (mown?), plus an allotment garden.

The marshy grassland features on the common appear to be of considerable botanical interest. The area next to the road in the NW (3) appears particularly important in this respect - and provided the only record for {\it Crepis paludosa} during the present survey. 

A full survey of the tarns on the common is recommended, together with continued monitoring of the marshy grassland areas. These areas may also be important entomologically (eg. Lepidoptera - there appears to be an established colony of small pearl-bordered fritillary at 3). 

A public enquiry is to be held into an application to the Secretary of State for the Environment, under Section 194 of the Law of Property Act, 1925, to erect three wind turbines on this common. (Information mid-1996). A major issue here is probably the fact that the common straddles the National Park boundary. 

The whole common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. Of particular relevance to Lake District commons is the impact of grazing levels upon the ecology of certain upland habitats such as  heathland and a range of mire types, many of which feature amongst the "Priority Habitats" of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.  

Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date).


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: skylark, meadow pipit, grouse pellets. 

The Kirkby Moor SSSI as a whole is known to provide breeding areas for typical moorland species such as red grouse, curlew and snipe and to provide feeding areas for peregrine and raven. 

The SSSI citation for Subberthwaite, Blawith and Torver Low Commons notes that this site is known to be of importance for dragonflies, with 12 species recorded, breeding in the mire pools, tarns and streams. These include black darter {\it Sympetrum danae}, common darter {\it S. striolatum}, four-spotted chaser {\it Libellula quadrimaculata}, azure damselfly {\it Coenagrion puella} and the large red damselfly {\it Pyrrhosoma nymphula}. The pools and tarns also support several species of frog, toad and newt.

VEG:
The common is effectively divided into two portions by the A5092, which is fenced from the common. The majority of the portion to the south of the road lies within the Kirkby Moor SSSI (i.e. excludes the small disused quarry), while the northern portion lies within the Subberthwaite, Blawith and Torver Low Common SSSI. For the map and a fuller description of the aforementioned SSSI, please see under the contiguous CL 52L and for that of the latter site, see under the contiguous CL 55L. 

There are various other sources of information, including a very detailed Phase 2 survey by Peter Kelly, undertaken in 1994 (northern section only). In view of the complex nature of the habitats present and the abundant sources of existing survey data, only a brief overview is provided here; the reader is referred to the primary sources, as outlined, for the full picture. In addition, both sections of the common were viewed from the A5092, and also the area around the disused Gawthwaite Quarries from the public rights of way present here.

To the south of the road, the main habitat is dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}. The Kirkby Moor SSSI as a whole has extensive areas of this vegetation; indeed this was one of the main reasons for the scheduling of the site, which has the most the extensive area of this vegetation type in South Cumbria. The heath present on this common appears to be typical of that over much of the SSSI. {\it Calluna vulgaris} is dominant and occurs as a fairly even-aged sward (probably as a consequence of past burning), around 30cm (locally to 50cm) tall. Most appears to have little evidence of grazing by sheep. Within the {\it Calluna} are occasional {\it Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Erica tetralix} (combined 5 per cent cover overall), plus locally frequent {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. Beneath the dwarf shrubs there is an abundant moss layer of {\it Polytrichum commune, Pleurozium schreberi} and {\it Plagiothecium undulatum}. Around the edges of the hill are bracken-dominated slopes (NVC U20). There is some evidence of invasion by bracken at the interface with the heath vegetation. 

The disused quarry at Gawthwaite is also surrounded by well-developed {\it Calluna} heath, which has, spread onto some of the rock outrcops. In addition, {\it Cryptogramma crispa} was also noted here. Within the quarry itself, a thin acidic grassland sward has developed on the spoil, dominated mainly by {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. Locally {\it Festuca ovina} becomes dominant, with associates such as {\it Agrostis capillaris, Euphrasia officinalis, Potentilla erecta, Dicranum} sp., {\it Hypnum cupressiforme, Carlina vulgaris} and {\it Thymus polytrichus} (possibly marking localised areas of base-rich grassland). The Phase 1 survey also notes for the quarry: {\it Asplenium ruta-muraria, A. adiantum-nigrum, A. trichomanes, Polypodium vulgare} and {\it Dryopteris affinis}.

The northern portion of the common features part of a major valley mire - Gawthwaite Moss. This is described as containing fairly species-poor vegetation dominated by either {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Sphagnum recurvum} (mainly of NVC type M6d, with the other communities, M6a, M6b and M6c, being of more restricted occurrence). 

The remainder of the site supports a mosaic of dense bracken and acidic grassland, with smaller areas of dry heath, wet heath, acidic flush and marshy grassland. The acidic grassland is either of NVC types U4 ({\it Agrostis/Festuca}) or U5 ({\it Nardus stricta}). Locally, to the north of Gawthwaite Moss are small areas of {\it Calluna/Ulex gallii} heath (NVC H8) within this grassland. Wet heath vegetation takes the form of NVC M15 ({\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea, Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Sphagnum} spp). Marshy grassland takes the form of NVC M25, dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}. This may here have varying amounts of {\it Erica tetralix, Juncus acutiflorus} and {\it Myrica gale}.

One final Phase 1 target note relates to the site: GR SD 268 848 (1984) "High Gawthwaite. Acid grassland/wet heath with sedge-rich flushes dominated by {\it Juncus acutiflorus}. Flushes: {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Mentha} sp., {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Carex panicea, C. curta, C. viridula} subsp. {\it brachyrrhyncha, C. echinata, Eleocharis palustris, Sphagnum} sp. Grasses included: {\it Nardus stricta, Agrostis canina, Cynosurus cristatus} with {\it Juncus acutiflorus, J. squarrosus, J. conglomeratus, J. bulbosus, Cirsium palustre} and patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub".

MANAGE:
The common is effectively divided into two separate grazing units by the A5092 which bisects the site. Both portions are grazed by sheep and the whole CL unit lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report. 

The common is unfenced from its contiguous neighbours, CL 55L to the north and CL 52L to the south. As discussed under the vegetation, the grazing regime to the south of the common appears slight, with no signs of grazing effects on the {\it Calluna} heath here. This area appears to have been managed at some time in the past by burning of the heather. For a fuller account of the management of the block of commons as a whole, see under the relevant adjacent CL units.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: skylark, meadow pipit, grouse pellets. The site is known to provide breeding areas for typical moorland species such as red grouse, curlew and snipe and to provide feeding areas for peregrine and raven. The Phase 1 survey notes several snipe seen in a flush at GR SD 258 834.

VEG:
The common lies at the northern end of the Furness Peninsula and forms a narrow band of moorland along a ridge of Silurian Shales. Most constitutes a major portion of the Kirkby Moor SSSI (see map). Excluded from the notified area are the Kirkby Slate Quarries, which lie at the NW edge of the common. 

The main interest of the site lies in the extensive areas of heather moor, a habitat of international importance and of limited extent in South Cumbria. This is the largest area of this type of habitat in South Cumbria. Other habitats add to the diversity of the site, such as wet heath, mires, flushes, acidic grassland, bracken, streams and rills.

Most of the information relating to the common is taken from the SSSI citation. The habitat map has come from that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, which also provides a few target notes (1984). Brief visits were made to the common, viewing from the A5092 along the northern edge and also from the unfenced minor road crossing the southern portion of the site. 

The major part of the common is dominated by a dwarf shrub heath of {\it Calluna vulgaris}. This takes the form of dense, even-aged stands, as a consequence of active management by burning. On parts of the site there is an understorey of typical heath mosses such as {\it Hypnum jutlandicum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Dicranum scoparium} and {\it Ptilidium ciliare}. Elsewhere, as on Gunson Height, Crag Height and Bank House Moor, the heather is less dense and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is more abundant. Other locally abundant species include {\it Erica tetralix} and {\it Erica cinerea}, while {\it Empetrum nigrum} is frequent on Gunson Height and the southern ends of Crag Height and Bank House Moor. Other frequent associates include {\it Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Blechnum spicant}. Locally, the heather is becoming senescent, allowing grasses ({\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}) to become more frequent, especially on the steeper slopes to the north of the common. Recently burnt areas tend to be initially colonised by {\it V. myrtillus}. A few areas of {\it Ulex galli}-dominated heath are also present.

Heather cover to the south of Crag height (1) is at around 90 per cent. This is mostly a closed, even-aged sward of mature plants 30-40cm tall. The dwarf shrubs appear to have few signs of grazing by sheep. A recently burnt area on the hill above here (2) looked to be undergoing colonisation by bracken. Close to the road, there is a narrow strip of {\it F. ovina} grassland. {\it Calluna} plants at the edge of this have been grazed into a short, dense carpet. 

Further eastwards along the road (3), the vegetation appears to be progressing to a mosiac of heath/acidic grassland. Two further recently burnt areas noted next to road - possibly accidental.

Small areas of wet heath also occur on the common, at the northern end of Bank House Moor (4). These support {\it Erica tetralix} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} with locally frequent {\it Molinia caerulea, Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus squarrosus, Empetrum nigrum, Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it S. recurvum}. Ericoid cover here is only around 50 per cent and locally appears to have significant nibbling by sheep. Also within this area are flushed areas with {\it Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum} and {\it Carex panicea}. Locally there are said to be gradations to deep peat, i.e. transitions to a blanket mire habitat.

A number of other mire and flush habitats are present on the common, to be found in valleys, along spring-lines and seepages. The majority of the flushes are base-poor and dominated by either {\it Juncus effusus} or {\it J. acutiflorus}, with {\it Sphagnum recurvum} and {\it Polytrichum commune}. The margins of the valley mires have a greater species diversity and contain {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum papillosum, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Carex echinata, C. panicea, Viola palustris} and {\it Drosera rotundifolia}. 

Locally there are more base-rich areas which have species such as {\it Carex echinata, C. panicea, C. hostiana, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Narthecium ossifragum, Succisa pratensis, Hydrocotyle vulgaris} and {\it Juncus bulbosus}. Bryophytes include {\it Aneura pinguis} and {\it Campylium stellatum}. 

In addition to these features, Bank House Moor has a number of springs and rills which support a vegetation type which is not often found in South Cumbria. These tend to be dominated by mosses such as {\it Philonotis fontana, Calliergon} sp., {\it Drepanocladus fluitans} and {\it Cratoneuron communatum}. Higher plants such as {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium} and {\it Montia fontana} form extensive blankets in the rills, while other species present inlcude {\it Galium palustre, Cardamine pratensis} and {\it Poa trivialis}.

There are also several large valley mires present on the common, for example Tewit Moss, Brunt Riggs Mire, Swinsty Ball and a mire to the north of Winnow. These all contain carpets of {\it Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it S. recurvum} with abundant {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}. Other species present include {\it Andromeda polifolia, Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Carex panicea} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}. These mires tend to be very wet and contain extensive areas of pog pool vegetation dominated by {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum} and {\it E. angustifolium}. 

Blade Moss (5) is one such feature target noted by the Phase 1 survey: GR SD 260 828 - "Small raised bog flanked by {\it Juncus effusus} on the edge of a {\it Calluna vulgaris} heath. The bog is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris, Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. with {\it V. oxycoccos, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Erica tetralix} and {\it Cladonia portentosa}".
 
On the lower slopes and better-drained mineral soils the heather moorland has given way to either acidic grassland or dense bracken. The main grassland species are {\it F. ovina, A. capillaris} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}, plus {\it Galium saxatile}. Often there are transitional areas with a grass/heath mosaic. The western flank of Bank House Moor has acidic grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report. 

The minor roads across the common are unfenced and protected by cattle grids. This common and the contiguous CL 40L are also unfenced from each other. However, the A5092, which marks the northern boundary of the site, is fenced from the common.  

The heather moor of the common is managed for grouse shooting by a programme of rotational burning. Heather condition is discussed under vegetation. A row of grouse butts are present to the south of Crag Height. 

To the north of the common lies a large active quarry - Burlington Slate. On the summit of Winnow, to the south of here, a wind farm has recently been commissioned, with about 12 turbines. Great controversy surrounds the visual impact of this development, which was given Ministerial permission against a planning inspector's advice. The turbines can clearly be seen from the fells in the Lake District National Park and also across Morecambe Bay.

Subsequently there was a proposal to erect a further 16 turbines on the common south of the existing installation. This was opposed by Cumbria County Council on the grounds that they would also be clearly visible from within the National Park (Daily Telegraph, 01.03.96).


FAUNA:
The Duddon Mosses as a whole display a rich fauna. Roe deer are particularly frequent and the breeding bird community includes species such as nightjar, woodcock, grey heron, curlew, cuckoo, tawny and barn owls and buzzard. Reptiles found include adder, common lizard, common frog and common toad. 

he insect life of the mosses is rich, with the site as a whole having several entries (Grade B) in the Invertebrate Site Register. There is said to be considerable disparity in the recording of the separate components and this common appears not to be one of the better-recorded. Further survey is needed, but current records are sufficient for the site to merit Grade B status.

VEG:
The common forms a part of the Duddon Mosses SSSI (see under CL 85L for boundary map). This site is now also on the list of proposed "Special Areas of Conservation" (SAC) to be designated under the EC Habitats Directive. Hewathwaite Moss itself is also a Cumbria Wildlife Trust "County Wildlife Site". The habitat map for this common has been derived from that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, while the site is described in "Peatlands of the Duddon Valley" by R. A. Lindsay (1978). 

The mosses as a whole are an extensive system of raised mires at the head of the Duddon Estuary. The site comprises eight discrete areas of mossland. Those parts which lie in the Kirkby Pool Valley, of which this common is one, are thought to represent remnants of a continuous mire which occupied the entire length of the valley. As a whole the mosses represent, after those of the south Solway Plain, the most important group of lowland raised mires in Great Britain in terms of their size and the diversity of habitats present. Such estuarine raised mire systems were also formerly extensive around Morecambe Bay but have been reduced in extent both nationally and in Cumbria due to peat extraction, agricultural reclamation and afforestation.

The SSSI as a whole supports areas with typical bog communities as well as areas of wet heath, scrub, broadleaved and mixed woodland and acidic marshy grasslands. Peat cutting in the past has affected all of the mosses to varying extents. This common has a mosaic of peat-cut hollows and intact original mire surface. However, since most of these cuttings occurred prior to 1945 there has been time for recolonisation of these areas with typical peatland vegetation.

The intact moss on this common is shown on the Phase 1 map as raised mire and is decribed in the SSSI citation as "modified bog vegetation approaching wet heath". This has {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} forming tussocks over much of the area. {\it Sphagnum} spp. mosses vary in their extent in the hollows between the tussocks, consisting only of {\it Sphagnum capillifolium} in drier conditions, to a wider assemblage in wetter conditions, with species such as {\it S. magellanicum} and {\it S. cuspidatum}. Where {\it Sphagnum} cover is low, {\it Rhynchospora alba} is abundant and there is much bare peat. On the edges of the uncut peat areas and on isolated peat haggs, dry heath vegetation occurs, with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}.

The wettest and most actively-growing areas of the mosses occur in the peat-cut hollows, where the water table is much higher. These areas support more of the characteristic raised mire plants which would have originally been found on the uncut peat areas. These include {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium myrtillus, Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Andromeda polifolia} and {\it E. vaginatum}. Mosses form a major part of this community and include carpets of {\it Sphagnum recurvum, S. cuspidatum, S. tenellum, S. magellanicum, S. papillosum, Polytrichum commune} and {\it Pleurozium schreberi}.

To the edge of the raised mire surface on this common (i.e. to the east) is marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with wet heath where {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix} are also present. These types of vegetation are well-represented at the raised mire edges throughout the SSSI. Tussocky {\it M. caerulea} is dominant, while other species present include {\it Myrica gale, Caltha palustris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Dactylorhiza maculata} subsp. {\it ericetorum, Sphagnum palustre} and {\it Polytrichum commune}. Flushed areas have {\it Carex panicea, C. echinata} and {\it C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa}. The Phase 1 map indicates several areas of {\it Myrica gale} scrub on the common, especially in these marginal habitats, but also on the raised mire surface as well.

Locally, the margins of the common have narrow strips of broadleaved woodland of {\it Betula} sp. The development of woodland at the mire edges is thought to be an on-going process due to the effects of agricultural drainage and subsequent drying of the peat. 

A description of the site can be gained from R.A. Lindsay (1978), which is given within the Phase 1 target notes..... 

"Heathwaite Moss. The most extensive area of peatland still surviving north of Wreak Causeway, and although much of the original bog surface has gone, the majority of the surface has regenerated and supports active {\it Sphagnum} bog. The birch ({\it Betula} sp.) woodland has a carpet of {\it Sphagnum recurvum} and {\it S. palustre}, together with {\it Polytrichum commune} and {\it Juncus effusus}, growing both in and around pools of standing water. {\it Sphagnum fimbriatum} forms occasional large hummocks and {\it Potentilla palustris} is found scattered throughout the woodland. In drier parts {\it Galium saxatile} occurs as a carpet under the {\it Molinia/Agrostis} sward.

Other species present on the bog are {\it Myrica gale, Calluna vulgaris, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, V. myrtillus, M. caerulea, Carex nigra, Osmunda regalis} and {\it Andromeda polifolia} - certainly of conservation value".

MANAGE:
This common lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common lies on the coastal plain to the east of the Duddon Estuary. The Phase 1 map shows the common to have improved and re-seeded grassland. In view of time constraints, it was not considered to be worth visiting the common. The site appears to be indisinguishable from the surrounding enclosed farmland.

MANAGE:
There is no information available as to the management of this common. However, it is probably cut for silage and grazed by sheep and cattle. The grassland is shown to have been ploughed and re-seeded in recent times. There appear to be internal boundaries within the site and the common has the same overall appearance as the surrounding enclosed farmland.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were skylark, whinchat, meadow pipit, grouse pellets. 

The grid square SD 2587, relating to Subberthwaite Moss, has an ungraded entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. This notes the local money spider {\it Bathyphantes setiger}. This species is typically found on wet heaths and river banks. The SSSI citation also notes that the site is known to be of importance for dragonflies, with 12 species recorded, breeding in the mire pools, tarns and streams. These include black darter {\it Sympetrum danae}, common darter {\it S. striolatum}, four-spotted chaser {\it Libellula quadrimaculata}, azure damselfly {\it Coenagrion puella} and the large red damselfly {\it Pyrrhosoma nymphula}. The pools and tarns also support several species of frog, toad and newt.

VEG:
This common lies on a broad hilly plateau situated to the SW of Coniston Water. The underlying geology is the Silurian slates and shales. This has given rise to an irregular topography of rocky hills interspersed with broad shallow valleys. 

The common lies almost entirely within the boundary of the Subberthwaite, Blawith and Torver Low Common SSSI. This has been notified principally on account of a diverse range of mire types. There are number of information sources available for the common. The scheduling of the SSSI was preceded by a Phase 2 survey; As well as providing a detailed picture of the different NVC communities present, there is also a map of community dirstibution and a heather condition survey of dwarf shrub habitats. The Habitat map for the common is mainly a translation from the above sources. There are, in addition, target notes available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1984). The common was also viewed during the present survey from the various roads which cross it. The main botanical interest is summarised here, but for the full account, including a list and description of the NVC communities present, the reader is referred to the Phase 2 survey by Peter Kelly, 1994.

A total of four different mire types can be differentiated, with at least 17 different NVC communities identified. The most significant in terms of area are valley mires (peatlands with a central watercourse), while the other types are basin mire, flush and swamp (found on tarn edges). The SSSI as a whole supports the greatest variety of mire communities of any mire SSSI in South Cumbria. Two communities in particular are characteristic of the South Cumbria area and are rare elsewhere. These are NVC types M21 ({\it Natrhecium ossifragum - Sphagnum papillosum}) and M9 ({\it Carex rostrata - Calliergon cuspidatum/giganteum}). 

The common includes a typical example of the valley mires (NVC M21) present on the SSSI, above Knott End (1). The mire surface is dominated by an uneven "lawn" of {\it Sphagnum papillosum} with abundant {\it Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Molinia caerulea, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos}. Mosses and liverworts include {\it Sphagnum capillifolium, Polytrichum alpestre, Aulacomnium palustre, Odontoschisma sphagni} and {\it Mylia anomala}. Where {\it Sphagnum} cover is patchy, species such as {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Myrica gale} also occur.

Small streams/soakways weave in a complex pattern through the valley mires. These introduce minerals and nutrients where other plants are found such as {\it Carex rostrata, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Menyanthes trifoliata, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Eriophorum angustifolium, Rhynchospora alba, Carex panicea, Pinguicula vulgaris, Selaginella selaginoides, Drosera intermedia} and {\it Triglochin palustris}. Beneath the water grow {\it Utricularia intermedia, U. minor} and occasionally, the alga, {\it Chara globularia}. Bryophytes found include {\it Scorpidium scorpidioides, Drepanocladus revolvens, Sphagnum contortum, S. auriculatum, Aneura pinguis} and {\it Campylium stellatum}. In addition, {\it Hammarbya paludosa} has been found in the marginal vegetation of one of the mires.

Where the soakways are base-poor, species such as {\it Eleocharis multicaulis, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Ranunculus flammula, Juncus bulbosus, Rhynchospora alba, E. angustofolium, Sphagnum auriculatum} and {\it S. papillosum} occur. {\it Hypericum elodes} occurs locally in these situations.

Many of the mires have standing water. These may have {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum, S. auriculatum, M. trifoliata, Carex rostrata, E. multicaulis, Chara globularia, E. angustifolium} and {\it Juncus bulbosus}.

Burney Tarn (2) has valley mire communities lying adjacent to open water. Here have developed areas of swamp with {\it Carex rostrata, Phragmites australis} and one stand of {\it Carex elata}. Other species present include {\it Potentilla palustris, Epilobium palustre, Galium palustre} and {\it Cardamine pratensis}.

Flushes of various kinds occur across the site, many feeding into the valley mires. Acidic examples tend to be fairly species-poor and can be dominated by plants such as {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Sphagnum recurvum} (these are mainly of NVC type M6d, with the other communities, M6a, M6b and M6c, being of more restricted occurrence). Gawthwaite Moss (3) is a particularly extensive example of this type. Other associates found in more species-rich examples include {\it Mentha aquatica, Lotus pedunculatus, Angelica sylvestris, Achillea ptarmica} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}.

Base-rich flushes (NVC M10) are fairly frequent, but are small in size. These are characterised by {\it Carex panicea, C. hostiana, C. pulicaris, C. dioica, E. angustifolium, Selaginella selaginoides, Scorpidium scorpidioides, Drepanocladus revolvens, Aneura pinguis} and {\it Campylium stellatum}. One site also has the calcicole, {\it Eriophorum latifolium}.

To the north of the common are several small areas of dry heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}. Frequent throughout and locally dominant is {\it Erica cinerea}, while {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is scarce; this vegetation belonging to NVC type H10a. Grasses and sedges are few, but {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} is quite frequent and {\it Agrostis canina, A. capillaris, Nardus stricta} and {\it Molinia caerulea} are occasional. Bryophyte cover is sparse and patchy with occasional {\it Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Polytrichum commune, P. piliferum} and {\it Campylopus paradoxus}. 

The main areas of heather on the common appear to be at Yew Bank (4) and Tarn Riggs (5), although at the latter site there are also extensive areas of bracken. At Yew Bank, the heather is mostly at greater than 75 per cent cover and mostly between 15-30cm tall. Some areas of taller old heather are also present. At Tarn Riggs, the cover, height and condition of plants is much more variable (the patterns of heather condition are complex and the reader is referred to Peter Kelly's heather condition survey). 

Wet heath also occurs locally both in these areas and elsewhere on the common, often in association with the mire habitats. These tend to be of NVC types M15 and M17. The former is characterised by {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} in varying proportions, patchy {\it Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it S. capillifolium}, sometimes with abundant {\it Myrica gale}. 

NVC M17 is a wet heath/blanket mire transition, and is distinguished from the above by the presence also of {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it E. angustifolium}. A further community to mention is NVC type M25, which is of widespread occurrence on the site in the form of relatively small, or more extensive linear mires and some very extensive valley mires, such as Mawthwaite Moss (6). This vegetation is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with frequent {\it Erica tetralix, Juncus acutiflorus} and sometimes, also {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}.

In terms of the area covered, dense bracken appears to be the major habitat type present on the common. This belongs to NVC type U20. Locally within this are small stands of acidic grassland, especially on the flanks of Great Burney Fell, to the south of the common. Several NVC types are represented. NVC U4 is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}, with associates such as {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Nardus stricta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Hypnum cupressiforme} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}. NVC U5 is dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}, with many of the above still present, plus occasional {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report. 

With the large areas of bracken extending across the common, the grazing tends to be concentrated on small available areas of palatable grassland. Levels of grazing on the {\it Calluna} heath of this particular common appear to be relatively slight. There are some even-aged {\it Calluna} stands, suggesting past management by burning. 

It is interesting to note that the common has estover rights. At one time bracken was a highly valued commodity, harvested in the autumn for use as bedding, after the fronds have died. Due to the availability of cheap straw and the manual effort of collecting bracken, the rights are rarely exercised on any commons nowadays. This may be one factor involved with the spread of bracken onto much common land throughout western England and Wales. 

Note the use of the southern side of Burney Fell as a scramble bike course and an enclosed area of improved pasture, which appears to be registered as part of the common.


FAUNA:
The common lies at the very northern tip and forms a very small part of the  Duddon Estuary SSSI. The SSSI as a whole is of national and international importance for wintering wildfowl and wading birds and provides a vital link in the chain of west coast estuaries used by migrating birds, as well as being of particular importance as one of a series of estuaries on the north-west coast where the majority of the British Population of natterjack toads occurs.

The Duddon estuary regularly supports 12,880 wintering waders, with internationally important numbers (i.e. exceeding 1 per cent of the European population) of redshank (1,440) and knot (3,800). A further five species occur at nationally important levels (i.e. numbers exceeding 1 per cent of the British population): oystercatcher (6,220); ringed plover (250); curlew (1,940); dunlin (5,460) and sanderling on passage (380). Passage counts indicate the international significance of the estuary for sanderling, with recent spring counts of over 1,500. 

The estuary also supports an average population of 5,000 wintering wildfowl, with internationally important numbers of pintail (1,230) and nationally important numbers of shelduck (780) and red-breasted merganser (180).
The coastal habitats also provide nesting areas for oystercatcher, ringed plover, mallard, shelduck, coot, lapwing, lesser black-backed gull, redshank amd snipe. Barn owls breed on the estuary and the area is used for feeding by peregrine and merlin.

The Duddon Estuary is also a major site for natterjack toad, containing an estimated 18-24 per cent of the UK population (equivalent to 50 per cent of the Cumbrian natterjack population). The toads breed in ephemeral pools associated with a range of habitats including dune slacks, marshy grassland, bare sand and slag banks and hibernate and forage in the surrounding semi-natural vegetation, artificial habitats and semi-improved pastures. The species is distributed over the whole estuary.

The SSSI also has important invertebrate populations, with a number of rare and nationally scarce species including the digger wasp ({\it Psen littoralis}), the solitary bee {\it Colletes cunicularis}, water beetles associated with brackish waters - {\it Octhebius marinus} and {\it O. auriculatus} and moths, including the shore wainscot ({\it Mythimna litoralis}) and the Portland moth ({\it Ochropleura praecox}). In addition to the above, the estuary also supports vast numbers of mud-dwelling invertebrates upon which the wading birds feed.

NB. The natterjack toad is a protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, while the little tern and the barn owl are protected under Schedule 1 of the same Act. 

The Duddon Estuary meets the criteria for designation as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and also as a Special Protection Area under Article of the E.C. Directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds.

VEG:
The common lies within the Duddon Estuary SSSI and was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. The site was not visited, but was viewed through binoculars from the nearby CL 62C. The single public footpath which led out to the common from the northern tip of CL 62C could not be found. A significant portion of the common can be seen to comprise intertidal sand and mud. Along the western edge of the estuary is salt marsh dominated mainly by {\it Puccinellia maritima}, typical of much of that occurring within the SSSI. Pioneer saltmarsh communities occur along the seaward edge, with open stands of {\it Salicornia europaea} and occasionally, {\it Suaeda maritima}. The main block of saltmarsh on this common lies to the north. The landward edge of this is dominated by tussocky Juncus maritimus. There may be some brackish swamp also within this area. A floodbank runs along the entire western boundary of the common - this is shown to have an improved grassland sward. A drain runs to the rear of this and may support swamp/marsh vegetation.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. From the chosen vantage point, the grazing levels appeared high, with a flock of sheep noted to the north of the common. A floodbank has been constructed along the western edge of the common.


FAUNA:
The Duddon Mosses as a whole display a rich fauna. Roe deer are particularly frequent and the breeding bird community includes species such as nightjar, woodcock, grey heron, curlew, cuckoo, tawny and barn owls and buzzard. Reptiles found include adder, common lizard, common frog and common toad. 

The insect life of the mosses is rich, with the site as a whole having several entries (Grade B) in the Invertebrate Site Register. There is said to be considerable disparity in the recording of the separate components and this common appears not to be one of the better-recorded. Further survey is needed, but current records are sufficient for the site to merit Grade B status.

VEG:
The common comprises several separate parcels of land, all of which lie within the Duddon Mosses SSSI (see under CL 85L for SSSI boundary map). This site is now also on the list of proposed "Special Areas of Conservation" (SAC) to be designated under the EC Habitats Directive. The habitat map for this common has been derived from that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, which has target notes made in 1984. The site is also described in "Peatlands of the Duddon Valley" by R. A. Lindsay (1978).

The mosses as a whole are an extensive system of raised mires at the head of the Duddon Estuary. The site comprises eight discrete areas of mossland. Those parts which lie in the Kirkby Pool Valley, of which this common is one, are thought to represent remnants of a continuous mire which occupied the entire length of the valley. As a whole the mosses represent, after those of the south Solway Plain, the most important group of lowland raised mires in Great Britain in terms of their size and the diversity of habitats present. Such estuarine raised mire systems were also formerly extensive around Morecambe Bay but have been reduced in extent both nationally and in Cumbria due to peat extraction, agricultural reclamation and afforestation.

The SSSI as a whole supports areas with typical bog communities as well as areas of wet heath, scrub, broadleaved and mixed woodland and acidic marshy grasslands. Peat cutting in the past has affected all of the mosses to varying extents. 

The major (southern) portion of this common appears to lie within an area which has been relatively unaffected by peat cutting. (NB. the common is not to be confused with a second area also known as White Moss, which lies a little way to the south). 

The Phase 1 survey target notes (GR SD 229 868) refer to the survey of the area undertaken by R.A. Lindsay in 1978. This survey describes the area as raised bog (wet heath on Phase 1 map) surrounded by damp {\it Betula} sp. woodland. The bog is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}, while there is a diverse "ground flora" dominated by {\it Sphagnum} ({\it S. cuspidatum, S. capillifolium, S. tenellum, S. papillosum} and occasionally {\it S. magellanicum}). The drier hollows are dominated by {\it Cladonia} spp. ({\it C. impexa, C. floerkeana, C. pyxidata} and {\it C. coniocraea}). Other species found in the hollows include {\it Dicranum} sp., {\it Rhynchospora alba, Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Eriophorum angustifolium, Hylocomium splendens} and {\it Polytrichum} sp.

The Phase 1 map shows that significant blocks of {\it Betula} sp. woodland have developed on this part of the common, while on the open mire surface, {\it Betula} sp. trees and {\it Salix} sp. scrub are colonising. This is thought to be an on-going process on marginal areas of the site due to the effects of agricultural drainage and subsequent drying of the peat. 

To the north lie three further small parcels of the common which lie within an area known as Black Moss (described by R.A. Lindsay). These all support flushed woodland which has developed in a slight depression in front of a roche moutonne. Tree species include {\it Betula} spp. and {\it Alnus glutinosa}, while there are also areas of {\it Salix} spp. carr. Species found in the woodland understorey include {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Myosotis scorpioides, Geum rivale, Caltha palustris, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Galeopsis tetrahit, Valeriana dioica, Cardamine pratensis, Carex remota, C. rostrata, Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Ranunculus flammula}, while locally there are dense {\it Sphagnum} hummocks ({\it S. palustre, S. recurvum, S. squarrosum} and {\it S. fimbriatum}).

MANAGE:
The site is probably unmanaged at present (Jacqui Ogden, pers. comm.). R.A. Lindsay describes White Moss (GR SD 229 868) as "A good discrete bog, which, although not particularly wet now, is rich in {\it Sphagnum} and is one of the few bogs in the Duddon Mosses which have retained the classic raised bog character. It is true that it has been affected by drainage and burning, so many species one might expect in such a habitat are missing, but the largely intact surface still supports species such as {\it Sphagnum magellanicum}, in occasional hollows, so is not yet moribund".

Whole site lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
The Duddon Mosses as a whole display a rich fauna. Roe deer are particularly frequent and the breeding bird community includes species such as nightjar, woodcock, grey heron, curlew, cuckoo, tawny and barn owls and buzzard. Reptiles found include adder, common lizard, common frog and common toad. 

The insect life of the mosses is rich, with the site as a whole having several entries (Grade B) in the Invertebrate Site Register. This part of the site has been extensively surveyed for its butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) over a period of three years during the early 1970s. These surveys showed the presence of 15 resident species of British butterflies, including the nationally rare large heath {\it Coenonympha tullia}. Many of the moths reflect mossland habitats eg. the nationally notable bordered grey ({\it Selidosema brunnearia}). However, a few are characteristic of coastal habitats eg. the nationally notable coast dart ({\it Euoxa cursoria}). A number of species typical of fen were also reported eg. the local fen wainscott ({\it Arenostola phragmitidis}).

VEG:
The common forms a part of the Duddon Mosses SSSI. This site is now also on the list of proposed "Special Areas of Conservation" (SAC) to be designated under the EC Habitats Directive. The habitat map for this common has been derived from that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, while the site is described in "Peatlands of the Duddon Valley" by R. A. Lindsay (1978). 

The mosses as a whole are an extensive system of raised mires at the head of the Duddon Estuary. The site comprises eight discrete areas of mossland. Those parts which lie in the Kirkby Pool Valley, of which this common is one, are thought to represent remnants of a continuous mire which occupied the entire length of the valley. As a whole the mosses represent, after those of the south Solway Plain, the most important group of lowland raised mires in Great Britain in terms of their size and the diversity of habitats present. Such estuarine raised mire systems were also formerly extensive around Morecambe Bay but have been reduced in extent both nationally and in Cumbria due to peat extraction, agricultural reclamation and afforestation.

The SSSI as a whole supports areas with typical bog communities as well as areas of wet heath, scrub, broadleaved and mixed woodland and acidic marshy grasslands. Peat cutting in the past has affected all of the mosses to varying extents. This common has a mosaic of peat-cut hollows and intact original mire surface. However, since most of these cuttings occurred prior to 1945 there has been time for recolonisation of these areas with typical peatland vegetation.

The intact moss on this common is shown on the Phase 1 map as raised mire and is decribed in the SSSI citation as "modified bog vegetation approaching wet heath". This has {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} forming tussocks over much of the area. {\it Sphagnum} spp. mosses vary in their extent in the hollows between the tussocks, consisting only of {\it Sphagnum capillifolium} in drier conditions, to a wider assemblage in wetter conditions, with species such as {\it S. magellanicum} and {\it S. cuspidatum}. Where {\it Sphagnum} cover is low, {\it Rhynchospora alba} is abundant and there is much bare peat. On the edges of the uncut peat areas and on isolated peat haggs, dry heath vegetation occurs, with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}.

The wettest and most actively-growing areas of the mosses occur in the peat-cut hollows, where the water table is much higher. These areas support more of the characteristic raised mire plants which would have originally been found on the uncut peat areas. These include {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium myrtillus, Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Andromeda polifolia} and {\it E. vaginatum}. Mosses form a major part of this community and include carpets of {\it Sphagnum recurvum, S. cuspidatum, S. tenellum, S. magellanicum, S. papillosum, Polytrichum commune} and {\it Pleurozium schreberi}.

To the edge of the raised mire surface on this common (ie. to the east) is marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with with wet heath where {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix} are also present. These types of vegetation are well-represented at the raised mire edges throughout the SSSI. Tussocky {\it M. caerulea} is dominant, while other species present include {\it Myrica gale, Caltha palustris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Dactylorhiza maculata} subsp. {\it ericetorum, Sphagnum palustre} and {\it Polytrichum commune}. Flushed areas have {\it Carex panicea, C. echinata} and {\it C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa}. 

There are several small stands of broadleaved woodland of {\it Betula pendula}. There are small areas where birch trees are colonising the mire surface. The development of woodland at the mire edges is thought to be an on-going process due to the effects of agricultural drainage and subsequent drying of the peat. However, periodic fires on the site are thought to have kept some of the tree invasion across the common in check, but at the expense of reducing the botanical diversity of the communities present.

MANAGE:
The common is not grazed (Jacqui Ogden, pers. comm.). As already discussed, there is a history of peat cutting on the common. The margins of the raised mires are drying due to agricultural drainage. 

The Phase 1 survey cites "The Peatlands of the Duddon Valley" - R.A. Lindsay, 1978... 

"Bank End Moss. The crown of the moss, an area of true raised bog, is perhaps rather disappointing. Its {\it Sphagnum} cover is much reduced and areas of bare peat are quite frequent, apparently because of the steady drying-out due to water loss from the peat surface and occasional fires. Nonetheless, there is still a reasonably large area of intact raised bog, which, if given some measure of protection and management, may regain at least some of the more sensitive bog species.

Thus despite its somewhat battered state, Bank End Moss still retains much of the characteristic lowland bog flora, how long this will remain true depends on whether any measure of protection can be afforded it from the ever-present threat of fire and the related water problem of the surface drying out".

The common lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common, which is divided into two parts by the Cumbrian Coast railway line, lies partly within the Duddon Mosses SSSI. This site is now also on the list of proposed "Special Areas of Conservation" (SAC) to be designated under the EC Habitats Directive. The habitat map for this common has been derived from that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1984) and there are also several target notes available.

The mosses as a whole are an extensive system of raised mires at the head of the Duddon Estuary. The site comprises eight discrete areas of mossland. Those parts which lie in the Kirkby Pool Valley (which includes part of this common) are thought to represent remnants of a continuous mire which occupied the entire length of the valley. As a whole, the mosses represent, after those of the south Solway Plain, the most important group of lowland raised mires in Great Britain in terms of their size and the diversity of habitats present. Such estuarine raised mire systems were also formerly extensive around Morecambe Bay but have been reduced in extent both nationally and in Cumbria due to peat extraction, agricultural reclamation and afforestation.

The vegetation of the common is best described by the Phase 1 target notes:
(1). GR SD 219 847 - "Waitham Common. Peat Moss with {\it Salix} sp. scrub, occasional {\it Ulex europaeus}. Abundant {\it Calluna vulgaris, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Sphagnum}. Much scattered {\it Betula} sp. 0.3 -2.0m tall".

(2). GR SD 219 844 - "Marshy grassland/wet heath mosaic with {\it Molinia caerulea, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Ulex europaeus} and scrub by the edge of the railway with {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Betula pubescens}".

(3). GR SD 216 842 - "Herd House Moss. Now marshy grassland dominated by {\it M. caerulea} with {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it J. conglomeratus}. Also present {\it Erica tetralix, Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex nigra, Sphagnum} spp., and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos}".

(4). Improved grassland.

(5). Ploughed and re-seeded grassland (i.e. arable).

MANAGE:
The northern portion of the common is unmanaged, except for scrub/tree removal beneath the power lines by Norweb (Jacqui Ogden, pers. comm). Of the southern portion, the marshy grassland area which lies within the SSSI is known to be grazed by sheep and there may also be shooting in this area. 

There are observations on the site by R.A. Lindsay, in "Peatlands of the Duddon Valley" (1978), discussed under the Phase 1 notes: "Herd House Moss: The nature of this moss has been completely changed by the railway line, peat cutting, drainage, burning and ploughing. Indeed, of the moss sites remaining, Herd House would appear to be the most likely one to vanish during the next few years". 

As noted perviously, part at least is shown on the Phase 1 map as ploughed and re-seeded (arable) grassland.

Part lies within the lake District ESA, the boundary of this being different from that of the SSSI (i.e. follows the railway line in this vicinity). The ESA has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common lies within the drained portion of the valley of Kirkby Pool, not far from the point where the valley reaches the Duddon Estuary. There was once an extensive and continuous raised mire along this valley. However, due to the combined effects of drainage and peat removal, the mire has been reduced to several remnants. These areas now form the Duddon Mosses SSSI. This common, however, lies outside the SSSI boundary within the recleimed area. The habitats are shown to comprise both marshy grassland and poor semi-improved grassland, but the Phase 1 survey provides no species information.

MANAGE:
The common is probably grazed. Note that there is unity of ownership and rights. This common is therefore at danger of deregistration as it no longer fulfils the definition of land suitable for registration under the Commons Registration Act, 1965. The area is actively drained. For a map showing the boundary of the adjacent Duddon Mosses SSSI, see under CL 85L. 

Lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common lies partly within the Duddon Mosses SSSI (see under CL 85L for map of the SSSI boundary). This site is now also on the list of proposed "Special Areas of Conservation" (SAC) to be designated under the EC Habitats Directive. The habitat map for this common has been derived from that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, plus one target note (1984).

The mosses as a whole are an extensive system of raised mires at the head of the Duddon Estuary. The site comprises eight discrete areas of mossland. Those parts which lie in the Kirkby Pool Valley, one of which this common forms a part, are thought to represent remnants of a continuous mire which occupied the entire length of the valley. As a whole, the mosses represent, after those of the south Solway Plain, the most important group of lowland raised mires in Great Britain in terms of their size and the diversity of habitats present. Such estuarine raised mire systems were also formerly extensive around Morecambe Bay but have been reduced in extent both nationally and in Cumbria due to peat extraction, agricultural reclamation and afforestation.

The SSSI as a whole supports areas with typical bog communities as well as areas of wet heath, scrub, broadleaved and mixed woodland and acidic marshy grasslands. Peat cutting in the past has affected all of the mosses to varying extents. This common is reported to have an uneven surface due to extensive past peat cutting (Jacqui Ogden, pers. comm.). However, since most of these cuttings across the SSSI occurred prior to 1945 there has been time for recolonisation of these areas with typical peatland vegetation.

The Phase 1 map shows a section of raised mire to the north of the common (all within the SSSI). This appears typical of the cut-over mire throughout the SSSI, with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it E. angustifolium} forming tussocks over much of the area. {\it Sphagnum} spp. mosses vary in their extent in the hollows between the tussocks, consisting only of {\it Sphagnum capillifolium} in drier conditions, to a wider assemblage in wetter conditions, with species such as {\it S. magellanicum} and {\it S. cuspidatum}. Where {\it Sphagnum} cover is low, {\it Rhynchospora alba} is locally abundant. 

The wettest and most actively-growing areas of the mosses occur in the peat-cut hollows, where the water table is much higher. These areas support more of the characteristic raised mire plants which would have originally been found on the uncut peat areas. These include {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium myrtillus, Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Andromeda polifolia} and {\it E. vaginatum}. Mosses form a major part of this community and include carpets of {\it Sphagnum recurvum, S. cuspidatum, S. tenellum, S. magellanicum, S. papillosum, Polytrichum commune} and {\it Pleurozium schreberi}.

The southern part of the common lies at the raised mire edge, on an area tending towards thinner peat. This has given rise to a mosaic of remnant mire, marshy grassland and wet heath habitats. The features of part of this area are recorded by the Phase 1 survey (1984): 

GR SD 221 848 - "Waitham Common. Raised bog with strips of marshy grassland. This is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with {\it Erica tetralix, M. caerulea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}. {\it Andromeda polifolia} was very abundant and large areas of bog were beginning to be invaded by {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Betula} sp. scrub. The wetter corners of the bog contained patches of {\it Polystichum aculeatum, Juncus effusus, Polytrichum} sp., and {\it Ilex aquifolium}. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} occurred in small patches". 

The southern edge of the common lies outside the SSSI boundary. Here there is much marshy grassland dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}. 

The common also has several small peripheral stands of broadleaved woodland of {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Alnus glutinosa}, while elsewhere has been development of {\it Salix} spp. carr on the mire surface and colonisation by {\it Betula} sp. trees. This is thought to be an ongoing process on marginal areas of the site due to the effects of agricultural drainage and subsequent drying of the peat. Species found in the woodland understorey include {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Caltha palustris, Valeriana dioica, Cardamine pratensis, Carex remota, C. rostrata, Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Ranunculus flammula}, while locally there are dense {\it Sphagnum hummocks} ({\it S. palustre, S. recurvum, S. squarrosum} and {\it S. fimbriatum}). Drier woodlands support {\it Osmunda regalis}.

MANAGE:
The common is not managed at present (Jacqui Ogden, pers. comm.). The northern portion is now apparently owned by English Nature. As already discussed, there is a history of peat cutting on the common. The margins of the raised mires are drying due to agricultural drainage, with consequential spread of scrub and woodland. There may be planned scrub clearance on this site in future by English Nature.

Note that the site lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
No information available relating to the fauna of the common.

VEG:
The common lies adjacent to Kirkby Pool, just outside the boundary of the Duddon Mosses SSSI. The valley once had an extensive and probably continuous raised mire. This common appears to lie on an area of the former mire which has now been cut and drained. The Cumbria Phase 1 survey shows the common to support a sward of poor semi-improved grassland, infested with {\it Juncus effusus}. The common was not visited, but viewed from a distance through binoculars.

MANAGE:
The common was viewed from a distant hill through binoculars. From here it cound be seen that the site is grazed by sheep. The common appears fenced all round from the contiguous land units. 

Lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
The Duddon Mosses as a whole display a rich fauna. Roe deer are particularly frequent and the breeding bird community includes species such as nightjar, woodcock, grey heron, curlew, cuckoo, tawny and barn owls and buzzard. Reptiles found include adder, common lizard, common frog and common toad. 

The insect life of the mosses is rich, with the site as a whole having several entries (Grade B) in the Invertebrate Site Register. However, this part of the site has not been extensively surveyed.

VEG:
The common forms a peripheral portion of Heathwaite Moss, itself a part of the Duddon Mosses SSSI. For a fuller account of the vegetation of Heathwaite Moss, see under CL 53L. This common itself appears to lie on remnant peat. The habitat map and species information have been drawn from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey and the site was not visited during the course of the present survey. 

The main habitat is {\it Molinia caerulea} marshy grassland. Scattered over this in parts are bushes of {\it Myrica gale}. There is one small block of {\it Betula} sp. semi-natural broadleaved woodland.

MANAGE:
No information, but probably unmanaged. The common lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
Noted during brief site visit: flock of swallows.

VEG:
This common lies on the flood plain of the River Lickie. This site, plus the three smaller portions of its contiguous neighbour (i.e. CL 244L) can now be considered to make up a single unit, as there are no longer any boundaries between the individual compartments. The area was the focus of a hay meadow survey by the Lake District National Park in 1980 and the habitats were mapped by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1984. Due to constraints on time, only a brief visit was made to the two commons, which were viewed through binoculars from the footpath overlooking the site, on the hillside to the SE. There was insufficient time to seek access permission to conduct a formal survey. 

The hay meadow survey recorded a total of 48 species. The site was thought to represent traditional management, but also to be in need of conservation action. However, the Phase 1 survey mapped the whole area as improved grassland. At the time of the site visit, the site now appears to have been agriculturally improved and re-seeded with a grass crop. Subtle changes in the colour of the sward clearly mark the positions of the individual portions of the two commons, suggesting that once they were separated by hedges or walls of some sort. 

The eastern edge of the site runs along the river and, to the SE, it crosses a part of common. Here there is a narrow wooded strip, to the sides of which, is a mosaic of neutral and marshy grassland. The wooded component comprises {\it Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Betula} sp., {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Salix} spp. The neutral grassland is tall and rank and appears to be dominated by grasses such as {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Holcus lanatus} with occasional clumps of {\it Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. The marshy grassland areas are dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, with tall herbs which include {\it Cirsium palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Digitalis purpurea, Oenanthe crocata} and possibly also {\it Valeriana dioica} and {\it Angelica sylvestris}. 

Along the western side of the site runs a hedge with trees - {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Salix} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. {\it Rosa} sp., and possibly {\it Sambucus nigra} and {\it Corylus avellana}.

MANAGE:
This common and its contiguous neighbour, CL 244L, now comprise a single management unit. As mentioned above, there is evidence to suggest that there were once physical boundaries separating the various components. On the basis of the brief site inspection, it appars as though the site has been re-seeded and that the hay meadow species recorded in 1980, have now gone. Ideally a further survey is needed to confirm this. 

The area is probably managed for silage, with some grazing, although no stock were present at the time of the site visit. 

The narrow strip along the River Lickie is probably fenced from the remainder of the site. The portion of this common which lies on the eastern bank of the river, forms part of a larger grazing unit, which is open to grazing by sheep. 

The whole common lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. Of particular relevance to Lake District commons is the impact of grazing levels upon the ecology of habitats such as upland heathland, blanket bog and certain types of fen. These are included within the 38 "Key Habitats" for which the UK has international obligations and which have been identified by the UK Steering Group on Biodiversity for the preparation of costed action plans.  

Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and recieve a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell. For example, prescribed stocking levels on "Fell with heather" are slightly below those for "Fell without heather" at: 0.225 livestock units per hectare, plus a requirement that between the dates of 1st October to the following 28th February, all cattle, replacement hoggs and 25 per cent of over wintering ewes should be removed from the heather fell. 

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on heather fell. There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farms are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report.


VEG:
This common comprises three small parcels of land which lie on the flood plain of the River Lickie. This site, plus its contiguous neighbour (CL 243L), can now be considered to make up a single unit, as there are no longer any boundaries between the two units. The area was the focus of a hay meadow survey by the Lake District National Park in 1980 and the habitats were mapped by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1984. Due to constraints on time, only a brief visit was made to the two commons, which were viewed through binoculars from the footpath overlooking the site, on the hillside to the SE. There was insufficient time to seek access permission to conduct a formal survey. 

The LDNP hay meadow survey recorded a total of 48 species, was thought to represent traditional management, but also to be in need of conservation action. However, the Phase 1 survey mapped the whole area as improved grassland. At the time of the site visit, the site now appears to have been agriculturally improved and re-seeded with a grass crop. Subtle changes in the colour of the sward clearly mark the positions of the individual portions of the two commons, suggesting that once they were separated by hedges or walls of some sort. 

The eastern edge of the site (i.e. two of the portions of this common) lie along the river.  Here there is a narrow wooded strip, to the sides of which, is a mosaic of neutral and marshy grassland. The wooded component comprises {\it Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Betula} sp., {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Salix} spp. The neutral grassland is tall and rank and appears to be dominated by grasses such as {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Holcus lanatus} with occasional clumps of {\it Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. The marshy grassland areas are dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, with tall herbs which include {\it Cirsium palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Digitalis purpurea, Oenanthe crocata} and possibly also {\it Valeriana dioica} and {\it Angelica sylvestris}. 

Along the western side of the site (also two of the compartments) runs a hedge with trees - {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Salix} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.{\it Rosa} sp., and possibly {\it Sambucus nigra} and {\it Corylus avellana}.

MANAGE:
This common and its contiguous neighbour, CL 243L, now comprise a single management unit. As mentioned above, there is evidence to suggest that there were once physical boundaries separating the various components. On the basis of the brief site inspection, it appars as though the site has been re-seeded and that the hay meadow species, recorded in 1980, have now gone. Ideally a further survey is needed to confirm this. 

The area is probably managed for silage, with some grazing, although no stock were present at the time of the site visit. 

The narrow strip along the River Lickie is probably fenced from the remainder of the site. 

The whole common lies within the Lake District ESA. This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. Of particular relevance to Lake District commons is the impact of grazing levels upon the ecology of habitats such as upland heathland, blanket bog and certain types of fen. These are included within the 38 "Key Habitats" for which the UK has international obligations and which have been identified by the UK Steering Group on Biodiversity for the preparation of costed action plans.  

Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and recieve a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell. For example, prescribed stocking levels on "Fell with heather" are slightly below those for "Fell without heather" at: 0.225 livestock units per hectare, plus a requirement that between the dates of 1st October to the following 28th February, all cattle, replacement hoggs and 25 per cent of over wintering ewes should be removed from the heather fell. 

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on heather fell. There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farms are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has entered the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report. For a full account of the provisions and conditions of the Lake District ESA scheme please contact FRCA/MAFF.


VEG:
The common lies at the edge of open fell to the SE of Coniston Water. It is sandwiched between the two parts of the contiguous CL 189L (please refer to this common for the site/habitat map). The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1986, with one target note being available. Due to time constraints, it was not possible to visit this common during the course of the present survey. 

Most of the site is dominated by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, over which there is scattered scrub (no species given). To the west of the common this gives way to unimproved acidic grassland (though this may since have been colonised by bracken). 

There is one small area of marshy grassland within this area, the subject of the Phase 1 target note: GR SD 313 877 - "Marshy hollow, mostly dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} with areas of open water and bog. Species present include: {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Potentilla palustris, Iris pseudacorus, Lemna gibba, Potamogeton} sp., {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi, Athyrium filix-femina, Ranunculus flammula, Sphagnum} sp., {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Caltha palustris, Ranunculus omiophyllus, Carex curta, Juncus articulatus, Cirsium palustre, Eriophorum angustifolium, Viola palustris} and {\it Eleocharis palustris}.

MANAGE:
The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) and is probably grazed by sheep. The ESA has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, dunnock, kestrel, rabbits, plus small heath, painted lady and large white butterflies.

VEG:
The common lies about 3km to the south of Ulverston. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1977 and 1984. The common has one large and several smaller exposures of limestone pavement. These have been notified by English Nature to Cumbria County Council under Section 34 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. A limestone pavement order has subsequently been made by the county council. The relevant notification forms the major source of information relating to this site. The pavements are also listed in the site files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust (see map). A brief visit was made to the common.

The limestone pavements themselves take the form of a series of terraces and are open, bare and bleached white. As such they are important landscape features which dominate the common. However, the pavements are "heavily grazed" and their botanical interest is confined largely to the grikes. Surrounding the pavements are extensive areas of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and short grassland. These habitats also tend to dominate the broader grikes. The deep grikes, however, support a rich and varied woodland flora (these are recorded to lie in the two most north-westerly pavements). Trees and shrubs are also confined by the grazing pressure to the grikes and even then are stunted by grazing. These include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Taxus baccata, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Prunus spinosa}. Less commonly there are also {\it Sambucus nigra, Acer campestre} and {\it A. pseudoplatanus}.

The deep grike flora is dominated by typical woodland species such as {\it Geranium robertianum, Mercurialis perennis, Oxalis acetosella, Sanicula europaea, Epilobium montanum} and {\it Allium ursinum}. Less frequent species include {\it Anemone nemorosa, Primula vulgaris, Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Circaea lutetiana}, and occasionally, {\it Arum maculatum, Mycelis muralis} and {\it Rubus saxatilis}. The number of fern species is a notable feature of the grikes and includes {\it Asplenium trichomanes, A. ruta-muraria, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Polypodium vulgare} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}. Also present is the nationally scarce {\it Dryopteris submontana} (ie. occurring in 16-100 ten km squares of the National Grid). Mosses noted in the grikes during the present survey were {\it Neckera crispa} and {\it Ctenidium molluscum}. There is a well-developed runnel flora consisting of {\it Thymus praecox, Medicago lupulina} and {\it Sedum acre}. 

Calcicolous grassland associated with the pavements is described as "heavily grazed". This is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}. Other species recorded from the Phase 1 target notes include {\it Thymus drucei, Hieracium pilosella, Potentilla sterilis, P. erecta, Lotus corniculatus, Ranunculus bulbosus, Galium verum, G. sterneri, Bellis perennis, Euphrasia} agg., {\it Aphanes arvensis, Cirsium arvense, Cynosurus cristatus, Aira caryophyllea, Briza media, Achillea millefolium, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Geranium molle} and {\it Koeleria macrantha}. This short calcicolous turf is also present in the old quarries which lie on the common. 

Several small quarries lie to the extreme SE (1), while there is a much larger feature at (2), which has a well-developed working face at least 10m tall. The composition of grassland at these sites appeared similar to that already target noted. Additional species which were noted include {\it Leontodon hispidus, Carex caryophyllea, C. flacca, Linum catharticum, Carlina vulgaris} and the mosses {\it Hypnum lacunosum}, Ctenidium molluscum} and {\it Dicranum scoparium}.   

A further feature noted during the present survey is an area of gorse {\it Ulex} sp. on the slopes to the NW of the limestone pavement. This appears to mainly comprise bushes of {\it Ulex gallii} and has therefore been mapped as the Phase 1 category of dry dwarf shrub heath. Several such stands are present on the hilltop and elsewhere among the limestone pavements. Other plants noted occasionally within these areas were {\it Cirsium arvense, C. palustre} and {\it Erica cinerea}.

Grassland to the extreme NW of the common is particularly heavily grazed and appears to be very much semi-improved in character, with locally abundant {\it Lolium perenne}.

MANAGE:
The common is open to grazing by sheep. Most of the site is dominated by stands of dense bracken (rights to gather this exist, but are probably not excercised today). The small areas of palatable calcicolous grassland and the accessible grike flora are selectively grazed by sheep. The roads onto the common are protected by cattle grids. 

The large disused quarry at (2) has been fenced-off due to the presence of dangerous cliffs. A sign relating to the status of the common has been erected by the South Lakeland District Council near to one of the road entrances. This refers to the Limestone Pavement Order which applies to the common. It asks visitors to the common to "Please help to protect your national heritage by observing the following rules: No motorcycles and bikes to be driven or parked more than 15 metres from the road; No mountain bikes to be ridden off the road; No camping or caravanning on the common; No littering or dumping - Please take litter home; Do not remove wild flowers, bulbs, corms, plants or the limestone pavement - Maximum fine £2,000; Please keep dogs on lead - sheep grazing; Please take care and drive slowly". 

A small encampment of travellers was noted on the common.


FAUNA:
No information available relating to the fauna of this common, which was not visited during the course of the present survey.

VEG:
The common lies at the edge of a block of fells lying in South Cumbria, to the west of the Duddon Valley. The underlying geology is of the Borrowdale Volcanic series. The upland habitats of the area were covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. Numerous target notes are available relating to this common. In view of strict time constraints, the common was therefore not visited. 

The common has moderately sloping terrain; most of the area is vegetated with acidic grassland. Blanket mire of various types occurs on certain plateau areas. The acidic grassland is mainly dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} or {\it Juncus effusus}. Associates include {\it Polytrichum commune, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, plus in localised wet areas (possibly remnant peat), {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Carex} spp. 

The blanket mire occurs in two main blocks. That on the plateau to the south (1) appears to be a mosaic of blanket mire and flush "containing {\it Nardus stricta, Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Eriophorum} spp. and {\it Molinia caerulea}". Blanket mire to the north, on the upper course of Black Beck (2), is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Sphagnum palustre, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Carex echinata}, plus locally, {\it Vaccinium oxycoccus}. Once again this grades into a bog/flush matrix (GR SD 169 907) along the upper course of Bowscale Beck.

Throughout the common are numerous areas of flushing, ranging from small discrete features, to complex valley mires (3). There are numerous individual target notes. To summarise, species noted from these features include: {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, J. conglomeratus, J. bulbosus, Pedicularis palustris, Anagallis tenella, Carex} spp. (incl {\it C. echinata, C. panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. binervis}), {\it Sphagnum} spp., (incl. {\it S. subnitens}), {\it Viola palustris, Triglochin palustris, Hydrocotyle palustris, Polytrichum commune, Succisa pratensis, Cirsium palustre, Eriophorum vaginatum, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Menyanthes trifoliata, Montia fontana, Jasione montana, Danthonia decumbens, Ranunculus flammula}, and {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius}.

To the NE of the common (4) is an area of wet dwarf shrub heath, plus scattered flushes and {\it Juniperus communis} (juniper) scrub. The heath contains {\it Calluna vulgaris} (mostly closely-cropped at 30 per cent cover), {\it  Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Eriophorum vaginatum, V oxycoccos, Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. The {\it J. communis} bushes grow among the heath vegetation. Water courses contain {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius, Carex flacca, Drosera rotundifolia} and ?{\it Eleocharis quinqueflora}.

To the extreme SE, the ground slopes steeply into the Duddon Valley. There is outcropping rock here, but most of the slopes appear to be dominated by dense bracken.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.

There is no clear picture of the grazing levels. The {\it Calluna} bushes in the wet heath area are described as "closely-cropped", while much of the acidic grassland appears to be dominated by species which are unpalatable to sheep (i.e. {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}), suggesting a sustained high grazing intensity.


VEG:
The common lies along the western edge of the Ulpha Fells complex. There is high ground to the SE at Woodend Height/Yoadcastle. Land slopes steeply westwards from here, toward more gentle slopes to the north and west. The southern boundary is formed by the course of Stainton Beck, while Black Beck and associated tributaries run SW-NE across the common. These topographical features have a marked influence on the distribution of habitats across the common. 

The upland habitats of the area were covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1986 (and 1979). A wide range of target notes are available in relation to the common. In view of this and time constraints, the site was not visited during the course of the present survey. 

The steep slopes to the SE of the common have an acidic grassland sward, locally with outcropping rocks. This grassland is dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}, but is not target noted. Further areas of acidic grassland occur on raised ground to the north and west of the common. 

For example, one such area at GR SD 142 968 is described thus: "Rock outcrops around Caun have a dry acidic grassland with {\it Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. Other species include {\it Galium saxatile}, occasional {\it Dryopteris dilatata} and abundant {\it Plagiothecium undulatum, Pleurozium schreberi, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Dicranum scoparium} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus}. Between the outcrops, the soils are peaty and dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}. Occasional waterlogged areas have {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum} over {\it Sphagnum} spp.". There are also extensive areas of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} associated with these features, especially at Barnscar (GR SD 135 957). In less well-drained land in the surrounding area, {\it Molinia caerluea} becomes dominant, marking a transition to marshy grassland. 

The NE boundary of the common follows Lindbeck Gill - GR SD 149 977 (1979): "Steep, rocky gill covered mainly with upland grassland and bracken. There are a few trees, {\it Betula} sp., and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}, mainly under which the ground is mossy and wet. There is a little {\it Quercus} sp. (plus 1986 record for {\it Ilex aquifolium}).  Other species include: {\it Juncus effusus, Myrica gale, Sphagnum} sp., {\it Oxalis acetosella, Nardus stricta, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Cirsium palustre, Juniperus communis, Vaccinium myrtillus, Salix capraea, Piptoporus betulinus, Cladonia} sp.".

A major feature of the common are numerous large valley mires. These are particularly associated with Black Beck and tributaries, but other examples occur elsewhere. These areas contain a wide diversity of species: {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it M. caerulea, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, J. conglomeratus, Carex panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. echinata, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Pedicularis sylvatica, Lotus pedunculatus, Cardamine flexuosa, Cirsium palustre, Ranunculus acris, Myrica gale, Rhynchospora alba, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Erica tetralix}.  

The north-eastern boundary of the common overlaps with the very edge of the Brantrake Moss and Devoke Water SSSI (see map). This appears to include land fringing Devoke Water (note that this lake is itself excluded from registration as common land), plus a narrow strip of land along the south-western edge of Linbeck Gill. For details of this SSSI, which also overlaps partly with the contiguous CLs 69C and 71C, please see under CL 69C.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.

No information was located relating to the grazing levels. The common is notable for the number of relatively species-rich valley mire features.


VEG:
The common lies to the northern end of a range of hills in SW Cumbria, which lie in the area between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley. The underlying geology is of the Borrowdale Volcanic series. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1979/1985/1986, with numerous target notes being made. A part of the common includes a portion of an SSSI - Brantrake Moss and Devoke Water (see map). A brief visit was made to the common - parts were viewed through binoculars from the minor road which crosses it. 

Comparison of the boundary of the SSSI with that of the common reveals that Devoke Water itself has been excluded from registration as common land. However, this common includes most of Brantrake Moss. This is described as "the largest upland valley bog in West Cumbria" (parts are shown as wet heath or bracken on the Phase 1 map). It has a plant community characteristic of nutrient-poor, western oceanic peatlands. This is typified by a high cover of {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Myrica gale} in a community dominated by {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it E. vaginatum}, with {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Erica tetralix}. {\it Sphagnum} spp. are common throughout, often dominating the wetter hollows. Associated with these are {\it Drosera rotundifolia, D. intermedia, Narthecium ossifragum, Vaccinium oxycoccos} and {\it Juncus bulbosus}. Drier hummocks support {\it Calluna vulgaris} with {\it Potentilla erecta} and occasionally {\it Vaccinium mytrillus}. 

In addition to the wet-bog species listed above, many of the flushes supplying Brantrake Bog, along with those by the northern shore of Devoke Water and east of Linbeck Gill, are rich in carices. These include {\it Carex nigra, C. panicea, C. binervis, C. caryophyllea, C. echinata}, plus {\it Rhynchospora alba}. Another plant typical of the flushes is {\it Pingiucula vulgaris}. 

Additional habitats at Brantrake Moss include wet heath with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}; dry heath and acidic grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Festuca ovina}; stands of bracken, and the upland nurtient-poor streams, Black Beck and Linbeck Gill. 

The SW boundary of the common in fact follows Linbeck Gill and has been target noted - GR SD 149 977 (1979): "Steep, rocky gill covered mainly with upland grassland and bracken. There are a few trees, {\it Betula} sp., and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}, mainly under which the ground is mossy and wet. There is a little {\it Quercus} sp. (plus 1986 record for {\it Ilex aquifolium}).  Other species include: {\it Juncus effusus, Myrica gale, Sphagnum} sp. {\it Oxalis acetosella, Nardus stricta, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Cirsium palustre, Juniperus communis, Vaccinium myrtillus, Salix capraea, Piptoporus betulinus, Cladonia} sp.". The range of habitats present on the rest of the common in some respects tend to mirror those occurring at Brantrake Moss. 

There are several more, extensive valley mire complexes on the common, including Foxbield Moss - Map 2, GR SD 190 988 (this appears very much larger than Brantrake Moss!). Once again, some are associated with marginal areas of wet heath, for example, at GR SD 185 973. 

Foxbield Moss has been described by two separate target notes: GR SD 190 988 (1979): - "Foxbield Moss - {\it Calluna vulgaris} on peat and {\it Sphagnum}. Some eroding peat. Towards Low Birker Tarn there is less {\it Calluna} and species such as {\it N. stricta, E. angustifolium, E. vaginatum, E. tetralix, Potentilla erecta, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Carex} spp., {\it Cladonia impexa, Myrica gale, Juncus squarrosus, J. effusus} and {\it M. careulea}"; 

........while in 1986: "This is an extensive area of valley bog with flushes following the streams down the hillslope. Species as above with {\it Erica tetralix} being the main heath species on the E. side and {\it Calluna} on the west. There are many boggy pools containing {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum} and {\it S. tenellum}. The W. side grades into a wet heath community. There are many rocky knolls upstanding in the bog, with {\it Calluna} and pleurocarpous mosses dominating. The largest, Foxbield, has an acidic grassland vegetation with some shrubs".  

Additional points of interest among the numerous valley mires on the common include GR SD 176 977 (1986): - "Flush along head of Birker Beck with {\it Montia fontana} and {\it Juncus kochii}"; 

GR SD 177 964 (1985): "Woodend Pool: deep pools along beck contain such species as {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Potamogeton} sp., {\it Sparganium angustifolium, Typha latifolia, Mentha} sp., {\it Myriophyllum} sp.

On the hills in between the valleys are crags surrounded by upland acidic grassland and bracken. 

Extensive crags to the NE of the common (Map 2) have a complex mosaic of acidic grassland, dry heath, wet heath, bracken, flush and various rock outcrops. To the extreme eastern tip is a small section of blanket mire which appears to be dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it E. angustifolium} with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Empetrum nigrum, Polytrichum} sp., {\it M. caerulea} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. There is reported to be some hagging, but a good cover of {\it Sphagnum}.

One final feature to note is the hillside to the south of Fisher Beck (GR SD 155 989). Here there is scattered scrub of {\it Juniperus communis, Salix} sp., {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ilex aquifolium}. Additional species noted from this locality include {\it Epilobium palustre, Myosotis} sp., {\it Ranunculus ficaria, Sedum anglicum, Alchemilla vulgaris, Cladonia impexa, Succisa pratensis, Pedicularis sylvatica, Hydrocotyle vulgaris} and {\it Anagallis tenella}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.

While driving across the site, the areas of acidic grassland appeared to be extensively grazed. There is no more-detailed information available regarding the grazing regime of this area.


FAUNA:
The Phase 1 survey notes that several snipe were flushed from the valley mire at Woodend Pool (GR SD 177 965, 1985).

VEG:
The common lies to the north-east of a range of hills in SW Cumbria, which lie in the area between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley. The underlying geology is of the Borrowdale Volcanic series. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1979/1985/1986, with numerous target notes being made. A brief visit was made to the common - parts were viewed through binoculars from the minor road which crosses it. A minute part of the common overlaps with an SSSI - Brantrake Moss and Devoke Water (see map).  Comparison of the boundary of the SSSI with that of the common reveals that Devoke Water itself has been excluded from registration as common land (for boundary map of the SSSI and a description of its habitats, see under CL 69C).

The overall pattern of habitats on the common is one of hills/hillslopes supporting grazed acidic grassland with localised rock outcrops, while the valleys have flush/mire features. The acidic grassland is generally dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus effusus}. Other frequent associates include {\it Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Pleurozium schreberi} and {\it Hypnum cupressiforme}. 

Wetter areas tend to be dominated by {\it Juncus squarrosus}. Other species found in such areas are {\it Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum} spp. and, occasionally, {\it Molinia caerulea}. 

Also recorded from 'rock crags' at GR SD 158 929 are {\it Luzula sylvatica} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

Some of the plateau areas have small expanses of blanket mire. An example of this lies to the extreme north of the common (Map 1). This appears to be dominated by a mixture of {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Calluna vulgaris}, locally also with {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. Other species include {\it Polytrichum commune, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Narthecium ossifragum, Cladonia} sp. and {\it Potentilla erecta}. This habitat grades at the edges into wet heath and there is localised hagg formation.

The valley mires, which are a conspicuous feature of the common, tend to run transversely acorss the site. The larger flushes often drain into these, while there are numerous small acidic flush features, many of which are too small to map. The larger valley mires also contain a complex mosaic of other habitats; for example, areas of wet heath, and may also possibly grade into blanket mire. 

One target noted example is Cockley Moss (1 - Map 2): GR SD 167 953 (1985): - "Mosiac of flush and wet heath possibly blanket bog, drying out. Lightly grazed. Flush areas predominantly {\it Juncus effusus, Sphagnum} sp., with {\it Carex echinata, Cirsium palustre, Eriophorum angustifolium}. Also {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} in drier areas. Wet heath areas contain {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Polytrichum} sp. Needs further confirmation". 

A further example is at Sele Bottom (2 - Map 2): GR SD 159 918 (1985): "Sele Bottom. Basin mire/flush matrix. Patches of {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it E. angustifolium} over {\it Polytrichum commune} and of bright green patches of {\it Nardus stricta, Molinia caerulea, Polytrichum commune} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. Tongues of {\it J. squarrosus} reach up the fellside all round interchanging with {\it Nardus grassland}". Although the target note uses the term "basin mire" it was felt that valley mire more closely reflects the topography of the situation. The Phase 1 map also shows this area to have scattered remnants of blanket bog, which have been mapped as the Phase 1 category of 'E18' - dry modified bog. 

A final example is Woodend Pool (3 - Maps 1/2): GR SD 177 964 (1985): - "Woodend Pool. Valley/basin bog partly dried out with a mosaic of bog and wet heath vegetation. Open to grazing. Species include {\it M. caerulea, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Calluna vulgaris, Myrica gale, E. angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Drosera rotundifolia, Erica tetralix} and some {\it Nardus stricta, Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. Numerous wet hollows and small rivulets containing predominantly {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it E. angustifolium}. Several snipes up from this area. Deep pools along beck contain such species as {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Potamogeton} sp., {\it Sparganium angustifolium, Typha latifolia, Mentha} sp., {\it Myriophyllum} sp.".

A large range of other species have been recorded from the remaining valley mire/flush habitats on the common. These include:  {\it Juncus effusus, J. articulatus, J. acutiflorus, J. bulbosus, Sphagnum} spp. (incl. {\it S. papillosum, S. palustre} and {\it S. capillifolium}), {\it Carex binervis, C. panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Ranunculus flammula, Philonotis fontana, Myosotis scorpioides, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Lotus pedunculatus, Montia fontana} and {\it Cardamine pratensis}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report. 

From the site visit and comments made in the Phase 1 target notes, grazing levels appear to be quite high. Most of the grassland on the common is dominated by unpalatable species such as {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}, suggesting, in ecological terms, a sustained high grazing intensity.


FAUNA:
The Phase 1 target notes record the sighting of a fox (1985).

VEG:
The common lies on a west-facing slope overlooking the Cumbrian Coast. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985, with numerous target notes being made. In view of this, in addition to severe time constraints, it has not been possible to visit the common during the course of the present survey. 

Most of the common supports a sward of acidic grassland. This is dominated by {\it Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta}, with some {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Agrostis} sp. 

The target notes also indicate a small tarn at Redgill Head, GR SD 142 926: - "{\it Nardus} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} grassland. Small bog immediately around the tarn - {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Polytrichum commune}. The tarn itself is filled with {\it Sphagnum recurvum}". 

Along the lower slopes to the west of the common there is a "mosaic of blanket bog/flush and acid grassland". This has a representative target note at GR SD 126 916: - "Bog dominated by {\it Sphagnum} sp., {\it Polytrichum} sp., {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Narthecium ossifragum} with {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius, Viola palustris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula} in wetter areas. Flushes contain {\it Juncus effusus, J. bulbosus, J. squarrosus, Molinia caerulea, Carex panicea, C. echinata, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Pedicularis palustris, Polygala vulgaris} and {\it Viola palustris}. Acid grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}, some {\it M. caerulea, Agrostis} sp., {\it Polytrichum} sp., and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. Possibly some wet heath/acidic grassland mosaic of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}". 

Other species noted from among flushes on the common include {\it Juncus atriculatus, J. acutiflorus, J. bulbosus, Alopecurus geniculatus, Pinguicula vulgaris, Danthonia decumbens, Menyanthes trifoliata, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Cirsium palustre, Holcus lanatus, Leontodon autumnalis} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}. 

The Phase 1 survey also notes at GR SD 127 924: - "Area of gorse scrub with acid grassland bordered by flush and blanket bog, contains {\it Ulex europaeus, Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta, Danthonia decumbens, Molinia caerulea, Carex echinata} and {\it Agrostis} sp.".    

On a small plateau to the SE of the common there is a discrete area of blanket bog - GR SD 149 916: - "Blanket bog by wall contains {\it Sphagnum} sp., {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Vaccinium myrtillus, Juncus squarrosus, Polytrichum} sp., and {\it Galium saxatile}".

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.

There is no accurate information relating to grazing levels. The dominance of the unpalatable grasses {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrous} over much of the common would suggest a sustained high grazing level.


VEG:
The common comprises a fairly steeply-sloping NW-facing fellside, leading down to more gentle slopes at the western end. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985, with numerous target notes being available. In view of this, and severe time constraints, it was not possible to visit this common during the course of the present survey. 

The hillslopes of the common mainly support an acidic grassland sward. This is dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} with associates such as {\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile} and {\it Polytrichum commune}. Within this grassland are extensive areas of flushing, especially to the NW. Locally, there also appear to be accumulations of deep peat, with one area comprising a mosaic of blanket bog and acidic flush. 

This is described by a target note relating to this same feature, which crosses the coundary onto the contiguous CL 72C. GR SD 132 934: - "Part of bog/flush on Waberthwaite Fell. Carpets of {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaignatum}, with {\it Sphagnum palustre, Viola palustris, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Carex panicea, Juncus squarrosus, Cirsium palustre, Molinia caerulea}. Stands of {\it Juncus acutiflorus} over {\it Sphagnum recurvum, S. palustre, Holcus lanatus, Carex echinata, Potentilla erecta, Viola palustris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Leontodon autumnalis, Ranunculus flammula, Anthoxanthum odoratum}, young {\it Menyanthes trifoliata}. Richest species composition near the stream".

Additional species recorded from flush features to the NW of the common (Witrow Beck/Samgarth Beck etc.) are: {\it Sphagnum compactum, S. capillifolium, S. subnitens, S. papillosum, Succisa pratensis, Cardamine pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Carex flacca, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. panicea, C. binervis, Narthecium ossifragum, Molinia caerulea, Trichophorum cespitosum, Drosera rotundifolia, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Juncus bulbosus} and {\it Festuca vivipara}, plus at GR SD 124 937, {\it Rhynchospora alba}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.

No information was found relating to the grazing levels.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visits were: carrion crow, yellowhammer, wren, whinchat, wheatear, meadow pipit. Phase 1 survey noted a pair of raven in grid square SD 2999 (1984). This bird probably uses the extensive cliffs/crags on the common as nesting sites. The Phase 1 survey also noted a flock of pochard on a tarn at GR SD 208 919 (1984), plus a hen harrier at GR SD 212 924 (1984).

The common overlaps with several sites in the Invertebrate Site Register. The first are the Tilberthwaite Woodlands (Grade C) - relating to the SSSI of Tilberthwaite Gill (part of which lies within the boundary of the common). This site has a record for the nationally notable longhorn beetle {\it Rhagium inquisitor}. The larvae of this species feed in the decaying wood of conifers and the species is very rare outside the Caledonian pine forests of Scotland. Also a record for the local purple hairstreak butterfly {\it Quercusia quercus}. 

The Tilberthwiate Fells area as a whole also have a Grade C entry. The nationally notable mountain ringlet butterfly {\it Erebia epiphron} has been recorded from this area, as has the nationally notable waterbeetle {\it Hydroporus ferrugineus} (undated record). This species is typical of subterranean spring systems. 

Finally, Levers Water Beck has an ungraded entry. There is a record for a further nationally notable waterbeetle {\it Hydroporus obsoletus}, from similar habitats to the above species.

VEG:
This is one of the largest single units of common land in the county. Lying due west of Coniston Water, the common runs from the Wrynose Pass in the north, to the Dunnerdale Fells in the south. 

The geology of the locality is complex. Most of the area is underlain by rocks of the Borrowdale Volcanic series. This has given rise to a distinctive topography of peaks, crags and steep-sided valleys. The Old Man of Coniston is the highest point, at 801m. Running to the south-east, the lower slopes are underlain by the Bannisdale Slates and Coniston Grits, with limestones and calcareous siltstones. An important feature separating the two geological groups is a narrow band of rocks from the Stockdale Shales and the Coniston Limestone Group. This area has seen much metal mining activity in the past.

The habitat map for the common has been taken from that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. There are numerous target notes, dating mainly from 1984. In addition, Torver High Common (to the south of the Old Man of Coniston), was the subject of a survey by the LDSPB in 1980. Parts of Tilberthwiate Gill have been surveyed by the National Trust. The common includes sections of two small SSSI within its boundaries: Ashgill Quarry (geological) and Tilberthwaite Gill (see maps). Two further geological sites are listed in the site files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, but there are no defined boundaries to these. Brief site visits were made to the peripheral edge of the Dunnerdale Fells, to the SW and the area to the south of the 'Old Man', along the path which leads up from Torver.

The greater part of the common is covered by acidic grassland plus various types of rock outcrops. Locally there are stands of dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, occasionally also with scattered scrub and trees. Locally there are elements of dwarf shrub vegetation. There are a number of tarns present. A range of mire, marshy grassland and flush habitats are also present, along with several small areas of juniper scrub (see below).

The acidic grassland appears to be either of NVC type U4 ({\it Agrostis/Festuca}) or U5 ({\it Nardus stricta}), with localised areas of U6 ({\it Juncus squarrosus}). Associated species include {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Galium saxatile}. Crags and scree are particularly well-represented. Species recorded from these areas include {\it Cryptogramma crispa, Teucrium scorodonia, Dryopteris affinis, Alchemilla alpina, Blechnum spicant, Selaginella selaginoides, Huperzia selago, Oreopteris limbosperma, Digitalis purpurea, Athyrium filix-femina} and {\it Racomitrium lanuginosum}. Wet areas are particularly good for a range of bryophytes. Locally, areas of {\it Juniperus communis} scrub have developed in association with the scree (eg. GR SD 294 018).

The dense bracken occurs mainly on the peripheral, lower slopes of the common. Scattered throughout many of these areas are trees/scrub which include {\it Betula pendula, Quercus petraea, Sorbus aucuparia, Crataegus monogyna, Juniperus communis, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Taxus baccata}. Juniper scrub is also recorded at GRs SD 272 013, 286 984, 289 980, 310 997.

Elements of heath vegetation occur locally, usually as a mosaic with acidic grassland. This vegetation is mostly of a dry heath type dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Nardus stricta}, with smaller amounts of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. Wet heath covers smaller areas and is characterised by {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it Molinia caerulea}. This tends to occur in association with mire/flush habitats (see below).

The various tarns/lakes on the common were covered by a series of surveys ("Aquatic Macrophytes") by R. Stokoe in 1983, although there has not been time to collate this information into the report (see English Nature at Kendal). Water bodies present include Greenburn Reservoir (GR SD 284 021), Seathwaite Tarn (GR SD 252 987), Blind Tarn (GR SD 262 967), Goat's Water (GR SD 266 977), Levers Water (GR SD 279 993) and Stickle Tarn (GR SD 214 929). The latter feature was also target noted in 1984 and has extensive areas stands of {\it Equisetum fluviatile}, also with {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius, P. ?crispus, Carex rostrata} and {\it Sparganium erectum}. The margins have {\it Polystichum} sp.?? (surely {\it Polytrichum}?), {\it Aulacomnium} sp., {\it Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. 

The various wet habitats mostly take the form of valley mire/acidic flush. Locally there are associated areas of marshy grassland, flushed acidic grassland and, less commonly, wet heath. A wide variety of species have been recorded from these features and includes: {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Sphagnum} spp. (incl. {\it S. papillosum, S. capillifolium} and {\it S. auriculatum}), {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus, J. articulatus, J. bulbosus, J. conglomeratus, Anagallis tenella, Molinia caerulea, Mentha aquatica, Trichophorum cespitosum, Pinguicula vulgaris} (more base-rich?), {\it Carex rostrata, C. panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. nigra, C. curta, C. echinata, Drosera rotundifolia, Polygala vulgaris, Montia fontana, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Menyanthes trifoliata, Cirsium palustre, Aulacomnium palustre, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Myosotis} sp., {\it Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Myrica gale, Polytrichum} spp. 

(N.B. record for {\it Sphagnum imbricatum} at GR 297 011). The Phase 1 survey also notes {\it Parnassia palustris} in a mire at the edge of Stickle Tarn (GR SD 214 929 - 1984) and {\it Eleocharis quinqueflora} at Black Moss (GR SD 228 933 - 1984).

To the NE of the common, along the boundary, lies Tilberthwaite Gill. This feature is an SSSI, part of which lies within the boundary of the common (see map). The gill is inaccessible to grazing livestock. This fact, together with the presence of mineral-rich soils and the variety of rock crevices and ledges which occur, have allowed plant communities to develop which have long been lost from the surrounding fells. Tilberthwaite Gill has one of the richest floras of any such feature in South Cumbria. 

The eastern portion of Tilberthwaite Gill contains a rocky stream with crevices and rock faces, while to the west lies a narrow, steep-sided gorge. Species recorded from the eastern portion include {\it Saxifraga aizoides, Pinguicula vulgaris, Sedum anglicum, Carex viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. pallescens, Filipendula ulmaria, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Anemone nemorosa, Oxalis acetosella, Polystichum setiferum} and {\it Asplenium trichomanes}. A typical bryophyte flora is present with abundant {\it Marsupella emarginata, Scapania undulata, Racomitrium aciculare} and {\it Brachythecium plumulosum}. The junction of the two sections of gill is marked by an outcrop of base-rich rock identified by the presence of base-loving bryophyte communities of {\it Ctenidium molluscum, Anoectangium aestivum, Calliergon cuspidatum, Campylium stellatum} and {\it Fissidens cristatus}, plus higher plants such as {\it Asplenium viride} and {\it Melica nutans}.

Along the steep-sided gorge to the west there is a hanging canopy of trees and shrubs. {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Betula} sp. dominate a mixed woodland of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica, Sorbus aucuparia, Ulmus glabra, Larix decidua, Corylus avellana, Populus tremula, Taxus baccata, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Prunus padus}. Lush stands of {\it Luzula sylvatica} dominate the ledges along with a rich variety of ferns such as {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis, D. dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina, Gymnocarpium dryopteris} and {\it Phegopteris connectilis}. Associated species include {\it Mycelis muralis, Solidago virgaurea, Hypericum androssaemum, Sanicula europaea, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Filipendula ulmaria, Teucrium scorodonia, Circaea x intermedia, Vaccinium myrtillus, Melica uniflora} and {\it Festuca altissima}. The most damp and shady areas support {\it Cystopteris fragilis} and {\it Hymenophyllum wilsonii}. The  bryophyte cover is extensive, with abundant {\it Marsupella emarginata} and {\it Diplophyllum albicans} and more locally frequent species such as {\it Blindia acuta, Hyocomium armoricum} and {\it Dichodontium pellucidum}.

The gill as a whole contains several small populations of Arctic-Alpine and upland species which include {\it Saxifraga stellaris, S. hypnoides, Oxyria digyna, Festuca vivipara} and {\it Huperzia selago}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. Of particular relevance to Lake District commons is the impact of grazing levels upon the ecology of certain upland habitats such as  heathland and a range of mire types, many of which feature amongst the "Priority Habitats" of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.  

Farms entering the scheme do so under a 10 year management argeement and receive a variety of payments in return for farming in a manner which is compatible with the special character of the Lake District. There are two tiers of entry and the first applies to the whole area of the farm. Of particular relevance to common land amongst the provisions of the first tier are specified maximum stocking densities on the open fell which take into account the presence of heather.

The second tier is optional and provides for even lower stocking densities on "heather fell". There is also an optional tier aimed at making better provision for public access, plus certain payments aimed at maintaining/enhancing juniper scrub/ghylls/water margins etc.

For an individual common to be entered into the ESA scheme, it requires all of the relevant commoners to join on a whole farm basis and this is often unrealistic to achieve. However, here are many circumstances where farmers have individually joined the ESA, who also have grazing rights on common land. In such cases, these commons have been designated "Common land with controlled grazing rights". These farmers are not allowed to put additional stock onto the common above pre-scheme levels, even if these were above those allowed by the grazing rights. 

For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian Common Land now covered by ESA agreements, please refer to the main report (but note that this information is likely to be somewhat out of date). 

Current levels of grazing on available areas of acidic grassland appear quite high. The road across the Dunnerdale Fells to the SW is unfenced and protected by cattle grids where it crosses onto the common. 

There are significant remains of past mining activity to the SE of Coniston Old Man. The common includes several areas of geological interest. These are the Ashgill Quarry SSSI (see map), together with two sites listed in the files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust: High Pike Haw (GR SD 262 948) and the Coniston site of the Geological Conservation Review (GR SD 296 985). Consult appropriate sources for information about these features of the site.


FAUNA:
The SSSI citation notes that the site is known to be of importance for dragonflies, with 12 species recorded, breeding in the mire pools, tarns and streams. These include black darter {\it Sympetrum danae}, common darter {\it S. striolatum}, four-spotted chaser {\it Libellula quadrimaculata}, azure damselfly {\it Coenagrion puella} and the large red damselfly {\it Pyrrhosoma nymphula}. The pools and tarns also support several species of frog, toad and newt.

VEG:
This common is situated at the northern end of the broad hilly plateau which lies to the SW of Coniston Water. The underlying geology is the Silurian slates and shales. This has given rise to an irregular topography of rocky hills interspersed with broad shallow valleys. 

The common lies entirely within the boundary of the Subberthwaite, Blawith and Torver Low Common SSSI. This has been notified principally on account of a diverse range of mire types. There are number of information sources available for the common: The scheduling of the SSSI was preceded by a Phase 2 survey. As well as providing a detailed picture of the different NVC communities present, this also provides a map of community distribution and a heather condition survey of dwarf shrub habitats. The Habitat map for the common is mainly a translation from the above sources. There are, in addition, target notes available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1984) and a habitat survey of Torver Low Common, undertaken by the LDSPB in 1980. The main botanical interest is summarised here, but for the full account, including a list and description of the NVC communities present, the reader is referred to the 1994 Phase 2 survey by Peter Kelly.

A total of four different mire types can be differentiated, with at least 17 different NVC communities identified. The most significant in terms of area are valley mires (peatlands with a central watercourse), while the other types are basin mire, flush and swamp (found on tarn edges). The SSSI as a whole supports the greatest variety of mire communities of any mire SSSI in South Cumbria. 

Two communities in particular are characteristic of the South Cumbria area and are rare elsewhere. These are NVC types M21 ({\it Narthecium ossifragum - Sphagnum papillosum}) and M9 ({\it Carex rostrata - Calliergon cuspidatum/giganteum}). A number of examples of these habitats are present on the common, but for a fuller account, see the appropriate sources (including the descriptions of the contiguous commons). Species recorded from the various mires on this common include {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Ranunculus flammula, Drosera rotundifolia, Mentha aquatica, Erica tetralix, Menyanthes trifoliata, Myrica gale, Carex pulicaris, C. echinata, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Trichophorum cespitosum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Pinguicula vulgaris, Drosera rotundifolia, Molinia caerulea, Narthecium ossifragum, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Caltha palustris} and {\it Juncus effusus}. 

Most of the hilltops and ridges of the common are dominated by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} (NVC U20), which is in fact the most extensive habitat type occurring. Locally however, there are small areas of dry heath, dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}. Frequent throughout and locally dominant is {\it Erica cinerea}, while {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is scarce. This vegetation belongs to NVC type H10a. Grasses and sedges are few, but {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} is quite frequent and {\it Agrostis canina, A. capillaris, Nardus stricta} and {\it Molinia caerulea} are occasional. Bryophyte cover is sparse and patchy with occasional {\it Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Polytrichum commune, P. piliferum} and {\it Campylopus paradoxus}. The cover of {\it Calluna} is for the most part only around the 25 per cent mark, most of which takes the form of a closely-cropped mat/carpet. However, the largest discrete block of heath, to the south of Birk Haw (1), sees cover rise locally to as high as 75 per cent (the patterns of heather condition are complex and the reader is referred to Peter Kelly's heather condition survey). 

Wet heath also occurs locally on the common, often in association with the mire/flush habitats. These tend to be of NVC types M15 and M17. The former is characterised by {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} in varying proportions, patchy {\it Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it S. capillifolium}, sometimes with abundant {\it Myrica gale}. NVC M17 is a wet heath/blanket mire transition, and is distinguished from the above by the presence also of {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it E. angustifolium}. A further community to mention is NVC type M25, which occurs in the form of relatively small or more extensive linear mires. This vegetation is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with frequent {\it Erica tetralix, Juncus acutiflorus} and sometimes, also {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}.

Amongst the dense bracken and other habitats there are small stands of acidic grassland (too small to map individually). Several NVC types are represented. NVC U4 is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}, with associates such as {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Nardus stricta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Hypnum cupressiforme} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}. NVC U5 is dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}, with many of the above still present, plus occasional {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.

To the NE of the common are two blocks of juniper {\it Juniperus communis} (NVC W19) scrub.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.  

With the large areas of bracken extending across the common, the grazing tends to be concentrated on small available areas of palatable grassland. Levels of grazing on the {\it Calluna} heath of this particular common appear to be relatively high. The heather condition survey indicates a quite low cover for the most part, with a low mat or carpet, plus occasional taller plants with a "drumstick" appearance, all symptoms of grazing. The small patches of heath are probably remnants of a much more extensive sward. 

It is interesting to note that the common has estover rights. At one time bracken was a highly valued commodity, harvested in the autumn for use as bedding, after the fronds have died. Removal of fronds prevents the development of a deep litter layer which protects the frost-sensitive rhizomes over the winter months. Due to the availability of cheap straw and the manual effort of collecting bracken, the rights are rarely exercised on commons nowadays. This may be one factor involved with the spread of bracken onto much common land throughout western England and Wales. Excessive grazing of the dwarf shrubs by sheep, plus cessation of bracken collection, may have given the plant a competitive advantage over heather on this common.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, robin, wren. 

The wooded portion to the north of the site, Torver Common Wood, has an ungraded entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. This notes a record for the vulnerable fly {\it Suillia oxyphora}, a species with a northern and western distribution.

VEG:
This common lies along the western shore of Coniston Water. It was surveyed by the LDSPB: Torver Low Common/Torver Common Wood Habitat Surveys (1980). These provide a large number of target notes, although now somewhat out of date. A visit was made to the site during the course of the present survey, walking from the south along the lake shore as far northwards as Moor Gill Foot.

A major part of the common is covered with dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Among this are small remnant patches of acidic grassland, mainly {\it Agrostis/Festuca} and are very closely-grazed. Other associated species include {\it Nardus stricta, Oxalis acetosella, Potentilla sterilis, P. erecta, Galium saxatile, Achillea millefolium, Cardamine flexuosa, Ranunculus ficaria, Conopodium majus, Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Viola riviniana}. Scattered thinly within the bracken are occasional trees and shrubs which include {\it Betula pendula, Quercus} sp., {\it Prunus spinosa, Sorbus aucuparia, Ilex aquifolium, Ulex gallii, U. europaeus, Corylus avellana} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. 

At several localities across this part of the common are small stands of juniper {\it Juniperus communis} scrub. Examples of this occur at: GR SD 295 943; 296 943; 294 935; 295 943. Locally this is described as "in very poor condition and heavily grazed", while elsewhere it is "up to 20 feet tall and very bushy". Some of the juniper scrub also contains some of the above-mentioned tree/shrub species, plus {\it Taxus baccata}. Some of the rock outcrops have grassy areas which also have remnant {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, while at GR SD 293 939 is scree with {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

Torver Common Wood, to the north, was extensively target noted during 1980. Canopy trees include {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Betula} sp. (both as old coppice). Other trees and undershrubs include {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Rosa canina} and {\it Prunus padus}, while at GR SD 295 937 the canopy also includes {\it Tilia cordata}.

Ground flora species include {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Ranunculus ficaria, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Hedera helix, Geranium robertianum, Lonicera periclymenum, Hieracium} sp., {\it Arctium minus, Anemone nemorosa, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Conopodium majus, Stachys sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Arum maculatum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Oxalis acetosella} and {\it Rubus} spp. 

Bryophytes noted during the present survey include {\it Plagiomnium undulatum, Isothecium myosuroides, Dicranum scoparium, Thuidium tamariscinum, Hylocomium splendens, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Mnium hornum, Hypnum cupressiforme} and {\it Polytrichum} sp. plus large mounds of {\it Leucobryum glaucum}.

South of the main wooded block is a smaller outlying area of a more mixed woodland containing {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Betula} spp., {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, S. aucuparia, Quercus} sp., {\it Pinus sylvestris, Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Juniperus communis}. 

There are a number of wet streamsides and flushed areas within the wooded portions which include {\it Salix} spp., {\it Alnus glutinosa, Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, Athyrium filix-femina, Eriophorum angustifolium, Narthecium ossifragum, Pinguicula vulgaris, Carex nigra, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Epilobium alsinifolium, Mentha aquatica, Valeriana officinalis, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Filipendula ulmaria, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Trichophorum cespitosum, Erica tetralix} and {\it Angelica sylvestris}. 

Other flushed areas occur on the non-wooded portion of the common and include many of the above species which are typical of upland acidic flush habitats (eg. GR SD 292 937; 289 932), with a record also for {\it Drosera rotundifolia} from the last locality. 

During the present survey a narrow strip of (basic) flushed vegetation was noted immediately along the lake shore - GR SD 294 934. This has abundant {\it Carex panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. echinata, C. nigra, Myrica gale, Eleocharis} sp., plus locally frequent {\it Pinguicula vulgaris, Juncus articulatus, Linum catharticum, Drosera rotundifolia, Anagellis tenella, Euphrasia officinalis, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Prunella vulgaris}. The presence of {\it M. gale} appears rather unusual in this situation, where it also spreads out onto the shingle at the edge of the lake!

Kelly Hall Tarn: "Aquatic Macrophytes", R. Stokoe, RO 7/3/4/1.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report. The overall number of sheep on the common are probably quite low due to the small amount of palatable grazing amongst the dense bracken.

Parts of the woodland appear to have been coppiced in the past. There is some development of dead branches on some of the oak trees, plus a moderate amount of fallen dead timber. Little evidence of any tree regeneration noted.


FAUNA:
The northernmost part of the common overlaps a site known as Torver Common Wood, which has an ungraded entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. This notes a record for the vulnerable fly {\it Suillia oxyphora}, a species with a northern and western distribution.

VEG:
The common comprises three parcels of land which lie peripherally to their larger, contiguous neighbour, CL 58L. There was insufficient time to visit any of this site. Basic habitat information is provided by the Cumbria Phase 1 habitat survey (1984). General information about Torver Common Wood from the LDSPB survey of 1980.

The northern part of the common overlaps with part of the latter site. For a general description of this broadleaved woodland feature, plese see under the contiguous CL 58L. The rest of this part of the common appears to be covered by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

The two remaining parts of the common are shown to mainly comprise improved grassland, locally with scattered bracken and scrub. Small area of dense bracken, plus small area of broadleaved woodland (not target-noted).

MANAGE:
The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report. 

The larger, northernmost portion may be unfenced from CL 58L (and therefore subject to the same management regime). However, the two smaller portions appear to comprise discrete and separate land units. Indeed they also appear to be sub-divided internally by dry stone walls. The fact that the main habitat here is improved grassland, would suggest that these areas are intensively sheep-grazed, but there was insufficient time to investigate the management of this particular common.


FAUNA:
No information available relating to the fauna of this common. Likely to be of importance for typical ground nesting upland birds such as skylark and meadow pipit. Good potential habitat for birds such as wheatear, whinchat, stonechat, pied wagtails etc.

VEG:
The common lies on the open fell to the west of the Coniston Fells range. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, which also provides some dominant species codes. There was insufficient time to visit the site. For the habitat map relating to the common, please refer to the site descriptions for CLs 143L or 145L. 

Most of the common supports an acidic grassland sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}. There are small peripheral stands of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, and to the south, scattered trees of {\it Betula} sp. Along the northern boundary of the common runs Long House Gill, which supports a narrow strip of broadleaved woodland.


VEG:
The common lies on the open fell to the west of the Coniston Fells range. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, which also provides some dominant species codes. There was insufficient time to visit the site. 

Most of the common supports an acidic grassland sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}. Locally present are {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}. Several areas of marshy grassland are also present which contain {\it M. caerulea, Juncus effusus} and {\it J. squarrosus}. There may be transitions to acidic flush in places.

MANAGE:
The common is probably grazed by sheep. It lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


FAUNA:
A buzzard was noted during brief site visit. 

A part of the common comprises a block of semi-natural broadleaved woodland which lies within the Duddon Valley Woodlands SSSI. These woods are noted in general to support a wide range of bird species such as woodcock, cuckoo, buzzard, tawny owl, green, great spotted and lesser spotted woodpecker, pied flycatcher, nuthatch and siskin. The woods are also one of the most important for dormice in Cumbria, here at the northern limit of its British distribution. Red squrrel also breeds within the SSSI.

VEG:
The common lies at the head of the Duddon Valley. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1984. This provided a habitat map, some dominant species codes, and a few target notes. A brief examination was made by walking along the road at the eastern edge. 

To the west of the common is a steep slope which leads down to the River Duddon. Here is a block of semi-natural broadleaved woodland which lies within the Duddon Valley Woodlands SSSI. The SSSI as a whole comprises one of the largest series of woodlands in the Lake District. Those occurring on the common are also identified in the Cumbria Ancient Woodland Inventory as being "Ancient Semi-natural Woodland". These are woods thought to have had continuous woodland cover since the year 1600 AD, or have been in continuous land use as woodlands. The Phase 1 map shows the woodlands at this point to have a canopy dominated by trees of {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Betula} sp. Locally there is an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana}. 

The ground flora over much of the woods is a mosaic of moss-covered rocks and boulders, plus grass-dominated patches. {\it Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Melica uniflora} are abundant, together with {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum, Arum maculatum, Allium ursinum} and {\it Viola riviniana}, plus occasionally, {\it Geranium robertianum, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium} and {\it Phegopteris connectilis}. 

Note that this area of woodland represents the only portion of the common that coincides with the SSSI.

To the east of the wood is a hill with numerous rocky outcrops. This supports, in places, a marshy grassland sward dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}. Abundant flowering plants of {\it Narthecium ossifragum} were noted from the road at the time of the site visit. The Phase 1 survey also notes {\it Juncus effusus, Carex panicea, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Potentilla erecta, Cardamine} sp. {\it Prunella vulgaris, Cirsium} sp., {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Polytrichum} spp. Drier areas have become dominated by bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and to the north and east this is the main habitat, although scattered small areas of {\it M. caerulea} are present locally, and there are also scattered trees of {\it Betula} sp. 

To the east of the common, either side of the road, there is a narrow strip of broadleaved woodland. This has a canopy of {\it Quercus petraea}. These are mature and well-developed trees and have a good number of dead branches present. Some look as though they could have been pollarded.  For the most part the woodland is fairly open beneath the canopy and is probably lightly grazed. Locally there are some well-developed coppice stools of {\it Corylus avellana}. The field layer is mainy grass-dominated - {\it Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}. Also present are {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Oxalis acetosella} and {\it Conopodium majus}, plus localised areas of bracken. In addition, there is a well-developed moss layer which includes {\it Hypnum cupressiforme, Polytrichum ?formosum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Mnium hornum, Dicranum majus} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus loreus}. Tree trunks have {\it Hypnum cupressiforme} and well-developed lichen growth (incl. {\it Cladonia} spp.). Next to the road were noted some well-developed plants of {\it Oreopteris limbosperma}.

MANAGE:
The common may be lightly sheep-grazed. The road which crosses the common is protected by a cattle grid at the northern boundary. 

There is some evidence, from the structure and growth of the trees, of past woodland management. There are good supplies of dead branches on many mature trees. Little evidence of any natural regeneration taking place in the woodland.

The common lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.


VEG:
The common lies on the open fell at the western edge of the Coniston Fells Range. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, which also provides dominant species codes. There was insufficient time to visit the common. 

Most of the area appears to comprise a relatively species-poor acidic grassland sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus effusus}. To the south of the common there is a broad, shallow valley, shown to have marshy grassland dominated by {\it Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. Adjoining the southern boundary and elswehere on the common are several acidic flushes again dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}. To the north of the common are several areas dominated by stands of dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.


FAUNA:
The SSSI citation notes that the site is known to be of importance for dragonflies, with 12 species recorded, breeding in the mire pools, tarns and streams. These include black darter {\it Sympetrum danae}, common darter {\it S. striolatum}, four-spotted chaser {\it Libellula quadrimaculata}, azure damselfly {\it Coenagrion puella} and the large red damselfly {\it Pyrrhosoma nymphula}. The pools and tarns also support several species of frog, toad and newt. 

Noted during the LDSPB survey in 1980 at GR SD 288 905 were: dark geen fritillary, large skipper, meadow brown, wall brown, elephant hawk moth and the damselfly {\it Agrion virgo}.

VEG:
This common lies on the broad hilly plateau which is situated to the SW of Coniston Water. The underlying geology is the Silurian slates and shales. This has given rise to an irregular topography of rocky hills interspersed with broad shallow valleys. 

The common lies entirely within the boundary of the Subberthwaite, Blawith and Torver Low Common SSSI (for boundary map, see under the contiguous CL 55L). This has been notified principally on account of a diverse range of mire types. There are number of other information sources available for the common. The scheduling of the SSSI was preceded by a Phase 2 survey; As well as providing a detailed picture of the different NVC communities present, this also includes a map of community dirstibution and a heather condition survey of dwarf shrub habitats. 

The Habitat map for the common is mainly a translation from the above sources. There are, in addition, target notes available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1984), while there was also a detailed survey done in 1980 by the Lake District National Park (Blawith Common Habitat Survey). Parts of the common were also viewed briefly from the A5084 which runs along the eastern edge. The main botanical interest is summarised here, but for the full account, including a list and description of the NVC communities present, the reader is referred to the 1994 Phase 2 survey by Peter Kelly.

A total of four different mire types are present, with at least 17 different NVC communities identified. The most significant in terms of area are valley mires (peatlands with a central watercourse), while the other types are basin mire, flush and swamp (found on tarn edges). The SSSI as a whole supports the greatest variety of mire communities of any mire SSSI in South Cumbria. Two communities in particular are characteristic of the South Cumbria area and are rare elsewhere. These are NVC types M21 ({\it Narthecium ossifragum - Sphagnum papillosum}) and M9 ({\it Carex rostrata - Calliergon cuspidatum/giganteum}). 

The common includes a typical example of the valley mires (NVC M21) present on the SSSI: Stable Harvey Moss (1). The mire surface is dominated by an uneven "lawn" of {\it Sphagnum papillosum} with abundant {\it Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Molinia caerulea, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos}. Mosses and liverworts include {\it Sphagnum capillifolium, Polytrichum alpestre, Aulacomnium palustre, Odontoschisma sphagni} and {\it Mylia anoma}. Where {\it Sphagnum} cover is patchy, species such as {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Myrica gale} also occur.

Small streams/soakways weave in a complex pattern through the valley mires. These introduce minerals and nutrients which give rise to localised areas where other plants are found such as {\it Carex rostrata, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Menyanthes trifoliata, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Eriophorum angustifolium, Rhynchospora alba, Carex panicea, Pinguicula vulgaris, Selaginella selaginoides, Drosera intermedia} and {\it Triglochin palustris}. Beneath the water grow {\it Utricularia intermedia, U. minor} and occasionally, the alga, {\it Chara globularia}. Bryophytes found include {\it Scorpidium scorpidioides, Drepanocladus revolvens, Sphagnum contortum, S. auriculatum, Aneura pinguis} and {\it Campylium stellatum}. In addition, {\it Hammarbya paludosa} has been found in the marginal vegetation of one of the mires.

Where the soakways are base-poor, species such as {\it Eleocharis multicaulis, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Ranunculus flammula, Juncus bulbosus, Rhynchospora alba, E. angustifolium, Sphagnum auriculatum} and {\it S. papillosum} occur. {\it Hypericum elodes} occurs locally in these situations.

Many of the mires, Red Moss (2), for example, have extensive acidic bog pools. These have {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum, S. auriculatum, Menyanthes trifoliata, Carex rostrata, E. multicaulis, Chara globularia, E. angustifolium} and {\it Juncus bulbosus}.

Beacon Tarn (3) has {\it Lobelia dortmanna, Potamogeton} spp., {\it Carex rostrata} and {\it Eleocharis palustris}, present mainly at the southern and western ends. Mire habitats around the tarn have {\it Myrica gale} dominant with {\it Oxalis acetosella, Carex echinata} and {\it Erica tetralix}. 

Flushes of various kinds occur across the site, many feeding into the valley mires. Acidic examples tend to be fairly species-poor and can be dominated by either {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Sphagnum recurvum} (these are mainly of NVC type M6d, with the other communities, M6a, M6b and M6c, being of more restricted occurrence). Other species found in more species-rich examples include {\it Mentha aquatica, Lotus pedunculatus, Angelica sylvestris, Achillea ptarmica} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}.

Base-rich flushes (NVC M10) are fairly frequent, but are small in size. These are characterised by {\it Carex panicea, C. hostiana, C. pulicaris, C. dioica, E. angustifolium, Selaginella selaginoides, Scorpidium scorpidioides, Drepanocladus revolvens, Aneura pinguis} and {\it Campylium stellatum}. One locality also has the calcicole, {\it Eriophorum latifolium}.

Many of the felltops and ridges tend to have areas of dry heath, with extensive areas of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} (NVC U20) between and below the areas of heath. This dry heath is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}. Frequent throughout and locally dominant is {\it Erica cinerea}, while {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is scarce; this vegetation belonging to NVC type H10a. Grasses and sedges are few, but {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} is quite frequent and {\it Agrostis canina, A. capillaris, Nardus stricta} and {\it Molinia caerulea} are occasional. Bryophyte cover is sparse and patchy with occasional {\it Hypnum cupressiforme, Pleurozium schreberi, Polytrichum commune, P. piliferum} and {\it Campylopus paradoxus}. 

The main areas of dry heath on the common appear to run between Tottlebank Height and Beacon Tarn. Heather cover and condition appear complex and the reader is referred to Peter Kelly's heather condition survey. At Tottlebank Height for example, most of the {\it Calluna} plants are 10-20cm tall, locally reduced to less than 10cm. Cover rates here vary but are mostly in the range of either 10-25 per cent or 26-50 per cent. Grazing effects appear quite widespread, with many stands indicated to show either a "topiary" growth habit, or a short mat/carpet. A similar picture appears to exist to the east of Beacon tarn, while to the west, there are also smaller areas of older, taller heather. 

Much smaller areas of a second type of dry heath occur, where {\it Calluna} is co-dominant with {\it Ulex gallii}. A good example of this occurs on Subberthwaite bank, to the SE, where this tends to be in a mosaic with NVC U5 ({\it Nardus stricta}) acidic grassland. 

Wet heath also occurs patchily on the common, often in association with the mire habitats. These tend to be of NVC types M15 and M17. The former is characterised by {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} in varying proportions, patchy {\it Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it S. capillifolium}, sometimes with abundant {\it Myrica gale}. 

NVC M17 is a wet heath/blanket mire transition, and is distinguished from the above by the presence also of {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it E. angustifolium}. A further community to mention is NVC type M25, which is of widespread occurrence on the site in the form of relatively small or more extensive linear mires and some very extensive valley mires. This vegetation is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with frequent {\it Erica tetralix, Juncus acutiflorus} and sometimes, also {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}. Other species noted from marshy grassland at GR SD 288 905, during the LDSPB survey were {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi, Filipendula ulmaria, Juncus effusus, Caltha palustris, Festuca pratensis, Cerastium arvensis} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}.

In terms of area covered, dense bracken appears to be the major habitat present on the common. Locally within this, small areas of acidic grassland occur, sometimes as discrete stands, but elsewhere in a mosaic with other habitats such as bracken, heath and mire. Several NVC types are represented: NVC U4 is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}, with associates such as {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Nardus stricta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Hypnum cupressiforme} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}. NVC U5 is dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}, with many of the above still present, plus occasional {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. Mosaics of the two communities also occur. 

The LDSPB Habitat Survey records several areas of scattered scrub of {\it Juniperus communis} and {\it Ulex} spp. - for example at GR SD 272 879 and  SD 278 877, while at SD 287 896 there appears to be a more extensive cover of trees: - "Area with scattered trees and small area with closed canopy containing {\it Taxus baccata, Fraxinus excelsior, Ilex aquifolium, Quercus} spp., {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Juniperus communis, Larix decidua} and {\it Betula} spp. Ground flora includes: {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Galium saxatile, Digitalis purpurea, Hieracium} spp., {\it Epilobium alsinifolium, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Achillea millefolium}".  

A final habitat type is woodland, which occurs in small stands on the hillsides to the north-east, overlooking Coniston Water. Two main NVC types appear to be present. The first is NVC W4, dominated by {\it Betula pubescens}, mainly as the W4c sub-community in which {\it Molinia caerulea} is dominant in a field layer with few other species present. In the wettest areas {\it Salix caprea} is the dominant tree species and there is a carpet of {\it Sphagnum palustre} and, more locally, {\it S. fimbriatum} and {\it S. squarrosum}. Drier areas are mainly tall {\it B. pubescens} over species-poor {\it M. caerulea}. 

The second type is W17 {\it Quercus petrea-Betula pubescens} woodland. These occur on the dry shallow soils of steep rocky outcrops in the Brown Hare area. The woodlands all belong to the typical W17b sub-commuity, with a canopy of {\it Q. petraea} with some {\it B. pubescens} and occasional {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Ilex aquifolium}. The field layer is predominantly {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with occasional or locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea. Mnium hornum, Polytrichum formosum} and {\it Dicranum scoparium} are locally common.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and lies within the Lake District Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA). This has been designated because of the outstanding environmental importance of the fells and valleys of the area. For reasons of confidentiality it has not been possible in this project to identify whether or not an individual common has been entered into the ESA scheme. However, for a general summary of the approximate area of Cumbrian common land covered by ESA agreements (as at 1995), please refer to the main report.

With the large areas of bracken extending across the common, the grazing tends to be concentrated on small available areas of palatable grassland. Levels of grazing on the {\it Calluna} heath of this particular common appear to be significant. The observations from the heather condition survey suggest that both the distribution of heath on the common and the proportion of {\it Calluna} are largely controlled by grazing, sheep showing a preference for {\it Calluna} where this is available. The {\it Calluna} was mostly present as a heavily-grazed mat-form among taller {\it Erica cinerea}. Toward Greenholme Farm, grazing was clearly heavy, with mat-grazed forms of {\it E. cinerea}, and the heath vegetation had given way almost completely to NVC U4 {\it Agrostis/Festuca} grassland. 

It is interesting to note that the common has estover rights. At one time bracken was a highly valued commodity, harvested in the autumn for use as bedding, after the fronds have died. Due to the availability of cheap straw and the manual effort of collecting bracken, the rights are rarely exercised on commons nowadays. This may be one factor involved in the spread of bracken onto much common land throughout western England and Wales. 

The north eastern edge of the common lies close to Coniston Water. The Lake District National Park have provided several car parking areas along the A5084, which runs along here, some of which (all?) are situated on the common.


