# file3

FAUNA:
The fauna was not recorded separately for Hayters Wood. The fauna recorded for both Hayters Wood and the contiguous Whiteparish common is listed under the entry for the latter common (CL7).

VEG:
Hayter's Wood is one of a group of five woodland commons situated in the far south-eastern corner of Wiltshire overlying London Clay and Reading Beds (see also CLs 6,7,9,10). It is continuous with Whiteparish common (CL7) and together the two form the Whiteparish Common SSSI. A full description for the woodland on both commons is given under the entry for CL7. The majority of the {\it Fagus sylvatica} woodland is in Hayter's wood, again grading into {\it Betula} spp. dominated woodland south of Parkwater road. There is an area of coniferous plantation south of the road. There was no groundflora in the south-eastern part of this area in 1986 (EN site visit) and was described as possibly near to felling age. Nearer to the road the conifer trees were younger and mixed in with broadleaved regrowth with some remaining groundflora.

MANAGE:
Hayter's Wood is shown on the 1st Edition OS Map (1773). Management has probably been similar to that described for Whiteparish common (CL7) with which it is continuous although there are no registered rights on this common in contrast with CL7. There is an area of coniferous plantation on the common.


FAUNA:
Fox, grey squirrel, blackbird and jay were recorded during the site visit. The SSSI supports a wide range of butterfly species including the nationally restricted purple emperor as well as white admiral and silver-washed and pearl-bordered fritillaries. The latter 3 were last recorded in 1986 and purple emperor in 1985. In addition, small pearl-bordered fritillary was recorded in 1987 and purple hairstreak in 1985. The mature trees, with associated standing and fallen deadwood, provide an important habitat for a wide range of invertebrates. The wood also supports a varied woodland bird fauna including nuthatch, tree creeper, greater-spotted woodpecker and nightingale. Nightingale, blackcap, nuthatch, thrushes, tits, deer, wren, blackbird, goldfinch, badger, the butterflies brimstone, speckled wood, peacock and green-veined white, hoverflies, ladybirds and bees were recorded during a survey of Whiteparish common and Hayters Wood (CL 8) 07.05.85. Pearl-bordered fritillary is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Whiteparish common is one of a group of five woodland commons situated in the far south-eastern corner of Wiltshire (see also CLs 6,8,9,10). It lies on London Clay on generally acidic soils with a network of streams producing locally wet conditions. Together with the adjoining Hayter's wood (CL8), these commons support an extensive area of ancient semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The majority of the area was surveyed in 1985 by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust which forms the basis of this report. 

The canopy is predominantly {\it Quercus robur, Betula pendula} and {\it B. pubescens} with frequent {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. {\it Fagus sylvatica} is locally abundant towards the eastern end. {\it Tilia cordata} has been recorded at several locations, notably on the wood bank along the boundary between the common and Banke's Copse and {\it Sorbus torminalis} at SU253222 and SU261223. Understorey species include abundant {\it Corylus avellana} old coppice, {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna, Viburnum opulus} and {\it Ilex aquifolium}, locally frequent {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and occasional {\it Sambucus nigra, Taxus baccata} and {\it Salix capraea}. {\it Euonymus europaeus} is rare in the understorey. A wide range of characteristic woodland plants occurs, many of which are indicative of a long continuity of woodland conditions. The groundflora comprises abundant {\it Anemone nemorosa, Hedera helix, Ranunculus ficaria, Rumex obtusifolius}, locally abundant {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Galium odoratum, Geranium robertianum, Geum rivale, G. urbanum, Holcus mollis, Melica uniflora, Mercurialis perennis, Orchis mascula, Oxalis acetosella, Poa nemoralis, Stellaria holostea, Urtica dioica, Viola reichenbachiana} and {\it V. riviniana}, frequent {\it Circaea lutetiana, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Galium aparine, Glechoma hederacea, Heracleum sphondylium, Holcus lanatus, Lysimachia nemorum, Potentilla sterilis, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus repens, Rumex sanguineus, Silene dioica, Stachys sylvestris} and {\it Veronica montana} and locally frequent {\it Allium ursinum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Cardamine flexuosa, Cirsium vulgare, Fragaria vesca, Luzula pilosa, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Primula vulgaris, Prunus spinosa, Pteridium aquilinum, Ranunculus flammula, Ribes rubrum} and {\it Sanicula europaea}. Occasional species of interest include {\it Stachys officinalis, Carex remota, C. sylvatica, Conopodium majus, Moehringia trinervia, Polystichum setiferum, Ruscus aculeatus, Scrophularia nodosa, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}. The north-western spur supports frequent {\it Acer campestre} which is rare elsewhere in the woodland with a groundflora of {\it Ruscus aculeatus, Adoxa moschatellina, Phyllitis scolopendrium}. 

To the south of Parkwater road (away from the immediate roadside) {\it Betula} spp. become predominant. These areas have a dense scrub cover with much young {\it Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana} and {\it Betula} spp. {\it Lonicera periclymenum} is abundant and some areas are dominated by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. (particularly beneath the conifers along the roadside towards the western end of the common). The groundflora is sparse with much leaf litter. 

The occurrence of {\it Sorbus torminalis, Quercus petraea} and {\it Frangula alnus} on the common is of particular interest, these species being rare in Wiltshire. Additional species mentioned in the SSSI citation include {\it Aquilegia vulgaris, Melampyrum pratense, Hypericum androsaemum, Dryopteris affinis, D. carthusiana, Polystichum setiferum, Blechnum spicant, Carex pallescens} and {\it Festuca gigantea} most of which were recorded as rare or occasional in the 1985 survey. 

Streams in the woodland, with meanders, pools and riffles, support wetland species such as {\it Caltha palustris, Oenanthe crocata, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Geum rivale} with {\it Alnus glutinosa} in the canopy. A small section of ride supports heathy vegetation including {\it Calluna vulgaris, Cytisus scoparius, Carex pilulifera, Galium saxatile} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

The woodland was visited in April 1989 by the British Bryological Society who recorded a rich bryophyte flora of 82 species including {\it Rhytidiadelphus loreus} and {\it Ctenidium molluscum} which are rare in Wiltshire and also {\it Eurynchium schleicheri}, three species of {\it Zygodon} including {\it Z. baumgartneri} which is an ancient woodland epiphyte as is {\it Frullania tamarisci}. 21 species of liverwort were recorded which is high for a lowland English wood. 

A few small areas have been cleared around property accesses, generally supporting semi-improved neutral grassland.

MANAGE:
Until the 1950's much of the woodland was cattle grazed wood pasture. Mature {\it Fagus sylvatica} (including some old pollards), a tree favoured by wood pasture management, are spread throughout the woodland. It is felt that the {\it Fagus sylvatica} on the common is native, falling within the native range of the species and because there is a good age structure present (EN notes on site visit 19.05.86). The woodland is interesting in comparison to the wood pasture of the nearby New Forest in that it supports {\it Tilia coradata} which is rare in the New Forest. In 1985 the woodland was described as generally derelict with no evidence of recent management beyond opening up of one ride. There is good regeneration within the woodland. 

There is some old coppice in the woodland (mainly {\it Corylus avellana}) - a habitat favoured by white admiral butterflies which occur on the common. The three fritillary species which occur on the common require violets in slightly differing habitats beneath open canopy or recent or older clearings in woodland and the number of butterflies has declined since the canopy closed following the reduction in management (SSSI citation). There are also few rides and paths within the woodland. There is much standing and fallen deadwood and leaf litter (especially under beech and birch) which are important habitats for invertebrates. 

The conifers along Parkwater Road have probably self set from the adjoining plantation or may have been planted. The common has been encroached on in the east with a couple of small areas of hard standing in front of properties. Small areas of the woodland have been cleared around properties and their access tracks. Some dumped garden rubbish was noted within the woodland opposite properties along Common Road. There were some tree loppings within the woodland south of Parkwater Road on Whiteparish common.


FAUNA:
Speckled wood and common blue butterflies were recorded during the site visit. Deer slots were noted along the footpath through the woodland.

VEG:
Holmere common is one of a group of five woodland commons situated in the far south-eastern corner of Wiltshire overlying London Clay and Reading Beds (see also CLs 7,8,9,10). The common is bisected by the A36(T) and a minor road. 

The northern part of the common is largely encroached upon. Part has been incorporated into an adjoining field supporting semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, locally frequent {\it Alopecurus pratensis} and {\it Cirsium arvense}, occasional {\it Achillea millefolium} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} and a few scattered {\it Quercus} sp. Other parts have been encroached upon by the sawmills and part lies behind a hedge on either side of an access track to properties (improved grassland). The road verge to the west supports a coarse grassland of {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Bromus hordaceus, Dactylis glomerata, Poa trivialis, Holcus lanatus} and occasional {\it Geranium dissectum, Plantago lanceolata, Vicia sativa, Daucus carota} and {\it Trifolium pratense} with locally frequent {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and rare to occasional {\it Centaurea nigra, Pastinaca sativa, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. Around the junction of the minor road and the A36(T), {\it Leucanthemum vulgare} and {\it Lotus pedunculatus} are locally abundant with some scattered young {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. 

A large proportion of the area to the south of the road supports broadleaved woodland. The canopy is dominated by {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} with occasional {\it Alnus glutinosa}. Understorey species recorded were {\it Corylus avellana, Salix cinerea, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Quercus robur}. The groundflora comprises locally frequent {\it Galium aparine, Mercurialis perennis, Urtica dioica, Stellaria holostea} and rarely {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi} and {\it Iris pseudacorus}. There is a small grassy clearing in the woodland adjacent to the footpath at SU244219 supporting frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Juncus inflexus} with occasional {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Pulicaria dysenterica, Senecio erucifolius, Veronica chamaedrys, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Cynosurus cristatus}. {\it Carex otrubae} and {\it Phragmites australis} occured locally and a few other {\it Carex} spp. were also recorded. This area had been planted with {\it Populus tremula}. In the surrounding woodland {\it Quercus robur} is the predominant canopy species with {\it Taxus baccata} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} in the understorey. {\it Melica uniflora} was locally frequent in the groundflora together with some {\it Ruscus aculeatus, Lysimachia nemorum, Carex sylvatica, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Anemone nemorosa, Poa nemoralis, Viola} sp. and {\it Luzula} sp. There is a grassy clearing in front of Earldoms Lodge supporting improved grassland and there has been some interplanting with conifers at the eastern end south of the road. The roadside verges are similar to those described above. 

The area of woodland to the north of the A36(T) comprises dense {\it Fraxinus excelsior} saplings with occasional {\it Betula pendula, Taxus baccata, Corylus avellana, Quercus} sp. and a sparse groundflora of {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Stellaria holostea}. On the opposite side of the minor road at the eastern end of the common is a similar area of dense saplings but dominated by {\it Betula pendula} with some {\it Corylus avellana, Pteridium aquilinum, Hedera helix, Cornus sanguinea, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Aegopodium podagraria, Carex} sp. and {\it Acer campestre}.

MANAGE:
The northern part of the common has largely been encroached upon and is being variously managed, part having been incorporated into a field apparently used for pasture, part regularly mown around an access to a property (improved grassland) and part behind the security fencing to the sawmills with some scattered planted shrubs. The road verges are probably occasionally mown. The area around the modified junction of the A36(T) and the minor road which crosses the common has possibly been seeded with a flower-rich mix supporting locally abundant {\it Leucanthemum vulgare} and {\it Lotus pedunculatus}. The latter area also has scattered young trees which may have been planted. 

The woodland areas are probably largely unmanaged, there having been some locallised interplanting with conifers and some planting of {\it Populus tremula} in a clearing. The latter area is fairly rich with {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi}. This area will probably dry out as the {\it P. tremula} grows which will also eventually shade out the groundflora. Some dumped roof slates were also noted in this area. The grassland area in front of Earldoms Lodge is regularly mown.


FAUNA:
Deer, grey squirrel, robin, wood warbler, woodpecker, pheasant, great tit, buzzard, cuckoo, chiffchaff, woodpigeon and the butterflies brimstone, peacock and speckled wood were recorded during the site visit. There is a badger sett? on the common. Skylark and brown hare were recorded in adjoining fields, both species being listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. 

34 species of butterfly were recorded from the common by M.S.Warren, 1986 including five species of fritillary. Large, small and green-veined whites, orange tip, gatekeeper, meadow brown, small heath and ringlet were recorded as being abundant throughout the wood with white admiral and dark green fritillary fairly abundant throughout. Holly blue, red admiral, painted lady, small tortoiseshell, peacock, comma, were occasional throughout. Purple emperor was widespread, particularly in eastern half, but probably under-recorded and speckled wood present throughout. Brimstone and small, large, grizzled and Essex skippers were recorded in the open rides and young plantations throughout and green hairstreak in several young plantations and rides. The majority of the fritillaries were associated with the young plantations; small pearl-bordered present in a few, pearl-bordered abundant in most, Duke of Burgundy fairly abundant in several and marsh present in a few and on the downland. Marbled white was present in several open areas and small copper, brown Argus and common blue present in some open areas. Dingy skipper was recorded in some open rides and downland and purple hairstreak on oaks throughout. Pearl-bordered fritillary and marsh fritillary are listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. 

36 species of butterfly have been recorded from Little Langford Down (SU047349, Wildlife Trust Reserve and part of SSSI) since 1990 including the additional species adonis blue, silver-washed fritillary, chalkhill blue (small numbers), small blue (a few irregular sightings) and the rare silver-spotted skipper (1995). Silver-spotted skipper is listed on the short-list and adonis blue on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. This area supports a strong colony of brown argus, good numbers of green hairstreak and dingy and grizzled skippers. Several of the recorded species are present on account of the adjoining woodland. A list of 158 moths (including 57 micromoths) has been compiled for the reserve (1987-1997), of particular note are narrow-bordered bee-hawk and oblique striped. Buzzard, great spotted and green woodpeckers are seen regularly and there are several records of woodcock. The birds blue, great, marsh and willow tit, goldcrest, redstart, buzzard, blackbird, robin, wren, woodpigeon, pheasant, red legged partridge, jay, green woodpecker, rook and willow warbler have been recorded as possibly breeding on the reserve (1987). Sparrowhawk, hobby and kestrel were also recorded in 1991. There are also some miscellaneous invertebrate records including seven species of Orthoptera (and allies); field, meadow, common green and the local mottled and stripe-winged grasshoppers and dark bush-cricket. The local mining bee {\it Andrena cineraria} and the notable mining bee {\it Osmia bicolor} have also been recorded. There are numerous ant hills in this area. Dormouse nests have been found in the woodland adjoining the reserve and there are frequent sightings of stoats. Fox, rabbit, mole, grey squirrel, slow worm and evidence of badgers have also been recorded. Dormouse is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Grovely Wood is a large area of woodland (the largest common in Wiltshire) situated on a ridge running between the Wylye and Nadder valleys. The ridge top supports clay-with-flint and plateau flint gravels over chalk. The woodland is actively managed supporting semi-natural broadleaved woodland, coniferous planatation, mixed plantation and broadleaved plantation. 

The common still supports a large amount of semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The canopy is predominantly of {\it Quercus robur} with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} (locally dominant) and {\it Prunus avium} and locally {\it Betula pendula}. {\it Corylus avellana} is the dominant understorey species with occasional {\it Ilex aquifolium} and is locally diverse supporting species such as {\it Ligustrum vulgare, Clematis vitalba} and {\it Euonymus europaeus}. There is some {\it Rhododendron} sp. in the understorey around Grovely Lodge. The groundflora is generally not rich, dominated by either {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} or {\it Mercurialis perennis} with {\it Conopodium majus, Sanicula europaea, Geum urbanum, Circaea lutetiana} and occasional orchids particularly {\it Orchis mascula}. Additional species recorded include {\it Galium odoratum, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Geum urbanum, Moehringia trinervia, Geranium robertianum, Viola riviniana, Potentilla sterilis, Melica uniflora, Lonicera periclymenum, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Veronica montana, Carex sylvatica, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Stellaria holostea, Glechoma hederacea, Milium effusum, Anemone nemorosa, Urtica dioica, Rumex sanguineus} and locally {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Luzula forsteri} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. {\it Polygonatum multiflorum?} was recorded in the woodland near Little Langford Down Nature Reserve (SU047349). The bryophytes {\it Thuidium tamariscinum} and {\it Mnium hornum} were also recorded. Locally there is lying deadwood and some {\it Quercus robur} leaf litter. There are a couple of areas of old {\it Corylus avellana} coppice at the western end of the common at SU015341 with occasional {\it Quercus robur, Betula pendula, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Sorbus aria} trees. Additional understorey species include {\it Prunus spinosa, Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. Bryophytes and {\it Listera ovata} were frequent in the groundflora and {\it Platanthera chlorantha?} was also recorded. 

Areas of conifer plantation consist of {\it Larix decidua, Picea sitchensis, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana} and areas of broadleaved plantation of {\it Fagus sylvatica} and an area recently planted with {\it Quercus} sp. Mixed plantations support the above conifers {\it Betula pendula, Fagus sylvatica, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, in places probably self-sown. Where the canopy is not too dense (such as beneath the {\it Larix decidua} or mixed plantations) a similar groundflora to beneath the semi-natural woodland persists.

There is a fine avenue of mature {\it Fagus sylvatica} running along First Broad Drive at the eastern end of the woodland. 

Additional species recorded along the tracks and rides include {\it Hypericum hirsutum, Lithospermum officinale, Cerastium glomeratum, Geranium lucidum, Geum rivale} and {\it Sherardia arvensis}.

There is a small area of unimproved calcareous grassland at SU046348 known as Little Langford Down (a Wildlife Trust reserve forming part of the Ebsbury Down SSSI). The area lies on Upper Chalk and consists of a small coombe running south-west to north-east with a steep NNW-facing scarp and a smaller, gentle south-east-facing slope. The predominant NVC community is CG2 {\it Festuca ovina-Avenula (Helictotrichon) pratensis} grassland. There have been two recent surveys dated 25.06.86 and 20.08.87. During the latter survey abundant {\it Festuca ovina, Euphrasia officinalis} and {\it Gentianella amarella} were recorded, frequent {\it Koeleria macrantha, Carex flacca, Leontodon hispidus, Plantago lanceolata, Sanguisorba minor, Scabiosa columbaria, Senecio jacobaea} and {\it Succisa pratensis} and occasional {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Helictotrichon pratense, H. pubescens, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Briza media, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Phleum bertolonii, Carex caryophyllea, Anthyllis vulneraria, Asperula cynanchica, Campanula rotundifolia, Carlina vulgaris, Cirsium acaule, C. vulgare, Clinopodium vulgare, Filipendula vulgaris, Galium verum, Helianthemum nummularium, Pilosella officinarum, Linum catharticum, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago media, Primula vulgaris, Thymus polytrichus, Veronica chamaedrys} and {\it Viola hirta}. {\it Cirsium palustre} and {\it Potentilla erecta} were locally frequent and {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum} is frequent on the south-east facing slope. {\it Cynoglossum officinale} was also recorded. At the top of the northerly-facing slope along the woodland edge, woodland species eg. {\it Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Viola riviniana} are locally frequent. A number of calcifuge species also occur here such as {\it Calluna vulgaris} (2 plants on anthills), {\it Danthonia decumbens, Potentilla erecta, Veronica officinalis, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Hypericum pulchrum}. In the 1986 survey, in addition to the above, {\it Festuca rubra} was recorded as frequent with occasional {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii} and {\it Cirsium eriophorum}. 

Additional species recorded since the above surveys include {\it Ononis spinosa, Serratula tinctoria, Campanula glomerata, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Kikxia elatine, Orchis mascula?, Blackstonia perfoliata, Listera ovata, Orobanche} sp. and {\it Platanthera} sp. Two nationally scarce species* {\it Thesium humifusum} and {\it Gentianella anglica} have been recorded from the site. {\it Saxifraga granulata}, which is uncommon in Wiltshire, also occurs. Additional species occurring within the SSSI (of which this reserve forms part) include the nationally scarce* {\it Carex humilis} and {\it Orchis ustulata} and the uncommon {\it Senecio integrifolia}. Other orchids mentioned in the SSSI citation include {\it Gymnadaenia conopsea, Coeloglossum viride} and {\it Orchis morio}.

Scattered scrub occurs on the reserve including occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ligustrum vulgare, Sorbus aria} and {\it Viburnum lantana} and occasional {\it Quercus robur} trees (1986). Along the western edge {\it Corylus avellana, Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Betula pendula} were encroaching. Locally frequent {\it Betula pendula} seedlings were recorded during the site visit.   

Fragments of calcareous grassland also occur along some of the woodland rides including species such as {\it Helianthemum nummularium, Sanguisorba minor, Plantago media} and {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii}. 

*Nationally scarce species are those occurring in between 16 and 100 10km squares in Britain (D.A.Pearman {\it et al} 'Scarce Plants in Britain', 1994, JNCC).

MANAGE:
The majority of the woodland is actively managed, (a large proportion by the Forestry Commission) with varying ages of plantation, cleaning of the lower branches off the trunks (with brashings left in places), thinning and replanting etc. Squirrel traps were also noted in places. Areas of semi-natural woodland had also been recently coppiced (with standards left). The active management of the woodland probably provides the diversity of habitats to support the rich butterfly fauna recorded. First Broad Drive ridesides are kept cut, and widening of many of the rides was suggested by M.S.Warren with respect to providing habitat for the butterfly fauna. A small area at the western end has been incorporated into adjoining arable fields.

Little Langford Down is managed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and since 1987 has been grazed by sheep in the winter (October to February). The whole area has been fenced and there were a couple of grazing exclosures (half of each being covered). There was evidence of some scrub clearance. The area around the reserve is apparently used for game management.


FAUNA:
Speckled wood and greenfinch were recorded from the eastern end of the common and grey squirrel, blackbird, speckled wood, chaffinch and chiffchaff from the woodland areas of the common. Deer slots were noted in the woodland on Little Hill. Breeding reed bunting and female orange-tip butterfly? were recorded at ST876273 during the Wildlife Sites Projects survey (02.05.95). Common frog, bullfinch, willow warbler and chiffchaff were recorded from Gutch common (east) during the ancient woodlands survey 28.05.87 and badger, blackbird, blue and great tits, chiffchaff, willow warbler, buzzard and the butterflies speckled wood, small and large whites, orange tip and meadow brown from Gutch common (west). Blackbird, blackcap, blue and great tits, bullfinch, chaffinch, chiffchaff, garden warbler, greater spotted woodpecker, jay, mistle thrush, robin, song thrush, tree creeper, willow warbler and wren were recorded from the SSSI also in 1987. Other species mentioned in the SSSI citation are fox and adder. Song thrush is listed on the short list and bullfinch and reed bunting on the middle list of globally threatened /declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Semley and Gutch commons comprise a large network of road verges and larger areas of common land. The common lies on Kimmeridge Clay. The majority of the verge areas support semi-improved neutral grassland and there is a strip of woodland areas along a steep, north-facing slope to the south. 

Much of the grassland was subject to a National Vegetation Classification survey in 1995 (25.05.95-05.07.95) and was not resurveyed. The area was described as the remains of a once extensive common now confined to small areas of unenclosed land connected by narrow strips along a network of lanes. The grassland component was characterised by a mosaic of vegetation communities reflecting the past and present management regimes and localised soil conditions. Three main NVC mesotrophic grassland communities were recognised: MG1 {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} coarse grassland, MG6 {\it Lolium perenne - Cynosurus cristatus} pasture and MG9 {\it Holcus lanatus - Deschampsia cespitosa} grassland. MG10 {\it Holcus lanatus - Juncus effusus} rush pasture occurred in small areas only. Several areas supported a community apparently transitional between species-poor MG5 {\it Cynosurus cristatus-Centaurea nigra} meadow and pasture and MG9. Locally the communities had elements of inundation communities such as MG11 {\it Festuca rubra - Agrostis stolonifera - Potentilla anserina} inundation grassland and MG13 {\it Agrostis stolonifera - Alopecurus geniculatus} grassland. MG9 and MG1 were the most frequent communities recorded and were the typical communities on narrow strips of verge where the grassland was neglected. Elsewhere MG6 predominated where the grassland was still managed. 

The MG1 recorded was typically a species-poor tall stand of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with {\it Cirsium arvense, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Angelica sylvestris, Rumex} spp. and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. Where close to the mown road verge the stand tended towards the {\it Festuca rubra} sub-community with {\it Plantago lanceolata, Centaurea nigra, Achillea millefolium, Lathyrus pratensis, Geranium dissectum} and {\it Lotus pedunculatus}. Invasion by {\it Rubus} sp. was common as the communities develop towards a more scrubby vegetation. Two sub-communities occurred frequently:

The MGlb {\it Urtica dioica} sub-community, {\it Epilobium hirsutum} variant was frequent, particularly in the wetter areas. The stand by Dennis Coppit was characterised by tall grass and herb species which often formed patches with a single dominant such as {\it Epilobium hirsutum} or {\it Urtica dioica}. {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} was locally abundant. Other herbs included {\it Lathyrus pratensis} and {\it Galium palustre}. The whole stand was a dense tangle with little understorey growth. The margins were heavily invaded by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. 

The MGlc {\it Filipendula ulmaria} sub-community was also frequent, although it commonly occurred as a marginal strip between another community and the drainage ditches which ran beneath most hedges bordering the Common. Here {\it Filipendula ulmaria} was frequent with {\it Rumex} spp. and an increased frequency of {\it Dactylis glomerata}.

Both sub-communities of MG9 were found on Semley Common:

Several large areas of MG9a occurred between the corner of the main road and Chaldicott's Farm. The area opposite Chaldicott's Farm is a species-poor sward dominated by tall grasses {\it Alopecurus pratensis} and local patches of {\it Holcus, Bromus commutatus} and {\it Poa trivialis}. {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} occurred throughout but had not yet formed tussocks, suggesting the community was in the early phases of development from an MG6 community. The main herbs, making little cover, were {\it Ranunculus} spp. and {\it Rumex} spp., with occasional sedges.

At the northern end of the common, on a seemingly neglected area, a herb-poor MG9b occurred where {\it Deschampsia} generally dominated and {\it Arrhenatherum} was frequent to abundant, occasionally dominating. Litter formed a major component of the ground layer, although some herbs were able to grow through it. Herbs were however few, limited to {\it Galium palustre, Lotus pedunculatus} and {\it Angelica sylvestris} as the commonly occurring ones. This area graded in and out of invading scrub, inundation and MG1 communities and the boundaries were neither clearly defined nor static.

A more typical MG9b occurred on the large area of verge by Chaldicott's Farm. Here a tall tussocky grassland predominated with frequent tussocks of {\it Deschampsia} and {\it Arrhenatherum}. Between these larger tussocks and in small areas where these two species did not occur, {\it Festuca rubra} formed tussocks. Tall herbs such as {\it Rumex} spp., {\it Angelica sylvestris} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium} were scattered throughout. {\it Lathyrus pratensis} and {\it Vicia} spp. occurred commonly in the understorey, often straggling up to reach the upper canopy. Patches of {\it Juncus} spp. occurred as did patches of bramble and invading scrub.

An area of almost pure {\it Deschampsia} occurred by the lane to the north of this site, grading into a herb-rich MG1 tending towards MG9 with increasing frequency of {\it Deschampsia}.

Several areas with a similar species composition but not falling neatly in to any of the NVC communities were recorded. However, from the species composition and what was known of the management history, it was considered likely that these swards were in transition from species-poor MG5 to MG9. These swards were characterised by a dominance of grasses such as {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Alopecurus pratensis} and {\it Bromus} spp. In some cases {\it Holcus lanatus} and {\it Cynosurus cristatus} were frequent and occasionally {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} was present as young, non-tussock forming plants. The herbs were generally represented by {\it Ranunculus} spp., {\it Rumex} spp., {\it Trifolium} spp., {\it Lathyrus pratensis, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Galium palustre}, with {\it Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Vicia} spp. occurring occasionally.

There was one relatively large area with an MG6 community running from Ede lake Cottage in a north-west direction to Porters Cottages. The sward was dominated by grasses such as {\it Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}. Herbs made some cover with {\it Ranunculus} spp., {\it Vicia} spp. and {\it Trifolium pratense} and in places {\it Lathyrus pratensis} attained prominence. Other than the occurrence of {\it Lathyrus} this community tended towards MG6b. Small areas similar in species composition occurred to the south-east of Chaldicott's Cottage, grading into MG10 beside the drainage ditches. This was a very disturbed area which had possibly suffered from soil compaction. Localised patches with occasional {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} occurred, as did areas of {\it Alopecurus geniculatus} (MG6 {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} variant, {\it Alopecurus geniculatus} variant). These graded into a sward suggesting periodic inundation with {\it Potentilla anserina, Cardamine flexuosa} and {\it Ranunculus flammula}.

Although rushes were commonly found throughout the common, few swards could be assigned to the MG10 community, and those that could occurred in small areas only. Within the sward, other than {\it Juncus effusus, Holcus} was abundant with {\it Agrostis} spp., {\it Deschampsia} and {\it Poa trivialis} frequent. Herbs were few, generally {\it Ranunculus repens, Rumex acetosa, Stellaria} spp. and {\it Galium palustre}.

Inundation Communities - it was clear that a couple of areas were inundated for a sufficiently long period for the vegetation to be determined by the prolonged high soil water levels. The species composition was rather confused but in one area tended towards an MG11 with {\it Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} the main grasses. Many species occurred in localised patches, such as {\it Carex panicea, C. ovalis, C. nigra, Ranunculus flammula, Achillea ptarmica, Galium palustre} and {\it Potentilla anserina}.

On the downslope draining from the pond at ST87542738, a linear flush graded into the adjacent MG6 community. The boundaries were very indistinct, as was the community group which tended towards an MG11 or MG13, with affinities to MG9. The flush was grass dominated with {\it Poa trivialis, Holcus} and {\it Alopecurus pratensis. A. geniculatus} was locally frequent. Herbs made little cover but were consistent with prolonged wetness: {\it Cardamine flexuosa, Galium palustre, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Potentilla anserina} were all occasional.

The uncommon {\it Oenanthe pimpinelloides} was recorded from the grassland areas.

Grassland composition on the north-eastern part of the common which was not surveyed in 1995, was similar and there were pockets of continuous scrub and semi-natural broadleaved woodland of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur}. There was a small area of marshy grassland adjacent to a stream at ST902272 supporting {\it Petasites hybridus, Oenanthe crocata, Epilobium hirsutum, Cirsium arvense, Filipendula ulmaria, Urtica dioica, Ranunculus repens, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Angelica sylvestris} with scattered {\it Salix cinerea}. 

There were a few extant ponds on the common in 1995, notably on the section between Whitebridge and Chaldicott farms to the north-east: 

ST 8803 2720 - silted up or infilled, but still wet in the middle. {\it Carex otrubae} and {\it Juncus inflexus} co-dominated the middle with {\it Salix caprea} saplings. {\it Epilobium hirsutum} was growing through litter and standing tall with {\it Juncus inflexus. Polygonum bistorta} was occasional around the edges. Marginal plants recorded were {\it Rumex conglomeratus, Cirsium palustre, Myosotis scorpioides, Glyceria fluitans, Cardamine flexuosa, Sparganium erectum, Potentilla anserina, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Lemna} sp. {\it Epilobium palustre, Astrantia major} (one plant) and {\it Veronica scutellata}.

ST 8797 2718 - 5 square metres open water and 25 square metres mud colonised by {\it Glyceria fluitans, Epilobium hirsutum, Ranunculus repens, Solanum dulcamara, Apium nodiflorum, Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it R. conglomeratus}. Trees ({\it Quercus, Salix aurita, Prunus spinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Sambucus nigra}) on the perimeter shaded the marginal vegetation of {\it Juncus effusus, Urtica dioica, Holcus lanatus, Poa trivialis, Cirsium arvense, Arrhenatherum elatius, Galium aparine, Rosa} sp., {\it Glechoma hederacea} and {\it Symphytum officinale}.

ST 8754 2738 - open mud in centre colonised by {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Apium nodiflorum, Galium palustre, Typha latifolia, Epilobium hirsutum, Solanum dulcamara, Lycopus europaeus, Lemna} sp. and {\it Cardamine amara}. Marginal plants recorded were abundant (locally dominant) {\it Typha latifolia} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}, abundant {\it Ranunculus repens} and {\it Holcus lanatus}, frequent {\it Poa trivialis, Rumex acetosa, Juncus effusus, Stellaria graminea} and {\it Galium palustre}, and occasional {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Apium nodiflorum, Solanum dulcamara, Lycopus europaeus} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. The outer margin was surrounded by dense {\it Prunus spinosa, Ulmus} sp., {\it Salix aurita} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.

ST 8756 2724 - ephemeral pond with bordering vegetation of {\it Juncus effusus, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Galium palustre}.

ST 8736 2731 - infilled but still wet. Mainly {\it Typha latifolia} with {\it Salix} sp. saplings in the middle, {\it Juncus inflexus, Glyceria fluitans, Holcus lanatus, Myosotis scorpioides, Solanum dulcamara, Galium palustre} and {\it Epilobium montanum}.

The outward boundaries of the common were marked by hedges, mainly comprising {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}, beneath which ran drainage ditches. 

The eastern end of the strip of woodland to the south lies within the Gutch Common SSSI. The SSSI supports a mosaic of inter-related habitats with wet and dry acidic woodlands, expansive areas of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with acidic flushes and a neutral meadow (not common land). It has a variety of slopes and aspects and is influenced by a complex of underlying geological strata; Upper Greensand, Gault Clay, calcareous sand and Kimmeridge Clay. These conditions occur rarely in Wiltshire and support habitats and species uncommon or rare in the county (SSSI citation). The SSSI parts of the common were surveyed in 28.05.87 forming the basis of the following report.

The wooded part of Gutch common (east) is a fairly dense {\it Corylus avellana} coppice with occasional {\it Betula pendula, B. pubescens, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Malus sylvestris} with {\it Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and the climbers {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Lonicera periclymenum} in the understorey. The groundflora is rich dominated by {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} with abundant {\it Mercurialis perennis}, frequent {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Oxalis acetosella} and {\it Ranunculus ficaria} and occasional {\it Ajuga reptans, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Arctium minus, Arum maculatum, Cardamine flexuosa, Carex remota, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Cirsium palustre, Conopodium majus, Digitalis purpurea, Dryopteris affinis} ssp. {\it affinis, D. filix-mas, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Luzula pilosa, Lysimachia nemorum, Mentha aquatica, Moehringia trinervia, Narcissus pseudonarcissus, Potentilla erecta, Primula vulgaris, Pteridium aquilinum, Silene dioica, Sorbus aucuparia, Stachys sylvatica} and {\it Viola} sp. {\it Ribes nigrum} and {\it Viburnum opulus} were rare.

The open areas of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} on Gutch common (east) have occasional damp pockets, some dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it J. articulatus}, some containing {\it Carex disticha} and some {\it Molinia caerulea} and several {\it Sphagnum} spp. (SSSI citation). Abundant {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}, frequent {\it Anemone nemorosa, Conopodium majus, Galium aparine, Glechoma hederacea, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus ficaria, R. repens, R. acris} and {\it Stellaria holostea} and occasional {\it Ajuga reptans, Angelica sylvestris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Caltha palustris, Cardamine flexuosa, C. pratensis, Cirsium palustre, Digitalis purpurea, Dryopteris dilatata, Epilobium montanum, Filipendula ulmaria, Galium saxatile, Heracleum sphondylium, Holcus mollis, Juncus effusus, Listera ovata, Lonicera periclymenum, Luzula pilosa, Lysimachia nemorum, Molinia caerulea, Oxalis acetosella, Poa trivialis, Potentilla erecta, P. sterilis, Primula vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula, Rumex acetosa, R. conglomeratus, Silene dioica, Stachys sylvatica, Stellaria alsine, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Veronica chamaedrys, Vicia sepium, Viola palustris, Alopecurus pratensis, Carex disticha, C. nigra, Equisetum arvense} and {\it Juncus articulatus} were recorded amongst the {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii} was rare. {\it Narcissus pseudonarcissus} is found in both the open? and wooded areas. Two species scarce in Wiltshire were recorded; {\it Viola palustris} and {\it Wahlenbergia hederacea}. Clumps of scrub contain {\it Salix cinerea, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Ilex aquifolium, Sorbus aucuparia, Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Sambucus nigra} (SSSI citation). 

Gutch common (west) supports a canopy of abundant {\it Quercus robur} with frequent {\it Betula pendula, B. pubescens, Sorbus aucuparia} and occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fagus sylvatica}. The understorey comprises frequent {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} and occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna, Malus sylvestris, Salix capraea, S. cinerea, Sambucus nigra, Taxus baccata} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. Groundflora species recorded were abundant {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Stellaria holostea} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}, frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Digitalis purpurea, Holcus mollis, Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Luzula pilosa} and occasional {\it Alliaria petiolata, Anemone nemorosa, Arctium minus, Conopodium majus, Crataegus monogyna, Dactylis glomerata, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. affinis} ssp. {\it affinis, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Galeopsis tetrahit, Galium aparine, Geranium robertianum, Glechoma hederacea, Heracleum sphondylium, Holcus lanatus, Juncus effusus, Malus sylvestris, Melica uniflora, Moehringia trinervia, Oxalis acetosella, Poa annua, P. trivialis, Potentilla erecta, Pteridium aquilinum, Ranunculus ficaria, R. repens, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Silene dioica, Stellaria media, Taraxacum officinale} agg., {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Urtica dioica, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Vicia sepium}. {\it Calluna vulgaris, Carex sylvatica, Fragaria vesca, Galium saxatile, Luzula sylvatica} and {\it Agrostis curtisii} were rare. Occasional {\it Geum urbanum, Hedera helix} and {\it Circaea lutetiana} were recorded during the site visit. {\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Agrostis curtisii} are plants of acid conditions which are rarely found in Wiltshire. The hill top area is dominated by {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered trees and shrubs. 81 species of bryophytes were recorded from the SSSI by the British Bryological Society 04.89 including {\it Rhytidiadelphus loreus, Ctenidium molluscum} and {\it Orthotrichum pulchellum} which are rare in Wiltshire.

Beyond the SSSI, the areas of Crates Wood included within the common supported similar woodland to that on Gutch Common (west). At the western end of Crates Wood the vegetation opens out to continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Urtica dioica, Symphytum} sp. and {\it Galium aparine}. There is also a grassy clearing within the woodland at this end. 

The woodland on Semley Hill has a canopy of {\it Quercus robur}, often with {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and locally {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and an understorey of {\it Hedera helix, Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Prunus spinosa}. Groundflora species recorded were {\it Galium aparine, Pteridium aquilinum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Glechoma hederacea, Geranium robertianum, Silene dioica, Stellaria holostea, Circaea lutetiana} and {\it Hedera helix}. There is a small area dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} at this end of the common with scattered scrub and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Towards the western end at the top of the hill the vegetation opens out to {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Stellaria holostea} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and scattered scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus, Sambucus nigra, Corylus avellana, Quercus robur, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. By the road junction there is an area of semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Holcus lanatus, Stellaria holostea, Trifolium pratense, Agrostis stolonifera, Plantago major, Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Trifolium repens} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}.

West of Semley Hill is an area of continuous scrub of {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Quercus robur, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Salix cinerea} with areas of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Stellaria holostea} and {\it Galium aparine} were recorded beneath the scrub and {\it P. aquilinum}. 

The woodland on Little Hill has a fairly open canopy of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with a lot of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} towards the eastern end (probably self set from a small adjoining plantation). Understorey species include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana, Betula pendula} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and the groundflora species {\it Urtica dioica, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Galium aparine, Allium ursinum, Anemone nemorosa, Primula vulgaris, Galeopsis tetrahit, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Luzula sylvatica, Athyrium filix-femina, Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Blechnum spicant} were recorded. The track leading to this area of woodland from Hatts Cottage supports a narrow strip of woodland supporting {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana, Salix cinerea}, mature {\it Fagus sylvatica, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Ribes uva-crispa, Geum urbanum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Silene} spp., {\it Ranunculus ficaria} and {\it Circaea lutetiana}.

MANAGE:
A number of ponds were infilled on the common in the past to comply with MAFF regulations on water supply to grazing cattle. Most of the grazing regimes have been abandoned with only the occasional horse tethered to graze. Some areas are cut for hay. Most of the narrow strips along the roads have fallen into neglect supporting species-poor coarse grassland locally with tall ruderal species and scrub encroachment (1995 NVC survey). No recent management was noted in the wooded areas but some dumped soil and rubbish were noted. The vigorous, introduced {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} is invading the woodland on Little Hill from a small adjoining plantation. There was damage from scrambling bikes in the Little Hill woodland. Similar damage was noted in the open areas dominated by {\it Pteridium aquilinum} within the SSSI in 1987. There is a property on the common at ST876249.


FAUNA:
Chaffinch, chiffchaff, blackbird and brimstone butterfly were recorded during the site visit. Part of Tollard Green lies within the Cranborne Chase Site of Special Scientific Interest which supports a rich invertebrate fauna including the uncommon cranefly {\it Ctenophora pectinicornis} and the hoverflies {\it Criorhina ranunculi} and {\it Brachypalpus laphriformis} (listed as rare in the British Red Data book). Over 30 species of butterfly have been recorded including silver-washed fritillary and the uncommon pearl-bordered fritillary and over 120 species of moth including orange footman, brindled white-spot and large red-belted clearwing. Cranborne Chase is a relict of an ancient hunting forest. When it was disfranchised, deer were destroyed in all areas except Rushmore Park. The deer today are descended from the park herd. Populations are estimated to be approximately 300 fallow and 100 roe (which appear to be increasing). Other mammals occurring in the SSSI include muntjac, badger, fox and common dormouse. The varied structure and great extent of the woodland of the SSSI supports a diverse bird fauna. Species associated with coppice blocks include nightingale, garden warbler, blackcap, whitethroat and tree pipit. All three British woodpeckers occur and there are breeding and wintering populations of woodcock. Breeding raptors include buzzard, kestrel, sparrowhawk and hobby (SSSI citation). Grassy clearings within the southern wooded area of the common were described as good for invertebrates (K.Kirby).

Pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly and dormouse are listed on the short list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Tollard Green lies on the Wiltshire/Dorset border within the area covered by the former Cranborne Chase ancient hunting forest, on land generally sloping to the south-west. 

The woodland on Tollard Green has established naturally since the cessation of grazing (SSSI citation).

The common was surveyed by Keith Kirby in 1983. The larger of the two areas at ST930163 supported rather open {\it Quercus robur} over {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Corylus avellana} and abundant {\it Urtica dioica, Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Poa trivialis}. Additional species recorded were occasional {\it Acer campestre, Betula pendula, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} pollards in the canopy, abundant {\it Clematis vitalba} and occasional {\it Acer campestre} and {\it Euonymus europaeus} in the understorey and abundant {\it Galium aparine}, frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Conopodium majus, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Holcus mollis, Lonicera periclymenum, Pteridium aquilinum, Silene dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and occasional {\it Anemone nemorosa, Arum maculatum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Digitalis purpurea, Dryopteris filix-mas, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Glechoma hederacea, Moehringia trinervia, Polypodium vulgare} and {\it Veronica chamaedrys} in the groundflora. There was very good moss and lichen cover on some of the trees although species were not recorded. Additional dominant species recorded by M.Wilkinson 1984 (Phase 1 survey) were {\it Ribes rubrum, Melica uniflora} and {\it Bromopsis ramosa}. There were areas of fairly tall grassland with anthills towards the south-west with scrubby edges invading the grassland. {\it Sanguisorba minor, Festuca pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Helianthemum nummularium, Helictotrichon pubescens, Trifolium pratense, Dactylis glomerata, Briza media, Carex flacca, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} were recorded in the grassy clearings. It was not clear during the site visit to what extent the grassy clearings had scrubbed over.

The second area, lying to the north-east of the minor road supported mature {\it Quercus robur} woodland with occasional {\it Acer campestre} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} over scattered {\it Corylus avellana, Pteridium aquilinum, Glechoma hederacea, Silene dioica}, {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. The woodland becomes more open and scrubby to the north-west with some large {\it Quercus robur, Prunus spinosa, Pteridium aquilinum, Silene dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Galium aparine}. The far north-western end was described as a 50-60 year old {\it Fraxinus excelsior} grove with open areas of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The Phase 1 survey by M.Wilkinson (1984) described this area as dense overgrown {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} woodland with {\it Corylus avellana} understorey and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} in the openings and glades. 

Parts of the common lie within the Cranborne Chase SSSI. More than half of the SSSI supports dry woodland with large {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} standards over coppice dominated by {\it Corylus avellana} as occurs on Tollard Green. There are large standards of {\it Acer campestre} together with {\it Euonymus europaeus, Ilex aquifolium} and occasional {\it Sorbus aria}. This is a rare and declining habitat in Britain. Lowland acid {\it Q. robur} and {\it Betula pendula} woodland forms about one quarter of the site, mainly in the southern part of the Chase, with {\it Corylus avellana} understorey and a groundflora of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. The remainder is largely {\it Quercus robur-Fraxinus excelsior-Corylus avellana} woodland with areas of {\it Q. robur-Fraxinus excelsior-Fagus sylvatica} woodland in which {\it Acer campestre} is prominent, together with small plantations of fine {\it Fagus sylvatica}. 

The varying soil types and management of the SSSI is reflected in the diverse groundflora. Dominant components beneath denser canopies include {\it Mercurialis perennis, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Conopodium majus} and {\it Sanicula europaea} on neutral and calcareous soils and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Oxalis acetosella} in acid areas. 57 plant species associated with ancient woodland have been recorded, more than almost any other woodland in central southern England. These include {\it Platanthera chlorantha} and {\it Ruscus aculeatus} particularly on the drier soils and {\it Neottia nidus-avis} which grows amongst deep leaf litter under {\it Fagus sylvatica}. Less common species on lime-rich soils are {\it Epipactis leptochila, Aquilegia vulgaris} and {\it Helleborus foetidus} whilst more acid areas support {\it Dryopteris affinis} and {\it Gnaphalium sylvaticum}.

The SSSI also supports an exceptionally diverse lower plant flora including more than 150 speices which grow on the trunks and branches of trees. Over 160 lichens have been recorded and it is the richest site of its size in central southern England outside the New Forest. Lichen species recorded include 13 species which are rare in Britain including {\it Pannaria conoplea} (a species associated with ancient woodland), {\it Sticta sylvatica} and {\it Usnea articulata}. The moss and liverwort flora comprises over 80 species including the liverwort {\it Nowellia curvifolia} and the moss {\it Leptodon smithii} (SSSI citation).

MANAGE:
No management was observed during the site visit. K.Kirby recommended that the grassy areas within the western end of the woodland should be maintained, preferably by grazing (although noting that this would probably not be practical) and mentioned the importance of the scrub-wood-grass transition. It appeared during the site visit that these areas may have become largely scrubbed over. These grassy clearings are/were probably a valuable habitat for invertebrates, particularly with the transition through scrub to woodland. The abundance of {\it Urtica dioica} was noted by K.Kirby as indicative of past disturbance, possibly as a result of the common status, the general structure of this part of the woodland suggesting that it has been subject to light grazing in the past. However there are no registered rights on the common now. It was suggested that the woodland had probably grown up in the last 40-50 years with some mature trees 150-200 years old (also to the north-east of the road). Although there are few specific faunal records for the common it probably supports a rich fauna as described for the SSSI, the ancient trees providing important habitat, and probably also supporting a rich moss and lichen flora, good growth of moss and lichen having been noted on some of the trees by K.Kirby.


FAUNA:
Weasel, badger, grey squirrel, chiffchaff, woodpigeon, long-tailed tit and blackbird were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Windmill Hill and the Green is one of four commons near East Knoyle in the south-west of the county (see also CLs 23, 24, 25). It is situated on a largely south-west facing slope. The common supports a complex of habitats, the largest proportion consisting of broadleaved woodland. 

The woodland is very varied. {\it Fagus sylvatica} is locally dominant in the canopy with occasional {\it Quercus} sp. and locally occasional {\it Pinus} sp. Understorey species recorded include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana, Taxus baccata} and {\it Prunus laurocerasus} and a sparse groundflora of {\it Arum maculatum, Anemone nemorosa, Hedera helix, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Dryopteris dilatata, Carex} sp. and {\it Oxalis acetosella} with dense beech litter. Elsewhere {\it Quercus robur} is dominant with some {\it Quercus petraea?} (not recorded from this locality in the Wiltshire flora) and {\it Betula pendula} with an understorey of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Ulex europaeus, Salix cinerea} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with a groundflora of {\it Hedera helix, Dryopteris dilatata, Lonicera periclymenum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Stellaria holostea, Veronica montana, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Geum urbanum}. {\it Fraxinus excelsior} is also locally dominant with an understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it R. idaeus} and a sparse groundflora of ferns and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. At the eastern end of the common are a couple of areas of mixed woodland of {\it Pinus} sp., {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and occasional {\it Quercus} sp. with an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and a groundflora of {\it Geum urbanum, Urtica dioica, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Hedera helix}. Within the woodland along the south-western edge of the common are areas of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered scrub including {\it Prunus avium}. Within one such area at ST869311 {\it Epipactis helleborine?} was recorded. 

There are a couple of areas of continuous scrub comprising {\it Prunus spinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Corylus avellana, Quercus robur, Betula pendula} and {\it Acer campestre} with {\it Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Pteridium aquilinum, Urtica dioica} and {\it Stachys sylvatica} beneath. 

On the hill top around the disused windmill is an open area supporting semi-improved neutral and unimproved acid grassland. The former comprises {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris, Rumex acetosa, Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Centaurea nigra}. The unimproved acid grassland comprises {\it Molinia caerulea, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis stolonifera, Ulex europaeus, Polygala vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Cerastium fontanum, Rumex acetosella, Hypochaeris radicata, Centaurea nigra, Carex} sp. and a species of the bryophyte {\it Rhytidiadelphus}. 

At the northernmost end of the common is an area of amenity grassland comprising {\it Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago major, P. lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Ranunculus repens}.

MANAGE:
The common is largely unmanaged. The area of amenity grassland at the northern end of the common is frequently mown and has pub benches on it. The grassland on the hill top around the disused windmill is also mown but less frequently. Frequent mowing of the unimproved acid grassland (this habitat being rare in Wiltshire) would undoubtedly be deleterious. There have been some {\it Pinus} sp. planted on the common in the past. There are a couple of small car parks on the common and some erosion of the groundflora noted in the woodland at ST872311 where the terrain is uneven (probably caused by bikes). A small part of the common at ST872311 was being gardened (mown grassland with planted shrubs).


VEG:
Knoyle Hill is one of a group of four commons near East Knoyle in the south-west of the county (see also CLs 22, 24, 25). It is situated on a south-west facing slope. The common supports broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Fagus sylvatica} with occasional {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and rarely {\it Pinus} sp. and {\it Castanea sativa}. The understorey comprises {\it Ilex aquifolium, Acer pseudoplatanus, Taxus baccata, Betula pendula, Fagus sylvatica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Prunus laurocerasus} (especially to the north of Wise Lane) and locally {\it Reynoutria japonica}. Groundflora species recorded were {\it Hedera helix, Geum urbanum, Circaea lutetiana, Geranium robertianum, Silene dioica, Dryopteris dilatata, Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}, locally with {\it Aegopodium podagraria} and {\it Urtica dioica}. The groundflora is sparse where the canopy is dense with much {\it Fagus sylvatica} leaf litter. At the northern end of the common is a small area of dense {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} saplings with {\it Prunus spinosa} scrub and {\it Urtica dioica}. There are a couple of openings along Sandpit Hill supporting continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. 

{\it Fagus sylvatica} is only considered native in a few places in south Wiltshire (areas not specified, Wiltshire Flora, 1993). Lowland beechwoods are one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MANAGE:
There was no evidence of recent management during the site visit. Regeneration of {\it Fagus sylvatica} was observed. A number of non-native species were recorded on the common including {\it Reynoutria japonica, Castanea sativa, Prunus laurocerasus, Aegopodium podagraria, Pinus} sp. and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} some of these may have been planted on the common, some self set and others possibly as a result of dumping garden waste on the common (eg. {\it Aegopodium podagraria} and {\it Reynoutria japonica}).


FAUNA:
Chaffinch, great tit, robin, chiffchaff and speckled wood butterfly were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Haddon Hill is one of a group of four commons near East Knoyle in the south-west of the county (see also CLs 22, 23, 25). It is situated on the hill top and north-east facing slope. The common supports broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} with occasional (locally frequent) {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Betula pendula} and occasional {\it Prunus avium}. The understorey consists of occasional {\it Taxus baccata, Ilex aquifolium, Acer pseudoplatanus, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Sorbus aucuparia, Rubus idaeus} and rarely {\it Salix cinerea} and {\it Carpinus betulus}. Groundflora species recorded were {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. (locally abundant), frequent {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} and {\it Dryopteris dilatata} (locally abundant) and occasional {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, Pteridium aquilinum, Silene dioica, Lonicera periclymenum, Rumex sanguineus, Hedera helix, Circaea lutetiana, Ranunculus repens, Juncus conglomeratus?, Digitalis purpurea, Primula vulgaris, Geum urbanum, Stellaria media, Chaerophyllum temulum?, Stachys sylvatica, Moehringia trinervia} and {\it Galeopsis tetrahit}. {\it Holcus mollis} and {\it Urtica dioica} were locally abundant and {\it Stellaria holostea} locally frequent. {\it Mercurialis perennis} was also recorded locally. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} was locally dominant where there was an opening in the canopy. The bryophytes {\it Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichum} sp. and {\it Brachythecium rutabulum} were recorded. There was some {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} leaf litter.

MANAGE:
No recent management was observed on the common. There were a number of very old {\it Corylus avellana} coppice stools on the common some of which were collapsing. There is quite a bit of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} in the canopy and understorey and, being a vigorous tree, may increase in the canopy. This tree is not a native British species and generally considered to be of limited conservation value. The adjoining Haddon Acre supports abundant {\it A. pseudoplatanus} probably providing a substantial source of seed. Regeneration of the other canopy species was not observed.


FAUNA:
Wood pigeon, bullfinch, redstart and the butterflies red admiral, speckled wood, common blue, comma, small white, small skipper, meadow brown, gatekeeper and painted lady were recorded during the site visit. Linnet, green woodpecker and little owl were recorded during the 1996 Worcestershire Wildlife Trust grassland survey. Marbled white butterflies, skylark and nightingales are mentioned under the entry for this common in the Malvern Hills Conservators Management Plan. 

A total of 53 species of bird were recorded during the early 1980's including breeding kestrel, sparrowhawk, cuckoo, little and tawny owls, all three species of woodpecker, whitethroat and lesser whitethroat, spotted flycatcher, marsh and willow tits, nuthatch, tree creeper and an occasional nightingale. Tree pipit was ringed on the common in 1983 (Worcestershire Wildlife Trust records). Mallard, hobby, grey partridge, wood pigeon, little owl, swallow, wren, dunnock, nightingale, blackbird, lesser whitethroat, garden warbler, spotted flycatcher, blue tit, great tit, tree creeper, jay, magpie, jackdaw, carrion crow, linnet, bullfinch, yellowhammer and kestrel were recorded in 1995 ('Birds on the Malvern Hills and Commons'). 

In addition to the above butterflies, large and green-veined whites, orange tip, small heath, grayling, wall brown, small copper, peacock, small tortoiseshell, purple hairstreak, large skipper, clouded yellow and brimstone were recorded from the common during the early 1980's and also the mammals stoat, weasel, grey squirrel, mole, rabbit and fox. A speckled bush-cricket was recorded in 1982 and lesser stag beetle in 1981 (Worcestershire Wildlife Trust records).

VEG:
The Olds Hills lies on low hills at the edge of the Severn Valley. The majority of the following description is based on the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust grassland survey (12-13.08.96). 

The majority of the common supports semi-improved neutral grassland varying from rank MG1 {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and locally MG9 {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} grasslands on the lower slopes and amongst the woodland east of the B4424 to areas of MG6 {\it Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus} grassland on the hilltop and along the western side of the B4424. 

The MG1 community is dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Elytrigia repens, Galium verum, Cirsium arvense, Festuca rubra} and {\it Poa pratensis} occurring locally and occasional {\it Agrimonia eupatoria, Senecio erucifolia, Silaum silaus, Urtica dioica, Centaurea nigra, Galium verum, Achillea millefolium, Vicia cracca} and {\it Trifolium pratense}. {\it Filipendula vulgaris} occurs west of the central pond (grid reference SO827488?) and {\it Lathyrus nissolia} was recorded by the northern pond (SO828486?).

{\it Deschampsia cespitosa} dominated grassland (MG9) occurs at the northern end of the common and in places along the western edge. Associated species include {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra} and {\it Cirsium arvense} with {\it Vicia cracca, Carex ovalis} and {\it Potentilla erecta} occurring at low frequency.

The remaining semi-improved neutral grassland (MG6) consists of abundant {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it A. stolonifera} with {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and locally abundant {\it Lolium perenne} and a low diversity of herbs.

There are a few small areas of unimproved neutral grassland (MG5 {\it Centaurea nigra-Cynosurus cristatus} meadow and pasture) with {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus cristatus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Galium verum, Centaurea nigra, Agrostis stolonifera, Silaum silaus, Agrimonia eupatoria, Rumex acetosa, Lotus corniculatus, Ranunculus repens, Daucus carota, Lolium perenne, Achillea millefolium, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Trisetum flavescens, Lathyrus pratensis, Leontodon autumnalis, Pimpinella saxifraga, Holcus lanatus, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens} and {\it T. pratense}.

Scrub is present over much of the grassland, both scattered and in blocks, consisting of {\it Prunus spinosa, Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europaeus, Rosa} sp. and locally {\it Ulmus} sp. {\it Euonymus europaeus} was recorded amongst the scrub east of the B4424. 

The area east of the B4424 is largely wooded. The canopy is predominantly of {\it Quercus robur} with several fine mature trees and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with some areas of {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. The understorey comprises {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Ulmus glabra, Clematis vitalba, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and locally {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Ligustrum vulgare}. Groundflora species recorded include {\it Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, Geum urbanum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Mercurialis perennis, Glechoma hederacea, Rumex sanguineus, Dryopteris felix-mas, Alliaria petiolata} and {\it Geranium robertianum}. There is a small plantation of {\it Pinus sylvestris} on the top of the hill.

There are a number of ponds on the common, mostly apparently ephemeral. The northernmost pond supports the county rarity {\it Lythrum portula}. 

Most of the hedgerows surrounding the common are species-poor (mostly intact) consisting of species such as {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Ulmus} sp. and occasional {\it Ligustrum vulgare}. Hedgerow trees present in places include {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Salix alba}.

MANAGE:
Part of the common was ploughed up during the early 1940's by the War Agricultural Committee and seeded back to grassland at the end of the War. Grazing levels over the past two decades have been variable. At present there is some grazing by sheep and ponies and a small area had been cut for hay. However, several parts of the common support a fairly rank sward with scattered scrub currently receiving little management. Some of these ranker swards may be unimproved supporting a number of species typical of unimproved neutral grasslands. With the reintroduction of appropriate management the diversity and quality of these areas may increase. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} is also fairly frequent in the areas of unimproved neutral grassland and may come to dominate these areas if management levels are insufficient. Some parts of the common appear to be maintained by mowing, these areas generally support a species-poor MG6 sward, maybe a direct result of the management. Scrub encroachment is locally frequent and will need managing to maintain areas of grassland although some should probably be left as an important element for the local fauna. The areas of bracken are fairly locallised but should be monitored and measures taken if it starts to spread. If maintained correctly the ponds could add a further important dimension to the site.

The woodland has a number of mature {\it Quercus robur} and a lot of lying deadwood. It is probably rich in invertebrates and supports a diverse bird fauna. {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} is locally frequent in the canopy at the northern end and may need control as this species can be fairly invasive and, having a faster growth rate, may start to replace the {\it Quercus robur}. The mosaic of woodland, scrub and grassland in this area probably further enhances the value of this area to invertebrates and should be maintained. The rides and paths through this area are maintained.


FAUNA:
Wood pigeon and painted lady butterfly were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Newland Common consists of a level piece of land on the outskirts of Great Malvern. The vegetation comprises semi-improved neutral grassland with scattered ornamental trees.

The grassland consists of {\it Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra} and {\it Dactylis glomerata} with occasional {\it Centaurea nigra, Achillea millefolium, Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Pimpinella saxifraga} and {\it Potentilla reptans}. {\it Silaum silaus} and {\it Agrimonia eupatoria} occur locally. 

Planted trees of varying ages (concentrated at the southern end) include {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Populus alba, P. nigra} 'Italica', {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Tilia} sp. There are some mature {\it Tilia} sp. at the southern end and a mature {\it Quercus} sp. at the northern end.

The adjoining CL119 (less than 1ha in size) is similar although generally with a coarser sward and with a small area along the roadside at the northern end with frequent {\it Pimpinella saxifraga} and {\it Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense, Lathyrus pratensis, Agrimonia eupatoria, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Plantago lanceolata}.

MANAGE:
The common is no longer grazed and is managed by mowing which has probably modified the sward to what is now a semi-improved sward although with a few species characteristic of unimproved grassland persisting. With continued mowing these species will probably decline. There is routine management of the trees.


FAUNA:
Rabbit, greenfinch, wood pigeon, wren and the butterflies common blue, meadow brown, peacock, small copper and speckled wood were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Marsh Green is a low-lying area of common land situated in a valley of a tributary to the River Severn near Longdon. The predominant vegetation type is improved grassland with abundant {\it Lolium perenne} and locally frequent {\it Cirsium arvense}. The southern end supports semi-improved neutral grassland with {\it Lolium perenne, Lotus corniculatus, Phleum pratense, Bromus hordaceous, Crepis capillaris, Plantago lanceolata, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus repens, Agrostis stolonifera, Potentilla reptans, Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus cristatus, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Hordeum secalinum} and frequent {\it Cirsium arvense}. {\it Galium verum} is present at low frequency. {\it Filipendula ulmaria} occurs locally.

Species-poor hedgerows of {\it Crataegus monogyna} with some {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Prunus spinosa} border the common. Pollarded {\it Salix alba} and {\it S. fragilis} and occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} are present in some stretches of the hedgerows including some mature specimens. {\it Alnus glutinosa} is present at the western end. Along the base of the hedgerows the following additional species were recorded: {\it Calystegia sepium, Conium maculatum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Humulus lupulus, Urtica dioica, Rumex obtusifolius, Elytrigia repens, Carex otrubae, Torilis japonica, Arctium} sp. and {\it Galeopsis tetrahit}. 

Streams and drains run along the common. The drains were mostly dry and overgrown with the species-poor hedgerows. The stream was also overgrown.

MANAGE:
The common is managed by grazing at a fairly high level. Thistle infestation is becoming a problem in places. The majority of the common has probably been fertilized with artificial fertilizers. Many of the hedgerows are regularly maintained but in parts are tall and overgrown and in places encroaching on the common. A bonfire was burning and some soil had been spread on the common near Hillend Court. A hardcore farm track runs along a small stretch of the common.


FAUNA:
Red-legged partridge, wood pigeon, the butterflies common blue, small copper and gatekeeper and cinnabar moth caterpillars were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Dunstall common is a low-lying area of common land situated between the rivers Severn and Avon. The eastern end overlies a low hill. The vegetation is predominantly semi-improved neutral grassland. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Festuca pratensis} are frequent throughout with  occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Hypochaeris radicata, Trifolium pratense, Agrimonia eupatoria, Daucus carota, Plantago lanceolata, Lotus corniculatus, Leontodon autumnalis, Centaurea nigra, Lathyrus pratensis, Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. {\it Silaum silaus, Convolvulus arvensis, Leontodon autumnalis, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Lotus corniculatus} are locally frequent. There is a ditch along the roadside with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Anthriscus sylvestris, Agrimonia eupatoria, Stachys sylvatica, Senecio jacobaea} and {\it Pastinaca sativa}. The grassland along the eastern side of the stream which crosses the western end of the common supports occasional {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. Diversity varies across the site and there is one particularly diverse area which has been mapped as unimproved neutral grassland.

Vegetation along the stream includes {\it Typha latifolia, Iris pseudacorus, Carex riparia, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum}, bordered with {\it Salix cinerea, S. fragilis, Fraxinus excelsior, Dipsacus fullonum, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.

At the eastern end of the common there are scattered young {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Sorbus aucuparia, Larix decidua, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Corylus avellana, Prunus} sp., {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Fagus sylvatica}. 

The tall ruderal vegetation consists of {\it Sonchus arvensis, S. asper, Arrhenatherum elatius, Cirsium arvensis, Urtica dioica, Artemisia vulgaris} and {\it Picris echioides}.

MANAGE:
The common had been cut as if for hay at the time of the site visit. The coarse nature of the sward suggests that it has not been grazed for some time. The grassland would benefit from the reintroduction of grazing in keeping the coarser grasses under control. It is possible that the common is unimproved and has just declined in diversity through a lack of grazing or infrequent management. If managed by infrequent cutting as is assumed to take place the sward will inevitably lose some of the diversity as the coarser grasses flourish. The stream supports a good aquatic flora and should not be allowed to become overgrown with vegetation. There has been some recent planting of ornamental trees at the eastern end of the common in generally species-poor areas.


FAUNA:
Blackcap, wren and the butterflies speckled wood, peacock, painted lady, red admiral, comma, small white, gatekeeper and meadow brown were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
This common comprises four smaller commons (Romers Common, Middle Common, Salling's Common and Pinkey Common) and the interlinking road verges on more or less level ground in the north-west of the county. It supports a variety of habitat types, the largest proportion being taken up by roads and tracks.

Pinkey Common comprises areas of mown improved grassland, an area of broadleaved woodland and an area of continuous bracken. The improved grassland supports frequent {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. with occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis}. The woodland canopy consists of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with an understorey of {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Corylus avellana} and a groundflora of {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Urtica dioica, Galeopsis tetrahit, Hedera helix} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. 

There is a stretch of rank semi-improved neutral grassland linking Pinkey and Salling's Common consisting of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Elytrigia repens, Angelica sylvestris, Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus conglomeratus, Chamerion angustifolium, Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium} and occasional {\it Centaurea nigra, Lathyrus pratensis, Vicia sativa, Lotus corniculatus, Galeopsis tetrahit, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Stachys sylvatica} with a scattered scrub of {\it Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Rosa} sp. There is a small stretch of unimproved neutral grassland of {\it Agrimonia eupatoria, Centaurea nigra, Succisa pratensis, Filipendula ulmaria, Ranunculus flammula, Trifolium pratense, Potentilla erecta, Deschampsia cespitosa, Stachys officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Odontites vernus} and a small area of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered scrub and trees. The northern boundary of this area consists of an overgrown hedge of {\it Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana, Rosa} sp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with occasional mature {\it Quercus robur} trees. The southern boundary consists of a {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedgerow with a few {\it Quercus robur} trees.

Salling's Common consists of an area of young semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur} and {\it Betula pendula}, an understorey of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Corylus avellana} and a sparse groundflora of {\it Hedera helix} with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} where more open. The semi-improved neutral grassland consists of frequent {\it Lolium perenne} with {\it Trifolium pratense, Centaurea nigra, Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Lathyrus pratensis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Plantago lanceolata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and locally {\it Hypochaeris radicata, Pimpinella saxifraga, Campanula rotundifolia, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Achillea ptarmica}. A few plants of {\it Silaum silaus} were also recorded and there are a few mature {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fagus sylvatica}. South of the road the grassland is ranker with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Centaurea nigra, Pimpinella saxifraga} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. There are also a few areas of continuous bracken and a few areas of closely mown improved grassland.

Middle Common consists predominantly of rank marshy grassland with frequent {\it Angelica sylvestris}, locally frequent to abundant {\it Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Pulicaria dysenterica, Heracleum sphondylium, Galeopsis tetrahit, Juncus conglomeratus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Filipendula ulmaria, Centaurea nigra, Vicia cracca} and {\it Achillea ptarmica}. Scattered {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub is present. There is also an area of continuous bracken and small areas of coniferous plantation, continuous scrub, improved grassland, semi-improved neutral grassland (with {\it Rhinanthus minor, Silaum silaus} and {\it Agrimonia eupatoria}). The eastern edge is bordered with an overgrown hedgerow of {\it Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Salix cinerea, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Ulex europaeus}.

The stretch of common between Middle and Romers Commons is bordered by species-poor hedgerows with the occasional mature {\it Quercus robur} on top of steep banks.

Romers Common largely consists of rank semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium, Deschampsia cespitosa, Torilis japonica} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. {\it Lolium perenne} is frequent in places with {\it Trifolium repens, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca rubra}. {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Prunus spinosa} scrub occur locally.

MANAGE:
The common as a whole is largely unmanaged. The verges are kept cut back and the area between the two access tracks on Romers Common had also been recently cut. Some areas are mown including all the areas of improved grassland and the semi-improved neutral grassland north of the road on Salling's Common. The latter area supports a number of species typical of unimproved grassland but appears to be suffering from frequent mowing as indicated by the high frequency of {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Taraxacum officinale}. With more sympathetic management (ideally the reintroduction of grazing or with less frequent mowing with the removal of the clippings) the botanical quality of this area would probably increase. The stretch of unimproved neutral grassland between Pinkey and Salling's Commons is likely to become more rank and lose diversity if left unmanaged. 

Scrub encroachment is becoming a problem in places such as on Middle Common and the stretch of verge linking Pinkey and Salling's Commons. With a continued lack of management, bracken present in a number of places is likely to spread. There are a number of mature trees on the common which should be maintained. Some of the hedgerows bordering the common are regularly managed whereas others have not been managed for a number of years.


FAUNA:
Mole and the butterflies gatekeeper, painted lady, common blue and peacock were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Oldwood common is a more or less level common just south of Tenbury Wells. The majority of the common supports semi-improved neutral grassland with {\it Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra, Trifolium repens, Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Taraxacum officinale, Deschampsia cespitosa, Lotus corniculatus, Ranunculus repens, Leontodon autumnalis, Cirsium arvense, Agrostis capillaris} and less frequently {\it Agrimonia eupatoria, Vicia cracca, Trifolium pratense, Achillea millefolium, Ranunculus acris} and {\it Juncus conglomeratus}. {\it Linum catharticum} was recorded south-east of the A4112. There was an uncut damp area at (1) with {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa}, occasional {\it Pimpinella saxifraga} and very infrequent {\it Centaurea nigra}. At (3) an area of {\it Festuca rubra, Pteridium aquilinum, Cirsium arvense, Achillea millefolium, Dactylis glomerata, Centaurea nigra, Pimpinella saxifraga, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Angelica sylvestris} and {\it Ulex europaeus} was recorded.

There are a few small areas of woodland along the northern edge of the common of {\it Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Salix fragilis, Quercus robur} and {\it Betula pendula} with an understorey of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix capraea} and a groundflora of {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Angelica sylvestris} and {\it Urtica dioica}.

There is a small area of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} woodland adjacent to spring cottage with an understorey of {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} and a groundflora of {\it Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Geranium robertianum, Rumex sanguinea, Geum urbanum, Arctium lappa, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Torilis japonica}. This grades into an area of scattered {\it Rosa arvensis, Ulex europaeus, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} with a marshy grassland flora of {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Filipendula ulmaria, Galeopsis tetrahit, Cirsium arvense, Pulicaria dysenterica, Urtica dioica, Holcus lanatus, Lotus pedunculatus, Cirsium palustre, Heracleum sphondylium, Sonchus arvensis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Mentha aquatica, Lathyrus pratensis} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

At the southern end of the common is a small area with scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Crataegus monogyna, Salix capraea, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Fraxinus excelsior, Rosa} sp. and {\it Acer campestre}. South of this area is a dried up pond overgrown with {\it Salix fragilis}.

The hedges around the common are mostly species-poor, some tall and unmanaged, others managed and some defunct. {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa} are frequent with occasional {\it Salix fragilis} and {\it Quercus robur} trees.

MANAGE:
Most of the common had been cut for hay and was being grazed by sheep. It was difficult to assess how heavily it is grazed as it had only recently been cut. The semi-improved nature of the grassland could be due to heavy grazing or from the application of artificial fertilizers etc. The areas at (1) and (2) had been left uncut and a few areas near properties in the south are mown. There are only a couple of small areas with scattered scrub and there is no threat of further encroachment under the current management regime.


FAUNA:
Fallow deer, adder, common lizard, tree pipit, green woodpecker, little owl, the butterflies silver-washed fritillary, peacock, common blue, small copper, painted lady, purple hairstreak, large and small skippers, large and green-veined whites, speckled wood, red admiral, brimstone, comma, gatekeeper and meadow brown and the dragonflies southern and brown hawkers were recorded during the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT) grassland survey 16.08.96. A young fallow deer fawn was disturbed during the brief site visit. Grass snake, slow worm and pearl-bordered fritillary? were also recorded in 1995. Of historical interest is the record of nightjar on the common predating 1980.

VEG:
Pound Green Common slopes gently to the west from a level plateau area. Only the woodland areas were surveyed, the grassland areas being surveyed by WWT. 

The north-western corner of the common supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland grading north-westwards from dense secondary {\it Betula pendula} dominated woodland into more mature but stunted {\it Quercus} ssp. woodland. The latter supported {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Melampyrum pratense} in the groundflora and a specimen of {\it Frangula alnus} was recorded in the understorey. 

{\it Pteridium aquilinum} is dominant over much of the central area of the common with scattered {\it Quercus} spp. and {\it Betula pendula} with a few remnants of unimproved acid grassland surviving.

Most of the grassland is dominated by {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} equating to U2 {\it D. flexuosa} grassland with frequent {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}. {\it A. stolonifera} becomes abundant in damper areas. {\it Galium saxatile} is locally abundant with occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii}. 

The sward in the vicinity of Rose Cottage (SO755789) supports a greater diversity of grasses with patchy local dominance of {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, F. rubra, Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}. {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} is frequent with locally frequent {\it Holcus lanatus}. {\it Leontodon autumnalis} is frequent, {\it Galium saxatile} locally frequent and {\it Campanula rotundifolia} occasional. {\it Achillea ptarmica} occurs in the damper parts of this U4 {\it Festuca ovina - Agrostis capillaris - Galium saxatile} grassland. Other species of interest include occasional {\it Pimpinella saxifraga} and {\it Stachys officinalis} and {\it Hypericum humifusum} which were rare in the community.

West of Rose Cottage at SO754789 is an area of dry heath/acid grassland (U2 {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} grassland/H8 {\it Calluna vulgaris - Ulex gallii} heath). {\it D. flexuosa} is dominant beneath {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii} with frequent {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Galium saxatile} and occasional {\it Danthonia decumbens} and {\it Molinia caerulea}. 

There are several hollows and damp areas dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} on the common.

Two springs cross the common adding diversity at SO754786 and SO753789. The latter supports a small area of M25 {\it Molinia caerulea - Potentilla erecta} mire with locally abundant {\it Juncus acutiflorus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and frequent {\it Mentha aquatica, Lotus pedunculatus} and {\it Galium palustre}. {\it Potentilla erecta, Stachys officinale, Viola riviniana} and {\it Achillea ptarmica} were occasional. Other species of interest include {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Dryopteris carthusiana} and {\it Erica tetralix} was recorded here in 1995 at one of only two sites in the Wyre Forest. The second spring borders a rank area of MG1 {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} coarse grassland with locally abundant {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Festuca rubra}. {\it Filipendula ulmaria} is locally abundant with frequent {\it Lotus pedunculatus} and {\it Achillea ptarmica}. {\it Agrimonia eupatoria} was recorded from the area of rank grassland.

{\it Cardamine amara} and {\it Moenchia erecta} were recorded from the common in 1995 the latter being the only record for this species in the Wyre forest.

MANAGE:
There is some localised grazing of sheep, goats and geese in the vicinity of Rose Cottage together with some rabbit and deer grazing. The grassland swards would probably increase in diversity with improved management. Bracken and scrub encroachment on the common is a serious problem and in desperate need of management if the remaining relicts of unimproved acid grassland and heathland are to be retained. There is limited control of bracken at present. At the southern end of the common is an area of mown grassland crossed by a number of access tracks to properties. The common is an important site supporting a number of uncommon species for the county. The common is not stock-proof.


VEG:
Rock common is situated on a south-west facing slope in the north-west of the county. The vegetation consists of a closely cropped improved grassland sward of {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Holcus lanatus} with occasional {\it Senecio jacobaea, Carduus nutans, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Trifolium repens} to the east of the road with scattered trees of {\it Quercus robur} (including some mature specimens) and {\it Betula pendula}. 

To the west of the road the grassland appeared less improved but with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Rumex crispus} and {\it Urtica dioica} (there was no public access to this part of the common).

The greatest interest on the common was along the eastern road verge where {\it Calluna vulgaris, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Campanula rotundifolia} were recorded.

MANAGE:
The western part of the common was being grazed fairly heavily by cattle and one horse. This section is subdivided by a fence. The western part was also grazed although not as heavily. It appeared fairly lush and improved. The whole common is enclosed with fencing and hedges. A small area adjacent to a property at the southern end of the common has been tarmacked over as a driveway.


FAUNA:
Wood pigeon, blackbird and chiffchaff were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Pensax common is situated in the north-west of the county on fairly steep south-west facing slopes. A stream crosses part of the northern section of the common. 

Half of the area consists of semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The canopy consists of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur} with occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fagus sylvatica}. At the northern end of the northern section {\it Populus tremula} is locally dominant and {\it Alnus glutinosa} occurs near the stream. The understorey comprises {\it Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Rosa arvensis, Betula pendula, Lonicera periclymenum, Salix capraea} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with regenerating {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and occasional {\it Fagus sylvatica}. Groundflora species recorded were {\it Mercurialis perennis, Galium aparine, Geum urbanum, Stachys sylvatica, Carex sylvatica, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Hedera helix, Geranium robertianum, Glechoma hederacea, Dryopteris felix-mas, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Allium ursinum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Veronica montana, Alliaria petiolata, Millium effusum, Rumex sanguinea, Silene dioica, Equisetum telmateia} and {\it Fragaria vesca}. Most of the species are present only at low frequency. The northern end is less diverse and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium} occur here where the canopy is more open. {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Galium aparine} are frequent near the stream at the southern end of the northern section. 

Scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} occurs over much of the remainder of the common with {\it Urtica dioica} in places and some {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. In one area scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} occurs over a semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Holcus lanatus} with occasional {\it Galium mollugo} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris} and scattered trees of {\it Betula pendula}.

The grassland at the southern end of the common is largely rank semi-improved neutral grassland with tall ruderal vegetation and consists of {\it Cirsium arvensis, Urtica dioica, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis stolonifera, Heracleum sphondylium, Plantago lanceolata, Anthriscus sylvestris, Rumex crispus, Galium aparine} and {\it Ranunculus acris}. 

Part of the area near the school is mown regularly with typical species such as {\it Plantago lanceolata, Bellis perennis, Trifolium repens} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg.

MANAGE:
The woodland areas are probably unmanaged. An area of grassland outside the school is regularly mown. Part of the rank grassland had been cut but is probably cut infrequently. Areas of bracken may also be cut occasionally. There is a garage, sheds, some dumped machinery and an area of hardstanding on the northern part of the common.


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel and wood pigeon were recorded during the site visit. A buzzard was heard nearby.

VEG:
Southwood Common lies at the edge of the floodplain of the River Teme in the north of the county on a predominantly westerly facing side of a subsiduary valley.

The western end of the common supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} including several mature specimens and local {\it Castanea sativa} and {\it Betula pendula}. The understorey is dense and dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna} with {\it Corylus avellana, Rosa arvensis, Acer campestre, Prunus avium, P. spinosa, Ilex aquifolium, Taxus baccata, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Sambucus nigra}. Groundflora species recorded include frequent {\it Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Dryopteris felix-mas, Circaea lutetiana, Hedera helix, Silene vulgaris, Glechoma hederacea} and {\it Geum urbanum}. {\it Carex sylvatica, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Bromopsis ramosa, Stellaria holostea, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Tamus communis} and the bryophytes {\it Atrichum undulatum} and {\it Thuidium tamariscinum} were also recorded but as rare components of the groundflora.

At the eastern end of the common the woodland gives way to scrub and bracken (the two habitats are seperated by an earth bank). The scrub species include {\it Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Salix fragilis, Betula pendula, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Corylus avellana}.

MANAGE:
There was very little recent management evident on the common. The common appears largely unmanaged. The footpaths seemed well maintained and a thick ivy stem on one mature {\it Quercus robur} had been cut.


FAUNA:
Chiffchaff and moorhen were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Trimpley Green is a level area of common land to the north-west of Kidderminster. The south-eastern end of the common is largely wooded. {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} are the predominant canopy species with occasional {\it Pinus sylvestris, Castanea sativa, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}. {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. is frequent in the understorey with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, P. avium, Acer campestre, Lonicera periclymenum} and locally frequent {\it Salix capraea}. Groundflora species recorded include {\it Dryopteris dilatata, D. felix-mas, Stellaria holostea, Pteridium aquilinum, Conopodium majus, Urtica dioica, Geum urbanum, Veronica montana, Melica uniflora, Circaea lutetiana, Millium effusum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Hedera helix} and {\it Mercurialis perennis} and the bryophyte {\it Mnium hornum}. There is a clearing in the west around two ponds with abundant {\it Lolium perenne} and occasional {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}. The larger southern pond one is largely choked with {\it Glyceria} sp. and {\it Juncus effusus} with a species of water-crowfoot ({\it Ranunculus} sp.). There is an island in the centre with {\it Carex pendula} and {\it Ranunculus lingua}. The pond is flanked with {\it Geranium robertianum} and {\it Galium aparine}. The northern pond had more open water and supported {\it Ranunculus sceleratus, R. aquatilis} and a second species of water-crowfoot ({\it Ranunculus} sp.). 

The western part of the northern end of the common near Bite Farm supports a semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Heracleum sphondylium, Cerastium fontanum, Urtica dioica, Bellis perennis, Lamium purpureum, Ranunculus} sp. and {\it Vicia cracca}. There are some scattered trees of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. There is a small pond in this area with {\it Iris pseudacorus}. 

The eastern part (north of Trimpley farm) supports tall ruderal vegetation of {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica} and {\it Aegopodium podagraria} with scattered trees and scrub of {\it Quercus robur, Salix fragilis, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. The northernmost end of this section supports continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

In the extreme northern end of the common is an area of broadleaved woodland  with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula} and {\it Fagus sylvatica} 'Purpurea' and an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana}. There is another pond here with {\it Carex pendula, Juncus inflexus, Iris pseudacorus} and {\it Elodea canadensis}. Surrounding the pond and on the verges opposite is a rank area of semi-improved neutral grassland with tall ruderal species. Species recorded here were {\it Artemisia vulgaris, Heracleum sphondylium, Lamium album, Anthriscus sylvestris, Aegopodium podagraria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis stolonifera, Ranunculus repens, Chamerion angustifolium, Juncus conglomeratus, Pteridium aquilinum, Cirsium palustre, Galium aparine, Rumex crispus, Lolium perenne, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Vicia cracca} with scattered {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. {\it Leucanthemum vulgare, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Cardamine pratensis} occurred locally.

MANAGE:
There was little evidence of recent management in the woodland. The areas of semi-improved neutral grassland near Bite Farm were fenced and being grazed by goats (by commoners?). The ranker areas of grassland and tall ruderal vegetation with scrub encroachment in places appeared unmanaged although areas along road and tracksides were kept cut back. These areas may be cut at infrequent intervals. The grassland around the pond at the southern end of the common had been cut. The area of continuous bracken at the northern end of the common may spread if left unmanaged. The ponds appear to be somewhat eutrophic with lush growth of {\it Elodea canadensis} in the northern pond and {\it Glyceria} sp. in the southern pond. The species {\it Carex pendula} and {\it Ranunculus lingua} appear to have been planted.


FAUNA:
Rabbit, jackdaw and wood pigeon were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Ladywood common is situated on the steep north-west facing slope of a small valley.  It is bordered along the north-western edge by a small stream in the valley bottom. The vegetation comprises semi-natural broadleaved woodland forming part of a larger area of woodland. The dominant tree species is {\it Quercus robur} including a number of fine mature trees with some {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Fagus sylvatica, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Prunus avium}. The understorey consists of {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Acer pseudoplatanus, Lonicera periclymenum, Fraxinus excelsior, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Acer campestre}. Groundflora species include {\it Dryopteris felix-mas, D. dilatata, Circaea lutetiana, Mercurialis perennis, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Urtica dioica} and {\it Hedera helix}. It is fairly rich in bryophytes including {\it Thuidium tamariscinum, Pleurozium schreberi, Hypnum mammilatum, Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichum} sp. and {\it Plagiomnium undulatum}. The adjoining woodland to the south and east is broadleaved plantation (predominantly {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}).

MANAGE:
The woodland appears unmanaged with quite a lot of lying deadwood. Quite a lot of {\it Corylus avellana} has been coppiced in past years. Although the groundflora is not diverse the common is of particular note for its mature trees mostly of {\it Quercus robur}. These trees and the lying deadwood and litter probably support a diverse invertebrate fauna. The damp woodland supports a number of bryophyte species and further survey of this aspect would probably be worthwhile. The presence of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} in the understorey and canopy, particularly at the north-eastern end of the common, may become a problem replacing oak in the canopy over time. This is likely to be a continuing problem with so much {\it A. pseudoplatanus} in the surrounding woodland.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the brief site visit but see under the entry for CL25 an adjoining area.

VEG:
This common forms an additional part of Pound Green Common (CL25). The western part comprises semi-natural broadleaved woodland of {\it Quercus} spp. and {\it Betula pendula}. The northern end supports the most mature stand dominated by stunted {\it Quercus} spp. Here the groundflora consists of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} with {\it Melampyrum pratense}. {\it Stachys officinale} was recorded near the stream.

The eastern portion of the common consists of road verges supporting coarse semi-improved neutral grassland which was not surveyed.

MANAGE:
The road verges are kept cut back (by the Highways Authority?).


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel, chaffinch, blackbird, wren and speckled wood butterfly were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
This common comprises a small section of a large woodland area known as Bedwyn common. It is situated to the east of Savernake Forest in the east of the county. It largely supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} (including some ancient specimens), locally with {\it Betula pendula} and locally abundant {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. The understorey comprises frequent {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} with occasional {\it Quercus robur, Prunus spinosa, Ribes rubrum, Sambucus nigra} and rarely {\it Rhododendron ponticum, Sorbus aucuparia, Ligustrum vulgare, Ilex aquifolium, Euonymus europaeus, Salix cinerea} and {\it Taxus baccata}. {\it Prunus padus?} was locally occasional. The groundflora comprises frequent {\it Silene dioica} and occasional {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Mercurialis perennis, Lonicera periclymenum, Conopodium majus, Stachys sylvatica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Geum urbanum}. {\it Stellaria holostea, Acer pseudoplatanus} seedlings and {\it Holcus mollis} were locally abundant and {\it Galium aparine} and {\it Urtica dioica} locally frequent. Other species recorded locally were {\it Glechoma hederacea, Anemone nemorosa, Pteridium aquilinum} (where the canopy opens) and {\it Polygonatum multiflorum?}. 

Part of the common is under arable cultivation with a small group of {\it Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} with {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Urtica dioica} beneath, the eastern end supporting grass ley with a few mature {\it Quercus robur} left. 

There are a few pockets of semi-improved neutral grassland on the common. At the northern end of the common {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra} and {\it Conopodium majus} were frequent, {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Ranunculus repens} locally frequent and {\it Ranunculus acris, Trifolium repens, T. dubium} and {\it Alopecurus pratensis} occasional. At the southern end the grassland was rank with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Alopecurus pratensis} and occasional {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Silene dioica, Cirsium arvense, Galium aparine} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium} locally with scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} or {\it Urtica dioica}. There is a small area of amenity grassland with frequent {\it Lolium perenne} at the extreme southern end of the common. There are also a few areas of {\it Urtica dioica} and scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with some {\it Silene dioica, Mercurialis perennis, Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Galium aparine}. 

There is a small area of continuous scrub at the northernmost end of the common comprising {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Corylus avellana} with a groundflora of {\it Urtica dioica, Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Hedera helix}.

MANAGE:
No management was observed in the woodland areas. There was some regeneration of {\it Q. robur}. There are some ancient {\it Quercus robur} on the common which are an important feature of conservation interest. Locally areas of grassland are mown. Small areas of the common have been encroached upon, now forming parts of arable fields. There was some locallised dumping of garden waste.


FAUNA:
Moles, grey squirrel, rabbit, chiffchaff, chaffinch, woodpigeon, jay, pheasant, robin, partridge, blackbird and bullfinch were recorded during the site visit. A buzzard was heard nearby. Bullfinch is listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Moorhen, chiffchaff, blackbird, meadow brown butterfly and {\it Coenagrion} sp. (near the pond) were recorded during the survey by G. Lewis 05/07.87.

VEG:
Wilton Brail is situated to the south-east of Savernake Forest in the east of the county. It overlies London Clays and Reading Beds and slopes gently to the north and north-west. The following description is largely based on the survey by G.Lewis in 1987. 

The common is largely wooded with a canopy comprising abundant {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with frequent {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur} and occasional {\it Betula pubescens}. {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} is locally abundant. The understorey comprises regenerating {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula pubescens} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, frequent {\it Sambucus nigra, Lonicera periclymenum}, locally abundant {\it Corylus avellana} and locally frequent {\it Euonymus europaeus}. The groundflora comprises frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Circaea lutetiana, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Geum urbanum, Glechoma hederacea, Oxalis acetosella, Poa trivialis, Pteridium aquilinum} (locally abundant), {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. (locally abundant) and occasional {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Cirsium vulgare, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Festuca gigantea, Galium aparine, G. saxatile, Geranium robertianum, Geum rivale, Hedera helix, Heracleum sphondylium, Juncus acutiflorus, J. effusus, Potentilla anserina, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus ficaria, R. repens, Rumex obtusifolius, R. sanguineus, Silene dioica, Stachys sylvatica, Stellaria graminea, S. holostea, S. media, Urtica dioica, Veronica montana} and {\it Viola riviniana}. {\it Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, H. mollis} and {\it Mercurialis perennis} were locally abundant and {\it Arum maculatum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Lamiastrum galeobdolon} and {\it Poa nemoralis} locally frequent. Additional species recorded included {\it Adoxa moschatelina, Anemone nemorosa, Carex remota, C. sylvatica, Colchicum autumnale, Filipendula ulmaria, Fragaria vesca, Hypericum pulchrum, Listera ovata, Moehringia trinervia, Platanthera chlorantha?, Polygonatum multiflorum, Primula vulgaris, Ribes rubrum, R. uva-crispa} and {\it Geranium columbinum}. An area of coniferous plantation was mapped in 1987. 

The woodland was only surveyed from the public rights of way during the site visit. The woodland was recorded as broadly similar to that described in 1987; {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} and {\it Oxalis acetosella} were only recorded as rare to occasional and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Poa trivialis} recorded as frequent in 1987 were not recorded. The additional species {\it Conopodium majus} and {\it Lysimmachia nemorum} were also recorded. There was a magnificent ancient {\it Fagus sylvatica} and a mature {\it Castanea sativa} at the southern end, adjacent to the public footpath.

During the site visit a recently replanted area was noted adjacent to the NW-SE ride with {\it Alnus glutinosa, Castanea sativa?} and some {\it Larix decidua}. The latter ride is broad and grassy, the western half (sloping to the north-west) supporting frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus mollis} and {\it Plantago lanceolata} with occasional {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Ajuga reptans, Dactylis glomerata, Primula veris, Arrhenatherum elatius, Potentilla erecta, Carex sylvatica, Succisa pratensis, Stachys officinalis, Conopodium majus, Pteridium aquilinum, Cerastium fontanum, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Ranunculus repens} (locally frequent). {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Potentilla anserina, Festuca rubra, Luzula} sp. and {\it Anisantha sterilis} were locally frequent. {\it Colchicum autumnale} was also recorded at the western end of the NW-SE ride (it was recorded at the opposite end in 1987). The eastern half of this ride (sloping to the south-east) was less diverse with occasional {\it Juncus inflexus} and {\it Cardamine pratensis} also recorded.

There is a pond at the southern end of the common surrounded by {\it Betula} sp., {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with an island. This was described as being surrounded by rough grassland with an area of arable and meadow to the north in 1987. This area was borded off from the road and could not be viewed. There is a property and associated garden at the southernmost end.

MANAGE:
The woodland is actively managed. The understorey of the woodland was generally thin and absent in places. Is this the result of routine clearance as a management practice? An area had recently been replanted with {\it Castanea sativa} and {\it Larix decidua} following felling and there is an area of coniferous plantation within the wood. The NW-SE ride is managed by mowing which appears to be suitable as reflected by the species diversity recorded. Any grass cuttings should be removed to prevent enrichment of the soil which would encourage more competitive species. The groundflora of the woodland is fairly diverse although with many species at low frequency. It would be beneficial to wildlife if some deadwood could be left to provide additional habitat. The ride could be enhanced for wildlife by encouraging a scrubby margin (maintained by rotational coppicing), perhaps developing this into a scalloped edge providing sheltered alcoves and cutting the grass on a rotational basis allowing areas to grow up to create habitat structure and shelter for invertebrates. There is a property and associated garden at the southernmost end. 

Management observations made in 1987 include game management for deer, pheasant and duck (the pond being managed as a decoy pond? and the rough grassland, meadow and arable areas also managed for game) and recent coppicing at the northern end.


FAUNA:
Robin, wren and the butterflies painted lady and meadow brown were recorded during the site visit. A woodpecker was heard.

VEG:
Ankerdine Hill common is situated on a steep hillside overlooking the Teme Valley in west Worcestershire. The common is predominantly semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The canopy consists of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre, Taxus baccata, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Sambucus nigra}. {\it Ulmus glabra} is frequent along the roadside. The groundflora consists of {\it Dryopteris felix-mas, Mercurialis perennis, Geum urbanum, Melica uniflora, Bromopsis ramosa, Dryopteris dilatata, Hedera helix, Vicia cracca, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Teucrium scorodonia, Viola} sp. and less frequently {\it Campanula trachelium, Viola hirta, Poa nemoralis, Stellaria holostea, Tamus communis} and {\it Millium effusum}. The woodland opens out at the top of the hill with frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Chamaerion angustifolium} and locally {\it Centaurea nigra, Pteridium aquilinum, Geranium robertianum, Alliaria petiolata, Prunus padus, Galium odoratum} and {\it Stachys officinalis}.

There is a small grassy clearing around the viewpoint and picnic area at (1). Species recorded include frequent {\it Centaurea nigra, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Lolium perenne} with {\it Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Crepis capillaris, Galium verum, Pimpinella saxifraga, Pilosella officinarum, Cerastium fontanum, Rhytidiadelphus sqarrosus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra} and {\it Glechoma hederacea}.

There is also quite a diversity of grassland plants growing along the roadside including {\it Hypochoeris radicata, Lathyrus pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Centaurea nigra, Achillea millefolium, Stachys officinalis, Agrostis stolonifera, Viola} sp. and {\it Dactylis glomerata}.

MANAGE:
Some areas of woodland have been cleared recently and there was a notice from the County Council near the entrance to the common saying that they were creating new glades. There was quite a bit of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} regeneration in the woodland and lying deadwood. The understorey of the woodland is fairly dense and although the groundflora is quite diverse a number of the species occur only at low frequency. It would probably be beneficial to thin the understorey in places. Some of the {\it Corylus avellana} has been coppiced in the past. Some young {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} had been planted near the car park. 

The grassland around the viewpoint has a fairly fine sward although possibly suffering a bit from trampling with fairly frequent {\it Lolium perenne}. Scrub may be encroaching onto it from the woodland below which was also partially obscuring the view. {\it Glechoma hederacea} was also invading the sward. The grassland along the roadside is probably cut as part of Highway maintenance.

The common is subject to byelaws under the Open Spaces Act 1906.


FAUNA:
Chiffchaff, cuckoo and wood warbler were recorded from an area of woodland at SO765386, raven, dunnock, green woodpecker and goldfinch from the open grasslands and coot, moorhen and mallard on the ponds. A tawny owl was heard on Swinyard hill. The butterflies meadow brown, small tortoiseshell, common blue, gatekeeper and small heath were also recorded.

The marshy grassland on Castlemorton common SSSI is a favoured habitat for snipe and reed bunting. Stonechat nest in scrub on the site. The common is a constant effort site for bird ringing. Species recorded in 1994/95 include little owl, greater spotted woodpecker, redwing, grasshopper warbler, whitethroat and lesser whitethroat, meadow pipit, linnet and redpoll. Small pearl-bordered fritillary, grasshopper warbler, turtle dove, common blue, small heath, small white, large and small skippers and dark green fritillary were recorded from Castlemorton SSSI during 1987. 

Mallard, hobby, red-legged partridge, water rail, moorhen, jack snipe, snipe, woodcock, black-headed gull, wood pigeon, turtle dove, cuckoo, little owl, short-eared owl, skylark, sand martin, swallow, meadow pipit, grey wagtail, pied wagtail, wren, robin, redstart, whinchat, stonechat, wheatear, blackbird, fieldfare, redwing, mistlethrush, grasshopper warbler, whitethroat, garden warbler and marsh warbler were recorded from Castlemorton common, red kite, buzzard, little owl, skylark, whinchat, stonechat, wheatear, lesser whitethroat, whitethroat, linnet and reed bunting from Hollybed common, turtle dove and little owl from Coombegreen common and woodcock, little owl, tawny owl, chiffchaff, willow warbler and redpoll from Swinyard hill (partly lying in CL12) in 1995. Grey heron, mute swan, greylag goose (escape), canada goose, barnacle goose (escape), mandarin duck, wigeon, teal, mallard, tufted duck, moorhen, coot, pied wagtail, reed bunting and the exotic species bar-headed goose and speckled teal were recorded from Mill Pond ('Birds on the Malvern Hills and Commons', 1995).

VEG:
CL9 comprises four interlinking commons; Castlemorton, Hollybed, Coombegreen and Shadybank. It is the largest registered common in Worcestershire. The area is predominantly low lying with the exception of the eastern slopes of Swinyard Hill (part of the Malvern Hills ridge). The Malvern Hills (including Castlemorton Common) were subject to a detailed vegetation study in 1993-1996 as part of a PhD. It was hoped that the information from the PhD study would be available but unfortunately I did not manage to procure a copy of this. The low-lying parts of the common were superficially surveyed at the end of the season in 1997.

MAP 1 - Castlemorton common east.

A large part of Castlemorton common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (see map 1) of prime importance for the grassland communities. The drier communities are characterised by {\it Agrostis capillaris} and fine-leaved {\it Festuca} spp. Associated species include occasional {\it Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Potentilla erecta, Lotus corniculatus, Galium saxatile} and {\it Nardus stricta}. Locally {\it Cynosurus cristatus} is frequent with {\it Trifolium repens} and in places {\it Cirsium vulgare} and {\it C. arvense}. This community is less diverse and has the appearance of a semi-improved acid grassland. This community occurs in the north-east where there are frequent ant hills supporting species such as {\it Hieracium pilosella, Rumex acetosella, Thymus polytrichus} and {\it Galium verum}. {\it Lysimachia nummularia} was also recorded on the ant hills. {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} is locally occasional particularly to the south-east, (sometimes associated with {\it Agrostis canina} and {\it Pedicularis sylvatica}) becoming locally dominant (where it is mapped as B21). This vegetation also borders the marshy grassland in places. Along the roadsides where the grassland is regularly mown and used for car parking and along some of the regularly used tracks crossing the common the community resembles a semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Lolium perenne}. 

Two streams flow through the site bordered by marshy grassland with abundant {\it Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, J. conglomeratus} and {\it J. articulatus} in varying proportions. These areas are particularly species-rich with frequent {\it Mentha aquatica}, locally frequent {\it Succisa pratensis, Carex panicea, Polygonum hydropiper} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}, occasional {\it Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens, Oenanthe lachenalii, Ranunculus flammula, Galium palustre, Pulicaria dysenterica, Filipendula ulmaria, Prunella vulgaris, Lycopus europaeus, Potentilla anserina, Carex hirta, Angelica sylvestris, Urtica dioica, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Briza media, Carex flacca} and locally occasional {\it Nardus stricta, Festuca pratensis} and {\it Achillea ptarmica}. Several uncommon species such as {\it Triglochin palustris, Blysmus compressus, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Oenanthe fistulosa} and the nationally scarce* {\it O. silaifolia} have also been recorded from this habitat. 

At least 200 species have been recorded from the SSSI in total including {\it Genista anglica, Caltha palustris, Campanula rotundifolia, Pedicularis sylvatica, Thymus polytrichus, Carlina vulgaris} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} (Malvern Hills Conservators Management plan, 1989?). {\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa} and {\it D. maculata} were recorded in 1987.
 
In the north-east corner of the SSSI is a small pond which in summer becomes completely overgrown with {\it Glyceria fluitans, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Alopecurus geniculatus}. The uncommon {\it Apium inundatum} has been recorded from here.

There is much scrub scattered over the SSSI, except in the north, forming quite large blocks in places and consisting of {\it Ulex europaeus, U. gallii, Crataegus monogyna, Salix cinerea, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rosa} spp. Some alder occurs along the stream.

Several pollards of {\it Populus nigra}, a species with very restricted distribution in Britain, occur on the SSSI.

The area on the opposite side of the B4208 from the SSSI was surveyed in 1987. The following were recorded from a quadrat; {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} (dominant) with abundant {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Holcus lanatus}, frequent {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Cynosurus cristatus, Luzula campestris, Trifolium repens} and {\it Carex nigra} and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Cirsium dissectum, C. vulgare, Lotus corniculatus, Ranunculus bulbosus} and {\it Viola riviniana}. {\it Ophioglossum vulgatum} and {\it Primula vulgaris} were also recorded from this area. During the present survey, the area was mapped as semi-improved acid {\it Festuca} sp./{\it Agrostis capillaris} grassland with frequent {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Trifolium repens} and occasional {\it Ranunculus bulbosus, Leontodon autumnalis, Cirsium arvense, Potentilla erecta, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Galium saxatile} and locally occasional {\it Linum catharticum}. A little {\it Pedicularis sylvatica} was recorded at the northern end of this section at SO793394. In the east of this area is a small area of unimproved acid grassland with frequent anthills and tussocks of {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} with some {\it Achillea ptarmica} and {\it Galium saxatile}. There are a couple of small ponds on this section of the common. Both were dominated by {\it Glyceria fluitans}, the easternmost with {\it Azolla filiculoides}. There are a few {\it Ulmus procera} planted along the track by Hurst Farm, several of which were dying.

The areas outside the SSSI to the south of the minor road running from the B4208 towards the Gullet are of semi-improved acid to neutral grassland with some scrub and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} locally.

MAP 2 - Castlemorton common west, Shadybank common and Swinyard Hill

The section lying within the Malvern Hills SSSI is largely covered with dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, a couple of patches of dense scrub and a small area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland. There are some marshy areas on Swinyard Hill dominated by {\it Juncus articulatus} with {\it Pedicularis sylvatica, Eleocharis palustris} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris} (SSSI citation). These extend onto the common below with {\it Mentha aquatica, Lotus pedunculatus, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. Only the area of woodland here was visited on 13.06.96. The area of woodland comprises a canopy of young {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with {\it Quercus petraea} and {\it Betula pendula} occuring locally and an understorey of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Clematis vitalba, Salix cinerea, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Groundflora species recorded include {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum, Pteridium aquilinum, Galium aparine, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Teucrium scorodonia, Urtica dioica, Viola} sp. and {\it Agrostis capillaris}. {\it Cruciata laevipes} and {\it Thymus polytrichus} were also recorded during the brief site visit.

The western part of Castlemorton common at the foot of Swinyard hill and to the north-west of the road to the Gullet is bisected by two streams engulfed in {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scrub of {\it Salix cinerea, Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. To the north is an area of marshy grassland dominated by {\it Juncus inflexus} with {\it Festuca rubra, Juncus articulatus, Mentha aquatica, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula, Cirsium palustre, Pulicaria dysenterica, Carex hirta} and {\it C. panicea}. 

The grassland to the south of this area is a largely unimproved?/semi-improved acid {\it Festuca} sp./{\it Agrostis capillaris} grassland with frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Trifolium repens} and occasional {\it Holcus lanatus} (locally frequent), {\it Fragaria vesca, Juncus conglomeratus, Juncus inflexus, Campanula rotundifolia, Cirsium arvense, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. {\it Carex panicea} is locally frequent and {\it Viola} sp. and {\it Nardus stricta} occur locally. There are some patches of {\it Ulex gallii} amongst the grassland. Along the track running south from the Nook and the area to the north of the car park at SO766381, the grassland is a semi-improved neutral type with frequent {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Trifolium repens} and locally frequent {\it Cirsium arvense}. Along the roadside is a broad bank of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with local areas of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it U. gallii}. There is an area of mixed scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Quercus robur, Betula pendula, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. There is a small pond at SO767382 poached and choked with a species of crucifer? and surrounded by ten {\it Populus nigra?} pollards.

Along the south-eastern side of the road running to the Gullet, the grassland consists of a semi-improved neutral type with frequent {\it Lolium perenne} and patches of bare ground caused by cars driving on this area. South of this the grassland is of a semi-improved acid {\it Agrostis capillaris/Festuca} sp. type with local patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub. {\it Ononis repens} was recorded to the north of Chandler's Farm. There is also a small area of unimproved acid grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} with {\it Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Galium saxatile}. The bank above Huntsbridge supports continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} also occurs north of New Road. There is a moderately sized rather muddy pond at SO774383 with a water lily (probably ornamental), {\it Myriophyllum} sp. and marginal {\it Eleocharis palustris}. Around the pond are a few planted {\it Populus} sp. supporting {\it Viscum album} and a few {\it Salix alba} pollards.

Shadybank common SO759393 largely supports a semi-improved acid grassland sward (locally semi-improved neutral) and with a locally marshy area of neutral grassland with abundant {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Cirsium palustre, Juncus} spp. and some {\it Ranunculus repens, R. flammula} and {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi}. There is also a small area of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered mixed scrub. To the south of Shadybank common is an enclosed area of semi-improved neutral grassland, the southern part of which has been planted with trees ({\it Betula pendula} and {\it Malus} sp?).

MAP 3 - Hollybed and Coombegreen commons.

The vegetation of Hollybed common comprises semi-improved to unimproved acid grassland with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca} sp., occasional to locally frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Cynosurus cristatus} and occasional {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cirsium arvense, Juncus conglomeratus, Lotus corniculatus, Campanula rotundifolia, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Plantago lanceolata} and locally occasional {\it Danthonia decumbens}. {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex hirta} and {\it Galium verum} are occasional near to the Fish Pond. There are a couple of low hills at the northern end of Hollybed Common. {\it Nardus stricta} is occasional on the eastern one and the other supports a more neutral sward with frequent {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and occasional {\it Lolium perenne, Rumex acetosella, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus} and a few more calcicolous species such as {\it Linum catharticum, Galium verum, Cirsium acaule} and {\it Ranunculus bulbosus}. There is also quite a bit of {\it Ulex gallii} and a patch of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. 

Further south there is much {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, in places with scattered scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ulex gallii, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Quercus robur, Ilex aquifolium} and scattered patches of {\it Ulex gallii} with pockets of semi-improved acid grassland between. {\it Digitalis purpurea} also occurs in these areas and quite a number of {\it Macrolepiota procera} fungi were noted. Locally there are a number of anthills with frequent {\it Rumex acetosella, Carex ovalis?, Luzula sp., Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus} and other bryophyte species and {\it Cladonia} sp. lichens. 

The area to the north of Mill Pond is much driven and parked on by cars and supports semi-improved neutral grassland which is herb poor with frequent {\it Lolium perenne}. West of Mill Pond the grassland is semi-improved acid with a bank of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} scrub on the slope. On the hill top some {\it Ononis repens} was found and locally frequent {\it Carduus nutans}.

There are two sizeable ponds on Hollybed Common. Mill Pond to the south is the largest and has a marginal flora of {\it Iris pseudacorus, Typha latifolia, Mentha arvensis, Eupatorium cannabinum} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. There is a small island with {\it Alnus glutinosa}. The second and smaller pond "The Fish Pond" to the east has a marginal flora of {\it Juncus effusus, Sparganium erectum, Alisma plantago-aquatica} and {\it Glyceria maxima} with a few {\it Salix alba} on the banks and a group of {\it Populus alba} nearby.

The western end of Coombegreen Common supports semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Galium verum, Lotus corniculatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris}, locally frequent {\it Trifolium repens, Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra} and occasional {\it Holcus lanatus, Trifolium pratense, Rumex acetosa, Leontodon autumnalis, Plantago lanceolata, Cynosurus cristatus, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium vulgare, C. arvense} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}. {\it Bellis perennis, Campanula rotundifolia, Mentha spicata, Juncus inflexus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Agrostis stolonifera, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Potentilla erecta} occur locally. Towards the western end a number of calcicoles occur including {\it Linum catharticum, Carex flacca, Briza media, Hordeum secalinum, Pimpinella saxifraga, Cirsium acaule, Carlina vulgaris} and locally frequent {\it Pilosella officinarum} (mapped as B22/B32 but possibly unimproved). Anthills occur locally with frequent {\it Carduus nutans}. There are also some old quarry pits with a fine-leaved {\it Festuca} sp. dominated sward and the additional species {\it Thymus polytrichus, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus} and locally frequent {\it Brachypodium pinnatum} and {\it Spergularia} sp. Adjacent to the B4208 at the western end is a small hill with a few {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Quercus robur} and {\it Fagus sylvatica} on the summit. {\it Festuca pratensis} is locally frequent on the hillside.

*Nationally Scarce Species are those occurring in between 16 and 100 10km squares (Pearman, D.A. {\it et. al.}, 'Scarce Plants in Britain', 1994).

MANAGE:
Parts of the common were ploughed and cropped during the 2nd World War. The open parts of the common are extensively grazed by cattle and sheep. Grazing intensity is variable with some areas being grazed hard and others are undergrazed. Numbers of grazing stock can reach 1,400 ewes with followers and 100-150 cattle. When visited the common was being grazed mostly by sheep with some cattle locally and domestic geese near the Mill Pond. Supplementary feed is used in winter resulting in locallized poaching. Management of the grassland areas is restricted to annual topping to ensure that coarse grasses do not become dominant. Stretches along the roadsides are kept regularly mown. Stands of gorse are also regularly cut to prevent spread and ensure regeneration. Some local damage from horse riding has been reported but not noted during the site visit. There was locallised damage from car parking. There is a management agreement on the SSSI encouraging continued grazing, rotational cutting or burning of gorse to maintain an overall open patchwork with scattered dense stands and limited drainage operations for the normal maintenance of ditches and streams. The three main pools on the common (Mill Pond, Fish Pond and Weavers Pool) are stocked with fish for fishing (Malvern Hills Conservators Management plan, 1989?).


FAUNA:
The entire chain of the Malvern Hills is one of the best sites in the West Midlands for butterflies, supporting 34 breeding species. Of particular importance is the colony of the nationally rare high brown fritillary, the Hills supporting one of the two stongest populations in Britain. The nationally restricted pearl-bordered fritillary and wood white occur as well as species that are rare in the West Midlands such as brown argus, grayling, and dark green fritillary. A number of nationally scarce moth species occur such as alder kitten, triple spotted pug and square-spot dart (SSSI citation). 

There are records from CL12 for the butterflies high brown fritillary, wood white, brown argus, grayling and dark green fritillary from 1986 and the following species of interest for the same year; green hairstreak, white admiral and white-letter hairstreak. Small pearl-bordered fritillary was recorded from this common in 1988.

The Malvern Hills support a variety of breeding birds, mainly woodland species, including sparrowhawk, pied flycatcher and wood warbler. Tree pipit and grasshopper warbler breed in areas of scrub and scattered trees and meadow pipit, wheatear and skylark breed in the open grassland areas. The hills are used as a feeding area by species on passage such as snow bunting, and ring ouzel and wintering species such as raven and peregrine. Dormouse, polecat and one of the largest winter populations of lesser horseshoe bat in England also occur on the Malverns (SSSI citation).

Turtle dove, tawny owl, house martin, tree pipit, meadow pipit, grey wagtail, stonechat, wheatear, marsh tit and linnet were recorded from the British Camp area (Herefordshire Beacon) with little grebe and mallard from the reservoir. Woodcock, little owl, tawny owl, chiffchaff, willow warbler and redpoll were recorded from Swinyard Hill (partly lying in CL9), pied and grey wagtails from Gullet quarry and herring gull, tawny owl, house martin, redwing, wood warbler, spotted flycatcher, sparrowhawk, buzzard and marsh tit from Midsummer Hill in 1995 ('Birds on the Malvern Hills and Commons'). 

Grey squirrel, rabbit, chaffinch, jay, coal tit, chiffchaff, woodpigeon, long-tailed tit, blackbird, house martin, a family of nuthatch at the southern end of the common and the butterflies painted lady and small copper were recorded from CL12 during the site visit. Ant hills were noted on Midsummer hill. Glow worm occurs on Midsummer Hill (National Trust Biological Survey, 1984).

VEG:
The Malvern Hills are a spectacular ridge 12 kilometres in length running north to south and rising to over 400m. The chain forms one of the largest and most important outcrops of Precambrian basement in southern Britain with important exposures in several quarries. Much of the chain comprises common land owned by the Malvern Hills Conservators which is continuously open to the public from Chase End Hill (CL10) in the south (lying partly in Gloucestershire) through Ragged Stone Hill (CL11), CL12, part of CL9, CL14 and ending with CL16, a total of 637.2 hectares representing approximately one third of all the common land in Worcestershire. CL12 occupies a section of the ridge rising to 338m at the northern end where the eastern slopes are sculpted by a number of valleys.

The Malvern Hills were subject to a detailed vegetation study in 1993-1996 as part of a PhD. Only limited field survey was carried out for this report as it was hoped that the information from the PhD study would be available. Unfortunately I did not manage to procure a copy of this. Much of the vegetation description is therefore based on existing data and the 1987 Phase 1 vegetation maps. 

The Malvern Hills support the largest expanse of upland grassland in Hereford and Worcester. The top of the ridge supports unimproved acid grassland comprising {\it Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. Associated herbs include {\it Rumex acetosella, Galium saxatile} and {\it Campanula rotundifolia}. In places a more base-rich and more diverse grassland occurs with {\it Koeleria macrantha, Bromopsis erecta, Thymus polytrichus, Galium verum} and {\it Pilosella officinarum}. The grassland supports a number of uncommon plants including the nationally scarce* {\it Potentilla neumanniana}, {\it Moenchia erecta, Ornithopus perpusillus, Trifolium striatum} and {\it Cerastium semidecandrum}. Areas which have been disturbed in the recent past such as in the numerous disused quarries and in the vicinity of the British camp (Herefordshire Beacon), support a similar vegetation with a number of additional uncommon species; {\it Trifolium ornithopoides, Plantago coronopus} and {\it Erodium cicutarium}. Vegetated spoil heaps support the nationally scarce* {\it Marrubium vulgare} and the locally uncommon species {\it Carlina vulgaris, Lepidium heterophyllum} and {\it Clinopodium ascendens}. {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} occur locally amongst the grassland and the nationally rare** clubmoss {\it Diphasiastrum x issleri} occurs on one fragment of this vegetation at the only known locallity in lowland Britain.

The lower slopes are dominated by {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with {\it Ulex gallii}. The woodland species {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Anemone nemorosa, Fragaria vesca} and {\it Viola riviniana} occur beneath the bracken flowering before the fronds unfurl.

Woodland fringes the hills at the northern end and occurs in more extensive blocks further south. Much of the woodland at the southern end is ancient, semi-natural and is largely dominated by {\it Quercus petraea} including a number of nationally restricted woodland types. Associated species include {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Corylus avellana} where the soils are dry, {\it Fraxinus excelsior} on the richer soils and {\it Ulmus glabra} in damper areas. {\it Alnus glutinosa} is locally dominant along streams. Less common trees recorded on the Malverns include {\it Sorbus torminalis, Tilia cordata} and the nationally scarce* {\it Tilia platyphyllos}. The understorey comprises {\it Corylus avellana} with {\it Acer campestre, Cornus sanguinea, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} and the groundflora {\it Oxalis acetosella, Lamiastrum galeobdolon} and {\it Allium ursinum} with more local species such as {\it Epipactis purpurata, Ceratocapnos claviculata} and the nationally scarce* {\it Cardamine impatiens}.

Flushes (mostly on the eastern slopes of Swinyard Hill (CL9) are dominated by {\it Juncus articulatus} with {\it Pedicularis sylvatica, Eleocharis palustris} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris}. {\it Umbilicus rupestris} grows on bare outcrops at the northern end of the hills (SSSI citation).

Only the woodland areas and Midsummer Hill were surveyed during 1996. CL12 is the most wooded of the commons on the Malvern Hills. Additional species recorded to those listed above are {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Castanea sativa} in the canopy, {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Sambucus nigra, Taxus baccata, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and rarely {\it Prunus padus} in the understorey and {\it Rumex sanguineus, Urtica dioica, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta} (carpetting in places), {\it Viola} sp., {\it Geum urbanum, Mercurialis perennis, Circaea lutetiana, Tamus communis, Bryonia dioica, Dryopteris filix-mas, Melica uniflora, Poa nemoralis, Carex remota} and {\it Stellaria holostea} in the groundflora with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} where the canopy is more open. Several bryophytes species were recorded including {\it Thuidium tamariscinum, Isothecium myosuroides, Polytrichum} sp. and {\it Mnium hornum}. {\it Ceratocapnos claviculata} was recorded amongst the woodland on Midsummers Hill and beneath the bracken there. {\it Alnus glutinosa} is locally frequent at SO767397 with {\it Dryopteris dilatata}.

On the hill fort on Midsummers Hill there is an area of diverse unimproved acid grassland supporting the additional species {\it Aphanes} sp., {\it Linum catharticum, Achillea millefolium, Luzula} sp., {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Myosotis} sp. {\it Veronica officinalis} and the bryophytes {\it Dicranum} sp. and {\it Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus}. The locally uncommon {\it Ornithopus perpusillus} has been recorded from this area (National Trust biological survey, 1984). Herefordshire Beacon itself supports a large area of unimproved acid grassland with additional areas along the ridge to the south where the uncommon {\it Moenchia erecta} occurs. {\it Calluna vulgaris} occurs amongst the grassland in a few areas. 

There are also several extensive stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus petraea} in places and a few areas of continuous scrub.

MANAGE:
Grazing levels on the Malvern Hills have fallen progressively since the early 1950's due to pressures of human interference, dogs, traffic and probably also social and economic reasons (Malvern Hills Conservators management plan, 1989?). The only grazing occurring on CL12 is as a result of stock moving up onto the hills from the adjoining CL9. As a result of the decline in grazing {\it Pteridium aquilinum} has spread on the hills with scrub encroachment with areas succeeding to secondary woodland. In the absence of grazing, mowing and burning has been employed where necessary. Annual cutting with flail mowers takes place in late autumn/early winter where practical with areas which are too steep being managed by burning in late winter/early spring. It should be noted that a thin cover of bracken is important for the nationally rare high brown fritillary.

Erosion of the vegetation on the hills due to visitor pressure is a serious problem particularly along the ridge with large bare areas visible. Eroded areas on CL14 northwards to Sugarloaf hill on CL16 had been restored in the 12 years preceeding the management plan (1989?) with restoration work planned on the southern hills by the end of 1990 where necessary using imported soil and reseeding. Due to the importance of the vegetation it is hoped that a careful match for the soils and an appropriate seed mix is used. Importing soil could also introduce species not normally occuring on the hills.

The occurrence of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} in the canopy and understorey of the woodlands and amongst the encroaching scrub on CL12 is of concern, this species being naturalised in Britain and potentially invasive, gradually replacing the native trees in the woodland canopy. Some control of the species may be necessary. {\it Castanea sativa} although not as invasive is also a non-native species and the occurrence of this species on the common may be as a result of planting in the past. Some past coppicing of {\it Corylus avellana} was noted in the woodland.


VEG:
This common lies on the western flanks of the Malvern Hills near Upper Colwall. The majority of the common consists of a bare earth track. There are a few fragments {\it Fraxinus excelsior} woodland with occasional {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fagus sylvatica} in the canopy. Understorey species include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra, Acer campestre, Fagus sylvatica, Rosa} sp. and less frequently {\it Taxus baccata, Ribes rubrum, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus idaeus}. Groundflora species recorded include {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, Geum urbanum, Circaea lutetiana, Dryopteris dilatata, D. felix-mas, Mercurialis perennis, Bromopsis ramosa, Deschampsia cespitosa, Galium odoratum} with {\it Sanicula europaea, Melica uniflora} and {\it Aegopodium podagraria} occurring less frequently. Near the access from the B4232 there are a few ornamental trees such as {\it Fagus sylvatica} var {\it purpurea} and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}. 

There are a few areas of rank {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} grassland with {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. {\it Lathyrus pratensis, Viola} sp. and {\it Potentilla sterilis} occur locally and scattered {\it Alnus glutinosa, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Corylus avellana} in places.

MANAGE:
The areas of grassland are kept cut back but are no longer grazed. A few areas are mown more closely. There is little other management of the common. There has been some repair work on the footpath at the western end of the common.


FAUNA:
For a general description of the fauna associated with the SSSI please see under the entry for CL12.

Rabbit, robin, great tit, bullfinch, chiffchaff, blackbird, jay, greater spotted woodpecker and song thrush were recorded from the small area of woodland at the southern end of the common during the brief site visit.

Marsh harrier, wood pigeon, skylark, swallow, house martin, tree pipit, grey wagtail, wren, stonechat, wheatear, ring ouzel, blackbird, fieldfare, redwing, whitethroat, chiffchaff, willow warbler, spotted flycatcher, magpie, chaffinch, brambling, goldfinch, siskin, redpoll, crossbill, bullfinch and reed bunting were recorded from Happy (Green) Valley, woodcock, swallow, house martin and wheatear from Sugarloaf, swallow, house martin, meadow pipit, redstart, stonechat, wheatear, goldcrest and bullfinch from North hill and skylark, swallow, house martin, stonechat, wheatear and carrion crow from Worcestershire Beacon in 1995 ('Birds on the Malvern Hills and Commons').

VEG:
CL16 is the northernmost of a series of commons running the length of the Malvern Hills. Please see under the entry for CL12 for a general description of the vegetation of the Malvern Hills. CL16 rises to 425m at Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point in the Malvern Hills, with a number of lower summits to the north of the Beacon. The sides are dissected by a number of valleys. There are some large disused quarries on the common.

Only a very small area of woodland at the southern end of the common was visited during this survey as it was anticipated that the results of a detailed vegetation study in 1993-1996 as part of a PhD would be available. Unfortunately I did not manage to procure a copy of the information. Much of the vegetation description is therefore based on existing data and the 1987 Phase 1 vegetation maps. 

According to the 1987 Phase 1 map, CL16 supported large areas of unimproved acid grassland and was less wooded with less bracken and scrub encroachment than the rest of the Malvern Hills. Quite a lot of the grassland had scattered bracken which may now have spread. {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} was abundant amongst the acid grassland on the north-eastern slopes of the Worcestershire Beacon. 

The area of woodland surveyed had a canopy of predominantly {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus petraea} and the occasional ornamental such as {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Tilia x vulgaris, Pinus sylvestris, Larix decidua} and {\it Castanea sativa} particularly near the houses. There is a lot of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. in the understorey with {\it Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus avium, Malus domestica, Prunus laurocerasus} (locally very dense) and {\it Ulmus glabra}. The groundflora is not diverse with {\it Poa nemoralis, Stellaria holostea, Geum urbanum, Dryopteris dilatata, Viola} sp., {\it Ceratocapnos claviculata} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium} where more open.

MANAGE:
For a general description of the management of the Malvern Hills please see under the entry for CL12. CL16 is the only hill on which common grazing rights were still practiced with one commoner grazing approximately 450 ewes with followers (Malvern Hills Conservators Management Plan, 1989?). This probably accounts for the lesser degree of bracken and scrub encroachment, although with scattered bracken present in some of the grassland, the potential is there if grazing is relaxed.


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel and the butterflies common blue, painted lady, meadow brown and small copper were recorded during the site visit. A raven was heard in the vicinity.

VEG:
Malvern common (west) is situated on an east-facing slope at the foot of the Malvern hills. It mostly consists of semi-improved neutral grassland with {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Rumex acetosa} and {\it Achillea millefolium}. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} is locally frequent. East of the railway line the semi-improved neutral grassland consists of {\it Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Holcus lanatus, Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra} and {\it Carex hirta}. There is frequent {\it Lolium perenne} in the sward on the playing field. 

Parts of the common still support a semi-improved acidic grassland with species such as {\it Potentilla erecta, Festuca ovina, Rumex acetosella, Pimpinella saxifraga, Galium verum} and {\it Campanula rotundifolia}. The area to the west of the railway supports a sward of {\it Festuca rubra} with occasional {\it Leontodon autumnalis, Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Festuca ovina, Carex hirta, Lotus corniculatus, Hypochaeris radicata, Trifolium pratense} and less frequently {\it Rumex acetosella, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. A similar sward is to be found west of the A449. 

Scattered bracken is present in some areas and there are a number of patches of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} across the common sometimes with a scattered scrub of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Sambucus nigra} and tall ruderal species such as {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Cirsium arvense}.

A small stream runs down the centre of the common mostly hidden by {\it Pteridium aquilinum} but with {\it Mentha aquatica, Juncus inflexus} and {\it Salix cinerea} in places.

There has been quite a lot of ornamental planting across the common especially along the roadsides. Most are now quite mature trees but with some quite recent planting west of the railway line. Species planted include  {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Tilia} sp. along the roadsides with species of {\it Picea} and {\it Tilia}, a crimson variety of {\it Acer platanoides, Prunus avium, Carpinus betulus, Aesculus hippocastanum, Quercus} sp. and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} recently planted near the railway line. West of the A449 {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Sambucus nigra} are scattered through the grassland.

There are a few areas of broadleaved woodland along the western side of the common. At the northern end the canopy comprises {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Taxus baccata, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Acer pseudoplatanus, Rubus idaeus} and {\it Salix capraea}. Groundflora species recorded include {\it Rumex sanguineus, Geum urbanum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Poa nemoralis, Circaea lutetiana, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Urtica dioica} with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium} where the canopy becomes more open. There has been some recent planting of ornamental tree species where the canopy is thinner.

Around the springs in the west is a woodland of {\it Salix fragilis, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with {\it Urtica dioica, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium hirsutum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} in the openings. This woodland was quite impenetrable. 

The small area of common off the southern end of the main portion also supports a broadleaved woodland of mature {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} coppice. with an understorey of {\it Prunus laurocerasus, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. {\it Geum urbanum} and {\it Dryopteris felix-mas} were recorded in the groundflora.

MANAGE:
At the time of the site visit a hay crop had been taken from much of the common and it was being grazed by sheep. Most of the areas of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} had been left uncut. According to the management plan the uncut areas are cleared after the hay crop to prevent the coarser grasses becoming predominant. The road verges are kept mown for highway maintenance and the trees also managed. There has been some recent planting of trees on the common. The common has apparently received little or no fertilizer, drainage or ploughing but during the latter part of last century it was laid out as a golf course with greens, bunkers and fairways. The course is no longer used.  {\it Pteridium aquilinum} could spread rapidly if management was relaxed.


FAUNA:
The following were recorded during the site visit. From Malvern Common (east), the butterflies common blue, small white, small copper and meadow brown. Grey squirrel, robin and the butterflies red admiral, gatekeeper, painted lady and speckled wood were recorded from the stretch known as Wood Lane. Skylarks have been recorded from Malvern Common (east) (Malvern Hills Conservators Management Plan, 1989). Wood pigeon, little owl, swallow, rook and linnet were recorded from Malvern common (east) and Poolbrook Common and pied wagtail, raven and starling from Barnards Green in 1995 ('Birds on the Malvern Hills and Commons').

VEG:
This common land unit consists of the eastern portion of Malvern Common which slopes gently to the north-east and a series of interconnecting road verges running for several kilometres.

MAP 1
Malvern Common (east) consists of semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata, Achillea millefolium, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon autumnalis, Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Rumex acetosa, R. acetosella, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Trifolium pratense} with {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Carex hirta}. There is a damp area at (1) with frequent {\it Plantago lanceolata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Juncus inflexus, Ranunculus repens, Agrostis stolonifera, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and occasional {\it Carex hirta, Prunella vulgaris, Cynosurus cristatus, Carex flacca} and {\it Vicia cracca}. There is a fairly rich area at (2) with locally frequent {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Silaum silaus}. {\it Pimpinella saxifraga, Festuca ovina} and the occasional {\it Campanula rotundifolia} were recorded east of Poolbrook Road. Small areas outside properties support a species-poor sward with frequent {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Holcus lanatus, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Trifolium repens}.

South of the road bisecting Malvern Common (east) scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scrub species {\it Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Rosa} sp. and {\it Cytisus scoparius} occur amongst the grassland. At the western end there is a small area of scrubby broadleaved woodland with {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Salix fragilis, Aesculus hippocastanum, Salix x chrysocoma, Pinus} sp. and {\it Ulmus} sp. an understorey of {\it Fraxinus exelsior, Crataegus monogyna, Fagus sylvatica, Buddleja davidii, Salix capraea, Lonicera periclymenum, Ilex aquifolium, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Urtica dioica} in the openings.

A few drains and streams cross the common supporting {\it Iris pseudacorus, Juncus inflexus, Glyceria} sp. and {\it Scrophularia nodosa}. The pond near to Longridge Road was almost dry at the time of the site visit with {\it Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Juncus inflexus} and almost completely overshaddowed with {\it Salix fragilis}. Nearby is a damp area of tall ruderal vegetation comprising {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus inflexus, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. The second pond on this part of the common to the east of Poolbrook Road was also dry with {\it Juncus conglomeratus} and {\it Iris pseudacorus}.

The verges running north from Malvern Common (east) are generally poorer in species composition with more frequent {\it Lolium perenne}. Scattered broadleaved trees are present along the roadsides predominantly of {\it Tilia} sp. with a mature {\it Populus nigra?}. There are a number of access tracks to properties crossing this part of the common. There are several mature pollarded {\it Salix fragilis} along Eye? Road.

Hastings Pool (SO788454) is well vegetated with {\it Iris pseudacorus, Juncus effusus, Menyanthes trifoliata} and surrounded by {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Salix} sp.

MAP 2
The verges along Guarlford Road support a similar grassland to those running north from Malvern common (east), again with predominantly {\it Tilia} sp. along the roadsides and a few other ornamentals. To the eastern end of this section to the south of Guarlford Road, is an area approaching an unimproved neutral grassland sward with frequent {\it Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Hypochaeris radicata} with locally frequent {\it Pimpinella saxifraga} and occasional {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Rumex acetosa}. A second similar area is found on Hall Green at SO800456 with frequent {\it Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense}, locally abundant {\it Achillea ptarmica}, locally frequent {\it Pimpinella saxifraga} and occasional {\it Galium verum, Centaurea nigra, Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens} and {\it Silaum silaus}. There was one plant of {\it Sanguisorba major}. The pond on Hall Green was almost overgrown with {\it Iris pseudacorus} and {\it Typha latifolia}. Both swards are patchy with respect to diversity. There are local patches of {\it Centaurea nigra, Pimpinella saxifraga, Silaum silaus} and {\it Lotus corniculatus} along the verges at Sherrard's Green.

MAP 3.
The northern part of this section consists of a minor road bordered by species-poor hedgerows with some mature {\it Quercus robur}. The northern end of Wood Street consists of a track bordered with large pollarded {\it Salix fragilis} and some mature {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Alnus glutinosa}. The majority of Wood Street consists of a broad grassy track bordered with tall species-rich hedgerows with trees, an important feature of this part of the common. Species recorded in the hedgerows include {\it Acer campestre, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra, Fraxinus excelsior, Humulus lupulus, Corylus avellana, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus procera, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Betula pendula, Fagus sylvatica, Rosa} sp. and some mature {\it Quercus robur}. The grassland consists of frequent {\it Lolium perenne} where trampled with {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and occasional {\it Odontites vernus}. As it crosses the top of the hill the grassland becomes more acidic in nature with {\it Potentilla erecta, Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris}, frequent {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Genista tinctoria}. There are a couple of ant hills in this part. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is present at the edge of the hedgerow in places and particularly on the hilltop.

MAP 4.
The majority of this part of the common consists of semi-improved neutral grassland. At Rhydd Green in the south-east there is a small area of unimproved neutral grassland with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Cirsium arvense, Rumex acetosa, Silaum silaus, Centaurea nigra, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Trifolium pratense, Ranunculus acris, Achillea millefolium, Festuca pratensis, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Galium verum} with a few patches of {\it Genista tinctoria} and locally abundant {\it Achillea ptarmica}. The hedges along the B4211 are tall with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ulmus procera, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rosa} sp.

MANAGE:
Apparently little grazing takes place on this common now. Grazing takes place on Malvern Common (east) with a hay cut in some years when grazing is light. The damper area at (1) had been cut at the time of the site visit. There is some damage to the grassland alongside the road which cuts across the southern end of Malvern Common (east) caused by informal parking. A few areas around the common are mown as lawn. The section east of Poolbrook Road is managed by mowing and had been recently cut with the cuttings still lying on the ground. 

The management plan mentions grazing by tethered horses on Sherrard's Green and other parts of the verges and Wood Street is described as being heavily grazed by horses. Some clearance of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scrub is carried out to keep the bridleway along Wood Street open. The wider rural verges are cut for hay by commoners and others are mown in late summer. At the time of the site visit a hay crop had apparently been taken from Rhydd Green at the eastern end of the common and many of the road verges cut with quite a bit of regrowth. There was some evidence of recent scrub clearance along Wood Street.

Much of the vegetation of the road verges is typical of grassland not receiving any grazing being fairly rank and also having been modified by spray from road traffic or nutrient enrichment through the mulching down of cuttings left following cutting. Some parts still retain a diverse neutral grassland flora such as along the southern side of Guarlford Road, where the verges broaden out along Hall Green and in places along Sherrard's Green. In all of these areas the diversity is patchy and probably deteriorating with the lack of grazing. It was unclear whether Rhydd Green receives any grazing following the hay cut which would help to maintain this richest area of the common.

Only two of the ponds on the common held sufficient water. That at Hastings Pool was in good condition whereas that at Hall Green was rather overgrown with vegetation and would benefit from some clearance.


FAUNA:
Rabbit and the butterflies speckled wood and painted lady were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
This urban common consists predominantly of semi-improved neutral grassland on fairly undulating terrain. The grassland consists of {\it Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata, Hypochaeris radicata, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosa, Alopecuris pratensis} and less frequently {\it Ranunculus repens, Galium verum, Rumex acetosella, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. {\it Achillea ptarmica} occurs locally. The grassland on the hilltop at SO779472 is richer with frequent {\it Pimpinella saxifraga} and occasional {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Rumex acetosa} in addition to the above. In the gully to the south of this hill the grassland is poorer in species composition with frequent {\it Lolium perenne}.

Towards the western end of the common the grassland is more like an amenity sward with frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens} and occasional {\it Plantago major, Leontodon autumnalis, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Rumex crispus}.

Avenues of trees (mostly {\it Tilia} sp.) are present alongside many of the roads. There are other scattered trees across the common sometimes as individual trees and sometimes in small groups. Species include {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Juglans regia, Crataegus monogyna, Tilia} sp. and some species of conifer.

There are a few small areas of woodland mostly with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} including occasional ornamental species such as {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}. Understorey species include {\it Ilex aquifolium, Taxus baccata, Acer pseudoplatanus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. The groundflora is sparse with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. There is a block of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} woodland at SO781471.

Additional habitats on the common include an area of continuous bracken with {\it Chamerion angustifolium} east of the railway line, areas of continuous and scattered scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana, Acer pseudoplatanus, Sambucus nigra, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Betula pendula} and an area of {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Urtica dioica} with scattered scrub to the west of the railway line.

{\it Genista tinctoria, Bupleurum tenuissimum} and {\it Marrubium vulgare} occur on the common (Malvern Hills Conservators management plan, 1989?).

MANAGE:
This common is no longer grazed and is currently managed by mowing five or six times per year. A few areas east of the railway line had been left uncut at the time of the site visit and the management plan mentions that areas where the uncommon species occur are not cut until after the seed heads have ripened. The uncut areas observed were becoming rank with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} which may result in some of the less vigorous species being shaded out. The grassland along the western side of Graham Road was quite coarse with {\it Dactylis glomerata} the predominant grass and some {\it Aegopodium podagraria}. It did not appear to be mown as frequently as the majority of the common. Scrub encroachment is only limited to a few small areas and is not likely to spread under the current management regime. The area of bracken at the eastern end needs to be controlled and not allowed to spread further. 

{\it Acer pseudoplatanus} is quite a frequent tree across the common and may need to be controlled. It is present in many of the scrub areas and also in the understorey of the {\it Quercus robur} woodland. Without control it could slowly replace {\it Quercus robur} as the canopy tree. With the area of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} woodland as a seed source this would need frequent attention. 

Recent planting to provide continuity of {\it Tilia} sp., {\it Acer} sp. and {\it Platanus} sp. has taken place behind some of the roadside trees which are starting to show signs of deterioration.


VEG:
Goosham meadow lies adjacent to the B4080 and is bordered on two sides by the River Avon and Bow Brook. There was no public access to this common and any observations were made from the road. The common lies on the opposite side of road from CL53, to which there is public access, and was similar in appearance probably supporting a similar sward, possibly less diverse. There were some patches of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica} scattered across the common. There is an intact {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedgerow with {\it Salix fragilis} trees and scattered {\it S. fragilis} and {\it S. alba} along the northern boundary.

MANAGE:
The common had been cut for hay and was being grazed by cattle. The presence of patches of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica} suggest that nutrient levels are quite high probably due to the application of artificial fertilizers. There is access to the river bank for fishing.


VEG:
Sling Common is situated alongside a stream in the north-east of the county on a gentle south-east facing slope. The vegetation consists of semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The predominant canopy species is {\it Quercus robur} with occasional {\it Prunus avium}. {\it Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} occur near the stream. Understorey species recorded include frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and in the groundflora {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Dryopteris dilatata, Hedera helix, Pteridium aquilinum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Millium effusum, Festuca gigantea, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Circaea lutetiana} and {\it Galeopsis tetrahit}. North of the pond the ground near the stream is much damper with {\it Impatiens glandulifera, Urtica dioica, Stellaria holostea, Circaea lutetiana} and {\it Aegopodium podagraria}. At the southernmost point east of the road is a stand of {\it Reynoutria japonica}.

The narrow strip of verge at the southern end of the western part of the common consists of a hedgerow of {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} with a ground flora of {\it Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, Alliaria petiolata, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Geum urbanum}.

MANAGE:
There does not appear to have been any recent management on this common. Little regeneration of {\it Quercus robur} was noted although regeneration of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} was present. {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} should be monitored and possibly removed. It is not a native tree, establishes readily from seed, grows quickly and could come to replace {\it Quercus robur} in the canopy given time. The understorey and groundflora are denser to the west of the road which may indicate that recreation which is concentrated on the eastern portion is damaging the woodland and possibly that there has been some clearance of the understorey in the east. The damper area north of the pond may be subject to flooding.


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel, wren and peacock butterfly were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
This common lies on more or less level ground in the extreme north-east of the county on the outskirts of Birmingham. It was formerly designated a Wildlife Site by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust with a note dated 21.05.96 saying that the site had been destroyed by scrub invasion, particularly {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} was recorded as being in abundance with grasses in general dominating the sward and few herbs except for around the borders.

A large proportion of the common is occupied by continuous scrub particularly south of the road. It is composed predominantly of {\it Crataegus monogyna} with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Quercus robur} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. {\it Tamus communis, Dryopteris dilatata, D. felix-mas} and {\it Hedera helix} occur in places amongst the scrub. There are a few patches of tall ruderal vegetation amongst the scrub consisting of {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Angelica sylvestris, Galium aparine, Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Elytrigia repens}.

There are a few areas of young semi-natural broadleaved {\it Quercus robur} woodland on the common with an understorey of {\it Sambucus nigra, Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. Groundflora species include {\it Stellaria holostea, Deschampsia cespitosa, Chamerion angustifolium, Calystegia sepium, Achillea ptarmica, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Cirsium palustre}. There is an area of {\it Fagus sylvatica} woodland at the western end of the common mostly formed by a line of planted trees along the parish boundary. The groundflora is sparse with {\it Bromopsis ramosa, Angelica sylvestris, Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Urtica dioica} where the canopy is more open.

The remainder of the vegetation consists of rank semi-improved neutral grassland with scattered scrub and tall ruderal species comprising frequent to abundant {\it Holcus lanatus} with {\it Phleum pratense, Arrhenatherum elatius, Deschampsia cespitosa, Equisetum arvense, Cirsium arvense, Lathyrus pratensis, Angelica sylvestris, Epilobium hirsutum, Galium aparine, Juncus effusus} and patches of {\it Urtica dioica}. {\it Potentilla reptans} and {\it P. anserina} occur locally and {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Carex hirta} are present at low frequency. The scattered scrub consists of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. 

A tall hedgerow of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus robur, Salix alba, S. cinerea, Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Corylus avellana} forms the boundary between the common and Gannow Green Farm.

MANAGE:
The common is apparently unmanaged except for a small area of mown grassland at the eastern end of the common between the road and the estate. If left unmanaged the grassland will soon become scrubbed over. Some of the areas of continuous scrub are starting to develop into woodland. Some dumping of garden waste and rubbish were noted on the common.


VEG:
Uffmore Green consists of a small area of road and road verges on more or less level ground connecting CL45 and CL46. It is bordered by species-poor intact hedgerows of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Acer pseudoplatanus, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Salix fragilis}. There is one mature {\it Fraxinus excelsior} in the hedgerow. 

The widest area of verge consists of semi-improved neutral grassland. The predominant species is {\it Agrostis capillaris} with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Elytrigia repens, Trifolium repens, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Vicia cracca}. 

Much of the remaining verge consists of tall ruderal vegetation of {\it Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Rumex crispus, Calystegia sepium, Cirsium arvense, Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Artemisia vulgaris} with {\it Lathyrus pratensis} and {\it Centaurea nigra} occurring locally and a few patches of mixed scrub.

MANAGE:
The area of semi-improved neutral grassland on the widest part of the verge was mown. The remaining verges are probably cut back for highway maintenance as there was no evidence of scrub developing although the vegetation was rather rank. Some of the hedgerows bordering the common were managed and others were tall and overgrown. Part of the verge is used as a car park.


FAUNA:
Rabbit, grey squirrel, carrion crow, great and blue tits, magpie, robin, wood warbler, swift, kestrel, blackbird, chaffinch, chiffchaff, wood pigeon and the butterflies speckled wood and large and small whites were recorded during the site visit. 

The common supports a breeding bird community considered to be of county importance including sparrowhawk, little owl and redstart. Yellowhammer and dunnock are typical of the bracken dominated areas and blackcap, willow and garden warblers of the low-growing oak/birch woodland along the northern fringe of the common (National Trust draft report, 1996).

Around 100 common beetle species, 14 butterfly species, 40 common moth species and representatives of several other insect orders have been recorded from the National Trust property (National Trust report, 1984). A good range of solitary bees and wasps nest along the margins of the main pathways in the more open areas amongst bracken including the Red data book listed parasitic bee {\it Nomada lathburiana}. The local weevil {\it Attelabus nitens}, an oak specialist, was recorded from the semi-natural oak woodland in the south west corner of property. Nest mounds of the yellow meadow ant {\it Lasius flavus} are present in the areas of acid grassland and the click beetle {\it Ctenicera cuprea} a characteristic species of acidic grasslands. At the south-western end of the common two nationally scarce solitary bees, the mining bee {\it Andrena humilis} and its specialist cleptoparasite {\it Nomada pleurostricta}, were recorded from the acid grassland area in 1984 (National Trust draft report, 1996).

VEG:
Clent and Gappelter commons are situated to the south-west of the Birmingham conurbation on a hill whose sides are dissected by a number of valleys. The predominant vegetation is of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered scrub and trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Rosa arvensis, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Malus} sp., {\it Acer campestre, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Fagus sylvatica}. {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Digitalis purpurea, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} occur amongst the bracken.

Semi-improved acid grassland occurs on the hill top around the view-point and on slopes to the south-west. In the south-west the grassland consists of frequent {\it Rumex acetosella, Agrostis capillaris, Hypochaeris radicata} with locally frequent {\it Festuca ovina} and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Centaurea nigra, Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}. {\it Lolium perenne} is locally abundant and there are a few patches of {\it Ulex} sp. The grassland on the hilltop has a very close turf with {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Potentilla erecta, Vaccinium myrtillus, Galium saxatile, Dicranum scoparium} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus} occurring locally. 

South of the viewpoint is an area of semi-improved neutral grassland with {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Trifolium dubium, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Hypochaeris radicata}.

There are a few areas of semi-natural broadleaved woodland fringing the common. The canopy generally comprises {\it Quercus robur} with some {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and very occasional {\it Fagus sylvatica}. {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} is locally dominant at the western end and on Gappelter common (planted?). The latter areas have not been classified as semi-natural although parts are certainly semi-natural. Understorey species include {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Fagus sylvatica, Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Sambucus nigra, Taxus baccata, Ulex europaeus, Sorbus aucuparia, Rubus idaeus, R. fruticosus} agg. and {\it Betula pendula} and the groundflora consists of {\it Holcus mollis, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Rumex sanguineus, Chamerion angustifolium, Stellaria graminea, Deschampsia cespitosa, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Millium effusum, Pteridium aquilinum, Hedera helix, Digitalis purpurea, Galium saxatile, Teucrium scorodonia, Dryopteris affinis}, seedlings of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fagus sylvatica} and the brophytes {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Polytrichum} sp. and {\it Mnium hornum}. Beech and oak litter and some lying oak deadwood was recorded from the woodlands at the western end of the common.

There is a small area of mixed plantation at the eastern end of the common with canopy species {\it Fagus sylvatica, Acer pseudoplatanus, Pinus} sp. and {\it Larix decidua}. The understorey comprises {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fagus sylvatica} regeneration, {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Sambucus nigra} with a sparse groundflora of {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} and {\it Dryopteris felix-mas}.

There is a pond amongst the woodland at the western end of the common with fringing {\it Iris pseudacorus}, a water lily, marginal {\it Glyceria} sp. and {\it Juncus effusus} and surrounded with {\it Chamaerion angustifolium, Rumex obtusifolius, Ranunculus repens, Holcus lanatus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Dryopteris affinis}.

There are a few scattered plantings of ornamental trees across the common of {\it Fagus sylvatica} 'Purpurea', {\it Larix decidua, Acer pseudoplatanus, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica, Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris, Quercus} sp. and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}.

There are a few remnants of {\it Ulex gallii} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} heath at grid reference SO 933802.

A small stream, largely overgrown with {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with some {\it Galium palustre, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Salix cinerea} is present at the western end of the common.

MANAGE:
There has been no significant grazing on the common since the 1930's. There was a decline in stocking levels (sheep, cattle and ponies) from a peak in the late 1800's and early 1900's to only 3 or 4 animals on Clent Hill in 1930. Recreational use overtook the traditional use of the common for grazing. In 1881 a Board of Conservators (still in place in 1984) was set up to oversee the management of the common and instigated by-laws to regulate the use of the common. In 1984 the property was being managed as part of a Country Park by the County Council under a management agreement with the National Trust (National Trust Biological survey report, 1984). There is a car park and visitor centre at SO 937807. 

Much of the common has been overtaken with {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Only where trampling by visitors is high does an acid grassland sward persist and there are severe erosion problems around the viewpoint with areas fenced off to allow these areas to recover. An area of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} at the northern end of the common had recently been burnt. 

The trees in the {\it Quercus robur} woodland at the south-western end of the common have a multi-stemmed coppice form. The spread of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} on the common could become a problem. It is present in the canopy of much of the semi-natural {\it Quercus robur} woodland and in the understorey and over time may come to dominate the canopy. {\it A. pseudoplatanus} is also a frequent component of the scattered scrub. 

Some dumping of rubbish was noted in the pond at the western end of the common.


FAUNA:
Rabbit, grey squirrel and the butterflies gatekeeper and red admiral were recorded during the site visit. The common supports a similar fauna to that of the nearby CL45. Solitary bees nest within the more open areas along the ridge-top and along the pathways within the bracken dominated areas. Species recorded include the Red data book listed {\it Nomada lathburiana} and its host the grey mining bee {\it Andrena cineraria}. Insects largely confined to acid grasslands such as the click beetle {\it Ctenicera cuprea} are also present. Butterflies recorded include good numbers of small heath and small copper. Yellowhammer were recorded amongst the {\it Ulex gallii} in 1996 but no stonechat which were present during the 1984 survey (National Trust biological survey reports). 

The nationally scarce beetle {\it Orchesia undulata} and some locally distributed species associated with dead wood are recorded from the woodland near the car park at the northern end of the common and the birds blackcap and great spotted woodpecker.

VEG:
Walton Hill is situated on part of a hill with primarily south- and north-facing slopes. The vegetation is similar to CL45. The slopes are covered with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scattered scrub of {\it Quercus robur, Sorbus aucuparia, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula pendula} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. 

The level hilltop supports dry dwarf shrub heath of {\it Ulex gallii} with unimproved acid grassland between of {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and occasional {\it Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosella, Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}. 

There are a few areas of semi-natural {\it Quercus robur} woodland around the periphery of the common. The understorey comprises {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Prunus spinosa} and a sparse groundflora with {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Dryopteris dilatata}. There is an old record for {\it Ceratocapnos claviculata} from the woodland near Nags hill (Babb, 1974) but this has not apparently been confirmed recently.

MANAGE:
Walton hill has not been grazed for a number of years but has apparently been grazed more recently than CL45 which was last grazed in the 1930's. Walton Hill was subject to a serious fire in 1976. 

Much of the common is now covered with bracken and scrub. A broad path worn bare by visitor pressure runs along the crest of the hill. No recent management work was noted. 

The area of grass and heath is an important feature on this common and should be maintained. There are plans to extend this area into the bracken dominated areas and to carry out some bracken control.

In 1984 the common was being managed as a country park by Hereford and Worcester County Council under a management agreement with the National Trust.


FAUNA:
The butterflies small and large skippers, large, small and green-veined whites, white-letter hairstreak, common and holly blue, red admiral, painted lady, small tortoiseshell, peacock, comma, gatekeeper, meadow brown and ringlet were recorded during the WWT grassland survey 02.08.96. Anthills are present at the northern end of the common.

VEG:
The vegetation of Purshull Green consists of several grassland communities, predominantly of semi-improved neutral grassland but also with quite a large area of improved grassland. 

The semi-improved neutral grassland is mostly MG6c {\it Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus} pasture, {\it Trisetum flavescens} sub-community. This community supports a diverse range of grasses. {\it Festuca rubra} is the most abundant grass with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Hocus lanatus} and {\it Trisetum flavescens} and locally frequent to abundant {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Hordeum secalinum} and {\it Lolium perenne}. {\it Cirsium arvense} is frequent and {\it Achillea millefolium, Ranunculus repens, Polygonum aviculare, Matricaria recutita} and {\it Trifolium repens} are locally frequent to abundant. {\it Carex spicata} was rare in the community. 

Around the pond and at the northernmost end of the common the community MG9 {\it Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa} coarse grassland is found dominated by {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Cirsium arvense, Juncus inflexus} and locally frequent to abundant {\it Agrostis capillaris, A. stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Hordeum secalinum, Achillea millefolium, Carex hirta, Galium verum} and {\it Potentilla anserina}. {\it Achillea ptarmica, Galium palustre} and {\it Iris pseudacorus} were rare in the community.

Part of the area supports an improved grassland dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} and part of the area south of this community was dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}. 

There is a large pond and a few smaller ponds on the common. The vegetation of the ponds was not recorded during the WWT grassland survey. Fragments of hedges surround the common which is largely fenced. There has been some tree-planting at the northern end of the common.

MANAGE:
Parts of the common are cut annually whilst others receive a little grazing with cattle and sheep. Parts had been cut at the time of the WWT survey. It is unclear whether a hay crop is taken. A small area outside the property and garden on the common at the northern end is mown. The low levels of grazing has allowed the coarser grasses such as {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} to become dominant in parts and is probably a contributing factor to the low species diversity found on the common. Thinning and trimming or coppicing of trees shading the ponds was recommended as desirable by the WWT.


FAUNA:
Meadow brown butterfly was recorded during the WWT Grassland Survey.

VEG:
Broad Green is a small level area of common land supporting unimproved neutral grassland of NVC community MG5a {\it Cynosurus cristatus - Centaurea nigra} meadow and pasture {\it Lathyrus pratensis} sub-community. At the time of the WWT grassland survey the western end supported a taller vegetation dominated by {\it Holcus lanatus, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Centaurea nigra} with frequent {\it Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Agrimonia eupatoria}. The vegetation at the eastern end is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} with frequent {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Genista tinctoria}. {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra, Galium verum, Lathyrus pratensis, Potentilla reptans, Primula veris, Ranunculus acris} and {\it Trifolium medium} are frequent throughout. Other plants of interest include {\it Silaum silaus, Ononis repens, Allium vineale, Lathyrus nissolia, Linum catharticum} and {\it Trifolium arvense}. {\it Ophioglossum vulgatum} is mentioned in the SSSI citation for this common. 

Dividing the two variants of the common is a ditch with frequent {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Juncus inflexus}.

The grassland around the periphery of the common is much poorer in species composition equating to an MG1 {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} grassland. 

There are a few planted {\it Castanea sativa} on the common and scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix cinerea}.

The small pond at the southern end of the common has been filled in.

MANAGE:
The only management takes the form of a hay crop taken in late July. The presence of frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} is a reflection of the lack of grazing. Other plants present such as {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica dioica, Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it R. crispus} and the encroachment of scrub on the common also reflects a tendency to rankness in the sward. Ideally the common would benefit by grazing the aftermath or a cutting regime to mimic this. Some control of scrub may be needed. The trees planted on the common may also affect the grassland through shading and nutrient input through leaf fall.


VEG:
Broadheath common is situated on a gentle north-east facing slope at Upper Broadheath west of Worcester. The predominant vegetation type is semi-improved neutral grassland consisting of frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Plantago lanceolata, Dactylis glomerata, Hypochaeris radicata, Agrostis stolonifera} and occasional {\it Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Centaurea nigra, Ranunculus acris, Lotus corniculatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra, Cerastium fontanum} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}. {\it Armoracia rusticana} was locally frequent and {\it Silaum silaus} was recorded as a rare component of the community. The western spur had less frequent {\it Lolium perenne}, frequent {\it Phleum pratense} and occasional {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Vicia cracca} and {\it Festuca rubra}. The south-eastern corner supports an improved grassland sward of abundant {\it Lolium perenne} and frequent {\it Plantago major, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Trifolium pratense}.

Many trees have been planted around the periphery of the common including species such as {\it Populus nigra} 'Italica', {\it P. alba, Alnus glutinosa, Aesculus hippocastanum, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur, Betula pendula, Salix} spp. and {\it Tilia x vulgaris}.

MANAGE:
At the time of the site visit the common had been cut, possibly for hay. From the composition of the sward it would appear that the common is cut at regular intervals which appears adequate to maintain the diversity of the sward. The football pitches at the southern end are mown more frequently. The area of improved grassland at the south-eastern corner of the common is where cars park on the common. The grass here is eroded in places and has possibly been reseeded. There are bylaws on this common.


VEG:
Darbys Green is situated on an east-facing slope at the edge of the Teme valley. A large proportion of the common consists of properties and their gardens. The remainder consists of a rank area of semi-improved neutral grassland and tall ruderal vegetation. There was no public access to this common but dense {\it Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica} and species such as {\it Centaurea nigra, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Leontodon} sp. were recorded from the roadside. There is a tall hedgerow along the roadside with {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur, Clematis vitalba, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}.

MANAGE:
At the time of the site visit the area of the common outside the properties and their gardens was apparently unmanaged and neglected, assuming a rank appearance. There was an animal trough on the common suggesting that it has been grazed but evidently not recently. There is a note on the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust files to say that this part of the common had been improved or reseeded and fenced however it appears that some areas have retained some interest with {\it Centaurea nigra, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Leontodon} sp. evident amongst the {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica}.


FAUNA:
The butterflies small skipper, large and small whites, painted lady, small tortoiseshell, peacock, marbled white, gatekeeper and meadow brown were recorded during the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust grassland survey 01.08.96. Anthills are present at the south-eastern end of the common.

VEG:
Smithmoor Common is a level, low-lying common situated near Ryall between the rivers Avon and Severn. This description is based on the results of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust grassland survey 01.08.96 alone. The common consists predominantly of an unimproved neutral grassland with frequent (locally abundant) {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}, abundant {\it Potentilla anserina} and frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. {\it Festuca arundinacea, F. pratensis} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris} are occasional but locally abundant. {\it Oenanthe lachenalii, Potentilla reptans, P. erecta, Ranunculus repens, Briza media, Cynosurus cristatus, Achillea millefolium, Leontodon hispidus, Plantago major, Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Cerastium fontanum} are occasional but locally frequent with occasional {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra, Lolium perenne, Phleum bertolonii, Poa pratensis, Bellis perennis, Carex hirta, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Galium verum, Juncus acutiflorus, Leontodon autumnalis, Lotus corniculatus, Stellaria graminea, Trifolium pratense} and {\it T. repens}. Scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. is present.

The south-eastern corner supports a slightly drier community with less {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Potentilla anserina} and frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera, A. capillaris, Cynosurus cristatus, Potentilla reptans} and {\it Trifolium repens} with locally frequent {\it Danthonia decumbens, Holcus lanatus, Poa pratensis, Trisetum flavescens, Achillea millefolium, Agrimonia eupatoria, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago major, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Hordeum secalinum} and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Phleum bertolonii, Bellis perennis, Cerastium fontanum, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, Galium verum, Leontodon autumnalis, L. hispidus, Plantago lanceolata, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus acris} and {\it Trifolium pratense}. There are frequent anthills in this area. 

There are several ditches and a few ponds on the common but all were dry at the time of the survey. 

There are occasional {\it Quercus} sp. trees and pollarded {\it Salix} sp. in the species-poor hedgerows around the common.

MANAGE:
At the time of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust survey the common was receiving a moderate amount of grazing with cattle, horses and rabbits. The species-richness of the community may increase if the abundance of {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} could be reduced possibly through an increase in grazing pressure or through improving the drainage of the common. A slightly higher grazing level would also help control scrub encroachment.


FAUNA:
The common is of local ornithological interest providing one of a few breeding areas for wetland species such as snipe and curlew in this part of Worcestershire. During a site visit by English Nature 24.01.90, heron, kestrel, mute swan, moorhen, snipe, teal and mallard were recorded with evidence of foxes, rabbits and moles. Anthills are present at the southern end of the common.

VEG:
Ashmoor common is a low-lying area in the flood plain of the river Severn. The SSSI, of which the common forms part, is an important site for interpreting aspects of the paleohydrology of the River Severn with a type example of an underfit palaeochannel representing an earlier course of the river above the present floodplain in addition to the biological importance. The following description is based on the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust grassland survey.

The vegetation is predominantly a mosaic of unimproved neutral grassland and marshy grassland. The majority of the grassland (along the north-eastern edge and at the south-eastern end of the common) is characterised by frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Ranunculus acris} with occasional {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Poa pratensis, Carex flacca, C. hirta, Cirsium arvense, C. palustre, Galium palustre, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Juncus effusus, Luzula campestris, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla anserina, Ranunculus repens, Rumex acetosa, Stellaria graminea, Succisa pratensis, Trifolium pratense} and {\it T. repens}. {\it Holcus mollis} is locally dominant, {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus articulatus, Luzula campestre, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Cirsium arvense} are locally abundant and {\it Juncus bufonius, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis} are locally frequent. {\it Juncus} spp. are distributed in scattered patches through the grassland.

The other major grassland type occurs to the south of the pond along the south-western boundary of the common. {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Holcus lanatus} are abundant with {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris} dominant over large areas. {\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa} is frequent, being replaced by occasional {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii} in the drier parts. There are locally frequent patches of {\it Potentilla anserina, Filipendula ulmaria, Lotus pedunculatus, Galium uliginosum, Agrostis geniculatus, Festuca pratensis, F. rubra, Poa trivialis, Caltha palustris, Carex flacca, C. hirta, Cirsium arvense, Ranunculus flammula, R. repens, Oenanthe} sp. and {\it Triglochin palustris} with {\it Carex nigra} abundant in the lower-lying areas. {\it Juncus articulatus, Polygonum amphibium} and {\it Mentha aquatica} are locally abundant. There is a small area of scattered {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub in this area.

The area around the pond is the lowest and dampest part of the common. {\it Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Ranunculus repens} are abundant and {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Carex hirta, C. nigra, Juncus effusus, Oenanthe fistulosa} and {\it Eleocharis multicaulis} are frequent in the sward. In addition {\it Glyceria fluitans, Carex nigra, Juncus acutiflorus, Polygonum amphibium} and {\it Scirpus lacustris} are locally dominant with locally abundant {\it Carex hirta, Eleocharis palustris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Juncus effusus, Mentha aquatica, Ranunculus flammula, Lycopus europaeus, Eleocharis multicaulis, Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Poa trivialis} and {\it Trifolium pratense}. {\it Bidens cernua} is locally frequent close to the pond.

The south-eastern end of the common supports a drier community dominated by {\it Festuca ovina} with frequent {\it Carex hirta, Plantago lanceolata, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Luzula campestris} and locally frequent {\it C. flacca, Succisa pratensis, Rumex acetosa, Potentilla erecta, Poa annua, Galium verum} and {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii}. There are a couple of patches of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub at this end of the common.

The pond is fringed with fen-type vegetation dominated by {\it Scirpus lacustris}.

{\it Rumex maritimus, Veronica catenata} and the nationally scarce* {\it Oenanthe silaifolia} and {\it Alopecurus aequalis} have been recorded from the common.

* A national scarce species is one occurring in between 16 and 100 10km squares in Britain (Steuart {\it et al}, Scarce Plants in Britain, JNCC, 1994)

MANAGE:
The south-eastern end of the common was being grazed by cattle at the time of the survey with horses and rabbits grazing the majority of the common. Grazing intensity is light to moderate. The current management appears to be good.


FAUNA:
The butterflies red admiral, peacock and meadow brown were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Normoor common lies in the Severn Valley near Kempsey. The vegetation consists of an unimproved neutral grassland sward with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Bromus hordaceous, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon autumnalis, Medicago lupulina, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus acris, R. bulbosus, Rhinanthus minor, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Rumex acetosa}. {\it Poa trivialis, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium palustre, Conopodium majus, Filipendula ulmaria, Galium verum, Juncus inflexus, Luzula campestris, Ophioglossum vulgatum, Trifolium repens, Veronica chamaedrys} and {\it Vicia sativa} are locally frequent. A few plants of {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii} and {\it Orchis morio} were recorded from the northern end of the common where {\it Ophioglossum vulgatum} was also found. The grassland around the borders of the common is less diverse with frequent to abundant {\it Alopecurus pratensis} and {\it Bromus hordaceous}. This has been shown as semi-improved grassland.

West of the road and at the southern end of the common are areas of continuous scrub comprising {\it Prunus spinosa, Quercus robur, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Humulus lupulus, Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Fraxinus excelsior, Salix} spp., {\it Malus} sp. and several dead {\it Ulmus} sp. Amongst the scrub are {\it Urtica dioica, Dipsacus fullonum, Filipendula ulmaria, Agrimonia eupatoria, Cirsium arvense, C. palustre} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. 

There has been some planting of trees on the common. At the northern end of the section west of the road is a line of {\it Populus} sp. and at the southern end east of the road there are some ornamental species including {\it Acer} sp., {\it Larix decidua, Aesculus hippocastanum} and {\it Cupressus} sp. Scattered trees of {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Robinia pseudoacacia, Prunus avium, Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} grow along the eastern side of the road with {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.

At the northern end is a small area of broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Alnus glutinosa}, {\it Corylus avellana} in the understorey and a groundflora of {\it Calystegia sepium, Urtica dioica, Hedera helix, Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Bromopsis ramosa}.

The hedgerows along the lane running east-west are fairly rich with {\it Acer campestre, Ligustrum vulgare, Corylus avellana, Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulmus} sp.

{\it Achillea ptarmica, Alopecurus myosuroides, Clinopodium vulgare} and {\it Lathyrus nissolia} are also included in a species list for the common compiled in 1988 by Ron Tavander (Worcestershire Wildlife Trust records) but not recorded during 1996.

MANAGE:
The common had been cut for hay at the time of the site visit. The condition of the sward suggests that it is also grazed, perhaps with tethered animals as the periphery supports a coarser sward more typical of ungrazed areas. The latter area has been classified as semi-improved due to the low diversity but is probably unimproved. It would probably become more diverse if grazed encouraging a finer sward. The areas to the west of the road and the southern end of the eastern portion are unmanaged except for some cutting back of the verges. The ditch along the eastern boundary had recently been cleaned.


FAUNA:
A common blue butterfly was recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Kerswell Green is a small, flat common in the Severn Valley, south of Kempsey. The vegetation consists of a variety of semi-improved neutral grassland swards ranging from short swards of {\it Lotus corniculatus, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosa, Leontodon autumnalis, Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Geranium molle} to rank swards with {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Plantago lanceolata, Cirsium arvense, Centaurea nigra, Agrostis stolonifera, Dactylis glomerata, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Agrimonia eupatoria} and {\it Artemisia vulgaris} with local patches of {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. A large proportion supports an improved grassland sward.

The drain crossing the common is overgrown with {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Cirsium arvense} at the end nearest the road. {\it Apium nodiflorum, Berula erecta, Iris pseudacorus, Rorripa nasturtium-aquaticum, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus aquatilis, R. sceleratus, Scrophularia auriculata} and {\it Typha latifolia} were recorded from the common on 23.06.91 (R. Tavender, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust records) presumably from the ditch.

The following species were also recorded during Ron Tavender's survey on 23.06.91: {\it Ballota nigra, Geranium pyrenaicum} and {\it Matricaria recutita}.

MANAGE:
Much of the common is managed by mowing which has probably modified the sward to that of improved grassland which occurs over part of the area. The ranker parts are possibly cut at irregular intervals or receive no management at all. The common is no longer grazed and under the current management regime will probably decline in diversity. The diversity of the ranker areas would probably increase if managed more regularly allowing a number of the less competitive species present to increase in number. However, the taller sward is probably good for invertebrates and small mammals. The shorter semi-improved sward should not be mown too closely and the clippings removed to try and maintain the current condition.


FAUNA:
Linnet, meadow pipit, common frog and the butterflies small copper, speckled wood, green-veined white, small tortoiseshell and peacock were recorded during the WWT grassland survey. Singing dunnock, robin, song thrush, blackbird, linnet, meadow pipit and greenfinch were recorded from the common on 26.02.96 and the following breeding birds recorded from Kempsey and Stonehall commons during 1995: green woodpecker, cuckoo, wren, dunnock, robin, blackbird, song thrush, blackcap, lesser and common whitethroats, willow warbler, chiffchaff, chaffinch, long-tailed, blue and great tits, tree creeper, greenfinch, linnet, bullfinch and yellowhammer.

VEG:
Stonehall common lies on a gentle east facing slope. The majority of the common supports semi-improved neutral grassland dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} with occasional patches of {\it Alopecurus pratensis} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} is locally abundant around the patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Genista tinctoria} was recorded amongst gorse at the northern end of the common west of the road. 

Part of the common supports unimproved acidic grassland with locally abundant {\it Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} and frequent {\it Veronica chamaedrys, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus bulbosus, Trifolium pratense, Vicia sativa, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon autumnalis} and {\it Lotus corniculatus}. {\it Ophioglossum vulgatum} was recorded at the eastern end of this section. 

{\it Agrostis stolonifera, Bromus hordaceous, Cynosurus cristatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Poa annua, P. pratensis, P. trivialis, Agrimonia eupatoria, Cardamine pratensis, Carex flacca, Cerastium fontanum, C. glomeratum, Luzula campestris, Medicago lupulina, Polygala serpyllifolia, Potentilla erecta, Ranunculus repens, Rumex acetosella, R. acetosa, Stellaria graminea, Trifolium repens, Veronica chamaedrys, Vulpia bromoides, Arabidopsis thaliana} and {\it Aphanes} sp. are locally frequent to abundant on the common. 

There are some quite large patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} on the common and a large area of bare ground where there had been some clearance work. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is locally abundant at the south-western end of the common. Mature {\it Quercus robur} are present in some of the hedgerows.

MANAGE:
The level of grazing varies across the common with large parts under- or not grazed and suffering as a result, supporting a less diverse and rank community. At the time of the WWT survey the common was being grazed by tethered goats and two ponies and in part was being overgrazed. A large area of scrub had been cleared. Some of the scrub should be maintained providing nesting habitat for linnets. The area of bracken is probably contained by the road and is unlikely to encroach further.


FAUNA:
Rabbit, grey squirrel and the butterflies painted lady and large white were recorded during the brief site visit. Green woodpecker, greenfinch, sedge warbler, smooth newts, the butterflies small tortoiseshell, large white, meadow brown, red admiral, gatekeeper, brimstone, painted lady, green-veined white, common blue and peacock and a common darter dragonfly were recorded during the WWT grassland survey 05.08.96. The following singing birds were recorded from Kempsey common during a brief visit on 26.02.96: robin, song thrush, linnet, greenfinch, great tit, chaffinch and yellowhammer and the following breeding birds recorded from Kempsey and Stonehall commons during 1995: green woodpecker, cuckoo, wren, dunnock, robin, blackbird, song thrush, blackcap, lesser and common whitethroats, willow warbler, chiffchaff, chaffinch, long-tailed tit, blue tit, great tit, tree creeper, greenfinch, linnet, bullfinch and yellowhammer. There are anthills on the common.

VEG:
Kempsey common is situated on a low hill with easterly, westerly and southerly aspects. There is a small area of old sand/gravel diggings at grid reference SO 871481. Only a very brief site visit was made as the common was included in the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust grassland survey. Most of the description is based on the latter survey. 

The majority of the common supports semi-improved acid grassland consisting of abundant {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and frequent {\it Aira praecox, Festuca ovina, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, Leontodon autumnalis} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. {\it Aira praecox, Rumex acetosella} and {\it Festuca ovina} are more frequent over the eastern end and {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Agrostis capillaris} over the remainder. The grassland is herb-poor with occasional {\it Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Cirsium palustre, Lotus corniculatus, Rumex acetosella, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Urtica dioica}. There is an area of swamp at the western end of this section dominated by {\it Typha angustifolia} with locally dominant {\it Iris pseudacorus} and frequent {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica} and {\it Callitriche stagnalis}.

The southern part of the common supports semi-improved neutral grassland dominated by {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Agrostis capillaris} with frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Lolium perenne, Cirsium arvense, C. palustre} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis}. {\it Carex flacca, Potentilla anserina} and {\it Juncus articulatus} occur locally where drainage is impeded. {\it Carex flacca, Glyceria fluitans, Nasturtium officinalis} and {\it Apium nodiflorum} were locally frequent near the pond at the northern end of this section. The pond had dried up.

There are large amounts of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub on the common, particularly in the west. Some quite large areas had been burnt recently with significant regrowth from parts burnt the previous year. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is also locally frequent to abundant in the grassland.

There is a small area of open grazed {\it Quercus robur} woodland where the common narrows in the centre with occasional {\it Acer campestre} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}.

Species-poor {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedgerows form parts of the boundary with mature {\it Quercus robur} in places.

MANAGE:
The common is heavily grazed by horses and sheep. The eastern part of the common was ploughed during the war and now supports a more acid grassland than the rest of the common and is largely free from {\it Ulex europaeus}. There is a lot of gorse scrub on the rest of the common and large areas had been burnt. One area which had been burnt last year was showing significant amounts of regrowth. Some clearance work had been carried out on the pond at the north-western end of the common.


FAUNA:
The butterflies common blue and meadow brown and broad bodied chaser dragonfly were recorded during the WWT survey 31.05.96.

VEG:
Marsh common is a low-lying common in the Avon Valley between Ryall and Defford. The vegetation predominantly comprises a fairly rank semi-improved neutral grassland with abundant {\it Holcus lanatus, Poa trivialis} and {\it Ranunculus acris} and frequent {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Potentilla reptans}. {\it Bromus hordaceous, Lysimachia nummularia, Mentha aquatica, Ranunculus repens, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Rumex sanguineus} are locally abundant and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca rubra, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca pratensis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Alopecurus pratensis, Ajuga reptans, Angelica sylvestris, Cerastium fontanum, Galium palustre, Heracleum sphondylium, Hypericum hirsutum, Lotus pedunculatus, Potentilla anserina, Rumex crispus, Silaum silaus, Trifolium repens} and {\it Urtica dioica} locally frequent. There is a damper area at the northern end of the common dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} with occasional {\it J. articulatus} and {\it J. inflexus}. South of the A4104 {\it Vicia cracca} is abundant with locally dominant {\it Filipendula ulmaria}. {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} is abundant in the wetter region to the south. {\it Rubus caesius} is scattered through this part of the common. The northern end is raised several metres above the surrounding land and supports an improved grassland sward. {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii} and {\it Ophioglossum vulgatum} were recorded at (1).

The southern end west of the A4104 supports unimproved neutral grassland with large areas dominated by {\it Festuca rubra}. {\it Bromus hordaceous} is abundant and {\it Holcus lanatus} frequent. Parts of the sward are ranker with abundant {\it Poa trivialis, Festuca pratensis, F. arundinacea} and {\it Brachypodium pinnatum} and frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}. {\it Rhinanthus minor, Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria} are locally dominant and {\it Galium verum, Ajuga reptans, Plantago lanceolata, Equisetum arvense. Lysimachia nummularia, Medicago lupulina, Ophioglossum vulgatum} and {\it Carex flacca} locally abundant. The sedges are well represented with {\it Carex hirta, C. otrubae, C. panicea} and {\it C. spicata}. {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Vicia cracca} are frequent with locally frequent {\it Cirsium arvense, C. palustre, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Senecio erucifolius, Potentilla anserina, P. reptans, Rubus caesius, Primula veris, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris, Dactylorhiza fuchsii} and {\it Vicia sativa}. There is a small {\it Juncus inflexus} dominated patch and locally dominant {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} at the eastern end of this area. 

Scattered {\it Quercus robur} trees are present across much of the area with a line of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} along the western edge of the A4104.

There is some scrub encroachment along the western border.

MANAGE:
A hay crop is taken once a year. The common is apparently no longer grazed which explains the rank nature of the sward covering the majority of the area. Without grazing (which would require the common being fenced off from the A4104) the richer unimproved area of grassland will become more rank (as is already happening in places) and lose diversity. A mowing regime to mimic aftermath grazing may be adequate to maintain this area. The diversity of the remainder of the common may also increase with more appropriate management. 

Parts of the common have possibly been fertilized accounting for the lower diversity. 

There may need to be some scrub control along the western boundary to keep the grassland open.


FAUNA:
Starling and the butterflies common blue, painted lady, peacock, gatekeeper and meadow brown were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Corse Lawn common is a low-lying common situated in the Severn valley in the extreme south of the county. The vegetation is predominantly semi-improved neutral grassland consisting of frequent {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Holcus lanatus} with occasional {\it Lotus corniculatus, Dactylis glomerata, Agrimonia eupatoria, Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera, Deschampsia cespitosa, Galium verum, Festuca rubra, Alopecurus pratensis, Hypochaeris radicata, Festuca arundinacea, Cirsium arvense, Hordeum secalinum, Trisetum flavescens} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} and locally frequent {\it Pimpinella saxifraga}. {\it Leontodon saxatilis} and {\it Cirsium acaule} were occasional on the cricket pitch. During the brief 1987 survey of the northern end of the common the vegetation was classified as an MG4 {\it Alopecurus pratensis-Sanguisorba officinalis} grassland. Only one plant of {\it S. officinalis} was recorded during the 1996 site visit and no {\it Filipendula ulmaria}. However, the common had recently been cut and was very dry. Additional species of interest recorded during 1987 include {\it Ophioglossum vulgatum, Linum catharticum, Primula veris} and {\it Silaum silaus}.

There are several ponds marked on the map most of which were dry at the time of the site visit and with the vegetation comprising only a fringe of {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Juncus effusus}, apparently dry for most of the year. {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica} was recorded from one of the dry ponds at the southern end. Most of the ponds had {\it Salix alba} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} around the periphery with occasional {\it Populus nigra?}. Two of the ponds held water but neither of these supported any aquatic vegetation. The northern one was fenced off and stocked with fish and and the southern one completely overshaddowed by trees. 

There are a number of mature {\it Populus nigra?} pollards at the north-western end of the common, a mature {\it Fraxinus excelsior} near Elm farm and a few other ornamental trees including {\it Populus nigra} 'Italica' and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}.

MANAGE:
A well managed common with some fine mature trees. The common was apparently ploughed during the war. Much of the common had recently been cut as if for hay. According to locals it is currently managed by grazing with cattle which are let onto the common in spring although there was little evidence of cattle grazing when visited. Perhaps the common is cut when grazing is insufficient.  Maintenance of the ponds, including removal of some of the overshadowing trees, would add diversity to the common.


FAUNA:
Great spotted woodpecker and the butterflies meadow brown, painted lady and gatekeeper were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
The Marsh is a level, low-lying common crossed by Marsh brook. It primarily consists of improved grassland of frequent {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera} with occasional {\it Trifolium repens, Hordeum secalinum, Taraxacum officinale, Dactylis glomerata, Cirsium arvense, Rumex crispus, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Holcus lanatus}.

Marsh brook is enclosed by fences and is overgrown with {\it Phragmites australis, Epilobium hirsutum, Calystegia sepium, Solanum dulcamara, Apium nodiflorum} and scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. along the banks. Other species recorded from the wet ditches around the common are {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Lythrum salicaria} with {\it Mentha aquatica, Carex acutiformis, Iris pseudacorus, Lemna} sp. at (1) and {\it Ranunculus flammula, Carex otrubae, Veronica anagalis-aquatica} and {\it Ranunculus sceleratus} at (2) (an access point for cattle to water).

The hedgerows forming the boundary of the common are species-poor, predominantly of {\it Crataegus monogyna} with occasional {\it Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Cornus sanguineus} and {\it Prunus spinosa} with occasional trees including {\it Salix alba, Fraxinus excelsior, Populus} sp. and mature {\it Quercus robur}. {\it Viscum album} was recorded in the hedgerow trees.

MANAGE:
The majority of the common was being grazed fairly heavily by cattle at the time of the site visit. The area west of Marsh brook (which is fenced off from the remainder of the common) had been cut for hay. There was quite a bit of damage to the grassland around cattle feeding points and also an area where manure had been piled until recently (shown as J4 on the map).


FAUNA:
Rabbit, treecreeper, and the butterflies painted lady, meadow brown and common blue were recorded during the site visit. Anthills were present on the separate small part of the common.

VEG:
Pendock moor is a low-lying area of common land. There was no public access to the common but a public footpath passes close to the western end. The main part of the common has the lush, uniform appearance of a species-poor improved grassland. {\it Holcus lanatus} was frequent with occasional {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica}. {\it Juncus} spp. were present locally. The ditches at the western end of the common were dry. The main part of the common is surrounded by hedgerows with trees which were fairly species rich at the western end with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ulmus procera, Rosa canina, Humulus lupulus, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Hedera helix} with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur}. 

The small separate part of the common is a small raised area unfenced from the surrounding field, surrounded by a dry ditch and dry pond. The area had been grazed by sheep but had a fairly tall and somewhat rank sward at the time of the site visit with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Trisetum flavescens} and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Hordeum secalinum, Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus, Cirsium vulgare, Urtica dioica, Trifolium repens, Potentilla reptans, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Galium verum}. The banks of this part of the common support {\it Crataegus monogyna} scrub.

MANAGE:
There was no grazing on the common at the time of the site visit. The main part of the common had probably been cut for hay but there was quite a bit of regrowth. The small separate area is probably grazed along with the surrounding field, to which it is open, but there had been no sheep on recently.


FAUNA:
A carrion crow was recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Asham meadow is a low lying common adjacent to the River Avon. The vegetation consists of a semi-improved grassland sward with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}, locally frequent {\it Convolvulus arvensis, Persicaria maculosa, Cirsium arvensis} and {\it Potentilla reptans}. {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Dactylis glomerata, Rumex crispus, Ranunculus repens, Taraxacum officinale, Cynosurus cristatus, Phleum pratense} and {\it Elytrigia repens} were occasional. Along the river bank was a strip of tall ruderal and marginal vegetation consisting of {\it Urtica dioica, Phalaris arundinacea, Lythrum salicaria, Conium maculatum} and {\it Glyceria maxima}. 

The northern edge of the common is bordered by a wet ditch overgrown with a marginal type vegetation of {\it Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Calystegia sepium, Glyceria maxima, Typha latifolia, Filipendula ulmaria, Carex acutiformis} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. {\it Salix cinerea} and {\it S. fragilis} occur along the this boundary of the common. {\it Thalictrum flavum} was recorded close to the common on the northern side of the track that runs alongside. Along the roadside is a managed hawthorn hedge with occasional {\it Salix fragilis}.

MANAGE:
The common had been cut at the time of the site visit and it was unclear whether it receives any grazing. The common has been quite heavily improved.


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel, rabbit and the birds chiffchaff, jackdaw, mallard, wood pigeon, blackbird and robin were recorded during the site visit. The birds great spotted woodpecker, blackbird, blue and great tits, nuthatch, jay and jackdaw were recorded during the 1993 faunal assessment (A.P.Foster, 11.03.93). All three native species of woodpecker have been recorded from the common. 20 species of invertebrate were also recorded by A.P.Foster mostly of common species but including the notable beetle {\it Ctesias serra} a typical species of ancient woodland, the local beetles {\it Cerylon ferrugineum, C. histeroides, Cis nitidus} and the local dipteran {\it Xylophagus ater}. All of these species are associated with deadwood habitats.

VEG:
Pipershill common is situated on part of a plateau and western slopes of Piper's Hill on soils derived from the Keuper Marl. It is one of the few remaining areas of ancient wood pasture in Worcestershire supporting some of the largest and oldest specimens of mature and over-mature trees in the county. 

The main tree species on the plateau are {\it Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Quercus robur} with some {\it Castanea sativa}. The shrub layer and groundflora beneath the {\it Fagus sylvatica} are sparse. {\it Taxus baccata} was present in the shrub layer east of the B4091. A few seedlings of {\it Fagus sylvatica} were recorded, a few patches of {\it Holcus mollis}, {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Poa nemoralis} and the bryophytes {\it Mnium hornum} and {\it Atrichum undulatum}. Dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum} occurs in places especially east of the B4091. 

On the slopes {\it Fraxinus excelsior} becomes more common in the canopy with {\it Quercus robur} and the shrub layer is richer with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Rosa canina, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Ligustrum vulgare, Acer campestre, Ulmus glabra} and {\it Salix capraea}. Groundflora species recorded include {\it Mercurialis perennis, Hedera helix, Tamus communis, Dryopteris felix-mas, D. dilatata, Arum maculatum, Carex pendula, Geum urbanum, Circaea lutetiana} and {\it Viola hirta}.

There are two ponds along the western side of the common. The southernmost one was in a very poor state with no vegetation. The larger northern one supported {\it Iris pseudacorus, Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Typha latifolia}. {\it C. pendula} was recorded nearby. 

The woodland supports a number of locally uncommon species includng the orchids {\it Epipactis helleborine, E. purpurata} and {\it Neottia nidus-avis}. The common is also one of the most notable in the area for fungi. Over 200 species have been recorded including less common species such as {\it Choirmyces meandriformis, Fistula hepatica} and {\it Cantharellus cibarius}.

MANAGE:
Pipershill common is an area of ancient wood-pasture. No recent management activities were recorded during the site visit. Very little regeneration was taking place at the southern end of the plateau area west of the B4091 with no trees growing up to replace those in the canopy as they die. Some dumping of garden waste and rubbish was noted at the northern end of the common. Recommemdations made following the faunal assessment by A.P.Foster (1993) included measures to prolong the life of the mature and over-mature trees as a valuable saproxylic habitat (with regard to public safety), to retain fallen timber and consider creating new pollards to replace the ancient ones in the long term.


FAUNA:
Moorhen was recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Pins Green Common consists of a length of road verge along the A449. The vegetation is predominantly coarse semi-improved neutral grassland dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}. There are scattered broadleaved trees in places including {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Salix fragilis} and {\it Ulmus procera}. At the northern end tall ruderal vegetation of {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Convolvulus arvensis} occurs beneath the scattered trees. There is a pond along the south-eastern edge with little vegetation and hidden from the road by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. The common is bordered by species-poor hedgerows of {\it Acer campestre, Crataegus monogyna, Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Ulmus procera}.

MANAGE:
The grass verges appear to be cut infrequently as part of highway maintenance. Areas at the southern end outside properties are mown more frequently. There has been some planting of trees on the common. There is a layby at the northern end of the common and a few other areas are used by vehicles for turning. There was some dumped tarmac and gravel outside Newland Court at the time of the site visit.


FAUNA:
The butterflies painted lady and red admiral were recorded from the whole common (including the Gloucestershire registered part) during the site visit. The butterflies brimstone, green-veined white, purple hairstreak, holly blue, red admiral, peacock, gatekeeper and meadow brown were recorded from the common in 1984 (Gloucestershire Butterfly Conservation Society records).

VEG:
Howler's Heath is situated at the southern end of the Malvern Hills on a south-facing slope within the county of Gloucestershire. The vegetation of the Worcestershire registered portion consists of semi-improved acid grassland of {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Dactylis glomerata} with local {\it Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosella, R. acetosa} and {\it Festuca ovina}. 

There is an area of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} at the northern end of the common with some scattered {\it Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Betula pendula} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub.

MANAGE:
The eastern part of the common was moderately grazed by sheep, probably at a sufficient level to counter further spread of the {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.


FAUNA:
Common blue butterfly was recorded during the site visit and the butterflies small skipper, small tortoiseshell, small and large whites, painted lady, gatekeeper, brimstone, meadow brown, small heath, peacock and common blue were recorded during the WWT Grassland Survey 24.07.96. The uncommon moth {\it Coleophora genistae} is mentioned in the SSSI citation as occuring on the site on {\it Genista anglica}. Anthills are present on the common and great crested newts have been recorded from the pond.

VEG:
Monkwood Green is a level area of common land lying on heavy clay-loam soils to the north-west of Worcester. The common supports damp, neutral to acidic species-rich unimproved grassland. 

The WWT Grassland Survey only covered part of the common (the area north-east of the track leading to Whitehouse Farm and south-east of the track leading to Holly Cottage) and found the majority of the vegetation to consist of a mixture of two NVC types MG9 {\it Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa} coarse grassland and MG5c {\it Centaurea nigra-Cynosurus cristatus} meadow and pasture. The MG9 is dominated by {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Cirsium palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Rumex acetosa}. Occasional herbs included {\it Achillea ptarmica, Carex hirta, C. nigra, C. ovalis, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Galium palustre, G. verum, Juncus articulatus, J. conglomeratus, J. inflexus, Luzula campestris, Potentilla reptans, Ranunculus repens, Stellaria graminea, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. {\it Stachys officinale} is locally frequent. Scattered scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Quercus robur} and {\it Betula pendula} occurs locally. (NB {\it Ulex gallii} is described as being the predominant scrub species in the SSSI citation). 

The MG5c community is more frequent at the eastern end of the area surveyed. It is dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Potentilla erecta} with frequent {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca rubra, Achillea ptarmica, Centaurea nigra, Genista tinctoria, Juncus articulatus, Lotus pedunculatus, Rumex acetosa} and {\it Succisa pratensis}. {\it Stachys officinale} and {\it Juncus conglomeratus} are locally frequent. Species occasional in the community include {\it Danthonia decumbens, Nardus stricta, Carex flacca, C. hirta, C. ovalis, Cirsium palustre, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Silaum silaus, Trifolium pratense} and {\it T. repens}. {\it Pedicularis palustris} and {\it Ranunculus flammula} were rare in the community.

South of the minor road which runs across the southern end of the common is a rank unimproved community of MG1e {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} coarse grassland {\it Centaurea nigra} sub-community dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Stellaria graminea, Trifolium pratense, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Agrimonia eupatoria}. {\it Galium verum, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Pimpinella saxifraga} and {\it Silaum silaus} are occasional.

The grassland at the northern end of the common and south-west of the track leading to Whitehouse farm was not surveyed by the WWT as it had been cut for hay at the time of the survey. This area did not appear to be as rich as the areas described above. {\it Agrostis stolonifera} was frequent with occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris, Centaurea nigra, Galium verum} and {\it Achillea millefolium}. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Achillea ptarmica, Silaum silaus, Potentilla erecta} and {\it P. anserina} were locally occasional.

There is a fairly large pond at the northern end of the common with emergents {\it Eleocharis} sp. and {\it Typha latifolia} and {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica}. {\it Lycopus europaeus, Carex otrubae, Juncus effusus, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Bidens tripartita} were recorded on the banks of the pond. A few {\it Salix fragilis} were growing in the pond. There are two smaller ponds at the eastern end of the common, the westernmost one with {\it Ranunculus flammula} and the easternmost with {\it Alopecurus geniculatus, Ranunculus lingua} and {\it Lycopus europaeus} and fringed by {\it Salix} sp. 

A few pollarded {\it Salix fragilis} and {\it S. alba} and a few {\it Populus nigra} are present in the south along the roadside.

{\it Lathyrus nissolia, Genista anglica} and the nationally scarce* {\it Limosella aquatica} have been recorded from the common although not in this years surveys.

* A national scarce species is one occurring in between 16 and 100 10km squares in Britain (Steuart {\it et al}, Scarce Plants in Britain, JNCC, 1994)

MANAGE:
A hay crop was taken from the south-western and northern parts of the common prior to the WWT survey 24.07.96. The remainder of the common was still uncut at the time of the site visit on 20.08.96. A small area in front of Whitehouse Farm is mown as lawn. 

The common does not at present receive any grazing although there are plans to introduce cattle grazing. If left uncut for a number of years and to a lesser extent in the absence of aftermath grazing the diversity of the grassland will probably decline as coarser species come to predominate eg. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and the scattered scrub present over part of the site spreads. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} is already the predominant grass in places although at present still with a fairly rich associated flora. Grazing the common with cattle may also reduce the predominance in places of the coarse grass {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and lead to an increase in diversity. The populations of the scarcer species should be closely monitored and maintained. 

Some of the scattered scrub should be retained as important shelter for fauna. The ponds at the south-eastern end of the common are reported to be silting up and almost dry. Management of the ponds should be sympathetic to the requirements of great crested newts which have been recorded on the common. 

The common is subject to byelaws under section 1 of the Commons Act 1899.


FAUNA:
Wren, blackbird and wood pigeon were recorded during the site visit. The butterflies ringlet, gatekeeper, meadow brown, small skipper, holly blue, small tortoiseshell and large and small whites were recorded during the WWT site visit in 1991.

VEG:
Brownheath common is a small level area of common land. Parts of the common consist of semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The canopy consists of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} with occasional {\it Tilia x vulgaris}. {\it Quercus robur} was the dominant species at the northern end of the common with a few mature specimens. The understorey consists of {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Sambucus nigra} with a sparse groundflora of {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Mercurialis perennis, Geum urbanum} and {\it Hedera helix}. {\it Arum maculatum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Galeopsis tetrahit, Scrophularia nodosa, Conopodium majus, Alliaria petiolata} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria} were also recorded during the WWT site visit (22.07.91).

A slightly greater proportion consists of continuous scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra, Lonicera periclymenum, Ilex aquifolium, Rosa} sp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with scattered trees of {\it Quercus robur, Aesculus hippocastanum, Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia x vulgaris} and a mature {\it Fagus sylvatica}. There is a line of {\it Tilia x vulgaris} along the roadside. Amongst the scrub {\it Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, Chamerion angustifolium, Heracleum sphondylium, Geum urbanum, Dryopteris felix-mas, Glechoma hederacea} and {\it Rumex sanguinea} were recorded.

There are several grassy indents along the roadside predominantly of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Convolvulus arvensis, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Cirsium arvensis}. {\it Centaurea nigra, Pimpinella saxifraga} and {\it Agrimonia eupatoria} were rare in the community at the western end, and the species {\it Ononis repens, Stellaria graminea, Lathyrus pratensis, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lotus corniculatus, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Galium verum} were also recorded during the WWT site visit 22.07.91.

MANAGE:
There is little management on the common at present. Verges along the roadside are kept cut back. There are some game rearing pens near the path at the northern end of the common and some dumped farm machinery and rubble alongside the track. An area near to Saints Farm (on the northern side of the track) is used for parking caravans on. A passing place cuts into the common along the roadside. The grassy areas should be maintained as a valuable nectar source for invertebrates and preferably managed to maintain the diversity which appears to have declined since 1991. The presence of frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna} and other fruiting trees probably provide an important food source for birds in winter.


FAUNA:
Carrion crow and the butterflies clouded yellow and common blue were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Uckinghall meadow is a low-lying area of common land adjacent to the River Avon. It is possibly subject to periodic flooding. There is public access only to the southern part of the common. Here the common supports a semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Agrostis stolonifera} with locally frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Lolium perenne} and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Vicia cracca, Carex hirta, Rumex obtusifolius, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. One patch of {\it Sanguisorba officinalis} was noted and very occasional {\it Lathyrus pratensis} and {\it Centaurea nigra}. The western end of the common was more heavily improved with abundant {\it Lolium perenne}. Along the river bank are scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Salix cinerea, S. alba, S. fragilis} and {\it Alnus glutinosa}. The track at the southern end of the common is raised and the banks support a rank sward of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia repens, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvensis, Rumex cripsus, Alliaria petiolata} and {\it Achillea millefolium}.

There was no public access to the northern end of the meadow which also appeared semi-improved with frequent {\it Cirsium arvense, Ranunculus} sp. and {\it Urtica dioica}. 

The drainage ditches around the boundary at at the southern end are somewhat overgrown with {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvensis, Filipendula ulmaria, Rumex obtusifolius, Glyceria maxima} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}.

{\it Salix alba} and {\it S. fragilis} are frequent around the boundary of the common. Along the southern boundary these are present with scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Ulmus} sp. (dead) and mature {\it Quercus robur} and in other parts a species-poor hedgerow with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Humulus lupulus} and {\it Acer campestre}.

MANAGE:
The southern part of the common had been cut for hay. The northern part was being grazed by cattle apparently fairly heavily as indicated by the presence of frequent {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica}. The common used to be very rich with frequent {\it Sanguisorba officinalis}.


FAUNA:
The butterflies meadow brown, peacock and painted lady were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Winnall Meadow is situated to the east of the village of Kempsey. The vegetation consists predominantly of semi-improved neutral grassland comprising frequent {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Phleum pratense, Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Ranunculus acris} with occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Lolium perenne, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Carex hirta, Lathyrus pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Plantago lanceolata, Cerastium fontanum} and {\it Rhinanthus minor}. {\it Persicaria maculosa} is locally abundant in the ditch area at the western end of the common and {\it Carex riparia} locally frequent.

The eastern end of the common is damper and ranker with frequent {\it Juncus acutiflorus} and {\it Carex hirta} and occasional {\it Juncus effusus} and tall ruderal species {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Heracleum sphondylium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Chenopodium} sp. and locally frequent {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Calystegia sepium} amongst a sward similar to the above. {\it Carex otrubae} was recorded at this end of the common. {\it C. flacca, C. binervis, Cardamine pratensis, Lotus pedunculatus, Lychnis flos-cuculi}. {\it Cirsium arvense} are locally dominant west of the fence. There is a small area of swamp vegetation dominated by {\it Phragmites communis}. 

The hedgerows at the western end of the common are fairly species-rich with {\it Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and occasional {\it Salix fragilis} and {\it S. alba} trees. There are several large {\it Populus nigra} pollards around the borders of the common.

MANAGE:
The western end of the common was being grazed by three horses at the time of the site visit. Grazing was concentrated at the westernmost end (moderate intensity) and varies in intensity over the rest. 

The eastern end beyond the fence was not being grazed and was rather rank. This was the area of greatest interest in 1993 when it was surveyed by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and is suffering as a result.


FAUNA:
The butterflies small white and small copper were recorded during the site visit. Gatekeeper, common blue, green-veined white, speckled wood and meadow brown were recorded during the Worcestershire 1992 Grassland Survey.

VEG:
Upper Ham, Kempsey is a low-lying area of common land adjacent to the River Severn. The central part of the common consists of a species-poor semi-improved neutral grassland of frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Lolium perenne} with occasional {\it Festuca rubra, Rumex crispus, R. acetosa, Heracleum sphondylium, Elytrigia repens, Anthriscus sylvestris, Cerastium fontanum, Allium vineale, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Cynosurus cristatus}. The nationally scarce* {\it Oenanthe silaifolia} was recorded at the northern end of this area in 1992. The remaining grassland is more heavily improved and dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with {\it Holcus lanatus} and a few occasionals such as {\it Dactylis glomerata, Rumex crispus} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. {\it Sisymbrium} sp. was frequent at the northernmost end. 

Part of the common is under arable cultivation and there is a caravan park and boat yard on the southern end.

Scattered trees and scrub of {\it Salix alba, S. fragilis, Alnus glutinosa,  Prunus spinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it A. campestre} occur along the river bank. {\it Impatiens glandulifera, Humulus lupulus, Lamium album, Tanacetum parthenium, T. vulgare, Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Symphytum} sp. and {\it Phalaris arundinacea} were also recorded along the river bank.

{\it Colchicum autumnale} has been recorded from the common.

*Nationally scarce species are those only occurring in between 16 and 100 10km squares in Britain (Stueart, A. {\it et al}, (1994), "Scarce Plants in Britain", JNCC).

MANAGE:
The majority of the common is apparently cut for hay. There was no grazing stock on the common at the time of the site visit. Part of the common is under arable cultivation and part managed as a caravan park with boatyard and new slipway. The grassland here is regularly mown and gardened. The area of semi-improved grassland forms the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). The SNCI is important for the populations of the nationally scarce umbellifer {\it Oenanthe silaifolia} and {\it Allium vineale} which is uncommon in Worcestershire.


FAUNA:
Goldfinch and painted lady butterfly were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Lower Ham, Kempsey is a low-lying common situated adjacent to the River Severn. The vegetation consists predominantly of improved grassland dominated by {\it Alopecurus pratensis} and {\it Lolium perenne} with frequent {\it Poa trivialis} and a few herbs such as {\it Rumex acetosa, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Anthriscus sylvestris, Cirsium arvense, Ranunculus bulbosus} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. 

The northern end of the common consists of a semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus} and occasional {\it Cirsium arvense, Ranunculus acris} and {\it Trifolium repens}.

Part of the southern area of the common also supports semi-improved neutral grassland dominated by {\it Alopecurus pratense} and {\it Poa trivialis} with abundant {\it Ranunculus acris} and {\it Rumex acetosa} and frequent {\it Lolium perenne}. {\it Conopodium majus} is present with some large patches of {\it Galium verum} and {\it Lathyrus pratensis} and occasional {\it Ranunculus repens, Rumex crispus} and {\it Taraxacum} sp.

Scattered {\it Salix fragilis, S. alba} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} occur along the river bank with {\it Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica} and {\it Conium maculatum}.

A stream runs along the northern boundary of the common overshaddowed by {\it Salix fragilis, Populus nigra} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. The remainder of the common is bordered with defunct species-poor {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedgerows and fencing.

{\it Colchicum autumnale} and {\it Oenanthe lachenalii} were recorded from the common in 1987.

MANAGE:
The common is managed as a hay meadow and was being grazed at the time of the site visit. The northern part of the common was being grazed by cattle and the remainder by sheep. There has been a decline in the diversity of the common since 1987 when species such as {\it Centaurea nigra, Galium verum, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Vicia sativa} were scattered throughout. This is probably as a result of regular application of fertilizers.


FAUNA:
The following were recorded during the site visit; wood pigeon, carrion crow and the butterflies brimstone, meadow brown, common blue and peacock from the northern section of map 1, rabbit from the southern section of map 1, buzzard, heron and gatekeeper butterfly from the southern part of the section on map 2, mistle thrush from the section on map 4 and rabbit for map 5. No fauna was recorded for the sections on maps 3 and 6.

VEG:
Powick hams consist of a number of separate widely scattered hams. The majority lie at the junction of the River Teme and R. Severn. Most of the smaller sections lie to the southwest of this junction above the floodplain.

MAP 1
The vegetation of the northernmost section on this map consists predominantly of an improved grassland sward dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with locally frequent {\it Cirsium arvense}. A section at the eastern end was infested with {\it Chenopodium} sp. - had been reseeded? A section at the western end was under arable cultivation. Scattered along the northern boundary of this section are {\it Alnus glutinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix alba} with some mature pollards of the latter. The area is subdivided with fencing and species-poor hedgerows.

The spur of land to the south at the centre of the common is raised above the rest of the common and separated from it by a scrubby bank of scattered {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with {\it Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}. It consists of rank {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Lolium perenne} with {\it Trifolium repens} and the tall ruderal species {\it Cirsium vulgare, C. palustre, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Sonchus} sp., {\it Rumex} spp. and {\it Sisymbrium} sp. It is bordered along the southwestern and southeastern edges by species-poor hedgerows of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulmus procera} much of the latter of which was dying. The north-eastern and north-western hedges support several mature trees, particularly ornamental species such as {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Tilia x vulgaris, Robinia pseudoacacia, Picea} sp. and {\it Fagus sylvatica}.

The eastern end of the common is much disturbed by the construction work on the Worcester western bypass. A small area of semi-improved neutral grassland remains to the north of the bypass route consisting of abundant {\it Holcus lanatus} with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Bromus hordaceous}.

The southern section on map 1 consists of land under arable cultivation, the areas to the south and east having been reseeded as {\it Lolium perenne} ley. Part of the southern area has also been recently planted with {\it Castanea sativa, Quercus} sp., {\it Prunus} sp., {\it Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula, Corylus avellana} and {\it Tilia x vulgaris}. The remainder of the common supports semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Lolium perenne, Cirsium arvense, Phleum pratense, Hordeum secalinum} and {\it Cynosurus cristatus}. Parts of this section are fenced off from the central track where others are open. Species-poor hedgerows of {\it Crataegus monogyna} separate the common from the A449. The whole is subdivided by species-poor hedgerows of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}. The land to the west of the track crossing this section rises gently from the floodplain giving an easterly aspect.

MAP 2
The majority of this section of the common supports a semi-improved neutral grassland sward of {\it Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus repens, Ranunculus acris, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Heracleum sphondylium, Rumex acetosa} and {\it Cerastium fontanum}. The area is subdivided and bordered by internal fencing and species-poor {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedgerows in places with occasional {\it Salix fragilis, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} trees and in others just scattered trees.

There are two areas of improved grassland with abundant {\it Lolium perenne} and occasional {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. The small area west of the A449 also supports {\it Trifolium pratense, Rumex crispus, Cirsium arvense, C. palustre, Urtica dioica} and {\it Conium maculatum}.

The southern spur of this part of the common consists of a track bordered by species-rich hedgerows of {\it Ulmus procera, Acer campestre, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana, Humulus lupulus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Prunus spinosa} with {\it Quercus robur, Aesculus hippocastanum, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Salix fragilis} trees. {\it Alnus glutinosa} occurs locally and {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Epilobium hirsutum, Apium nodiflorum, Sparganium erectum} and {\it Callitriche} sp. were also recorded from this section of the common.

MAP 3
This portion of the common is largely under arable cultivation with a small area of rough grassland dominated by {\it Arhenatherum elatius}. The arable portion is subdivided by windbreaks of {\it Populus nigra} 'Italica'. There are a couple of mature {\it Quercus robur} on the common. Along the roadside is a species-poor hedgerow of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} with some ornamental species.

MAP 4
The eastern half of this part of the common consists of an improved grassland sward of {\it Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Ranunculus repens, Dactylis glomerata, Urtica dioica} and {\it Rumex acetosa}. It is bordered by species-poor hedgerows of {it Crataegus monogyna}. In the eastern hedgerow are two mature {\it Populus nigra} and a mature {\it Quercus robur}. There is a wet ditch within this hedgerow. {\it Carex otrubae} was recorded at the south-eastern corner. The western half was under arable cultivation for maize. 

MAP 5
This part of the common is situated on a north-east facing slope. It supports an improved grassland sward dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with occasional {\it Ranunculus repens} and {\it Trifolium repens} bordered with species-poor {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedgerows. The western end of the northern hedge is richer with {\it Ulmus procera, Cornus sanguinea, Acer campestre, Crataegus monogyna, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rosa} sp.

MAP 6
This part of the common is entirely under arable cultivation. The western boundary has been removed and the field extended to the river bank.

MANAGE:
MAP 1
The western part of the northern section was being grazed at moderate intensity part by sheep and part by cattle. The western end did not have any grazing stock on. Part had probably been cut for hay and part recently reseeded (infested with {\it Chenopodium} sp. The area to the north of the Worcester western bypass which was under construction at the time of the site visit appeared unmanaged. The southern spur was open to the adjacent field and was being grazed by three horses. This portion is very rank and weedy. Has it been cultivated?

Part of the southern section on this map has recently been planted with mixed trees over what appears to have been a reseeded {\it Lolium perenne} ley. The area of arable to the west of the track crossing this portion is also apparently a reseeded {\it Lolium perenne} ley. A few sheep were grazing the western spur.

MAP 2
Parts of this section had been cut for hay and parts were being grazed by cattle or sheep. Some of the ditches had recently been cleared out with the dug soil spread on the common and reseeded. Construction traffic were using a track crossing the centre of this part of the common (in connection with the western bypass construction?).

MAPS 3-6
Cattle and sheep were grazing the eastern part of the section on map 4 and 2 horses were grazing the section on map 5. The portions on maps 3 and 6 and the western half of the portion on map 4 are under arable cultivation.


FAUNA:
For a general description of the fauna associated with the SSSI please see under the entry for CL12.

During the site visit the following species were recorded: rabbit, grey squirrel, coal tit, chiffchaff, pheasant and painted lady butterfly. A woodpecker was heard and also cuckoo and buzzard in the vicinity. A few small ant hills were noted amongst the unimproved acid grassland on the hill top. The following butterflies have been recorded from the common: brimstone, comma, wall brown and orange tip (M. Harper, 1965-1980) and white admiral, dark green fritillary and the nationally rare high brown fritillary (M. Oates, 1986). Redwing, long-tailed tit and goldcrest were recorded from Ragged Stone hill and pied flycatcher and nuthatch were recorded over the 'southern hills' in 1995 ('Birds on the Malvern Hills and Commons').

VEG:
This common is one of a series of commons running the length of the Malvern Hills. Please see under CL12 for a general description of the vegetation of the Malvern Hills. Ragged Stone Hill is a small hill towards the southern end of the Malverns rising to 254m. A dry valley runs north-south on the southern half of the common.

As with the majority of the Malvern Hills, Ragged Stone Hill is fringed by woodland comprising, on this common, a canopy dominated by either {\it Fraxinus excelsior} or {\it Quercus petraea} and locally {\it Castanea sativa}. Understorey species recorded include {\it Ulmus glabra, Corylus avellana, Acer campestre, Prunus avium, Cornus sanguinea} and {\it Taxus baccata} and for the groundflora {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Bryonia dioica, Melica uniflora, Dryopteris filix-mas, Rumex sanguineus, Stellaria media} and where the canopy opens out {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. At the extreme southern end of the common is a small wooded abandoned quarry supporting a more calcareous vegetation with {\it Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Clematis vitalba}. There is also a small pine plantation on the common. The woodland gives way to {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scrub dominated vegetation which covers a large proportion of the common. 

At the northern end of the common is an area of scattered {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus petraea, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Prunus avium} trees over bracken. {\it Salix capraea} was present in the understorey. Additional species recorded in the groundflora here include {\it Conopodium majus, Viola} sp., {\it Rumex acetosa, Holcus lanatus, Lonicera periclymenum, Lotus pedunculatus} and {\it Poa nemoralis}. This opens out to an open scrubby vegetation comprising {\it Crataegus monogyna, Cornus sanguinea, Ilex aquifolium, Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius, Betula pendula, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Sambucus nigra} with {\it Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus, Potentilla erecta, Luzula} sp., {\it Trifolium repens, Agrostis capillaris}, the local {\it Ceratocapnos claviculata, Teucrium scorodonia, Chamerion angustifolium, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile} and {\it Stellaria holostea}.

On the hill top there is an area of heavily trampled unimproved acid grassland supporting {\it Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosella, Dicranum} sp., {\it Festuca ovina, Cladonia} sp. and {\it Agrostis capillaris}.

MANAGE:
For a general description of the management of the Malvern Hills please see under the entry for CL12. The common no longer receives any grazing apart from localised rabbit grazing. The area of unimproved acid grassland around the summit is badly eroded through trampling.


FAUNA:
For a general description of the fauna associated with the SSSI please see under the entry for CL12.

Small pearl-bordered fritillary and the nationally rare high brown fritillary occur on this common. Grasshopper warbler was recorded in 1986. Goldcrest, grey wagtail and nuthatch were recorded from Chase End Hill and pied flycatcher from the 'southern hills' in 1995 ('Birds on the Malvern Hills and Commons').

VEG:
This common is the southernmost of a series of commons running the length of the Malvern Hills occupying a low hill. The western part of the common currently lies in the county of Gloucestershire. Please see under CL12 for a general description of the vegetation of the Malvern Hills.

The Gloucestershire portion was surveyed on 10.08.95 as part of the Forest of Dean grassland survey. It was described as follows:

"The majority of Chase End Hill (Glos) is covered with {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Chamerion angustifolium}, MG1 {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} coarse grassland and scrub. Narrow areas and small grassy bays remain of heavily grazed/trampled acidic grassland. {\it Agrostis} sp., {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca ovina} and {\it Rumex acetosella} are generally constant with locally frequent {\it Aira praecox, Pilosella officinarum, Teucrium scorodonia} and small amounts of {\it Galium saxatile, G. verum, Lotus corniculatus, Carex pilulifera, C. spicata, Pimpinella saxifraga} and {\it Carlina vulgaris}. The severely grazed sward either goes straight into MG1 or dense bracken, although in a few places there is a more gradual change through scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum/Ulex} sp." 

The Worcestershire part of the common was not included in the survey. It was hoped that the results of a PhD (1993-1996) involving a detailed vegetation study of the Malvern Hills would be available and this common was not visited as part of the biological survey of common land to avoid duplication of survey work. Unfortunately I did not manage to procure a copy of the information.

On the 1987 Phase 1 maps (T. Warrick) the Worcestershire part of the common supported a large area of unimproved acid grassland, a lesser proportion of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and was fringed by semi-natural broadleaved woodland.

MANAGE:
For a general description of the management of the Malvern Hills please see under CL12.


FAUNA:
For a general description of the fauna associated with the SSSI please see under the entry for CL12.

During the site visit rabbit, nuthatch, long-tailed tit, swift, mistle thrush, chiffchaff, wood warbler, wood pigeon, house martins and the butterflies red admiral, painted lady and speckled wood were recorded. Pearl-bordered fritillary was recorded from the southern end of the common in 1988 (T. Warrick).

Skylark, house martin, meadow pipit, wheatear, jackdaw and kestrel were recorded from Pinnacle Hill, stock dove, collared dove, cuckoo, swift, green woodpecker, song thrush, blackcap, goldcrest, redpoll and wood warbler from Third's Land and Holywell, meadow pipit from Perseverence Hill, wren, dunnock, robin, stonechat, blackbird, jackdaw and linnet from the 'central hills' and woodcock from Wych cutting at the northern end of the common in 1995 ('Birds on the Malvern Hills and Commons').

VEG:
This common is one of a series of commons running the length of the Malvern Hills. Please see under CL12 for a general description. CL14 occupies a long ridge of the Malverns, rising to 350m at Pinnacle Hill, sculpted by a number of valleys running off it predominantly on the eastern side.

This common is largely encroached with bracken and scrub. Semi-natural broadleaved woodland flanks the eastern slopes predominantly of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with occasional (locally abundant) {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}, an understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Clematis vitalba, Ulmus glabra} and {\it Rosa arvensis} and a groundflora of {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Poa nemoralis, Dryopteris filix-mas, Galium aparine, Hedera helix, Fragaria vesca} and the local {\it Ceratocapnos claviculata}. The woodland grades through scrub of {\it Salix capraea, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus petraea} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} to {\it Pteridium aquilinum} dominated vegetation. There are two small conifer plantations on the common, the northern one of {\it Larix decidua} with an understorey of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Sorbus aucuparia, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sambucus nigra} with some {\it Pteridium aquilinum} in the groundflora, and the southern of pine. 

There is a fairly large area of unimproved acid grassland on Pinnacle Hill at the centre. The grassland, particularly along the ridge is very heavily worn. Species recorded include {\it Aira praecox, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosella, Pilosella officinarum, Galium saxatile, Vulpia bromoides} and {\it Festuca ovina}.

On the western slopes is an area of {\it Ulex europaeus, U. gallii, Cytisus scoparius} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub.

There are a few areas of improved grassland on the leveller ground along the western edge. There is a sizeable disused quarry towards the southern end of the common.

A large area on the eastern side of the common was recovering from a recent burn with a smaller area on the western side recovering from an earlier burn, both mapped as bare ground. Of the former only some {\it Pteridium aquilinum} was resprouting with some {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Spergularia rubra} and {\it Ceratocapnos claviculata}. The latter supported regenerating acid grassland with {\it Spergularia rubra} and occasional {\it Ulex gallii}.

MANAGE:
For a general description of the management of the Malvern Hills please see under the entry for CL12. CL14 does not receive any grazing except from rabbits and is heavily encroached with bracken and scrub. The large area on the eastern slopes which had been burnt was a result of an accidental fire and not for management purposes. The area on the western slopes supported regenerating acid grassland and was possibly as a result of planned management. The grassland along the ridge is again very eroded. The areas of improved grassland along the western border are regularly mown. As with CL12 there may need to be some control of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} which has become the predominant canopy species in places. Some {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} saplings had been cut back near the ridge but were resprouting. Trees from the two small plantations on this common are also self-seeding and should be controlled to maintain the semi-natural condition of the woodland areas. There had been some locallized coppicing of {\it Corylus avellana} in the wooded areas in the past.


FAUNA:
Swallow, woodpecker and the butterflies painted lady and gatekeeper were recorded during the site visit. Species noted for the SSSI include great-crested, smooth and palmate newts, the locally or regionally scarce moths crescent, beautiful yellow underwing, heath rustic, dotted border wave, fox and emperor. The birds whitethroat, lesser whitethroat, garden warbler, blackcap, chiffchaff, goldcrest, spotted flycatcher, tree pipit, greenfinch, goldfinch, redpoll, linnet, reed bunting, mistle thrush, coal tit, marsh tit, turtle dove and moorhen were listed for the SSSI in 1986.

VEG:
Hartlebury common consists of a level plateau area and hillsides sloping to the west, south-east and south-west. It lies on wind-blown sand covering two river terraces over a bedrock of Bunter and Keuper sandstones. 

The most important feature of the site is the dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with a rich lichen flora in places including the species {\it Coelocaulon aculeatum, Lecanora conizoides, Cladonia portentosa} and {\it C. gracilis}. There is much bare ground in this area particularly around the central track.

Much of the remainder of the common supports a semi-improved acidic grassland dominated by {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} with scattered scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., occasional {\it Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} and locally frequent {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. West of the A4025 the grassland is more mesotrophic and weedy with species such as {\it Urtica dioica, Carduus nutans, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Senecio jacobaea}. A fairly large area south of the block of woodland had been burnt. A smaller area set aside as a games area near the car park at the northern end of the common is very worn with {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Senecio jacobaea}. The two areas on either side of the caravan site in the west support a richer flora with patches of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Achillea millefolium, Galium verum, Rumex acetosella, Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Plantago lanceolata}. 

The common supports a number of heathland or sand-loving plants (mostly recorded during the English Nature Phase I survey, 29.11.83) which are scarce in the county including {\it Viola canina, Arabis glabra*, Anthriscus caucalis, Filago minima, Plantago coronopus, Potentilla argentea, Trifolium striatum, Myosotis ramosissima, Descurania sophia, Vicia lathyroides} and {\it Silene conica*}. The latter three were only known in Worcestershire to occur on this common. {\it Saxifraga granulata} was recorded in 1983 from the area on the northern side of the A4025 now apparently occupied by young {\it Betula pendula} woodland.

Another important feature of the common at the time of notification as a SSSI was the presence of a species-rich valley mire with carpets of {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Polytrichum} spp. supporting {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Molinia caerulea, Erica tetralix, Potentilla palustris, Viola palustre, Colutea arborescens, Juncus} spp. and the only Worcestershire populations of {\it Vaccinium oxycoccos} and {\it Drosera rotundifolia}. Small areas of open water supported {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Potamogeton natans} and {\it P. polygonifolius}. At the time of the site visit the area was dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} with occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus effusus, Potentilla erecta, Dactylorhiza} sp. {\it Sphagnum} was restricted to a few hollows.

The west-facing slopes are largely covered with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scattered mixed scrub of {\it Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. The adjacent area of continuous scrub has a similar composition to the scattered scrub. 

There is an area of {\it Pinus nigra} coniferous plantation on the plateau area and a few areas of semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The majority of the semi-natural woodland has a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} with locally abundant {\it Betula pendula} and local {\it Alnus glutinosa}. The understorey consists of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Betula pendula, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Corylus avellana} and the groundflora {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Carex remota, Agrostis capillaris, Hedera helix, Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Galeopsis tetrahit} with {\it Urtica dioica} in the damper areas. Straddling the A4025 there is an area of dense young {\it Betula pendula} woodland with some {\it Populus tremula} and a sparse groundflora with some {\it Agrostis capillaris}. The area north of the degraded valley mire grades into {\it Alnus glutinosa} woodland with an understorey of {\it Alnus glutinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Quercus robur, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and a groundflora of {\it Iris pseudacorus, Ranunculus repens, Solanum dulcamara, Urtica dioica, Glechoma hederacea, Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Hieracium} sp.

*Nationally scarce species are those only occurring in between 16 and 100 10km squares in Britain (Stueart, A. {\it et al}, (1994), "Scarce Plants in Britain", JNCC).

MANAGE:
Hartlebury common is managed as a local nature reserve by Hereford and Worcester County Council in accordance with a management plan agreed by English Nature. 

The semi-improved acid grassland is fairly rank becoming invaded with scattered scrub and tall ruderal species and would benefit from being grazed. There are no rights of pasture on the common and the only grazing observed was from a few tethered horses on the area west of the A4025. Locally high grazing here may explain the occurrence of more "weedy" species.

There are serious erosion problems on the common caused by thr high visitor pressure. Areas particularly affected include the dry dwarf shrub heath area where there is some control work being carried out with areas covered with brashings and also the area west of the A4025, the uneven terrain attracting mountain bikers. The heathland area was defined by C. Betts (1987?) as requiring further research to define the conservation needs. Disturbance has long been a factor on Hartlebury common, maintaining an open habitat exploited by some of the scarcer species.

The valley mire appears to have dried out significantly being dominated now by {\it Molinia caerulea} and with {\it Sphagnum} spp. restricted to a few hollows. If possible the water level should be raised to attempt to maintain this important habitat and some of the invading saplings removed.

The areas of continuous scrub and bracken should be monitored and contained.

Some dumping of rubbish on the common was noted adjacent to the road in the woodland at the south-eastern end of the common and in the area west of the A4025.


# file4

H1:
Other (road, 1.3ha, not surveyed, 0.5ha)


H1:
Cultivated land (wheatfield & allotment)


H1:
Roads and gardens plus 0.8 ha not surveyed


H1:
Other (track, 0.6ha, not surveyed, 0.2ha)


H1:
Other (road, 0.9ha, not surveyed, 2.1ha)


H1:
Other (road, 0.7ha, not surveyed, 1.6ha)


H1:
Other (road, 1.5ha, not surveyed, 8.4ha)


H1:
Other (road, 4.5ha, not surveyed, 1.5ha)


H1:
Semi-natural broadleaved woodland (on peat)


# pnats

NAME:
Derbyshire Peak Fringe and Lower Derwent


NAME:
North Lincolnshire Coversands and Clay V


NAME:
South Coast Plain and Hampshire Lowlands


AONB:
Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs


