# file3

VEG:
Most of this common is sheep and cattle grazed improved grassland. Semi-natural habitat is concentrated in three areas:                      

1) A small valley containing a stream runs N-S from the stone at SX132666. {\it Salix cinerea} dominated scrub occupies the upper part of the valley (see map), and extends for up to 30m on either side of the stream. The stream banks are muddy and poached; they support occasional {\it Polygonum hydropiper, Ranunculus sceleratus, Blechnum spicant} and clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}. The east facing slope supports {\it Ulex gallii} dominated dry heath, with locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, A. capillaris} and {\it A. stolonifera}, plus occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Digitalis purpurea}.     
 
2) The east-facing valley slope on the eastern side of the common. This has been fenced off (see map), and was viewed from the boundary fence only. It appears to contain {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated marshy grassland, with frequent scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, and occasional scattered {\it Ulex europeaus} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. A belt of {\it Salix} spp. dominated scrub extends for about 20m from the banks of the stream at the bottom of the valley slope. No livestock were seen at the time of survey, but this area is likely to be subject to cattle and sheep grazing.  

3) The strip of scrub with scattered trees along the road on the western side of the common. The scrub is mainly {\it Crataegus mongyna} and {\it Salix} spp., with locally frequent {\it Ulex europaeus, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Prunus spinosa}, and scattered {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} (young trees - not mature standards). The scrub grades into {\it Quercus robur} dominated woodland at the southern end of the strip. This area is open to the public road and appears to be ungrazed.

MANAGE:
Mostly managed as improved grassland. The strip of woodland and scrub along the western boundary appears to be unmanaged.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blue tit, Wren, House Sparrow, Blackbird.

VEG:
The dense scrub is dominantly {\it Ulex europaeus}, with locally frequent {\it Salix} spp., {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Within the scub, there are scattered trees and small areas of woodland of varying age ({\it Quercus robur, Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pubescens, B. pendula, Acer pseudoplatanus}). Some of the more mature trees show signs of stunting caused by high winds.

Ground flora species recorded (visible from footpaths and tracks) include locally abundant {\it Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Hedera helix}, plus locally frequent {\it A. stolonifera, A. capillaris, Dactylis glomerata, Potentilla erecta, P. reptans, P. anserina, Prunella vulgaris, Galium saxatile, Centaurea nigra, Glechoma hederacea, Cirsium palustre, Viola} sp., {\it Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}, plus occasional {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Stachys sylvatica, Carex pendula, C. panicea, C. flacca, Valeriana dioica, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Stachys officinalis, Chamerion angustifolium, Blechnum spicant} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} (possibly frequent).

In the eastern half of the common, there is a small area of {\it Agrostis} spp. dominated acidic grassland with scattered {\it P. aquilinum} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. This area may be used for grazing; there are few other areas on the common which are open enough for livestock. There is also a small area of {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated marshy grassland. No livestock were seen on the date of survey.

MANAGE:
Appears to be unmanaged and unused, however evidence of sheep grazing was seen in the eastern half of the common.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Magpie, Carrion Crow, Blackbird, House Sparrow.

VEG:
Enclosed, improved grassland (grazed by sheep and cattle) occupies about 70 per cent of the common. A stream runs S. through this area; on each side, there are small areas of continuous {\it P. aquilinum}, dense scrub ({\it Salix} spp., {\it Ulex europaeus}), marshy grassland ({\it Molinia caerulea}) and dry heath ({\it Ulex gallii}). 

The dense scrub is mostly situated along the minor roads. On the eastern side, it is dominated by {\it U. europaeus} (ht. 2-4m); on the W. side, there is a strip (15-30m wide) consisting of {\it Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with scattered {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur} saplings.

Unimproved and semi-improved sheep grazed acidic grassland (unfenced along the road) occupies the western part of the site. It is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris}, with frequent {\it A. curtisii, Cynosurus cristatus, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}, and scattered {\it P. aquilinum} and {\it U. europaeus}. A stream runs close to the W. boundary of the common, towards Meagors Tenement (SX098693). On either side, there are small patches of dense scrub ({\it U. europaeus, Salix} spp., with {\it Betula} sp. saplings), continuous {\it P. aquilinum} and wet heath ({\it Erica cinerea, E. tetralix, U. gallii, Molinia caerulea}). The western boundary is mostly fringed with dense {\it U. europaeus}, with locally frequent {\it P. spinosa}. In the SW corner, there is a small stand of coppiced {\it Corylus avellana}.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is managed as permanent pasture. There is evidence of extensive clearance of scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} in the the southern half of the acid grassland area.


VEG:
The scrub is dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus} (1 to 3m high), with frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., scattered {\it Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Salix} spp., and occasional wind stunted {\it Quercus robur} trees and saplings.  

The small patches of dry heath are dominated by {\it Ulex gallii}, with frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea}.                         

Along the road running through the northern end of the common, there are patches or rank grassland dominated by {\it Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}, with locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Holcus lanatus, Plantago lanceolata, Prunella vulgaris, Centaurea nigra, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Leontodon autumnalis, Potentilla reptans}, and {\it Rhinanthus minor} (along road verge). There is also occasional {\it Juncus effusus, Linaria vulgaris} and {\it Crocosmia} sp.

MANAGE:
The ungrazed areas appear to be unmanaged. The small patches of heath, {\it P. aquilinum} and grassland could eventually be colonized by scrub.


VEG:
In the N. half of the site, the scrub is dominated by {\it Salix} spp. with {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus occasional {\it Prunus spinosa, Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Tamus communis}. There are peripheral stands of coppiced (height 6-8m) {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} along the road, with occasional {\it Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Quercus} sp. The ground flora in this area includes frequent {\it Hedera helix, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, Juncus effusus, J. conglomeratus, Pulicaria dysenterica, Polypodium vulgare, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Brachypodium sylvaticum} and {\it Mentha aquatica}. The {\it Salix} spp. give way to {\it Ulex europaeus} towards the S. half of the site. 

The patches of wet heath are interspersed amongst the scrub. The northern most area is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex europaeus}, with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Myrica gale}, plus frequent {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Schoenus nigrans, Juncus} spp. (as above), {\it Juncus articulatus, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Sphagnum} spp., plus occasional {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Eupatorium cannabinum, Blechnum spicant} and orchids (dead flower spikes - possibly {\it Dactylorhiza} sp.). It was only possible to survey this northern most area - access to the other areas was impossible (because of the very tussocky {\it Molinia} and dense {\it U. europaeus}), but they appear to be similar.  

Within about 5m of the road on the NW edge of the common, there is abundant {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Holcus lanatus}, with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Silene dioica, Glechoma hederacea, Rhinanthus minor, Teucrium scorodonia, Stachys sylvatica, S. officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Digitalis purpurea}.

The ground in the NW corner of the site is very uneven - this was probably caused by soil extraction.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent, apart from coppicing of the trees along the road. The heath has a mature, ungrazed appearance. The patches in the S. half of the site are being invaded by the surrounding {\it Ulex europaeus} - its spread will have to be controlled to prevent loss of the remaining small patches of wet heath.


VEG:
The wet heath consists of {\it Ulex gallii, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix} (no single species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and locally frequent {\it Erica tetralix, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Carex panicea}, plus occasional {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. On the northern edge of the heath, bordering the quarry, there is a small area of {\it Calluna vulgaris} dominated dry heath. The heather is between 10 and 30cm in height, cover is generally continuous.   

The semi-improved acid grassland is dominated by {\it Arostis} spp., with locally frequent {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Poa} spp., {\it Lolium perenne, Plantago lanceolata, Leontodon autumnalis, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Trifolium repens}, plus occasional {\it Euphrasia} sp. This grades into poor semi-improved grassland towards the bottom of the slope. There is frequent, scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}.

The grassland is surrounded (along the boundaries of the common) with dense scrub dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus}, with locally frequent {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix} spp., and, along the road, scattered {\it Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} saplings.   

Cattle have access to the whole of the area of the common.

MANAGE:
Used for cattle grazing; livestock can pass freely between the N. and S. halves of the common; the internal boundary shown on the map is defunct.  Grazing pressure appears to be heaviest in the northern half. There is an active stone quarry.


FAUNA:
Small Tortoiseshell butterflies seen in the eastern half of the common.

VEG:
The dune vegetation is dominated by {\it Ammophila arenaria}, but there are frequent small, scattered stands of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Ligustrum vulgare} and {\it Prunus spinosa}. Most are less than 1m high, probably because of wind-pruning. In the eastern half of the common, they are frequently covered with {\it Clematis vitalba} and/or {\it Hedera helix}. In this area, there are also occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna} bushes and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} saplings. One mature {\it Pinus sylvestris} tree was seen along the eastern boundary.       

Other species recorded include locally abundant {\it Festuca rubra}, locally frequent {\it Carex arenaria, Daucus carota, Saponaria} sp., {\it Lotus corniculatus, Teucrium scorodonia, Hieracium pilosella, Hypochoeris radicata, Galium verum, Anthyllis vulneraria} and {\it Centranthus ruber}, plus occasional {\it Asparagus} sp., {\it Echium} sp. (garden variety), {\it Alyssum saxatile} and {\it Picris echioides}.  

There is small section of cliff (about 3 to 6m high) on the coastal edge of the common, which  supports occasional {\it Crithmum maritimum, Blackstonia perfoliata, Beta vulgaris} ssp. {\it maritima}, and {\it Anthylis vulneraria}. 
At the base of the cliff, there is frequent {\it Enteromorpha} sp. (a green seaweed).

MANAGE:
Not grazed. No ongoing management apparent. The common appears to be used mainly for public recreation. Some erosion caused by trampling was seen on the mobile dunes, but there was no large scale damage.


FAUNA:
Numerous grasshoppers were seen in areas of rank grassland.

VEG:
The coastal grassland on the two coastal sections of the site (The Greenaway, SW930785 and Fishing Cove Field, SW926778) is dominated by {\it Festuca rubra}, with locally frequent {\it Agrostis} spp., {\it Armeria maritima, Anthyllis vulneraria, Galium verum, Daucus carota, Convolvulus arvensis, Plantago coronopus, P. maritima, P. lanceolata} and {\it P. major}, plus occasional {\it Picris echioides} and {\it Linaria vulgaris}. One flower spike of {\it Spiranthes spiralis} was seen in the N. half of Fishing Cove Field, about 3m. from the public footpath.                                          

The tops of the stone boundary walls have a discontinuous cover of {\it F. rubra} and {\it Agrostis} spp., with locally frequent {\it Daucus carota, C. arvensis, G. verum} and {\it Armeria maritima}, also, (along the base of the walls), occasional {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Phyllitis scolopendrium} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}.

The cliffs support scattered {\it Crithmum maritimum, A. maritima, P. maritima, P. coronopus, Anthyllis vulneraria, F. rubra} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}. All appear to occur at least 3m above the mean high water mark - {\it Crithmum maritimum} is consistently the nearest to it.

The dense scrub is mostly situated in the S. half of The Greenaway, and consists of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Prunus spinosa}, with frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.  A small area just N. of the scrub has been ploughed and re-seeded with {\it Lolium perenne}. 

The smallest detached section of the common (SW932782), supports dense stands of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with patches of rank {\it Elymus repens} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}. 

The section of the common at Trebetherick Point is an SSSI that includes great geological interest and ' a diverse calcareous cliff-top grassland flora on stabilised wind blown sand, and a rich intertidal rocky shore fauna.' Quoting from the SSSI Citation: ' The grassland is dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} with frequent calcicolous herbs including {\it Primula veris, Hieracium pilosella, Carlina vulgaris, Carex flacca} in addition to a more maritime community of {\it Thymus praecox, Centaurium erythraea, Anthyllis vulneraria} and {\it Scilla verna}.'

MANAGE:
A small area is managed as arable land. The grassland along the cliff tops in both coastal sections appears to be ungrazed. Conservation of {\it Spiranthes spiralis} in the southern most section (which belongs to the National Trust) would be desirable. Further survey work could be carried out to ascertain if this species is more widespread on the common.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Song Thrush, Magpie, Starling.

VEG:
The rank grassland is dominated by {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}. There is frequent {\it Rumex obtusifolius, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Centaurea nigra}. Within about 20m of the stream, there are occasional patches of {\it Filipendula ulmaria}. The stream is fringed with stands of {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Sparganium erectum} and {\it Iris pseudacorus}; there are dense stands of {\it Urtica dioica} on the banks. Most of the tall herb vegetation is situated in the southern quarter of the common, where there are dense stands of {\it Urtica dioica, Conium maculatum} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}, with occasional patches of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.

The trees ({\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}) have been planted along the stream and the SW boundary. They were less than 5m high.

There is a {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedge (up to 3m high and wide) along the northern boundary. Between it and the road, there is a strip (5 to 8m wide) of rank grassland similar to that described above.

MANAGE:
The common does not appear to be subject to livestock grazing. a short section of the road verge (near the village) looks as if it is regularly mown.


FAUNA:
None specifically recorded but general species present likely to be similar to those mentioned in report for CL124.

VEG:
The westernmost section and the section north of Hallagenna farm consist of acidic grassland a scattered scrub. The other small sections consist of trackways and grassland alongside trackways. For a description of the species likely to be present see CL124.


FAUNA:
2 rabbits seen. The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Chaffinch.

VEG:
The acidic grassland extends for between 150 and 400m from the "C" class public road which runs along the eastern boundary of the site. It is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca} sp., with locally frequent {\it A. stolonifera, A. curtisii, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosella, R. acetosa} and short (less than 5cm high) {\it Molinia caerulea}. This is heavily grazed in the vicinity of the road, where a "bowling green" effect has been produced (grass is less than 2cm high). The grassland contains frequent scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} (1 to 2m high) and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The {\it Ulex} is so frequent that it almost looks continuous when viewed from a distance. 

The dense {\it P. aquilinum} borders the acidic grassland; it extends downslope from the eastern half of the common, and almost covers the section of floodplain (of the De Lank River) which falls within the common boundary. It is interspersed with frequent scattered scrub ({\it U. europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa}, occasional {\it Salix} spp.) and occasional {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} (wind-stunted mature trees and saplings).

MANAGE:
The common is heavily grazed by sheep and cattle. There does not appear to be any management of the gorse ({\it U. europaeus}) and {\it P. aquilinum}.


VEG:
The dense scrub is interspersed with patches (too small to map) of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and mature wet heath ({\it Ulex gallii, Erica cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Molinia caerulea}). At the eastern end, there are scattered {\it Quercus robur} saplings, also frequent {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}.                                   

Ground flora species recorded include frequent {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}. Along the road, there is frequent {\it Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Leontodon autumnalis, Potentilla reptans} and {\it Glechoma hederacea}, and occasional {\it Solidago vigaurea}. 

Some of the scrub of the south side of the road has been burnt in the last year, creating patches of bare ground.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent. The burnt area looks like it could have resulted from an accidental fire started at the road, rather than being part of a managemant strategy. The common appears to be ungrazed - the {\it U. europaeus} scrub is too dense to allow the passage of livestock.


FAUNA:
Several Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown and Large White  butterflies seen, also 1 Red Admiral. The following birds were noted: Magpie, Starling, House Sparrow, Blackbird.

VEG:
The dense scrub is dominated by {\it Salix} spp., with locally frequent {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}, plus occasional {\it Buddleja davidii}. Under the canopy of the scrub, there is locally frequent {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris dilatata, Iris pseudacorus} and {\it Juncus effusus}.

The marshy grassland areas are dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} or {\it Molinia caerulea}. They contain locally frequent {\it Lythrum salicaria, Stachys palustris, Anthriscus sylvestris, Lotus uliginosus, Mentha aquatica, Calystegia sepium} and {\it Rhinanthus minor}, plus occasional {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Pulicaria dysenterica, Iris pseudacorus, Myosotis scorpioides, Blechnum spicant, Aster novi-belgii} and {\it Crocosmia uniflora}. There is a very small area of {\it Erica cinerea} dominated dry heath along the track from Menerlue Farm.

The tall herb areas are dominated by what appears to be {\it Oenanthe crocata} (difficult to tell as it had all gone brown), with frequent {\it Epilobium hirsutum}.

No livestock were seen on the common at the time of survey.

MANAGE:
The section south of the road appears to be ungrazed; the main section may be grazed occasionally.


FAUNA:
Several rabbits were seen on the lower slopes of the common.

VEG:
The continuous {\it P. aquilinum} covers most of the north and east facing slopes of the common. There is frequent scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} scrub, with occasional wind stunted {\it Sorbus aucuparia} trees. At the bottom of the north and east facing slopes, the {\it P. aquilinum} grades into dense scrub dominated by {\it U. europaeus}, with frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix} spp., plus occasional {\it Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra, Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}.

Most of the remaining habitat is {\it Agrostis curtisii} and {\it A. capillaris} dominated acid grassland, with locally frequent {\it Nardus stricta, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Cynosurus cristatus}, plus occasional {\it Molinia caerulea} and (around rock outcrops near the summit) {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}. 
  
Towards the SE corner of the site, the acid grassland grades into wet heath/acid grassland mosaic ({\it Ulex gallii, M. caerulea, Agrostis} spp.), which in turn grades into dry heath dominated by {\it U. gallii} and {\it C. vulgaris}. Also in this area, there is a small, enclosed {\it Pinus} sp. plantation around a house - according to the register map, this is part of the common. At the SE corner, there is an old spoil heap which supports small areas of dry heath, acid grassland and scrub.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and cattle. Areas of acid grassland along the southern boundary and around the summit would probably develop into heath if grazing pressure was relaxed. The {\it P. aquilinum} now occupies such a large area of the common that attempts to reduce its area would probably be impractical.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Woodpigeon, House Sparrow.

VEG:
The largest section (SW518386) is dominated by dense stands of {\it Rhododendron ponticum} (2 to 5m high), with scattered patches of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. The section immediately to the west of this is improved, cattle grazed grassland.  

The northernmost section (SW514390) is poor semi-improved, horse-grazed grassland with frequent (but scattered) {\it Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Urtica dioica, Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. The small section immediately to the south (SW515387) supports dense stands of {\it P. aquilinum}, with stands of {\it U. europaeus} and scattered {\it R.ponticum}. Other species recorded here include frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Hedera helix, Agrostis capillaris, Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}, plus occasional {\it Centaurea nigra, Eupatorium cannabinum, Viola} sp., and {\it Gnapthalium uliginosum}. 

About half of the southernmost section (SW520376) is improved grassland. The remainder consists of {\it Agrostis capillaris} dominated semi-improved acidic grassland, and poor semi-improved grassland. Both contain frequent scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. All of this section is likely to subject to periodic cattle grazing. No livestock were seen at the time of survey.

MANAGE:
Partly used for horse grazing. The remaining area, which is dominated by {\it Rhododendron ponticum}, appears to be unmanaged.


FAUNA:
Meadow Brown, Small Copper and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies seen.

VEG:
The marshy grassland is dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, with abundant {\it Holcus lanatus}, plus locally frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Molinea caerulea, Lotus uliginosus, Cirsium palustre, Anthriscus sylvestris, Stachys palustris, Centaurea nigra}, and {\it Silene dioica}, plus occasional {\it Polygonum persicaria} and {\it Myosotis scorpioides}. 

The fringing scrub is a dense belt (5 to 30m wide) of {\it Prunus spinosa, Salix} spp. and {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with occasional {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Calystegia sepium}.

MANAGE:
Subject to cattle grazing. The site did not show signs of excessive poaching.


FAUNA:
Numerous grasshoppers in areas of longer grass.

VEG:
The dense scrub is mostly dominated by {\it Salix} spp., with locally dominant {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ulex europaeus}, plus frequent {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Calystegia sepium}. The ground flora is dominated by {\it Hedera helix}, with occasional {\it Geranium robertianum, Circaea lutetiana} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}.                                           

The patches of marshy grassland are dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, and contain frequent {\it Angelica sylvestris, Silene dioica, Stachys palustris, Lotus uliginosus, Cirsium palustre, Centaurea nigra, Heracleum sphondylium, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Holcus lanatus}.


FAUNA:
There are numerous grasshoppers in areas of longer grass. Several Meadow Brown and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies seen. The following birds were noted: Robin, House Sparrow, Blue tit.

VEG:
Most of this site is covered with dense scrub, dominated by {\it Salix} spp. with abundant {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus locally frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}. The scrub is interspersed with small stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and damp hollows dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} (most are too small to map). There is an area {\it J. effusus} dominated marshy grassland in the SE part of the common. 

Ground flora species noted under the scrub (mostly viewed from edges - its density prevented full access) include abundant {\it Hedera helix}, locally frequent {\it Silene dioica, Dryopteris filix-mas, Dryopteris dilatata, Hyacinthoides non-scripta} (possibly abundant - difficult to tell in August), {\it Galium aparine} and {\it Geranium robertianum}, plus occasional {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}.     

Herb species found in the marshy grassland include locally frequent {\it Molinia caerulea, Angelica sylvestris, Pulicaria dysenterica, Scrophularia aquatica, Cirsium palustre, Lotus uliginosus, Solanum dulcamara, Glyceria fluitans, Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium} and {\it Crocosmia uniflora}, plus occasional {\it Carex nigra, Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Stachys palustris}. There is a stand of {\it Glyceria maxima} (about 10 x 3m) on the southern edge of the marshy grassland. 

Along the path in the N. half of the common, there are occasional stands of {\it Fallopia japonica}, also frequent {\it Potentilla anserina} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. There is a row of mature {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} trees along the western boundary of the common.

MANAGE:
There is no apparent evidence of regular grazing or any ongoing management.


FAUNA:
Grasshoppers seen in patches of long grass fringing the scrub and {\it P. aquilinum}. Several small copper and large white butterflies seen. There is evidence of recent rabbit grazing.

VEG:
The dense scrub is dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus}, with locally abundant {\it Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}, plus occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. Along the footpaths and tracks, there is locally abundant {\it Centaurea nigra}, with locally frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Teucrium scorodonia, Urtica dioica, Pulicaria dysenterica, Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Silene dioica}. There is a dense stand of {\it Fallopia japonica} along the eastern boundary of the common.

In the eastern half of the common, there is a collection of about four small shacks, which are surrounded by a small area of short (<3cm high),  acidic grassland which is grazed by goats (4 seen). This area also shows evidence of frequent rabbit grazing.

MANAGE:
Appears to be unmanaged, except for the area around the shacks in the eastern half of the common.


FAUNA:
Small Copper, Large White, Small Tortioseshell and Red Admiral butterflies seen. Patches of longer grass contain numerous grasshoppers.

VEG:
The dense scrub consists of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with locally dominant {\it Ulex europaeus}, plus locally frequent {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}. There is also occasional {\it Tamus communis} and {\it Clematis vitalba}. Ground flora species recorded include abundant {\it Hedera helix}, frequent {\it Silene dioica, Viola riviniana, Teucrium scorodonia, Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}, plus occasional {\it Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}. The small areas of dry heath are dominated by mature {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with frequent {\it Erica tetralix}.

In the northern half of the common, there is a small area of {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated marshy grassland. This contains frequent {\it Mentha aquatica} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}, plus occasional {\it Erica tetralix, Eupatorium cannabinum, Cirsium palustre, Potentilla erecta, Anthricus sylvestris, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Blechnum spicant}.

MANAGE:
Appears to be unmanaged, except for the small area of dry heath which is generally short, suggesting grazing of burning. An small area of ground near the heath has been dug up for some reason and left; no regenerating heather was seen.


FAUNA:
Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown and Red Admiral butterflies seen. Patches of longer grass contain numerous grasshoppers.

VEG:
The scrub consists of dense {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with frequent {\it Salix} spp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Tamus communis}. Ground flora species recorded include locally frequent {\it Hedera helix,  Silene dioica, Viola riviniana, Cirsium palustre} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, plus occasional {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina} and {\it Blechnum spicant}. 

The small area of marshy grassland is located in the western half of the common. It is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Juncus effusus}, with frequent {\it Mentha aquatica} and {\it Cirsium palustre}, plus occasional {\it Erica tetralix, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Anthriscus sylvetris}. It is fringed with discontiuous stands of {\it Pteridiunm aquilinum} (too small to map). It looks as if it could be flooded during the winter months (in places, there is what appears to be a mat of dried filamentous green alga).


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: House Sparrow, Blackbird, Wren. Several Meadow Brown, Small Tortoiseshell and Red Admiral butterflies were seen. Patches of longer grass contain numerous grasshoppers.

VEG:
Broadleaved woodland occupies most of the southern half of this linear common. {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} grow on the bank of the River Cober, and on an embankment on the eastern side of the public footpath (where there is also occasional {\it Quercus cerris}). The River bank also supports frequent {\it Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Salix cinerea}, plus occasional {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Clematis vitalba}. 

The dominant habitat in the northern half of the common is dense scrub, dominated by {\it Salix} spp., with locally frequent {\it Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg., and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}, and scattered {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Quercus robur} saplings. There are also small, scattered stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. The {\it Salix} has completely overgrown the pond located near the northern boundary of the site (see map). 

Ground flora species recorded across the common include locally abundant {\it Hedera helix}, locally frequent {\it Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Phylitis scolopendrium} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} (possibly abundant), plus occasional {\it Eupatorium cannabinum, Circaea lutetiana, Succisa pratensis, Scrophularia aquatica, Geum urbanum, Carex pendula, Juncus effusus} and {\it Poa nemoralis}.

MANAGE:
Appears to be unmanaged, except for maintenance of the footpath.


FAUNA:
Several rabbits were seen on the slopes.

VEG:
The southern part of the common (south of the minor public road) is heavily sheep grazed semi-improved acid grassland, dominated by {\it Agrostis} spp. There are some patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub along the stream which marks the western boundary of this part of the common.  

North of the road, roughly within a radius of 600m of the car park at Tokenbury Corner, there is an area of wet heath dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus}, with frequent {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis capillaris, A. curtisii, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}, plus occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Cuscuta epithymum, Nardus stricta} and scattered {\it P. aquilinum}. Cover is about 80 per cent; much of the heath shows development of the topiary form associated with grazing.   

Towards the western and northern parts of the common, the heath grades into continuous {\it P. aquilinum} with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} and small patches of unimproved acid grassland ({\it Agrostis} spp.). There is another small area of wet heath around the disused quarry. This contains a small pool fringed with occasional {\it Juncus effusus}; on the quarry sides there is scattered {\it U. gallii, C. vulgaris} and {\it Athyrium filix-femina}.  

Within about 200m of the western boundary, there are some abandoned mineshafts with spoil heaps, which support sparse {\it C. vulgaris} and {\it Agrostis} spp.

MANAGE:
The common is subject to cattle and sheep grazing. The present grazing level does not appear to be causing a rapid decline in the extent of the main area of wet heath.


FAUNA:
There is evidence of recent rabbit grazing.

VEG:
The acid grassland (dominated by {\it Agrostis} spp.) is very short, probably due to rabbit grazing and recreational use. The original valley sides are mostly covered with mine spoil. This is mostly bare, but there are scattered patches of {\it Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix} spp. scrub, with occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} saplings, also sparse {\it Calluna vulgaris, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it A. capillaris}.

MANAGE:
The common may be used for sheep grazing, apart from that, there is no ongoing management apparent.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Blue tit, Swallow, Magpie, Wood pigeon, Snipe.

VEG:
Most of this site was surveyed from the public roads; the density of the scrub and {\it P. aquilinum} restricted access.

The dense scrub is a mixture of {\it Ulex europaeus} (up to 3m high) and {\it Salix} spp., with locally frequent {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., and occasional, scattered {\it Quercus robur} saplings. There are some mature {\it Q. robur} trees along the northern boundary. Some scrub supports considerable lichen growth. {\it Typha latifolia} is well in evidence in wetter areas.

Within the  continuous {\it P. aquilinum}, which frequently reaches a height of 2m, there are occasional patches (too small to map) of mature {\it Ulex gallii}, and some {\it Calluna vulgaris}, showing that the site was probably heathland at one time.  The scrub species mentioned above also occur as scattered individuals within the {\it P. aquilinum}. 

Other species recorded (on grass banks, within 5m of the road) include frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, A. stolonifera, Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Poa} spp., {\it Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosa, R. acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Digitalis purpurea, Hypochaeris radicata, Cirsium} sp. {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Plantago lanceolata}, plus occasional {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina, Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis}.

The scrub/ woodland near Tremar Combe has some coppiced {\it Corylus avellana}. 

The small sections to the south have amenity grasslands and planted trees.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent, except mowing of amenity grassland on the southern end of the common, and provision of litter bins. A few escaped sheep grazing at time of survey. Ditches have been dug through road banks at a few points doenhill to promote run-off of water from road.


VEG:
Most of this common is thick {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. There is some scrub including {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europaeus, Ulex gallii, Fraxinus excelsior}. Sheep runs support grassland with {\it Agrostis} spp. {\it Teucrium scorodonia}.

MANAGE:
No apparent active management at time of survey other than light grazing where possible.


FAUNA:
Numerous small crabs were seen in the narrow drainage channels in the saltmarsh.

VEG:
Dominated by {\it Elymus pungens}, and {\it Puccinelia maritima}, with abundant {\it Scirpus maritimus} and {\it Atriplex} spp., plus locally frequent {\it Aster tripolium} (river bank), {\it Triglochin maritima, Plantago coronopus}, and (on landward edge), {\it Plantago lanceolata}.   

There are some natural drainage channels (<1m deep) in the S. half of the saltmarsh.

A {\it Fucus} species (probably {\it F. ceranoides}) was seen occasionally along the river bank.

MANAGE:
The vegetation cover is continuous and well developed. It is probably subject only to infrequent grazing. Any livestock could wander onto the saltmarsh from an adjacent improved field (none were seen on date of survey) as it has no boundary fence.


VEG:
This common is of broad-leaved woodland - old coppice and standard {\it Quercus robur}. The ground flora is well developed with {\it {\it Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilitata, Juncus effusus, Anthriscus sylvestris, Valeriana officinalis, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Geum urbanum, Rubus fruticosus} (Frequently of dense cover), Lonicera periclymenum, Rosa} sp., {\it Corylus avellana, Filipendula ulmaria}. Under powerlines there is regenerating scrub of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna} with very wet ground flora - {\it Lotus uliginosus, Juncus effusus, Salix} sp. {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium} and occasional {\it Osmunda regalis}. Other species recorded include: {\it Geranium robertianum, Prunella vulgaris, Viburnum opulus, Solanum dulcamara, Digitalis purpurea, Mnium hornum, Glechoma hederacea, Eupatorium cannabinum, Silene dioica, Ceterach officinarum}.

MANAGE:
Periodic cutback of scrub under power lines.


VEG:
The information for this site originates from field survey (only the western half of the site was surveyed on foot) and English Nature files. 

Information from this survey is given first:
The western half is mostly mature wet heath ({\it Ulex gallii, Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Calluna vulgaris, Molinia caerulea}) with small peripheral areas of scrub, {\it P. aquilinum} and (at the N. end), broadleaved woodland. This half appears to become increasingly wetter towards the N. end, where there are patches of {\it Salix} carr (with frequent {\it Ulex europaeus}) surrounded by very tussocky {\it M. caerulea} with frequent {\it Ulex gallii, Calluna vulgaris, E. tetralix, Schoenus nigricans, Potentilla erecta, Salix repens, Narthecium ossifragum, Myrica gale, Serratula tinctoria, Cirsium palustre}, and {\it Sphagnum} spp. with occasional {\it Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus, J. articulatus, Scutellaria minor, Achillea ptarmica, Succisa pratensis, Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Blechnum spicant}. The {\it Salix} carr also contains scattered {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur} saplings, and grades into broadleaved woodland (SW998639), which is dominated by mature standard and old coppiced {\it Acer pseudolplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. There is an understorey of scattered {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus mongyna} and {\it Corylus avellana}.                        

The ground also becomes increasingly wetter towards the SE corner of the western half. {\it Schoenus nigricans, Trichophorum cespitosum, Carex panicea} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. become increasingly frequent. Parts of this area look as if they have been burnt within the last two years (eg. at SX000629), and support a lawn of {\it Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Molinia caerulea} interspersed with regenerating (less than 10cm high) {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii}. A small pool (8 to 10m wide, less than 0.3m deep) on the S. boundary contains abundant {\it Potamogeton} sp. with frequent {\it Mentha aquatica, Ranunculus flammula, Myosotis scorpioides} and {\it Juncus bulbosus}.   

Along the W. edge of the common, there is scattered scrub ({\it Ulex europaeus, Salix} spp., occ. {\it Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra}) with small stands of {\it P. aquilinum}, {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Fallopia japonica}. There are also patches of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius/Dactylis glomerata} rank grassland, with frequent {\it Stachys officinalis, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Digitalis purpurea}.

Available information suggests that the eastern half of the common  similarly contains wet heath, with peripheral areas of {\it Salix} carr, especially in the north, but there are a number of small springs which are associated with the development of bog vegetation. There are communities which are transitional between wet heath and bog. The SSSI citation states that "The wetter, eastern side of Retire Common is covered by Wet Lowland Heath, grading into Bog vegetation. This Wet Heath is an uncommon type, being intermediate between those on granite and those on the north coast of Cornwall". A four quadrat survey by Fojt (1991) from the drier upper slopes to the valley bottom identified NVC communities M25 ({\it Molinia-P. erecta}), M21 ({\it Narthecium-Sphagnum papillosum} mire), and (in the valley bottom), very tussocky {\it Molinia} with frequent {\it Valeriana officinalis} and {\it Eupatorium cannibinum}, representative of the community M25c ({\it Molinia-P. erecta, Angelica sylvestris} sub-community). Species  impoverishment (particularly a loss of {\it Sphagnum} spp.) resulting from burning had occurred at one quadrat site (see further comments in management section).     

As far as species interest (of the common as a whole) is concerned, the SSSI citation states that:                                                    

"The site supports a rich flora including several rarities such as the Cornish Eyebright ({\it Euphrasia vigursii}) which is confined to mixed heath in Cornwall and Devon, where it is known in about 20 localities. Other notable species include Wavy St. John's Wort ({\it Hypericum undulatum}), Yellow Centaury ({\it Cicenda filiformis}), Pale Dog Violet ({\it Viola lactea}), White Beak-sedge ({\it Rhynchospora alba}), the rather local bramble ({\it Rubus plicatus}), Coral necklace ({\it Illecebrum verticillatum}), Early marsh orchid ({\it Dactylorhiza incarnata} ssp. {\it pulchella}) and Round-leaved Sundew ({\it Drosera rotundifolia}).   

The site supports several noteworthy lower plant species including the nationally rare Marsh Clubmoss ({\it Lycopodiella inundatum}) which occurs in 3 discrete colonies. Other species of interest include the mosses {\it Hookeria lucens, Acrocladium sarmentosum} and the liverworts {\it Riccardia latifrons} and {\it Cladopodella francisci}."

In a survey carried out in 1977, the following notable species were also recorded: South West Bramble ({\it Rubus vectensis}), Marsh Violet ({\it Viola palustris} ssp. {\it juressi}), and 2 plants of the lesser butterfly orchid ({\it Platanthera bifolia}).

MANAGE:
The generally mature condition of the heath in the western half suggests that this area is probably ungrazed, or grazed very occasionally. Parts of the common have been subject to burning. The following comments regarding management from the survey report by Fojt (1991) are relevant:

"Burning has influenced that section of the site visited. This has occurred to such a degree that in places the structure of the peat has been damaged. This will subsequently influence local hydrology, especially the re-wetting and water holding capacity of the peats, the latter will be expected to decline. There was no evidence of grazing.

Comparison with other sites and importance

In my opinion, burning has been particularly damaging to the mire interest of this site in comparison to Rosenannon* and Retallack*."  


*Two similar sites in mid Cornwall surveyed by Fojt in 1991. See report for Rosenannon Downs, CL192.


FAUNA:
Rabbits. 2 donkies grazing at the time of survey. Numerous frogs according to right holder.

VEG:
The SW corner of the common has a very muddy track leading to cattle (and donkey) grazed grassland which has some scrub species at its edge ({\it Salix} sp. {\it Rubus fruticosus, Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa}). This overlooks the rest of the common which appears, from a distance, to be mire with substantial {\it Salix} sp. scrub. A previous survey in 1995 records species present in the wetland that include {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Ulex gallii, Molinia caerulea, Sphagnum} spp. {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Viola palustris, Succisa pratensis, Valeriana officinalis, Mentha aquatica, Carex otrubae, Blechnum spicant, Lotus uliginosus, Equisetum palustre, Potentilla erecta, Juncus articulatus, Carex echinata, Carex nigra, Hypericum tetrapterum, Osmunda regalis, Pedicularis sylvatica, Polytrichum commune, Potentilla palustris}. Bog is a quaking bog in some places. 

From the road passing north from Bilberry the thin eastern section of this common appears to be {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Crataegus monogyna} scrub.


FAUNA:
None observed during attempted field survey.

VEG:
This common appears to be scrub similar to CL 420 with some more open areas of wet grassland.

MANAGE:
No evident conservation management. The public footpath is blocked by vegetation and casual access impossible from the southern side.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: House Sparrow, Blackbird, Blue tit, Swallow.

VEG:
The {\it Salix} spp. dominated scrub also contains locally frequent {\it Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Corylus avellana}, with scattered young {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} trees. Some {\it A. pseudoplatanus} trees along the roads have been coppiced. There is also abundant {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., which forms a dense tangle, making access on foot difficult or impossible.                                           

The following ground flora species were seen from the road: {\it Hedera helix, Geranium robertianum, Teucrium scorodonia, Dryopteris dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina, Deschampsia cespitosa, Glechoma hederacea, Silene dioica, Molinea caerulea, Crocosmia} sp. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
Apart from occasional coppicing of {\it A. pseudoplatanus} along the roads, no ongoing management is apparent.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: House sparrow, Magpie, Swallow. Red admiral, Small Tortoiseshell, Small Copper and Large White butterflies were seen.

VEG:
The dense scrub covers about 95 per cent of the common. It is dominated by {\it Salix caprea} and {\it S. cinerea}, with locally dominant {\it Ulex europaeus}, plus frequent {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}, and occasional {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. There are scattered young {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} trees (there are lines of more mature {\it Q. robur} trees along the eastern and western boundaries), and occasional, old coppiced {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. The ground flora is dominated by {\it P. aquilinum} or {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}, with locally abundant {\it Molinia caerulea, Dryopteris dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina} and {\it Hedera helix}, plus occasional {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, Polypodium vulgare, Blechnum spicant, Phyllitis scolopendrium} and {\it Iris pseudacorus}. Along the edges of the scrub (within about 3m of the road), there is locally frequent {\it Glechoma hederacea, Geranium robertianum, Silene dioica, Rhinanthus minor} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}, plus occasional {\it Scrophularia nodosa}.  

Within the scrub, there are small clearings containing continuous {\it P. aquilinum} or marshy grassland**  dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} or {\it Juncus effusus}. These contain abundant {\it Lotus uliginosus}, with frequent {\it Succisa pratensis, Anthriscus sylvestris, Valeriana dioica, Mentha aquatica, Eupatorium cannabinum} and {\it Centaurea nigra}, plus occasional {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi, Cirsium palustre, Potentilla palustris, Iris pseudacorus, Scrophularia aquatica, Ulex gallii, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it E. cinerea}.              

The ditch running along the road contains frequent {\it Apium nodiflorum, Sparganium erectum, Oenanthe crocata} and {\it Polygonum hydropiper}. Along the banks, there is frequent {\it Lycopus europaeus, Stachys palustris, Lythrum salicaria} and {\it Solanum dulcamara}.  


**The distribution of {\it Molinia} and location of the common (on a valley floor) suggest that it may have been a valley mire, which has become scrubbed over. At the edges of the {\it Molinia/Juncus} clearings, the peat depth appeared to be less than 10cm, so these were recorded as marshy grassland rather than valley mire under the Phase 1 habitat definitions. The density of the scrub made access to the central area of the common difficult.

MANAGE:
The common does not appear to be subject to grazing. The {\it P. aquilinum} clearings in the scrub occur on drier, raised ground, suggesting that soil extraction/deposition may have occurred. A bare earth car park has been made opposite the church at Lowerton.


VEG:
Most of the area of this common appears to be improved, cattle grazed grassland with scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. In the western end, there is an area of {\it Ulex europaeus} dominated scrub which covers the disused quarry. This gives way to {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} along the road, with frequent {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium} sp., and occasional {\it Digitalis purpurea}. 

A small enclosed plantation has been created along the western boundary, it contains {\it Quercus robur, Acer campestre, Aesculus hippocastanum, Prunus} spp. and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. The saplings were 2 to 4m high at the time of survey. Except along the road, the common is bounded by hedges consisting of {\it Prunus spinosa, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}.

MANAGE:
Improved, cattle grazed grassland, with a small area of enclosed tree planting.


FAUNA:
Patches of long grass around the edges of the {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scrub contain numerous grasshoppers. Small Tortoiseshell and Small Copper butterflies seen.

VEG:
Most of the area of this common is occupied by dense, continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. The common is divided into 2 sections by a minor public road.                   

In the southern section, there is a small area of quarry spoil, which appears to have spread onto the common fron adjacent land.

In the northern section (N. of the farm track to Lestoon), there are areas of dense {\it Salix} spp. dominated scrub, and patches of cattle grazed unimproved acidic grassland, dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris}. The ground in this area is generally very uneven, with ridges and mounds upto 2.5m high (suggesting that material was once deposited or removed). Other species recorded in this area include frequent {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Teucrium scorodonia}, and (along the road), {\it Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}, also occasional {\it Polygala serpyllifolium} and {\it Jasione montana}.                                          

Within the scrub, there is frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus occasional {\it Prunus spinosa, Rhododendron ponticum, Blechnum spicant,  Anthriscus sylvestris, Juncus conglomeratus, J.effusus} and {\it Polytrichum commune}.  

Although the cattle have access to rest of the common, they appear to concentrate in the area N. of the farm track.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management is apparent, apart from the cattle grazing.


VEG:
From surveyor's very brief notes: The small detached section by Lower Menadue is of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} mature standards. The rest of the common is dense scrub with much {\it Salix} spp.

MANAGE:
No active management, there is evidence of grazing of small grass areas in the detached northern section by cattle from the field to the East.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: House Sparrow, Magpie, Blackbird, Swallow. Meadow Brown and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies seen. Several broken shells whick look as if they belong to the terrestrial snail {\it Cepea nemoralis} were seen along the roadside.

VEG:
Most of this common is occupied by dense, continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, with occasional scattered {\it Salix} sp., {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, Rhododendron ponticum} and {\it Cytisus scoparius}.           

The site is bounded by a hedge upto 5m wide and 4m high, which consists of the shrub species mentioned above, and occasional saplings of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}.                   

A minor public road runs N-S across the common. Other species recorded (mostly along the road) include frequent {\it Calystegia sepium, Centaurea nigra, Teucrium scorodonia, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Achillea millefolium}, plus occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Fallopia japonica}.                          

The most interesting area of habitat is a small area of {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated marsh grassland in the southern half of the common. This contains frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}, plus occasional {\it Apium nodiflorum, Valeriana dioica} and {\it Ulex gallii}.  

No livestock were seen at the time of survey. The common looks as if it is ungrazed.


VEG:
The common is surrounded (and partly covered by) China clay workings. The central south area mostly supports wet heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Ulex gallii}, with locally frequent {\it Erica tetralix}. Dwarf shrub cover is in the range 90 to 100 percent with a generally continuous, even surface between 25 and 35cm high. There are also patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} which are most frequent along the public roads which cross the common. In the western half, there is an extensive area of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} in a shallow depression (probably created by mineral workings) with scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix} spp.

Present day mine workings appear to have spread recently over the SE quarter of the common (SW998576). Piles of spoil about 10m high rise above the remaining area of wet heath. 

Between the Great Wheal Prosper China Clay Works (which occupy the northern half of the common) and the B3274, there is a finge of dense and scattered scrub ({\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Ulex europaeus}) interspersed with patches of mature heath ({\it Calluna vulgaris, Ulex gallii}) and rough grassland. The northern half of the common was not surveyed as quarrying is in progress, however a very large pit surrounded by spoil heaps is visible from the southern half of the common. The heaps appear to be amongst the highest in the St. Austell area and are also easily seen from the A30. Scrub colonization has started on some of the older heaps (appears to be scattered {\it U. europaeus} - viewed through binoculars).

NVC communities present include: U20, H4a, H4c, M25b, H8, H12a, W23.

MANAGE:
The remaining area of heathland is used for light cattle grazing. It appears to have been reduced in area recently due to the expansion of China clay workings. Quoting from Wardell Armstrong report 1995: ' A management strategy for the whole Hensbarrow area should be developed to increase the structural diversity of the areas of heath in the southern and eastern parts of the Downs. A long term strategy to remove scrub and spraying of {\it P. aquilinum} may lead to more ground being reclaimed to heathland.'


FAUNA:
Rosenannon provides important feeding and nesting habitat for a number of heathland birds. Snipe, Curlew and Meadow Pipit breed here: as has the Stonechat. Hen Harrier and Montagu's Harrier are recorded.

VEG:
Quoting from Rosenannon Bogs and Downs SSSI Citation:

'Rosenannon Downs lie 5 kilometres to the NE of St. Columb Major on an exposed SE facing slope. A small stream flows southwards across the east side of the Downs widening into Rosenannon Bog. The bedrock, formed by the Lower Devonian Staddon Grits, is overlain on the valley floor, by alluvial deposits and locally by accumulations of head and valley gravel. The soils developed on the slopes are peaty ferric stagnopodzols whilst those on the valley floor and at the SE corner of the Downs are poorly drained raw oligo-amorphous peat soils. These acidic, nutrient-poor conditions support a variety of heathland types and have a rich flora and fauna.

The dry heath is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with frequent {\it Ulex gallii} and {\it Erica cinerea} forming a mosaic with {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Agrostis curtisii}. Associated apecies include {\it Pedicularis sylvatica, Serratula tinctoria, Polygala serpyllifolia} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} a plant of restricted occurrence on Cornish heathland.

{\it Erica tetralix} and {\it M. caerulea} dominate the wet heath with abundant {\it Myrica gale}. {\it Schoenus nigricans} flourishes in the wet more base-rich areas. Wet hollows support the bog mosses {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Quercus petraea}. The wood is notable for its large stands of {\it Osmunda regalis} a plant of decreasing occurrence nationally.

The valley bog has remained largely undisturbed for a long period, and supports a rich flora. Amongst the {\it M. caerulea} and {\it E. tetralix} there is abundant {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Rhynchospora alba, Pinguicula lusitanica, Anagallis tenella, Osmunda regalis, Scutellaria minor}. Of particular note is the presence of {\it Hypericum undulatum}, a plant of very limited distribution in Britain.'

NVC communities present include M14 {\it Schoenus - Narthecium} mire. M25a {\it Molinia - P. erecta} mire - {\it Erica tetralix} sub-community, H4d {\it Ulex gallii - Agrostis curtisii} heath.

From PD notes 1995: The southern end of the site has {\it Salix} carr with a wet ground flora that includes {\it Apium nodiflorum, Mentha aquatica, Carex pendula, Solanum dulcamara, Lonicera periclymenum, Circaea lutetiana, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Dryopteris dilitata}. Within the {\it Salix} there are some clearings with very tussocky {\it Molinia caerulea, Anthriscus sylvestris, Myrica gale, Lotus uliginosus, Valeriana officinalis}. Proceeding north {\it M. gale} has frequent stands, {\it Erica tetralix} is locally frequent with some {\it Calluna vulgaris}. From the road the woodland appears to have much {\it Quercus} sp.

MANAGE:
Some burning has occurred on the common. No evidence of grazing.


FAUNA:
The heathland contains numerous grasshoppers.

VEG:
The largest (southern) section of the common is a mosaic of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and wet heath, with peripheral areas of dense scrub. It is crossed by the B3274 and a minor road. 

The wet heath consists of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, E. cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii} in varying proportions, with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}, locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii} and scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. The condition of the heath varies. On the western side of the B3274 and S. of the minor road, there are areas of mature (height 40 to 50cm, continuous cover) and younger heath (height 5 to 20cm, discontinuous cover), which is probably regenerating after burning - these areas have frequent {\it A. curtisii}, and the masses of flowerheads make it appear from a distance to be the only species present.   

To the east of the B3274 and N. of the minor road, the heath has been subject to much more recent burning. The heath species are under 7cm high, and scattered (cover about 40 percent) in a lawn of short {\it Molinia caerulea}. The charred remains of the old plants suggest the heath was once 40 to 60cm high. The substrate here is thin peat (less than 30cm deep).   

Other species found in the wet heath include locally abundant {\it Carex panicea}, locally frequent {\it Salix repens, Serratula tinctoria} and {\it Succisa pratensis}, plus occasional {\it Trichophorum cespitosum, Vaccinium 
myrtillus, Jasione montana, Solidago virgaurea, Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris filix-mas, Blechnum spicant} and {\it Polypodium vulgare}.

The {\it P. aquilinum} contains scattered {\it Salix} spp., {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. The peripheral areas of scrub consist of {\it Salix} spp., {\it U. europaeus, C. monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. There are some young {\it Quercus robur} trees along the northern boundary.

The middle section of the common is a small strip of amenity grassland in Tregonetha, and is not shown on the map.    

The  northern  section  of the common (SW955641) is mostly dense scrub ({\it Salix} spp., {\it C. monogyna, R. fruticosus} agg., {\it Prunus  spinosa}), with scattered {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Q. robur} saplings. In the centre, there is a wet area (about 70m wide), which contains abundant {\it Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Cirsium palustre}, with frequent {\it Scrophularia aquatica, Mentha aquatica, Pulicaria dysenterica, Urtica dioica, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}, plus occasional {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus effusus, Stachys palustris, Armoracia rusticana} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}.

MANAGE:
Although no livestock were seen, the common is likely to be subject to grazing by sheep and cattle. The wet heath on the common appears to be subject to periodic burning. It would be desirable to prevent encroachment of {\it P. aquilinum} and scrub on to remaining areas of wet heath.


FAUNA:
Recorded in SSSI citation: 16 breeding species of Odonata including {\it Orthetrum coerulescens, Sympetrum danae, Calopteryx virgo, Cordulegaster boltonii, Coenagrion puella, Sympetrum striolatum, Erythromma najas} . Over 100 species of Lepidoptera including 30 species of butterfly including {\it Plebejus argus, Eurodryas aurinia} are recorded. Birds recorded: Stonechat, Tree Pipit, Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Little Owl, and Raven. Over 70 bird species breeding - 67 per cent of the recorded Cornish species.

Mammals recorded: Stoats, Weasels, Otters, Mink. 

Bats: Brown long-eared, Pipistrelle, Daubenton's Bat.

Fish: Minnow, Brown Trout, Eel, Brook Lamphrey.

Reptiles: Adder, Grass Snake, Toad, Common Frog, Common and Palmate Newts.

VEG:
NVC communities present include: H4 ({\it Ulex gallii - Agrostis curtisii} heath), M2 {\it (Sphagnum cuspidatum} bog-pool, M14 ({\it Schoenus - Narthecium} mire), M23 ({\it Juncus effusus/acutiflorus - Galium palustre}) rush-pasture), M25a ({\it Molinia caerulea - Potentilla erecta} mire {\it Erica tetralix} sub-community) , M25c ({\it Molinia caerulea - Potentilla erecta, Angelica sylvestris} sub-community), M28a ({\it Filopendulo - Iridetum pseudacori} mire), M29 ({\it Hypericum elodes - Potamogeton polygonifolius} soakaway, S27.

From current Management Plan:

A wide range of vascular and lower plants representative of the heathland and wetland mire complex of communities are present on the site.....No RDB category 1 species have been recorded although 8 nationally scarce species are known on the site.

Species typical of the dry heathy areas on the higher ground fringing the valley basin include {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea} intermixed with extensive patches of {\it Agrostis curtisii, Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia flexuosa}. A well developed community of {\it Cladonia} spp. occurs as a component of the heath in unburnt areas although no lichen heath exists as such.

{\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Ulex gallii} are found both as a fragmentary part of the heath community and as large, extensive tracts covering many hectares. The former forms large patches which are species poor and consist of a shrub layer of {\it Ulex} with a ground flora of {\it A curtisii}. These patches would seem to be treatment derived - the result of disturbance to the ground or burning events (Rodwell 1991) combined with low grazing pressure.

As ground conditions become progressively damper, towards the centre of the valley basin, typical mire (including fen types) and swamp communities develop. These are frequently intimately juxtaposed as a result of the complex microtopography resulting from the tin-streaming and gravel extraction activities.

On areas where water is relatively freely moving the resultant higher nutrient and pH levels create conditions for fen plants such as {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris, Oenanthe crocata, Platanthera bifolia,} and the nationally scarce {\it Cicendia filiformis}.

Where water movement is less free-flowing the pH levels fall and more acidic wet heath and mire communities occur. The former is typified by {\it Erica tetralix, Sphagnum tenellum, Deschampsia setacea} and the ubiquitous {\it Molinia caerulea}. Of note on the N. side of the A30 is {\it Myrica gale} which is locally common although it seems to be absent to the south of the main A30.

In the wetter parts of these low pH areas true bog species are found: {\it Drosera intermedia, D. rotundifolia, Nartecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Hypericum elodes, Dactylorhiza maculata, Sphagnum} spp. and the nationally scarce {\it Lycopodiella inumdata}. In the wettest areas associated with the more recent gravel and tin-streaming works a series of open water and swamp communities have developed. In these areas emergent vegetation includes {\it Typha latifolia, Equisetum fluviatile, Menyanthes trifoliata, Potentilla palustris}. The more open communities support {\it Potamogeton natans, Myriophyllum spicatum, Utricularia vulgaris}. On the shallower margins, adjacent to Fen and Fen-Carr can be found {\it Juncus acutiflorus, Wahlembergia hederacea} and, of particular note are three nationally scarce species: {\it Sibthorpia europaea, Cicendia filiformis, Pilularia globulifera}.

The extensive {\it Salix} carr, which covers about half of the wetland on the valley floor, consists principally of {\it Salix atrocinerea} and {\it Salix aurita} with the latter appearing to be the primary coloniser. These tree species support good epiphytic lichen populations including {\it Usnea articulata}. In between the stands of {\it Salix} sp. occur small glades of fen and fen-meadow which have a relatively high humidity and consequently support good populations of ferns including {\it Dryopteris dilitata, Dryopteris filix-femina}. Large populations of {\it Osmunda regalis} also occur through much of the wetter parts of the site.

Quotation from SSSI citation:

Goss and Tregoss Moors: Notified 1988

'' Goss and Tregoss Moors are located 12 km. SW of Bodmin. Tregoss Moor is underlain directly by metamorphosed Meadfoot Beds of Lower Devonian age comprised of calcareous slate, frit and thin limestones. Elsewhere this bedrock is overlain by extensive granite gravels . Soils on Goss Moor are raw, man-made and disturbed due to previous mining operations, which have also resulted in poor drainage, and the development of perched water tables with numerous open water pools. The site probably originated as an ombrotrophic mire, but subsequent peat removal, soil disturbance and the influence of calcareous bedrock has led to the formation of an extensive and actively developing mesotrphic fen. Sites at such an early stage in peatland development are rarely seen. Goss and Tregoss moors exhibit a mosaic of different habitats including dry and wet heathland, acid grassland, bog, swamp, fen and inundation communities, open water and dense {\it Salix} spp. carr.''

MANAGE:
Past Conservation management: limited to adequate grazing and scrub control. Past activities that have disturbed/created the site include gravel extraction, firewood collection, tin mining. See Goss Moor Management Plan 1993-1998. Ian Davies (EN) 1993.


VEG:
NVC communities present include: H4 ({\it Ulex gallii - Agrostis curtisii} heath), M2 {\it (Sphagnum cuspidatum} bog-pool, M14 ({\it Schoenus - Narthecium} mire), M23 ({\it Juncus effusus/acutiflorus - Galium palustre}) rush-pasture), M25a ({\it Molinia caerulea - Potentilla erecta} mire {\it Erica tetralix} sub-community) , M25c ({\it Molinia caerulea - Potentilla erecta, Angelica sylvestris} sub-community), M28a ({\it Filopendulo - Iridetum pseudacori} mire), M29 ({\it Hypericum elodes - Potamogeton polygonifolius} soakaway, S27.

From current Management Plan:

A wide range of vascular and lower plants representative of the heathland and wetland mire complex of communities are present on the site.....No RDB category 1 species have been recorded although 8 nationally scarce species are known on the site.

Species typical of the dry heathy areas on the higher ground fringing the valley basin include {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea} intermixed with extensive patches of {\it Agrostis curtisii, Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia flexuosa}. A well developed community of {\it Cladonia} spp. occurs as a component of the heath in unburnt areas although no lichen heath exists as such.

{\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Ulex gallii} are found both as a fragmentary part of the heath community and as large, extensive tracts covering many hectares. The former forms large patches which are species poor and consist of a shrub layer of {\it Ulex} with a ground flora of {\it A curtisii}. These patches would seem to be treatment derived - the result of disturbance to the ground or burning events (Rodwell 1991) combined with low grazing pressure.

As ground conditions become progressively damper, towards the centre of the valley basin, typical mire (including fen types) and swamp communities develop. These are frequently intimately juxtaposed as a result of the complex microtopography resulting from the tin-streaming and gravel extraction activities.

On areas where water is relatively freely moving the resultant higher nutrient and pH levels create conditions for fen plants such as {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris, Oenanthe crocata, Platanthera bifolia,} and the nationally scarce {\it Cicendia filiformis}.

Where water movement is less free-flowing the pH levels fall and more acidic wet heath and mire communities occur. The former is typified by {\it Erica tetralix, Sphagnum tenellum, Deschampsia setacea} and the ubiquitous {\it Molinia caerulea}. Of note on the N. side of the A30 is {\it Myrica gale} which is locally common although it seems to be absent to the south of the main A30.

In the wetter parts of these low pH areas true bog species are found: {\it Drosera intermedia, D. rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Hypericum elodes, Dactylorhiza maculata, Sphagnum} spp. and the nationally scarce {\it Lycopodiella inundata}. In the wettest areas associated with the more recent gravel and tin-streaming works a series of open water and swamp communities have developed. In these areas emergent vegetation includes {\it Typha latifolia, Equisetum fluviatile, Menyanthes trifoliata, Potentilla palustris}. The more open communities support {\it Potamogeton natans, Myriophyllum spicatum, Utricularia vulgaris}. On the shallower margins, adjacent to Fen and Fen-Carr can be found {\it Juncus acutiflorus, Wahlembergia hederacea} and, of particular note are three nationally scarce species: {\it Sibthorpia europaea, Cicendia filiformis, Pilularia globulifera}.

The extensive {\it Salix} carr, which covers about half of the wetland on the valley floor, consists principally of {\it Salix atrocinerea} and {\it Salix aurita} with the latter appearing to be the primary coloniser. These tree species support good epiphytic lichen populations including {\it Usnea articulata}. In between the stands of {\it Salix} sp. occur small glades of fen and fen-meadow which have a relatively high humidity and consequently support good populations of ferns including {\it Dryopteris dilitata, Dryopteris filix-femina}. Large populations of {\it Osmunda regalis} also occur through much of the wetter parts of the site.

Quotation from SSSI citation:

Goss and Tregoss Moors: Notified 1988

'Goss and Tregoss Moors are located 12 km. SW of Bodmin. Tregoss Moor is underlain directly by metamorphosed Meadfoot Beds of Lower Devonian age comprised of calcareous slate, frit and thin limestones. Elsewhere this bedrock is overlain by extensive granite gravels . Soils on Goss Moor are raw, man-made and disturbed due to previous mining operations, which have also resulted in poor drainage, and the development of perched water tables with numerous open water pools. The site probably originated as an ombrotrophic mire, but subsequent peat removal, soil disturbance and the influence of calcareous bedrock has led to the formation of an extensive and actively developing mesotrphic fen. Sites at such an early stage in peatland development are rarely seen. Goss and Tregoss moors exhibit a mosaic of different habitats including dry and wet heathland, acid grassland, bog, swamp, fen and inundation communities, open water and dense {\it Salix} spp. carr.''


VEG:
NVC communities present include: H4 ({\it Ulex gallii - Agrostis curtisii} heath), M2 {\it (Sphagnum cuspidatum} bog-pool, M14 ({\it Schoenus - Narthecium} mire), M23 ({\it Juncus effusus/acutiflorus - Galium palustre}) rush-pasture), M25a ({\it Molinia caerulea - Potentilla erecta} mire {\it Erica tetralix} sub-community) , M25c ({\it Molinia caerulea - Potentilla erecta, Angelica sylvestris} sub-community), M28a ({\it Filopendulo - Iridetum pseudacori} mire), M29 ({\it Hypericum elodes - Potamogeton polygonifolius} soakaway, S27.

From current Management Plan:

A wide range of vascular and lower plants representative of the heathland and wetland mire complex of communities are present on the site.....No RDB category 1 species have been recorded although 8 nationally scarce species are known on the site.

Species typical of the dry heathy areas on the higher ground fringing the valley basin include {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea} intermixed with extensive patches of {\it Agrostis curtisii, Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia flexuosa}. A well developed community of {\it Cladonia} spp. occurs as a component of the heath in unburnt areas although no lichen heath exists as such.

{\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Ulex gallii} are found both as a fragmentary part of the heath community and as large, extensive tracts covering many hectares. The former forms large patches which are species poor and consist of a shrub layer of {\it Ulex} with a ground flora of {\it A curtisii}. These patches would seem to be treatment derived - the result of disturbance to the ground or burning events (Rodwell 1991) combined with low grazing pressure.

As ground conditions become progressively damper, towards the centre of the valley basin, typical mire (including fen types) and swamp communities develop. These are frequently intimately juxtaposed as a result of the complex microtopography resulting from the tin-streaming and gravel extraction activities.

On areas where water is relatively freely moving the resultant higher nutrient and pH levels create conditions for fen plants such as {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris, Oenanthe crocata, Platanthera bifolia,} and the nationally scarce {\it Cicendia filiformis}.

Where water movement is less free-flowing the pH levels fall and more acidic wet heath and mire communities occur. The former is typified by {\it Erica tetralix, Sphagnum tenellum, Deschampsia setacea} and the ubiquitous {\it Molinia caerulea}. Of note on the N. side of the A30 is {\it Myrica gale} which is locally common although it seems to be absent to the south of the main A30.

In the wetter parts of these low pH areas true bog species are found: {\it Drosera intermedia, D. rotundifolia, Nartecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Hypericum elodes, Dactylorhiza maculata, Sphagnum} spp. and the nationally scarce {\it Lycopodiella inundata}. In the wettest areas associated with the more recent gravel and tin-streaming works a series of open water and swamp communities have developed. In these areas emergent vegetation includes {\it Typha latifolia, Equisetum fluviatile, Menyanthes trifoliata, Potentilla palustris}. The more open communities support {\it Potamogeton natans, Myriophyllum spicatum, Utricularia vulgaris}. On the shallower margins, adjacent to Fen and Fen-Carr can be found {\it Juncus acutiflorus, Wahlembergia hederacea} and, of particular note are three nationally scarce species: {\it Sibthorpia europaea, Cicendia filiformis, Pilularia globulifera}.

The extensive {\it Salix} carr, which covers about half of the wetland on the valley floor, consists principally of {\it Salix atrocinerea} and {\it Salix aurita} with the latter appearing to be the primary coloniser. These tree species support good epiphytic lichen populations including {\it Usnea articulata}. In between the stands of {\it Salix} sp. occur small glades of fen and fen-meadow which have a relatively high humidity and consequently support good populations of ferns including {\it Dryopteris dilitata, Dryopteris filix-femina}. Large populations of {\it Osmunda regalis} also occur through much of the wetter parts of the site.

Quotation from SSSI citation:

Goss and Tregoss Moors: Notified 1988

'' Goss and Tregoss Moors are located 12 km. SW of Bodmin. Tregoss Moor is underlain directly by metamorphosed Meadfoot Beds of Lower Devonian age comprised of calcareous slate, frit and thin limestones. Elsewhere this bedrock is overlain by extensive granite gravels . Soils on Goss Moor are raw, man-made and disturbed due to previous mining operations, which have also resulted in poor drainage, and the development of perched water tables with numerous open water pools. The site probably originated as an ombrotrophic mire, but subsequent peat removal, soil disturbance and the influence of calcareous bedrock has led to the formation of an extensive and actively developing mesotrphic fen. Sites at such an early stage in peatland development are rarely seen. Goss and Tregoss moors exhibit a mosaic of different habitats including dry and wet heathland, acid grassland, bog, swamp, fen and inundation communities, open water and dense {\it Salix} spp. carr.''


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: House Sparrow, Song Thrush.

VEG:
The dense scrub fringing the central area of the common is dominated by Salix spp., with locally abundant {\it Corylus avellana, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus}, plus locally frequent {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and occasional {\it Buddleja davidii, Rhododendron ponticum} and {\it Tamus communis}. There is also scattered young {\it Quercus robur}, and at the eastern end, scattered young {\it Pinus} sp. 

Ground flora species visible from the road include locally frequent {\it Athyrium filix-femina, Blechnum spicant, Circaea lutetiana, Hedera helix, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Silene dioica} and {\it Urtica dioica} plus occasional {\it Osmunda regalis}. Discontinuous ditches run along the road, these contain frequent {\it Apium nodiflorum} with occasional {\it Scrophularia aquatica}. The banks support frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Juncus effusus, Epilobium hirsutum, Eupatorium cannabinum} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} with occasional {\it Carex pendula}.

No further survey was carried out due to lack of access.

MANAGE:
The scrub growing under the power lines appears to have been cut within the last 2 years, but is regenerating. No other management activity visible from the road, apart from maintenance of the small gardens in front of the various wooden buildings on the north side of the road.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blue Tit, House Sparrow.

VEG:
The woodland is dominated by {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} (mixed age canopy). The peripheral areas of scrub are dominated by {\it Salix} spp., with frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}. No other survey information is available, as the site was viewed from a nearby public footpath only.

MANAGE:
Appears to be fenced off from livestock. Insufficient survey information to comment further.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Swallow. Small Tortoiseshell, Small Copper, Small Blue, Red Admiral and Meadow Brown butterflies seen, also numerous hoverflies and grasshoppers.

VEG:
The scrub is dominated by {\it Salix capraea} and {\it S. cinerea}, with locally frequent {\it Prunus spinosa, Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Tamus communis}, plus occasional {\it Rosa} spp., {\it Crataegus monogyna}, and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} saplings. Ground flora species include abundant {\it Hedera helix, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Athyrium filix-femina}, plus locally frequent {\it Circaea lutetiana, Geranium robertianum, Ranunculus repens, Ranunculus flammula, Juncus conglomeratus, J. articulatus, J. effusus} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}. The scrub is interspersed with occasional small clearings (too small to map) dominated by {\it Juncus} spp., with frequent {\it P. dysenterica, Lythrum salicaria}, and {\it Eupatorium cannabinum}, plus occasional {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Scrophularia aquatica} and {\it Iris pseudacorus}.   

The largest open area is situated in the S. half of the site. It is dominated by {\it Schoenus nigrans}, with frequent {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris}, plus locally frequent {\it Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Ulex gallii, Narthecium ossifragum, Holcus lanatus, Potentilla erecta, Salix repens, Carex panicea, Lotus uliginosus, Mentha aquatica, Prunella vulgaris, Achillea ptarmica, Succisa pratensis, Serratula tinctoria} and {\it Juncus} spp. (as above), plus occasional {\it Lythrum salicaria, Hypericum tetrapterum, Origanum vulgare, Cirsium palustre, Carex otrubae, Melitotus officinalis, Vicia cracca, Crocosmia} sp., {\it Ulex europaeus, Sphagnum} spp. and orchids (dead flower spikes - likely to be {\it Dactylorhiza} sp.). There are scattered clumps of {\it Osmunda regalis} throughout the area, and along its northern edge (bordering the {\it Salix} spp. scrub), there is frequent {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Anthriscus sylvestris, Eupatorium cannabinum} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}. There are two similar open areas in the N. half of the site, both are subject to invasion by {\it U. europaeus} and {\it Salix} spp. scrub. 

The SE corner of the site is generally drier, with a small area of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} woodland, fringed with scattered {\it Salix} spp./{\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub (with frequent {\it Calystegia sepium}) and rank grassland ({\it Agrostis curtisii, A. capillaris, A. stolonifera, Holcus lanatus, Cynosurus cristatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}).   
     
The access road to the caravan site is lined with {\it Salix} spp./{\it Crataegus monogyna} hedges (up to 4m high and 3m wide), with occasional {\it Rhododendron ponticum} and {\it Fallopia japonica}.

MANAGE:
It is very likely that the scrub will continue to invade the open areas containing wet heath - some control of its spread would be desirable.  The heath is generally mature, but some shows evidence of occasional grazing.


VEG:
Fencing has been placed along the boundaries. The common was surveyed from the western boundary fence only.  

The heath consists of mature (ht. 40 to 60cm) {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, E. cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no one species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} (very tussocky in the southern half), plus occasional {\it Schoenus nigrans, Juncus effusus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Eupatorium cannabinum} and {\it Digitalis purpurea}. 

The peripheral dense scrub is mostly {\it Ulex europaeus} (up to 2m high). Along the eastern boundary, there is frequent {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Prunus spinosa}.

MANAGE:
Not subject to livestock grazing. It would be desirable to prevent the further encroachment of gorse ({\it Ulex europaeus}) onto the wet heath.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blue Tit, Woodpigeon.

VEG:
The woodland is dominated by {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and situated on the upper part of the slope. A few of the trees have been coppiced. The scrub is dominated by {\it Salix} spp., with frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Sambucus nigra}, and occasional {\it Ulmus} sp. saplings. Ground flora species (in the scrub and woodland) include abundant {\it Hedera helix} with frequent {\it Silene dioica, Geranium robertianum, Phyllitis scolopendrium} and {\it Urtica dioica} plus occasional {\it Arum maculatum}.

The tall herb vegetation is situated in a clearing along the eastern boundary. It is dominated by {\it Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Eupatorium cannabinum}, with frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica dioica, Calystegia sepium} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus occasional {\it Iris pseudacorus}.

MANAGE:
The common does not appear to be subject to livestock grazing. The coppicing looks as if it was done over 20 years ago. It would be desirable to retain the habitats present, as they provide cover for birds, amphibians and small mammals. Most of the surrounding land is grassland.


FAUNA:
Several Small Tortoiseshell butterflies seen.

VEG:
The scrub extends from the stream bank over the width of the common to the public footpath along the NE boundary, except in the middle third, where there are some small areas of grassland. It is a mixture of {\it Salix} spp., {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}, with locally abundant {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Calystegia sepium} and {\it Humulus lupulus}, plus occasional {\it Sambucus nigra} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}  (on the stream bank). Under the canopy, there is abundant {\it Hedera helix} with frequent {\it Silene dioica} and {\it Geranium robertianum}.    

There are some gaps in the scrub along the stream bank, and these are occupied by dense stands of {\it Phragmites australis}, with occasional stands of {\it Sparganium erectum, Iris pseudacorus, Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Eupatorium cannabinum}.

The rank  grassland  contains  abundant  {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Bromus sterilis}, with  frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Poa} spp., {\it Galium verum, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Urtica dioica}, plus occasional {\it Daucus carota}.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent. The common does not appear to be subject to livestock grazing. It would be desirable to leave the scrub intact as it provides cover for birds, amphibians and small mammals. There are sand dunes along the SE boundary. To the NE, the land is used for arable agriculture.


VEG:
In the western half of the common, the dunes are dominated by {\it Ammophila arenaria}, with scattered {\it Eryngium  maritimum, Crithmum maritimum, Euphorbia paralais} and {\it Calystegia soldanella}. Areas of exposed sand are frequent here, but moving eastwards, the dunes become more consolidated, with an almost continuous vegetation cover. {\it Ammophila arenaria} is abundant, but there is also frequent {\it Festuca rubra, Ononis repens, Carex arenaria, Convolvulus arvensis, Daucus carota} and {\it Carex arenaria}, plus occasional {\it Raphanus maritima, Asparagus} sp., {\it Galium verum} and {\it Crocosmia} sp. Within about 60m of the SE boundary, there are also scattered patches of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with frequent {\it Calystegia sepium} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}, and occasional {\it Epilobium hirsutum}.

A footpath leads onto the common from a car park just outside the southern boundary. It is lined on each side with {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Prunus spinosa}, with frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and occasional {\it Tamarix gallica}. There is also frequent {\it Saponaria} sp. and {\it Dactylis glomerata}.

MANAGE:
The dunes and beach are used frequently by tourists during the summer. It would be desirable to limit any erosion caused directly by trampling, or by wind where the {\it Ammophila arenaria} cover has been disturbed or lost. Experience from other frequently visited open sand dune areas has shown that it is sometimes necessary to temporarily fence off heavily used sections to allow {\it Ammophila arenaria} to re-establish, naturally or by planting.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Song Thrush. 1 Rabbit seen, also several Common Blue, Meadow Brown and Red Admiral butterflies and shells of what appears to be the terrestrial snail {\it Cepea nemoralis}.

From NT records: Invertebrates: {\it Pomatias elegans} (Land Winkle), {\it Pupilla muscorum} (Moss Snail),  {\it Vallonia excentrica} (Eccentric Grass Snail), {\it Helicella itala} (Heath Snail). Lepidoptera: {\it Plebejus argus} (Silver-studded blue), {\it Aricia agestis} (Brown Argus), {\it Nymphalis polychloros} (Large Tortoishell), {\it Boloria euphrosyne} (Pearl-bordered Fritillary), {\it Argynnis aglaia} (Dark-green Fritillary).

Other records: {\it Cassida murraea} (Tortoise beetle), {\it Ceutorhynchus punctiger}, (Weevil), {\it Andrena fulvago} (Mining Bee), {\it Limonia trivittata}, (Crane fly), {\it Beris clavipea} (soldier fly), {\it Oxycera pulchella} (Soldier Fly), {\it Epitriptus cinqulatus} (Robber fly), {\it Philonus albiceps} (Robber Fly), {\it Chrysotoxum elegans} (Hoverfly), {\it Helicella itala} (Heath Snail), {\it Stenobothrus lineatus} (Stripe-winged Grasshopper), {\it Tetrix subulata} (Slender Grass-hopper), {\it Dicranocephalus agilis} (Spurge Bug), {\it Acupulus dorsalis} (Ground beetle), {\it Cicendela maritima), {\it Saprinus cuspidatus} (Beetle}, {\it Silpha obscura} (Carrion Beetle), {\it Lampyris noctiluca} (Glow-worm), {\it Ctenipus sulphureus} (Beetle), {\it Cryptocephalus aureolus}, (Leaf Beetle), {\it Pilemostoma fastuosa}.

VEG:
The grassland is dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it F. ovina}, with locally abundant {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis capillaris, Poa} spp., and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}. 

Other species recorded include locally frequent {\it Danthonia decumbens, Galium verum, Rhinanthus minor, Sanguisorba minor, Hypochoeris radicata, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla reptans, Polygala vulgaris, Viola hirta, Leontodon autumnalis}  and {\it Carex flacca}, plus occasional {\it Carex arenaria}. The following occurred mainly on the slopes leading down from the plateau: abundant {\it Centaurea nigra}, frequent {\it Ononis repens, Convolvulus  arvensis, Succisa pratensis, Stachys officinalis}, and {\it Primula veris}. 

At SW781608, there is a disused sand pit (see map). This contains abundant {\it Potentilla anserina}, with  frequent {\it Rhinanthus minor, Centaurea nigra, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Mentha aquatica}. Part of the western half of the pit has been fenced off; this area contains large  patches of exposed sand amongst the {\it Festuca} spp. dominated grassland. The sand is being colonized by {\it Ammophila arenaria}, and contains numerous burrows. Other species seen (around the edges of the enclosure) include frequent {\it Plantago coronopus} and {\it Erodium} sp., and one orchid (dead flower spike). 

The main area of wetland is situated along a steam at the base of the east facing slope (photograph 1); it also forms part of CL178. It contains  abundant {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}, interspersed with stands of {\it Eupatorium cannabinum, Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Iris pseudacorus}. There is also frequent {\it Apium nodiflorum} (stream banks), {\it Mentha aquatica, Rhinanthus minor, Odontites verna, Calystegia sepium} and {\it Carex hirta}, plus occasional {\it Scrophularia aquatica} and {\it Lithospermum officinale}. 
       
In the  NE area of the common, the stream has been dammed, allowing a small pool to form (about 8m wide and 0.4m deep). It contains frequent {\it Apium nodiflorum} and {\it Rorripa nasturtium-aquaticum}, and some small
stands of {\it Sparganium erectum}. It is fringed with frequent {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Veronica beccabunga, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Iris pseudacorus}, plus occasional {\it Myosotis scorpioides, Lycopus europaeus, Polygonum hydropiper, P. persicaria}, and {\it Scrophularia aquatica}. Another stream crosses the common, from the spring at SW777606 to the western boundary. It is fringed with frequent stands of {\it Iris pseudacorus} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum} (see photograph 2), with occasional {\it Hypericum tetrapterum}. 

A  biological survey of the common was carried out by the National Trust in 1989. A number of plant species were recorded in addition to those mentioned above: {\it Koeleria cristata, Trifolium scabrum, Euphrasia nemorosa, Anthyllis vulneraria, Triglochin palustris, Parentucellia viscosa, Anchusa arvensis, Bidens tripartita, Silene gallica, Anthriscus caucalis, Salvia horminoides, Taraxacum brachyglossum, Taraxacum simile, Lamijm amplexicaule, Rumex pulcher, Trifolium ornithopodoides, Kickxia spuria, Kickxia elatine, Myosotis scorpioides, Cyperus longus, Parapholis strigosa, Lithospermum officinale, Hyoscyamus niger, Cynoglossum officinale, Allium babingtonii (Red Data Book species), Cerastium semidecandrum, Papaver argemone, Papaver hybridum, Raphanus maritimus, Fumaria purpurea, Geranium purpureum, Limonium binervosum, Scandix pecten-veneris, Scilla autumnalis, Legousia hybrida, Echium vulgare, Callitriche obtusangula, Misopates orontium, Artemesia absinthium, Stachys arvensis.  Umbilicus rupestris, Thymus drucei, Sedum acre}. The latter three were recorded in a disused quarry at SW778608, which was not included in this survey. One flower spike of {\it Anacamptis pyramidalis} was recorded in a 1979 NT survey.

MANAGE:
The common is presently grazed by sheep, cattle and horses. The following comments concerning management considerations are quoted directly from the 1989 National Trust survey report (page 42):

"Cubert Common's importance is partly based on its long history as permanent pasture, and any changes in this should be firmly resisted. Not only would ploughing and re-seeding be seriously damaging but so would significant increase or decrease in stocking rates. Stocking numbers and use of the site over the year should be investigated and monitored, and liaison with the Commoners maintained. No fertilizers - not even traditional farmyard manure - herbicides or pesticides should be permitted.

Although the common is heavily grazed, it is generally in excellent condition. There is no urgent need to reduce the grazing pressure, and if any changes in stocking take place, these should be done after study and consideration".


FAUNA:
Several Meadow Brown and Small Tortoisehell butterflies were seen. There is evidence of rabbit grazing.

VEG:
A small area of wetland (which is continuous with that in CL117) lies on the lowest ground. It contains  abundant {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}, interspersed with stands of {\it Eupatorium cannabinum, Epilobium hirsutum}. Elsewhere, there is short {\it Festuca} sp. dominated grassland small, peripheral areas of dense {\it P. aquilinum} and scrub ({\it Prunus spinosa, Salix} sp.)

MANAGE:
There is no boundary fence where the common adjoins CL117 (Cubert Common); livestock have unrestricted access from CL117. 

The common is probably managed as part of Cubert Common. See the management section in the report for CL117.


FAUNA:
Several Small Tortoiseshell butterflies seen. Patches of longer grass contain numerous grasshoppers.

VEG:
The  scrub  is  dominated  by  {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Prunus spinosa}, with locally abundant {\it Ulex  europaeus, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus frequent {\it Tamus communis} and scattered {\it Ulmus} sp. saplings (less than 4m high). Under the canopy, there is abundant {\it Hedera helix}, with frequent {\it Geranium robertianum}, plus occasional {\it Athyrium filix-femina, Phyllitis scolopendrium}, and {\it Arum maculatum}. 

The  marshy grassland contains abundant {\it Juncus inflexus, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Mentha  aquatica}, with frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Iris pseudacorus, Eupatorium cannabinum, Calystegia sepium} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum} (around edges).     

Along the road verge, there are stands of {\it Urtica dioica}, with frequent {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Potentilla reptans}, plus occasional {\it Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it Armoracia rusticana}.

MANAGE:
The common appears to be ungrazed by livestock. Because much of the surrounding land is grassland, it would be desirable to leave the habitats on the common intact as they provide cover for birds, amphibians and small mammals. The common may require some management in future to prevent loss of the marshy grassland areas to gradual scrub encroachment.


VEG:
There are occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} trees along the SE boundaries of the common. A {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedge runs abouf half of the way along the NE boundary.

The scrub in the detached portion is dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ulex europaeus}, and is fringed along the road with {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Agrostis} spp.

MANAGE:
Mostly managed as improved grassland, which is probably used for cattle grazing.


FAUNA:
A few rabbits were seen in the northern half of the common.

VEG:
East of gridline SX235, most of common is short, grazed acid grassland ({\it Agrostis spp.}) with patches of continuous {\it P. aquilinum}. This grades into {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated grassland (short, grazed) towards the SW, which in turn grades into a valley mire known as Red Marsh. The central area of the mire appears to be dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} interspersed with hollows containing standing water and abundant {\it Sphagnum} spp., with occasional {\it Salix} spp. bushes (this central area of the mire was viewed through binoculars). Around this, there are hummocks of {\it Sphagnum} spp., which also contain {\it M. caerulea, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. oxycoccus, Narthecium ossifragum, Polytrichum commune, Carex panicea, Juncus effusus} and {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. Between the hummocks, there is a saturated {\it Sphagnum} carpet, often with abundant {\it Hypericum elodes, Hydrocotyle vulgaris} and {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius}, and frequent {\it Menyanthes trifoliata}. Other species recorded on the mire were: locally frequent {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Trichophorum cespitosum, Carex flacca, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it J. articulatus}, plus occasional {\it Succisa pratensis, Carex demissa} and {\it Rhynchospora alba}.              

The edges of the mire show signs of trampling and grazing, but the surface becomes increasingly less firm away from the edges, making access for livestock difficult. 

The area of the common to the west of Red Marsh was not surveyed; the information shown on the map is reproduced from the 1981 survey.

MANAGE:
The common is subject to horse, sheep and probably cattle grazing.


FAUNA:
See extract from the SSSI citation in the entry for CL194.

VEG:
By far the most extensive habitat is grazed, acidic {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated grassland (this is not tussocky; height is less than 15cm). There is abundant {\it Agrostis curtisii, A. capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}, with locally frequent {\it Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Carex flacca}, and {\it C. panicea}, plus occasional {\it Polygala serpyllifolia}. Much of this area looks as if it was once wet heath, because parts of the common also support scattered, short (less than 10cm) individual {\it Erica cinerea, E. tetralix, Ulex gallii} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} plants. Total cover of heath spp. in these areas now appears to be less than 5 per cent. 

On the western edge of the common (along the boundary with CL194), there is a small area of valley mire dominated by {\it Sphagnum} spp., with frequent {\it Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Hypericum elodes, Trichophorum cespitosum, Viola palustris} and {\it Drosera rotundifolia}. The surface shows signs of frequent poaching caused by livestock.

This common lies within Bodmin Moor, North SSSI. For further information, refer to the SSSI citation, which is reproduced in the entry for CL194.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Common Gull, Jackdaw.

VEG:
The wet heath consists of {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no one species appears to be dominant) with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii}. The condition of the heather varies over the site - it can be divided into 3 groups:               

1)Mature, with a continuous cover, 40 to 70cm high (mostly in the northern half of the common).
2)Recently burnt areas. These consist of a "lawn" of young {\it Molinia caerulea}, 2 to 5cm high (not tussocks), interspersed with with frequent regenerating dwarf shrub species and  {\it Agrostis curtisii} (all 2 to 8cm high), and patches of bare ground (constitutes about 30 percent of area).
3)Older, less recently burnt areas. Here the dwarf shrub species are 10 to 20cm high, and starting to form a continuous cover. {\it M. caerulea} is in flower and starting to form tussocks. 

Other species recorded: locally frequent {\it Carex panicea, C. flacca, Agrostis capillaris, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile} and {\it Cladonia} spp., plus occasional {\it Cuscuta epithymum, Polygala vulgaris} and {\it Jasione montana}. In the southern half of the common, there are some extensive stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, and {\it Ulex europaeus} (height up to 4m).

MANAGE:
Parts of the common are managed by burning. No livestock were seen at the time of survey, but the common may be grazed occasionally by cattle. It would be desirable to prevent any loss of heath habitat by discouraging the spread of {\it P. aquilinum} and {\it Ulex} up the hillside.


VEG:
Grasslands with substantial {\it Molinia caerulea} with patches of {\it Juncus effusus} which contains frequent {\it Mentha aquatica, Polygonum hydropiper, Succisa pratensis, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Veronica chameadrys}.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Lapwing, Magpie, Wheatear, Peregrine. 

From NT Biological survey 1979: 'For an upland area the invertebrate fauna of the property was surprisingly rich. Although all species identified also occur in lowland areas, the potential is there for specialist upland species, such as a nationally scarce ground beetle {\it Pterostichus aethiops} previously recorded from Brown Willy (at 420m. adjacent to Rough Tor) and {\it Bombus monticola}. The rock outcrops and clitter areas are the most important as regards these species.

Recorded in NT survey: Frogs. {\it Arion ater} (a slug), {\it Oniscus asellus} (a woodlouse). {\it Leiobunum variegatus} (Opiliones), {\it Forficula auricularia} (Dermaptera), {\it Lithobius variegatus} (Chilopoda), {\it Abax parallelepipedus, Trechus obtusus} (Col. Carabidae). {\it Geotrupes stercorosus} (Col. Scarabaeidea), {\it Byrrhus pilula} (Col. Byrrhidae) and nesting {\it Myrmica ruginodis} (Formiciae). 

Recorded by more recent survey held at NT: 'Several recorded invertebrates such as the grasshopper {\it Omocestrus viridulus} and the butterflies {\it Coenonympha pamphilus} and {\it Maniola jurtina} and calliphorid dipterans were generally distributed, but most species listed, including the interesting aculeates seemed restricted to the vicinity of the car park and associated track.......Nectar sources were restricted because of heavy grazing and trampling but included still reasonable areas of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica} spp. and {\it Ulex} spp. and ground level pads of\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile}. Social bees were in noticeably small numbers.

The most important species recorded were the nationally rare (RDB3) {\it Nomada robertjeotiana} and its host species {\it Andrena tarsata}.'

VEG:
The W. facing slope of Rough Tor appears to be mostly acid grassland dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}, with abundant {\it A. curtisii} and frequent {\it Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Rumex acetosella}, with occasional {\it Ulex gallii, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}. There are distinct areas where short, grazed {\it Molinia caerulea} is dominant, and these have been recorded as marshy grassland. On the S. and E. facing slopes, there are also areas of scattered and continuous {\it P. aquilinum} (which is mostly less than 75cm high).

On and around Roughtor, there are areas of clitter and protruding rock, which form crevices and niches inaccessible to livestock. These contain {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris, Dryopteris dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina, Polypodium vulgare, Luzula sylvatica, Poa} spp., {\it Carex flacca, Sedum acre, Galium saxatile} and {\it Polytrichum commune}. Extensive patches of {\it Hedera helix} were seen on some rocks.  There are small open pools on the top plateau of Roughtor. Around half-buried boulders lie small bryophyte and lichen-rich communities with {\it Cladonia} sp. {\it P. commune, Hypnum} sp. {\it Dicranum} sp. See extract from National Trust Biological Survey 1979 below.

When viewed through binoculars, most of the land to the south of Roughtor appears to be short, grazed, acidic marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}. This area was not surveyed on foot, and the survey information shown on the map is from the 1985 Hobbs and Brown survey.     

At the bottom of the west facing slope there is a small area of valley mire dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, with frequent {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Viola palustris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Drosera rotundiflolia} and {\it Carex panicea}. On the W. side of the mire, there is a  wire fence and ditch. The land on the W. side of the ditch is all marshy grassland, dominated by {\it J. effusus}, with frequent {\it Sphagnum} spp. The vegetation does not appear to be on deep peat. Two access tracks have been constructed, and a small stream crosses this area.

Lady Down is acidic grassland (main grasses species are {\it Agrostis, Molinia caerulea} with scattered {\it Ulex} scrub, and {\it Erica cinerea, Calluna vulgaris}. North of Hallagenna Farm there are wetter (valley mire?) areas with much {\it J. effusus} and areas of {\it Sphagnum} spp. and much {\it Hypericum} sp.,{\it Anagallis tenella, Viola palustris, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Carex panicea, Potentilla erecta, Polytrichum commune}. 

Treswallock Downs is also acidic grassland with a higher proportion of {\it Molinia caerulea} upslope with scattered {\it Ulex gallii} and occasional very heavily grazed {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea}. Around exposed boulders {\it Polytrichum commune} is evident.

Near Alex Tor the grassland appears to be NVC U1 with main species such as {\it Agrostis curtisii, Nardus stricta, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile} interspersed with {\it Molinia caerulea}, scattered {\it Ulex gallii} and v. short (less than 7cm.) grazed {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Vaccinium myrtillus}. Cover of the latter species amounts to 10-15 per cent here.

Harpur's Downs and Dinnever Hill are cattle and sheep grazed grasslands with a valley mire area to the SW with abundant {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum} sp. (quaking), {\it Molinia caerulea, Hypericum hirsutum, Drosera rotundifolia, Juncus squarrosus, Carex panicea, Anagallis tenella, Hydrocotyle vulgaris}.

Emblance Downs are horse, sheep and cattle-grazed acid grasslands with (near Bolatherisk) wetter/mire areas that support abundant {\it Sphagnum} spp. {\it Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Viola palustris, Lotus uliginosus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula, Sphagnum cuspidatum, Hypericum hirsutum, Polytrichum commune}.

National Trust Biological Survey 1979:

' The main biological interset of the property (Rough Tor itself) is that of the bryophyte and fern communities associated with crevices in granite clitter and tors. The site is among the 2 or 3 best of this type of habitat in Cornwall and is therefore important at a county level. This is also one of the factors which contributes to the biological value of the Bodmin Moor SSSI in which Rough Tor is included.  The best area observed on the property was on the steep SW slope of Rough Tor where the granite clitter is particularly large and where crevices are well developed. Interesting species present include {\it Hymenophyllum wilsoni} and {\it H. tunbridgense}. the first on clitter, the latter on the tor. Both species are virtually confined to the north and west og Britain and are evry local in the SW. One specimen of {\it Lycopodium selago} was also observed on clitter  a species rare in the SW. Interesting mosses which are rare or very rare in Cornwall and which are mentioned as occurring at Rough Tor by Paton (1969 Trans. British Bryological Society 5 (4) 669-756) include {\it Polytrichum alpinum, Grimmia patens, Climacium dendroides, Tortualla tortuosa, Anti trichia curtipendula}. She also mentions the liverworts {\it Barbilophozia floerkii, B. barbata, Douinia ovata} as being present and again very rare in Cornwall. Other than the more spectacular species such as clubmoss and Beech Fern , which may be under threat from collecting, these crevice communities are not under any threat from public access, being neither readily visible or easily accessible. Holyoak (1996) records 65 bryophyte taxa. {\it Antitrichia curtipendula} is 'very scarce and local in southern Britain, where it has declined markedly. Nevertheless the bryo flora of Rough Tor is of considerable regional interest because of its richness and the presence of species that have mainly montane patterns of distribution in Britain, such as {\it Rhabdoweisia crispata}. Sedges and rushes recorded in 1996 (Murphy and Atkinson) include Carex binervis, Carex echinata, Carex panicea, Carex viridula} ssp. {\it Oedocarpa}, {\it Juncus acutiflorus, J. bulbosus, J. effusus, J. squarrosus}.

The remainder of the property is not outstanding biologically. Grassland typical of Bodmin Moor occurs: the area on the western slopes of the property is more heavily grazed (1979) than the eastern side and has probably been improved in the past..................  {\it P. aquilinum} appears to be held in check by the present grazing and limited by soil depth, but further spread would be undesirable and situation could be readily monitored using aerial photographs. Small wet seepages and the peat accumulation on the saddle add some slight diversity of habitat to the property, but include no species of particular note.'

Apart from the areas described in the paragraphs above, the site falls within Bodmin Moor, North SSSI. For further information, refer to the SSSI citation, which is reproduced in the entry for CL194.

MANAGE:
Grazed by sheep and cattle. The presence of occasional {\it E. tetralix, U gallii}, and {\it C. vulgaris} suggests that heathland might start to develop if grazing pressure was relaxed.  From a recent report at NT : The site is mainly over-stocked moorland, rapidly converting from heather to grass, with extensive granite outcrops and pre-historic foundations. There is an excessively trampled track from the levelled car park towrads Little Rough Tor. There numerous wet patches of rush-dominated vegetation and several springs and shallow streams, mostly trampled by thirsty stock...........Currently the outstanding management requirement is for an appreciable reduction in grazing by domestic stock. Until this is achieved the invertebrate fauna can only decline. From the apparent scarcity of bumblebees the situation is probably critical.'


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, House Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Robin. Several Rabbits were seen in the north west part of the common.

VEG:
Continuous {\it P. aquilinum} and marshy grassland are the two most extensive areas of habitat. The marshy grassland is dominated by short (not tussocky) {\it Molinia caerulea}, with locally frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, A. curtisii, Carex panicea, Potentilla erecta, Succisa pratensis, Stachys officinalis, Teucrium scorodonia, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Plantago lanceolata}, plus occasional {\it Osmunda regalis, Eupatorium cannibinum, Rhinanthus minor, Cirsium palustre, Crocosmia} sp., {\it Juncus conglomeratus, J. effusus} and orchids (dead flower spikes - most likely to be {\it Dactylorhiza} sp.).      

In the eastern half of the site, the marshy grassland grades into acid grassland/wet heath mosaic and wet heath. The heath is dominated by {\it Ulex gallii, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}, with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}, plus locally frequent {\it Cladonia} sp., {\it Agrostis} spp. (as above), {\it Trichophorum cespitosum, C. panicea} and {\it Galium saxatile}. The herb spp. mentioned above (for marshy grassland) also occur in the heath in similar proportions. The heath has mostly developed the topiary and carpet forms associated with grazing, cover is in the range of 25 to 80 percent (less than 25 percent in grassland/heath mosaic).

Most of the dense scrub is situated along the boundaries of the common, where it frequently extends outwards from mature hedgerows. It is composed of {\it Salix} spp., {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus} in varying proportions, often with scattered saplings and young trees ({\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it A. campestre}). There are some dense stands of {\it Ulex europaeus} in the SW quarter of the site; this species also occurs frequently as scattered scrub accross the whole site. There are small areas of burnt {\it U. europaeus} in the SW corner of the site, and close to the northern boundary (SX141689).    

At the northern end of the site, (along a stream) there is a small area of mature woodland ({\it Q. robur, F. excelsior, Fagus sylvatica, A. pseudoplatanus})  with {\it Corylus avellana} coppice further up the slope. Ground flora species include abundant {\it Hedera helix}, with locally frequent {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Blechnum spicant, Geranium robertianum, Silene dioica} and {\it Polytrichum commune}, plus occasional {\it Poa nemoralis, Viola riviniana} and {\it Geum urbanum}. There is also frequent {\it Lonicera periclymenum}.    

Tall herb vegetation ({\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Urtica dioica}) mostly occurs as occasional stands (too small to map) around the scrub. In the southern half of the site, there are some small stands of {\it Fallopia japonica}.

MANAGE:
About 20 cattle were seen on the common; it also likely to be subject to sheep grazing. There is potential for the spread of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it P. aquilinum} across the central area of the common.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Curlew, Snipe.
Several rabbits seen in the southern half of the common.

VEG:
The wet heath is dominated by {\it Ulex galli}, with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} plus locally frequent {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Calluna vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Agrostis curtisii, A. capillaris}, and {\it Carex flacca}, plus occasional {\it Ulex europaeus, Juncus effusus} and {\it Euphrasia} sp. 

The heath is subject to sheep grazing. Cover is about 80 percent - there are grazed mounds of {\it Ulex gallii} and other heath spp. (up to 50 cm high), interspersed with short {\it M. caerulea} and {\it Agrostis} spp. In S. half of the common, an area about 200m wide has been burnt within the last year. {\it U. gallii} is regenerating, but the area is still about 80 per cent bare earth.

There is a small area of acid grassland dominated by {\it A. curtisii} and {\it A. capillaris} at the S. end of the site.

MANAGE:
Sheep grazed wet heath, subject to occasional burning - this does not appear to be on a rotational basis.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Black- headed Gull, House Sparrow.

VEG:
Most of the east facing slope is covered by continuous {\it P. aquilinum} with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. The central area is heavily grazed wet heath. There are domes of {\it Ulex gallii} (up to about 0.4m high and 2 to 8m apart), with occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea}, surrounded by a patchy carpet of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it C. vulgaris} growing in a short sward of {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it A. capillaris}, with frequent {\it Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. The overall cover of heath species in this area is about 40 percent; this declines towards the edges of the common as the heath grades into acid grassland (NW quarter), wet heath/acid grassland mosaic (around Minions) and short, {\it M. caerulea} dominated marshy grassland (around The Hurlers).  
  
Other species recorded: locally frequent {\it Carex panicea} (wet heath), {\it C. flacca} and {\it Polytrichum commune}, plus occasional {\it Juncus effusus}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and cattle. The present grazing regime may be contributing to an ongoing gradual decline in the area of heathland. Another factor may be visitor pressure. There is a car park on the eastern edge of the common, and another on the south side of Minions. Tourists come to see The Hurlers, and the area around the circles in particular is subject to regular trampling. On the whole (on the survey date), the tourists stayed within about 400m of both car parks.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Chaffinch, House Sparrow.

VEG:
The dense scrub is dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus} (0.5 to 2m high), with locally frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix} spp., plus occasional {\it Betula pubescens} (saplings) and {\it Viburnum opulus}. Some of the scrub looks as if it was burnt (see map) between 1 and 2 years ago - this area now supports continuous {\it P. aquilinum}, although the {\it Ulex} is starting to grow again from the charred remains - there are scattered, young bushes up to 0.5m high. 

Species found growing around the edges of the scrub include frequent {\it Hedera helix, Centaurea nigra, Achillea millefolium, Stachys officinalis} and {\it Plantago lanceolata}, with occasional {\it Eupatorium cannabinum, Dryopteris filix-mas} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} (possibly frequent - difficult to determine in Sept.)

The patches of wet heath consist of {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no one species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} plus frequent {\it Carex flacca} and {\it C. panicea}, and scattered {\it Trichophorum cespitosum, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The heath has mostly developed the topiary form associated with grazing (height 10 to 40cm); cover generally remains continuous.

The acid grassland is short (10cm), and dominated by {\it Agrostis curtisii}, with frequent {\it A. capillaris, Rumex acetosa, R. acetosella, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}, and scattered {\it U. europaeus}. There are occasional, scattered clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}.

MANAGE:
It would be desirable to prevent any further encroachment of {\it Ulex} and {\it P. aquilinum} on to the existing areas of wet heath.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: House Sparrow, Snipe.

VEG:
The heath is dominated by {\it Ulex gallii}, with frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea} and, in the area recorded as wet heath, {\it Molinia caerulea}. The heath shows evidence of regular grazing - cover is about 80 per cent. There are domes of {\it Ulex gallii/Erica cinerea} (up to 0.5m high and 1 to 4m apart), with a carpet of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Agrostis curtisii} and (in the wet heath) {\it Molinia caerulea} in between. There is also locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Carex flacca}, and scattered (mostly peripheral) {\it Ulex europaeus}. 

The ground becomes progressively wetter towards the eastern boundary of the common. The proportion of {\it M. caerulea} in the heath increases, and there is frequent {\it Erica tetralix}. The heath grades into a small area of valley mire in the NE corner; this is dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, with an almost continuous carpet of {\it Sphagnum} spp. Other species recorded:  frequent {\it E. tetralix, Hypericum elodes, Anagallis tenella, Narthecium ossifragum, Viola palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Drosera rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis, Lotus uliginosus, Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex panicea} and {\it Polytrichum commune}, with occasional {\it Polypodium} sp. and orchids (dead flower spikes - possibly {\it Dactylorhiza} sp.).

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen, but the common is likely to be grazed by sheep and cattle. The present grazing regime does not appear to be causing a reduction in the area of heath, but it has given it an obviously different appearance to ungrazed, mature heath. Its condition suggests that any increase in grazing much above the present level would lead to a reduction in the area of heath on the common.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Robin. 2 Rabbits seen.

VEG:
The east facing slope is almost all continuous {\it P. aquilinum}. There are small patches of acid grassland dominated by {\it Agrostis curtisii} and {\it A. capillaris}, with frequent {\it Potentilla erecta} and {\it Galium saxatile}, and scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. 

Continuous {\it P. aquilinum} also covers most of the land the west of the road which runs N-S through the middle of the common. There are also small patches of acid grassland and wet and dry heath dominated by {\it Ulex gallii} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, with frequent {\it A. curtisii, A. capillaris, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Nardus stricta} and {\it Molinia caerulea} (occasional or absent in dry heath). There are also two wind-stunted {\it Quercus robur} trees.

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen, but it is likely that the common is used for sheep and cattle grazing. The small areas of wet and dry heath suggest that these habitats may once have been much more extensive on the common.


FAUNA:
Birds observed: Raven, Gulls, Crows, Meadow Pipit.

VEG:
From notes made by PD 9/95 in v. bad weather:

Noted on tors: {\it Umbellicus rupestris, Blechnum spicant, Oxalis acetosella}.

Pools in northern parts of the moor support abundant {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Sphagnum} sp. and nearby substantial {\it J. effusus} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Hypericum elodes, Drosera rotundifolia, Viola palustris, Juncus squarrosus}. Stone-lined ponds by quarries near the A30 have abundant {\it J. effusus, Potamogeton polygonifolius} and {\it Osmunda regalis} around the pools or on adjacent walls. 

Acidic grassland on the 'rifle range'to the south of the common has scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. This grades to wet heath along the southern side of Great Care Hill with {\it Molinia caerulea, Ulex gallii}. There is considerable {P. aquilinum} over St Bellarmin's Tor and the west facing flanks of the common. {\it Salix} spp. scrub is found alongside streams in northern parts of the common.


VEG:
From a distance, the common looks like it is fairly uniformly grazed acid grassland ({\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it A. curtisii}), with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. Walking over the common revealed that {\it Molinia caerulea} is often abundant in the short sward; these areas also had scattered, heavily grazed (less than 5cm high) {\it Ulex gallii, Erica tetralix} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}. There are scattered bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus} throughout. Other species present include {\it Euphrasia} sp. {\it Carex panicea, Nardus stricta, Galium saxatile}. The wet area to the north is a grazed valley mire with much {\it J. effusus} with patches of grazed {\it M. caerulea, Sphagnum} sp. ,{\it Juncus squarrosus}. There was standing water at the time of survey with {\it Viola palustris, Anagallis tenella, Potamogeton} sp. {\it Lotus uliginosus, Carex echinata, Hydrocotyle vulgare}. Generally there is an uneven surface with 2ft. high bumps and hillocks with well-grazed {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris, J. squarrosus, Drosera rotundifolia, Polytrichum commune} and {\it Cladonia} sp.

MANAGE:
Used for cattle and sheep grazing. The intensity of the grazing is suppressing dwarf shrub regeneration; wet heath would probably spread on parts of the common if grazing intensity was reduced.


VEG:
Acid grassland with some areas of marshy grassland. Fairly uniformly grazed acid grassland ({\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it A. curtisii}), with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. Walking over the common revealed that {\it Molinia caerulea} is often abundant in the short sward; these areas also had scattered, heavily grazed (less than 5cm high) {\it Ulex gallii, Erica tetralix} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

MANAGE:
Managed for grazing.  Used for cattle and sheep grazing. The intensity of the grazing is suppressing dwarf shrub regeneration; wet heath would probably spread on parts of the common if grazing intensity was reduced.


VEG:
Acidic grasslands with species similar to adjacent CL 142.


VEG:
The valley mire on the western side of this common has frequent pools with much {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris}. {\it Narthecium ossifragum} is locally frequent. Other parts of the common are wet heath/ acid grassland mosaic with {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis} sp.,{\it Ulex gallii, Erica tetralix}.


VEG:
As well as the {\it Ulex}, the {\it P. aquilinum} contains frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg, and occasional {\it Rhododendron ponticum} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} (both less than 3m. high) and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}.

MANAGE:
Thwe common appears to be ungrazed. No ongoing management apparent.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Snipe, Magpie, Crows, 3 swans in flight.

VEG:
To the south of the bridlepath acidic grassland with {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis curtisii, Nardus stricta} gives way to wet heath with {\it Ulex gallii, M. caerulea, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Cladonia} sp. with scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} upslope. Dense but low {\it P. aquilinum} is found in areas on the northern slopes of Kilmar Tor, with some {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} small trees. Nearer the top of the tor leggy {\it Calluna vulgaris} lies between many boulders. There are a few small areas of cattle-poached ground edged with substantial {\it J. effusus}.
 
North of the bridlepath there is also marshy grassland wet heath with mounds of {\it Ulex gallii/Molinia caerulea} with {\it C. vulgaris} at the edges and occasional {\it Juncus squarrosus, Vaccinium myrtilus}. This grades into more continuous wet heath towards Trewortha Tor with scattered {\it P. aquilinum}. On the summit of both the main tors of this common the cavities between rocks support {\it Dryopteris dilitata, Polypodium vulgare, Vaccinium myrtillus, Oxalis acetosella, Umbellicus rupestris, Carex binervis, Blechnum spicant, Luzula sylvatica} (which has several areas of strong growth on Kilmar Tor). Grey and light brown crustose lichens are seen on rocks, around which there is frequent {\it Sedum acre, Polytrichum} sp. The south side of Kilmar Tor has substantial {\it P. aquilinum} grading into acidic grasslands of grazed {\it M. caerulea, Agrostis} spp. , {\it Nardus stricta} with scattered {\it Ulex gallii, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Scirpus cespitosus} but some areas could be recorded as Acidic grassland/ Wet Heath mosaic. To the south side of Kilmar Tor towards the eastern boundary is some dry heath with {\it Ulex gallii, Calluna vulgaris, Agrostis} spp. {\it Festuca} sp. {\it Carex} spp., and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.

MANAGE:
Managed for grazing. There are a few places where cattle poaching is evident. Informal car parking place just outside the common to the eastern edge indicates frequent use by walkers, though there is v. little erosion as informal footpaths braid in may directions. There is much ancient and industrial archaeological interest on this common.


VEG:
Because of the grazing levels on this site, a substantial area is covered by a mosaic of wet heath and acid grassland. This consists of scattered domes of {\it Ulex gallii} (up to 0.3m high) with a patchy carpet of {\it Calluna vulgaris} growing in a short sward of {\it Molinia caerulea}, and {\it Agrostis capillaris}, with locally frequent {\it A. curtisii, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. The mosaic grades into acid grassland on the southern and eastern slopes of the common, where there are also some large patches of continuous {\it P. aquilinum}. On the SW facing slope below Tregarrick Tor (SX241712), there is frequent scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with dense {\it Salix} spp. scrub along the stream at the bottom of the slope. 

The disused quarry has been flooded. No aquatic or marginal vegetation was observed, but the sides and surrounding piles of rock supported occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris, Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.        

Just below the quarry, along the NE boundary, there is a valley mire which continues to the northern boundary. It is heavily poached, but the vegetation cover is still generally intact. There are scattered clumps of {\it Juncus effusus} and (heavily grazed) tussocks of {\it M. caerulea} surounded by a carpet of {\it Sphagnum} spp. This contains locally abundant {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris}, plus locally frequent {\it Viola palustris, Carex panicea} and {\it Erica tetralix} (spindly shoots - not mature plants). No pools of standing water were seen. {\it Juncus squarrosus} occurs frequently around the edges of the mire.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by cattle and sheep. A substantial area (now wet heath/acid grassland mosaic) would probably develop into wet heath (D2) if grazing levels were reduced.


VEG:
The grassland is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris}, with frequent {\it A. stolonifera, A. curtisii, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosa, Rumex acetosella, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Prunella vulgaris}. There is frequent scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} (saplings), {\it Ulex gallii, Salix} spp., and {\it Coryllus avellana}. Some bushes are covered with abundant {\it Hedera helix}.

Along the eastern boundary, there are mature, but wind-stunted {\it Quercus robur} trees.

MANAGE:
Control of {\it P. aquilinum} desirable.


FAUNA:
Several Rabbits seen. Also 2 buzzards, Starlings, Blackbird.

VEG:
The wet heath in the southern section is dominated by {\it Ulex gallii, Erica cinerea} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Agrostis curtisii}, plus locally frequent {\it Erica tetralix, Agrostis capillaris, Carex flacca, Carex panicea, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Cladonia} spp. There are occasional, scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} bushes. 

The heath is generally in good condition (mature, cover about 90 per cent). Exceptions are the middle area of the common and the SW corner, which appear to be more intensively grazed than the rest. Cover is about 60 per cent, and there are patches of {\it A. curtisii/A. capillaris} acid grassland along the road.   

The northern sections are subdivided with wire fencing (except Black Tor), and mostly contain {\it Agrostis capillaris} dominated semi-improved acid grassland, with small areas of improved and poor semi-improved grassland. There is a small area of marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinea caerulea} with frequent {\it Juncus squarrosus, J. effusus, Carex flacca} and {\it C. panicea}, with occasional {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}. 

Black Tor was viewed through binoculars only. It appears to be a mosaic of {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Juncus effusus} dominated marshy grassland, unimproved acid grassland and scattered and continuous {\it P. aquilinum}. There is scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub around the summit and on the eastern slope; here there is also scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix} spp. There is some disturbed land from old workings. 

The new bit of exchange land (see map) was viewed only from the roadway (Dec. 1998) and has rough grazing but also a mire with some areas of scrub (?{\it Salix} carr and small areas of open water. Some walls in the grazed area are still in good condition but many are eroded and frequently support {\it Ulex} spp. on top.

Near the A30, downslope from the Blacktor Downs lies (very) marshy grassland with much {\it Molinia caerulea, Juncus} spp., {\it Festuca rubra}.

MANAGE:
There does not appear to be evidence of any ongoing management apart from the grazing which is quite intense in some areas.


VEG:
Two out of five of the detached sections were surveyed. The largest section, which includes The Ridge (SX243778) is described first.

Most of the south facing side of The Ridge supports acid grassland with patches short (up to 0.6m high) {\it P. aquilinum}. The acid grassland is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} or {\it Nardus stricta}, with locally frequent {\it Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Rumex acetosella}. Around the summit, the acid grassland grades into wet heath dominated by {\it Ulex gallii} and {\it Molinia caerulea}, with locally abundant {\it Nardus stricta, A. capillaris} and {\it A. curtisii}, plus locally frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, P. erecta} and {\it G. saxatile}. This area of heath extends down the north and west facing slopes, and shows obvious signs of grazing. It has the appearance of a lawn of short {\it M. caerulea} and other grass spp., interspersed with distinct domes of {\it U. gallii} and other dwarf shrub species, up to 0.5m high and 2 to 8m apart. Estimated cover of dwarf shrub species is 25 to 35 per cent.

At the bottom of the W. facing slope (SX234775), there is a small area of heavily grazed and poached valley mire dominated by {\it Sphagnum} spp., with frequent {\it Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus,  E. tetralix, C. vulgaris} and {\it Drosera rotundifolia}, plus occasional {\it Succisa pratensis}. 

The land on the SW side of the mire (around Carey Tor) supports wet heath similar to that described above, but it is much more heavily grazed; cover of dwarf shrub species is in the range 10 to 20 per cent, and the area has been recorded as wet heath/acid grassland mosaic.         

The detached portion at SX241790 is mostly short, grazed acid grassland with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix} spp. scrub, but it contains some extensive flushes on the upper part of the slope. These are dominated by {\it Sphagnum} spp., with frequent {\it Molinia caerulea} (less than 5cm high), {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Anagallis tenella, Hypericum elodes, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Viola palustris, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Trichophorum cespitosum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex panicea, C. flacca} and {\it Drosera rotundifolia}, plus occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus} (all 3 less than 5cm high), {\it Succisa pratensis, Drosera} sp., {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Prunella vulgaris, Veronica montana, Juncus bulbosus} and {\it J. squarrosus}.

MANAGE:
The present grazing levels may be causing a gradual reduction in the extent of wet heath on the common. The area of wet heath would be expected to increase if grazing pressure was relaxed, especially in the SW end of the common, around Carey Tor.


VEG:
The land around Carburrow Tor is a mixture of acid grassland and continuous and scattered bracken, with peripheral areas of dense and scattered scrub. The acid grassland is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it A. curtisii}, with locally frequent {\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile} and {\it Juncus squarossus}. There are also scattered patches of {\it Molinia caerulea} in the short sward (not enough to record the area as marshy grassland under the Phase 1 definition). Amongst the exposed rocks on Carburrow Tor (where access is difficult for livestock) there are small patches of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, with frequent {\it Cladonia} spp. The peripheral scrub on the southern and eastern sides of Carburrow Tor is dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus}, with occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna}.   

The eastern half of Hardhead Downs (on the gentle E. facing valley slope) is wet heath dominated by {\it Ulex gallii}, with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and locally frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, P. erecta, G. saxatile} and {\it Cladonia} spp. Cover is about 80 per cent, but there are obvious signs of the impact of grazing - there are domes of {\it U. gallii} (up to 0.4m high and 2 to 5m apart), with a carpet of {\it C. vulgaris, Agrostis} spp., and {\it M. caerulea} in between. Cover decreases rapidly to the west of the spot height (256m) shown on the map, where it grades into heath/acid grassland mosaic and acid grassland, with scattered {\it U. europaeus} bushes (1-3m high) - the acid grassland continues down the west facing slope; there is occasional {\it U. gallii} and {\it C. vulgaris} in this area, suggesting that it may once have been heathland.

{\it Erica tetralix} becomes frequent towards the base of the east facing valley slope, where the wet heath grades into valley mire (Dewey Marsh). This is dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, with abundant {\it Sphagnum} spp. It looks as if it is subject to frequent grazing around the edges. In the valley bottom, there are frequent pools of standing water with abundant {\it Sphagnum} sp. Other species recorded include locally abundant {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Drosera rotundifolia} and {\it Cladonia} spp., with locally frequent {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Viola palustris, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Succisa pratensis, Vaccinium myrtillus, C. vulgaris, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Carex panicea}.

MANAGE:
It is possible that this common once supported a much larger area of heathland, which was reduced by grazing. The present grazing regime may be causing an ongoing gradual loss of heathland. The condition of the wet heath suggests that any increase in grazing would certainly lead to a reduction in heathland area on the common.


FAUNA:
Crows seen during survey.  Refer to the extract from the SSSI citation in the entry for CL194.

VEG:
The common falls within Bodmin Moor SSSI and reference should also be made to the SSSI citation, which is reproduced in the entry for CL194. 

In the south east quarter of the common, there is short, cattle grazed acid grassland (dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris}), but moving westwards, this quickly grades into marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} (which is 5 to 30cm high), with locally frequent {\it A. capillaris, A. curtisii, Festuca ovina, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosella} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}, and scattered patches of short (less than 10cm) {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}, with occasional {\it Ulex gallii}. The cover of these dwarf shrub species is less than 10 per cent; wet heath would probably develop if grazing pressure was relaxed. Moving SW towards the valley trough, {\it M. caerulea} becomes increasingly tussocky (ht. up to 70cm), and almost a monoculture ({\it T. cespitosum} is still locally frequent). This grades into an {\it M. caerulea} dominated valley mire, with a saturated carpet of {\it Sphagnum} spp. A stream, (less than 1.5m wide) lined with clumps of {\it Juncus effusus} and occasional {\it Salix} spp. bushes, runs through the middle of the mire. There is also abundant {\it Myosotis scorpiodes} and frequent {\it Ranunculus} sp. (looks like {\it R. omniophyllus}).  In the vicinity of the stream, there are frequent pools of standing water containing abundant {\it Sphagnum}. Other species recorded on the mire include locally frequent {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Lotus uliginosus, Ranunculus flammula, Mentha aquatica, Viola palustris, Carex flacca, C. panicea} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}. 

Slopes are often boulder-strewn with good lichen and bryophyte growth. There are many patches of {\it Juncus effusus} and marshier grassland with {\it Carex} spp. and much {\it Molinia caerulea}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and cattle and a few horses, and it appears that grazing has caused some change since the 1985 survey by Hobbs and Brown, which records this area (using the NVC) as M15a {\it Scirpus cespitosus}*  -  {\it Erica tetralix} wet heath, {\it Carex panicea} sub community. While the {\it S. cespitosus} is still very much in evidence, there is now so little {\it E. tetralix} that this classification would no longer be applicable.  

*In this survey, the name {\it S. cespitosus} has been replaced by {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}.

There is much poaching by cattle near the entrance to the bridge over the A30.

There is much of archaeological interest on this common.


VEG:
{\it Pteridium aquilinum} occupies most of the area of this common; it is interspersed with stands of {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus}, and occasional, scattered {\it Salix} spp. bushes.
 
Other species recorded include locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Arrhenatherum elatius}, and {\it Calystegia sepium}, plus occasional {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Artemisia vulgaris} agg., {\it Jasione montana, Silene dioica} and {\it Crocosmia uniflora}.

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen, but it is possible that some grazing still takes place. The extensive cover of dense {\it P. aquilinum} renders most of the common unsuitable for livestock grazing.


VEG:
The heath consists of {\it Erica tetralix, Erica cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no single species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and locally abundant {\it Agrostis curtisii}, and scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. Along the boundaries of the common (which are traditional Cornish hedgerows), there are frequent dense stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. {\it Ulex europaeus} becomes more frequent towards the N. edge of the heath, and forms dense stands along the access track (this track is excluded from the common). Other species recorded include locally frequent {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Carex flacca} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}, plus occasional {\it Jasione montana, Polygala serpyllifolia, Lonicera periclymenum, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Crocosmia uniflora}.   

Towards the northern edge of the common, there is a small {\it Juncus effusus} dominated flush (see map) which contains frequent {\it Myosotis scorpiodes} and {\it Silene dioica}.

The {\it C. vulgaris} is generally in good condition (continuous, even cover, 0.3 to 0.5m high), but in the vicinity of the tracks, there are gaps occupied by {\it A. curtisii} and {\it A. capillaris}.

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen. If the common is still used for grazing, the level does not apppear to be high enough to have an adverse effect on dwarf shrub regeneration.


VEG:
The heath consists of {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Calluna vulgaris}, and {\it Ulex gallii} (no single species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and locally abundant {\it Agrostis curtisii}. On the SW facing slope, there are distinct ridges (about 4m wide and 0.3 to 0.5m high). {\it A. curtisii} is concentrated in the furrows here, and the lines of dead flower heads make this ridge/furrow area clearly visible from a distance. Other species recorded include {\it Cuscuta epithymum} (mostly on {\it U. gallii}), plus locally abundant {\it Carex flacca}, frequent {\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile} and {\it Cladonia} spp., also occasional {\it Polygala serpyllifolia} and {\it Jasione montana}. 

Heather condition varies from a fairly even, continuous cover (30 to 40cm high) in the W. and N. of the site to a discontinuous cover of carpet like plants with abundant {\it Agrostis curtisii} in the central area (this grades into dry heath/acid grassland mosaic towards the eastern boundary of the common). {\it Molinia caerulea} is absent in the areas recorded as dry heath and dry heath/acid grassland mosaic.

The pond known as The Lidden (SW399338) now contains abundant {\it M. caerulea}, with frequent {\it Juncus effusus, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex panicea} and {\it Juncus effusus} (no standing water at the time of survey).

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen, but the common is probably used for cattle grazing.


FAUNA:
Several Meadow Brown, Common Blue and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies seen.

VEG:
The scrub in the northern part of the common consists mainly of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with locally frequent {\it Ulex europaeus} and occasional {\it Rosa} sp. There are scattered trees and small patches woodland of varying age (mostly {\it Quercus robur}, with occasional {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Fagus sylvatica}). Other species recorded here (along the footpath and under the scrub canopy, where accessible) include locally abundant {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}, with locally frequent {\it Potentilla erecta, Dryopteris filix-mas, Centaurea nigra, Stachys officinalis, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Achillea millefolium}, plus occasional {\it Succisa pratensis, Eupatorium cannabinum, Chamerion angustifolium, Pulicaria dysenterica}, and {\it Polypodium vulgare}. 

Most of the south facing valley slope is covered in dense {\it P. aquilinum}, with scattered {\it C. monogyna, P. spinosa} and {\it U. europaeus}. At the bottom of the slope, (along the stream which appears to form the CL boundary) there is strip of mature, broadleaved semi-natural woodland (between 20 and 60m wide). It is dominated by {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, with occasional {\it Fagus sylvatica}, and an understorey of scattered {\it C. monogyna} with occasional {\it Lonicera periclymenum}. Ground flora species recorded here include locally frequent {\it Luzula sylvatica, Viola} sp., {\it Stachys sylvatica, Umbilicus rupestris, Phyllitis scolopendrium} and {\it Athyrium filix-femina}, plus occasional {\it Arum maculatum, Geranium robertianum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Circaea lutetiana, Carex remota, Polypodium vulgare} and {\it Blechnum spicant}.

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen. Appears to be unmanaged. The extent of {\it P. aquilinum} cover on this common renders most of it unsuitable for livestock grazing.


VEG:
No vegetation observed. It is possible that the intertidal rocks support brown algal beds. It was difficult to ascertain this, as the tide was in, and most of the area shown in this CL unit on the map was submerged.


FAUNA:
None recorded during survey. See entry for adjacent CL124 for general description.

VEG:
This CL unit consists of small areas of common adjacent to and essentially part of CL124. For general description of these acidic grasslands see Vegetation report for CL124.


VEG:
Much of this common is acid grassland with wet heath. The northern parts are acid grassland with species such {\it M. caerulea, Agrostis} sp.,{\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile}. {\it Luzula (pilosa?)} and {\it Sedum acre} are found near rocks. The western side of this common has areas of {\it P. aquilinum} and scrub {\it Ulex} sp.


VEG:
Part of Metherin Downs is valley mire with clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}, with a 'lawn' area of {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis} sp. hummocks with frequent {\it Polytrichum commune, Cladonia} sp.,{\it Lotus uliginosus, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Viola palustris, Vaccinium myrtillus}. Other species present include {\it Carex echinata, Carex panicea, Juncus squarrosus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Hypericum hirsutum}. Most of the northern part of Metherin Downs is acidic grassland ({\it Nardus stricta, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Calluna vulgaris, Agrostis} sp.) with general {\it Ulex europaeus}.

Kerrow Downs is largely acidic grassland with frequent scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} and some dense {\it P. aquilinum}. The river water (N. of Bradford) supports {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius, Oenanthe} sp., {\it Myosotis scorpioides, Lotus uliginosus, Polygonum hydropiper, Ranunculus flammula}. The grasslands support species such as {\it Luzula} sp.,{\it Polytrichum commune, Calluna vulgaris, Euphrasia} sp.,{\it Galium saxatile, Potentilla anserina, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Festuca} sp.,{\it Eleocharis} sp.,{\it Gnaphalium uliginosum}. {\it Thymus druceii} found along the road. There are small areas of degraded wet heath with {\it Ulex gallii} abundant with {\it Carex panicea, Eleocharis} sp.


FAUNA:
Refer to the SSSI citation, which is reproduced in the entry for CL194.

VEG:
Only the disused airfield and the pasture land immediately to the south was surveyed on foot. Most of this area is sheep grazed unimproved and semi-improved acid grassland, with small areas of poor semi-improved grassland around the disused camp site. The main botanical interest in this area is the marshy grassland at the northern edge of the common (SX149858). This is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} with abundant {\it Juncus effusus, Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Sphagnum} spp., plus locally frequent {\it Hypericum elodes, Viola palustris, Drosera rotundifolia, Eriophorum vaginatum, Cirsium palustre, Hydroctyle vulgaris, Succisa pratensis, Carex echinata} and {\it Polytrichum commune}, plus occasional {\it Rhynchospora alba} and {\it Carex} sp. (looks like {\it C. pilulifera}).     

The survey information for the remainder of the site is taken from the 1985 survey by Hobbs and Brown. The Roughtor Marsh is M21a {\it Narthecium ossifragum - S. papillosum} valley mire {\it S. auriculatum - Rhyncospora alba} sub-community. To the north of this on Davidstow Moor are {\it Agrostis - Festuca} grasslands.

The whole of this common lies within Bodmin Moor SSSI. A copy of the SSSI citation is given in the entry for CL194 (High Moor).


VEG:
This common is of acid grassland with marshy grassland downslope. Alongside the Warleggan River lies some valley mire. Any heath habitat will have been degraded by heavy grazing. See SSSI citation for Bodmin Moor North at CL 194.


VEG:
The northern half of this small common is short, semi-improved acid grassland, this grades into unimproved acid grassland towards the southern half. It is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it A. curtisii}, with frequent {\it Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Rumex acetosella}. There is no fence or other boundary between this common and CL110 (West Moor) to the south.


FAUNA:
This common was surveyed briefly on foot in 1998. Dunlins, Peregrine, Pipits, Raven, Red Kite seen. Notices warning of adders noted near the common.  

This common is situated wholly within Bodmin Moor, North SSSI. The following text is reproduced from the SSSI citation. It is also applicable to other commons situated within the Bodmin Moor, North SSSI:

"Otters ({\it Lutra lutra}) penetrate the Moor along watercourses, particularly the River Fowey, and there are records of Harvest Mouse ({\it Micromys minutus}).

Bodmin Moor is of major importance for both nesting and wintering birds. Of the breeding species the site is of county importance for Lapwing ({\it Vanellus vanellus}), Snipe ({\it Gallinago gallinago}), Redstart ({\it Phoenicurus phoenicurus}), Stonechat ({\it Saxicola torquata}) and black-headed Gull ({\it Larus ridibundus}); it is of regional importance for its populations of Wheatear ({\it Oenanthe oenanthe}), Curlew ({\it Numenius arquata}), and Whinchat ({\it Saxicola rubetra}). The latter breeds here at exceptionally high densities for Britain. The tiny breeding population of Dunlin ({\it Calidris alpina}) represents the southern limit of the world breeding range of the species. 

In winter Bodmin Moor supports a number of rare species of bird in small numbers, including Hen Harrier ({\it Circus cyaneus})*, Merlin ({\it Falco columbarius})*, Peregrine ({\it Falco peregrinus})* and there are regular winter records of Red Kite ({\it Milvus milvus})*. It is the main wintering area in Cornwall for snipe and Short-eared Owl ({\it Asio flammeus})*. The winter population of Golden Plover ({\it Pluvialis apricaria})* regularly reaches nationally important levels and occasional counts of well over 10,000 birds qualify the Moor as being of international importance. While migrant and overwintering birds range widely across Bodmin Moor they are dependent upon the large area of semi-natural habitats within the site for shelter, roosting and feeding.

The Moor is one of the best dragonfly and damselfly sites in the County. Of the sixteen species recorded, the Black Sympetrum ({\it Sympetrum scoticum}), the Small Red Damselfly ({\it Ceriagrion tenellum}) and the Scarce Blue-tailed ({\it Ischnura pumilio}) are of very restricted range and distribution nationally. 

Other invertebrate groups are rather poorly studied, but there are records of the nationally scarce butterfly species Silver-studded Blue ({\it Plebejus argus}) and Marsh Fritillary ({\it Euphydryas aurinia}) as well as Dark-green Fritillary ({\it Argynnis aglaia}), Silver-washed Fritillary ({\it A. paphia}), Green Hairsreak ({\it Callophrys rubi}) and Grayling ({\it Eumenis semele}).

*These species are listed in Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive."

VEG:
The following begins with the SSSI citation for Bodmin Moor, North to which some limited field survey notes are added:

'Bodmin Moor occupies much of the central part of E Cornwall. It is remarkable as a moorland both for its low altitude: (between 230m and 420m at the summit of Brown Willy), and for the Atlantic elements in its flora and fauna with a number of species known only from SW Britain. The site is of particular importance as the only upland massif in Cornwall and for the extensive area of semi-natural vegetation, which includes examples of a range of upland plant communities: wet heath, dry grassland, valley bogs, blanket bogs, and crags. The area incorporates several catchments each with a range of wetland communities supporting a number of rare and local plants.

The Moor is the eroded remnant of a massive, sub-surface intruded granite boss of Armorican age. During its cooling, secondary intrusions occurred and extensive mineral deposits were formed , notably of tin, copper, zinc, lead, silver and iron. Around the granite itself is an aureole of highly metamorphosed rock derived from the surrounding slates and shales.

Several peneplains have been identified and above these rise the high tors. These granite outcrops show many features of periglacial erosion including 'cheesewring' type structures, screes and clitter slopes. A number of streams and several important rivers, including the Fowey, Camel and Lynher rise on Bodmin Moor cutting valleys across the plateaux.

The granite-derived soils are mostly gritty, very acid loams of the Hexworthy series of stagnopodzols. There is frequently a wet peaty surface horizon and an ironpan is often present. Slightly better-draining but similar soils are found high on the tors while basins and river valleys contain thick, very acid amorphous water-logged peaty soils. On steep bouldery slopes there are occasional exposures of well-drained humic brown podzols, and much of the metamorphic aureole is overlain by typical well-drained, loamy brown podzolic soils.

The diverse topography and soils give rise to a range of vegetation types. The 2 most widespread are: {\it Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris- Galium saxatile} grassland and {\it Scirpus cespitosus- Erica tetralix} heath. Clitter slopes on the high tors and in other areas of relaxed grazing typically support dwarf shrub heath vegetation with dominance of {\it C. vulgaris, V. myrtillus, Agrostis curtisii, M. caerulea, U. gallii} Humid crevices amongst the higher tors support the uncommon {\it Hymenophyllum wilsonii} and {\it H. tunbridgense}.

At intermediate altitudes between about 250m and 300m the vegetation of the more gently sloping ground displays the influence of several thousand years of pastoral activity. A number of grassland types have been identified here, typically dominated either by {\it Agrostis canina, Festuca rubra, Nardus stricta}, or {\it M. caerulea}. The balance between these communities is maintained largely by local variation in grazing intensity and type of livestock. These grasslands probably represent degraded heathland complexes. Where grazing is very light, {\it P. aquilinum, Ulex europaeus, U. gallii} may dominate. On the margins of wet areas the frequency of {\it Sphagnum} mosses increases, and {\it J. squarrosus} may be locally dominant. 

Hollows and valleys on Bodmin Moor are typically colonized by a range of wetland communities notably: {\it Carex rostrata-S. recurvum} mire, {\it C. echinata - S. recurvum/auriculatum} mire, and {\it Narthecium ossifragum - S. papillosum} valley mire. These have been frequently subjected to burning and intense grazing pressure. Throughout the moor a number of such areas have been flooded by reservoir construction, though at the eastern end of Crowdy Reservoir a high degree of biological interest remains because of the gradual transition to peatland with a complex of islets and emergent vegetation and Cornwall's only major colony of Black-headed Gulls. Rare or local flowering plants occurring within the bog communities include: {\it Anagallis tenella, Drosera intermedia, D. rotundifolia, Hammarbya paludosa} a nationally scarce species, {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Pinguicula lusitanica, Scutellaria minor, Wahlembergia hederacea}.

Lowerplants are not well documented from Bodmin Moor but there are records of the epiphytic lichen {\it Usnea articulata} from rocks on clitter slopes. These clitters and some of the high tors have developed an attractive lichen turf deserving further study. A number of rare epiphytic lichens are found on trees in the strips of deciduous woodland which follow the courses of some of the rivers into the Moor. At least 9 species of local or rare liverworts are known from tors and clitter slopes and a further 8 local species including the very rare {\it Jamesoniella undulifolia} are recorded in boggy areas. A rich moss flora includes {\it Antitricha curtipendula} from high rocky outcrops, {\it Pohlia bulbifera} from wetlands and there are records of the very rare {\it Fontinalis squamosa} var. {\it curnowii} from rocks in streams.

Otters penetrate the Moor along watercourses, particularly the R. Fowey and these are rcords of the Harvest Mouse.

Bodmin Moor is of major importance for both nesting and wintering birds. Of the breeding species the site is of county importance for Lapwings, Snipe, Redstarts, Stonechats, Black-headed Gulls. It is of regional importance for Wheatears, Curlews, Whinchats. The latter breeds here at exceptionally high densities for Britain. The tiny breeding population of Dunlins represents the southern limit of the world breeding range of the species.

In winter Bodmin Moor supports a number of rare bird species in small numbers, including Hen Harriers, Merlins, Peregrine, and there are regular winter records of Red Kites. It is the main wintering area in Cornwall for Snipe and Short-eared Owl. The winter population of Golden Plovers regularly reaches nationally important levels and occasional counts of well over 10,000 birds qualify the moor as being of international importance. While migrant birds range widely across Bodmin Moor they are dependent upon the large area of semi-natural habitats within the site for shelter, roosting and feeding.

The Moor is one of the best dragonly and damselfly sites in Cornwall. Of the 16 species recorded, {\it Sympetrum scoticum, Ceriagrion tenellum} and {\it Ischnura pumilio} are of very restricted range and distribution nationally.

Other invertebrate groups are rather poorly studied but there are records of the nationally scarce butterfly species {\it Plebejus argus, Euphydrys aurinia, Argynnis aglaia, Argynnis paphia, Callophrys rubi, Eumenis semele}.'

Common bryophytes noted included {\it Polytrichum commune, Polytrichum juniperinum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}. Open pools noted at top of Butten Hill. 

The 'peninsula' of land at the NE corner of the site has substantial {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub with valley mire and meandering streams. Species such as {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius, Hypericum elodes, Glyceria fluitans, Myosotis} sp. {\it Ranunculus aquatilis, Juncus} spp. {\it Anagallis tenella}. A small bridge near here has {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium, Asplenium trichomanes} on its walls.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep, horses and cattle. Valley mire at NE end of the common warrants further survey.


FAUNA:
Several Small Tortoiseshell and Meadow Rrown butterflies were seen, and 1 Rabbit.

VEG:
The area around Rylands and Churchtown is mostly dense scrub dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus} with frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. It is interspersed with small areas of unimproved acid grassland, mature dry heath ({\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus}), dense {\it P. aquilinum} and tall ruderal vegetation (these areas too small to map) dominated by {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Urtica dioica}. There is also a small area of wet heath ({\it C. vulgaris, Ulex gallii, Molinia caerulea}) in a clearing in the scrub at the southern end of this area (SX097768). 

To the north of Churchtown (SX095777), there is an extensive area of dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} and young {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Along the public road just to the north (SX095780), there is a small area of broadleaved woodland dominated by {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Quercus robur} with occasional {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. The trees are of various ages; some have been coppiced (not recently). There is an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}; these species extend from under the canopy on the southern side to form a small area of dense scrub. Ground flora species noted include locally abundant {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Hedera helix} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, with locally frequent {\it Mnium hornum, Oxalis acetosella, Polytrichum} sp., {\it Silene dioica} and {\it Viola} sp., plus occasional {\it Digitalis purpurea, Solidago vigaurea} and {\it Veronica chamaedrys}. A strip of short grassland along the roadside contains frequent {\it Euphrasia} sp. and {\it Rhinanthus minor}.

The section adjoining Treswallock (SX108781) is mostly short, grazed acid grassland ({\it Agrostis capillaris, A. curtisii, Fetuca} sp.) with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. The eastern half contains short, grazed (not tussocky) marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} with frequent {\it A. capillaris} and {\it A. curtisii}.

MANAGE:
The area around Rylands and Churchtown appears to be ungrazed. The small areas of heathland may be the remnants of a much more expansive area, which may have been lost due to the cessation of moderate grazing.

The section to the east is used for grazing cattle (and possibly sheep and horses) and generally looks heavily grazed.


VEG:
A common of acidic grassland with substantial {\it Molinia caerulea}. Very small sections of CL 198 lie along the NE facing boundary of CL124.


FAUNA:
Several Large White and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies seen.

VEG:
The dense scrub is dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus}, with frequent {\it Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra, Buddleja davidii} and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}. Other species recorded include locally abundant {\it Hedera helix} (under the scrub), plus occasional {\it Arum maculatum, Mentha longifolia, Heracleum sphondylium, Crocosmia} sp., {\it Acanthus} sp., and {\it Kniphofia} sp.


VEG:
Access was gained to the N. and E. ends only, the remainder was viewed from the track to the north of the common, and Boswens Common to the south, using binoculars.

The main area of the common appears to be {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated marshy grassland. There are scattered patches of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, and {\it Salix} spp. scrub. Towards the N. boundary, there is a small area of {\it Juncus effusus} dominated marshy grassland. This gives way to stands of {\it Urtica dioica} which are growing around building rubble that has been deposited just inside the common land boundary.  

The western half of the common contains an area of {\it Erica tetralix} and {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated wet heath (see map). Towards the western end, this gives way to dense stands of {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Urtica dioica}, with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Rumex obtusifolius, Heracleum sphondylium, Silene dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Angelica sylvestris}. 

The common is cattle grazed, but the cattle appear to stay in the northern half.

MANAGE:
Subject to cattle grazing. No other ongoing management apparent.


VEG:
The dry heath consists of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii} with abundant {\it Agrostis curtisii}, plus locally frequent {\it Erica tetralix, Cuscuta epithymum, Potentilla erecta, Succisa pratensis, Centaurea nigra, Cladonia} spp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. (along S. boundary fence). Other species recorded include occasional {\it Jasione montana, Polygala serpyllifolia, Solidago vigurea, Stachys officinalis, Hyacinthoides non-scripta} (possibly frequent - difficult to tell in Aug.) and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Towards the northern boundary, the heath gives way to dense stands of {\it P. aquilinum}. 

The small areas of wet heath contain the same species as the surrounding dry heath, plus frequent {\it Molinia caerulea}.

The heath is in generally good condition (10 to 30cm high, continuous cover), but it looks as if it was grazed earlier in the year. No livestock were seen at the time of survey.

MANAGE:
Probably subject to intermittent cattle grazing.


FAUNA:
The following information is quoted directly from the SSSI citation: 

"A rich invertebrate community with a number of rare species is associated with the diverse topography and vegetation of the site. The large beetle (Coleoptera) population has eight species which are notably rare including the endangered {\it Cathormiocerus britannicus} and {\it Miarus micros}. A particularly important spider (Arachnida) fauna has been recorded and {\it Lathys stigmatisata, Gnaphosa occidentalis, Clubonia genevensis} and {\it Euophrys herbigrada} are all endangered species. There are eight notably rare species in a rich assemblage of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) including the Silver-studded Blue ({\it Plebejus argus}) and the endangered moth {\it Pterophorus fuscolimbatus}. In addition a nationally rare ant species, {\it Leptothorax tuberum}, has been recorded.

The cliffs and offshore rocks support breeding populations of Fulmar ({\it Fulmaris glacialis}), shag ({\it Phalacrocorax aristotelis}), Great Black-backed Gull ({\it Larus marinus}), Lesser Blacked-backed Gull ({\it L. fuscus}), Herring Gull ({\it L. argentatus}) and Jackdaw ({\it Corvus monedula})."

VEG:
The common lies within Kynance Cove SSSI. The following information is quoted directly from the SSSI citation:

"Along the cliffs, the thin serpentine soils suffer severe seasonal exposure to salt laden winds. Here maritime heath community has developed dominated by Sheeps Fescue ({\it Festuca ovina}) and Heather ({\it Calluna vulgaris}), with Thrft ({\it Armeria maritima}), Kidney Vetch ({\it Anthylis vulneraria}) and Thyme ({\it Thymus drucei}). The soil is very low in plant nutrients and calcium but high in bases, so less demanding calcicoles flourish alongside calcifuge species. Hence dropwort ({\it Filipendula vulgaris}), Lady's Bedstraw ({\it Galium verum}), and Great Burnet ({\it Sanguisorba officinalis}) are common. A number of rare plants flourish here including Autumn squill ({\it Scilla autumnalis}), Western Clover ({\it Trifolium occidentale}), Spring Sandwort ({\it Minuartia verna}) and Red Broomrape ({\it Orobanche alba}). Of particular note are important populations of the nationally rare fringed rupturewort ({\it Herniaria ciliolata}), Wild Asparagus ({\it Asparagus officinalis}) and Spotted Cat's-ear ({\it Hypochaeris maculata}).

Inland, where the soils are deeper, the vegetation is dominated by the nationally rare Cornish Heath ({\it Erica vagans}) with Western Gorse ({\it Ulex gallii}) and Bell Heather ({\it Erica cinerea}). The rare Hairy Greenweed ({\it Genista pilosa}) is common amongst Betony ({\it Stachys officinalis}), Dropwort and Great Burnet, plants typical of this Lizard heathland community. The hybrid heath {\it Erica x williamsii} has also been recorded here. On areas of shallow soil, numerous {\it Allium} "pans" have developed with populations of Wild Chives ({\it Allium schoenoprasum}). Other species associated with these pans include Green-winged Orchid ({\it Orchis morio}) and the nationally rare Land Quillwort ({\it Isoetes histrix}). In addition, an old serpentine quarry supports a population of the nationally rare Pigmy Rush ({\it Juncus mutabilis}).  

The western end of the site has been exposed to heavy tourist pressure resulting in grassy areas of trampled maritime heath, largely lacking in ericaceous species. Rocky outcrops in this area have large populations of the rare Bloody Cranesbill ({\it Geranium sanguineum}). Great Fen-sedge ({\it Cladium mariscus}), an uncommon species in Cornwall, occurs on the valley floor.

Kynance Cove supports a nationally important lichen community with many rare and local species. It is the only British locality for {\it Cladonia mediterranea}, and {\it Heterodermia leucomelos; H. obsurata} can be found on boulders and cliff ledges." 

The following additional species were recorded on 19th Aug 1995: {\it Plantago coronopus, P. maritima, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Lotus corniculatus} were all frequent in the grassland along the cliff tops, with occasional {\it Succisa pratensis. Crithmum maritimum} occurs in crevices on the cliff faces. A small flush was found at SW692130, dominated by {\it Schoenus nigricans}, with frequent {\it Molinia caerulea, Carex panicea, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Eupatorium cannabinum}. Occasional {\it Lonicera periclymenum} was seen in the coastal heath.

MANAGE:
Part of the site is managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve.


VEG:
Most of this site was surveyed from the cliff footpath only. It was difficult to gain access to the lower part of the common, because of the steepness of the slopes above the cliffs.                              

The coastal grassland generally has a 10 to 15cm high sward - it does not appear to have been grazed recently by livestock. It is  dominated by {\it Festuca rubra}, with locally frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Armeria maritima, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Silene maritima}, plus occasional {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Stachys officinalis, Succisa pratensis, Rumex acetosella, Silene dioica} and {\it Crocosmia sp.}. 

The scrub is dominated by {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Ulex europaeus}, with locally frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}, and occasional, scattered {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} saplings. In sheltered areas, the scrub reaches a height of 2 to 3m.; in more exposed areas it is severely wind-pruned and forms a very dense, low canopy (less than 1m high). Ground flora species seen (mostly from the footpath) include abundant {\it Hedera helix}, plus occasional {\it Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Polypodium vulgare}.

The patches of {\it P. aquilinum} are mostly situated amongst the scrub, and frequently extend down the steep slopes to the cliff tops. The cliff faces were mostly unsurveyed, but near Jacka Point, lower areas of cliff face were seen to support scattered {\it Crithmum maritimum}. Scattered {\it Calluna vulgaris, Armeria maritima, Silene maritima, Beta vulgaris} and {\it Sedum acre} plants were visible close to the cliff tops.

MANAGE:
The common does not appear to be subject to regular livestock grazing.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Common gull, Tern. Numerous empty snail shells (0.3 to 1.5cm in diameter) were found around {\it Ammophila arenaria} and other vegetation on the landward side of the dunes.

VEG:
The dune vegetation is dominated by {\it Ammophila arenaria}. On the seaward side, this appears to be the only species present, apart from occasional {\it Crithmum maritimum}. On the landward side of the dunes, there is also locally frequent {\it Lotus corniculatus, Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Daucus carota}, with occasional {\it Picris echioides, Beta vulgaris, Euphorbia sp., Centranthus ruber} and {\it Erigeron} sp. (garden variety). Around the car park, and along the eastern boundary, there are stands of {\it Hippophae rhamnoides, Tamarix gallica} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with locally abundant {\it Hedera helix}.

MANAGE:
Public access to part the landward side of the dunes is controlled in places by wire fencing - this appears to have been installed to allow {\it Ammophila arenaria} and other species to regenerate on areas eroded by frequent use.


VEG:
Dry heath consisting of a dense, continuous cover (height 30 to 40cm) of {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii}, with locally frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris, Agrostis setacea, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile} and {\it Cladonia} spp., plus occasional {\it Molinia caerulea, Carex flacca, Jasione montana, Polygala vulgaris} and {\it Cuscuta epithymum}. There are peripheral stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} along the NE and SE boundaries of the common.

MANAGE:
The common may be subject to occasional burning and cattle grazing. It would be desirable to prevent any further spread of {\it P. aquilinum} from the NE and SE boundaries.


FAUNA:
Damselflies were seen around the pond site at SW388311.

VEG:
The heath consists of {\it Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no one species appears to be dominant). In those areas recorded as wet heath, there is abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}; in areas recorded as dry heath, this species occurs only occasionally. The heather is generally mature (height 30 to 50cm.) and cover is continuous. Other species recorded: locally abundant {\it Carex panicea} and {\it Cladonia} spp.; locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, A. capillaris, Carex flacca, Cuscuta epithymum, Galium saxatile} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}.

The peripheral areas of scattered scrub consist of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with occasional {\it Salix} spp. in the eastern half. In the western detatched portion, there are occasional dense stands of {\it Fallopia japonica}.

The pond site at SW388311 now contains {\it Juncus effusus}, with frequent {\it J. bufonius, Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Ranunculus flammula}.

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen at the time of survey, but the common is probably subject to occasional cattle grazing.


VEG:
Most of this common is sand dune system with {\it  Ammophila arenaria} dominant. Other species observed include {\it Euphorbia portlandica, Senecio vulgaris, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Phragmites australis}. Scrub species fringing the site include {\it Rubus fruticosus, Tamarix gallica}. Species locally prevalent which may occur on the common include {\it Atriplex prostrata, Cakile maritima, Honkenya peploides.}

MANAGE:
Attempts have been made to retain/stabilize the dune system to protect it from erosion by humans.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Carrion crow, House sparrow. 2 rabbits seen.

VEG:
The dense {\it P. aquilinum} is concentrated around the summit, on the north and east facing slopes. Elsewhere, there is semi-improved acid grassland, with frequent scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. On the west facing side, there is a small area of wet heath, dominated by {\it Ulex gallii}, with with occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.

The grassland is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris}, with locally frequent {\it A. stolonifera, A. curtisii, Molinia caerulea} (short, less than 5cm) {\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosa, R. acetosella, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Prunella vulgaris}, plus occasional {\it Ulex gallii, Calluna vulgaris, Carex flacca} and {\it C. panicea}.     

Around the bases of rocks at the summit, there is frequent {\it Polytrichum commune}.

The common was being grazed by cattle (about 20) and 2 horses at the time of survey.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blue tit, House sparrow, Song thrush.

VEG:
The dense scrub is dominated by Salix spp., with locally frequent {\it Prunus spinosa, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. In the western half, there are scattered {\it Quercus robur} saplings and coppiced {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} trees (less than 6m high).  

The small ponds are situated along the N. edge of the common. They contain abundant {\it Potamogeton natans}, and occasional {\it Callitriche} spp. They are fringed with frequent {\it Myosotis scorpioides, Glyceria fluitans} and {\it Veronica beccabunga} plus occasional {\it Scrophularia aquatica}. There are also frequent clumps of {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it J. conglomeratus}, and occasional (but dense) stands of {\it Typha latifolia}.   

There are areas of excavated ground in the E. half of the common, which are bare, except for a covering of occasional {\it Agrostis} sp.

MANAGE:
A steel barn has been built in the middle of the common, with a new access road from the A30.   

Three horses were seen on the southern side of the common.


VEG:
Strandline vegetation is starting to colonize the beach, just above the mean high water mark. It consists of occasional, scattered {\it Agropyron junceforme, Beta vulgaris, Cakile maritima} and {\it Atriplex} sp. 

Along the NW facing CL boundary, there is a small stream (less than 1m wide), which runs on to the beach. This is fringed with occasional {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Rorripa nasturtium aquaticum, Apium nodiflorum} and {\it Sparganium erectum}, all of which are growing in the sand (about 30m above the MHWM).

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent, apart from maintenance of the site for use as a public beach.


FAUNA:
Several damselflies were seen around the pond.

VEG:
The bulk of the common is covered by wet heath, which consists of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, E. cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no one species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Cuscuta epithymum} and {\it Cladonia} spp.

The central, western and northern areas of the common are the most frequently grazed (especially along the tracks), and here the heather condition varies from a fairly even, 40 to 50cm. high mature cover, to uneven topiary and carpet forms (5 to 30cm. high).

The extreme eastern end of the common appears to be the least frequently grazed - here, the heath is 40 to 60cm. high with tussocky {\it M. caerulea}.

To the south of the main east to west track, scattered patches of heath have been burnt, and these now support a "lawn" of short {\it M. caerulea}, with small, regenerating {\it E. tetralix} an {\it U. gallii}, and patches of exposed peat (appears to be less than 30cm deep). Part of this area is generally lower and wetter than the rest of the heath, and supports locally abundant {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Carex panicea}, with locally frequent {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Lotus uliginosus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Potamogeton polygonifolius} (in wet depressions), {\it Carex flacca} and {\it Sphagnum} spp., plus occasional orchids, {\it Cirsium palustre, Serratula tinctoria, Anthylis vulneraria} and {\it Juncus effusus}. There are also scattered {\it Salix cinerea} bushes, with a ground flora of tussocky {\it M.caerulea, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it D. filix-mas}.

The pond at SW398336 is used frequently by cattle, and the edges are muddy and poached. It contains abundant {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius} and {\it Lemna} sp., with frequent {\it Glyceria fluitans, Myosotis scorpioides} and {\it Ranunculus flammula}, plus occasional {\it Lycopus europaeus}. There is a small stand of {\it Sparganium erectum} (about 5m. wide) in the middle of the pond.      

Around the heath, there are peripheral stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., and tall herbs and grasses ({\it Chamerion angustifolium, Heracleum sphondylium, Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Holcus lanatus}). Other species recorded in these areas include locally frequent {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Rhinanthus minor, Centaurea nigra, Anthriscus sylvestris, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Hypochaeris radicata}, plus occasional {\it Daucus carota, Fallopia japonica, Crocosmia uniflora} and {\it Silene dioica}.

MANAGE:
Used for cattle grazing; this does not appear to be affecting dwarf shrub growth, except in the most regularly grazed areas where topiary and carpet forms have developed.


FAUNA:
3 Meadow Brown and 3 small tortoiseshell butterflies seen.

VEG:
The area outside the enclosed, improved grassland is mine spoil which is partly vegetated with patches of scrub ({\it Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Salix} spp., {\it Corylus avellana}) and occasional stunted {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. There are also scattered stands of continuous {\it P. aquilinum}, and patches of {\it Agrostis curtisii} with frequent {\it A. capillaris, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Achillea millefolium}, plus occasional {\it Juncus effusus}. Around exposed rocks, there is occasional {\it Sedum acre} and {\it Cladonia} sp.

MANAGE:
The enclosed, improved grassland is grazed by sheep and cattle. The remaining area appears to be unmanaged.


VEG:
The upper part of the slope is improved grassland. As the slope steepens towards the sea, this gives way to poor semi-improved and coastal grassland. The continuous {\it P. aquilinum} and dense scrub is situated on the lower part of the slope. 

The coastal grassland is dominated by {\it Agrostis} spp., with locally abundant {\it Festuca rubra}, plus locally frequent {\it Armeria maritima, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens, Rumex acetosa, Galium saxatile} and {\it G. verum}. 

The dense scrub consists of heavily wind pruned (generally less than 1m high) {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with occasional stunted {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. Around the edges of the scrub and bracken, there is frequent {\it Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} plus occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Eupatorium cannabinum}.


FAUNA:
None seen during brief very wet field survey.

VEG:
A common of wet heath and scrub with species composition similar to that included under CL377. with a higher proportion of scrub/woodland and some marshy grassland.

MANAGE:
Scrub encroachment of wet heath needs control.


VEG:
The dry heath consists of {\it Erica cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} in varying proportions, with frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Galium saxatile, Potentilla reptans} and {\it Cladonia} spp., plus occasional {\it Molinia caerulea, Cuscuta epithylium, Jasione montana} and {\it Carex flacca}. This grades into wet heath, with frequent {\it Molinia caerulea, Erica tetralix, Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Carex panicea} towards the stream running along the western boundary of the common.

The stream contains frequent {\it Myosotis scorpioides}, and is fringed with abundant {\it M. caerulea}, and occasional clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}. 

There are peripheral stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} (upto 20m wide) along the N. boundary of the common.

Most of the heath appears to be mature (height 0.3 to 0.5m, continuous cover) There are patches where the cover is discontinuous, and the heather is younger (possibly caused by burning in previous years). No livestock was seen.

MANAGE:
The heath appears to be subject to infrequent burning.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Common gull, Herring gull, Stonechat, Raven. Rabbits evident.

VEG:
Most of the area of this common is intertidal rock situated below steep cliff faces, or sand/shingle beach situated in small coves. Areas above the MHWM are included in the common at Gooden Heane Cove (SW660457), near Portreath, at Bassets Cove (SW638441), and on the small islands just off the coast.   

Most of the islands (viewed through binoculars) appear to be bare rock, apart from crustose lichens, and very occasional tufts of grass (probably {\it Festuca rubra}). It is likely that the intertidal rocks support algal beds, but these were submerged at the time of survey. 

Vegetation cover on the cliffs around Gooden Heane Cove and Bassets Cove varies. Some areas are bare, sheer granite, with only very sparse {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Crithmum maritimum}. Where the slope is not so great, there is often abundant {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Armeria maritima}, with frequent {\it Daucus carota, Sedum acre, Plantago maritima} and {\it P. coronopus}. On the cliffs in Gooden Heane Cove, there are also patches of severely wind-pruned {\it Prunus spinosa} (0.5 to 1m high), with scattered patches of {\it Calluna vulgaris}, and occasional {\it Jasione montana, Primula veris, Osmunda regalis} and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}. The cliff tops around the Cove support heath  dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea}, which grades into grassland/heath mosaic with abundant {\it Festuca rubra}. There are also small patches of {\it Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Other species recorded here include frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, A. stolonifera, Ononis repens, Silene maritima, Daucus carota, Solidago vigaurea} and {\it Stachys officinalis}, with occasional {\it Succisa pratensis, Anthyllis vulneraria, Crocosmia} sp. and {\it Acanthus} sp. Occasional small flushes also support frequent {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Anthriscus sylvestris, Eupatorium cannabinum} and {\it Lythrum salicaria}.

MANAGE:
The heathland just N. of Gooden Heane Cove may be grazed occasionally; no other ongoing management is apparent.  The Coastal path is heavily used but limited erosion problems.


FAUNA:
Birds recorded include: Buzzard, Woodpigeon, Green Woodpecker, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Wren, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Willow Warbler, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Crow, Magpie, Goldfinch, Pied Flycatcher, Chiffchaff, Wheatear.

Common Lizard.

Lepidoptera: Large White, Small Copper, Red Admiral, Speckled Wood, Grayling, Gatekeeper, Marbled White, Common Blue.

Odonata: Common Darter.

VEG:
Most of Main Dale common is SSSI and is wet heath /acid grassland with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}, frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Erica vagans, Erica cinerea, E. tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Ulex europaeus} and {\it occasional Carex panicea, Carex pulicaris, Carex flacca, Dactylorhiza} sp. {\it E. cannabinum, Salix repens} agg.,{\it Ulex gallii, Schoenus nigricans, Crocosmia} sp. {\it Agrimonia eupatoria} Sanguisorba officinalis}.

Scrub areas include much {\it Salix cinerea} some {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus}. Ground flora species include {\it Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, P. aquilinum, Dryopteris dilitata, Polystichum setiferum, Athyrum filix femina, Polystichum vulgare, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Silene dioica, Geranium robertianum, Circaea lutetiana, Hyacinthoides non-scripta}.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Robin.

VEG:
The dense scrub is dominated by {\it Salix} spp., with frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Coryllus avellana, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus}.  

Ground flora species present include frequent {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Hedera helix}, plus occasional {\it Polypodium vulgare} and {\it Blechnum spicant}.


FAUNA:
Over 110 species of birds recorded. Many Odonata species, Adders. Emperor Moths.

VEG:
Coombe and Frost (Journal of Ecology Vol.44 1956) elucidated four heath communities on the Lizard that have developed due to the unique pedological and geological features of the area. They called these Short Heath, Tall Heath, Mixed Heath and Rock Heath. 

Short Heath supports much {\it Agrostis curtisii, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Ulex gallii, Molinia caerulea}. Tall Heath is a community found only in the Lizard area with much {\it Molinea caerulea, Schoenus nigricans} and {\it Erica vagans}. These communities are present in the northern areas of the common. Mixed heath includes {\it Erica vagans, Serratula tinctoria, Filipendula vulgaris}. Tall Heath Includes the above species and {\it Genista anglica, Succisa pratensis}. 

The western edge supports much well developed short heath and, towards the SW, a mixture of short, tall and mixed heath communities and some bare serpentine rock.

Parts of the common in the area south of the runways ( 688155) have the largest areas of heath remaining after the construction of the airfield.

There are also areas of scrub with {\it Salix} sp. carr, {\it Prunus spinosa, Ulex gallii}. 

A 3 to 4 metre wide strip is found adjacent to the inside of the perimeter fence which is lower than most of the heath and with wetter ground, many carices, {\it Schoenus nigricans}, bare mud and pools. There are some large areas of {\it Salix/Prunus spinosa} scrub within the airfield and, near the edge, pockets of {\it Phragmites australis}. The bridleway around the airfield at the northern end of the site is well used.

MANAGE:
A Management Plan is in preparation (1998). Active management will include the preparation of an annual work programme, grazing with ponies, maintainance of wetland areas, control of {\it Fallopia japonica}, NVC survey and the implementation of an environmental monitoring programme.  There is controlled winter burning of Tall Heath and scrub clearance.


VEG:
The heath is dominated by {\it Erica ciliaris, Ulex gallii} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with small patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} in the SE corner.

MANAGE:
The heath in the vicinity of the track appears to be ungrazed.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Common gull.

VEG:
The area between the southern boundary of the common and the stream which runs into Parc Bean Cove is pony-grazed coastal grassland with patches of dense and scattered scrub ({\it Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Lonicera periclymenum}). The grassland is dominated by {\it Festuca ovina}, with locally frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Silene dioica, Stachys officinalis, Digitalis purpurea} (these 5 spp. are generally within or fringing patches of scrub), also {\it Agrostis capillaris, A. curtisii, Achillea millefolium, Daucus carota} and {\it Armeria maritima}. The last 2 species become increasingly frequent towards the cliff tops.                          

Along the stream which runs into Parc Bean Cove, there is frequent {\it Apium nodiflorum, Sparganium erectum, Schoenus nigricans, Filipendula ulmaria, Pulicaria dysenterica, Epilobium hirstum} and {\it Sanguisorba minor}, plus occasional {\it Juncus effusus, Iris pseudacorus, Scrophularia aquatica} and {\it Linaria vulgaris}. Just to the north of the stream, there is a {\it Schoenus nigricans} dominated flush with frequent {\it Carex panicea, Pulicaria dysenterica, Eupatorium cannabinum} and {\it Cirsium palustre}.  

The land on the south facing slope above Lower Predannack Cliff supports wind pruned {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub, which grades into dry heath dominated by {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii}. Within this area, there is a small {\it Phragmites australis} dominated flush, with frequent {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Anagalis tenella}, plus occasional {\it Ranunculus flammula}.

The land above the SW facing cliffs supports grazed coastal grassland dominated by {\it Festuca ovina}, with frequent {\it Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Ononis repens, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago coronopus} and {\it Silene maritima} plus occasional {\it Viola} sp. and {\it Calluna vulgaris}. Patches of grassland extend over the cliff tops on to very steep slopes (less than 60 degrees) above the cliff faces. The herb spp. appear to be much more frequent in these ungrazed areas (especially {\it Armeria maritima} and {\it Silene maritima}), which also contain frequent {\it Plantago maritima}. All the coastal grassland species mentioned above also occur in the higher crevices on the cliff faces, as well as {\it Crithmum maritimum, Sedum acre, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii}. 

Walls around the common on the south side support {\it Sedum} sp., {\it Daucus carota, Thymus druceii, Silene maritima, Plantago coronopus, Umbellicus rupestris, Rumex acetosella}, good bryophyte and lichen growth.

MANAGE:
Cattle are probably grazed on the common as well as donkeys. Some short sections of fencing have been erected along the cliff tops, probably to stop livestock falling off. The National Trust grazes Shetland ponies on the common.


FAUNA:
Large White, Meadow Brown and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were seen at the northern end of the common.

VEG:
The scrub is dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus} (up to 4m high) with frequent {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Around the edges of the scrub (along the path), there is frequent {\it Potentilla anserina, Leontodon autumnalis, Stachys officinalis, Galium verum, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it P. coronopus}, plus occasional {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}. At the N. end of the scrub, there is area of wetland vegetation consisting of abundant {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Eupatorium cannibinum} with frequent {\it Apium nodiflorum, Mentha aquatica, Oenanthe} sp., {\it Lotus uliginosus, Odontites verna}, and {\it Crocosmia} sp., plus occasional {\it Juncus effusus, Ranunculus flammula, Lythrum salicaria} and {\it Kniphofia} sp.

MANAGE:
The site appears to be ungrazed. No ongoing mangement apparent.


FAUNA:
Large White and Meadow Brown butterflies seen. There is evidence of rabbit grazing.

VEG:
The western half of the common is mostly dense, continuous {\it P. aquilinum}, with small patches of dry heath ({\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea}), and (mostly peripheral) patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with occasional {\it Salix} sp. Also in this area, there is a cluster of 10 enclosures (see map); the three largest contain cattle grazed, improved grassland. There is a detached house at SW379337. Pigs were seen in the rear garden. 

In the eastern half of the common, the {\it P. aquilinum} gives way to dry heath. This consists of {\it Ulex gallii, Erica cinerea} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Cuscuta epithymum, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. It is generally mature (height 40 to 60cm, continuous cover), but towards the eastern boundary it has developed the topiary form associated with grazing (height 10 to 30cm., cover  discontinuous). There are peripheral areas of semi-improved acid grassland and poor semi-improved grassland, with occasional scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}.                          

Other species recorded on the common include locally frequent {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Silene dioica} and {\it Centaurea nigra}, plus occasional {\it Digitalis purpurea, Jasione montana, Fallopia japonica} and {\it Sambucus nigra}.    

The northern detached portion of the common is mostly poor semi-improved grassland, with small peripheral stands of {\it P.aquilinum}. Some shacks have been built for livestock out of corrugated metal sheets, and some disused farm machinery has been dumped along the track on the SE boundary of this portion.

Apart from the enclosures mentioned above, no livestock was seen on the common, but it is likely that it is used for cattle and horse grazing.

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen apart from the pigs, but it is likely that cattle and horses are grazed on the common.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Black-headed gull, Common gull.

VEG:
The exposed bedrock on each side of the bay is covered with scattered patches of seaweed, including {\it Enteromorpha} sp. and {\it Fucus} spp. There are numerous tidal pools.

The small area of cliff above the MHWM supports occasional {\it Crithmum maritimum} and sparse grass (probably {\it Festuca rubra} - viewed through binoculars).


VEG:
This common is adjacent to the open water of an old pit/quarry. There is a raised mound covered with acidic ungrazed grasses and {\it Salix} sp. scrub. The flatter areas are of acidic and marshy grassland. The boundaries of the common are unclear.


VEG:
The dry heath in the N. half of the common is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea}, with locally frequent {\it Ulex gallii, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Cladonia} spp. The {\it C. vulgaris} is generally 20 to 40cm high, cover is continuous.  

The wet heath is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii}, with frequent {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Molinia caerulea, Agrostis curtisii}, and {\it Cladonia} spp., plus occasional {\it Succisa pratensis, Jasione montana, Blechnum spicant, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. The heather is generally 30 to 50cm high, cover is continuous and even, making it difficult to walk through where there are no paths.

There are peripheral areas of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} along the northern edge of the common.

MANAGE:
The heath does not appear to be subject to regular grazing, or burning in rotation.


VEG:
The wet heath is generally dominated by {\it Ulex gallii} and {\it Erica cinerea}, with locally abundant {\it E. tetralix} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}, plus frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Cladonia} spp., and occasional {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Jasione montana}. Heather cover is about 90 per cent, height varies between 10 and 40 cm, suggesting occasional grazing. 
 
There are small, peripheral stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} along the boundary walls. At the western end of the common, the heath grades into {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub.

MANAGE:
Appears to be subject to occasional grazing (probably cattle), no other ongoing management apparent.


FAUNA:
Small Copper butterflies were seen in the NE quarter of the common.

VEG:
Most of the northern half of the eastern section is dry heath with extensive peripheral stands of continuous {\it P. aquilinum} (see map).

The heath is dominated by {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii}, with locally abundant {\it Calluna vulgaris}, plus locally frequent {\it Erica tetralix, Cuscuta epithymum, Agrostis curtisii, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Cladonia} spp. There are frequent rock outcrops, especially around Sperris Quoit - these support occasional {\it Sedum acre, Blechnum spicant, Polypodium vulgare, Hedera helix, Jasione montana} and {\it Succisa pratensis}.     

Towards the S. half of this section, the dry heath grades into wet heath, which is a mixture of {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, C. vulgaris} and {\it U. gallii} (no single species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}, plus frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Cuscuta epithymum} and {\it Cladonia} spp. The heath condition on both areas of heath is good - the plants are mature (height 30 to 50cm) and cover is about 90 percent. 

The western section is situated on a SW facing slope. The upper half supports dry heath dominated by {\it C. vulgaris, E. cinerea} and {\it U. gallii}, with locally abundant {\it A. curtisii}, plus frequent {\it Cladonia} spp. and occasional {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Ulex europaeus, Salix} spp., {\it Molinia caerulea, Cuscuta epithymum, Jasione montana} and {\it Succisa pratensis}. There are frequent rock outcrops which support occasional {\it Sedum acre, Polypodium vulgare} and {\it Hedera helix}. The heather is generally mature (height 20 to 40cm), and cover is about 80 percent. The lower half of the slope supports dense, continuous bracken with frequent scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Salix} spp.

MANAGE:
There is no evidence of regular livestock grazing, or burning on a rotational basis.


VEG:
The heath consists of {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no one species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}. Other species recorded include locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Cladonia} spp., plus occasional {\it Jasione montana, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Polygala serpyllifolia}.

The condition of the heath falls into 3 categories: 

1) Burnt areas (last 2 years). Now a "lawn" of short {\it M. caerulea} interspersed with regenerating (height range 1 to 8cm) {\it E. tetralix, E. cinerea, U. galli, C. vulgaris} and {\it A. curtisii}, and patches of bare earth (about 20 percent of area).

2) Older, less recently burnt areas, where {\it M. caerulea} is in flower and starting to form tussocks, and heath spp. are starting to form a continuous cover.

3) Mature heath - 50 to 70cm high, continuous cover. 

No livestock were seen on the common at the time of survey. 

There are peripheral stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex gallii} - mostly arond the western edges of the heath.

MANAGE:
The common is subject to burning, and probably occasional cattle grazing. Any spread of {\it Ulex europaeus} or {\it P. aquilinum} on to the wet heath should be discouraged.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, House Sparrow,  Woodpigeon.

VEG:
The canopy is a mixture of old coppiced {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and standard, mature {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Q. petraea}, with locally frequent {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} (in the vicinity of the stream) and occassional {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Regeneration is generally good, especially of {\it F. excelsior} and {\it A. pseudoplatanus} - there are frequent stands of young saplings (trunk diameters less than 3cm at chest height) on the lower half of the slope. 

Understorey species are generally scattered, but form dense stands in places (especially in the vicinity of the stream). They are {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Corylus avellana}, with locally frequent {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Tamus communis}, plus occasional {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Viburnum opulus}.  

Ground flora species recorded: locally abundant {\it Hedera helix, Luzula sylvatica}, and {\it Mercurialis perennis} with locally frequent {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Blechnum spicant, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Silene dioica, Geranium robertianum, Oxalis acetosella, Circaea lutetiana, Potentilla sterilis, Viola} sp., {\it Primula vulgaris, Geum urbanum} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} (possibly abundant - difficult to tell in Sept.). There is also occasional {\it Polypodium vulgare} and {\it Carex sylvatica} and (along the stream), abundant {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium}, with occasional {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Juncus effusus, Carex} sp. and {\it Carex remota}.

MANAGE:
The common is managed by the Woodland Trust.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, House sparrow, Herring gull. Large White and Red Admiral butterflies seen.

VEG:
The woodland in the northern half of the common is dominated by mature standard and old coppiced {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}, with occasional {\it Fagus sylvatica}. The understorey consists of scattered {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rhododendron ponticum}. On the lower part of the slope here the woodland grades into continuous {\it P. aquilinum} with scattered patches (too small to map) of {\it Calluna vulgaris}. To the south of Ropehaven (SX035489), the woodland grades into continuous {\it P. aquilinum} with extensive areas of dense scrub dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Prunus spinosa}, with locally frequent {\it Salix} spp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}, and occasional scattered {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} saplings. In places, the scrub is severely wind-pruned and forms a very dense, low (less than 1m high) canopy. Occasional {\it Silene maritima} was visible (using binoculars) around rock outcrops in the {\it P. aquilinum}. The cliffs below these very steep slopes are not visible from the footpath, and were not surveyed. 

Other species recorded in the woodland ground flora: locally abundant {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}, with locally frequent {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Hedera helix, Glechoma hederacea, Digitalis purpurea,  Silene dioica, Umbilicus rupestris} and {\it Mnium hornum}, plus occasional {\it Stellaria holostea} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}.                                 

The enclosed fields on the western boundary of the common appear to be improved or poor semi-improved grazed grassland.

MANAGE:
Part managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve.


VEG:
The marshy grassland is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, which is generally under 20cm. high (ie not very tussocky), with locally abundant {\it Juncus effusus} (SE quarter of site) and locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, A. capillaris, Juncus squarrosus, Rumex acetosella, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}, plus occasional {\it Trichophorum cespitosum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris, Ulex gallii, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Succisa pratensis}. 

The peripheral areas of acidic grassland are dominated by {\it Agrostis} spp. (as above); the herb species mentioned above also occur in similar proportions.

At the top of Tolborough Tor, there is a small area of {\it Ulex europaeus} dominated dense scrub.

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen, but it is very likely that the common is used for cattle and sheep grazing. The presence of occasional dwarf shrub species ({\it V. myrtillus, C. vulgaris, U. gallii}), suggests that heathland could develop on parts of the common if grazing was relaxed.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Common gull, Herring gull.

VEG:
The western section is mostly continuous {\it P. aquilinum}, with patches (mostly too small to map) of acid grassland in  S. half and in the vicinity of the footpath. Throughout the {\it P. aquilinum}, there is scattered {\it Digitalis purpurea}. In the northern half of the section, the slope angle increases rapidly to over 70 degrees. In this area, there are frequent rock outcrops and a number of {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated flushes.

Around the rock outcrops, there are patches of {\it Hedera helix, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Festuca rubra, Armeria maritima, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Sedum acre}, plus occasional {\it Primula} sp., {\it Jasione montana} and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}. The rock is coated with grey, white and yellow crustose lichens. 

The {\it M. caerulea} dominated flushes contain abundant {\it Filipendula ulmaria}, with locally frequent {\it Juncus effusus, J. articulatus, Lythrum salicaria, Stachys sylvatica, Angelica sylvestris, Mentha aquatica, Cirsium palustre, Narthecium ossifragum, Centaurea nigra, Carex nigra} and {\it C. panicea} plus occasional {\it Serratula tinctoria, Solidago vigaurea, Scrophularia nodosa, Valeriana} sp., {\it Viola} sp. and {\it Blechnum spicant}. The {\it M. caerulea} becomes increasingly tussocky as the slope angle increases, probably because access for livestock becomes more difficult.     

The lower parts of the slope were not surveyed, but it also appears to be covered with {\it P. aquilinum}, before giving way to unvegetated cliff. 

The eastern section of the common is similarly mostly covered with {\it P. aquilinum}, but there are some distinctive areas of dry heath, {\it M. caerulea} dominated flush and scrub, and maritime cliff. The dry heath is situated along the public footpath; it is dominated by mature {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}. Just above this, there is an area of scrub dominated by {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Ulex europaeus} (all <1.5m high). About 30m. further west, the path cuts through a large flush dominated by tussocky {\it Molinia caerulea}. This contains frequent {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Angelica sylvestris, Eupatorium cannibinum, Lythrum salicaria, Stachys officinalis, Succisa pratensis} and (below footpath), {\it Filipendula ulmaria}, plus occasional {\it Blechnum spicant, Iris pseudacorus, Solidago vigaurea, Serratula tinctoria} and {\it Osmunda regalis}. From this point, another flush is visible (using binoculars) much further down the slope; it appears to be dominated by {\it Phragmites australis}, with {\it M. caerulea} along the edges.      

Near the western boundary of this section, there is a stream with small tributary flushes (similar to the one described above), which flows in to a steeply sided rocky gully down to New Cove. Along the stream, there are occasional stunted {\it Salix} spp. and {\it U. europaeus} bushes, also frequent {\it Oenanthe crocata, Crocosmia} sp., {\it Athyrium filix-femina} and {\it Polypodium} sp. Exposed, loose rock along the upper half of the stream frequent patches of {\it Hedera helix} with scattered {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}, plus occasional {\it Armeria maritima, Silene maritima, Sedum acre} and {\it Umbillicus rupestris}. There is also occasional {\it C. vulgaris} and {\it E. cinerea} along the tops of the gully sides.

Other species recorded (mostly along the paths and edges of the {\it P. aquilinum}): frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Silene dioica, Potentilla erecta, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Festuca rubra}.    

The lower half of this section was not surveyed on foot because of the steepness of the slope, but it appears to be mostly {\it P. aquilinum} above maritime cliff.

MANAGE:
The western section is grazed by cattle, but the eastern section appears to be ungrazed. No other ongoing management apparent.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Common gull, Herring gull, Fulmar.

Mammals recorded:  Grey Seal, Badger, Rabbit, Fox. 

From NT records (1993)

Molluscs: {\it Lauria cylinddracea, Oxychius alliarus, Ponentina sub virescens, helix aspresa, Aegopinella nitidula, Clausilia bidentata, Cepaea nemoralis, Cepaea hortansis.}

Woodlice: {\it Armadillidium vulgare, Oniscus asellus, Philoscia muscorum, Porcellionides cingendus, Porcellio scaber}.

Millipede: {\it Glomeris marginata}.

Odonata:  {\it Calopteryx virgo, Enallagma cyathigerum}.

Hemiptera: {\it Drymera ryei, Himacerus apterus}.

Diptera: {\it Bibio marci, Dilophus febrilus, Dolichopus andalusiacus, Playcheirus albimanus, Neoascia podagrica, Cheilosia pagana, Syritta pipiens, Rhingia campestris, Eristalis tenax, Dasysyrphus venustus, Euleia heracleii}.

Coleoptera: {\it Pterostichus madidus, Harpalus latus, Pterostichus strenuus, Olisthopus rotundatus, Parpalus tardus, Meta bletus foveatus, Olypus brunnipes, Coccinella 7-punctata, Subcoccinella 24-punctata, Rhizobius litura, Cantharis cryptica, Trachys troglodytes, Oedemera nobilis, Meloe proscarabaeus, Lochmaea suturalis, Phaedon tumidulus, Timarcha tenebricosa, Strophosomus nebulosus, Otiorrhynchus sulcatus, Apion aeneum, Ceuthorhynchus} sp. {\it Apion ononis}.

Lepidoptera {\it Pieris rapae, Pieris napi, Lasiommata megera, Cynthia cardui, Boloria euphrosyne, Lycaena phlaeas, Macrothylacia rubi, Pseudopanthera macularia, Lasiocampa quercus, Autographa gamma, Zygaena} sp. 

Orthoptera: {\it Leptophyes punctatissima, Chorthippus parallelus, Pholidoptera griseoaptera}.

Hymenoptera {\it Lasius flavus, Myrmica ruginodis, Formica fusca, Lasioglossum cupromicans.}

VEG:
From NT report 1993: 'The property comprises a rocky headland and an adjoining area of cliffland to the east which support a mosaic of heath, grass-heath, grassland scrub and bracken. 

Much of the property supports very heavily {\it P. aquilinum} and {\it Rubus} spp. invaded coarse grassland, locally succeeding into {\it Prunus spinosa} scrub and of much less than optimal biological interest. However the property also contains extensive areas of good quality heath and grass-heath habitats; it has a fringe of maritime grassland around the coastal edge, and additional habitat diversity is provided by the presence of rocky, tor-like structures with characteristic lichen and crevice communities , and a gully with tall herbs at the south end of the property which supports an interesting invertebrate fauna.' 

In the western section, most of the scrub  ({\it Salix} spp. and {\it Prunus spinosa}) is situated along the track from Treen. Also in this area, there are scattered patches of marshy grassland amongst the {\it P. aquilinum}, dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Juncus effusus}, with frequent {\it Mentha aquatica, Eupatorium cannabinum, Anthriscus sylvestris} and {\it Centaurea nigra}. The eastern part of this section from Lean Point to Porthglaze appears to be covered in {\it P. aquilinum} above the cliffs, with occasional scattered {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub. In the western half, there are areas of coastal grassland, {\it P. aquilinum}, heath and small flushes.

The coastal grassland is dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} with locally abundant {\it Holcus lanatus, Armeria maritima, Daucus carota} and {\it Plantago lanceolata}, plus locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Succisa pratensis, Achillea millefolium, Viola} sp., {\it Leontodon autumnalis} and {\it Potentilla erecta}, and occasional {\it Stachys officinalis, Serratula tinctoria, Jasione montana, Primula vulgaris, Solidago vigaurea} and {\it Crocosmia} sp. Within the grassland, there are small patches of grazed dry heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea}. Along the footpaths, there is frequent {\it Plantago coronopus} and {\it P. maritima}.

The small flushes are mostly situated above Treen Cove. They are dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with frequent {\it Angelica sylvestris} and {\it Lotus uliginosus}, plus occasional {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Lythrum salicaria} and {\it Osmunda regalis}. In scattered niches near the clifftops, there is {\it C. vulgaris, Silene maritima, Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Sedum acre} and {\it Festuca rubra}. Further down, the cliffs (where visible) appear to be bare, except for occasional {\it Crithmum maritimum}. 

The eastern section of the common (SW448388) is mostly covered in {\it P. aquilinum},  but there are some {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated flushes, with frequent {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Juncus articulatus, Mentha aquatica, Stachys officinalis, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Cirsium palustre, Potentilla erecta, Lotus uliginosus, Carex panicea} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}, plus occasional {\it Erica tetralix, Filipendula ulmaria, Lythrum salicaria, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Iris pseudacorus}. 

Along the stream, which forms the NE boundary of this section, there is abundant {\it Crocosmia} sp., with frequent {\it M. caerulea} and {\it Eupatorium cannabinum}, plus occasional {\it Apium nodiflorum, Juncus effusus, Stachys palustris, Leucanthemum vulgare, Lonicera periclymenum, Brachypodium sylvaticum} and {\it Fuchsia} sp. There are also some very conspicuous {\it Gunnera maculata} plants. 

Within and around the edges of the {\it P. aquilinum}, there are patches of {\it Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Silene dioica}. Along the footpaths, there is abundant {\it Agrostis curtisii} with frequent {\it Festuca rubra, Plantago coronopus, Primula vulgaris, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Serratula tinctoria}, plus occasional {\it Erica cinerea, Solidago vigaurea}. In both sections of the common, there were occasional dead {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} flowerheads along the paths. It is impossible to tell in August how much of this there is - it may be abundant.    
    
On the steep slopes above the cliffs around Pendour Cove, there are patches {\it Festuca rubra} dominated coastal grassland, with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Armeria maritima, Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Primula vulgaris, Plantago coronopus, P. maritima} and {\it Thymus} sp. {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} are frequent along the clifftops and in scattered niches on the cliff faces - these are also occupied by {\it Armeria maritima, P. maritima, Silene maritima} and {\it Sedum acre}. Lower down, the cliff faces are bare, except for occasional {\it Crithmum maritimum}.

MANAGE:
The enclosed field at SW431382 is grazed by cattle and looks as if it has undergone some improvement. The coastal grassland around Gunnards Head looks as if it might be subject to infrequent grazing. The eastern section of the common at SW448388 looks as if it is ungrazed. The NT 1993 report recommends an initially high level of stock grazing by cattle after preliminary clearing of scrub and bracken to be reduced eventually to 1 cow per 2 hectares.


FAUNA:
An adder was seen in the western section (SW421354). Red Admiral butterflies were seen on the lower parts of the eastern section.

VEG:
The wet heath is dominated in places by {\it Erica tetralix}, but over most of the area of the common, there is a mosaic of {\it E. tetralix, E. cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} - no one species appears to be dominant. Other species recorded include abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}, with locally abundant {\it Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Carex panicea}, plus locally frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Cuscuta epithymum, Carex flacca} and {\it Cladonia} sp., and occasional (around exposed rocks), {\it Succisa pratensis} and {\it Jasione montana}. 

Heather condition varies over the site. It is generally mature (height 30 to 50cm., continuous cover), but some areas show signs of regular grazing. Here the cover is about 70 per cent, and the heather is 5 to 30cm high. There are also areas which appear to have been burnt within the last 2 years; the heather is now 5 to 15cm. high (50 percent cover), with a lawn of {\it Molinia caerulea} between individual plants, and patches of bare earth (about 10 per cent cover overall).    

In the western section, there are frequent scattered exposed rocks  generally up to 1m across, but becoming much larger and more frequent towards the cairn at SW419354. The internal boundary walls in this section are old stone walls which have mostly collapsed.                                                  

The other species recorded were mostly found in the vicinity of  the tracks and cottages and disused mine buildings and workings in the S. half of the eastern section. These include locally frequent {\it Centaurea nigra, Teucrium scorodonia, Stachys sylvatica, Heracleum sphondylium, Lotus uliginosus, Plantago lanceolata, Dipsacus fullonum, Hedera helix, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Potentilla reptans, P. anserina} and {\it Plantago lanceolata}, plus occasional {\it Digitalis purpurea, Senecio jacobaea, Arctium} sp., {\it Crocosmia} sp. and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}. Most of these were recorded in or around the edges of stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} or {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. There are also small, peripheral stands of {\it Ulex europaeus} in this area.

MANAGE:
The western section of the common appears to be subject to grazing (probably cattle). No livestock were seen at the time of survey. There is evidence of burning on both sections.
It would be desirable to prevent further encroachment of {\it P. aquilinum} into the wet heath on both sections of the common.


VEG:
The wet heath is situated in the two southern-most parts of the common. It consists of {\it Ulex gallii, Erica tetralix, Erica cinerea} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} (no single species appears to be dominant) with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}, plus locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Galium saxatile}, also occasional {\it Succisa pratensis} and {\it Jasione montana}. The heath is generally in good condition (0.4 to 0.6m. high with a continuous, even cover), although in parts of the SW portion (Conquer Downs), it has developed the topiary form associated with grazing. No livestock was seen on the heathland at the time of survey.     

The remaining land on this common is poor semi-improved or improved grassland. This was cattle grazed, except for one field in the northern section which was being used for silage production.

MANAGE:
The semi-improved grassland areas are cattle grazed, and there is some grazing of the wet heath on the common.


VEG:
The wet heath is situated in the two western-most enclosures. It was surveyed from the boundaries only. It is composed of mature {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no single species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii}. There are small, peripheral stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Both enclosures were ungrazed at the time of survey, and the heath was generally between 30 and 50 cm. in height.  

The improved grassland in the four main enclosures is cattle grazed.                                                                                                                                                      

The southern-most enclosure contains dense {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub (1 to 3m. high) within 60 to 80m. of the SW boundary; this grades into dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered {\it U. europaeus}. Towards the NE boundary, there are patches of {\it Ulex gallii, Erica cinerea} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} dry heath (20 to 40cm. high). Other species recorded in this enclosure (mostly seen along informal footpaths): locally frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Agrostis curtisii, A. capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}; occasional {\it Salix} sp., {\it Succisa pratensis, Solidago viguarea, Hieracium sabaudum} agg., {\it Jasione montana, Digitalis purpurea}. No livestock was seen at the time of survey, but there is evidence of rabbit grazing.

MANAGE:
Areas of improved grassland are used for cattle grazing. The southern-most enclosure may also be grazed occasionally, but because of the extent of dense {\it Ulex europaeus}, the area available to livestock is very limited.  
No evidence of burning, grazing or other management was seen on the areas of wet heath in the two western-most enclosures.


VEG:
The following species were recorded (along informal footpaths) in addition to the {\it P. aquilinum} and {\it C. vulgaris}: abundant {\it Agrostis capillaris}, frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Potentilla erecta, Succisa pratensis, Leontodon autumnalis} and {\it Hypochoeris radicata}, plus occasional {\it Molinia caerulea, Solidago vigaurea, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Juncus effusus}.

Within the {\it P. aquilinum}, there is frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., and occasional, scattered {\it Salix} sp. (less than 2.5m high), and occasional mature {\it Erica cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.


VEG:
The scrub is dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus} (1 to 3m high), with locally frequent (mostly around edges and disused quarry) {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Salix} spp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus occasional {\it Sambucus nigra}. There are occasional patches (too small to map) of dry heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea}. There is a small area of {\it Agrostis capillaris} dominated acidic grassland near the NE boundary of the common.    

Other species recorded (mostly along informal paths and tracks) include frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Teucrium scorodonia, Lotus corniculatus, Viola} sp., {\it Potentilla erecta, Rumex acetosella} and {\it Hedera helix}, plus occasional {\it Succisa pratensis, Cirsium arvense, Stachys officinalis, Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} (possibly frequent - difficult to determine in August).    

No livestock were seen at the time of survey.

MANAGE:
Appears to be unmanaged. The extent of dense {\it P. aquilinum} and scrub means that the area available to livestock is very limited.


FAUNA:
Common Blue, Meadow Brown and Small Copper butterflies were seen.

VEG:
The heath is dominated by {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii}, with frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Agrostis curtisii, A. capillaris, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile} and {\it Cladonia} spp., with occasional {\it Stachys officinalis, Succisa pratensis, Jasione montana, Teucrium scorodonia, Molinia caerulea, Carex flacca, Chamerion angustifolium}, and {\it Polytrichum} sp. 

The heather cover is generally continuous (height 20 to 40cm.). The cover breaks near the southern end, where there are signs of grazing, and patches (too small to map) of acidic grassland. 

{\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. grows within the {\it P. aquilinum} along the footpath, and there are occasional small stands of {\it Fallopia japonica}.

MANAGE:
The improved grassland is subject to cattle grazing; the southern part of the heath is also probably subject to occasional grazing. The public footpath is also used for horse riding. It would be desirable to prevent any further encroachment of {\it P. aquilinum} on to the heath.


VEG:
The acidic grassland contains scattered clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}. In the northern and southern corners of the site, there are stands of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub with occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna}. No other survey information available.


FAUNA:
Large White and Small Copper butterflies were seen.

VEG:
The dense {\it P. aquilinum} (up to 2m. high) covers most of the area of this small common; there is a small area of mature {\it Ulex gallii/Erica cinerea} dry heath (1 to 1.5m high). The only species recorded were seen along the footpath: frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii} and {\it A. capillaris}, plus occasional {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Digitalis purpurea}, and {\it Jasione montana}.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent. The {\it P. aquilinum} is continuous with that on CL525 to the S. and peripheral to a much larger area of wet heath, which covers CL523, 524 and 525. The common may once have have supported heath, but the {\it P. aquilinum} now covers most of the common and attempts at management would probably be impractical.


VEG:
The heath occupies about 70 per cent of the common, and is dominated by mature {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii} (height 40 to 60cm, dense, continuous cover), with locally frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Agrostis curtisii}, and scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}.                        

A track runs north through the site to a disused mineshaft and engine house. Most of the dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is situated in the vicinity of the track and around the disused shaft. Also in this area, there is locally frequent {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Heracleum sphondylium, Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus, Angelica sylvestris, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Calystegia sepium}, plus occasional {\it Molinia caerulea, Digitalis purpurea, Silene dioica, Jasione montana, Sedum acre} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} (possibly frequent).   

The disused tip (shown just N. of the mineshaft on the map) supports frequent scattered young {\it C. vulgaris} and {\it E. tetralix} on otherwise bare ground.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent. It is likely that {\it P. aquilinum} and {\it Ulex europaeus} will spread further into the heathland on this site.


FAUNA:
Large White, Small Copper and Small Tortoishell butterflies were seen.

VEG:
The eastern part consists mainly of dense {\it Salix} spp. dominated scrub, with frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ulex europaeus} plus occasional {\it Sambucus nigra}. At the eastern end of this section, there are dense stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Urtica dioica}. At the western end (along the B3306), there is a small area of {\it Juncus effusus} dominated marsh grassland, with frequent {\it Stachys palustris} and {\it Eleocharis palustris}, plus occasional {\it Cirsium palustre}.

The western section is a mixture of tall herbs ({\it Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Chamerion angustifolium, Cirsium arvense}) with areas of dense {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Salix} spp. scrub. Other species recorded include locally abundant {\it Calystegia sepium}, locally frequent {\it Lotus uliginosus, L. corniculatus, Centaurea nigra, Stachys sylvatica, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon autumnalis, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Lolium perenne}, plus occasional {\it Carex flacca, Juncus effusus} and {\it Leucanthemum x superbum}.


FAUNA:
There is evidence of localized rabbit grazing. Areas of longer grass fringing the dense scrub contain numerous grasshoppers.

VEG:
The coastal grassland is dominated by {\it Festuca rubra}, with locally abundant {\it Agrostis} sp., locally frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Daucus carota, Hypochoeris radicata, Leontodon autumnalis, Galium verum, Viola} sp. and (within 60m of cliff tops) {\it Silene maritima, Armeria maritima} and {\it Plantago coronopus}, plus occasional {\it Thymus} sp., {\it Anthyllis vulneraria, Atriplex} sp. and {\it Linaria vulgaris}. 

The dense scrub is located around the tumulus (see map); it is dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus}, with frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and occasional {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Ulex gallii}. Around the edges, there is occasional {\it Solanum dulcamara, Silene dioica} and {\it Vicia cracca}.  

The cliffs support scattered {\it Crithmun maritimium}; within about 20m. of the cliff tops, there are scattered patches of {\it Festuca rubra}, also abundant {\it Armeria maritima}, frequent {\it Galium verum, Silene maritima, A. vulneraria}, and {\it D. carota}, plus occasional {\it Plantago maritima, Sedum acre}, and {\it Atriplex} spp.

MANAGE:
No livestock were seen, but the common is probably used for cattle and sheep grazing.


VEG:
Marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} occupies the southern half of the common. In the central area, there is a {\it Juncus effusus} dominated flush with abundant {\it Sphagnum} spp. Unimproved acid grassland dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} occupies the northern half of the common.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Black-headed gull, Common gull. The exposed rock is covered with numerous barnacles and limpets. The pools frequently contain small shrimps, crabs, whelks, winkles and sea anenomes.

VEG:
The exposed rocks are covered with a variety of seaweeds, including abundant {\it Fucus} spp. and {\it Enteromorpha} sp. There are numerous rock pools which frequently contain {\it Chondrus crispus} and {\it Codium} sp.

MANAGE:
Used as a public beach, no ongoing management apparent.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: House sparrow, Magpie.

VEG:
The {\it Salix} spp. dominated scrub also contains abundant {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with frequent {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. There are occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} saplings. 

The following ground flora species were seen from the road: {\it Hedera helix, Geranium robertianum, Glechoma hederacea, Teucrium scorodonia, Silene dioica, Molinia caerulea., Dryopteris dilata, Athyrium filix-femina} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.


FAUNA:
1 Meadow Brown and 2 Common Blue butterflies seen.

VEG:
The heath is a mixture of {\it Erica tetralix, E. vagans, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no one species appears to be dominant), with frequent {\it Molinia caerulea} (short, not tussocky), {\it Schoenus nigricans, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Salix repens}. 

The heath is generally short (less than 30cm), but in places it is up to 50cm. high, except in the eastern half of the common, which has been burnt recently. It appears that some excavation work has also been undertaken in this area. Along the northern boundary of the common (along the public road), there is a Cornish hedge about (1 to 1.5m. high), which is covered with {\it E. vagans, E. cinerea, U. gallii}, and {\it C. vulgaris}, with frequent {\it Salix} spp., {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.

MANAGE:
The common does not appear to be subject to regular grazing. It was not possible to determine if the burning is carried out on a rotational basis, the unburnt area appeared to be of a uniform age. From a nature conservation point of view, it would be desirable to limit any further earth moving activity.


FAUNA:
Common Blue and Meadow Brown butterflies seen.

VEG:
The heath is dominated by {\it Erica vagans}, with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} plus locally frequent {\it Erica cinerea, Calluna vulgaris, Ulex gallii} and {\it Salix repens}. In the  western half of the common, there is also locally frequent {\it Juncus articulatus, J. conglomeratus, J. effusus, J. inflexus}, and {\it Schoenus nigricans}. Along an access track (which appears to be used only occasionally), there is frequent {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Sanguisorba minor} and {\it Achillea ptarmica}, plus occasional {\it Lythrum salicaria, Eupatorium cannabinum} and {\it Scrophularia aquatica}. 

In the eastern half of the common and along the boundaries, there are areas of {\it Salix} spp. dominated scrub with locally frequent {\it Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}. The ground flora is dominated by {\it M. caeruluea}, with frequent {\it Dryopteris dilatata}.

MANAGE:
The heath is in a mature condition, suggesting that it is ungrazed, or only grazed occasionally. There is no evidence of burning.


VEG:
The heath is a mixture of {\it Erica tetralix, E. vagans, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no one species appears to be dominant), with locally frequent {\it Molinia caerulea} (short, not tussocky), {\it Agrostis curtisii, Carex panicea, Festuca} sp. and {\it Erica cinerea}, plus occasional {\it Juncus effusus}. Overall cover of dwarf shrub species is in the range 90 to 100 per cent, except for the burnt area (see management section). The heath is generally 20 to 35cm. high.

There are small areas of peripheral {\it Salix} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus} dominated scrub. At Traboe (SW744212), there is a small area of improved grassland with planted {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} along a stream.

MANAGE:
The appearance of the heath shows that it is not subject to regular heavy livestock grazing. At the northern end (SW738211), a small area has been burnt within the last year. Dwarf shrub regeneration is sparse. Just to the SE of this area, there is a small area of land which has been ploughed within the last year and left.


VEG:
The heath consists of {\it Erica tetralix, Erica cinerea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} (no single species appears to be dominant), with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} plus locally frequent {\it Erica vagans, Salix repens, Schoenus nigricans, Agrostis curtisii, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}. There is also occasional {\it Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, J. acutiflorus, Eupatorium cannabinum, Scrophularia aquatica} and {\it Crocosmia} sp. Around the edges of the car park, there is abundant {\it Potentilla anserina}.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The condition of the heath suggests that it has been grazed during the last year. It is 5 to 25cm. high; cover is about 80 per cent. The {\it M. caerulea} forms a "lawn" between {\it E tetralix, Erica cinerea, Calluna vulgaris, and Ulex gallii}, it is not tussocky.     

The common is part of Crousa Downs SSSI.

MANAGE:
Appears to be subject to grazing. No other ongoing management apparent.


VEG:
Most of the heath is dominated by {\it Erica vagans}, with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Schoenus nigricans}, plus locally frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Agrostis capillaris, A. curtisii, Salix repens, Carex panicea, C. flacca, Juncus articulatus} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}, plus occasional {\it Lythrum salicaria, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Dactylorhiza} sp.

The surrounding scrub is dominated by {\it Salix} spp. with abundant {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., and locally frequent {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Ulex europaeus}.

MANAGE:
The condition of the heath suggests that it is ungrazed, or subject only to occasional grazing. Some areas may have been subject to burning in the past. It is possible that the surrounding {\it Salix} spp. scrub could encroach onto the heath, and this may reqire some management in the long term.


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

VEG:
This common forms an outlier to Stockdale Moor. The area was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. Unfortunately there was insufficient time to visit this site. Most of the common is shown to have an acidic grassland sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Agrostis capillaris} and some {\it Juncus effusus}. Two acidic flushes are present, dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, with {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Polytrichum commune}. Other species include {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Ranunuclus flammula, Prunella vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Pteridium aquilinum} and rarely (GR NY 078 072), {\it Drosera rotundifolia}.

MANAGE:
The common is probably 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.


FAUNA:
Noted during the brief site visit were: buzzard, meadow pipit.

VEG:
The common lies to the western margin of Kinniside Common. There are several target notes available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1984). The site was viewed briefly from the road during the present survey (insufficient time for a more detailed evaluation). 

Most of the common appears to comprise an acidic grassland sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} (NVC type U5). Within the sward are frequent {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Festuca ovina} plus locally occasional {\it Juncus squarrosus, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Galium saxatile}. Poorly-drained areas have abundant clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}. Locally there are bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus} which have been grazed by sheep to produce "topiary" forms. The Phase 1 target notes also mention {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} - "scattered over much of the area. The latter grows better under the gorse bushes which are present on the flanks facing south and west". 

There is a further target note for the common at GR NY 059 086: "The spring has been fenced off from grazing animals and has large bushes of {\it Calluna} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. Much {\it Sphagnum} is present with {\it Juncus effusus} and 4 or 5 plants of {\it Dryopteris dilatata}".

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. 

Grazing levels on this common appear high. The gorse bushes have been grazed into pronounced topiary forms. Some have been burnt, possibly through deliberate management. Unlikely to have any botanical interest. The frequency of {\it V. myrtillus} may have decreased since the Phase 1 survey. This source noted cattle on the common at this time (i.e. May 1984). Road across common is cattle gridded.


FAUNA:
The Cumbria Wildlife Trust records refer to the common being a site for natterjack toad. Records at English Nature suggest that it is terrestrial habitat only, and not a breeding site. It is also a recorded site for common frog, adder, grass snake, slow worm and common toad. 

The Phase 1 survey notes gatekeeper butterflies. Ant hills noted on damp pasture at High Sellafield Banks. The common includes a section of the R. Ehen. This is known to have an excellent water quality and presumably therefore has good potential for aquatic fauna.

VEG:
The common lies along the coast just to the north of Sellafield Railway Station. There is a large volume of biological information already existing for this site, and a field visit was not made. The site lies at the southern tip of a much larger coastal strip which comprises a Cumbria Wildlife Trust County Wildlife Site (see map).  

A great diversity of habitats are present. Along the coast itself are a variety of dune habitats, while inland there are a diverse range of grassland communities. The dunes were target noted by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985 (plus some older records). The shingle section has {\it Honkenya peploides, Atriplex patula} and {\it Galium aparine} in the upper part with litter and drift at the high water mark. 

To the south, the dunes were mapped as dune grassland and the target note (GR NY 018 035) reads "Dunes, active. {\it Ammophila arenaria, Elymus farctus, Festuca rubra, Poa} sp., {\it Carex arenaria, Ononis repens, Calystegia soldanella, Galium verum, Rosa pimpinellifolia, R. rubiginosa}, one clump of {\it R. rugosa, Rubus fruticosus, Rumex crispus, Tussilago farfara, Taraxacum} sp., {\it Hypochaeris radicata; Erodium circutaurium on the path}. On the leeward side of dunes also {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Lotus corniculatus, Geranium sanguineum, Thymus praecox, Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. Lightly grazed. Grazing concentrated at northern end and behind the dunes by river. Here {\it Ammophila arenaria} is sparse and replaced by {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis canina, Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Lolium perenne} with {\it Ulex} scrub". 

To the north, the dunes have been mapped as open dune and target noted thus (GR NY 014 041): "Dunes, The dunes at this point are fairly heavily grazed and the {\it Ammophila} is not as healthy as in the dune section between the Sellafield pipeline and this point. {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Poa} sp., and {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca rubra} are co-dominant together with {\it Ammophila arenaria}. {\it Rosa pimpinellifolia, Campanula rotundifolia, Hypochaeris radicata, Galium verum, Carex arenaria}, occasional {\it Armeria maritima}". 

The portion of the common which lies to the landward side of the railway (High Sellafield Banks) was the focus of a grassland survey by NCC in 1990, undertaken on behalf of BNFL. This identified an extensive area of damp pasture, which is an uncommon feature on the Cumbrian Coast. Some of the swards are semi-improved, but swamp and marshy grassland communities were considered to be of great conservation interest. 

In fact, a large portion of the grassland on the common is semi-improved in character, mostly NVC type MG6b. This grassland is mainly dominated by {\it Lolium perenne}, but includes {\it Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Cynosurus cristatus}. More divrerse areas have {\it Carex hirta, Genista tinctoria, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Conopodium majus}. Well-developed ant hills, up to 60cm high, are present and these have species such as {\it Thymus polytrichus, Campanula rotundifolia, Danthonia decumbens, Galium saxatile} and {\it Pseudoscleropodium purum}. 

Elsewhere the grasslands become marshy in character. These appear to be a complex of {\it Holcus lanatus - Juncus effusus} rush pasture (NVC type MG10) and {\it Juncus effusus - Galium palustre} rush pasture (NVC type M23b), plus {\it Agrostis stolonifera - Alopecurus geniculatus} inundation grassland (NVC type MG13). The Phase 1 target note for this area (GR NY 014 044) notes a diverse range of species: "Field has species-rich marshy patches: {\it Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, J. acutiflorus, Glyceria fluitans, Caltha palustris, Equisetum fluviatile, Mentha aquatica, Cardamine} sp., {\it Myosotis scorpioides, Potentilla palustris, Sparganium} sp., {\it Galium palustre, Lysimachia nummularia, Polgonum hydropiper, Stellaria alsine, Scutellaria galericulata, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Potentilla anserina, Lotus pedunculatus, Vicia cracca, Rumex acetosa, Filipendula ulmaria, Phalaris arundinacea, Sanguisorba officinalis, Achillea ptarmica}. Ditches: {\it Glyceria declinata, Alopecurus geniculatus, Veronica beccabunga, Myosotis palustris, M. laxa} subsp. {\it caespitosa, Persicaria hydropiper, Epilobium palustre, E. tetragonium, Stellaria alsine, Angelica sylvestris, Galeopsis tetrahit, Silene dioica, Lythrum salicaria, Stachys palustris, Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina}". 

A small area to the SE also has a community with features both of dune slack (NVC SD12) and also of acidic grassland (NVC U1). This area is dominated by {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Agrostis capillaris} and includes {\it Carex arenaria} and {\it C. nigra}. 

To the east of the main area of common land is a narrow strip which forms the cutting of a closed railway line. This is shown to be mainly {\it Salix} sp. scrub and dense bracken on the Phase 1 map. Species target noted are {\it Salix capraea, S. cinerea} (plus hybrids), {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Chamerion angustifolium, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Equisetum arvense}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed, presumably by cattle, although the Phase 1 target notes do not indicate the stock type. A study of the area by NCC concluded that the wet grassland and swamp communities of the area are important in a local, and possibly, a wider context. The River Ehen has high water quality and therefore interest for fish, and also in creating suitable breeding habitats for the natterjack toad (although note above, they are not thought to use the common as a breeding site). The dismantled railway and the coastal habitats, both of which are represented on the common, add further to the habitat diversity of the site.


FAUNA:
The records of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust note a grass snake in 1992.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. The target note relates to the area of fen which makes up the larger part of the common. This was once a tarn, noted as open water in 1978. In 1985, the tarn was noted to have been completely replaced by willow carr (shown on Phase 1 map as scattered scrub over swamp). "The present farmer could remember skating on the open water". The farm is now owned by BNFL. 

The target note continues (GR NY 022 043): "At the time of the visit, the peat surface was very wet and anaerobic. The scrub is mainly {\it Salix cinerea} with some {\it S. viminalis, S. alba, S. pentandra, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Ground flora of {\it Holcus lanatus, Juncus effusus, Carex} sp., {\it Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, D. affinis, Athyrium filix-femina} and huge tussocks of {\it Osmunda regalis}. 

The margins of this area is surrounded by a dense barrier of {\it Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Solanum dulcamara} and {\it Lycopus europaeus}. Other species include {\it Typha latifolia, Iris pseudacorus, Potentilla palustris, Lysimachia vulgaris, Angelica sylvestris, Galium palustre, G. aparine, Silene dioica, Geranium robertianum, Equisetum palustre, Rumex conglomeratus, Epilobium palustre, Stachys palustris} and {\it Cardamine flexuosa}". 

To the east, the Phase 1 map appears to indicate improved grassland. Reference to aerial photographs suggested that the area shown as a playing field has been mown, and so has been mapped as amenity grassland. The grassland to the south could be seen to have scattered scrub.

MANAGE:
There was insufficient time to visit this common, especially in view of the available existing survey information. Part of the site is possibly managed as a playing field. The swamp/scrub area may be unmanaged.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: carrion crow, meadow pipit and ringlet butterfly. Willow warbler also recorded from the scrub. 

The commmon is a documented breeding site for the marsh fritillary {\it Eurodryas aurinia}, first recorded at the site in 1968, this being only one of a handful of Cumbrian localities for the species. There was strong colony reported in 1974, but it collapsed in 1979, possibly due to a fire, and things have not been helped by a cessation of grazing on the site in 1982. Subsequent counts have all been low, with 4 or 5 adults seen in 1989. No adults or larvae were found in 1990 or 1991. An attempt was made to re-establish the butterfly on the site during 1991, although only 15 larvae were available for the project. This attempt appears to have failed.

In addition to marsh fritillary, two other uncommon butterfly species breed at the site, namely small pearl-bordered fritillary {\it Boloria selene} and dingy skipper {\it Erynnis tages}. The uncommon emperor moth {\it Saturnia pavonia} is also reported.

Wet heath supports a strong population of the peatland soldier beetle {\it Cantharis paludosa}. Rush pasture areas support a very typical fauna for the county, with species such as the soldier beetles {\it Cantharis pallida, C. figurata} and {\it Rhagonycha testacea}, the glass snail {\it Zonitoides nitidus} and the grass bugs {\it Stenodema calcaratum} and {\it S. holsatum. C. figurata} is an uncommon species nationally, but is widespread in the rush pastures of the region.

The scrub habitat has a good range of tree species and a diverse structure, with sheltered marginal grassland 'glades'. These conditions favour an abundant fauna of common and widespread scrub invertebrates and hence represent a rich food source for breeding birds.

VEG:
The common lies to the west of the village of Ennerdale Bridge. It is essentially a complex of broad roadside verges. The Cumbria Phase 1 survey makes several detailed target notes (1985). A brief site visit was made. There have also been Biological Surveys by the National Trust. 

The common is essentially a mixture of marshy grassland grading into wet heath. The 1985 target notes indicate a wet heath mainly dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Juncus} spp., (incl. {\it J. squarrosus}), {\it Erica tetralix, Eriophorum vaginatum, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. oxycoccos, Narthecium ossifragum, Agrostis} spp. and {\it Pleurozium schreberi}. At the time of the present survey, the vegetation over much of the area appeared to be overwhelmingly dominated by coarse, tussocky {\it Molinia caerulea}. Occurrence of ericoid species, in the form of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}, was only locally frequent. As they appeared to have a combined ground cover of less than 25 per cent (i.e. 10 per cent overall cover), it was decided to define the habitats as a mix of marshy grassland plus wet heath, rather than all wet heath.

Other species noted locally were {\it Potentilla erecta, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} (all locally frequent), plus locally occasional {\it Dactylorhiza maculata, Luzula multiflora, Sphagnum recurvum, S. subnitens} and {\it S. capillifolium}. This vegetation appears to belong to NVC type M25a, on account of the overall low cover of {\it Sphagnum}, although it may be transitional with M15 (which fits in with the presence of {\it Sphagnum subnitens}). 

Occasional seepage lines are indicated by the presence of vegetation dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it J. acutiflorus}. Other associates include {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Angelica sylvestris, Cirsium palustre, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Succisa pratensis}.

Scattered scrub is also present locally, in the form of {\it Salix cinerea, Ulex europaeus} and trees of {\it Betula pubescens}. This has developed particularly to the south of the road in an area which in 1985 consisted of overgrown ponds. Other scrub species noted were {\it Ulex gallii} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. 

The ponds themselves were listed to have {\it Iris pseudacorus, Juncus effusus, Angelica sylvestris, Succisa pratensis, Dactylorhiza} sp., {\it Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris carthusiana} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. This area was investigated during the present survey and was found to be still wet and has quite tall vegetation. Additional species noted include {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus conglomeratus, J. acutiflorus, Stellaria alsine, Lotus pedunculatus, Achillea ptarmica, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Viola palustris, Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium hirsutum, Narthecium ossifragum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Valeriana officinalis, Dactylorhiza maculata, D. fuchsii} and probably {\it D. maculata/D. fuchsii} hybrids. {\it Succisa pratensis} (the food plant of marsh fritillary butterfly) was re-located here, but was fairly infrequent. 

At the roadsides, the vegetation is somewhat drier and has the characteristics of neutral grassland - {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Potentilla anserina, Centaurea nigra, Lathyrus pratensis} and {\it Equisetum arvense}.

MANAGE:
Up until 1982 the common was extensively grazed. Subsequently this practice ceased for a time because the site is not cattle-gridded and there is heavy traffic at certain times of day. For the conservation of the marsh fritillary, the site ideally needs a light grazing regime using either bullocks or ponies, to promote growth of the foodplant, {\it Succisa pratensis}. In the last few years, some grazing has been reintroduced in the form of tethered ponies at certain times of year. There has also been some discussion of the use of tethered goats. The long-term aim is perhaps to either fence the road or install cattle grids and other traffic calming measures. The timing and precise pattern of grazing will have to be adjusted through experimentation to achieve the optimum growth of {\it Succisa} for the benefit of the butterfly.

Alternatives to grazing have been considered. Raking, although removing the build-up of vegetation litter and therefore reducing the chances of a hot fire, does not appear to significantly benefit the foodplant. It is also very labour-intensive. Burning may actually be detrimental as it may destroy over-wintering larvae, but it may be useful on a small-scale in areas where the butterfly is known to be absent.

The vegetation in the wet scrubby area to the south of the road has a high structural diversity. This is where any marsh fritillaries would be likely to be found. None were seen during this survey, but the food plant, {\it Succisa pratensis} was noted here in small quantities. Continued monitoring of the site is recommended to prevent creation of new tracks, dumping and other forms of disturbance. Future management may also include some selective thinning of the scrub habitat to maintain its structural diversity.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: buzzard and meadow pipit. May also offer potential for other upland birds such as skylark, whinchat and wheatear.  

Lank Rigg Tarn (GR NY 090 118) is an ungraded site on the Invertebrate Site Register. There is a record for the nationally notable water beetle {\it Hygrotus quinquelineatus}. This is a species which is mainly Scottish in distribution, though it has been noted south to Humberside.

VEG:
The common is a block of upland moorland on the western edge of the Lake District Fells, to the south of Ennerdale. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, with numerous target notes available (1980/1985). A brief visit was made, viewing the western edge from the road which crosses the site. Most of the common consists of rounded hills, giving way to steep slopes in places. The highest point on the common is Lank Rigg (541m). 

Most of the hills/hillslopes carry a sward of acidic grassland. This is mostly dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and locally by {\it Juncus squarrosus} or a {\it Agrostis capillaris/Festuca ovina} sward. Other associates include {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Galium saxatile}. 

The grassland at Latter Barrow (GR NY 073 115) is described as being on stabilised scree, with {\it Luzula campestris} within an {\it Agrostis/Festuca} sward. Boulder faces have {\it Racomitrium lanuginosum}. To the NE of the common, amongst the grassland there are also elements of a heath vegetation, comprising {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} - mapped as a mosaic of acidic grassland and dry heath.  

Running along the western side of the common lies the valley of the river Calder. To the east of here, along the lower edges of the slopes, lie extensive areas of marshy grassland. This is dominated either by {\it Juncus effusus} or {\it Molinia caerulea}. Other associates of this vegetation include {\it Nardus stricta, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Polytrichum commune} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. Latterbarrow Moss (GR NY 071 117) also has {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. 

The steep slopes along the southern flanks of the common tend to have dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. At GR NY 066 097, the bracken-dominated bank has an {\it Agrostis/Festuca} sward beneath, plus species such as {\it Ranunculus ficaria, R. acris, Digitalis purpurea, Rumex acetosa, Cynosurus cristatus, Oxalis acetosella} and {\it Cardamine pratensis} (some of which are woodland understorey herbs).

Throughout the common there are a number of acidic flush features. These have been extensively target noted in the Phase 1 survey. These appear to be mainly dominated by {\it Juncus effusus/Sphagnum} (?{\it S. recurvum}). Other species noted include {\it Montia fontana, Ranunculus flammula, Carex} spp. and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris}.

Several of these flushes also appear fairly rich in bryophytes such as {\it Philonotis fontana, Drepanocladus} spp., {\it Acrocladium cuspidatum, Campylium stellatum} - examples of this category recorded at GR NY 063 113 and NY 072 134. To the south of the common lies a flush with a stream through it (GR NY 071 094). This appears to be quite diverse, with {\it Hypericum elodes} (an uncommon plant in Cumbria), {\it Oenanthe crocata, Mentha aquatica, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Juncus acutiflorus, Drosera rotundifolia, Carex panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Narthecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Isolepis setacea}.
 
The western portion of the common, including Flat Fell, has a similar pattern of habitats to the remainder of the site. Some of the acidic grassland has scattered scrub of grazed {\it Ulex europaeus} bushes.

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). 

Grazing levels on this common appear high. The gorse bushes in the vicinity of the road to the west have been grazed into pronounced topiary forms. Some have been burnt, possibly through deliberate management. The road is unfenced from the common and protected by cattle grids. 

The common also includes within its boundaries the River Calder Section SSSI (Geological) - see map.


FAUNA:
Noted during the field survey were: ringed plover, little tern, oystercatcher, meadow pipit, skylark, lapwing, swallow, yellowhammer, kestrel, sedge warbler, rabbit and large white butterfly. 

The northern tip of the common has a brackish pond which lies within a Cumbria Wildlife Trust "County Wildlife Site". This records this area as being an important breeding site for natterjack toads. 

Allonby Bay as a whole (within which the common lies) has a Grade C entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. These are sites of potential importance where habitat structure or a small number of notable species indicate that the site is likely to be of importance. The bay is a little-worked area for invertebrates, although there are old records of nationally notable beetles including {\it Anthicus scoticus}. This is the only known locality for this species outside Scotland and Kent. Two local butterfiles have been recorded recently, these being the dark green fritillary {\it Argynnis aglaja} and the grayling {\it Hipparchia semele}.

VEG:
Ths common occupies a narrow coastal strip just south of the village of Allonby. The Cumbria Phase 1 survey gives only basic habitat information, with no relevant target notes available. A full survey has therefore been undertaken. 

To the extreme north of the common is a small brackish pond surrounded by a periodically inundated basin. The pond appears to be primarily filled by ingressing seawater. The surrounding vegetation has the characteristics of a saltmarsh, being dominated by {\it Puccinellia maritima}, with abundant {\it Glaux maritima}, occasional {\it Juncus gerardii, Armeria maritima, Potentilla anserina} and {\it Spergularia maritima}, and locally frequent {\it Alopecurus geniculatus}.  

To the south of this area along the remainder of the common there is a typical transect for the majority of the site. To the extreme seaward edge is a narrow strip of fore dune dominated by {\it Leymus arenarius}. At the interface with the beach is a strand-line with abundant seaweed and driftwood, and plants which include {\it Honkenya peploides, Cochlearia} sp., {\it Potentilla reptans, Ononis repens} and {\it Atriplex} sp. Moving to the landward side is a fairly wide strip of fixed dune dominated by {\it Ammophila arenaria}, with frequent {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Ononis repens}, with locally occasional {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Vicia cracca, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex crispus, Silene maritima} and {\it Erygium maritimum}.

Further inland is a broad band of dune grassland. This is dominated by {\it Festuca rubra}, with abundant {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}, frequent  {\it Plantago lanceolata}, locally frequent {\it Thymus praecox, Veronica chamaedrys, Rhinanthus minor, Luzula campestris, Galium verum, Achillea millefolium, Armeria maritima, Ononis repens, Bellis perennis} and {\it Rosa pimpinellifolia} plus locally occasional {\it Polygala vulgaris, Anthyllis vulneraria, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Carex caryophyllea}. A wide path runs through this area and is associated with shorter, less diverse turf. This however, has abundant {\it Lotus corniculatus}.

In most parts there is a broad and indistinct transition zone between the fixed dune/dune grassland. {\it Geranium molle} was also noted rarely in this area. 

A drainage channel at (1), part way along the common, has plants of {\it Barbarea vulgaris, Raphanus raphanistrum} and {\it R. raphanistrum} subsp. {\it maritimus}, the latter plant, along with {\it Coincya monensis} subsp. {\it monensis}, being found sporadically throughout the dune system. 

The portion of the common south of here has an essentially similar structure, but generally lacking the band of {\it L. arenarius} and with a much less well-developed strand line. {\it Rosa pimpinellifolia}, {\it Carex arenaria} and {\it Ononis repens} are all frequent within the dunes here. 

The grassland is of a slightly different composition, still mainly dominated by {\it F. rubra}, but with additional species which include abundant {\it Helictotrichon pubescens}, plus occasional {\it Geranium sanguineum} and {\it Conopodium majus}. 

At (2) a further drainage ditch crosses the common. At this point the fixed dune peters out, but resumes again further to the south. Associated with the ditch are tall ruderal species including {\it R. raphanistrum} subsp. {\it maritimus, Arctium minus, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}. 

The final portion of the common to the south of here has abundant {\it Rhinanthus minor} and frequent {\it Trisetum flavescens} in the grassland. At the seaward edge of the dune, {\it L. arenarius} has been planted in wooden "baskets" to try and prevent erosion of the leadinge edge. Occasional bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ulex europaeus} are also present within this area. The fixed dune that resumes to the south of the drain is somewhat vestigial and comprises {\it L. arenarius, E. atherica} and {\it Ammophila arenaria}. 

Two small blocks of improved grassland lie to the east of the road. These are fenced from the remainder of the site and have the same appearance as the adjacent farmland.

MANAGE:
The common is largely unmanaged. It is unfenced from the road (apart from those portions which lie to the east of this). The northern portion is grazed by horses from the nearby Allonby stable. These are turned out and wander freely along the common, and there appears to be no conflict with traffic. Grazing by rabbits may also be having a significant effect on the grassland sward. 

To the south of the common, there has been some work to protect the edge of the dunes from erosion, by the planting of {\it Leymus arenarius} in wooden "baskets", woven from thin wooden poles in the same fashion as hurdles. The site has varied dune/grassland vegetation, although there is extensive trampling of the turf in places. 

There appears to be additional importance to the common, in the recorded presence of breeding natterjack toads. 

There are good sources of litter present locally along the strand-line in the form of washed-up seaweed and driftwood; this represents potential invertebrate habitat. To the north of the common there are also abundant horse droppings.


FAUNA:
Noted during site survey were: pied wagtail, yellowhammer, blue tit, wren and ringlet butterfly. A local resident reported that the stream along the northern portion of the common is visited by heron, and also claimed that a corncrake was spotted 2 years previously!

VEG:
The common occupies narrow roadside verges leading from the village of Nether Wasdale. There was no relevant information available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. As with all linear sites, they are very difficult and time consuming to map effectively, as numerous habitats may be compressed into a very short distance. Survey on this occasion was further hampered by a very heavy thunderstorm! 

There has been confusion over the precise boundary of this common due to a conflict with the registration of a village green on part of the same area. The boundary shown can not therefore be regarded as 100 per cent accurate, but the area involved agrees very closely with that in the register. 

To the east of the village (1) are narrow verges (1.5m), mapped as semi-improved neutral grassland. Mostly these are regularly cut, apart from that right next to the walls. The main grasses are {\it Agrostis capillaris, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne} and {\it Festuca rubra}. 

Forbs present in more diverse areas include {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium, Aegopodium podagraria, Rumex acetosella, Centaurea nigra, Stellaria graminea, Veronica chamaedrys}. 

In the area adjacent to the church and pubs (2), much grassland is a close amenity sward. On the side opposite the church are some planted trees of {\it Sorbus} sp., {\it Prunus} sp. and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. A maypole is sited here. Moving westwards the grass is less frequently cut, apart from areas in front of two hotels. 

At (3) is a steep bank with trees of {\it Quercus} sp., plus a stand of {\it Rhododendron ponticum}. Beneath the trees are {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Teucrium scorodonia, Pteridium aquilinum, Potentilla erecta, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Holcus lanatus}.  A narrow strip of semi-improved grassland is still present next to the road. Between here and the quarry, some large plants of {\it Athyrium filix-femina} were noted in the verge. 

The area occupied by the old quarry (4) is mainly dominated by bracken. There are also scattered trees of {\it Betula pendula, Sorbus aucuparia, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Corylus avellana}, plus scrub species - {\it Salix cinerea, Rubus fruticosus} agg., and {\it Ulex europaeus}. Occasional individuals of {\it Digitalis purpurea} were noted, and in grassland next to the road, {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Hypochaeris radicata, Potentilla reptans, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Hypericum pulchrum}. 

To the north of here the verges become very narrow and the grassland is mainly acidic in character: {\it  Deschampsia flexuosa, Potentilla erecta, Blechnum spicant, Pleurozium schreberi, Dicranum scoparium, Danthonia decumbens, Conopodium majus} and {\it Galium saxatile}. Occasional plants of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Arctium minus, Scrophularia nodosa, Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Galeopsis tertahit} were also noted. 

The northern arm of the common has a stream running along it (5). Here there is a complex mosaic of several different habitat types. The main feature is marshy grassland with tall herbaceous species. This includes {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Valeriana officinalis, Angelica sylvestris, Juncus effusus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Cirsium palustre, Lotus pedunculatus} and {\it Oreopteris limbosperma}. {\it Oenanthe crocata} grows next to the stream, while there are scattered bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus} and trees of {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, plus some areas of bracken. 

The final feature to note is the small disused quarry at (6). This has exposed rocks which have lichens ({\it Cladonia} spp.), {\it Thymus polytrichus, Sedum anglicum} and mosses which include {\it Polytrichum piliferum, Hypnum lacunosum} and {\it Pleurozium schreberi}.

MANAGE:
The main management on the common is mowing of the grassland verges and amenity areas. The former probably by the local authority, while the latter may be done mainly by adjacent property owners. To the east of the common, opposite the church, is a large area of bare ground which has been created by the parking of vehicles on the common. Three school minibuses were parked here at the time. A maypole is sited on adjacent grassland, while an area in front of one of the Public Houses is a tarmac car park. 

The overgrown marshy area to the north of the common was once grazed by sheep. Apparently the hefted flock involved was sold some time ago and no longer exists. However, this and other parts of the common are grazed by occasional straying sheep. A nearby resident explained that this marshy vegetation was much shorter when it was grazed, and that the trees have encroached since this time. Hand-mowing of this area has been tried, but is is extremely difficult due to very uneven ground beneath. The same individual also plans to try and cut back some of the trees himself.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: blue tit, willow warbler, jay.

VEG:
The common lies close to the village of Santon Bridge, on a small hill overlooking the River Irt. It appears to occupy a small depression within which has developed a small basin mire. 

Most of the common has been colonised by secondary woodland, but a small clearing remains in the centre. This has two distinct vegetation communities. The first is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with abundant {\it Sphagnum recurvum}, frequent {\it S. palustre, Narthecium ossifragum}, occasional {\it Erica tetralix, Dactylorhiza maculata} and {\it Potentilla erecta}, locally frequent {\it Carex panicea} and {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}, plus locally occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} (probably NVC type M21). 

The second is mainly around the edges and is dominated by {\it Juncus articulatus}, with frequent {\it Sphagnum recurvum, Polytrichum commune, N. ossifragum, Agrostis canina, Juncus conglomeratus}, locally abundant {\it Juncus effusus, Viola palustris} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris}, plus occasional {\it Dactylorhiza maculata}. Some particularly well-developed hummocks of {\it P. commune} are a feature. This vegetation appears to belong to NVC type M6d and may be a flushed habitat created by water draining into the centre of the basin. Locally throughout this area are colonising small trees of {\it Betula pendula}, {\it B. pubescens} and bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it U. gallii}. 

Surrounding this area is woodland dominated by mature, but small {\it Betula} spp. trees (probably NVC type W4). Locally there are occasional individuals of {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Alnus glutinosa}. The area beneath the canopy is generally quite open, with a field layer dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}. Locally the woodland floor is drier and has occasional bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus, U. gallii} and {\it Ilex aquifolium}. One distinctive area has {\it B. pendula} trees with every individual having a small {\it Ilex} bush growing right next to it! 

Some of the {\it A. glutinosa} trees have dead sections, while there is a small amount of dead wood (small twigs/branches etc.) lying on the woodland floor. Surrounding the site is what appears to be an old a hedge bank. Growing from this are some very large, multi-stemmed trees of {\it Quercus} sp.

MANAGE:
The common is unmanaged at present. Despite its small size it is botanically quite diverse and a fairly unique feature. The central portion looks as though it will soon progress to woodland. 

The earth bank around the common has the appearance of an old wood bank, especially with the old oak trees qrowing from it. Was it constructed to protect surrounding stock from wandering into the bog, which it probably would have been at that time? The woodland has moderate quantities of dead wood. The growth of holly bushes immediately next to birch trunks is a curious feature. Could this be to the localised drying of the peat in these areas? Continued monitoring and further survey of this site, especially invertebrates, is 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.


VEG:
The common comprises four parcels of land at the edge of a minor road near to the village of Santon Bridge. Only one target note was available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. As this was not found in time, a full survey has been done. 

Compartment (1) appears to be a disused quarry. This is now bare ground used as a car park. There is a narrow woodland strip next to the margins with trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula, Acer pseudoplatanus} and occasional {\it Quercus} sp. The extent of understorey species is limited, but locally there are shrubs of {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Lonicera pericylmenum, Salix cinerea, Ribes} sp. and {\it Sambucus nigra}. Ferns include {\it Dryopteris filix-mas} and {\it Athyrium filix-femina}. There is a steep bank in the SE corner. This has a wet area with {\it Carex remota, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Ranunculus repens}. 

Compartment (2) appears to be part of a larger block of plantation woodland. This is a deciduous plantation of {\it Quercus rubra}. Occasional trees of {\it Nothofagus obliqua} and {\it Betula pendula} are also present. Much of the understorey is dense bracken - the area occupied by an old quarry for example. Elsewhere there is an acidic understorey of {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Agrostis capillaris, Galium saxatile, Ulex gallii, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. There are quite a lot of small fallen branches in this area, plus some leaf litter. 

Compartment (3) has extensive areas of bracken (plus occasional individuals of {\it Digitalis purpurea}). Again there appears to be an old quarry. Scattered scrub/trees include {\it Salix cinerea, Ulex europaeus, Betula pendula} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. A wet area includes {\it Juncus bulbosus, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Prunella vulgaris}. 

Compartment (4) also has an area used as a car park. Adjacent to this is the exposed face of yet another old quarry. This is about 20m tall. Crevices within the rocks have plants of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Dryopteris} spp. (? {\it D. affinis}), {\it Rhododendron ponticum, Teucrium scorodinia} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. At the base are trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula} and {\it Salix cinerea}, with an understorey of {\it R. fruticosus} agg. and bracken.  One clump of a species {\it Solidago} was also noted. 

Above the old quarry, the rest of this compartment has a mosaic of bracken, plus trees of {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Betula pendula}, turning to woodland in places. Localy beneath the trees the bracken is relieved by patches of acidic grassland - {\it Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}. In addition, a few trees of {\it Larix decidua} were noted to have self-seeded from an adjacent conifer plantation.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is unmanaged. The portion at (1) is probably used for car parking by local people. There are also stored construction materials here - old plastic pipes and concrete sections. In addition, there is some dumped rubbish. Section (2) is part of a larger commercial red oak plantation - the only recorded common land site for this species during the present survey, although it is quite widely planted as a commercial forest crop. Section (3) appears totally unmanaged, while the disused quarry at section (4) is used as a small tourist car park.


FAUNA:
No information available relating to the fauna of this common. Has good potential for a range of moorland birds such as meadow pipit, skylark, wheatear, buzzard etc. Tadpoles recorded in various pools/water bodies by Phase 1 surveyors.

VEG:
The common is a block of upland on the western edge of the Lake District Fells, to the south of Ennerdale. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, with a number of target notes available (1980/1985). Due to severe time constraints, it was not possible to visit this common. Most of the common consists of hillslopes falling away from high ground to the north-east. 

This part of the common has extensive areas of acidic grassland. This is mostly dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and locally by {\it Juncus squarrosus} or a {\it Agrostis capillaris/Festuca ovina} sward. Other associates include {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Galium saxatile}.

In the south-western part of the common, at the base of the fell, this vegetaton gives way to a sward of marshy grassland. This is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} with {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Trichophorum cespitosum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. Locally there are small amounts of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. In one area there is a transition to a true wet heath flora (1), with {\it Calluna} plus {\it Erica tetralix}. Here the Phase 1 map also shows a small area of blanket bog - GR NY 109 094 (1985): - "Small area of blanket bog, grazed. {\it Sphagnum} sp., abundant, {\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. oxycoccos, Molinia caerulea}". Dry heath, of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, occurs on the summit of Caw Fell (2), to the north of the common. 

A number of flushed areas occur on the site, mainly in association with the lower slopes on the SW portion. These have been extensively target noted and it is impossible to list all individually. Species recorded from these include: {\it Juncus} spp. (incl. {\it J. acutiflorus, J. articulatus}),  {\it Molinia caerulea, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Polytrichum commune, Ranunculus flammula, Epilobium palustre, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Prunella vulgaris, Carex echinata, Triglochin palustris, Cirsium palustre, Bellis perennis, Viola palustris, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Menyanthes trifoliata, Eriophorum} sp., {\it Montia fontana, Galium palustre} and {\it Cardamine pratensis}.

The river Bleng, which marks the southern boundary of the common, has several neutral flushes which contain mosses and additonal species such as {\it Pinguicula vulgaris, Jasione montana, Linum catharticum} and {\it Euphrasia officinalis}.

There are several small stands of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} in the vicinity of Water Intake Works, to the NW. GR NY 100 111 - {\it Crypogramma crispa} recorded here.

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.


FAUNA:
No records of fauna available for this common.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1986. The site was viewed during the present survey through binoculars, from the adjoining B5289. The 1986 target note reads thus: "Brackenthwaite Howe. A mosaic of bracken, {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub and acidic grassland with patches of oak woodland around the base of the hill. Flora includes {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Nardus stricta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile, Carex} spp., {\it Potentilla erecta, Rumex acetosa, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. All areas, including the woodland are grazed by sheep and there is little regeneration".  Reference to the original Phase 1 map would suggest that the area of bracken has spread since this time. The oak woodland has a very open character and indeed there was very little signs of any regeneration. The oaks were accompanied by occasional trees of {\it Betula pendula, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it  Acer pseudoplatanus}. Quite a number of fallen and standing dead trees were evident. To the north of the common, the Phase 1 survey also notes the presence of a small acidic flush: "Small flush at base of Brackenthwaite Hows dominated by {\it Juncus acutiflorus}, with {\it J. squarrosus, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Viola palustris, Dactylorhiza maculata, Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia ceapitosa, D. flexuosa} and {\it Carex} spp.".

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. Bracken may be increasing on the common and the present level of grazing appears to be inhibiting natural regeneration of the woodland. Good sources of dead wood. 

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:
Cumbria Phase 1 survey notes meadow brown and ringlet butterflies, plus yellow shell moth. The call of a peregrine was heard in the general vicinity.

VEG:
The common lies to the north of the village of Embleton. It is shown on the map to be an old deep quarry, and this was confirmed by viewing from a distance. The site was target noted by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1985. In view of the dangers of working in such an environment, it was decided to rely entirely upon the Phase 1 information. 

There are two target notes: i). GR NY 175 308 - "Quarry. Steep rocky sides, flat floor. Vegetation round top of quarry: bracken and gorse scrub with acidic/calcareous grassland, e.g. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Teucrium scorodonia, Corydalis claviculata, Galium saxatile}. No dominant species: {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca ovina, A. elatius, Fragaria vesca, T. scorodonia, Vaccinium myrtillus, Chamerion angustifolium, Thymus praecox, Veronica officinalis, Epilobium montanum, E. brunnescens, Calluna vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Digitalis purpurea, Vicia lathyroides, Dryopteris filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina}. Rowan seedlings self-seeded. Quarry floor: No dominant species short vegetation (up to 30cm) {\it Hypericum perforatum, Hieracium pilosella, Thymus praecox, Prunella vulgaris, Rumex acetosella, Vicia lathyroides, Bellis perennis, Cantaurium erythrea, Lotus corniculatus, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Leucanthemum vulgare, Euphrasia officinalis, Medicago lupulina, Trifolium dubium, Polygala vulgaris, Fragaria vesca}, mosses".

ii). GR NY 173 306 - "Scrub area around track leading down from quarry. Hawthorn, ash, dog rose, rowan scrub with grassy glades. Variety of ground flora e.g.  {\it Trisetum flavescens, Geranium dissectum}".

MANAGE:
Probably unmanaged. Appears to be a botanically diverse site, and may be good for invertebrates such as butterflies and moths.

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 brief site visit.

VEG:
The common was viewed from the adjacent drive. It is a field of horse-grazed improved grassland. Frequent individuals of {\it Cirsium arvense} were noted. To the north the field is steeper, and has dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} (this shown as scattered bracken over improved grassland on the Phase 1 map).

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by horses - four ponies being noted. It is unlikely to be of any conservation value. It is not known whether the house was present at registration, or whether it has been built since. At one corner of the common, a "shed" was under construction, employing breeze block, with aluminium cladding.

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 field visit: skylarks, curlew.

VEG:
The common is only small and was indicated by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey as likely to be of little ecological value. The common was not visited, but viewed through binoculars from the nearby road. It is an unusual site in that it appears to lie at the intersection of three field boundaries, with no boundary around the common itself. The major portion appears to be improved grassland as indicated by the Phase 1 map. Locally abundant clumps of {\it Cirsium arvense} could be seen. The area of marshy grassland appears to be dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}. One of the field boundaries crossing the site appears to be a defunct hedge with trees of {\it Crataegus monogyna}.

Full survey recommended (insufficient time during present survey).

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. It is not that these are run specifically on the common, but rather that this is the use of the surrounding land. The site itself is too small to be of ecological value, but as a part of the surrounding rough grassland, may be important for ground-nesting birds such as skylark and meadow pipit.

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:
The site appears to offer considerable habitat potential for a variety of fauna. Noted during the site visit were: red deer, yellowhammer, willow warbler, chaffinch, grasshopper warbler, blue tit, robin, whitethroat and common lizard. There may also be adders present.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1984/85, with target noted information available. A site survey was also undertaken. 

The site comprises a small body of lowland peatland, in a shallow basin, and may have formerly been a small raised mire. Deep peat still covers the major part of the site. This has a fairly diverse vegetation containing abundant {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}, plus locally abundant {\it Sphagnum recurvum} and {\it Polytrichum commune}, frequent {\it Erica tetralix}, occasional {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}, {\it Molinia caerulea}, plus locally occasional {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, V. oxycoccos, Potentilla erecta, Carex nigra, Luzula multiflora, Dactylorhiza maculata, Hypnum cupressiforme, Sphagnum palustre, S. subnitens}? and {\it Aulacomnium palustre} (Sphagna were drying out and difficult to identify in the field). This vegetation appears to be of NVC type M19a and has a fairly obvious hummock-hollow structure. 

Also present locally are numerous colonising seedlings of {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Salix} sp. These areas tend to have a different vegetation dominated by {\it M. caerulea} and {\it Sphagnum recurvum}, with locally abundant {\it Polytrichum commune}, frequent {\it Carex nigra}, locally frequent {\it Carex curta}. Such areas tend to be much wetter than elsewhere and may represent old peat cuttings. 

Patterns and subtle changes of level in the peat surface elsewhere also suggest past shallow peat cutting. {\it Calluna vulgaris} is present at around 50 per cent cover, as quite short bushes, with no evidence of modification by any grazing. 

Additional species recorded from the site in the Phase 1 survey include {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Potentilla palustris}. 

Along the SE edge of the mire is a narrow band dominated by {\it M. caerulea}, with abundant {\it Sphagnum palustre}, {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Polytrichum commune} and {\it Holcus lanatus}, with some {\it Viola palustris} and {\it Juncus effusus}, plus occasional bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus}.

Around the edges of the site, the vegetation gives way to marshy grassland on thinner peat. At (1) this is tall and dominated by {\it Juncus} spp. (mainly {\it J. acutiflorus}) and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}, with frequent {\it Rumex acetosa}, {\it Stellaria alsine}, {\it Holcus lanatus}, {\it Poa trivialis}, locally frequent {\it Galium palustre} and {\it Ranunculus repens}, plus occasional {\it Cirsium palustre, Angelica sylvestris, Caltha palustris, Equisetum fluviatile, Cirsium palustre, Galium uliginosum, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Cardamine pratensis, Potentilla palustris, Dactylorhiza purpurella} and {\it Dryopteris dilatata}. This appears to be of the NVC community M23. A drain follows the line of the public footpath from here out onto the common. This has a row of {\it Salix cinerea} trees beside it, and around the drain itself are {\it E. fluviatile, J. acutiflorus, S. alsine} and {\it C. pratensis}. The drain was flooded and the site appears to have a high water table. 

To the east of the site (2) is a further area of marshy grassland. This has many of the species recorded above and is generally dominated by {\it Juncus effusus, Carex nigra, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. Additional species noted include {\it Ranunculus acris, Angelica sylvestris} and {\it Mentha aquatica}. A small quantity of scattered scrub is also present in the form of {\it Ulex europaeus}. 

Along the south-eastern edge of the common (3) runs a narrow steep slope which is bracken-dominated {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, with occasional bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna}, {\it Sambucus nigra} and {\it Rubus fruticosus}. The bracken has a moderate accumulation of litter, but with some individuals of {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} noted.

MANAGE:
The greater part of the site is unmanaged. A small area to the north, adjoining a cottage next to the common, is accessible to grazing by goats. The landowner has done some work on the drainage of the site to encourage water to drain onto it (ie. sympathetic to the nature conservation interest). As mentioned above, this work appears to have been effective, with a lot of standing water noted along the drain itself. There has also been some clearance of bracken at the edges of the site. 

There is evidence of past peat cutting. Significant areas of the mire surface are being colonised by seedling birch and sallows, and there may be a need in future to control this process. 

The common is a significant area of lowland peat, with some high quality bog vegetation, and appears to be of conservation importance at a local level. Under present management there do not appear to be any major threats to the site, but continued monitoring would be beneficial.


FAUNA:
During the site visit the distant call of a peregrine could be heard and a buzzard was noted overhead. Also heard: songthrush.

VEG:
The habitat map for the common has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. The site was viewed only briefly during the present survey, walking south from the National Trust car park at Blea Tarn. A further visit was made to this area while participating in a meeting of the "Ancient Trees Forum" (16.05.97). 

The Phase 1 survey shows that the greater part of the common has extensive rock outcrops/crags (Borrowdale Volcanics), amongst which are areas of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} or acidic grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}. Close to the road there is a closely-grazed {\it Festuca ovina} sward. Locally there is scattered {\it Juniperus communis} scrub, plus trees of {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. 

Note the small block of broadleaved woodland at GR NY 294 039, with dominant species coded as {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Ilex aquifolium}. 

A broad valley lies within the central section of the site. A complex series of flushed areas weave between islands of higher ground/rock outcrops, toward a large, discrete valley mire which occupies the lower portion. The flushes to the north were noted to contain {\it Carex panicea, C. dioica, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Narthecium ossifragum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Erica tetralix, Drosera rotundifolia, Polygala serpylifolia, Sphagnum papillosum, S. auriculatum, S. palustre, S. subnitens} and {\it Aulacomnium palustre}. 

This pattern of habitats is further complicated by the presence of areas of scattered and dense juniper scrub, occuring across the eastern side of the valley and growing, curiously enough, also within the flushed areas themselves. Bushes growing in wet ground appear to be undergoing a "layering" form of growth. Other associates of this scrub include occasional small individuals of {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Further habitat diversity is introduced by the rocks themselves with growth of ? {\it Andraea rothii}, while there are also small stands of bracken on drier ground. 

Further down the valley could also be noted several large clearings within the juniper scrub which contain "ant hill meadows" (GR NY 297 037). 

To the south of the Wrynose Pass road are areas of more diffuse flushing within acidic grassland.

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. The common appears to be separated from the contiguous CL 29L, to the south, but is unfenced from the contiguous CL 77W, to the north.

The presence of juniper growing in flushes appears very unusual and was not noted on any other site during the survey. The plant was used in the past for the production of high quality charcoal in the production of gunpowder. However it is not clear whether the scrub present on this common has been thus managed. There is no evidence of any juniper regeneration occurring at this site. Exclusion of grazing may not assist in this process, which may need management such as burning, soil disturbance by livestock (e.g. pigs) or other major scarification to expose germination sites. The larger-sized bushes here are considered to be between 100-140 years old.


FAUNA:
During the site visit the distant call of a peregrine could be heard and a buzzard was noted overhead.

VEG:
The habitat map for the common has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. There was insufficient time for a site visit. Most of the common comprises steep, rugged terrain, with numerous rock outcrops (Borrowdale Volcanics), amongst which are areas of acidic grassland, dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} (locally colonised by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}). A few small acidic flush features are present, one of which is shown to have {\it Carex rostrata}. To the west of the common, on the flanks of the Pike of Blisco, there is a mosaic of acidic grassland with dry heath vegetation. This has {\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Empetrum nigrum}.

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 common appears unfenced from its contiguous neighbours.


FAUNA:
The Buttermere and Derwent Fells are a Grade C site on the Invertebrate Register. Most records date from the National Trust Biological Survey of 1980, with a number of scarce upland species recorded from among the Coleoptera (beetles) and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). 

The SSSI as a whole is an important breeding site for birds such as peregrine, merlin and raven and occasionally dotterel. In addition, this is one of only two sites in the Lake District where twite breed.

VEG:
The common lies at the eastern edge of the Buttermere/Derwent Fells complex, partly within the Buttermere Fells SSSI. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. There is also a heather condition survey done by P. Kelly in 1992. There was insufficient time to visit the site during the course of the present survey. 

The common mainly comprises a steep east-facing slope overlooking Derwent Water. There is much outcropping rock and scree. Among this is dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. Other species recorded among the rocks/scree include {\it Huperzia selago, Lycopodium clavatum, Diphasiastrum alpinum, Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pendula, Taxus baccata, Alchemilla alpina, Melica nutans, Saxifraga aiziodes, Cryptogramma crispa, Blechnum spicant, Oreopteris limbosperma, Athyrium filix-femina, Phegopteris connectilis, Dryopteris affinis, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Juniperus communis}. On the lower slopes there are expanses of dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. 

The Phase 1 survey notes a "stony flush" at GR NY 248 194 (1986). This has {\it Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Danthonia decumbens, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Juncus} spp., {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Polytrichum} spp., {\it Carex} spp., {\it Prunella vulgaris}, {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Pinguicula vulgaris, Anagallis tenella} and {\it Succisa pratensis}.

For a more comprehensive account of the Buttermere/Derwent Fells group of commons, please see under CL 11C, where a detailed description and map of the SSSI is provided, together with a map showing the distribution of the various commons in the area.

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). 

There is also a history of heather burning on the SSSI, although recent burning is thought to have been rather unsuccessful. Recent burns are generally characterised by much more open heath communities or by {\it Vaccinium}-dominated communities, many of which show growth forms indicative of overgrazing (as sheep commonly concentrate on young heather in these recently burnt areas). However, there is a lot of very old degenerative heather on the fells, particularly around Causey Pike (Map 2) and Swinside (Map 1). This heather is dying and the resulting gaps produced in the heather canopy (generally {\it Festuca}-dominated), are being grazed by sheep. The whole effect of heather loss through "old age" is thus exaggerated by the resulting browsing of heather on areas surrounding collapsed bushes. However, with the present stocking levels there it is clearly not possible to continue a burning regime on these areas. Trampling is an inevitable part of the grazing process and this may partially account for heather loss in these degenerative stands.


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

Angle Tarn is a site referenced in the files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust (GR NY 244 078). However, it was not possible to locate any relevant information while visiting the trust offices. This site appears to have extensive biological records from various dates since the 1940s: consult English Nature files (incl. "Lakes and Tarns Survey Data") - GR NY 244 076.

VEG:
This extensive section of the Lakeland Fells straddles the major valley of Langstrath. The head of the valley lies in the south-western corner and features Angle Tarn, backed by Rossett Pike, Hanging Knott and Esk Pike. The western side of the valley is dominated by the peak of Glaramara, while the eastern edge follows a ridge separating Langstrath from the fells to the east: Wythburn, Grasmere and the Langdales. To the north-west lies the smaller valley of Combe Gill, while to the north-east lies Greenup Gill.

The habitat map and description are taken mainly from the Phase 1 target notes. A brief visit was made to the extreme eastern edge of the common, walking along Greenup edge up to the summit of High Raise, from where a general view across the Langstrath Valley could be obtained.

The most extensive habitat on the common is acidic grassland, dominated primarily by either {\it Juncus squarrosus} or {\it Nardus stricta}. Lying within the various valleys are also complex mosaics of flush and valley mire features.

The steep valley sides of Langstrath Beck support a complex mosaic of flushes and acidic grassland. The grassland sward of the lower slopes is dominated by {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}, while the upper slopes have {\it Nardus stricta/Juncus squarrosus}. The flushes are dominated by {\it Sphagnum} spp. (esp. {\it S. capillifolium}) and {\it Carex echinata} with abundant {\it Polytrichum commune, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}, with occasional {\it Juncus effusus, Carex viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa} and {\it C. binervis} - (target note GR NY 264 095, 1987). These appear to coalesce on a level area along the eastern side of the valley into a larger valley mire complex.

Greenup Gill also leads to an extensive mosaic of flush and grassland habitats. These occupy the slopes surrounding the head of the valley, which have undulating morainic deposits (GR NY 281 113, 1987). "Flushes meander around the mounds and are dominated by {\it Juncus effusus, Sphagnum} spp., (incl. {\it S. capillifolium, S. palustre} and {\it S. cuspidatum}), plus extensive areas of {\it Polytrichum commune}. Other associates include {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Carex echinata} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}. The surrounding acidic grassland is dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} with areas of {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Agrostis capillaris. Luzula campestris} and {\it Carex binervis} are both abundant". To the east of the valley is a steep slope with extensive screes among acidic grassland. "The rocks are covered with {\it Racomitrium lanuginosum}, with {\it Cryptogramma crispa} occurring on the scree".

Along the slopes flanking the western side of Ullscarf is a wide swathe of flushed vegetation, plus associated small basin mire features (GRs NY 282 104 - NY 291 113). The dominant species are {\it Juncus squarrosus, Sphagnum} spp, {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it T. cespitosum}. Small basin mires to the north of this area have various pools of open water. Dominant species include {\it Carex rostrata} (and other Carices), plus {\it Sphagnum} spp. Other associates noted include {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Eriophorum} spp., {\it Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Drosera rotundifolia}. A footpath crosses the watershed over this part of the common and has caused some erosion of peat across this area.

High Raise. Here the slopes have extensive areas of wet acidic grassland, again dominated by either {\it Juncus squarrosus} or {\it Nardus stricta}. Locally there are small remnants of blanket mire (i.e. Phase 1 'E18' - dry modified bog), where the peat is eroded to reveal a depth of up to 1.0m. The dominant species of this habitat are {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, T. cespitosum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Polytrichum} spp. and {\it Sphagnum} spp. Locally there are small amounts of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

An example of this type of vegetation was encountered during the present survey, on the col to the south of High Raise (GR NY 280 089). Hagged edges were visible around some of the peat "islands". A typical quadrat has abundant {\it E. vaginatum}, frequent {\it E. angustifolium}, locally abundant {\it T. cespitosum}, frequent/abundant {\it J. squarrosus} and locally abundant {\it Polytrichum commune}. Very occasionally there are small patches of {\it Sphagnum}, mainly {\it S. papillosum} (generally also with {\it P. commune}) and rarely, {\it Sphagnum capillifolium}. In NVC terms this is a poor fit to any one community, being transitional, possibly with the main elements being {\it Juncus squarrosus} (U6) acidic grassland and (M20) degraded blanket bog. The surrounding grassland is a mosaic of {\it Nardus stricta} (U5) and {\it J. squarrosus}. Locally there are drier grassland areas with a {\it Festuca ovina} sward, where locally occasional plants of {\it Diphasiastrum alpinum} were noted. Occasional rock outcrops and boulders have associated locally frequent {\it Racomitrium lanuginosum}. 

The Phase 1 survey shows dry heath vegetation present on Long Crag (GR NY 279 104) but the target note here has not been consulted.

The rocky slopes to the western side of the main valley also support an acidic grassland sward of {\it N. stricta/J. squarrosus}. There are scree slopes locally, plus in addition, a number of smaller flushes and basin mires.

Angle Tarn is a site referenced in the files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust (GR NY 244 078). However, it was not possible to locate any relevant information while visiting the Trust offices. This site appears to have extensive biological records from various dates since the 1940s: consult English Nature files (incl. "Lakes and Tarns Survey Data") - GR NY 244 076. There appears to be a flushed area around the margins, which continues down the stream.

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 vegetation on the common appears to reflect a history of high grazing levels, with large areas being dominated by {\it Nardus stricta/Juncus squarrosus}, species of low palatability to sheep.

Part in National Trust Ownership. This may have an influence on management: e.g. footpath repair work.

Note that the common overlaps with a portion of the Rosthwaite SSSI. This site has been notified for geological reasons. The extensive crags and rock outcrops within this site provide outstanding exposures of a thick succession of volcanic rock layers representing a large proportion of the important episode of volcanic activity which generated the Borrowdale Volcanic Group during the middle Ordovician Period of geological history, about 460 million years ago. A wide variety of different rock types are present and well-exposed within the site. This is an important site as a reference section for detailed geological study and is of historical interest as an area where certain volcanic rock-types were first recognised.
This site has a similar entry in the files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust (GR NY 258 122).


VEG:
This common forms a significant part of a group of commons that make up the Buttermere/Derwent Fells complex (see map under CL 11C for distribution of commons in the area). This is an extensive range of hills which lie between Keswick and Buttermere. All of this common lies within the Buttermere Fells SSSI, a site which is also listed in "A Nature Conservation Review", ed. D.A. Ratcliffe, 1977. This site as a whole is important for a range of montane and sub-montane dwarf shrub communities. For example, the SSSI has the largest known area of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} heath in the Lake District, and the second largest area of {\it Calluna vulgaris} heath (after the Skiddaw Massif - also common land). There are also a range of blanket mire and flush communities. 

The common comprises a steep east-facing slope, with numerous rock outcrops and screes. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey, which also provides several target notes. Additional information has been drawn from a heather condition survey of the Buttermere Fells SSSI done by P. Evans, 1992). The site was covered by a National Trust Biological Survey in 1980, but there was insuffient time to collate this source.

The geology of the site belongs to the Skiddaw Slates. These slates differ from those on the Skiddaw massif in their tendency to form cliffs. As a result of this, the topography and vegetation of the Buttermere Fells is unique in the Lake District. The resulting soils are generally acidic, with only very localised base-enrichment.

The common supports extensive areas of sub-montane {\it Calluna vulgaris} heath. This is despite the fact that the fells have been traditionally managed as sheep walk, rather than for grouse shooting. The most frequent associates of this vegetation include {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitis-idaea} and mosses such as {\it Hylocomium splendens, Pleurozium schreberi} and {\it Plagiothecium undulatum}. However, on High Spy and several other places within the SSSI, there is a montane heath of wind-flattened heather growing with dwarf {\it Juniperus communis} subsp. {\it nana, Erica tetralix, Empetrum nigrum} and very locally, {\it Arctostaphylos uva-ursi}. This is described as "a rare habitat recorded from only a few sites in England". 

The heath grows amongst extensive rock outcrops and screes. Recorded from GR NY 239 161 (1986) are {\it Huperzia selago, Lycopodium clavatum} and {\it Diphasiastrum alpinum}. The crags at Low Scawdel and Goat Crag also support scattered {\it Juniperus communis}, plus, from the latter site (GR NY 243 169) - {\it Taxus baccata, Saxifraga aiziodes, Alchemilla alpina, Melica nutans, Carlina vulgaris, Hypericum humifusum} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. In the Gill to the south of here there is a record for {\it Hymenophyllum wilsonii}. 

Screes have {\it Cryptogramma crispa}, while {\it Potentilla crantzii} (nationally scarce - i.e. occurring in 16-100 ten km squares of the national grid), has been recorded on several crags. Other species recorded from rocks/ledges and steep-sided ghylls on the common include {\it Blechnum spicant, Oreopteris limbosperma, Athyrium filix-femina, Polypodium vulgare, Phegopteris connectilis, Dryopteris affinis, Campanula rotundifolia, Teucrium scorodonia, Ulex europaeus, U. galli}, plus the moss {\it Andraea rupestris}. Some of the small mountain streams associated with the gills provide several records for {\it Saxifraga stellaris}.  

The survey of heather condition by Paul Evans was undertaken in the spring of 1992. The measured cover was compared to an earlier estimate from aerial photographs, from which it appears that extent of cover has not declined. In general, however, the acutal condition of the heather was considered to be poor and clearly suffering from the effects of high grazing pressures. In fact is appears that the condition of the heather has reached a critical phase where it is rapidly being lost, with the heath edge retreating rapidly upslope into the crags. The major "hotspots" include, on this particular common, the area around Maiden Moor. For more discussion of heather management and condition see under management section.

The {\it V. myrtillus} heaths are more extensive here than on any other site in north-western England. Associated species include {\it V. vitis-idaea, Nardus stricta, Luzula campestris} and various mosses (incl. {\it Pleurozium schreberi, Hypnum cupressiforme, Polytrichum commune, Hylocomium splendens, Dicranum scoparium} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}). Some of this vegetation appears to have replaced {\it Calluna} heath after grazing and burning.  

The grasslands of the common are not extensive, but follow a similar pattern to other upland sites in the Lake District. On the lower slopes is {\it Agrostis/Festuca} grassland, much of which is invaded by bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. This gives way to grassland of {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} on the upper slopes. Typical associates throughout include {\it Luzula campestris, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. In many cases, the grassland occurs as a mosaic with remnant dry heath vegetation. For example at GR NY 234 155 (1986): - "Areas of dry grass heath with {\it V. myrtillus, Thymus polytrichus, Calluna vulgaris, Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus} and abundant {\it Alchemilla alpina}". 

Blanket mires are restricted throughout the SSSI because there is not much level ground upon which peat can form. The most extensive example of blanket mire is at High Scawdel, but this does not overlap with this common. 

Areas of flushing are also of restricted occurrence on this common, appearing mainly to develop from small springs among the rock outcrops, with small basin mires in places. Species recorded include {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Polytrichum} spp., {\it Juncus} spp. (incl. {\it J. squarrosus}), {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum, Erica tetralix, Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Pinguicula vulgaris, Carex} spp., {\it Menyanthes trifoliata} and {\it Nardus stricta}. 

At GR NY 235 160 there are small shallow pools surrounded by mire, with {\it Sparganium minimum} recorded by the Phase 1 survey.

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). 

There is also a history of heather burning on the SSSI, although recent burning is considered to have been rather unsuccessful. These areas are generally characterised by much more open heath communities or by {\it Vaccinium}-dominated communities, many of which show growth forms indicative of overgrazing (as sheep commonly concentrate on young heather in these recently burnt areas). However, there is a lot of very old degenerative heather on parts of the fells. This heather is dying and the resulting gaps produced in the heather canopy (generally {\it Festuca}-dominated), are being grazed by sheep. The whole effect of heather loss through "old age" is thus exaggerated by the resulting browsing of heather on areas surrounding collapsed bushes. However, with the present stocking levels it is clearly not possible to continue a burning regime on these areas. 

Trampling is an inevitable part of the grazing process and this may partially account for heather loss in these degenerative stands. The loss of heather produced through increased trampling by humans may also be a problem, particularly in montane communities where recent research has shown that productivity of heather can be markedly reduced following relatively little trampling.


FAUNA:
No information on fauna relating specifically to this common. However, the site lies within the Buttermere Fells SSSI - see under CL 11C.

VEG:
This common lies along Littledale Edge, to the south of the Buttermere Fells Group. As such it lies within the SSSI of the same name. This particular common is shown by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey to have an acidic grassland sward dominated either by {\it Nardus stricta} or {\it Juncus squarrosus}. For a fuller account of the vegetation, plus a boundary map of the SSSI as a whole, see under CL 11C. A map showing the distribution of commons in the Buttermere/Derwent Fells will also be found here.

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.


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

VEG:
The common comprises several parcels of land peripheral to CL 167C. Please see under this latter site for the habitat map for CL 167C.

There was insufficient time to visit the individual components of the common. The following has been based on the Cumbria Phase 1 habitat map, prepared in 1987. 

The greater part supports an acidic grassland sward dominated primarily by either {\it Juncus squarrosus} or {\it Nardus stricta}. There are locally abundant rock outcrops.

The Phase 1 survey lists a number of references for the Allen Crags Tarns, High House Tarn and Lincomb Tarns (GR NY 240 093). These include R. Stokoe "Lakes and Tarns Survey", 1983 and Carrick and Sutcliffe, "Major ions survey", 1982. For these sources please consult English Nature. High House Tarn (GR NY 242 093) appears to be the largest of these water bodies and is surrounded by mire/flush habitat: mapped as basin mire, as the tarn appears to lie in an obvious hollow.


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

VEG:
The common comprises an area of open upland to the northern end of Castlerigg Fell. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey - there appears to be no other information available from this source. Unfortunately there was insufficient time to visit this common, but it was viewed from the nearby A591 through binoculars. 

To the west lies a plateau area which supports a sward of unimproved acidic grassland. This gives way to steep slopes on the eastern edge of the common which have dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The visual inspection suggested that the bracken may be colonising up-slope, but this needs further investigation. 

There are a number of prominent rock outcrops present, some of which appear to also have areas of scree. Outcrops to the SE of the common, and those at Dodd Crag were noted to have scattered trees/shrubs clinging to the rocks. These appear to include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Sorbus} sp. and {\it Betula} sp. Some rocks also appear to support bushes of {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

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 rock outcrops on the common may be worth a more detailed survey.


FAUNA:
The Buttermere and Derwent Fells are a Grade C site on the Invertebrate Site Register. Most records date from the National Trust Biological Survey of 1980, with a number of scarce upland species recorded from among the  Coleoptera (beetles) and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). 

The SSSI as a whole is an important breeding site for birds such as peregrine, merlin and raven and occasionally dotterel. In addition, this is one of only two sites in the Lake District where twite breed.

VEG:
The common comprises two areas of open fell lying at the eastern edge of the Buttermere/Derwent Fells complex, partly within the Buttermere Fells SSSI. The habitat map has been based on that of the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. There is also a heather condition survey done by P. Kelly in 1992. There was insufficient time to visit the site during the course of the present survey. 

The northern part of common, known as Cat Bells, lies outside the SSSI boundary. It comprises a central ridge, running northwards, either side of which are steep slopes. Along the upper part of these, to either side, is dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. A footpath runs along the ridge-top itself, with a wide swathe of acidic grassland cutting into the heath at either side (apparently caused by trampling). This is dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}, {\it Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Festuca ovina}. 

The summit of Cat Bells itself lies at the southern edge of this portion. Here there is {\it Calluna vulgaris} heath with abundant {\it Empetrum nigrum}, plus {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Nardus stricta} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. 

The lower slopes have a mosaic of acidic grassland and dense bracken. There is also one small patch of {\it Juniperus communis} scrub.

The southern portion lies a short distance to the south and is situated for the most part within the SSSI. This area comprises a steep south-facing slope mainly supporting {\it Calluna/V. myrtillus} dry heath, with rock outcrops and screes in places. A small area of flushing was noted during the Phase 1 survey (GR NY 241 198, 1986). "Area of shallow pools and flush with {\it Juncus squarrosus, J. effusus, Carex panicea, Molinia caerulea, Sphagnum} sp., {\it Nardus stricta, Polytrichum} sp., {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Nartchecium ossifragum, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}".

For a more comprehensive account of the Buttermere/Derwent Fells group of commons, please see under CL 11C, where a detailed description and map of the SSSI is provided, together with a map showing the distribuition of the various commons in the area.

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 effects of the grazing regime on the heather of the SSSI are considered fully under CL 11C. There is also a history of heather burning on the SSSI, but the precise situation on this particular common is not clear.

The effects of trampling by walkers can clearly be seen along the path up to Cat Bells. Here, an area of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} appears to have changed to acidic grassland as a result of trampling.


FAUNA:
No information relating specifically to the fauna of this common.

VEG:
The common comprises two small parcels of land at the periphery of the Buttermere/Derwent Fells complex. They lie on the eastern side of the fells, not far from the shore of Derwent Water. For a map showing the distribution of commons over the whole area, consult the site description for CL 11C. 

There was insufficient time to visit this particular common during the course of the present survey, the following description being based on the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. 

The northern portion is shown to comprise a small area of unimproved calcicolous grassland, although it has not been target noted. The larger portion to the south is mainly dominated by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. There is a smaller area of dense scrub, with a stand of {\it Juncus} sp. along a small beck.

MANAGE:
Both parts of the site are probably open to the surrounding open fell/common and are probably 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.


VEG:
Part of a much larger area of commercial forestry, which in this locality largely comprises mature trees of {\it Picea sitchensis}.

MANAGE:
Managed as part of a commercial conifer plantation by Forest Enterprise. Appears to offer little wildlife potential.

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: willow warbler, chaffinch, wood warbler, blue tit, meadow pipit, buzzard, raven, small heath butterfly.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1986. This makes several target notes, most of which originate from a LDSPB survey in 1984. The common was viewed while walking the footpath which ascends to its highest point, which is a good location from which to view the whole site (with the aid of binoculars). The opportunity was taken to comment on the condition of heather on the common, and a certain amount of re-mapping was done on the western part. 

For the habitat map of the common, please consult the site report for the larger contiguous CL 256C, "The Barf, Near Thornthwaite".

A large portion of the common, in the area centred on the summit of Barf itself, comprises a sward of {\it Calluna vulgaris} dry dwarf shrub heath over rocky outcrops. On the steeper parts of the slope, to the south, the {\it Calluna} appears rather over-mature. It is at about 90 per cent cover, mostly around 1.0m tall, and quite straggly in appearance. The steepness of the slope appears to have discouraged sheep from grazing the {\it Calluna} here. Around 10 per cent of plants appear to have died from natural causes. In localised areas where sheep can reach the {\it Calluna}, some "drumstick" forms were evident. Locally within the {\it Calluna} are patches of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

A closer note was made of the species composition of this heath in the area around the summit. {\it Calluna} is dominant (90 per cent cover), with occasional/frequent {\it V. myrtillus} (10 per cent cover), plus locally occasional {\it Vaccinium vitis-idaea} and {\it Empetrum nigrum}. Locally, {\it V. myrtillus} is co-dominant with {\it Calluna}. There is a well-developed mossy understorey of {\it Hylocomium splendens, Rhytidiadelphus loreus} and {\it Pleurozium schreberi}. This appears to be of NVC type H12a. Most of the heather is around 30cm tall. In terms of heather condition, at 75 per cent of the {\it Calluna} plants show at least moderate signs of having being nibbled by sheep, many bushes developing a rounded, "topiary" appearance, with more severely grazed plants present locally. 

To the south and east of the summit, the ground slopes away steeply into the valley below.  Lower down are scattered deciduous trees which include {\it Quercus} sp. {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Crataegus monogyna, Salix sp}., {\it Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. The Phase 1 survey also notes the presence of six bushes of {\it Juniperus communis}. To the south, above Beckstones Gill, there are also self-seeded {\it Larix decidua} from the coniferous plantation on the opposite side of the valley. 

There are large scree slopes at the foot of the slope, among which are plants of {\it Cryptogramma crispa, Digitalis purpurea, Calluna vulgaris, Teucrium scorodonia, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Dryopteris affinis}. Next to Beckstone Gill itself were also noted individuals of {\it Oreopteris limbosperma, D. affinis} and {\it Athyrium filix-femina}. Toward the road and running northward along the base of the slope is a strip of {\it Betula} sp. woodland, merging up-slope into dense bracken.

To the west of the summit, is a more gently undulating topography. Some of the flatter areas here appear to support remnants of blanket mire, which grade imperceptively to dry heath/acidic grassland and wet heath/acidic grassland. Most of the blanket mire appears to retain a good proportion of {\it Sphagnum mosses} and has been mapped as 'E161'. The best examples have 80 per cent cover of {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with abundant {\it Sphagnum} mosses ({\it S. recurvum, S. palustre}, and locally, some well-developed hummocks of {\it S. capillifolium}). Other frequent species include {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Eriophorum vaginatum, Empetrum nigrum} and {\it Polytrichum commune}, plus locally frequent {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Juncus squarrosus, Aulacomnium palustre} and {\it Tricophorum cespitosum}. The main NVC community represented here is likely to belong within M19. 

Local areas of drying bog, where it is grading onto the thinner peat, tend to be poor in {\it Sphagnum} and have been placed in the Phase 1 category of 'E18' - dry-modified bog. In many other areas, the peat has disappeared, or is very thin. This gives way to mosaics of acidic grassland with either wet heath or dry heath. The grassland is mainly dominated by {\it Juncus squarrosus} (NVC U6), and locally by {\it Nardus stricta} (NVC U5). Other associates include {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Polytrichum commune} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}. 

Dry heath is marked by the presence of {\it Calluna} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} (overall cover less than 25 per cent), and the wet heath is indicated by areas where {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Empetrum nigrum} and {\it Tricophorum cespitosum} are present within the {\it Calluna}. Most of the {\it Calluna} in this area is relatively short (20-30cm) and untidy in appearance, probably through the combined effects of grazing, waterlogging and wind damage. About 10 per cent of plants are dead.

The Phase 1 survey also target notes an extensive acidic flush feature at GR NY 211 265. This is dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sphagnum recurvum}, plus some {\it Sphagnum palustre} (NVC M6c). Other species include {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Viola palustris, Erica tetralix, Cirsium palustre, Stellaria alsine, Polytrichum commune, Viola palustris} and {\it Carex echinata}. Just to the north of this feature is a small basin mire. Although this was not studied in detail, the centre appears dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}, with {\it Juncus effusus/Sphagnum recurvum} at the margins.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. The present grazing levels appear to be about right on the main area of dwarf shrub heath. A few localised areas of suppressed heather were noted. 

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). 

A fairly compact site, with a diverse and interesting range of different vegetation types. The footpath is well-used, although not significantly eroded.


VEG:
The major portion of this common comprises part of a plantation of {\it Larix decidua}. Next to the road is a small section of semi-natural broadleaved woodland  comprising {\it Quercus petraea, Sorbus aucuparia, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Betula pendula}. The Phase 1 survey target notes field layer species which include {\it Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea, Pteridium aquilinum} and various bryophytes. 

Part of the common is occupied by a house and gardens. The second, smaller portion of the common has also been planted with conifers.

MANAGE:
The house and gardens present on the common probably pre-date registration. The common appears to have been registered as a small quarry, and perhaps the trees have been planted since this time. 

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 two small parcels of land lying along the course of Coledale Beck, at the edge of the open fell, just to the south-west of the village of Braithwiate. For a map showing the distribution of commons in the Buttermere/Derwent Fells area see under CL 11C. The following information is taken from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (1986). 

The smaller, northern portion lies at the foot of Hole Gill (GR NY 225 233). This area comprises a small block of semi-natural broadleaved woodland of {\it Quercus petraea, Q. robur, Betula pubescens, Fraxinus excelsior} with {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Prunus padus}. 

The second, larger portion of the common comprises part of an extensive acidic flush which lies in Coledale Beck. This is dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. (GR NY 216 225).

MANAGE:
Probably open to the surrounding common land and grazed by sheep. No other information available from Phase 1 survey. 

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 small common lies at the periphery of the Buttermere/Derwent Fells complex. For a map showing the distribution of commons in this area see under CL 11C. The information on the site has come from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey (and was not visited). 

A number of different habitats are present. There is a small block of {\it Larix} sp. woodland. Adjoining this appears to be improved grassland. To the east is an area dominated by bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Urtica dioica}.

MANAGE:
The common may be unfenced from the open fell and as such, grazed by sheep. There was insufficient time to further investigate the management regime of this 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 could only be viewed through binoculars from the bridleway which runs to the south. The general area surrounding is shown in the Cumbria Phase 1 survey to be a mosaic of improved and semi-improved grassland. The common itself appears to be a closely sheep-grazed sward. Patches of {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Cirsium arvense} were visible. The site appears to be surrounded by defunct hedgerows comprising discontinuous rows of trees of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and in some cases, tall trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}.

MANAGE:
The common was being grazed by sheep at the time of the site visit. 

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 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 indications are that the common is of little nature conservation value, although the boundary trees may offer cover for birds.


FAUNA:
No fauna records available for this common.

VEG:
The common was viewed from the adjacent road merely to confirm that it is coniferous plantation, as the Phase 1 map suggests. The plantation is now mature, and appears to be mainly of {\it Pinus sylvestris}, with some {\it Larix decidua} and {\it Picea sitchensis}.

MANAGE:
The common is unmanaged at present. The trees are probably due for felling soon. As it stands, the trees could act as cover for buzzard. Most of the common is surrounded by a barbed-wire fence, with a recently repaired dry stone wall next to the road. There has been dumping of rubbish on the other side of this, which will hopefully now be discouraged. Once the trees are felled, perhaps it may be beneficial to replant with native broadleaved species and continue the site as a woodland.


FAUNA:
Noted during site visit were: willow warbler, chiff chaff, blackcap, chaffinch, wren, blue tit, blackbird and jackdaw. 

The Wildlife Trust files note that the site as a whole has records for less common birds such as goosander, kingfisher and heron.

VEG:
There appeared to be no relevant information available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey and a field survey has therefore been undertaken. The common lies almost completely within a Cumbria Wildlife Trust "County Wildlife Site", and there is some information on file. 

Most of the common is wooded. The largest block lies to the SE at (1). This has canopy trees which are a mixture of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Ulmus glabra}. There is a well-developed shrub layer which includes numerous seedlings of the above trees, plus a species of cherry ({\it Prunus} sp.), with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rosa} sp. {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ilex aquifolium}. In the area between the building and the river there are also small trees/bushes: {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Betula pendula, Corylus avellana, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. The field layer of the wood is quite varied and includes {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Galium aparine, Dryopteris filix-mas, Urtica dioica, Mercurialis perennis, Poa trivialis, Geum urbanum, Geranium robertianum, Myosotis} sp., {\it Stellaria holostea, Conopodium majus, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Allium ursinum, Silene dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Myrrhis odorata, Stachys sylvatica, Vicia sepium, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. 

Along the edge of the river are several large specimen trees of {Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Salix fragilis} and on the ground, stands of {\it Allium ursinum, Hesperis matronalis} and {\it Petasites hybridus}. The Wildlife Trust records also include, for the site in general, {\it Lilium martagon} (a naturalised species of the county - Halliday, 1997) and {\it Lathraea squamaria}. The latter is a scattered but locally frequent parasitic plant, recorded from this part of the county, usually growing on {\it Corylus avellana} (Halliday, 1997).

To the north of here, but still on the eastern side of the river, lies a small area of land separated from the southern portion by a minor road. Here is a rather overgrown  mixture of neutral grassland plus tall ruderal plants: {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Poa trivialis, Urtica dioica, Galium cruciata, G. mollugo, Geranium pratense, Bromus sterilis}, with trees of {\it F. excelsior} and scattered scrub of {\it C. monogyna}. 

To the west of the River Caldew are two further component pieces of the common. Both have a similar, but narrower strip of woodland running along the edge of the river. To the south there is a narrow coarse grassland verge at the edge of the road. To the north, the grassland verge is wider and is mown by the local authority. This grassland appears to be quite varied, with a typical quadrat showing dominant {\it Festuca rubra}, abundant {\it Galium cruciata}, frequent/occasional {\it Holcus lanatus, Poa pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, Achillea millefolium, Veronica chamaedrys, Vicia sativa, Centaurea nigra, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Pseudoscleropodium purum} plus locally frequent {\it Ranunculus ficaria} and {\it Plantago lanceolata} and locally occasional {\it Galium mollugo}. This vegetation appears to be of NVC type MG5.

MANAGE:
Most of the site is unmanaged. A part of the roadside verge to the NW of the common is mown by the local authority. This appears to be having a beneficial effect on the composition of this grassland. It is not known whether the mowing regime includes removal of the clippings, but this should ideally be done to prevent eutrophication and subsequent deterioration of species-diversity. 

Adjacent and to the south of the house is an area of bare ground with numerous tyre marks, surrounded by marginal strips of coarse grassland. The cause of this feature was not clear. A small area to the north of the house is also bare and used for car parking. The building appears to belong to Dalston Parish Council. 

The site appears to have nature conservation value at a local level, especially for woodlands birds. There is the added interest of the river and associated areas of shingle, although this is not part of the common itself. 

There are moderate amounts of standing and fallen dead wood on the site (potential for woodpeckers, nuthatch, treecreepers and invertebrates etc.). Interestingly, no dead elms were recorded. There may be some threat of degradation of the woodland, given that it has such a high recreational use by local people.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: chiff chaff, chaffinch, willow warbler, blue tit. The common appears to have excellent habitat potential for a range of woodland birds and also those of woodland edges.

VEG:
The common comprises a grassy track leading down to an area of broadleaved woodland on the sloping bank of the River Caldew. There were no target notes available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. The common has a registered area of exactly 1.00ha, our survey threshold. However, the true size is less than this value. The site has nonetheless been included in the survey, as it is thought to be a remnant of "ancient woodland", according to the records of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The site does not appear in the Cumbria Inventory of Ancient Woodland, which has a threshold size of 2.0ha for inclusion. 

The woodland has quite a diverse structure, with tall canopy trees mainly of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} plus occasional {\it Alnus glutinosa, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Quercus} sp. One area with mature {\it Fagus sylvatica} is also present. A number of mature, but dead trees of {\it Ulmus glabra} are present, some of them suckering from the base. The shrub layer is varied and includes {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Ulmus glabra, Ribes} sp., and {\it Prunus spinosa}. The field layer too, is varied and well-developed, and includes {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Dactylis glomerata, Stachys sylvatica, Ranunculus repens, Geum urbanum, G. rivale, Circaea lutetiana, Carex sylvatica, Geranium robertianum, Stellaria holostea, Poa trivialis, Mercurialis perennis, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Galium aparine, Ajuga reptans, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Arum maculatum, Oxalis acetosella, Veronica montana, Bromus ramosus, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it D. filix-mas}. Two individuals of {\it Dactylorhiza maculata} were also noted. Less well-vegetated ground has abundant moss cover, including {\it Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Eurynchium striatum, Thuidium tamariscinum, Plagiomnium undulatum}, and {\it Hypnum mamillatum} on trees. This appears to be of NVC woodland community W9a. 

A few localised areas of somewhat damp ground also have {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Veronica beccabunga} and {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium}. In addition to the standing dead elms, there are quite a number of fallen trunks, and abundant smaller twigs, branches and bark lying on the woodland floor. 

To the south of the common is a grassy track, part of which had recently been cut with a silage cutter. The grassland is generally rank in character and dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Poa trivialis} (NVC MG1). Forbs include {\it Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Cirsium arvense, Galium cruciata, G. boreale} and {\it Stellaria graminea}. Localised wet areas also have {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale} and {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi}. Uncut areas to the edges are beginning to form scrub of {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix cinerea}. 

To either side of the track are overgrown hedges with trees: again, {\it P. spinosa, C. monogyna} and {\it S. cinerea}, plus {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pendula} and {\it Viburnum opulus}.

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged at present, apart from the silage cutting at the sides of the grassy track. Some dumping was noted in a gully next to the path in the wooded section, and concrete pipes were being stored at the side of the track at the point where it meets the road. 

The common is of nature conservation value in that it appears to be a small remnant of ancient woodland (Cumbria Wildlife Trust information), although it is too small to appear in the Ancient Woodland Inventory. There are other nearby larger blocks of broadleaved woodland along the R. Caldew featured in the Inventory, and this common forms a small part of this resource. 

The woodland, as mentioned, has good amounts of dead wood and other tree litter, which represents potential invertebrate habitat. 

The overgrown hedgerows and grassy track provide further habitat diversity. 

Much of the surrounding landscape is one of improved farmland, further enhancing the local conservation value of this common and this portion of the R. Caldew.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit to CL 307C were: lapwing, blue tit, willow warbler, chaffinch, skylark, robin, curlew, swift, yellowhammer, sedge warbler, kestrel, blackbird, carrion crow, grey heron and mallard. 

Additional recorded birds for Drumburgh Moss, some of them breeding, include redshank, snipe, twite, whinchat, partridge, grasshopper warbler, cuckoo, red grouse, linnet, golden plover, shelduck, geese, short-eared owl and sparrowhawk. Mammals recorded include roe deer, hare and fox, while the reptiles/amphibians include adder, common lizard and common frog. 

The site as a whole is Grade C on the Invertebrate Site Register. These are sites of potential importance for invertebrates where habitat structure or a small number of records of notable species indicate that the site is likely to be of importance. The site supports a colony of the nationally notable large heath butterfly {\it Coenonympha tullia} and has many species of waterbeetles (Coleoptera) typical of acidic bogs also present, though no nationally notable species. Also present are the emperor moth {\it Saturnia pavonia} and drinker moth {\it Philudoria potatoria}.

VEG:
Drumburgh Moss is one of four extensive lowland raised mires on the south Solway Plain, which supports the largest area of this habitat left in Great Britain without significant loss or damage. Significant areas of the other three sites are also common land (see main report). CL 153C is a small strip cutting across the larger registration unit of CL 307C, which forms the major part of the Moss. 

All of the common lies within the SSSI/Cumbria Wildlife Trust Reserve. The site as a whole is also listed in "A Nature Conservation Review" (ed. D.A. Ratcliffe, 1977). More recently, the mosses of the South Solway Coast have been proposed as a Special Area of Conservation (pSAC) under the EC Habitats Directive. The following description is derived from available sources; this part of the common was not visited during the course of the present survey.  

The raised mire occupies the southern portion. The northern margins have been slightly modified by past small scale peat removal. The vegetation here is characterised by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix. Sphagnum mosses} are confined to the wetter hollows.  Scattered trees of {\it Betula} sp. are also present locally. The best mire vegetation occurs in the central area, where active raised mire, with a high water table, still exists. This has a well-developed hummock-hollow structure with numerous small pools. Here there is good {\it Sphagnum} cover, with abundant {\it S. magellanicum} and {\it S. papillosum}, with {\it S. pulchrum, S. tenellum, S. capillifolium} and {\it S. molle} of more restricted occurrence. A total of 13 species of {\it Sphagnum} have been recorded. {\it Drosera anglica} and {\it Rhyncospora alba} are locally abundant in wet hollows, which also have {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum}. Hummocks of {\it Dicranum undulatum}, a moss of undisturbed bogs, which is rare in Britain are also present along with other species characteristic of intact mires, such as {\it Andromeda polifolia} and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos}. 

To the north of the site there is shallow peat created by past management activities. This has wet heath with abundant tussocky {\it Molinia caerulea, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}. This area may have been burnt in the past. Other species present, especially to the NE where it merges into marshy grassland, include {\it Juncus effusus, Carex nigra, Pedicularis sylvatica, Viola palustris, Caltha palustris} and {\it Succisa pratensis}.

MANAGE:
There has been small-scale peat cutting in the past. Some of the {\it Calluna} on the wet heath to the north appears to have been burnt at some time; this may have occurred accidentally during the dry summer of 1976. The present management of the site, undertaken by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust and BTCV is aimed principally damming internal ditches to raise the water table and encourage cut areas to regenerate. Scrub removal is also undertaken as appropriate.

The site is of considerable conservation importance, both in the fact that it contains a good representative of raised mire vegetation, but also in the adjoining diversity of wet heath, grassland, scrub and woodland habitats. See under CL 307C for a fuller account of the site as a whole.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit to CL 307C were: lapwing, blue tit, willow warbler, chaffinch, skylark, robin, curlew, swift, yellowhammer, sedge warbler, kestrel, blackbird, carrion crow, grey heron and mallard. 

Additional recorded birds for Drumburgh Moss, some of them breeding, are redshank, snipe, twite, whinchat, partridge, red grouse, linnet, grasshopper warbler, cuckoo, golden plover, shelduck, geese, short-eared owl and sparrowhawk. 

Mammals recorded include roe deer, hare and fox, while the reptiles/amphibians include adder, common lizard and common frog. 

The site as a whole is Grade C on the Invertebrate Site Register. These are sites of potential importance for invertebrates where habitat structure or a small number of records of notable species indicate that the site is likely to be of importance. The site supports a colony of the nationally notable large heath butterfly {\it Coenonympha tullia} and has many species of waterbeetles (Coleoptera) typical of acidic bogs also present, though no nationally notable species. Also present are the emperor moth {\it Saturnia pavonia} and drinker moth {\it Philudoria potatoria}, plus a range of dragonflies and damselflies attracted to ponds dug at the edge of the mire to encourage newts.

VEG:
The common forms a small part of the Drumburgh Moss SSSI, and also lies within the Cumbria Wildlife Trust reserve of the same name. The site is also listed in "A Nature Conservation Review" (ed. D.A. Ratcliffe, 1977). More recently, the mosses of the South Solway Coast have been proposed as a Special Area of Conservation (pSAC) under the EC Habitats Directive. 

For a full account of the site as a whole, please see under CL 307C, which makes up the major part of the site. The site was not visited during the present survey and has target noted information available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. 

This particular common appears to be an isolated compartment, mainly of {\it Betula} sp. woodland on thin peat, on the fringes of the raised mire. This is fringed by {\it Calluna vulgaris} heath, scrub and acid grassland.

MANAGE:
See under the adjacent CL 307C for the management of this area as a whole.


VEG:
The common comprises three small parcels of land at the periphery of the Buttermere/Derwent Fells complex. The larger, northernmost portion lies just to the south of the village of Braithwaite, while the two smaller portions lie about 2km south of here, at the eastern edge of the fells. For a map of the distribution of commons across the whole area, consult the site description for CL 11C. All parts of the common appeare to lie within the Buttermere Fells SSSI. Again, for a comprehensive account of common land within this SSSI, please see under CL 11C. 

The northernmost portion is largely dominated by dense bracken. This area was viewed from the boundary gate from where several acidic flush features, dominated by {\it Juncus effusus}, could be seen. To the south of this portion are outcrops of acidic rocks, but have not been target noted by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. 

The two small southern portions appear from the Phase 1 survey to have a mixture of dense scrub and dense bracken. The westernmost portion borders onto the lower reaches of Stonycroft Gill. This was target noted in 1986: GR NY 231 211: - "The stream has cut its way through the rock to form a very deep, steep-sided gorge which is inaccessible. Trees mainly {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Betula} sp. with a good fern ground flora".

MANAGE:
All parts of the common are probably unfenced from the open fell and 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:
Noted during the site visit were: lapwing, blue tit, willow warbler, chaffinch, skylark, robin, curlew, swift, yellowhammer, sedge warbler, kestrel, blackbird, carrion crow, grey heron and mallard. Additional recorded birds, some breeding, include redshank, twite, snipe, whinchat, partridge, cuckoo, red grouse, grasshopper warbler, linnet, golden plover, shelduck, geese, short-eared owl and sparrowhawk. 

Mammals recorded include roe deer, hare and fox, while the reptiles/amphibians include adder, common lizard and common frog. In addition, ponds dug at the edge of the mire appear to have been successful in attracting breeding great crested newts. 

Drumburgh Moss has a Grade C entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. These are sites of potential importance for invertebrates where habitat structure or a small number of records of notable species indicate that the site is likely to be of importance. The site supports a colony of the nationally notable large heath butterfly {\it Coenonympha tullia} and has many species of waterbeetles (Coleoptera) typical of acidic bogs also present, though no nationally notable species. Also present are the emperor moth {\it Saturnia pavonia} and drinker moth {\it Philudoria potatoria}, plus a range of dragonflies and damselflies attracted to the small newt ponds at the edge of the mire.

VEG:
The Drumburgh Moss SSSI is one of four extensive lowland raised mires on the south Solway Plain, which support the largest area of this habitat left in Great Britain without significant loss or damage. Significant areas of the other three sites are also common land (see main report). CL 307C makes up the larger part of the SSSI, the greater part of which is also a Cumbria Wildlife Trust Reserve. Contiguous, smaller common land units are also involved (see map).  

The site is also listed in "A Nature Conservation Review" (ed. D.A. Ratcliffe, 1977). More recently, the mosses of the South Solway Coast have been proposed as a Special Area of Conservation (pSAC) under the EC Habitats Directive. Parts of the common to the north, and also to the NE are outside the SSSI (see map). The following description is derived from the available sources, plus notes made during a site visit (concentrating on the northern portion of the site). 

The raised mire occupies the southern portion. The northern margins have been slightly modified by past small scale peat removal. The vegetation here is characterised by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix. Sphagnum} mosses are confined to the wetter hollows. Scattered trees of {\it Betula} sp. are also present locally. The best mire vegetation occurs in the central area, where active raised mire, with a high water table, still exists. This has a well-developed hummock-hollow structure with numerous small pools. Here there is good {\it Sphagnum} cover, with abundant {\it S. magellanicum} and {\it S. papillosum}, with {\it S. pulchrum, S. tenellum, S. capillifolium} and {\it S. molle} of more restricted occurrence. A total of 13 species of {\it Sphagnum} have been recorded. {\it Drosera anglica} and {\it Rhyncospora alba} are locally abundant in wet hollows, which also have {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum}. Hummocks of {\it Dicranum undulatum}, a moss of undisturbed bogs, which is rare in Britain are also present along with other species characteristic of intact mires, such as {\it Andromeda polifolia} and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos}. 

To the north of the site (1), there is shallow peat created by past management activities (ie. peat cutting). This has large areas of wet heath with abundant tussocky {\it Molinia caerulea} with {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}. During the present survey the {\it Calluna} was noted to be at around 90 per cent cover over much of this area, although there are small 'blocks' where it has a much reduced cover, possibly past areas of burning. Most of the {\it Calluna} is quite mature (1.0m tall) and has a well-developed, even-aged, structure, apparently ungrazed. Between the {\it Molinia} tussocks are occasional plants of {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Luzula multiflora} and {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. Dried-out {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum} is also present in abundance. Locally there are well-deveolped tussocks of {\it E. vaginatum} and these are associated with {\it Polytrichum commune, Aulacomnium palustre} and {\it Galium saxatile}. 

Locally over this part of the common, there is encroaching scrub and trees of {\it Betula pendula}. In places the heathy element to the sward is lacking, as at (2), where there is a uniform sward of {\it M. caerulea} with {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Carex nigra}. Other species recorded from marshy grassland swards on the common include {\it Pedicularis sylvatica, Viola palustris, Caltha palustris} and {\it Succisa pratensis}. A track at (3) was noted to have a particularly dense population of {\it Dactylorhiza purpurella}. 

The northern portion of the common (4) also comprises wet heath, similar to that already described. {\it Calluna vulgaris} in this area is said to be quite closely grazed. The area lies within the reserve, but not within the SSSI. Once again, trees of {\it Betula} sp. are colonising the area. 

Surrounding this is woodland/scrub of {\it Betula} sp., {\it Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Salix} spp., with occasional {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. The field layer includes {\it Equisetum ?palustre, Agrostis canina, Cirsium palustre, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus repens, Urtica dioica} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}. 

Further south at (5) is dense scrub with {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. This area is very overgrown and impenetrable, although a path is supposed to run through it.

Running north-eastwards is a broad track (6), which follows for part of its length, the route of a disused railway. This has broad grassy verges, badly rutted in places by farm vehicles. The area is recorded as a Cumbria Wildlife Trust "County Wildlife Site", ref. A/NY25/10, and lies within the reserve area, but outside the SSSI. To the sides are hedges of {\it Crataegus monogyna} with trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Salix cinerea} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. 

The grassland is rank in character and dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}. The Phase 1 survey target notes a number of species for this grassland, and there appears to have been no significant change since this time. The list includes {\it Agrostis} spp., {\it Phleum pratense, Elytrigia repens, Hypochaeris radicata, Centaurea nigra, Urtica dioica, Rumex} spp., {\it Senecio jacobea, Cirsium} spp. and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. Noted in addition during the present survey were {\it Equisetum arvense} and {\it Conopodium majus}. Wet areas are also present with {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Cirsium palustre}. Scrub is present locally, especially to the western end of the track and contains {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Cytisus scoparius, Rosa canina} and {\it Ulex europaeus}.

MANAGE:
There has been small-scale peat cutting in the past. Some of the {\it Calluna} on the wet heath to the north appears to have been burnt at some time. According to a target note in the Phase 1 survey, dated 1977, this was fairly recent, so could have occurred accidentally during the dry summer of 1976. 

The present management of the site, undertaken by the Cumbria Wildlife Trust and BTCV, is aimed principally damming internal ditches to raise the water table and encourage cut areas to regenerate. Most of this area is suffering to varying degrees from invasion of birch scrub. A higher water table would inhibit the tree growth. 

Grazing of parts of this area would also help in this respect, though most of the site, apart form the portion at (4) is ungrazed at present. This latter area is grazed by sheep and cattle. To reintroduce grazing over other areas will require the construction of some internal fencing. Ditches in some areas, which may pose a threat to cattle, have already been fenced by BTCV, and the group have also been engaged in active scrub removal. There are additional plans to reintroduce grazing on other grassland areas to prevent the spread of coarse species. 

Several small ponds have been dug in these areas 4-5 years ago to encourage newts. The common is contiguous with CL 268C, from which it appears to be fenced. CL 153C cuts a swathe across the raised mire portion, although there are no physical boundaries existing. The northern portion of the common (4) appears to be fenced from the remainder.

The site is of considerable conservation importance, both in the fact that it contains a good representative of raised mire vegetation, but also in the adjoining diversity of wet heath, grassland, scrub and woodland habitats.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: meadow pipit, willow warbler (in hawthorn bush), chaffinch, pair of grey herons (overhead), plus mallard and black-headed gulls on Grasmere. 

Rydal Water is recorded to be one of the more important lakes for wildfowl, including mallard, pochard, tufted duck, goldeneye, goosander and greylag geese. 

Grasmere Lake has reedbeds and willow scrub which provide breeding sites for mute swan and sedge warbler. 

Rydal Water is a grade C site on the Invertebrate Site Register. There are records post-1980 for the nationally notable downy emerald {\it Cordulia cerea} and the rare cranefly {\it Dactylolabis sexmaculata}. There is also a record for the water flea {\it Lathoneura rectirostris}. 

Grasmere Lake is an ungraded ISR site. There are undated records for two local waterfleas (Cladocera). The most significant is {\it Latonia setifera}, a boreo-alpine waterflea of acidic waters. 

A further ISR site is Todd Crag (also ungraded). This relates to the bog pool at GR NY 364 040. There is a record for keeled skimmer {\it Orthetrum coerulescens} (1981), described as a "very local" species in Cumbria.

The Phase 1 survey notes roe deer on Loughrigg Fell.

VEG:
The common lies to the west of Ambleside, at the head of Windermere. The area has been well-covered by previous surveys, with numerous target notes of varying dates available from the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. The two lakes, Grasmere and Rydal Water, plus several other smaller water bodies have been the subject of surveys by Chris Gilham in 1978 and R. Stokoe in 1983 ("Aquatic Macrophytes"). These reports should be available from the English Nature library at Kendal. There is also National Trust survey information available for this site (1980, 1991), but there has been insufficient time to study these sources. Brief visits were made to various parts of the common.

The Loughrigg Fells area is underlain by rocks of the Borrowdale Volcanic series. This has given rise to the distinctive craggy outline of the fell. To the north, the boundary of the common also includes the two lakes, Rydal Water and Grasmere (although a small island in the latter water body is excluded from the common).

LOUGHRIGG FELL: 

This part of the common has a complex mosaic of vegetation types present. The greater part comprises bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with numerous rock outcrops. The rocks appear good for certain types of lichens, incl. {\it Cladonia} spp. Locally on this part of the common there are occasional scattered bushes of {\it Juniperus communis}. Some of these are small, but a few isolated venerable specimens are also present, around 4-5m tall (one such example was noted at GR NY 359 043). A small area of dense {\it J. communis} scrub is also recorded at NY 357 054. The slope to the north of the fell, leading down to Grasmere lake, has scattered scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna}. 

Throughout this part of the common, in small hollows and valleys there are a wide range of mire/flush habitats and several small water bodies. Most of these features have been too small and complex to map individually. They include small basin mires, acidic and base-rich flushes, plus valley mires. 

Species recorded from these features include {\it Molinia caerulea, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, J. articulatus, Polytrichum commune, P. alpestre, Cardamine pratensis, Pedicularis sylvatica, Narthecium ossifragum, Polygala serpyllifolia, Potentilla erecta, Nardus stricta, Equisetum fluviatile, Eleocharis palustris, Drosera rotundifolia, Sphagnum} spp. (incl {\it S. capillifolium, S. palustre, S. papillosum, S. cuspidatum}), {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Viola palustris, Trichophorum cespitosum, Anagallis tenella, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Aulacomnium palustre, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Carex rostrata, C. curta, C. viridula} subsp.{\it  oedocarpa, C. panicea, Triglochin palustris, Saxifraga aizoides} and {\it Pinguicula vulgaris}. One flushed area at GR NY 355 051 has been mapped as wet heath vegetation with {\it Erica tetralix}. 

On the slope to the NW of Loughrigg Fell, overlooking Grasmere lake, is an extensive series of diffuse flushes, several of which are clearly base-rich in character. These tend to be dominated by small carices and "brown moss" species. Higher plants recorded include many of the above, plus {\it Carex viridula} subsp. {\it brachyrrhyncha, C. flacca, Succisa pratensis, Briza media, Festuca vivipara, Thymus drucei, Ranunculus flammula, Cirsium palustre} and {\it Lysimachia nemorum}. Also noted during the present survey were {\it Carex pulicaris, C. echinata, C. dioica, C. nigra, Saxifraga aiziodes, Dactylorhiza fuchsii} and {\it Sphagnum auriculatum}. 

National Trust sources suggest the presence also of {\it Eriophorum latifolium} and the Nationally Scarce (NS) {\it Primula farinosa}. (Nationally Scarce: species recorded from between 16 - 100 ten km squares of the National Grid, JNCC, 1994).

Adjoining the south-eastern corner of the fell is the Loughrigg Fell Flushes SSSI. This feature totals 13.63 ha, of which 0.45 ha overlaps with the common (see map). This site has been designated for the presence of a diverse array of mire communities and marshy grasslands juxtaposed with neutral and acidic flushes. The range of species recorded for this site appears compatible with that highlighted above.

The final habitat type present on Loughrigg Fell takes the form of small areas of acidic grassland vegetation occurring amongst the bracken. This includes {\it Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris, Galium saxatile, Luzula campestris, Dicranella} sp., {\it Pleurozium schreberi} and {\it Hypnum cupressiforme}.
  
GRASMERE LAKE: 

Much of this is fringed with {\it Phragmites austrails} reed swamp, with {\it Carex rostrata} and {\it Iris pseudacorus} also present. Other species recorded from the shore line include {\it Senecio aquaticus, Lythrum salicaria, Lysimachia vulgaris, Angelica sylvestris, Succisa pratensis, Epilobium palustre, Potentilla palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Achillea ptarmica, Phalaris arundinacea, Stachys palustris, Caltha palustris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Valeriana officinalis, Lycopus europaeus, Lotus pedunculatus, Mentha aquatica, Filipendula ulmaria, Myosotis} sp., plus scattered trees/shrubs of {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Alnus glutinosa}.

RYDAL WATER: 

Includes Heron Island which supports semi-natural mixed woodland (dominant species shown as {\it Pinus sylvestris} and {\it Rhododendron ponticum}). A smaller island, Little Isle, is shown to have {\it Quercus} sp. woodland. To the western edge of the lake there is {\it P. australis} reedbed and stands of {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. Along the water course connecting the two lakes are further stands of {\it P. arundinacea}. Several clumps of {\it Oreopteris limbosperma} noted here and one plant of {\it Cryptogramma crispa}. See C. Gillham's Lake Shore Survey of Rydal Water (1979). The lake has an entry in the Cumbria Wildlife Trust records: ref. 39, with several years of records.

The three small outlying portions of the common appear to comprise dense bracken and improved grassland.

MANAGE:
The open fell is grazed by sheep. Overall grazing levels appear slight to moderate, reflecting the small available area of palatable grazing on the common. Sheep licks were noted in various places. To the SE corner of the common, the National Trust have been planting oak trees (GR NY 368 039). There has also been footpath repair work conducted here - steps, stiles and right of way signs. There are also tyre marks on the hilltop in this area which appear to have been caused by heavy plant/machinery.

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 visit were: meadow pipit, carrion crow, skylark.

VEG:
The common was covered by a National Trust Biological survey in 1980 and subsequently by the Cumbria Phase 1 survey in 1986. A brief site visit (to Wansfell summit) has also been undertaken. 

Most of the common is dominated by a quite closely grazed acidic grassland sward. There appears to have been little significant change in this since 1980. The grassland is typically dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}. In the area around Wansfell, this was noted to have locally abundant {\it Galium saxatile, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Pleurozium schreberi} and {\it Luzula campestris}, locally frequent {\it Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}, plus locally occasional {\it Carex nigra, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Potentilla erecta} (NVC type U4). Locally {\it Nardus stricta} is present, possibly marking a transition to NVC type U5. In addition, some large clumps of {\it Luzula sylvatica} were also noted in this area. 

There are scattered areas of acidic flushing throughout the common. Moving eastwards along the footpath from Wansfell, a typical example was noted to be dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} with frequent {\it Ranunculus acris, R. ficaria, R. repens, Rumex acetosa, Juncus acutiflorus, A. odoratum}, locally abundant {\it Polytrichum commune} and {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium}, locally frequent {\it Galium palustre} and {\it Stellaria alsine} and locally occasional {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium palustre, Cerastium fontanum, Cardamine pratensis, Carex panicea, Viola palustris} and {\it Plagiomnium undulatum}. Elswehere {\it Sphagnum} mosses become abundant in the flushes, mainly {\it S. recurvum}, and {\it S. palustre}, plus some {\it S. auriculatum}. Most of these acidic flush features are likely to be of NVC type M6c. 

Other species noted in the National Trust/Phase 1 surveys from flushes on the common include {\it Carex rostrata, Molinia caerulea, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Carex echinata, Juncus acutiflorus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Menyanthes trifoliata} and {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}. In addition, there is also reference in the National Trust report to "small flushes adjacent to stream", which appear to be base-rich in character and have {\it Prunella vulgaris, Carex pulicaris, Briza media, Thymus drucei} and {\it Pilosella officinarum}. It is thought that an earlier record for the Nationally Scarce (NS) {\it Primula farinosa} may also refer to these features.

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

To the south of the common, the National Trust survey notes a stream gorge at GR NY 396 035. "Stream gorge is 10-35cm wide and fast flowing. A good variety of species occur within a small area - {\it Corylus avellana, Sorbus aucuparia, Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} are present, plus {\it Alchemilla vulgaris, Selaginella selaginoides, Pedicularis sylvatica, Angelica sylvestris, Oreopteris limbosperma, Filipendula ulmaria} and several other species". 

The Cumbria Phase 1 survey target notes one further feature. This is described as a "quaking basin mire" (GR NY 402 049) with {\it Juncus acutiflorus, Sphagnum} spp., {\it Polytrichum} spp., {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Eriophorum angustifolium, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep at quite a high intensity. The paths across the common are heavily used and there has been some repair work in places with stone pitching.

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 present survey along Far Easedale Gill: meadow pipit, tree pipit, skylark, yellowhammer, chaffinch, whinchat, wren, cuckoo, mistle thrush, wheatear. Several ravens were noted in the vicinity of Blea Crags (GR NY 301 080). Black-headed gulls on Easedale Tarn.

Fauna recorded during 1986 Phase 1 survey: common frog, golden-ringed dragonfly {\it Cordulegaster boltonii}.

The site files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust record Blindtarn Moss (NY 316 079) as having a small resident herd of red deer (1982).

The Easedale Valley has a Grade C entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. These are sites of potential importance where habitat or a small number of records of notable species indicate that the site is likely to be of importance. A number of scarcer species from diverse groups have been recorded, including a number of scarce montane species.

VEG:
This large Lakeland common wraps around the hills to both the east and west of Grasmere. To the east, a steep slope descends from the summits of Fairfield and Great Rigg into the Rothay Valley. To the west the land quickly ascends onto the body of Grasmere Common. Here there is a complex topography with much outcropping rock and a variety of hollows, valleys and basins in between. Some of these contain water bodies, the largest of which is Easedale Tarn, plus a variety of valley/basin mires and flushes. A number of small, steep valleys, or Gills, descend from the edge. Far Easedale Gill is a much larger valley. Underlying geology is of the Borrowdale Volcanic series.

The habitat map and much of the following description have been based extensively on the Cumbria Phase 1 survey. During the present survey, the western portion of the common was visited, proceeding along Far Easedale Gill, returning via Easedale Tarn. The south-eastern part of the common was also viewed from the Loughrigg Terraces (these looking north across Rydal water). The common includes several sites which are referenced in the files of the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The area has also been covered by a National Trust Biological Survey (Lord Lonsdale's Commons, 1980). Due to time constraints and the age of this source, this document has not been collated into this account, although much of this appears to have been reproduced within the Phase 1 target notes.

1. Western section - MAP 1.

Surrounding the crags and other rock outcrops on this common are extensive areas of acidic grassland dominated by species such as {\it Nardus stricta, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. Some swards on more gentle slopes are punctuated by a variety of flushes (see later). More sheltered lower slopes have some areas of dense and scattered bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The grassland in Far Easedale Gill, noted during the present survey appears to be mainly {\it Nardus stricta} - NVC type U5, with locally frequent {\it Carex binervis, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} present.

Easedale Tarn is an oligotrophic lake and well-documented (see English Nature Cumbria Team Library). Associated mire/flush vegetation (GR NY 306 085/328 074). Emergent and other species include {\it Juncus bulbosus, Carex rostrata} and {\it Nymphaea alba}.

The smaller water body of Codale Tarn (GR NY 296 087) was covered by the National Trust survey and has a number of other information sources, including surveys by Gilham in 1978 and Stokoe in 1983 (see English Nature Library). Re-examined during the Phase 1 survey during 1987, the feature appeared largely as surveyed by the National Trust in 1980. "Aquatic/emergent species include {\it Lobelia dortmanna, Isoetes lacustris} and {\it Juncus bulbosus}. The edges are locally invaded by {\it Juncus effusus, Potamogeton} sp., {\it Diphasiastrum alpinum, Carex} spp. and {\it Sphagnum} spp. The rocks on the northern inflow stream have {\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Blechnum spicant} and {\it Racomitrium lanuginosum}".

The valleys and other depressions of the common supports extensive valley/basin mires and acidic/neutral flush features. These contain species such as {\it Carex rostrata, C. panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. echinata, C. pulicaris, Sphagnum} spp. (incl. {\it S. palustre, S. papillosum, S. recurvum}), {\it Polytrichum commune, Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus, J. acutiflorus, Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Molinia caerulea, Menyanthes trifoliata, Equisetum fluviatile, Ranunculus flammula, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Erica tetralix, Potentilla erecta, Viola palustris, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Narthecium ossifragum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Drosera rotundifolia, Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}.

Less commonly found are the orchids {\it Dactlorhiza maculata} subsp. {\it ericetorum}, usually only found from mires adjoining the eastern edge of this portion of the common.

Important examples of mire/flush include Blindtarn Moss (basin mire): GR NY 317 078, Far Easedale Gill (valley mire): NY 307 098, Greenburn Bottom (valley mire): NY 316 106. There are numerous smaller acidic flush features located in valleys to the south and east of Easedale Tarn. Extensive flushing among acidic grassland on fairly shallow slopes of Cotra GR NY 3210/3211.

A typical area of flush noted during the present survey in Far Easedale Gill has abundant {\it Sphagnum auriculatum, S. papillosum, Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Nardus stricta}, frequent {\it Carex dioica, C. panicea, C. echinata} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}, plus locally occasional {\it Viola palustris} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. This vegetation probably belongs within NVC type M6. Swards dominated by either {\it Carex rostrata} or {\it Juncus articulatus} were also present in this complex. 

There were also some areas of base-rich flushing noted during the present survey amongst grassland slopes adjacent to the path along Far Easedale Gill at GR NY 309 098. Noted here were {\it Pinguicula vulgaris, Carex panciea} and {\it C. viridula} subsp. {\it brachyrrhyncha}.

A small basin mire was recorded during the present survey to the west of Easedale Tarn (GR NY 302 084). This contains a "sedge-rich" sward with abundant {\it Sphagnum papillosum, S. auriculatum, Carex panicea, C. dioica, C. echinata, C. nigra, Scirpus cespitosus, Eriophorum vaginatum}, locally frequent {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Juncus squarrosus, Viola palustris, Sphagnum recurvum, S. palustre, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Equisetum fluviatile} and {\it Polytrichum commune}, plus locally occasional {\it Polygala serpyllifolia} - again NVC M6. Several open pools have {\it Menyanthes trifoliata}. A wetter area in the centre has a large portion dominated by {\it Carex rostrata} with frequent {\it Eriophorum angsustifolium}, while marginal feed-in flushes tend to be dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it J. acutiflorus}.

High fells to the north of Easedale Tarn and other parts of the common support areas of {\it Juniperus communis} scrub: Tarn Crag, GR NY 304 092; Steel Fell, NY 317 110; Carrs/Pike of Carrs, NY 305 103. There is also a small dense stand at NY 316 074. Scattered juniper was noted within closely-cropped acidic grassland during the present survey, above a flushed hillside at NY 315 086. Scattered bushes are also present along Far Easedale Gill. 

Rock outcrops to the far west of the common have good areas of dry heath with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, also with occasional {\it Erica cinerea}. This habitat is especially well-represented in grid squares NY 2909 and NY 2908. Also recorded from heath in this area (1987) were {\it Diphasiastrum alpinum} and {\it Huperzia selago}.

Cliff-ledge communities on some of the steeper rock outcrops, as at at Deer Bields: GR NY 302 097, 1986: {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Angelica sylvestris, Solidago virgaurea, Huperzia selago, Juniperus communis, Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris, Thymus drucei, Succisa pratensis, Cardamine} sp., {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca vivipara} and {\it Alchemilla alpina}. 

Steep-sided narrow gills contain a variety of species. Examples noted at GR NY 300 099, NY 325 072: {\it Thymus drucei, Cryptogramma crispa, Viola riviniana, Polypodium vulgare, Ulex} sp., {\it Danthonia decumbens, Succisa pratensis, Solidago virgaurea, Potentilla sterilis, Festuca vivipara, Huperzia selago, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Erica cinerea, Juniperus communis} and {\it Oreopteris limbosperma}, plus abundant liverworts.

Some of the more base-rich flushes occur in these rocky areas. Species noted in these situations include {\it Briza media, Carex pulicaris, C. pallescens, C. viridula} subsp. {\it brachyrrhyncha, Thymus drucei} and {\it Euphrasia officinalis} agg.

Gills along the eastern edge of the common tend to be wooded in their lower sections: GR NY 321 080. {\it Quercus petraea, Fraxinus excelsior, Juniperus communis, Ilex aquifolium, Betula} sp. and {\it Ulmus glabra}.

2. Eastern section - MAP 2. 

(Not visited, apart from viewing the southern portion from the Loughrigg Terraces).

Steep slopes below the summits of Fairfield, Seat Sandal and Great Rigg support an acidic grassland sward dominated by {\it Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}, locally also with {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Potentilla erecta} and {it Huperzia selago}. 

There are a variety of rock outcrops and screes, especially along slopes at the base of the valley. Noted on 05.06.95 on slopes below Lord Crag (GR NY 354 075): scattered scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and areas of bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} among heavliy sheep-grazed acidic grassland.

The slopes have a number of small steep-sided gills, for example at Little Tongue Gill (GR NY 340 102 - 1980, 1986). "This has associated flushes which are dominated by {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Polytrichum} spp. and {\it Carex viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa}. Also present are {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Carex echinata, C. pulicaris, Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, J. articulatus, Briza media, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Drosera rotundifolia, Pinguicula vulgaris, Prunella vulgaris, Cirsium palustre, Ranunculus flammula, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Pedicularis sylvatica}". From this description, there appears to be an element of base-rich flushing present. 

Hause Moss (GR NY 349 112, 1986): "Valley mire with surrounding flushes. The mire itself is set in a slight depression behind a rock outcrop and is dominated by {\it Carex rostrata} and {\it Sphagnum recurvum}. Other species present include {\it Eriophorum} spp., {\it Carex flacca, C. panicea, C. viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, Juncus effusus, J. bulbosus, Narthecium ossifragum, Galium palustre} and {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum}". 

Seat Sandal (GR NY 341 114) has some {\it Sphagnum}-dominated hollows which provide a 1980 record for {\it Saxifraga stellaris}, plus flushes elsewhere with "{\it Saxifraga stellaris, S. aizoides, Cochlearia pyrenacia, Pinguicula vulgaris} and {\it Blechnum spicant}, with {\it Cryptogramma crispa} and {\it Oreopteris limbosperma} occurring on wet rock outcrops". 

Allcock tarn lies at the base of the hillside due east from Grasmere. This has a variety of references: National Trust Biological Survey, K. Hearn, 1980. "Aquatic macrophytes", R. Stokoe, 1983. It has a moderately rich aquatic flora including {\it Litorella uniflora} and {\it Chara} sp. Just to the north of this feature is a small basin mire (GR NY 349 080). Target noted in 1980 but not re-visited in 1986. Contains {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Carex rostrata, C. curta, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Viola palustris, Ranunculus flammula, Myosotis} sp., {\it Drosera rotundifolia} and {\it Menyanthes trifoliata}.

3. Outlying Portion: White Moss Common - MAP 2.

Situated close to the extreme southern tip of the eastern part of the common, lying close to the eastern shore of Grasmere.

This National Trust-owned land comprises "a sheep-grazed hillside largely dominated by dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Rocky outcrops support acidic grassland of {\it Festuca} spp., {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Nardus stricta}, heathy in places with {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea}. Trees ({\it Quercus petraea, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Betula pendula}, chiefly) are scattered over the lower slopes. Small pockets of marshy ground exist, of which the bog near the hilltop is the largest and best example - an active bog dominated by {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}, with much {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Sphagnum} sp. The small reservoir is dull, and shaded by birch trees" (GR NY 346 065, 1986). The overall appearance of this area did not seem to have changed at the time of the present survey. Also noted on 05.06.95: scattered bushes of {\it Rhododendron ponticum}.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust sites: (with all the information found).

1. Blea Rigg (NY 297 084).

2. Far Easedale (NY 317 093). "{\it Sphagnum} bog on hillside near small beck at 700 feet. Species: {\it Hammarbya paludosa, Drosera rotundifolia} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}. Drainage carried-out recently (1986). Plants liable to damage if further drainage work carried-out".

3. Rydal Fell (NY 355 095). 1976 records for complex mosaic of flushes in valley bottom/valley sides.

4. Blindtarn Moss (NY 316 079). 1982 record of a juniper "wood", regenerating in places.

5. Eagle Crag (NY 297 084).

6. Stenners Crag (NY 317 094).

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. 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. 

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 far 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 effect of high grazing levels upon juniper scrub is also an important ecological issue, an example of this being noted during the present survey. An area of scattered juniper scrub within closely-cropped acidic grassland occurs at GR NY 315 086. Here the bushes, although reaching 1.5-2.0m tall, have a somewhat closely-cropped topiary appearance, with little evidence of any growth of young plants (ie. regeneration). If current grazing levels persist, the juniper scrub will therefore disappear when the current generation of plants dies. The National Park Authority are currently investigating the possibility of erecting  temporary fencing on parts of the Helvellyn range to allow some regeneration of new plants to occur, together with the planting of cuttings.

The National Trust have an on-going programme of footpath repair and maintenance on this common. A particular problem on this common is where paths cross peat substrate.


