# file3

VEG:
Unimproved calcareous grassland (B31). Species recorded include: Thymus pulegioides (only site in Hertfordshire for the white variety), Orobanche elatius, Anthyllis vulneraria, Helianthemum nummularium, Galium verum, Veronica chamaedrys, Poterium sanguisorba, Knautia arvensis, Koeleria macrantha, Origanum vulgare, Pimpinella saxifraga. The chalk pit holds Centaurea scabiosa, Helictotrichon pubescens, Linum catharticum, Hyoscyamus niger, Catapodium rigidum and Verbena officinalis.  Only about 20 m of the road verge is very species-rich; the rest has a mix of calcicolous species and typical road verge species.

MANAGE:
Visits by EFU and Museum both noted that parts of the verges had been mown or cut. This management, on an annual basis, preferably in late summer and with removal of cuttings, should continue.


FAUNA:
No information available for the common. On visit: Wood Pigeon, Robin, Carrion Crow, Wren, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Treecreeper, Kestrel. 
Green-veined White, Meadow Brown.
Chorthippus parallelus.

VEG:
Mosaic of improved, semi-improved and unimproved acidic grassland. The southern area is a golf course, and slightly more acid than the northern part. Scrub present, with rank grassland often fringing the scrub. There is some planted oak Quercus sp. with beech Fagus sylvatica and hazel Corylus avellana. Scrub areas contain gorse Ulex europaeus, together with Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna and Sambucus nigra. Acid grassland areas are small in extent with Pteridium aquilinum and remnants of Calluna vulgaris in places. Ophioglossum vulgatum has been found on the site. Hatching Green is close-mown improved grassland, with scattered horse chestnuts Aesculus hippocastanum and oaks.

MANAGE:
Parts are managed for sporting activities through close-mowing; the southern part has some areas of scrub and unmanaged grassland.  The northern section is mostly close-mown amenity grassland, as is Hatching Green. Usually, the cuttings are left after mowing. There is some scattered tree planting in places. The common could be improved by removing grass cuttings wherever possible, reducing the frequency of cutting away from recreation areas, and expanding the scrub and uncut areas. Every effort should be made to identify and conserve the remaining areas of unimproved grassland and heath remnants.


FAUNA:
Recorded from common: Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Hawfinch, good for warblers. 5 species of mammal and 3 species of reptile/amphibian. ISR site grade C. Recent records of 8 species of dragonfly including Sympetrum sanguineum and Lestes sponsa. 19 butterfly species recorded including White Admiral and Purple Hairstreak. 41 species of Coleoptera recorded, including Chaetocnema arida (Na) and Coccidula scutell- ata (Nb). Also records for Mollusca, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera. The common probably still supports a good acid wetland fauna, possibly important in a county context.

VEG:
A111 woodland is secondary, with Quercus robur/Carpinus betulus; also Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana & Crataegus monogyna. Ground flora shaded, but contains Pteridium Rubus & Endymion nonscripta. In SW, Q. robur dominant with Betula pubescens. B11 acidic grassland is mainly in SW and has Rumex acetosella, Centaurea nigra and Galium saxatile. Marshy areas have Juncus effusus & J. bufonius. D11 acidic heathland consists of small areas of c.25% Calluna cover, with Cytisus scoparius, very rare Genista anglica, Potentilla erecta & Danthonia decumbens. B22 neutral grassland by College Road is species-poor, dominated by Holcus lanatus, H. mollis, Agrostis canina, Phleum pratense & Deschampsia caespitosa, with scattered Ilex and oaks. G1 ponds have Sparganium erectum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Hottonia palustris and Carex remota close by. Sphagnum spp. are found round one pond, with Salix repens. There are several uncommon fungi on the site.

MANAGE:
Present management: Scrub clearance, hornbeam coppicing. Paths are badly eroded due to recreational use. Some heathland areas have been kept open, but this activity is at the bare minimum to maintain the site, according to NCC, and the common has probably deteriorated, especially for invertebrates. The main management priorities are the conservation and expansion of the open areas and pools. HMWT have proposed scrub clearance, bracken spraying and mowing, proposals supported by NCC. Scrub should be cleared but still leaving habitat for passerines. Woodland should be recoppiced in places. Clearance work has not been substantial enough so far, and a larger project involving a contractor may be necessary. Replacement oak trees could be planted in the B22 area along College Road.


FAUNA:
Little information available for the common. On the visit: Tree Creeper, Blue Tit, Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Great Tit, Magpie, Blackbird. Grey Squirrel, Rabbit, evidence of badgers. Green-veined White, Speckled Wood. The area is part of an ISR site, ungraded. Most records are old, but contain uncommon species of beetle and sawfly. Recent mollusc records include species characteristic of chalk downland, and the blind snail Cecilioides acicula. Small Blue and Chalkhill Blue have been recorded, though possibly not from this precise area. Scrub invasion threatens the remaining interest.

VEG:
A111 woodland: mainly at the west end of the site, it is of irregular structure, composed of Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior and Acer pseudoplatanus. Ground flora variable, thin 50% leaf litter in places. Hedera helix locally abundant, nettles dense in places, Geum urbanum, Lapsana communis. Scattered shrubs include some elm Ulmus sp., Acer campestre, Prunus spinosa and Sambucus nigra. There is some old coppiced hawthorn and hazel. B31 grassland is mostly within SSSI, with small rank areas elsewhere. Species include Euphrasia pseudokerneri, Gentianella amarella, Cirsium acaule, Thymus pulegioides, Listera ovata, Carlina vulgaris, Juniper (regenerating naturally here), Anacamptis pyramidalis, Ophrys insectifera. NVC communities CG2a with some MG5. Scrub (A21 and A22) is mainly Crataegus monogyna (up to 5m), with Betula pendula, Fraxinus, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra and Cornus sanguinea. Fraxinus, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus and Cornus sanguinea.

MANAGE:
The general state of the site appears good. The grassland is grazed by Soay sheep in places, though parts are rank, and much of the main chalk grassland is quite short and flower-rich. Scrub clearance has occurred successfully, but more could be done. The woodland is generally unmanaged, apart from some thinning in the NW, and more thinning is necessary. Some of the old coppice could be reworked. Sheep grazing is hampered to some extent by dogs, but must continue. The decline of the value of the site through scrub invasion and natural productivity appears to have been arrested, though continuation of the present management is essential.


FAUNA:
No information for the common, but not likely to be diverse.

VEG:
Mostly close-mown improved amenity grassland with scattered trees and periodic driveways and pavements. B4 grassland is improved and species-poor; NVC community MG7. A3 planted trees include oaks, ash, cherry and horse chestnut.

MANAGE:
Most of the grassland is close-mown, presumably either by the Local Authority or local residents. Little can be done to improve the grassland since it is generally narrow and serves an ornamental function. However, additional trees (native species only) could be planted.


FAUNA:
Tawny Owl, Fallow Deer and Harvest Mouse recorded On visit: Willow Tit, Song Thrush, Blackbird, Stock Dove, Garden Warbler. Small Tortoishell.

VEG:
As a distinct area of land, the common barely exists now. Instead, the adjacent areas have extended to include it. Most of the common is part of a wheatfield; the rest is a close-mown area of MG7 improved grassland (B4), or apparently, a house and garden. However the exact boundary is not clear.

MANAGE:
The improved grassland is close-mown, and the wheatfield managed as such. There is little that can be recommended for this site without reseeding and completely altering its present role.


FAUNA:
Little information for the common. Small Skipper recorded. On visit: Greenfinch, Linnet, Blue Tit. Small Tortoishell, Green-veined White.

VEG:
The B22 grassland is predominantly Lolium perenne, of low species diversity, but containing Trifolium sp., Centaurea nigra, Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Festuca sp.. Slightly more acid in places with Rumex acetosella, Galium verum and Lotus corniculatus. Other species include Hypochaeris radicata, Armoracia rusticana and patches of nettles Urtica dioica, where grass cuttings left. Scattered trees (A3) include limes Tilia sp., Sorbus aria and Populus sp. Snowberry Symphoricarpos rivularis also present.  The ditch (G22) in the south is full of Apium nodiflorum, with Typha latifolia, Phalaris arundinacea, Glyceria maxima and Sparganium erectum. On the banks Epilobium hirsutum, Symphytum officinale and ornamental weeping willows Salix sp. are present.

MANAGE:
The whole area is mown regularly, and close-mown on the cricket pitch. Grass cuttings are left to decay, allowing build up of nutrients and colonisation by nettles. The area could be improved by removing grass cuttings, at least on a greater area, planting clumps of native trees and not mowing the area immediately around them, except perhaps an annual cut. The ditch is a valuable feature of the common and should be managed sympathetically.


FAUNA:
ISR site, grade C. Pools once held a good Odonata fauna, and more recent records include Anax imperator and Lestes sponsa. Water beetles recorded in the 1950s showed presence of some interesting species. 174 species of macro-lepidoptera recorded - butterflies include White-letter hairstreak. On visit - Meadow Brown, Ringlet, Chorthippus parallelus noted. Anthills frequent. Birds include Skylark, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker Collared Dove, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Green Woodpecker. Nightingale present up to 1976.

VEG:
B11 grassland is varied; N of road, neglected tending to scrub. S of road, richer in species. However, much of the grassland is becoming very rank and mesotrophic - 1m high Arrhenatherum, Holcus lanatus and Juncus effusus mix, with Chamaenerion angustifolium. Acid species still present: Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum, Deschampsia flexuosa, H. mollis, D. caespitosa, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Rumex acetosella, Carex ovalis, C. nigra. Central area has Nardus Danthonia, J. squarrosus, Molinia and Ornithopus perpusillus. A22 scrub is largely Crataegus monogyna; A111 woodland is Quercus robur & Betula pendula. B5 grassland dominated by J. effusus and J. conglomeratus, Lotus corniculatus and Cirsium palustre. Links with several ponds (G1), which have Ranunculus flammula, Phalaris, Iris, Lythrum, Veronica anagallis-aquatica, Dactylorhiza spp. Other species on common include Geum rivale, Eriophorum angustifolium and Dryopteris carthusiana.

MANAGE:
The common still possesses considerable interest, with a wide range of species present. However, the situation is deteriorating with much scrub encroachment and eutrophication of the grassland. It is essential that the grassland is managed much more extensively, scrub controlled and the ponds maintained. At present, almost no grazing occurs, and there may be problems, such as the difficulty of fencing, in introducing it. At present, HMWT and HCC CMS are tackling scrub, and areas have been cut. This must continue, and cuttings should be removed. Ponds have been partially cleared, but this must continue. The northernmost pond is extensively willow-fringed and would benefit from the opening up of the edges. If grazing, or extensive grass cutting and removal are not carried out, there is a great danger of the site losing its acidophilous species as mesotrophic grassland and scrub come to predominate.


FAUNA:
No significant fauna likely to be present.

VEG:
Now a housing estate - 'Roman Gardens'. Entirely J33 domestic buildings and gardens.

MANAGE:
No management recommendations can be made for the site.


FAUNA:
On visit: Wren, Blue Tit, Wood Pigeon, Spotted Flycatcher, Song Thrush, Jay.  Grey Squirrel.

VEG:
A111 woodland: boundaries of site difficult to assess: if to ditch and fence on N side. then c.20m wide; if to ditch and fence on S side. then 10 m width there. in sections along site. Both sides are shady hornbeam Carpinus betulus coppice with little ground flora underneath. Other trees include Betula pendula. Quercus petraea. Acer pseudoplatanus. Populus tremula and occasional tall Fagus sylvatica. Scattered ground flora includes Lonicera periclymenum. Bromus ramosus. Stachys sylvatica. Deschampsia caespitosa. Poa trivialis. Carex remota with occasional Pteridium. Rubus and patches of bare ground. These areas are marked (A). Section (B) is open tall oak/beech woodland with predominantly Holcus lanatus grassland beneath. Point (X) has an elm Ulmus sp. Sycamore and Crataegus hedge on south side and hornbeam coppice on north. B22 - the whole site has intermittent patches of MG1 along the road edge.

MANAGE:
Some of the roadside grassland is mown, and beech trees have been planted in places. There is some roadside dumping. The old coppice and woodland areas would benefit from some thinning and re- coppicing in selected areas.


FAUNA:
On visit: Chaffinch, Blackbird, Blue Tit.

VEG:
B22 grassland is rank MG1 extending for 2 - 3 m on each side of the road. In places there is a dry ditch with occasional Epilobium hirsutum.  The grassland is backed by a hedge, c.2 m high, composed largely of Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, with Ulmus sp. Carpinus betulus and occasional patches of Bromus ramosus. Melica uniflora also present.

MANAGE:
Parts are mown occasionally, more frequently towards the village. Mowing of the whole grass verge in late summer and removal of cuttings would help to diversify the sward, but in general the grassland is species-poor. Periodic sympathetic hedge management, such as by laying, would benefit the site.


FAUNA:
On visit: House Sparrow, Starling, Dunnock, Robin Blackbird, House Martin, Wren. Green-veined White.

VEG:
B22 grassland is dominated by Lolium perenne and Plantago lanceolata (MG7 community), but with frequent Agrostis capillaris. Other species include Bellis perennis, Ranunculus repens, Holcus lanatus and Achillea millefolium.  A3 scattered trees include Prunus sp., Quercus robur, and Aesculus hippocastanum. The common is surrounded by a hedge and nettle fringe; the hedgerow is quite tall, dominated by Crataegus monogyna, with occasional oaks, ash and Salix sp. The whole site lies amidst domestic gardens.

MANAGE:
Most of the grassland is very closely mown, with cuttings often left. Parts may have been treated with a herbicide, as there are very few herb species where the common adjoins CL 55. Trees have been planted on the site, and benches have been provided. Less frequent mowing and removal of cuttings, together with the planting of clumps of native trees, would improve the site.


FAUNA:
On visit: Robin, Blackbird noted.  Green-veined White.

VEG:
The whole area is cultivated. It is surrounded by a tall hedge. largely dominated by Crataegus monogyna. Fraxinus excelsior and Sambucus nigra.

MANAGE:
Intensively cultivated. Few recommendations can be made under the present management regime and role.


FAUNA:
No fauna of any significance is likely to be present.

VEG:
B4 improved grassland is close-mown MG7 community, species-poor. There are occasional planted trees.

MANAGE:
The verges are almost all close-mown. Little can be recommended for the site.


FAUNA:
The common is unlikely to possess a significant fauna.

VEG:
B4 grassland is close-mown MG7, species-poor, interspersed with driveways, and with scattered trees, predominantly cherry Prunus spp. Parts of the common are garden frontages.

MANAGE:
Most of the grassland is close-mown. The narrowness of the common land, and its function as an amenity grassland next to a main road, limits possible alternative management, although additional native trees could be planted.


VEG:
B22 grassland is largely NVC MG1 communities, dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius. In places, it is backed by hedges, composed largely of Crataegus monogyna with, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus avium, Fraxinus excelsior and Quercus sp. The grassland has occasional scattered scrub (A22) in places.  A111 woodland is found in one area, surrounding an old dried-up pond. Species found here include Alnus glutinosa, Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula sp.. Ilex, Taxus baccata, with Hedera helix and Rubus fruticosus. There is no water in the pond now, but some bare mud.

MANAGE:
The roadside grassland is mown occasionally, with greater frequency in the northern section, around house frontages. This mowing should continue, preferably in the late summer, with removal of cuttings. The woodland around the old pond could be opened up slightly but it appears that the pond is not now even seasonally inundated. It is separated from the road by an iron railing fence.


FAUNA:
On visit: Tree Creeper and Willow Warbler noted, associated with the clump of oaks.

VEG:
B4 Improved grassland is species-poor, and according to mowing regime and degree of improvement, either NVC MG1 or MG7 communities. There are occasional patches of nettles Urtica dioica. A111 woodland is a small patch of mature oak Quercus robur trees. There are occasional scattered trees on the rest of the site (A3), and frequent driveways bisect the grassland, associated with house frontages.

MANAGE:
Most of the site is close-mown, though sections of MG1 are rather rank. The oak trees are an important feature of the common and should be preserved. Less frequent mowing and removal of grass cuttings would also help to diversify the sward.


VEG:
B4 Improved grassland: the whole common is close-mown amenity grassland, either MG7 or MG1 communities. There is little diversity on the site, and the sward is species-poor.

MANAGE:
Much of the common is close-mown. It is difficult to recommend any improvement in the management regime for such a narrow roadside site, but less frequent cutting, with removal of cuttings, may help to diversify the sward in time.


FAUNA:
There is little information for the common. It is an ISR site (ungraded), based on old records, mainly of Coleoptera, including some uncommon species. The canal banks hold breeding Mallard and Moorhen. On visit: Robin, Wren, House Martin, Swallow, Spotted Flycatcher, Dunnock, Magpie, Blue Tit, Carrion Crow, Greenfinch.  
Rabbits, Moles.  
Green-veined White.
Chorthippus parallelus.

VEG:
Most of the site is B22 semi-improved, largely amenity grassland. The area used to be one of the best wet pastures in Herts, but has declined in recent years. Referring to map: Area (A) is a sports pitch, with a semi-improved NVC MG7 sward. Areas marked (B), (C), (D) and (E) are of low species-diversity, largely MG7, though Veronica beccabunga occurs in area (E). Areas (F) and (G) are also of low species diversity. In general, the sward over much of the site resembles MG7, with varying degrees of mowing and species composition; however, the site would benefit from further survey, as the visit was only of short duration. Area (X) seemed richest - much Juncus effusus in the sward, with Trifolium pratense, Ranunculus repens, Alopecurus geniculatus, Phleum pratense, Potentilla anserina, Cirsium palustre, Juncus inflexus, Plantago lanceolata, Juncus articulatus, Cynosurus cristatus, Carex hirta, Crepis capillaris, with much Lolium perenne round the edges. Part of the eastern end of the common is a cultivated allotment garden (J1). Flowing water areas (G2 rivers and canals) vary: the canal is steep sided, though with reeds in places, and also Glyceria maxima; however, in general, there is little emergent vegetation. Ditch (Y) has a line of Salix alba, with much Epilobium hirsutum, Glyceria fluitans, and Apium nodiflorum.  A3 scattered trees are largely horse chestnut Aesculus hippocastanum, ash Fraxinus excelsior, Lombardy poplar Populus nigra var. italica, willows Salix spp. including alba, and occasional bushes of Crataegus monogyna.

MANAGE:
Much of the common is mown, together with parts cattle, sheep or horse grazed. Area (A), the rugby ground, is mown and cattle  grazed, presumably the latter in summer only. Area (C) is horse grazed - 20 on site at time of visit. Part of area (X) is sheep grazed, Grazing levels appear adequate, although the mowing regime is rather severe in many areas. A hay cut appeared to have been taken from area (X). Trees have been planted in several places. Grass cuttings are frequently left to decay. The common could be improved by reducing the mowing frequency in close-mown areas, and leaving uncut, or rarely cut patches or fringes. No further grassland improvement or spraying should occur - this was recommended by NCC in 1977, but improvement may well have continued. Where possible, grass cuttings should be removed from the site.


FAUNA:
Previously recorded species include: Moorhen, Lesser Whitethroat, Lapwing; used in winter by feeding thrushes. Rabbit also recorded.  On visit: Blackbird, Swallow, House Sparrow, Song Thrush, Collared Dove.  Moles, Common Shrew, Toad.  Meadow Brown, Small Skipper.

VEG:
The common has a mix of grassland habitats with scrub, ponds and trees. In appearance it resembles a 'village green', with an area of mown amenity grassland (1), surrounded by houses. However, parts of the grassland are cut for hay (2), and others (3), are left uncut, at least until the time of the survey - these hold Deschampsia caespitosa, Prunella vulgaris, Dactylis glomerata and Ranunculus repens. A small pond (4), is surrounded by tall vegetation, dominated by D. caespitosa with Carex hirta, Juncus inflexus, Vicia cracca, Equisetum arvense, Centaurea nigra, Potentilla anserina, Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum and Calystegia sepium. The pond is surrounded by hawthorn scrub and has Typha latifolia, Solanum dulcamara and Eleocharis palustris. The area cut for hay at the west end has Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Potentilla anserina, Lolium perenne and Arrhenatherum elatius. A football pitch (1), and cricket ground (1), with play area are closely mown and improved. Patches of scrub are found at edges - blackthorn, Salix cinerea, ash,plus some planted trees. Two other overgrown ponds are found along boundary ditch. Other species recorded on site in past include Carda- mine pratensis, Filipendula ulmaria, J.effusus, Lathyrus pratensis, Sanguisorba minor, Prumula veris and Veronica beccabunga.

MANAGE:
Some areas mown, some taken as hay crop, with other parts unmown. Herts CC CMS plans selective scrub clearance, which is mainly necessary round the derelict ponds, and a priority should be to restore these by removing some Typha and debris, and deepening. The ponds seem to have historic interest, being part of a series of ponds and old moats in the vicinity. Some garden refuse is dumped and gardens are encroaching on the common in places. Verges are mown near the road. More trees could be planted in the centre of the common.


FAUNA:
Species recorded from the area in the past include Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Corn Bunting, Skylark, Tawny Owl and Barn Owl (1980). Also, Orange Tip and Large White.  On visit, following species were recorded: Song Thrush,Bullfinch, Yellowhammer, Robin, House Sparrow, Turtle Dove.  Moles, Common Shrew.  Meadow Brown. The dense scrub and woodland on the site are good bird habitat.

VEG:
A valuable area of damp, semi-improved grassland, much of it (1) dominated by tussocky Deschampsia caespitosa, with Centaurea nigra, Dactylis glomerata, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Vicia sativa, V.cracca, Holcus lanatus, Carex hirta, Potentilla reptans, Ranunculus repens, Festuca rubra, Juncus inflexus, Cirsium palustre and Prunella vulgaris. Disturbed ground along tracks has Arrhenatherum elatius, Lolium perenne, Potentilla anserina, Stachys sylvatica, Phleum pratense, Odontites verna and Cirsium arvense. A ditch crossing the common (2) has Epilobium hirsutum, Filipendula ulmaria, Artemisia vulgaris, Angelica sylvestris and adjacent damp areas have Mentha aquatica and Alopecurus geniculatus. The western side adjacent to road (3) is dense scrub with blackthorn, elder and Salix cinerea. Eastern part of site is dense scrub and woodland with blackthorn grading into oak woodland with ash, field maple and elder. Ground flora consists of Mercurialis perennis and bramble.  Other species recorded from the common in the past include Knautia arvensis, Pimpinella major and Silaum silaus.

MANAGE:
The common appears to be completely unmanaged at present, though Museum records indicate that it was horse grazed in the past. Light cattle grazing would be beneficial to prevent increasing rankness and loss of interest of the grassland. A small pond could be created by widening the ditch. The woodland needs thinning and rides creating.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were recorded: Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Collared Dove. 
Moles.

VEG:
The centre of the common is mown amenity grassland (1), with Lolium perenne, Ranunculus repens, Potentilla anserina, Trifolium repens, Rumex obtusifolius, Achillea millefolium and Daucus carota. This is mown and the cuttings left behind, producing rank patches of nettles and docks. The verges to the south-east are c.10m wide on each side and mainly covered with elder, hawthorn, ash and aspen. A 1m wide strip of MG1 is cut adjacent to the road.  The pond has Typha latifolia, Epilobium hirsutum and Juncus inflexus at the edge with Nuphar lutea. Blackthorn scrub forms the southern boundary behind the pond.

MANAGE:
Grassland areas are mown and cuttings left. These should be removed, and ideally the grassland should be cut for hay, which has occurred in the past. The pond is a good feature of the common and the litter which has been thrown into it should be removed. Some scrub  may need to be cut back from the pond, and Typha may need controlling in future years.  The common is used as a bonfire site and geese range freely.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were recorded: Starling, Blackbird, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Song Thrush, Greenfinch, House Martin. The hedges form good bird habitat.  
Moles, Rabbits.

VEG:
Closely-mown amenity grassland, probably reseeded. Lolium perenne is dominant, with Bellis perennis, Trifolium repens, Taraxacum officinale, Rumex obtusifolius and Agrostis capillaris occasional. The boundary hedges are a valuable habitat, consisting of hawthorn, ash, elder, blackthorn and field maple.  A pond near the pub in the south-west corner is steep-sided and stagnant. Epilobium hirsutum occurs nearby.  In the past the site was probably heathy grassland, as there are records of Cardamine pratensis, Carex nigra, Centaurea nigra, Festuca ovina, Luzula campestris, Potentilla erecta and Silaum silaus. These appear to have been lost from the site.

MANAGE:
There is now little conservation interest, as most of the common appears to have been reseeded following landscaping during road construction.  The area is now mown regularly. Areas of longer grass, cut only once per year with removal of cuttings should be left. Some native trees could be planted. The pond should be restored and the edges graded.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Swallow. Meadow Brown. The dense hedge, scrub and trees are likely to be valuable for birds and insects.

VEG:
(1) is a triangle of scrub with MG1 grassland containing Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium, Deschampsia caespitosa, Cirsium arvense, Angelica sylvestris, Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Cirsium palustre, Dactylis glomerata, Torilus japonica and Rubus fruticosus.  A number of medium to large oak trees occur here, with Salix scrub.  The roadside verge (2) is mown MG1 Arrhenatherum grassland with U. dioica and Plantago major.  Behind this on north side is a tall hedge with elm, field maple, hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, Rosa canina between very large oaks, ash and beech. (3) is a wide, lightly mown verge with Tussilago farfara, Artemisia vulgaris, Achillea millefolium, A. ptarmica, Polygonum persicaria, Leucanthemum vulgare, Centaurea nigra, Potentilla anserina, Lolium perenne, Reseda lutea.  Behind this is a dense blackthorn thicket with bramble and oak.

MANAGE:
The roadside verge is mown, probably by the Local Authority, to a width of around 1m, wider on area (3). The trees and scrub are a valuable habitat and should be maintained by non-intervention.


FAUNA:
12 species of butterfly recorded from the site, including Large Skipper, Small Skipper, Holly Blue, Common Holly Blue and Brimstone. On visit, the following species were recorded: House Martin, Swallow, Mistle Thrush, House Sparrow, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Long-tailed Tit, Skylark.  Short-tailed Vole.

VEG:
The central area (1) had been cut for hay at the time of survey but contained Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense, Plantago lanceolata, Agrostis spp. and Campanula rotundifolia. The uncut edge (2) along the road and ditch is Arrhenatherum elatius (MG1) grassland with Galium verum, Epilobium hirsutum, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Stellaria graminea, Urtica dioica, Centaurea nigra, Dactylis glomerata, Knautia arvensis and Tragopogon pratensis. In front of the houses on S. side (3) are areas of closely-mown lawns with Lolium perenne, Agrostis-Festuca spp., Achillea millefolium, Trifolium repens and Hypochaeris radicata. A strip of dense scrubby woodland (4) separates the main part of the common from a cattle- grazed semi-improved field with Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, and Festuca rubra. Woodland consists of large old hawthorns with elder and blackthorn. Bramble and Hedera helix are the main ground layer species as the canopy is dense and the use of this area as a childrens' play area has resulted in bare ground. A very large oak and field maple occur at the edge of the scrub.  Along the lane at the west end (5)           
the grass is cut and the adjacent areas have bracken and blackthorn scrub.

MANAGE:
The current management of the main part of the common seems ideal for the site, with a hay crop taken, rather than mowing as amenity grassland. The surrounding strips of MG1 grassland provide diversity. Trees have been planted near houses. The small field along the north-west edge of the common is cattle grazed.  Benches have been  provided in places. There is some dumping of garden refuse. Overall, management should continue as at present.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Blue Tit, Pied Wagtail, House Sparrow, Wren, Song Thrush. Moles. Meadow Brown.

VEG:
(1) is predominantly roadside verge, with 1m mown strip on each side. Lolium perenne is dominant, with ruderals including Potentilla anserina, P. reptans, Rumex obtusifolius, Armoracia rusticana, Achillea millefolium, Ranunculus repens and Matricaria matricarioides.  (2) In Hebing End, the verge is an extension of front gardens and is closely-mown B4 grassland. Some copper beeches, horse chestnut and ash have been planted.  A triangle of land (3) at Burns Green consists of dense scrub with elm, hawthorn, ash, oak and areas of Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Rubus fruticosus and Heracleum sphondylium.

MANAGE:
The verges are close-mown and the cuttings left, resulting in ruderal vegetation. Cuttings should be removed where possible, and small uncut areas should be left, perhaps mown once annually.  Gardens are encroaching onto the common.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Greenfinch, House Martin, Chaffinch, Blackbird. Pond at north end, just outside common has records of Sedge Warbler and Brown Rat.

VEG:
Variations in mowing have produced a number of different grassland communities ranging from the closely-mown lawn (1) next to gardens with Lolium perenne, Bellis perennis and Plantago major, to MG1 communities (2) with Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium and Centaurea nigra.  Areas with occasional mowing (3) have Phleum pratense, Holcus lanatus, Potentilla anserina, Cirsium arvense and Ranunculus repens. A small pond (4) is covered in Lemna sp. and shaded by trees. Species nearby include Stachys sylvatica, Solanum dulcamara, Lycopus europaeus and Ranunculus sceleratus. The common is bounded by large trees of ash, sycamore, blackthorn and dogwood, and at the south an area of woodland is dominated by large ash trees with field maple, elm, elder, hawthorn and oak. There are many large trees and the woodland ,although small, is valuable. Pond at north end, just outside common holds Callitriche sp., Juncus effusus and Epilobium hirsutum.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is mown, under varying regimes. The resultant mosaic is probably the best structure for the grassland, and  the present mowing regime should continue. The pond should be restored by pollarding or thinning overhanging trees and clearing debris. Some trees have been planted.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Blackbird, Spotted Flycatcher, Wood Pigeon. Area 3 appears good for insects, with open glades, scrub and mature oaks.

VEG:
The common crosses an area of parkland and has large parkland trees lining the bridleway (1). These are mainly oak with a scrub layer of elder and holly. The dense canopy has restricted the ground layer to Rubus fruticosus, Lonicera peryclemenum and Hedera helix, with scattered Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum and Bromus ramosus. Other trees include sycamore, hawthorn and beech. Nettles and Stachys sylvatica occur along path. Where the path opens out (2) bracken occurs with an MG1 community of Arrhenatherum elatius, Cirsium arvense and Heracleum sphondylium. The wooded strip continues over the road (3) with larger oak trees growing in a more open situation. Oak and ash trees have been planted and Arum maculatum occurs here. Other species recorded previously from site include Fagus sylvatica, Prunus avium, Endymion non-scripta, Melica uniflora, Conopodium majus, Ajuga reptans, Carex sylvatica and Sanicula europaea.

MANAGE:
The footpath has been surfaced with rubble in places, and tree planting by D.C. appears to be the only other management that has taken place. More woodland management work is needed in area (1), where the canopy needs some thinning. Many of the trees are even-aged, and some underplanting may be necessary.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were recorded: Wood Pigeon, Nuthatch, Blue Tit.  
Roe Deer.

VEG:
The bridleway is lined with oaks, blackthorn, hawthorn and hazel, with ash, hornbeam, field maple, holly, Rosa canina and Prunus avium. Ground layer species include Mercurialis perennis, Epilobium hirsutum, Bromus ramosus, Ranunculus repens, Poa trivialis, Rubus fruticosus, R. idaeus, Urtica dioica, Juncus bufonius, Pteridium aquilinum, Digitalis purpurea, Stachys sylvatica. The footpath is very muddy in places. Old pollarded hornbeams line the track nearer the wood, with scattered sweet chestnut. The track leads into Little Barnes Wood to the north, where oak is dominant with hornbeam, holly, hawthorn; bracken and brambles make up most of the understory. The trees are thin and close together, and were probably planted. Birch, elder and sweet chestnut are scattered.

MANAGE:
Along the southern part of the footpath, some dumping of garden refuse has occurred. The bridleway is partly surfaced here. No management is presently needed along the thin footpath section, but thinning is necessary in the woodland at the north end. The site is largely unmanaged at the moment.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: House Sparrow, Swallow, Collared Dove, House Martin, Blackbird. Gatekeeper. The lime trees are very attractive to feeding insects.

VEG:
The grassland is a closely-mown, fine-leaved Agrostis-Festuca community, with scattered Bellis perennis, Plantago major, Ranunculus repens, Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus and Trifolium repens. It has probably been improved and fertilised. Ornamental trees have been planted, mainly limes. The common is bounded by a hawthorn hedge with blackthorn, sycamore, ash, Rubus fruticosus and an MG1 community along the base, with Chamaenerion angustifolium, Heracleum sphondylium and Stachys sylvatica.

MANAGE:
The common is managed for amenity, with heavy usage by the surrounding houses. To improve its limited wildlife value, native trees and shrubs could be planted in corners and parts of the grassland left to grow longer, with an annual cut and removal of cuttings. A pond could be created.


FAUNA:
Birds recorded from the area include: Barn Owl (bred in late 1970s), Little Grebe (breeding), Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Bunting, Kingfisher, Water Rail (present in summer and winter). Snipe and Teal present in winter. Skylark, Turtle Dove, Yellowhammer and Kingfisher noted on visit, plus 12 other common species. Rabbits, Moles also noted. The common is an ungraded ISR site. Invertebrate interest seems potentially good. From ISR and museum sources site holds 5 species of butterfly, including Brown Argus, a local species. 7 species of mollusc are recorded, including the moss bladder snail Aplexa hypnorum, known from only two sites in the county.  There is an old record of a notable longhorn beetle Saperda carcharias, which feeds on poplars.  Additional survey work is likely to produce further species of interest.

VEG:
The interest of the common increases from south to north. The southern end (1) near houses is close mown amenity grassland, mainly Lolium perenne, Agrostis - Festuca, Trifolium repens and Plantago major, with planted trees. A small pond on the western boundary has Epilobium hirsutum, Glyceria maxima, Scrophularia nodosa, Salix alba and S.fragilis. This area opens into a meadow (2) with Lolium perenne grassland containing also Heracleum sphondylium and Equisetum arvense, apparently mown occasionally. Patches of hawthorn nettles and bramble are scattered and sycamore ash and ornamental trees have been planted.  A cattle-grazed meadow (3) has rank grasses with L.perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Senecio jacobaea, Cirsium arvense, Trifolium pratense, Lotus corniculatus, Deschampsia caespitosa, Juncus inflexus, Urtica dioica, Scrophularia nodosa, Galium verum and Prunella vulgaris. Large hawthorns are scattered. The meadow is adjacent to the fast-flowing river Hiz, fringed by Apium nodiflorum and a water crowfoot Ranunculus sp. in the river.

A ditch running along the centre (5) has Mentha aquatica, Glyceria fluitans and Equisetum sp.  This ditch leads to a marshy area marked on the map as a pond. North-west of the old pond and ditch, the damp meadow (6) is lightly grazed, with abundant anthills covered in Prunella vulgaris.  Deschampsia caespitosa is dominant, with abundant Centaurea nigra. This area appears to be the best and least disturbed part of the common, and is of considerable interest. Museum records indicate that this meadow is long-established.  Existing records and our visit show that around 90 species have been recorded from the site; these include Phragmites australis, Phalaris arundinacea, Trifolium fragiferum, Rumex hydrolapathum, Silaum silaus, Valeriana dioica, Briza media, 7 species of Carex, including abundant C. hirta, Galium palustre, G. uliginosum, Ononis spinosa, Iris pseudacorus, Lotus uliginosus, Stachys officinalis, Cirsium palustre, Veronica beccabunga.  The border and ditch line has many mature trees - ash, willows, with hawthorn, blackthorn and Rubus fruticosus. A small triangle of land separated from the rest of the common and not shown on the map is a wide, disturbed road verge, with ruderals and scrub.

Further survey work is necessary; this would undoubtedly produce additional species of interest.  Overall, the common is a good example of a low-lying riverside meadow which still retains many features of interest.

MANAGE:
This is a notable common in a county context, and in general, the management is adequate to preserve its interest. Parts of the site are cattle grazed, parts horse grazed, with other areas mown.  Grazing levels are moderate, though possibly slightly too low, since scrub appears to be spreading; this should be controlled. The southern end is regularly mown amenity grassland. The large old pond could be restored by dredging and the smaller one in the south needs the overhanging willows pollarding and Glyceria to be cleared. The meadows in (2) and (3) appear to have been semi-improved in the past, the northern areas (4) and (6) appear to be unimproved, judging by the species composition and the abundance of large anthills.


FAUNA:
Previous records of Badger, Muntjac, and Fallow Deer. 18 spp. of butterfly recorded, including Brown Argus, Green Hairstreak and Dingy Skipper. Telegraph Hill area is an ISR site, grade C. On visit ,the following species were recorded: Meadow Brown, Ringlet. Rabbit, Grey Squirrel, Hare, Common Shrew and evidence of Muntjac. Birds noted were Yellowhammer, Wren, Partridge, Pheasant, Wood Pigeon, Goldfinch.

VEG:
The central part of the common is large arable field. The boundary between the field and the wood (1) is a MG1 community with Heracleum sphondylium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Dactylis glomerata and Rubus fruticosus. The woodland (2) is oak dominated with scattered beech. The oaks are overcrowded and spindly, most appearing to be c.30 years old with a few larger specimens. Ash, elder and hazel are scattered.  The wood is very dense with a sparse ground flora of Rubus. Carex sylvatica present. The tracks (3) support arable weeds including Plantago major, Odontites verna, Leucanthemum vulgare, Matricaria matricarioides and Polygonum persicaria. Much of the scrub on the site is Crataegus monogyna and Sambucus nigra. The reserve at Telegraph Hill has much scrub, but areas of chalk grassland still exist, with records of Asperula cynanchica, Astragalus danicus, Senecio integrefolius, Hippocrepis comosa. The chalk grassland is  mixed with mesotrophic grassland in places (MG1). EFU found Sanguisorba minor, Helianthemum nummularium, Carex flacca, Leontodon hispidus, Briza media, Dactylorhiza fuchsii and Blackstonia perfoliata in reserve area. NVC communities recorded on chalk grassland were CG3a and CG3d.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is intensively farmed, and little can be recommended for this area. Some of the woodland appears to have been planted, and is now in need of thinning. More scrub clearance is needed on the nature reserve area to maintain the chalk grassland. This has been carried out in the past, particularly in 1987, and there has been periodic clearance of grassland by HCC CMS. Mowing and removal of cuttings of selected areas each year should occur, and ideally the area should be grazed if possible.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Yellowhammer, Green Woodpecker. 
Fox, Grey Squirrel, Rabbit. 
Peacock, Small Tortoishell.  
There is much edge habitat on the common, likely to benefit nectar-feeding insects.

VEG:
Much of the site (1) consists of intensively managed golf greens, with closely-mown and fertilised fine-leaved grasses. Patches of Calluna vulgaris form fringes by the greens, grading into gorse bracken and birch. The birch woodland (2) forms dense Betula pendula stands in places, with an understory of bracken and bramble, with scattered oaks, hawthorns and Chamaenerion angustifolium.  Semi-improved acidic grassland adjacent to some greens has Agrostis capillaris, Hypochaeris radicata, Rumex acetosella and Potentilla erecta. MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland occurs along some roadsides. A small pond (3) is of interest, containing Sparganium erectum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Lycopus europaeus and Equisetum sp. Most scrub is of birch, but one area (4) is dense hawthorn with oak, elder and birch.

MANAGE:
The management of the golf course is maintaining the existing habitats, but the Calluna may decline unless care is taken to conserve it. The application of fertilisers to the greens is damaging the adjacent heathland, and this should be avoided, or runoff diverted Glades should be cut through the thickest birch scrub and woodland areas to diversify the habitat.  Main management practices at present are close-mowing, with some tree planting carried out by HCC CMS.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wren, Wood Pigeon, Bullfinch, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Long-tailed Tit.

VEG:
The east side of the common is mature oak woodland with a dense canopy. Bramble and Ivy are the main ground cover. Holly and Prunus avium are scattered. The golf course has remnant Calluna vulgaris (1) occurring in a mosaic with acidic grassland containing Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Potentilla erecta, Campanula rotundifolia, Galium saxatile, G. verum and Rumex acetosella. Much of the golf course is composed of improved, closely-mown greens and fairways, but peripheral areas support semi-improved grassland, with Centaurea nigra and Achillea millefolium. Patches of oak trees and scrub break up the open grassland. At least 3 specimens of Juniperus communis occur (2); this species is known from the past at this site.

MANAGE:
Although the common is mainly managed as a golf course, care should be taken to maintain the remaining areas of Calluna by stopping fertiliser run-off from greens onto the heather and controlling encroaching scrub. This latter task has been undertaken in the past. The woodland requires thinning, and several glades could be created. The occurrence of Juniper is of note, though its origin is unknown; these bushes should be preserved.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Turtle Dove, Wren, Robin, House Sparrow, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch, Swallow, Chiffchaff, Wood Pigeon, Great Tit, Yellowhammer.  Rabbits.

VEG:
Oak, hornbeam and holly line each side of the lane (1), backing onto large wooded gardens. Laurel and Rhododendron have escaped from gardens in places. Bracken is scattered with elder and hawthorn, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Lapsana communis, Bromus ramosus and Arum maculatum. Old pollarded hornbeams mark the boundary of the triangle in the road junction (2) and a few fine pollarded specimens are found elsewhere. Tree planting has occurred at the south end (3), mainly ash and horse chestnut. A 1m strip has been cut on the verge, composed of MG1 grassland with Heracleum sphondylium and Epilobium hirsutum. The southern field (4) is disturbed grassland with rutted tracks supporting Odontites verna, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus repens, Potentilla anserina, Prunella vulgaris, Plantago major, Juncus inflexus, J.effusus, Rumex obtusifolius, Lotus corniculatus and Agrostis stolonifera. Ditch along road has Typha latifolia, Epilobium hirsutum, Centaurea nigra, Stachys sylvatica, Solanum dulcamara and Deschampsia caespitosa. This area has thick, fringing blackthorn thickets. The northern field (6) has been completely reseeded with Lolium perenne. A pond (5) has been partially opened up with Salix cinerea and hawthorn cut back.

MANAGE:
Some encroachment by gardens onto area (1) has occurred, with scrub clearance and reseeding. Part of area (4) is mown, with  cuttings left. Area (6) has been completely reseeded. Little woodland management work is needed, other than occasional replanting with native species. The pond needs to be cleared out and deepened and another, larger pond could be created in (4) where the drainage is impeded.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Blackbird, Song Thrush, House Sparrow, Starling.

VEG:
The northern part (1) is mown, semi-improved grassland with Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera, Trifolium repens, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus repens and scattered Deschampsia caespitosa, with some planted trees.  Further south (2), the common narrows into a roadside verge with dense scrub - hawthorn, Salix cinerea, ash, blackthorn, sycamore, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus, Rosa canina, field maple, Malus sylvestris, Epilobium hirsutum, Filipendula ulmaria, Galium aparine, Rumex obtusifolius. One plant of Heracleum mantegazzianum is present.

MANAGE:
The common is rough mown in places, and the cuttings are left, producing rank, patchy vegetation. If possible, cuttings should be removed. Some tree planting has occurred, a limited further planting of native species could occur. Some scrub clearance on the byways crossing the site has been carried out by HCC CMS. The giant hogweed present should not be allowed to spread.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wren, Spotted Flycatcher, Blue Tit, Bullfinch.

VEG:
Predominantly oak woodland, with some large, mature trees, but mainly a more recent secondary community. Hornbeam, hazel, holly, beech and birch also occur and the wood has a dense canopy. The birch is young and scrubby. Old hornbeam pollards mark the south- eastern boundary at (A).  Other species present include Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus, Stellaria holostea, Lonicera periclymenum, Melampyrum pratense, Digitalis purpurea, Holcus mollis, Geum urbanum and Frangula alnus.

MANAGE:
No apparent management takes place, and little is needed. The wood is a valuable semi-natural habitat in a suburban area.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wren, Wood Pigeon, Swallow, Moorhen (on pond). 
Rabbit.

VEG:
Most of the site is dense ash woodland with scattered oak and hawthorn. Ground layer is sparse with much bare ground. Rubus fruticosus and Urtica dioica are the main components of the flora. The small pond is heavily shaded and is choked by Salix cinerea. Over the road (1) is an open area, with a rank MG9 Holcus lanatus - Deschampsia caespitosa community, with Galium aparine, Alopecurus pratensis, Lathyrus pratensis, Stellaria graminea and Epilobium hirsutum. This is surrounded by encroaching oak and hawthorn scrub.

MANAGE:
No apparent management occurs. The wood needs much thinning, particularly around the pond, which also needs much of the Salix debris removing.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff, Blackbird, House  Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Song Thrush. 
Common Shrew.  
The blackthorn scrub provides good cover for passerines.

VEG:
Most of the site (1) is B4 improved grassland, cut for hay. Parts appear to be a species-poor MG7 Lolium perenne ley, whilst other areas are more diverse, containing L. perenne, Ranunculus repens, Plantago major, Rumex obtusifolius, Agrostis canina, Senecio jacobaea and Phleum pratense. The boundary (2) is fenced alongside an old ditch, containing Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium hirsutum, Conium maculatum, Cirsium palustre, C. arvense, Artemisia vulgaris, Galium aparine, Angelica sylvestris, with large Salix alba trees. A dense bank of blackthorn scrub (3) on the north-east edge is a valuable habitat. A ditch near the western end (4) has Impatiens glandulifera, Dipsacus fullonum and other ruderals.

MANAGE:
The field has been improved and is cut for hay or mown in places. The ditch and Salix alba trees are notable features; the willows may need pollarding.  The blackthorn scrub is a valuable habitat and should be retained. Management should continue as at present.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wren, Blue Tit, Yellowhammer. 
Signs of Roe Deer. 
Large White.

VEG:
The roadside verge (1) is an MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius community, with Heracleum sphondylium, Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica and scattered trees, primarily large oak and ash, with some elm. The verge is up to 10 m wide in places. The other part of the common (2) is a largely disused path between two arable fields, lined with trees and scrub. Mature oaks are present with hawthorn scrub, elder, sycamore elm, U. dioica and Lolium perenne in places on path. The common is a valuable strip of semi-natural habitat in an otherwise intensively arable area.

MANAGE:
The verge is mown for c. 1m from the road. Non-intervention is recommended for the remainder, except perhaps for some planting of native trees in gaps. There has been some rubbish dumping on the site which should be removed.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Swallow, Wren, Collared Dove, Spotted Flycatcher, Greenfinch. 
Peacock.

VEG:
Much of the common is grassland, which varies in its mowing regime. Adjacent to the houses (1) it forms a wide verge, with short MG7 Lolium perenne grassland. An elm hedge, with large oaks and ash, runs along the edge of this area. Where mowing is less intense (2), L. perenne with Bellis perennis, Hypochaeris radicata, Plantago lanceolata, Centaurea nigra, Trifolium pratense, Conopodium majus and Odontites verna occur. Large oaks and a hedge of elder, hawthorn, hazel, field maple, blackthorn, holly, bramble and bracken form the boundary (3) to an MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius verge, with L. perenne and Heracleum sphondylium. Further south (4), the verges are not mown more than 1m from the road and dense scrub and oak woodland has developed. Ivy and nettles are the main ground flora. The small, separate section in the south is oak woodland and scrub with a mown MG7 L. perenne sward along verges.

MANAGE:
The main management practice is mowing, as described above. The woodland and scrub are unmanaged. Hedges on the site are flailed and should be laid where possible. Overall, management should continue as at present.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Greenfinch, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Wren, Wood Pigeon and Blackbird. 
Green-veined White.

VEG:
The verge is mainly B22 MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, with variations in the mowing regime governing the species composition. Most is not closely mown, and the following species occur: Centaurea nigra, Urtica dioica, Hypochaeris radicata, Lotus corniculatus, Cynosurus cristatus, Agrimonia eupatoria, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Matricaria matricarioides, Artemisia vulgaris, Heracleum sphondylium. Bracken is scattered amidst hawthorn scrub in places and each side is bounded by a hedge with large oak, beech and ash trees spread along. The hedge has hawthorn, elm, field maple, blackthorn and elder. A small, narrow pond (1) is surrounded by Salix sp. and has Glyceria fluitans, Lemna sp., Juncus effusus, Solanum dulcamara, Alisma plantago-aquatica and Potentilla anserina. The verge near the houses in the NW of the site at Jockey End is a closely-mown MG7 Lolium perenne grassland, 20m wide in places.

MANAGE:
Present management is composed of mowing with varying degrees of frequency, together with some planting of ornamental trees near Jockey End. Bollards have been installed to deter vehicles in places, and there has been some rubbish dumping. This management should be continued, though any tree planting should be composed of native species. The pond is of value and should be cleaned out and the surrounding willows cut back.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Chiffchaff, Wood Pigeon, Spotted Flycatcher. Peacock, Green-veined White, Small Tortoise- shell.

VEG:
The northern end (1) is narrow, with a high hedge on the west side, consisting of hazel, dogwood, field maple, hawthorn, Rosa canina with tree planting on the east side. Nettles, bracken, Arum maculatum and Mercurialis perennis are scattered.  Area (2) is predominantly an oak woodland. The trees are even-aged and spindly with a dense canopy. There is some dead and suckering elm. Hazel, elder, ash, hawthorn, cherry and holly form a shrub layer but the ground flora is largely limited to Circaea lutetiana, Galeopsis tetrahit, Geum urbanum, Hedera helix and Rubus fruticosus. Endymion non-scripta, Ranunculus ficaria and Glechoma hederacea also occur. The southern part of the site (3) is a bridleway through the grounds of a large house, with mown verges and MG1 grassland.

MANAGE:
Parts are mown and there has been some tree planting. A clearing has been cut under a pylon, but more thinning is needed as the oaks are very spindly. A barrier has been created between the footpath and bridleway to protect the footpath.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Bullfinch, Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Kestrel, Chaffinch. 
Speckled Wood, Large White. 
The sunny rides and varied structure provide good feeding areas for insects and birds.

VEG:
At the eastern end, on each side of the footpath there is a rank tall herb community, with Chamaenerion angustifolium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Stachys sylvatica, Digitalis purpurea, Urtica dioica and Bryonia dioica, grading into a scrubby overgrown hedge with blackthorn, hawthorn, hornbeam, cherry and holly. The western end is wider, with large oak, beech, cherry and ash trees, and a number of woodland species, such as Mercurialis perennis, Bromus ramosus, Melica uniflora. Pteridium aquilinum, Centaurea nigra and Torilus japonica are scattered along the path.

MANAGE:
Little management is needed as this is already a valuable habitat amidst an arable area. It is used for walking and horse riding. Bridleway clearance and surfacing are proposed by HCC CMS, but this should carried out with care, and surfacing kept to the minimum width to avoid damage to the fringing vegetation. Dumping occurs at the western end by the lay-by. There are plans to infill Pockets Dell at the western end with rubble and then plant with trees. Most of this is probably likely to be outside the common, but care should be taken to protect the mature trees in this area.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Bullfinch, Robin, Wren.  
Speckled Wood. 
The woodland area probably forms good habitat for birds.

VEG:
The south-west part is a closely-mown, MG7 Lolium perenne sward, used as a cricket ground and recreation area. There are scattered planted trees, such as lime and birch, benches and a cricket pavilion. Peripheral areas of grassland surrounding the cricket pitch are less improved. Thick hawthorn and blackthorn scrub surrounds the grassland, and this grades into woodland (2) dominated by oak, with cherry, beech, birch, elder, sycamore and holly. A large pit within the woodland (3) has become colonised by ash with dense elder. The woodland is dense and scrubby, with little ground flora, in contrast to the woodland on the north side (4), which has large, mature oak trees and a better structure. Rhamnus catharticus is occasional and the ground flora contains much Hedera helix, Geum urbanum and Rubus fruticosus, and numerous other woodland species.

MANAGE:
The cricket ground is mown, but apart from that area, there is little management. The wood needs some thinning around area (2), and possibly some replanting, though natural regeneration should be adequate. Glades could be created with graded edges, to provide feeding habitat for invertebrates and birds.


FAUNA:
The area is unlikely to hold a fauna of any significance.

VEG:
The largest part of the common is closely-mown B22 grassland, resembling a slightly more species-rich MG7 Lolium perenne-Plantago major community. It is dissected by driveways to houses, and in some areas acts as an extension to gardens; trees and shrubs have been planted. The two smaller areas are less closely mown, and are dominated by MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, with Armoracia rusticana.

MANAGE:
The current management of mowing with some tree planting is appropriate for such a suburban setting, but additional native trees could be planted.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, Long-tailed Tit, Wren, Starling, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Collared Dove. 
Grey Squirrel. 
Large White.

VEG:
The site is dense oak and ash woodland with scattered beech and cherry. Hawthorn is dense around the edge and scattered throughout. The canopy is dense with  a sparse ground flora of Hedera helix, Mercurialis perennis, Rubus fruticosus and Arum maculatum. Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica dioica, Stellaria holostea and Odontites verna occur along the paths. The shrub layer is of field maple, elder, holly, dogwood, hazel and blackthorn. Old pits in the north corner have dense elder. MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland occurs along the southern boundary with the recreation ground. The western side is bounded by an old hawthorn hedge.

MANAGE:
The common is heavily used for recreation, particularly by children. Whilst the wood is in need of thinning to open up the canopy, the location of the wood in a housing estate and the unmanaged feel of the site means that it is probably best to opt for non-intervention in the short term.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Robin, Wood Pigeon, House Martin. 
Small Tortoishell.

VEG:
The grassland is of some interest, as it has a low intensity mowing regime, producing a tussocky sward. Holcus lanatus is dominant, with Agrostis spp., Rumex acetosa, Hypochaeris radicata, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus and abundant Ranunculus repens. A wetter area in the centre (1) has Juncus inflexus, J. effusus and Alopecurus geniculatus. The north-west corner, separated by the ditch, is not mown and has MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland.  A ditch (2) has Epilobium hirsutum, Iris pseudacorus, Veronica beccabunga, Hypericum perforatum, Apium nodiflorum and Salix cinerea. The pond has Glyceria maxima and Apium nodiflorum. The common is surrounded by mature oaks, ash and hawthorn scrub.

MANAGE:
This site is a valuable habitat and provides a marked contrast with Fisher's Green (CL 15) nearby in being much more appropriately managed for nature conservation. The light mowing regime is ideal, and if cuttings are not already removed they should be, to prevent the sward becoming too rank. The ditch is of interest and any management necessary should be undertaken with care. The pond has been cleared out by HCC CMS some trees planted in the NE corner, although several have died. More should be planted in this vicinity.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Moorhen (on pond), Wood Pigeon, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Blue Tit, Blackbird, Meadow Brown, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch.  
Common Shrew.

VEG:
The northern strip is dense ruderal vegetation with Chamaerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium with invading scrub - blackthorn, ash and hawthorn. The central area is tall MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland with Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense, Cirsium arvense, Potentilla anserina, Trifolium repens, Centaurea nigra, Festuca rubra. Part of this is short, possibly either mown or regularly driven over and has Juncus inflexus and Odontites verna. The southern part is dense hawthorn and blackthorn scrub grading into woodland with ash, elder, oak, hazel and dead elms. The canopy is dense - Mercurialis perennis is the main ground flora. Part of the wood appears to be part of a nature trail from the electricity station and the pond in the SE corner has a viewing platform. The pond is heavily shaded by tall trees and has little fringing vegetation.

MANAGE:
The grassland appears to be occasionally cut and the woodland is unmanaged apart from the installation of nest boxes. Some trees should be cleared from the south side of the pond.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Robin, Song Thrush, Wren, Great-spotted Woodpecker. 
Anax imperator by pond (2).

VEG:
Much of the common consists of mature woodland with large trees, predominantly of oak, sweet chestnut and beech, with an understory of holly and bramble and scattered Circaea lutetiana. Past planting has resulted in some areas being dominated by Scots Pine (1) with a bracken understory, whilst beech is dominant around Apostles Pond (2), with a very sparse ground flora. There are some very large mature trees, particularly in the central east area (3) near the mounds, where sweet chestnuts are very large. The west end (4) has spindly, secondary birch woodland with bracken and bramble. There are 4 ponds; 2 were visited. Apostles pond (2) is bordered by pollarded lime trees, with fringing Juncus effusus. Nuphar lutea occurs in the pond. The pond on west side (5) has virtually no water and marsh plants predominate, with Typha latifolia, Eleocharis palustris, Iris pseudacorus, J.effusus, Ranunculus flammula, Lycopus europaeus and Salix sp.. Drier areas have Pimpinella saxifraga, Centaurea nigra and an MG1 community with Arrhenatherum elatius and Chamaenerion angustifolium.  Mown MG7-5 Lolium perenne type grassland with Plantago lanceolata, Dactylis glomerata and Holcus lanatus occurs along the NW side, with MG1 coarse grassland and ruderals along the woodland edge. The cricket ground is closely-mown MG7-6 with Poa pratensis and Plantago major.

MANAGE:
The common is a valuable area for nature conservation, and management should be undertaken with care. The management plan proposes woodland thinning, both for commercial ends and recreation, with conservation taken into account. The thinning should not remove any of the mature trees, but should concentrate on medium-aged specimens. Woodland on the south side was thinned in 1982, and oak, beech and Scots pine planted to supplement regeneration. Bracken was weeded from around trees. More thinning is needed in the areas dominated by Scots pine and birch. Better ride management is necessary to create graded edges with a field layer, then scrub, grading into woodland. The ponds need some management, though the marshy habitats at (5) are of value in themselves. Part of this area could be deepened and possibly lined with removal of Typha to recreate the pond, but care should be taken to maintain the species richness of the surrounding marshy area. Apostles Pond has been cleared and aquatic plants introduced by HCC CMS. Some bridleways have been surfaced by HCC CMS. Dacorum District Council have produced a nature trail guide and management plan (1987).


FAUNA:
The main habitat of ornithological importance is the flooded area (5) which supports a range of species. The following were seen on visit: Common Tern, Lapwing, Canada Goose, Common Sandpiper, numerous Sand and House Martins, Mallard, Meadow Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Moorhen, Black-headed, Gull 2 Little-ringed Plovers (possible breeding). 
The hedges, scrub, open fields and river provide feeding areas for Goldfinch, Starling, Swallow, Swift, Greenfinch, Magpie,Kestrel, Linnet, Yellowhammer, House Sparrow, Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Dunnock, Reed Bunting, Skylark, Carrion Crow. 
Other species recorded as breeding in the past include Lapwing, Yellow Wagtail, and occasionally Redshank. A Mute Swan family party was present. Species recorded in winter on the common include Snipe, Teal, Shoveler, Little Grebe, Mute Swan, Gadwall and other wildfowl.  

Crayfish have been recorded in the streams, along with Water Vole and Grass Snake. Moles are present. Meadow Brown was noted on the visit. The ditches are likely to be of interest for invertebrates.

VEG:
The interest of the common increases from SW to NE, with much of the SW end (1) being reseeded, species-poor MG7-5 Lolium perenne with ruderals and bare ground. Senecio jacobea, Urtica dioica, Matricaria matricarioides, Rumex obtusifolius, Agrostis stolonifera, Potentilla reptans, Capsella bursa-pastoris and Achillea millefolium are frequent. Galium verum occurs in less disturbed areas. The boundary hedge (2) is hawthorn with ash, elder, field maple, nettles and Bryonia dioica. A large patch of U. dioica, Cirsium arvense and C. vulgare occupies most of the field at (3). A fence separates area (4) which has less Lolium and more Agrostis canina, Phleum pratense, Carex hirta and A.stolonifera. This relict inundation community continues under a bridge to a flooded area (5) where a wetland community has developed with Mentha aquatica, Veronica beccabunga, Juncus bulbosus, Potentilla anserina, Alopecurus geniculatus, Lysimachia nummularia, Myosotis scorpioides, with Prunella vulgaris, Centaurea nigra and drier patches.  East of the embankment, Polygonum amphibium is abundant, with Potentilla anserina and Polygonum persicaria around the water's edge. The pools may possess other aquatic vegetation but no further survey was carried out.  This flooded area is one of the most interesting features of the common, in combination with the ditches across the river.

Area (6) between the Manifold Ditch and river Lea is heavily cattle-grazed MG7 Lolium perenne pasture with scattered Hordeum secalinum. Area (7) lies in CL 256 (q.v.). Area (8) is tussocky grassland dominated by Dactylis glomerata with Deschampsia caespitosa, Carex hirta, Senecio jacobea, Phleum pratense, Lolium perenne, Alopecurus pratensis. The ditches (9) have a rich flora and would repay further survey; species recorded include Glyceria maxima, Sparganium erectum, Carex riparia and Potamogeton spp., Rumex hydrolapathum, Phalaris arundinacea, Apium nodiflorum and Filipendula ulmaria. Salix fragilis is scattered along the New River. The fields to the SW (10) are semi-improved pasture, similar to that adjacent on CL 4, though with more Holcus lanatus and Arrhenatherum. There is some scattered A22 Crataegus monogyna scrub in the NW, where the grassland becomes more rank.  The river bank is a raised embankment, with a path and a strip of MG1.  There is little in the river here, with Nuphar lutea, Sparganium sp., Deschampsia caespitosa, Alnus glutinosa, Artemisia vulgaris, Glyceria maxima and Carex riparia all very sporadic. Raised embankments at (Y) are much the same as the meadow. The ditch here is deep, with MG1 on the banks and some Epilobium hirsutum and Urtica dioica. There is a small, wetter area at (X), with Juncus inflexus, Carex acutiflorus, Glyceria fluitans, Alopecurus geniculatus, Carex hirta, Equisetum sp., Ranunculus repens, Agrostis stolonifera, A. canina and A. capillaris.

Other species recorded from the common in the past 10 years include Hottonia palustris, Oenanthe fistulosa and Ophioglossum vulgatum. The Manifold Ditch is considered important for its aquatic flora.

MANAGE:
Much of the common has been improved to varying degrees, and although botanical interest remains in the ditches and flooded areas, the main interest of the common is ornithological, particularly in the flooded areas (5). Care should be taken to maintain these areas and if possible extend them into adjacent fields by further flooding. Ditch maintenance should be undertaken only if essential and then with care to maintain the flora. Part of the common near the pumping station has been mown, with cuttings left. Weedkillers have been used on the area in the past. Some of the willows may need pollarding and more could be planted. The common is grazed by cattle and horses; grazing levels should not be increased on the tussocky grassland area (8), as this provides valuable nesting areas. The common would make an ideal Local Nature Reserve.


FAUNA:
The wetland habitats of ditches, river and pool are important for birds throughout the year. The following were noted on visit: Lapwing, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot with young, Swallow, House Martin, Sand Martin (very numerous), Starling, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Common Tern, Meadow Pipit, Goldfinch, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Moorhen and Kestrel. Records for Kingsmead include breeding Yellow Wagtail, Lapwing, occasional Redshank and wintering wildfowl including Gadwall, Teal and Shoveler. The ditches are likely to be of interest for invertebrates.

VEG:
Area (1): semi-improved damp grassland with Agrostis spp., Phleum pratense, Lolium perenne, Carex hirta, Prunelle vulgaris and Centaurea nigra. This grades into an inundation community at the edge of the flooded area with Mentha aquatica, Veronica beccabunga, Juncus bulbosus, Potentilla anserina, Alopecurus geniculatus, Myosotis scorpioides. The presence of these species indicates that the flooded area is a permanent pool, produced by the adjacent pumping station and sluices. In 1984 excavated chalk spoil by the station held Briza media, Campanula glomerata, Centaurea scabiosa, Lotus corniculatus, Ononis repens, Origanum vulgare and Poterium sanguisorba. The pool (3) is shallow; the aquatic flora was not examined. Beyond the sluices an area of wet tussocky grassland occurs (4) dominated by Deschampsia caespitosa with Phalaris arundinacea, Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus, scattered Lolium perenne, Senecio jacobea, Carex hirta and Cirsium arvense.  This is crossed by a ditch (5) with Sparganium erectum, Epilobium hirsutum, Apium nodiflorum and Juncus inflexus. Further east (5) an unusual community of Equisetum palustre and Carex hirta occurs.

Over the New River an ungrazed MG1 community (6) is dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Carex hirta, Trifolium pratense and Hordeum murinum. This is bordered by a ditch (7) with Carex riparia and Symphytum officinale. The meadow (8) separated by CL 171 is heavily grazed MG7 Lolium perenne pasture.

MANAGE:
Only areas (1) and (8) appeared to be grazed at the time of the survey. The remaining area is a good, relatively undisturbed wildlife habitat, with tussocky damp grassland providing nesting cover for birds and good invertebrate habitat. Occasional light grazing would be beneficial in this area. The open water contiguous with that on CL 171 is important for birds and should be maintained and extended by flooding if possible. It appears to be influenced by the sluice gates and pumping station. The ditches have an interesting flora and care should be taken in their maintenance. Grazing levels in fields (1) and (8) are too high and should be reduced. Together with CL 171, the area would make a good Local Nature Reserve or County Trust reserve.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Robin, House Martin, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Mistle Thrush, Wood Pigeon, Dunnock. 
Moles.  
Green-veined White, Large White, Small Heath.  Chorthippus parallelus.

VEG:
B22 grassland is an occasionally cut MG7 Lolium perenne community, with frequent Hypochaeris radicata. B12 semi-improved acid grassland has much Agrostis capillaris and Holcus lanatus, with Rumex acetosella, Galium saxatile, Festuca ovina, F. rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Ranunculus repens, H.radicata, Campanula rotundifolia, Lotus corniculatus. It is almost unimproved in places ,but there is some scattered Trifolium spp., Achillea millefolium and ground disturbance. There is an MG1 roadside strip next to the B12. Other species recorded in past from grassland areas include Galium verum and Stellaria media. A22 scrub consists of scattered oak, cherry and hawthorn. G11 pond in north-east is very choked, and almost dried up with much Glyceria maxima, Phalaris arundinacea and Sparganium erectum.

MANAGE:
The grassland areas are cut each year, but the B12 part is mown less frequently - it had not been cut at time of visit, whereas the B22 Lolium areas had been. HCC CMS have carried out most of the work. There has been some tree planting, provision of benches and litter bins. There are some well-worn tracks, and children use parts for BMX riding. A pipeline was being laid down the road at time of visit (shown by dashed line on map). There is some litter dumping. The grassland areas should continue to be mown, with removal of cuttings, as has apparently been carried out on B22 parts. This is especially important on the semi-improved acid grassland, which should not be allowed to become rank. The pond needs clearing of vegetation in places, as it is becoming choked.


FAUNA:
Little information previously existing. Anthills recorded. On visit, the following species were noted: Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Magpie, Goldfinch, House Martin, Swallow, Greenfinch, 5 Mallard, Grey Wagtail, Black-headed Gull. 
Meadow Brown, Small Tortoishell, Large White, Green-veined White. 
Calopteryx splendens, Aeshna grandis.

VEG:
General summary of SSSI information: B11 acid grassland is dominated by Agrostis capillaris, Festuca spp., Galium verum, Achillea millefolium, Hieracium pilosella, Lotus corniculatus, with Trifolium sp., Carex hirta, Cynosurus cristatus, Carduus nutans, Campanula rotundifolia, Linum catharticum, Stachys officinalis. There are fairly extensive areas of Genista anglica and G. tinctoria. Calluna vulgaris is present, as is Thymus pulegioides and Euphrasia nemorosa. B12 grassland is rougher with Lolium perenne, C.cristatus and some herbs. Thistles and ragwort are abundant. B5 grassland holds Juncus effusus, J.inflexus, Pulicaria dysenterica, Iris pseudacorus and the uncommon Galium uliginosum. Saxifraga granulata also present. A21 and A22 scrub in NW is largely Crataegus monogyna; elsewhere there is also some Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa and Cytisus scoparius. G2 comprises river which has Sagittaria, Apium nodiflorum and other spp.

MANAGE:
The common is an important enclave of unimproved habitat amidst an urban area, and holds several uncommon species. It is grazed by 30+ cattle, and there has been previous input of fertiliser (circa 1 cwt per acre every couple of years), and some scrub clearance by grazier. Scrub development appears to be under control, though there is evidence of spread in some areas. Indeed, the grassland appeared to be quite rank at the time of visit, with increasing Arrhenatherum, and grazing levels could probably be increased slightly. Continued scrub control is necessary, though some should be retained, and should not be damaged by the tractor. Recreation pressure is high on the site, causing local trampling, but in general, the site appears to be adequately managed to preserve its interest, especially if grazing levels were increased a little. See SSSI Files for further information on the common.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Blackbird, Wood Pigeon, Robin, Dunnock, Greenfinch, Tree Creeper, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Chaffinch. 
Rabbits. 
Orthetrum cancellatum.

VEG:
Largely a small deciduous secondary woodland, with several mature trees. The woodland has more beech and sycamore in the south - elsewhere it is a mixture of beech, oak (Q. robur), which is dominant in the north, and Betula pendula, with frequent holly and some tall Crataegus monogyna bushes. There is dense shade in places, but bracken is scattered in a few open areas in the north-west. Ground flora consists of dense nettles in places, and much bramble but also Endymion non-scripta, Bromus ramosus, Festuca gigantea, Geum urbanum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Circaea lutetiana, docks, Ranunculus repens, Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium, Hedera helix and Stachys sylvatica, depending on degree of shade and disturbance. Other ruderal species are present. There are several patches of dense Crataegus and Sambucus scrub. The small pond has almost dried out and holds Typha latifolia, Juncus effusus and Lemna sp. It is possibly wet in winter.

MANAGE:
No management appears to occur. There is much rubbish dumping, particularly along the road, and much litter is scattered throughout the wood. Regeneration is reasonable in the wood, but much thinning is necessary, and glades need cutting, perhaps alongside bridleways. The pond needs clearing out and deepening, since at present it may only hold standing water in winter, and it is almost solid vegetation. See also CL 75.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, Jackdaw, Robin, Chaffinch, Blue Tit, Tree Creeper. 
Grey Squirrel.

VEG:
The woodland is mainly beech, some quite mature, with holly understorey. Oak and Rhododendron are present, also with ash, horse chestnut, elder, sweet chestnut and lime. The ground flora is bramble dominated, though there are areas with dense shade, which have little ground flora. There is some dead wood and several dead trees. Other species recorded in the wood include Hedera helix, Circaea lutetiana, Endymion non-scripta, Mercurialis perennis, Glechoma hederacea, Urtica dioica, Stachys sylvatica, Poa nemoralis, Viola riviniana, Bromus ramosus, Geranium robertianum, Carex sylvatica, Festuca gigantea, Geum urbanum. There is one small area of rank MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland by the road, with Chamaenerion angustifolium. There is also one small patch of acidic Agrostis capillaris grassland in shade under beech within the wood.

MANAGE:
There appears to be no present management. Some dumping occurs on site. Roadside earth mounds have been constructed, to prevent vehicle access to the woodland. There is much regeneration, though mainly sycamore. The main management requirements are thinning of the woodland, sycamore control and removal of litter.


FAUNA:
Previous records from area include Hedgehog, Common Shrew and Short-tailed Vole; also Redwings, Fieldfare, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull and Starling in the winter. 
On visit, the following species were noted: Blackbird, House Sparrow, Wood Pigeon, Greenfinch, Starling and Rook. 
Large White, Green-veined White.

VEG:
B4 improved areas are MG7 Lolium perenne-Plantago lanceolata community, with Trifolium repens, Taraxacum officinale, Plantago major, Bellis perennis. There are 2 areas of rough, damp B22 semi-improved grassland which add interest to the common. Dominant species are Lolium perenne, Alopecurus geniculatus and Ranunculus repens, with Hordeum sp., Rumex obtusifolius, occasional Glyceria fluitans, Holcus lanatus, Epilobium hirsutum, Ranunculus acris, Phleum pratense and Agrostis stolonifera. Cardamine pratensis is also previously recorded from the site and Medicago arabica is present at one of its few county sites. Scattered lime trees are found along tracks and round the fringes of the site, along with horse chestnut and ornamental cherry trees.

MANAGE:
The whole common is very close-mown except for the central semi-improved strip, which is wet in places. The present management regime should continue, and care should be taken not to destroy or drain the wet area, which adds considerably to the nature conservation interest of the site - there were many white butterflies and hoverflies feeding on the area during the visit. The edges of this wet section have been mown to a sharp curving line as it adjoins the amenity grassland, and this is a good example of how rougher, more species-rich habitat can be integrated into an amenity site without an untidy appearance - indeed, the structural diversity makes the site more attractive.


FAUNA:
Previous records from area include Hedgehog, Common Shrew, Short-tailed Vole, and, in winter Redwing, Fieldfare, Starling, Common and Black- headed Gulls. 
On visit, the following species were recorded: Blackbird, Starling, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Linnet, Black-headed Gull, Magpie, Wren, Pied Wagtail, Spotted Flycatcher. Three-spined Stickleback in pond. 
Green-veined White.

VEG:
The area used to be old grassland, but has now become a heavily used urban recreation area. Most of the site is close mown MG7 Lolium perenne grassland, with scattered trees, and the remainder of the common consists of car parks (C), buildings (B), a pond and a swimming pool. There are some uncut areas in the amenity grassland, but part of the site is a very close-mown football pitch, as Hitchin Town Football Ground, and other sections (A) are apparently private grassland, closed to the public. The pond in the south is stagnant, with much algae and Lemna minor; open water occurs at one end. There is much Apium nodiflorum and Glyceria fluitans. Around the pond area Epilobium hirsutum, Urtica dioica, Ranunculus repens, Rumex obtusifolius, Epilobium montanum, Cirsium arvense, Phleum pratense and Potentilla anserina. Scattered trees on site are weeping willows, ash, lombardy poplar, alder and elm, with some surrounding rough grassland.

MANAGE:
Most of the grassland is close-mown. There is some dumping in the pond. The pond is a good feature of the site, and should be preserved, but it needs some cleaning out as it is becoming choked with algae and vegetation. Little can be recommended for the remainder of the common, due to its role as an intensively managed recreation area.


FAUNA:
Birds recorded from river include Kingfisher, Redshank, Heron, Canada Goose, Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail. On visit, Mallard and Moorhen families noted, with Little Grebe, House Martin, House Sparrow, Greenfinch, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Rook, Starling, Wood Pigeon, Spotted Flycatcher. Frogs and Water Vole recorded. ISR notes recent record of musk beetle Aromia moschata, a nationally uncommon species. 10 species of butterfly recorded by museum - Green-veined White and Small Tortoishell noted on visit. Also records of Sympetrum striolatum.

VEG:
Most of the site is B4 improved grassland, mostly a MG7 Lolium perenne - Plantago lanceolata community, with Trifolium repens, Bellis perennis and Ranunculus repens, damp in places. There are some scattered ornamental trees. There is a rougher unmown strip around W and SW edge, with a range of ruderals such as Armoracia rusticana and Reynoutria japonica amidst a rank MG7 sward. The best part of the site is the river bank, which holds a good range of species, including Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Rumex obtusifolius, Conium maculatum, Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium, Tussilago farfara and some rough MG1 grassland. River margins and river hold Callitriche sp., Alisma plantago-aquatica, Angelica sylvestris, Apium nodiflorum, Dipsacus fullonum, Glyceria maxima, Iris pseudacorus, Juncus effusus, Lycopus europaeus, Nasturtium officinalis, Phalaris Phragmites and Sparganium erectum. There are scattered Salix alba and S. fragilis here.

MANAGE:
Mostly close-mown as a sports field, with cuttings gathered and dumped at the edge. The river bank and some other areas are unmown, e.g. at area (Z), where there has been some tree planting of sycamore, field maple, Prunus sp. and Populus sp. There is a childrens play area at point (X). Previously, the area was a marshy meadow, but the land level was raised and playing fields laid. Given the function of the largest part of the common, as a cricket field and play area, little can be recommended for here. However, the unmown fringes should be retained, with occasional, perhaps annual mowing. The river banks should be left unmown, though scrub should not be allowed to encroach completely. The willows should be retained, and perhaps pollarded in future. They are likely to be important as invertebrate habitat, especially since the larvae of Aromia moschata feed on willows.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Blue Tit, Wren, Collared Dove. 
Green-veined White. 
Aeshna cyanea.

VEG:
Most of the common is improved grassland, a MG7 Lolium perenne sward, with Plantago spp., Bellis perennis etc. There are lines of trees, largely horse chestnut, but also oak, ash, lime and wild cherry. The grassland is dissected by garden tracks and frontages. The woodland at the west end is hornbeam coppice in the south, with little ground flora, and a horse chestnut and oak fringe, with some MG1 along the roadside. At the north end, there are large ash and oak trees. There is little dead wood, and the ground flora is mainly brambles and nettles. The eastern pond is steep banked, with mainly Glyceria maxima emergent and around edges, but also Alisma plantago- aquatica, Sparganium erectum, Typha latifolia, Juncus effusus, Scirpus lacustris, much Elodea sp. and ornamentals, including Menyanthes trifoliata. The larger, western pond has a quite open aspect. It is fringed with Glyceria maxima, and in the middle are islands with  young planted willows and Betula pubescens. Elodea sp. and Lemna sp. occur in the pond, and other species present include Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus effusus, Deschampsia caespitosa, Bromus ramosus and Lysimachia vulgaris. The pond has a tree fringe to the west.

MANAGE:
The grassland is very close-mown. Benches have been provided and there has been some tree planting. More areas of longer, less frequently mown grass should be left. The edges of the eastern pond should be graded, and some vegetation clearance is necessary in  the western pond. One or two hornbeam trees in the woodland area could be re-coppiced.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Greenfinch, Magpie, Collared Dove, House Sparrow, Whitethroat, Carrion Crow, Dunnock. 
Meadow Brown.

VEG:
The main part of the site is a Lolium perenne dominated sward, but with traces of Agrostis capillaris. There are scattered docks, with Plantago spp. and Trifolium repens. A muddy ditch near the war memorial has Ranunculus repens. Some parts of the site are more improved MG7 swards. A21 scrub on the site is largely Prunus spinosa and Sambucus nigra, often with an MG1 fringe. There are scattered tall ash and oak trees, with tall Crataegus monogyna. The A111 woodland in the NE of the site is predominantly sycamore, with dense nettles and Aegopodium podagraria underneath. Area (A) on map is mown, rank MG1, with cuttings left. Woodland to south-east. Stretch (B) is mown MG7 with scattered tall trees, partly absorbed into adjacent gardens. Area (C) is mown MG7 with regenerating brambles and scattered sycamores with areas of unmown MG1 around them.

MANAGE:
Much of the site is close-mown, with many cuttings left. Other areas are occasionally mown, with cuttings left. The scrub and woodland areas are unmanaged. This regime should continue, but if possible, grass cuttings should be removed.  The muddy ditch could be deepened slightly to form a small pond, with scrub clearance in the immediate vicinity.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, Bullfinch, Wren, Robin, Blue Tit, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Creeper, Goldcrest.  
Speckled Wood. Green-veined White.

VEG:
All of the site is broad-leaved woodland apart from a few small areas of rank MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland alongside the path, too small to map. The common is predominantly secondary oak woodland, dense, with Ilex aquifolium and a Rubus fruticosus understory. Some ash is regenerating, but generally the shade is dense Urtica dioica and Pteridium aquilinum are frequent, with much leaf litter. Other tree species include elder, sycamore, rowan, with some blackthorn. Ground layer species include Hedera helix, Agrostis capillaris, Stellaria media, Gnaphalium uliginosum, Galeopsis tetrahit, Rumex obtusifolius, Melampyrum pratense, Lonicera periclymenum, Geum urbanum, Holcus lanatus, Oxalis acetosella, Poa trivialis, Bromus ramosus and Melica uniflora. There are a few large trees, but little dead wood.

MANAGE:
HCC CMS carried out clearance of vegetation, fencing and surface grading on the bridleway in the past. The bridleway is heavily used. The woodland is unmanaged, and is in need of some thinning.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wren, Wood Pigeon, Greenfinch, Nuthatch, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Stock Dove, Magpie, Blackbird. 
Roe Deer.  
Green-veined White.  
Omocestus viridulus. Chorthippus parallelus.

VEG:
Most of the A111 woodland is dense oak on an acid substrate, with much Ilex aquifolium, Rubus fruticosus and a range of other species including Prunus spinosa, Pteridium aquilinum, Hedera helix, Corylus avellana, Acer pseudoplatanus, Sambucus nigra, some Carpinus betulus, Fagus sylvatica, Prunus avium, areas of planted Aesculus hippocastanum, Epilobium montanum, Lonicera periclymenum, Circaea lutetiana, Bromus ramosus, Brachpodium sylvaticum, Geum urbanum and Conopodium majus. There are many areas of nettles and much leaf litter, with little dead wood and few dead trees. The woodland is secondary. There are two areas of B22 grassland - MG1 Arrhenatherum communities with ruderals, though the area in W has much Holcus lanatus and Lolium perenne. There are several small clearings in the wood - one has B11 acidic grassland with Agrostis capillaris, bracken, H.lanatus, Galium saxatile and Ranunculus repens with some Trifolium.

MANAGE:
The B22 grassland areas are mown, but the woodland appears to be subject to no management. There are some old oak pollards, and many tracks, with much litter dumping. There is some damage from the storm in 1987, causing several clearings. Oak regeneration is poor, but there is much growth of holly and elder. A post and rail fence has been erected on one roadside.  The woodland needs thinning in places and litter removing. HCC CMS plan the development of circular walks and improvements to car parking areas. The B11 grassland has semi-improved or disturbed fringes, and should be conserved, with occasional mowing to prevent eutrophication.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Swallow, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Whitethroat, Tree Creeper, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackcap, Yellowhammer, Goldfinch. 
Ringlet, Small Skipper, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoishell, Green-veined White.  
Cepaea nemoralis.  
Deer slots found - possibly Fallow Deer.

VEG:
A22 scattered scrub forms mosaic with C31 tall herb vegetation in a deep, incised cutting formed by the river Rib. Access is very difficult. The river at the base (G2) is deep, shady, with a nettle or elder fringe, and very scattered Phragmites Phalaris and Glyceria maxima. Water level variable, river often muddy. In places completely overhung, but in more open areas, river clearer, over gravel. Species present in this section of the common include Corylus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior, Salix cinerea, Acer campestre, suckering Ulmus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa and scattered Quercus robur. Some dead elm and much dead wood present. Below scrub layer is very rank eutrophied growth of ruderals - Urtica, Arrhenatherum, Heracleum sphondylium, Arctium minus, Galium aparine, Hedera helix, Calystegia sepium, Elymus repens, Stachys sylvatica, Dactylis glomerata, Symphytum officinale,   Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium hirsutum, Ranunculus repens, Rumex obtusifolius. The more open area at (A) has Papaver rhoeas, Dipsacus fullonum, Arctium minus, R. obtusifolius, Lolium perenne, Cirsium arvense and Cirsium vulgare. A21 scrub area near Buckland is very dense along an abandoned track, and dominated by elder and hawthorn, with dense MG1 grassland and scattered mature oak, sycamore, beech and ash (A3), several of which are dead. Other species present here include Dactylis glomerata, Potentilla anserina, P. reptans, C. arvense, and Melilotus officinalis. B22 semi-improved grassland occurs along track sides of southern sections and is rank MG1, with Knautia arvensis, Hypericum perforatum, Filipendula ulmaria, Galium mollugo, Cornus sanguinea, Phalaris arundinacea and Lithospermum officinale. J5 trackways occur in all parts of site, often with ruderals. They are gravelled in southern part, concrete and gravel in Buckland and bare earth along Buckland Bottom. J21 hedges occur in several areas - in places they consist of Lawson Cypress, but in others largely Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa and Acer campestre, with Rubus fruticosus.

MANAGE:
Little management on the largest part of the site. Part of it is used as an agricultural tip. The area needs some clearance of scrub and ruderal vegetation, though the steepness of the river banks probably means that non-intervention is the best option. Parts of the other two sections visited are mown, with some tree planting. One very small part of the common in the west (not shown on map) was not visited.


FAUNA:
Little previous information - Moles recorded. 
On visit, the following species were noted: Marsh Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Bullfinch, Collared Dove, Yellowhammer, Wren, Chaffinch, Tree Creeper, Spotted Flycatcher, Dunnock, Great-spotted Woodpecker. 
Large White, Peacock, Gatekeeper, Green-veined White.

VEG:
B21 unimproved neutral grassland areas are quite flower-rich, with much Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Festuca spp., tending towards acidic grassland in places. Herbs include Centaurea nigra (abundant), Lotus corniculatus, Primula veris, Veronica chamaedrys, Ranunculus acris, R.bulbosus, Luzula campestris, Linaria vulgaris, Hypericum perforatum with Trifolium sp., Achillea millefolium and Stellaria graminea in places. There are patches of tall herb vegetation, particularly E of the road, with Chamaenerion angustifolium, Rubus fruticosus, Urtica dioica and R. idaeus. One small area of grassland is improved. Grassy areas merge through scattered and dense hawthorn and elder scrub into oak and ash woodland, developed from scrub. Most of the fringes of the site are now woodland, though there are two large banks of scrub. The common is an attractive site and the unimproved grassland a notable feature.

MANAGE:
The northern end of the common is close-mown, but otherwise there is no other apparent management apart from mowing of a thin strip along road edges. The grassland is becoming increasingly rank, and scrub is developing. The main management needs are scrub control and either mowing or grazing of the grassland. If mowing occurs, grass cuttings should be removed.


FAUNA:
No previous information: Rabbits recorded. 
On visit, the following species were noted: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Pied Wagtail, Kestrel, Carrion Crow, Tree Creeper, Song Thrush, Dunnock, Wren, Spotted Flycatcher, Magpie, Greenfinch, Great Tit, Wood Pigeon.

VEG:
Central area of B12 has scattered ash and oak trees, and hawthorn scrub. Grassland has much Holcus lanatus and Ranunculus repens, with Lolium perenne, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Juncus effusus, Deschampsia caespitosa, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosella, Agrostis capillaris and some Ulex europaeus. Parts are rather damper. A21 scrub is oak, elm, hawthorn, blackthorn, holly and elder, with Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium and some Rubus fruticosus. A111 woodland has much elm regeneration, some dead elms, and scattered oak. B4 areas are improved MG7 Lolium perenne swards, with scattered trees. B22 is MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland on banks. The common is a mosaic of scrub woodland and grassland, providing a diverse set of habitats.

MANAGE:
The grassland is closely mown. There are reasonable amounts of scrub. Uncut areas are being left around trees and scrub, which provides structural diversity. Some areas of scrub need opening up a little. There is some tree planting, and litter dumping. Overall, the site is probably optimally managed, given its role as amenity area with a car park and picnic area. The balance between scrub and open areas should be maintained.


FAUNA:
Previous records of 3 species of Odonata, 10 species of butterfly. The river has breeding Mute Swan, Little Grebe and Moorhen. Kingfisher present. Records of Water Vole. 
On visit, the following species were noted: Grey Wagtail, Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Carrion Crow, Mute Swan, with 6 young families of Coot and Mallard, Moorhen, Blackbird, House Martin, Sand Martin, Swallow. Spotted Flycatcher. 
Rabbits.  
Green-veined White, Meadow Brown. Small Tortoishell. 
Anthills in area (2).

VEG:
Generally semi-improved grassland, but quite species-rich and wet in places; river areas are good. B22 areas (1) are dominated by Lolium perenne, with Agrostis stolonifera, Ranunculus repens, Phleum pratense, Carex hirta, Bellis perennis and Acanina. Wet in places but generally species-poor and heavily poached, with bare areas at N end. Hedge on E side of northern area is elder, hazel, ash and hawthorn, with Apium nodiflorum, Scrophularia sp. and Glyceria maxima in a shaded, overgrown ditch next to it. Area near railway culvert (X) is wet, with much Veronica beccabunga, Glyceria fluitans and G. declinata. Area (2) is a much drier area of grassland on a slope, which is less heavily grazed and less improved. It contains Festuca rubra, Agrostis spp., Phleum pratense, Holcus lanatus and large patches of Urtica dioica and Senecio jacobea. Also present are Carduus nutans, Geranium columbinum, Prunella vulgaris and Silene vulgaris. It is separated from area (1) by a fence and a ditch (3), which has Filipendula ulmaria, Lycopus europaeus, Valeriana officinalis, Juncus inflexus, Polygonum persicaria and Salix cinerea. Area (4) to the east of the railway is rougher, less heavily grazed, with Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera, Ranunculus repens, Phleum pratense, Polygonum persicaria, Prunella vulgaris and Anthoxanthum odoratum.  Other species recorded previously from the grassland over the whole site include Angelica sylvestris, Carex acutiformis, Mentha aquatica and Alnus glutinosa. B4 improved grassland in the north is a Lolium/Holcus reseed. G2 riverside is quite rich in places, though the banks are piled for much of the southern half of the common, and trampled in the central area. Species recorded from the river and surrounds on this survey and in the past include Alisma plantago-aquatica, Carex riparia, Glyceria maxima, Epilobium parviflorum, Hippurus vulgaris, Oenanthe fluviatile, Scutellaria galericulata, Sparganium simplex, Azolla filiculoides, Nasturtium officinale, Veronica beccabunga, Petasites hybridus and Erophila verna and Sedum acre (on banks). V. beccabunga, P. hybridus and G. maxima are very common on the river banks opposite the common.  A3 scattered trees are two large stands of Populus sp. (canescens?).

MANAGE:
The area is grazed by cattle and horses, generally at high intensity, with numerous bare areas and trampled river banks. There is occasionally heavy river management and occasional work on the trees by HCC CMS. There had been some storm damage of the poplars, and these had been felled where necessary and the wood stacked. The present management of the site should continue, though the sward would benefit from a lower stocking rate. There should be no further pasture improvement.


FAUNA:
Breeding birds include Yellow Wagtail and Mallard. Snipe, Golden Plover and Lapwing occur in winter. 
On visit: Kestrels, Carrion Crow, Spotted Flycatcher, Song Thrush, Wren, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Skylark, Heron, House Sparrow, Blue Tit, Starling, Reed Bunting, Moorhen, Bullfinch, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Swallow. 
Part of the common is an ISR site grade C. Two nationally uncommon beetles occur (Chrysolina oricalcia, Selatosomus nigricornis) and 1 local species (Donacia semicuprea). Older records include the snails Oxyloma sarsi (RDB2) and Vertigo moulinsiana. The local moth Panemeria tenebrata, the Small Yellow Underwing, occurs. 23 species of butterfly are recorded; on visit, we recorded Meadow Brown, Green-veined White, Ringlet, Small Tortoishell and Gatekeeper.  Odonata include Calopteryx splendens and Enallagma cyathigerum.

VEG:
Hunsdon Mead is B21 unimproved grassland; the rest of the site, including Eastwick Mead is semi-improved (B22). B21 areas lie within the SSSI and are dominated by Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra, Cynosurus cristatus, with Ranunculus acris, Trifolium pratense, Bromus commutatus, Briza media and many herbs, e.g. Leucanthemum vulgare, Primula veris, Lotus corniculatus, Filipendula ulmaria, Cardamine pratensis, Linum catharticum, Lathyrus pratensis, Caltha palustris, Carex panicea, C.hirta, C.nigra, C.flacca, C.disticha, Cirsium acaule, Rumex hydrolapathum, Sanguisorba minor, Silaum silaus, Orchis morio, Rhinanthus minor, Thalictrum flavum and also Ophioglossum vulgatum. Area (A) is B22, and had been cut for hay: sward dominated by Phleum pratense, Lolium perenne, Anthoxanthum Cynosurus, Hordeum sp., Holcus lanatus, with Cirsium spp. and few herbs, surrounded on all sides except the NW by a thick Crataegus monogyna hedge.  Eastwick Mead is B22, wet in places. It is generally species-poor, though tending towards B21 in a wet area around (X), which contains much Agrostis stolonifera, Alopecurus geniculatus, Phalaris arundinacea, Ranunculus repens, Trifolium pratense, Lathyrus pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Prunella vulgaris, Carex acutiformis, Cynosurus cristatus, Polygonum persicaria and Filipendula ulmaria. The rest of Eastwick Mead is drier, with much Phleum pratense, Ranunculus repens, R. acris, Rumex obtusifolius, Juncus spp., Deschampsia caespitosa and Hordeum sp. Carex nigra is present but rare. There is a good hedge on the south side with a boundary ditch - the hedge extends 8m into field and is composed of Salix fragilis, S. cinerea, Acer campestre, Crataegus monogyna. The site is bounded to the north by the river Stort. River banks and area between river and ditch (Y) are largely MG1 communities and have much Phalaris, Epilobium hirsutum, Leucanthemum vulgare, Impatiens glandulifera, Lythrum salicaria, Cirsium palustre, Scrophularia sp., Salix cinerea, Alnus glutinosa, Symphytum officinale, Dipsacus fullonum and Urtica dioica. Some tree planting has occurred here.  In general terms, compared with Hunsdon Mead, Eastwick Mead has many fewer herbs, much less Cynosurus, no Rhinanthus minor and is much wetter.  G2 areas are the canal itself.

MANAGE:
Area (A) is cut for hay. Hunsdon Mead is managed under a traditional 'Lammas Meadow' system, with a hay cut followed by winter grazing, mostly cattle, but sometimes sheep. The management is considered by NCC adequate to preserve the interest of the site. Ditches are maintained and thistles are controlled by topping. The HMWT fenced around the periphery of Hunsden Mead. At time of visit, the area was uncut. A sewer main runs through the site. Winter flooding occurs. Continuation of present management seems the best option for the site. Eastwick Mead was ungrazed and not cut at time of  visit. Cattle grazing, or a haycut followed by grazing would seem to be suitable here. No further pasture improvement should occur - it is of some value. No more tree planting should occur (c.f. area (Y)).


FAUNA:
A good range of open country birds is recorded: Kestrel, Lapwing, Meadow Pipit and Skylark breed, as do Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Turtle Dove and Corn Bunting. Passage and winter Redwing and Fieldfare occur. Rabbit, Fox, Mole, Harvest Mouse and Common Lizard are recorded. Anthills are present. At least 26 species of butterfly are recorded, including several rare or local species, such as Silver-spotted Skipper. Moths include numerous uncommon species e.g. Mere Wainscot and Pimpernel Pug. Site is ISR site grade B, partly due to its extensive Lepidoptera lists, but also because it has interesting records of Hymenoptera, Coleoptera (including one RBD2 Staphylinid beetle Aleochara inconspicua), Diptera and Araneae. Records also indicate that the site posseses a characteristic calcicole mollusc fauna.

VEG:
The site is the largest remaining area of chalk grassland in Herts, and one of the most important areas in the country. The grassland shows affinities with East Anglian chalk grassland. It is a well-recorded locality, with much information in NCC, HMWT and Museum files; the following is an extremely brief synopsis. The unimproved B31 area are dominated by Bromus erectus and Festuca rubra, with a rich assemblage of herbs, including a very large colony of the Pasque Flower Pulsatilla vulgaris. Other rare or uncommon species include Hypochaeris maculata, Iberis amara, Thesium humifusum, Thalictrum minus, Astragalus danicus, Hippocrepis comosa, Orchis ustulata, Ophrys apifera, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Filipendula vulgaris, Senecio integrefolius and Anthyllis vulneraria. B32 semi-improved areas are dominated by Festuca spp., Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Alopecurus pratensis, Lolium perenne, with Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium and Potentilla anserina. Parts of the semi-improved grassland were ploughed in World War 2; sections of this are reverting to more species-rich grassland. NVC communities recorded by EFU on unimproved grassland on the site include CG3b, CG3a and CG2a. Scrub communities are present, in both scattered and dense patches - these are largely Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra and Ligustrum vulgare. One area of scrub contains the rare Taraxacum acutum. Small parts of the common are B4 improved grassland, found principally on the sports fields in the east of the site. 

Much more detailed habitat descriptions are held by NCC, who should be consulted for further information.

MANAGE:
The site is undergrazed, and both scrub and Bromus erectus have increased. NCC considers that grazing is not feasible on eastern part because of recreational pressure, and mowing difficult on steeper, anthill covered areas; therefore management of area not ideal. Recent management: gallops along roadside edge have been harrowed and mown by stables; scrub has been cleared on site, some by NACRO. Part of the site is grazed by 150 sheep on the western half, penned by flexinetting. The effects of this are considered adequate, with the sward increasing in quality. HMWT hopes to extend grazing to the eastern part of the common, which is presently mown, as a hay crop or with cuttings removed, and scrub controlled. Parts of site are also burnt. Management appears to be becoming effective, but grazing of E side seems essential, and scrub is still spreading onto areas of invertebrate interest. Golf green management e.g. spraying, not ideal.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were recorded: Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Swallow, Robin.

VEG:
Section (A) is a dense hedge of willow, ash, elm, field maple and blackthorn, with MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland beneath. The path is narrow here. Area (B) is close-mown MG7 Lolium perenne grassland or MG1 grassland, cut occasionally with ash standards, nettles and planted sweet chestnut. Parts have a hawthorn hedge, and areas of Impatiens glandulifera. Area (C) is a field maple and ash hedge, with MG1 grassland and patches of nettles. Area (D) is an area of nettles and MG1 grassland, with a backing hedge of blackthorn and elder. Section (E) is a strip of MG7 Lolium grassland with a bordering hedge.

MANAGE:
Parts of the site are close-mown; others are mown occasionally, and certain parts are unmown. There has been some tree planting. Little can be recommended for the site except for continuation of present management.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: House Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Collared Dove, Greenfinch, Blue Tit, Magpie, Wren, Dunnock, Jay, Robin, Song Thrush and Nuthatch.

VEG:
(A) is A21 hawthorn scrub, with hazel and MG1 grassland with Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium and Rubus fruticosus surrounding. It is very rank. (B) is A21 blackthorn, hawthorn and dogwood scrub, with Urtica Rumex spp., Rubus and MG1 grassland. It is wet in places and disturbed. There are oaks at NE end. Scrub is dense with little ground flora. (C) is oak woodland, with blackthorn, elder and hawthorn scrub, and bracken, Rubus, Stachys sylvatica and Milium effusum underneath. There are some areas of tall herb vegetation. (D) is mown MG7 Lolium grassland with scattered trees. (E) is dense black-thorn and ash scrub. (F) is MG1 Arrhenatherum grassland. (G) is a thin oak woodland strip, shady, gradually narrowing eastwards into a thin blackthorn hedge. Area (H) is best part of site: a small oak/ash clump with MG1 and nettles underneath and a small pond which is steep sided, shaded, with brown water and some Impatiens glandulifera. There is disturbed ground in the east of this section, with ruderals, associated with a track, dumping and a fire site.

MANAGE:
Much of the woodland, scrub and rank grassland in (A),(B),(C) or (E) is unmanaged. These areas should be allowed to develop to woodland. Area (D) is close-mown, with cuttings left. Area (F) is  occasionally mown. There is some dumping and tree planting. Little can be recommended for most of the common. However, the pond in (H) needs opening out to allow more light through,and the edges need shelving to encourage aquatic plants. There is some storm damage in the woodland at (H).


FAUNA:
Previous records for adjacent field include 3 species of butterfly, Lesser Whitethroat, Blackcap, Redpoll. 
On visit: Wren, Wood Pigeon, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Blackbird, House Sparrow, Tree Creeper, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler.

VEG:
C31 tall herb generally lines the track, and is composed of Epilobium hirsutum, Urtica dioica, Calystegia sepium, Heracleum sphondylium and Solanum dulcamara. It is mixed with B22 grassland, which is wet in places, and has Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus repens, Glyceria fluitans (in wet hollows), Holcus lanatus, Poa trivialis, Bromus ramosus, Stachys sylvatica, Rumex obtusifolius, Juncus inflexus, Veronica beccabunga, Cirsium arvense, Juncus articulatus, J.bufonius, Plantago major and Oenanthe crocata.  The wooded tree fringe and hedge has ash, horse chestnut, hazel, hawthorn, elder, field maple and blackthorn, with Hedera helix frequent as a ground layer.

MANAGE:
There has been some scrub clearance on the byway by HCC CMS, but in general, the site experiences little management. The path is possibly mown in places occasionally. There is much horse riding, and this has contributed to the wet puddled state of the surface. The pathway should be made up in places to allow free passage, but wet areas should be preserved wherever possible. An occasional cutting of the central strip, and selective scrub clearance, should occur, to allow a graded structure from grass, to tall herb, to scrub and with woodland at the edge to develop. N.Herts museum records that fields to NW and SE were unimproved neutral grassland, with interesting ponds. However, at least one appeared to have been ploughed up.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Magpie, Song Thrush, Blue Tit, Yellowhammer. 
There are previous records of Orthoptera.

VEG:
A111 woodland is largely oak, with coppiced hazel and regenerating sycamore. There is some birch and ash. It is generally shady ,with little understory. Limited ground flora includes Rubus fruticosus, Endymion non-scripta. Other species present include holly, Lonicera periclymenum. A21 scrub is mainly hawthorn and elder; there is also scattered hawthorn scrub across the grassland. Most of the grassland on the site is a semi-improved acidic sward. There is much Agrostis capillaris and Holcus lanatus; other species recorded from the site include Stellaria graminea, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Achillea millefolium, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Galium verum, Moehringia trinervia and Pteridium aquilinum.

MANAGE:
There appears to be little management of the common. Part of the grassland appears to be cut occasionally; there is some lopping of tree limbs, much dumping of litter and rubbish, and the area is pressurised by recreation. The main management needs are to thin the woodland to form glades, clear the litter, prevent further scrub encroachment, and maintain the grassland areas by cutting and removal of the grass litter.


FAUNA:
There are large Lasius flavus anthills present. Previous records of Meconema thalassinum. Rabbit population large. 
On visit: Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Blue Tit, Willow Warbler, Robin, Magpie. 
Ringlet.

VEG:
The woodland/scrub areas consist largely of very tall Crataegus monogyna, Quercus robur and Sambucus nigra. The ground flora is poor. The grassland areas used to be acidic, but eutrophication caused by lack of grazing and accumulation of litter has led to an increasing tendency towards neutral grassland. The sward is now dominated by Holcus lanatus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, but with some large patches of Agrostis capillaris. There are scattered areas of Heracleum sphondylium and Chamaenerion angustifolium. Species recorded from the common as a whole include Fraxinus excelsior, Endymion non-scripta, Rubus fruticosus, Arum maculatum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Mercurialis perennis, Ulmus sp., Acer campestre, Corylus avellana, Urtica dioica, Phleum pratense, Geum urbanum, Pteridium aquilinum, Campanula rotundifolia and Veronica officinalis.

MANAGE:
The priorities of the HMWT are to maintain the open grassland through scrub clearance and mowing, though cuttings are not removed. The southern area is very closely-mown, as it is a children's play area. There are problems with motor cycles and dumping. The acid grassland is now effectively mesotrophic, and a substantial amount of regular cutting, with removal of grass litter, or grazing if possible, is necessary to prevent increasing rankness and loss of species.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Blue Tit, Wren, House Sparrow, Wood Pigeon, Yellowhammer, Blackbird, Dunnock, Greenfinch.  Meadow Brown. Green-veined White.

VEG:
(A) consists of oak, ash, lime and Salix fragilis trees over elder, hawthorn, nettles and MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. Bank (B) is an elm hedge with Galium aparine and an MG1 fringe. Area (C) is MG1 with scattered scrub (hawthorn, ash) and patches of Rubus fruticosus. There are large hedgerow trees (ash) on S. edge and scattered tall stag-headed oaks. Bracken is sporadic, with nettles and Heracleum sphondylium. Area (D) is oak/ash woodland with hazel beneath and bracken, Rubus and regenerating ash. Some trees are tall and old, and there are areas of MG1. The understory is dense, and there is a hedge at N edge. Stretch (E) is very tall roadside hedges next to road with much Urtica. Stretch (F) is a mosaic of banks with MG1, bracken and Calystegia sepium with a hornbeam hedge and scattered oaks behind, and MG1 grassland with elder, hawthorn and hazel scrub, and one area of Agrostis capillaris grassland.

MANAGE:
The verges are mown along the road in a thin strip, but otherwise the site is unmanaged. The wooded areas could be thinned in places, and selected areas mown in rotation, with removal of cuttings. The present mowing regime is likely to continue to prevent vegetation overhanging the road.


FAUNA:
Previous records include Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Reed Bunting and Partridge breed. Hare, Harvest Mouse, Fallow Deer and Muntjac recorded. 12 species of butterfly and the bush cricket Pholidoptera griseoaptera recorded. 
On visit, the following species were noted: House Sparrow, Moorhen, Blue Tit, Yellowhammer, Dunnock, Whitethroat, Greenfinch, Wood Pigeon, Linnet, Bullfinch, Blackbird, Blackcap, Wren, Willow Warbler, Stock Dove, Spotted Flycatcher, Chaffinch, Tree Creeper, Starling, Swallow, Kestrel. 
Also Mole, Common Shrew. 
Butterflies noted on visit were Small Tortoishell, Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper, Gatekeeper and Green-veined White.  
It is the likely that parts of the common are of interest for other invertebrates, especially the wet unimproved grassland sections.

VEG:
The whole common is complex and varied and difficult to describe systematically; points below refer to points on attached map. Overall, the site is rich and of some interest in a county context. Moor Green:-(1) Mown area containing Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia caespitosa, Ranunculus repens, Potentilla reptans, P.anserina, Urtica dioica, Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale, Daucus carota and Heracleum sphondylium. (2) contrasts with (1) and is unmown grassland, dominated by D.caespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, with Cirsium palustre, Centaurea nigra ,Juncus effusus, Ranunculus repens. It is attractive to insects. Silaum silaus and Luzula multiflora are recorded from Moor Green. The old pond in front of Fir Tree Farm has no water and much Epilobium hirsutum. Area (3) is a rutted track with bare mud. There is much Agrostis stolonifera Ranunculus repens Carex otrubae and ruderals. Melilotus officinalis also noted. The north-east side of this section is dense scrub and trees - mainly blackthorn, ash, elm, with Rubus fruticosus, Rosa canina and Phleum pratense. There are two ponds present adjacent to the scrub. They are surrounded by Epilobium hirsutum, with Scrophularia aquatica, Rumex obtusifolius, Glyceria fluitans, Lycopus europaeus, Veronica beccabunga, Apium nodiflorum, Juncus inflexus, Carex riparia, Solanum dulcamara, Ranunculus sceleratus and Salix cinerea.

Wood End Green (4) is largely an uncut MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, with Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Hordeum secalinum, Ranunculus repens, Lolium perenne, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Cirsium arvense, Phleum pratense, Potentilla anserina, Alopecurus pratensis and Achillea millefolium. Other species recorded from the green in the past include Acer campestre, Cardamine pratensis, Carex hirta, C. otrubae, C. remota, Centaurea nigra, Cornus sanguinea, Corylus avellana, Filipendula ulmaria, Gnaphalium uliginosum, Iris pseudacorus, Mentha aquatica, Primula veris and Rhamnus catharticus.

The eastern outlier of Wood End Green (5) is MG1 grassland with tall herbs, nettles and elder scrub (50%). The area is used for dumping straw and old farm machinery. Lye Lane (6) is a totally overgrown bridleway, covered in dense blackthorn and hawthorn scrub with nettles. It is completely inaccessible.

Gardeners End (7) is mostly B4 improved grassland - mown MG7 Lolium perenne - Trifolium repens grassland, with few other herbs. There is a fringing hedge and some tree planting. The small pond in the south is open, with Iris pseudacorus, Carex otrubae, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Epilobium hirsutum and Juncus inflexus. Field maple and ash trees occur next to it.

Ardeley Lane (Stretch (X) to (Y)) is mostly wet unimproved grassland with fringing hedges and trees. It is a muddy bridleway and footpath. Parts are MG1 grassland with nettles, and in other areas barley comes right to the track, or the hawthorn/oak hedgerow closes in, and occasionally the track becomes a shady lane, with tall ash trees. However, other parts are wider, with areas of relatively species-rich grassland, often very wet. Species present, mainly near (Y), include Polygonum hydropiper, Juncus bufonius, Deschampsia caespitosa, Ranunculus repens, Agrostis stolonifera, Galeopsis tetrahit, Glyceria fluitans, Veronica beccabunga, Filipendula ulmaria, Carex otrubae, Epilobium hirsutum, Melilotus officinalis, Pulicaria dysenterica, Centaurea nigra, Lathyrus pratensis, Stachys sylvaticus, Hypericum perforatum, Angelica sylvestris, Prunella vulgaris, Odontites verna and Juncus inflexus.

Section (A) leading to Muncher's Green, is similar, with much MG1 grassland and a small elm hedge, with many wet areas and wheel ruts. There is much P. anserina with J. inflexus, J. articulatus, G. fluitans, Mentha aquatica, C. otrubae, Agrostis canina, M. officinalis, Alisma sp., Alopecurus geniculatus, Eleocharis palustris, Rhinanthus minor.  Muncher's Green itself north to the ponds described under (3) above, is MG1 grassland with Juncus effusus, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cirsium palustre, Lotus corniculatus. D. caespitosa is dominant in many places though, often with Agrostis sp. In many ways, Muncher's Green resembles an old, wide track, which befits its previous role as a village, now abandoned. Previous records for Muncher's Green include Achillea ptarmica, Alisma lanceolatum, Angelica sylvestris, Apium nodiflorum, Cardamine pratensis, Galium palustre, G. verum, Primula veris, P. vulgaris, Pimpinella major and Senecio erucifolius. Stretch (B) leading south from the Green is drier, MG1 grassland, with more ruderals and tall herbs - e.g. much C. angustifolium.  Typha latifolia and Epilobium hirsutum occur along the edge in an old ditch. The area is generally more disturbed, with Tussilago farfara, Scrophularia nodosa, thistles and docks. Overall, the area around Muncher's Green is very interesting, and should be conserved.

Section (C) is similar to (B), but there is a broad hedge on the south side, mainly blackthorn. It is a wide agricultural track (5 - 10m) with bare mud and a ditch on the N side. It has MG1 verges, with much Plantago spp. and Dispacus fullonum. There are numerous willows in the hedge. Filipendula ulmaria, Phalaris arundinacea, E. hirsutum, Angelica and Lapsana communis occur. Area (D) is an uncut triangle of MG1 grassland, with broad tracks, and a MG1 verge with a wide blackthorn hedge on the south side.

Parker's Green (E) has a strip of oak woodland with dense understory at the north end. Ash, field maple, Malus sylvestris and Salix spp. are also present, with Glechoma hederacea, Bromus ramosus, Galium aparine, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Mercurialis perennis, Hedera helix and Geranium robertianum. It is secondary woodland, though there are some large standard oaks on the boundary. It opens into an area of probably unimproved, though largely MG1, grassland. This is not mown, apart from tracks. It has broad blackthorn scrub fringes. The grassland has much Holcus lanatus and Deschampsia caespitosa along with the dominant Arrhenatherum, and also Cirsium palustre, Juncus effusus, Epilobium hirsutum, Pulicaria dysenterica and scattered oaks. Badgers' Green and lane are largely tree fringed (ash and hawthorn) with a central muddy strip with a continuation of the MG1 grassland and nettles. It becomes completely overgrown and impassable scrub from point (Z).


The whole of this common land unit is a valuable network of remnant semi-natural habitat, and probably contains numerous additional species of interest. It would repay further study, and special effort should be made to conserve it.

MANAGE:
Parts of the common are mown, though cuttings are mostly left. Many sections are unmown. Trees have been planted in several areas. Pond clearance is necessary at the small pond on Moor Green. Parts of the site are used for dumping of rubbish and old farm machinery, which should be cleared away. Scrub has grown over sections of the paths and bridleways, and it should not be allowed to encroach onto the most important grassland areas. Some scrub clearance and hedge maintenance has been carried out by HCC CMS. Hay cutting occurs on Munchers Green. Grass cutting is necessary on parts of Ardeley Lane. Some hedge management is necessary, preferably laying. In general terms, the bulk of the site is used as farm access tracks, with the fringes mostly unmanaged, with the exceptions noted above. Many lanes are very wet. Management should continue roughly as at present; the main aim should be to preserve the unimproved grassland.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, House Sparrow, Dunnock, Blackbird, Collared Dove, Starling, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Spotted Flycatcher. 
Ringlet.

VEG:
Mostly B22 semi-improved grassland. Area (A) is a very narrow muddy bridleway, between dense blackthorn hedge and a leyland cypress hedge. Area (B) is uncut MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, though track is cut. There are few herbs (e.g. Ranunculus repens and Urtica dioica) and a scrub fringe. (C) - bulk of site is MG1 grassland with many thistles (Cirsium arvense) and Heracleum sphondylium, Centaurea nigra, Urtica dioica, Potentilla anserina, Rumex spp., Elymus repens, Epilobium hirsutum, Armoracia rusticana, with the occasional scattered scrub and planted trees. Area (D) is an area of largely Lolium perenne and Holcus lanatus, cut for hay.

MANAGE:
Most of the site is rank, though with the occasional mowing along tracks. Possibly parts of (C) are cut infrequently. There has been some tree planting, mainly horse chestnut. A hay crop is taken from the west end. The area opposite the pub is used as a car park. There is some dumping on the common. The whole common needs more frequent cutting, with removal of cuttings if possible. A pond could be dug at point (X), where there is a slight depression.


FAUNA:
Previous records of Great-crested Newts from the pond at edge of common. Also Chiffchaff, Tree Sparrow, Blackcap, Moorhen. 
On visit, the following species were noted: Robin, Blue Tit, Song Thrush, Whitethroat, Wood Pigeon, Starling, Stock Dove, Willow Warbler, Wren, Coal Tit, Linnet, Dunnock. 
Ringlet, Meadow Brown.

VEG:
A111 woodland is ash and oak, 10-15m high with elder, blackthorn, hawthorn and Rosa sp. underneath. It is dense, with little ground flora and is scrub fringed. Endymion non-scripta and Stellaria holostea recorded. There are occasional clearings with B22 grassland. Scrub is scattered on some of the site, with one large dense patch of ash and hawthorn scrub in the west. The central part of the common is B22 grassland, dominated by Holcus lanatus, with MG1 Arrhenath, Dactylis glomerata, Rumex obtusifolius, Cirsium arvense, Phleum pratense, Carex otrubae, Trifolium repens, Lolium perenne, Heracleum sphondylium, Mentha arvensis, Centaurea nigra, Agrimonia eupatoria and Plantago lanceolata.

MANAGE:
Most of the site appears to be unmanaged. There is one mown area, used for horse exercising. The area has been cut in the past, possibly by the Parish Council. Gypsies were camped on the area and may have cut part for their horses.  The grassland needs cutting at least annually, with removal of cuttings if possible. Scrub and woodland areas can be left to develop.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted:  Magpie, Wood Pigeon. 
Moles.

VEG:
Most of the site consists of B22 semi-improved grassland (MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland) with wide hedges. There is one area of woodland, patches of scrub and a small pond. The scrub is mainly hawthorn, blackthorn, oak, with some hornbeam. The most interesting part of the site lies just north of Brickendon, where there is a triangle of MG1 grassland containing Potentilla anserina, Lotus corniculatus, Pulicaria dysenterica, Ranunculus acris, Juncus effusus, Agrostis capillaris, Centaurea nigra, Torilis japonica, next to a small woodland containing ash, oak and alder with nettles and Epilobium hirsutum underneath. It is very shady, and a pond within the wood is much too shaded and full of leaf litter. There is some Sparganium erectum, and weeping willow on an island. The surrounds have holly and birch with Bromus ramosus and Hedera helix.

MANAGE:
Parts are mown, with varying degrees of intensity. Some areas are incorporated into house frontages. There is some ornamental tree planting. Little can be recommended for most of the grassland areas except for continued mowing, if possible with collection of cuttings on the most species-rich areas. The main management need is for thinning of the woodland and clearance of the pond, which needs much more light.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Song Thrush, House Sparrow, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer, Blue Tit, Greenfinch, Wren, Starling, Magpie, Blackbird, Blackcap, Goldfinch, Dunnock. 
Moles. 
Ringlet.

VEG:
Road verges with varying amounts of grassland, hedges, scrub and trees. (A) is B4 MG7 Lolium perenne grassland. (C) is an old pond site, with Iris, Glyceria maxima, Epilobium hirsutum and Mentha aquatica. Areas (B), (D) and (E) have B22 MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, with nettles and other tall herbs. There are scattered trees and boundary hedges, often blackthorn. Bromus ramosus, Arum maculatum, Mercurialis perennis, Galium mollugo and Melampyrum pratense occur. At (F) the hedge is very thick. Area (D) is mostly scrub and woodland, with oak, suckering elm, crab apple, coppiced hazel, dead trees, very dense. (G) is a wide MG7 verge with tall hedge and occasional tall ash trees. (I) is dense blackthorn hedge on both sides of road with thin MG1 and nettle verge; some scattered tall trees. (J) is a reseeded area at entrance to new housing estate. (K) is a wide MG1 verge, with frequent Phalaris arundinacea. (L) is MG1 with a  blackthorn, hawthorn and field maple hedge. The verge is reasonably species-rich here, with Filipendula ulmaria and Achillea ptarmica. There are some ornamental trees. (M) is MG7 grassland with a hedge. (N) is MG1 with nettles, and a tall elm and hawthorn hedge. (O) is a wide triangle of nettles. (P) is a tall hedge with very little road verge. Area (Q) is wide MG7 grassland with scattered scrub.

MANAGE:
Close mown in places, occasionally mown in others, with small areas unmown. Cuttings are usually left to decay. Management should continue as at present, but with removal of cuttings from selected areas if possible. Hedges should be laid where feasible. Scrub sections should be allowed to develop to woodland. The old pond in section (C) needs cleaning out and trees thinning around it.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Blue Tit, Tree Creeper, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, House Sparrow.

VEG:
Area (A) is wet willow woodland, with much Urtica dioica. Also present: blackthorn, sycamore, elm, horse chestnut, holly and yew with Bromus ramosus, Carex remota and Rubus fruticosus. (B) is open beech woodland, with holly, horse chestnut, some dead timber, and grassy underneath, with Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Poa trivialis, Stachys sylvatica and Chamaenerion angustifolium. Also Circaea lutetiana and Melica uniflora. (C) is sycamore and beech woodland, with Rubus underneath. Parts cleared or coppiced in past. Grades into willow and birch woodland to north. Pond (1) is shady, water low, muddy, with dumped rubbish, shaded by Salix sp. Pond (2) also is shaded and muddy with some Typha latifolia. Area (X) is bare mud next to the road which acts as a storm soak.  There are scattered mature ash and horse chestnut across the common. Leaf litter is abundant. Thick hedges occur along the common and merge in the north.

MANAGE:
There appears to be no management. Parts of the woodland have suffered storm damage, and there is dumping on the site. The main management need is thinning around the ponds, and deepening of the almost dried-up ponds to allow the retention of standing water and colonisation by aquatic plants.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species noted: House Sparrow, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Willow Warbler. 
Green-veined White.

VEG:
Most of common is lined by a hedge, intermittent in places. Species present at various points along its length include blackthorn, elder, elm, holly, ash, hawthorn and hazel. It becomes lower and more gappy towards the west. The grassland between the hedges and the track or road is mostly either a MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius community, or a MG7 Lolium perenne community. It occurs on both sides of track, and varies in width from 2 - 5m. Species present in the grassland at various points include Urtica dioica, Rubus idaeus, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Pteridium aquilinum, Centaurea nigra. At (X), the road narrows and becomes a track; here, there is almost no verge. From (Y) westwards the hedge is very low, or non-existent, with c.2m of MG1 on S. side and 3m of MG1 and bracken on N. side. At (Z), there is a thin woodland strip adjacent of tall ash and hazel on NW side, with MG1 grassland by track.

MANAGE:
The verge is mown in places. Hedges are trimmed occasionally. Little can be recommended, since the site is so narrow, but the hedge could be planted up towards the west, to fill the gaps, and hedges along the whole common could be cut less severely.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were recorded: Wren, Wood Pigeon, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Robin, Great Tit, Tree Creeper, Pheasant, Willow Warbler. 
Green-veined White, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood, Peacock, Red Admiral.

VEG:
Almost all of the site consists of semi-improved neutral grassland with bordering hedges. It is a wide, wet, green lane, with muddy tracks, often rutted. The track is 10-15m wide, with a thick wooded hedge in places. Most of the grassland is disturbed, and resembles a MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius community on drier areas. Wetter parts contain Ranunculus repens, Polygonum persicaria, Gnaphalium uliginosum, Juncus bufonius. Other ruderal species include Rumex obtusifolius, Heracleum sphondylium, Rubus fruticosus, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Plantago major, Galeopsis tetrahit and Tripleurospermum maritimum. The hedges are often tall, with frequent large trees (ash, oak and wild cherry), and are composed of hawthorn, elder, elm, hazel and holly. They are frequently fringed by nettles and bracken. Parts of the lane are shaded by trees and 3m tall hedges.

MANAGE:
Generally the common is unmanaged, and the sward height is controlled by the passage of agricultural vehicles, horses and motorcycles. However, it is close-mown at the eastern end. Little can be recommended for the site, apart from periodic hedge laying on selected parts, and perhaps occasional mowing of the rougher areas of grassland.


VEG:
Most of the NW part of the common is c.10m wide, close mown, and bisected by garden frontages, with scattered ornamental trees e.g. cherry. There is a small balancing pond at the NW end, which is almost dry, and very muddy, with one clump of Sparganium erectum. It has hawthorn and sycamore around it. The grassland is MG7 Lolium perenne community ,and the common apparently crosses the road several times, with nothing on the opposite side. Some of the grassland abutts tall hedges. SE of Bovingdon Lodge the grassland becomes ranker, occasionally mown MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, with a fringing hawthorn/elder hedge, with scattered oak, ash, horse chestnut and sycamore.

MANAGE:
Much of the site is close-mown or occasionally mown. Some is absorbed into garden frontages. There is much dumping on the common, especially in the small pond. A bench has been provided near the pond. Little can be recommended for the site. Cutting should continue in the SE, and perhaps some longer areas of grass could be left in the NW. The pond should be cleared out and deepened slightly, and perhaps some aquatic vegetation introduced.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Starling, Wren, Bullfinch, Linnet, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Robin, Carrion Crow, Dunnock, Moorhen, Swallow, Spotted Flycatcher, Jay, Tree Creeper, Willow Warbler.  Fox. Grass Snake. 
Gatekeeper, Common Blue, Green-veined White. Aeshna grandis. 
The areas of dense scrub and hedgerows on the site form good passerine and invertebrate habitat.

VEG:
Northern part of site is a wide strip of ruderal grassland, with scrub, and wide hedges, becoming more rank down to the motorway. The southern section narrows into a wide lane with tall hedges and areas of scrub, tall herb and MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland on each side of a concrete track. Despite its disturbed nature and position next to the motorway, the area is quite a valuable habitat with considerable diversity. Northern part: Most is a mosaic of tall herb and grassland. Species present include Phalaris arundinacea, Epilobium hirsutum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Solidago virgaurea, Artemisia vulgaris, Elymus repens, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Cirsium vulgare, C. arvense, Carex hirta, C. otrubae, Mentha arvensis, Lathyrus pratensis, Rumex obtusifolius, Agrostis stolonifera, Arctium minus, scattered Salix cinerea, Chenopodium bonus-henricus, C. album, Odontites, verna, Polygonum aviculare, Matricaria matricarioides, Ranunculus repens, Polygonum persicaria, Vicia cracca, Trifolium pratense, Poa annua, Juncus effusus, Dipsacus fullonum, Symphytum officinale, Conium maculatum, Anagallis arvensis, Calystegia sepium, Deschampsia caespitosa, Sonchus asper, Potentilla reptans, Filipendula ulmaria and Oenanthe crocata. Stream (G2) at north of site is deeply incised, slow flowing, with E. hirsutum, Polygonum hydropiper, Sparganium erectum and Apium nodiflorum. At (Y), the grassland is less rank, with fewer tall herbs, Agrostis canina, Elymus repens and Equisetum arvense. Area (Z) is mown MG7 Lolium perenne grassland.  there is considerable range of species in this northern section.

South of the motorway: (1) southern end is a ruderal MG1 community, with elm scrub and scattered oak trees. (2) is MG1 with dense blackthorn scrub. There is much Urtica dioica and Epilobium hirsutum, with a wide range of other tall herb vegetation. Much of this area is impenetrable.

MANAGE:
The area around the Service Station and parts of the southern half of the common are mown; the rest of the site is unmanaged. There have been many fires on the area, and much litter dumping, some of which has been cleared away after departure of gypsies; the area was an old gypsy encampment. Some ornamental willows have been planted near the service area. A bridleway has been routed under the motorway through an illuminated tunnel. The present areas of scrub should be left to develop, since they form a valuable inaccessible area. Open grassland and tall herb vegetation should be mown at least annually, with removal of cuttings at least in part. No further improvement should occur near the service station. The development of a nature area attached to the station would be a positive development for the area. Little can be recommended for south of the motorway other than occasional mowing.


FAUNA:
Birds recorded previously include Redpoll, Chiffchaff and Nightingale in 1980 and 1982. On visit, Yellowhammer, Robin, Blue Tit, Wren, Marsh Tit, Bullfinch, Nuthatch, Magpie, Wood Pigeon, Willow Warbler, Goldfinch and Spotted Flycatcher noted.  
Also Rabbits, Moles. 
Meadow Brown, Ringlet. 
Knebworth Woods is ISR site primarily for butterflies and beetle fauna. Norton Green has records of beetles especially related to aspen. 14 butterflies are recorded from the common and also Aeshna mixta.

VEG:
The common runs almost due N-S, and the southern half lies within the SSSI. Around half of the site is dense scrub, mainly blackthorn, but with Salix sp., elder. Very shady underneath, with little ground flora; some species present include Galium aparine, Stachys sylvatica, Glechoma hederacea. There are some patches of Rubus fruticosus and Urtica dioica, and small open areas have MG1 grassland. Small ponds are found near (A) and at the N. end: this pond (1) is overgrown by Typha latifolia, with Lycopus europaeus, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, Veronica beccabunga, Lysimachia nummularia and Myosotis sp. There is some open water with Callitriche sp.. Pond (2) is shaded, with some J.effusus and Galium palustre. B22 grassland is an MG1 community, with Anthriscus sylvestris, Ranunculus repens, Calystegia sepium, tall herbs such as Heracleum sphondylium, and a range of other species including Trifolium repens. The southern area opens out under the power lines into a nice area of disturbed grassland. Potentilla anserina and Juncus inflexus are dominant, with  Lotus uliginosus, Carex hirta, Alopecurus geniculatus, Gnaphalium uliginosum, J. effusus, J.bufonius, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia caesp-itosa and a range of other species. A111 woodland occurs in S, where it is oak and tall hawthorn (old hedges), and also in centre of site, with oak, hornbeam and coppiced hazel.

MANAGE:
HCC CMS have carried out work at the site - mowing, hedge laying and coppicing. However, the site appears to be largely unmanaged. There has been some scrub clearance under power lines, presumably by the Electricity Board. There are many wheel ruts and much disturbed ground here. There is much dumping on the site. Mowing of selected areas of grassland at least once per year is essential, and scrub should be thinned. The ponds need some careful management.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: House Sparrow, Collared Dove, Blackbird, Greenfinch.

VEG:
The site is a steep bank between roads, mostly covered in woodland and scrub. A111 is secondary oak and birch, with blackthorn and elder underneath. There are some large Scots Pine and other ornamental conifers. Ash and hawthorn are regenerating. There is an elm and hawthorn hedge along the B road and much ruderal vegetation and MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland along roadsides. Other species recorded from the site (excluding house and garden) include Urtica dioica, Lapsana communis, Rumex obtusifolius, Heracleum sphondylium, Artemisia vulgaris, Hedera helix, Epilobium hirsutum, Ulmus procera, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica, Corylus avellana, Rubus fruticosus, Glechoma hederacea, Geun urbanum, Alliaria petiolata, Silene dioica, Aesculus hippocastanum, Lonicera periclymenum, Geranium robertianum, Rosa canina and Stachys sylvatica.

MANAGE:
Excluding the house and garden, the common is unmanaged. There is much dumping, and part is used as a car park. Little can be recommended for the site; non-intervention may be the best option in the short term.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Tree Creeper, Nuthatch, Willow Warbler, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Wren, Robin, Wood Pigeon, Bullfinch.  Green-veined White.  
Nest boxes have been erected in various parts of the woodland.

VEG:
A111 covers around half of the site. Oak is dominant, with many shady areas, and ground layer of nettles, bracken, brambles and small areas of B12 Agrostis grassland. Other species present include blackthorn, hazel, patches of MG1 grassland, Hedera helix, Arctium minus, Geranium robertianum, Rumex obtusifolius, hawthorn, elder, wild cherry, birch and beech. There is much bramble and bracken on the site. The grassland is mainly open along power lines. South of the road, there is one area of larch and Scots pine, forming mixed woodland with oak and elder. It is dense and shady, with hawthorn scrub and some additional oak woodland near the road. There is little ground flora; some Hedera helix, Ulex europaeus, bracken and brambles. Part of the site has been fenced and broad-leaved trees planted, mainly cherry, ash, sycamore and oak. Holcus lanatus grassland occurs beneath the planted trees.

MANAGE:
There appears to be no management on the site, apart from the planted area south of the road. The trees are around 8 years old. Parish Council byelaws have been posted. There are many tracks on the site, and nest boxes have been provided. The main management need is to keep open the remaining acid grassland areas.


FAUNA:
Anthills present.  
On visit: Song Thrush, Wren, Wood Pigeon, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Dunnock, Spotted Flycatcher. 
Large Skipper, Ringlet.

VEG:
A21 scrub is Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra and large Horse Chestnut trees. Also Cornus sanguinea, Ligustrum vulgare and Acer campestre. Some scrub is shady with little ground flora; other areas have Mercurialis perennis, Hedera helix, Glechoma hederacea, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Lapsana communis and Poa trivialis in more open parts. B12 chalk grassland tends towards unimproved in places, but is generally rank and disturbed. There is much Arrhenath- erum and Dactylis glomerata, with Heracleum sphondylium, Pastinacea sativa, Agrimonia eupatoria, Solanum dulcamara, Galium mollugo, Centaurea nigra, Senecio jacobea. There are some patches of tall herb, mainly nettles, Galium aparine, Cirsium spp., Clematis vitalba. The pit area is scrub fringed, bare at S. end, with much tall herb. There is scrub and dumped cuttings within it. EFU recorded Clinopodium vulg- are, Leontodon hispidus, Origanum vulgare and Primula veris.

MANAGE:
Much scrub was cleared by the Trust in 1987, with stumps poisoned. HCC CMS have cleared some of the grassland, and the Trust plans to cut the grass every two years and remove the cuttings. The grassland is becoming very rank, and annual grass cutting with scrub clearance should occur as an urgent priority. Parts of the chalk pit could be scraped to produce bare areas. Dumping occurs on the site, and the path in the south is churned by horse riding.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were recorded: Linnet, House Sparrow, Song Thrush, Swallow, Greenfinch, Collared Dove.

VEG:
Most of site is B4 improved grassland, largely a species-poor MG7 Lolium perenne - Plantago lanceolata grasland, with some Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium and Prunella vulgaris. Around the southern pond are pollarded Salix fragilis trees, with Alnus glutinosa, Sambucus nigra, Urtica dioica Galium aparine, Crataegus monogyna and Salix cinerea. The pond has many ornamentals, together with Nymphaea alba, Juncus inflexus, much Typha latifolia, Epilobium hirsutum, Sparganium erectum and Scrophularia aquatica. The northern pond is dense and shaded, with stagnant water, fringed by ash trees. There is some Lemna sp., Sparganium erectum, Glyceria maxima and Ranunculus repens.

MANAGE:
The grassland is close-mown, with some cuttings left, but most apparently removed. There has been some tree planting of Prunus spp., hawthorn, alder and oak. Present management should continue, but some areas of longer grass should be left, additional trees should be planted, and the northern pond needs opening out and clearance of silt.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were recorded: Chaffinch, Blackcap, House Martin, Magpie, Bullfinch, Swallow. 
Rabbits. 
Anthills present in NW part of site. 
The common is an ISR site on the basis of old Coleoptera records, including some uncommon species.

VEG:
The northern half has the greatest interest, still retaining heathland habitats (1), with stands of Calluna vulgaris and Ulex minor admixed with Agrostis capillaris-Festuca sp-Galium saxatile acidic grassland. This habitat probably once covered the common, but scrub encroachment and improvement have reduced it to small areas. Genista anglica and Moenchia erecta are recorded from here. Acidic grassland with stunted Calluna and remnant heathland flora occurs at (2) and is maintained by rabbit grazing. An area to N(3) lacks Calluna but has short acid grassland with Campanula rotundifolia. Dense hawthorn scrub has invaded much of northern area and is now becoming secondary woodland with scattered oak trees and little ground flora. Main part of common (4) is now a MG1 type grassland with Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium, Phleum pratense, Cirsium arvense, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis spp., Lolium perenne and Rumex obtusifolius.

Less disturbed areas (5) have Hypericum perforatum, Centaurea nigra, Galium verum, Daucus carota, Anthoxanthum, Rosa sp. and Ulex europeus.

MANAGE:
The heath was grazed until the 1930s and rabbits prevented scrub encroachment until the 1950s. Conserving the remaining heathland habitats is the main priority as encroaching scrub is reducing its extent. Scrub clearance is needed, and possibly subsequent rotavation of the ground with scattered of Calluna seeds to re-establish heath. The south side is heavily used for recreation and cars drive over and park on the whole of the grassland. This is probably illegal, and should be discouraged by making barriers and possibly enlarging the car park a little. This grassland area was ploughed in World War 2; now it is probably mown occasionally. Some           
tree planting has occurred along the southern edge - more could be undertaken as the grassland is not botanically rich.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Magpie, many House Martins, Tree Creeper, Blue Tit, Swallow, Marsh Tit, Goldfinch, Willow Warbler, Wren, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Goldcrest, House Sparrow, Great Tit. 
Moles, Rabbits.  
Gatekeeper, Peacock, Green-veined White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Painted Lady, Small Skipper.  Chorthippus parallelus.  
Many anthills. 
The common is an ISR site on basis of old Coleoptera records including some uncommon species.

VEG:
The common is largely A111 woodland and A21 scrub, with areas of grassland and heath. Area (A) is oak scrub with hawthorn, ash, elder, blackthorn, Salix cinerea, Betula pendula, Ulex europaeus, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Rubus idaeus, Torilis japonica, Artemisia vulgaris and MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland along tracks. 

(B) is secondary oak (Q.robur) woodland, quite young and dense, shady with little ground flora. Rubus fruticosus occurs in places, along with U. europaeus, Ribes rubrum and Dryopteris sp. There are few large trees. Other tree species include sycamore, elder, birch and hawthorn. Areas on tracks have B12 acid grassland with Agrostis capillaris, Odontites verna, Hypericum perforatum, Hypochaeris radicata and Achillea millefolium. 

Area (C) is a close-mown Lolium perenne ley, used as a cricket field. 

(D) is oak woodland, more dense with fewer paths. It is shady in places, with much elder, Urtica dioica, Chamaenerion angustifolium.  There is much old coppiced hawthorn, some blackthorn, few large trees and little dead wood; generally, the woodland is even-aged and spindly, and largely dry. There are some small clearings, with B12 semi-improved acidic grassland, too small to map. Some areas have suckering elm, and Rubus fruticosus is dominant in others, with scattered bracken and Lonicera periclymenum.

Area (E) is scattered oak, elder and hawthorn scrub over rank B12 grassland, with much Agrostis capillaris and Holcus lanatus.

(F) is very tall hawthorn scrub, tending to woodland, very dense and shady underneath.

(G) is an area of dense hawthorn and blackthorn scrub over rank semi-improved acid grassland (A. capillaris, Centaurea nigra and Galium verum present), kept down by trampling and driving of cars.

Area (H) is the most interesting part of the common, although small, as it contains remnants of the original heathland, now existing in a mosaic with acidic grassland. Species present include Festuca ovina, Calluna vulgaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Rumex acetosella, Agrostis capillaris, A. canina, Galium saxatile, Deschampsia flexuosa, Ulex minor, U. europaeus and scattered oak and hawthorn scrub. It extends into a larger area of the same habitat in CL 64.

MANAGE:
Most of the woodland has developed from the 1950s, when rabbit grazing declined. The area was grazed prior to that. Areas (A), (B), (D), (E), (F), (G) and (H) are apparently unmanaged now. Area (C) is close-mown. The area is heavily used, and there are many tracks. Most of the woodland needs thinning, with creation of glades and gradual opening outwards from existing clearings. The main priority should be to maintain the existing heathland through scrub control and periodic cutting of both heather and grassland, with removal of cuttings. There is much dumping on the common. Cars drive on the common as it adjoins CL 64 - this should be discouraged.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Spotted Flycatcher, Robin, Wood Pigeon, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Nuthatch. 
Grey Squirrel.  
Speckled Wood.

VEG:
Most of the site is a dense beech woodland, with some holly underheath, but little ground flora. The woodland is secondary with few mature trees and little dead wood. It is very dry. Other species present in the woodland include hornbeam, hawthorn, oak, birch (B. pendula), Rhododendron ponticum and occasional Rubus fruticosus. the northern part of the common appears to be a private garden, managed as such.

MANAGE:
The woodland is unmanaged; the garden is mown. Some of the beech in the woodland has been coppiced in the past. The main management need in the woodland is thinning, to allow the development of a more diverse ground flora.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were recorded: Blue Tit, Robin, Nuthatch, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Wood Pigeon, Tree Creeper, Wren, Great Tit, Carrion Crow, Goldcrest, Magpie, Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher. Grey Squirrel. Green-veined White, Speckled Wood.

VEG:
Predominantly oak woodland, some mature (c.90 years), with dense young maiden trees. Little dead wood. High canopy largely oak, beech, ash and birch, 80-100 years old. Low canopy oak, rowan, ash and holly. Shrub layer predominantly holly, hawthorn and rowan; ground layer mainly Pteridium aquilinum, with Lonicera periclymenum, Conopodium majus, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Rubus fruticosus and Dryopteris sp. There are numerous paths and areas of bare ground; the topography is uneven due to old clay pits. Other species present in the woodland include sycamore, hazel, field maple, elder, Prunus avium with additional ground layer species Viola riviniana, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Circaea lutetiana, Geum urbanum, Stachy sylvaticus, Symphoricarpos rivularis. Ground layer generally sparse and intermittent. There is some MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland along roadsides in places.

MANAGE:
The common is generally unmanaged, apart from a small amount of tidying of fallen timber, presumably following damage by the storm of 1987. Regeneration is good and dense, mainly of holly, ash, hazel and oak. The area is used by bicycle and motorcycle riders, causing erosion, and there is some dumping. The main management need is for some thinning to create glades and allow more light to reach the woodland floor. All fallen or cut timber should be allowed to decay in situ, as there is very little of this habitat. Litter should be cleared and the motorcycle riding should be further discouraged. The snowberry should be cleared.


FAUNA:
24 species of butterfly recorded, including White Admiral, Silver-washed Fritillary, Small Blue, Marbled White, White-Letter Hairstreak and Purple Hairstreak. The common is an ISR site on the basis of recent records of Brown Hairstreak, rare in the area and very local nationally.

VEG:
Much of the common is scrub-covered, primarily hawthorn and blackthorn with scattered ash and oak. Area (Y) is more mature, with developing secondary oak and birch, patches of Urtica dioica or Pteridium aquilinum and the odd mature oak. Area (V) is oak and ash scrub with some mature woodland; there are also areas of thick scrub with elder, spindle dogwood and buckthorn. Scrub is mostly dense, grading into A111 secondary woodland. Along SW margins, this holds ash, beech and cherry. In NE of site, at bottom of slope, there is some oak and hazel woodland, with scrub including Rosa canina and Viburnum opulus and a range of other species. At (Z), there are more mature ash and beech trees on slope - ground flora includes Galeobdolon luteum, Milium effusum, Urtica and Rubus fruticosus. Woodland in SW is young oak and ash, with planted aspen. Woodland in north is mainly beech. Here, there are two areas of planted broad-leaved woodland, mainly oak with a range of other species. Ground flora poor in most planted areas. There is one larch plantation in the west. All grasslands are species-poor, southern one especially so. Roadside grasslands (B31) are richer with Primula veris, Hyoscyamus niger, Carduus nutans at (X).

MANAGE:
The area was grazed in the past, and the 1809 map of the area shows no trees present. All woodland is therefore secondary, but with some mature trees, some of which are pollarded. Scrub has spread greatly, and there has been some attempt to clear this in places. Hay is cut on some of the grassland. The southern grassland section was previously ploughed and reseeded. There is some felling and planting within the woodland areas. The maintenance of a mosaic of woodland, scrub and grassland is probably the best option for the site. Care should be taken to maintain the remaining areas of richer grassland, such as those along the roadsides.


FAUNA:
Ashridge SSSI is important for birds and is a BTO site. Breeding species include Sparrowhawk, Woodcock, Tree Pipit, Woodcock, Tree Pipit, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, Nightingale, Redstart, Wood Warbler, Firecrest, Siskin and Hawfinch.  The area is also an ISR site, with records of many invertebrate groups, though predominantly Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Many records are old or not localised, but it is likely that the area has considerable invertebrate interest, perhaps particularly associated with old trees and dead wood.

VEG:
A great deal of information exists for the site. Large scale habitat maps are available from both NCC and NT, and much historical information is held by NT. This summary is necessarily very general - consult NT or NCC for further information.  Much of the site is woodland or scrub. The age range of trees is very variable; parts are ancient woodland, parts old wood pasture and parts secondary. Ancient semi-natural beech woodland is found, with some large pollards Birch woodland and scrub has developed on open areas, often with oak. There are several areas of hornbeam-sweet chestnut coppice and ash-field maple-hazel coppice. Frithsden Beeches area is beech, birch and oak woodland with extensive open bracken covered patches. Part of this area is improved grassland (golf course). The golf course margins have a fringe of mainly birch woodland, and there are some moderately-rich acid grassland patches on fairways. Parts of the Frithsden Beeches section are dominated by birch; ground flora includes Rubus fruticosus, Holcus mollis, Digitalis purpurea and Mercurialis perennis. Many beeches here are large pollards - under these the ground flora is frequently absent. Areas of bracken grade into acid grassland and grass heath (very small areas) with Danthonia decumbens and Calluna vulgaris, particularly near the golf course.

Berkhamstead Common proper is almost entirely birch-dominated woodland, with some ash, oak and hawthorn. Bracken completely dominates the ground flora, though small strips of acid grassland occur near Coldharbour Farm.

Northchurch Common area:  north-western strip is ash, birch and oak woodland with Endymion non-scripta. The area to the south of the farmland is a mosaic of hawthorn and elder scrub with much bracken.  Areas of unimproved and semi-improved acidic grassland are also present, with associated species. A small area of fairly rich calcareous grassland is also present by the road at the southern edge.

Two large areas of arable land are present within the common land area.

MANAGE:
There is little management over much of the common. The golf course is mown, and there is some limited amenity management, such as path work, tree surgery, and also some bracken cutting and grass cutting on Northchurch Common. Parts of the site are under arable management. HCC CMS has carried out tree planting. There is some very small-scale exercise of estover rights. The main management problem is lack of work in keeping grassland and heath areas open, and efforts should be made to retain these, preventing the spread of scrub and bracken. Dead wood and old trees should retained.


FAUNA:
Ashridge SSSI is important for birds and is a BTO site. Breeding species include Sparrowhawk, Woodcock, Lesser-Woodcock, Lesser-spotted, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Nightingale, Firecrest, Wood Warbler, Siskin and Hawfinch. 
On visit a good small bird community was noted: Carrion Crow, Blue Tit, Tree Creeper, Robin Siskin, Coal Tit, Wren, Willow Warbler, Stock Dove, Blackbird, Great Tit, Nuthatch, Wood Pigeon, Long-tailed Tit, Magpie, Jay, Marsh Tit, Dunnock, Garden Warbler, Gold crest, Swallow, House Martin, Song Thrush.  
Rabbits and Grey Squirrel noted. 
Meadow Brown, Green-veined White, Speckled Wood, Large White and Small Tortoishell noted on visit.  The common forms part of an ISR site, on the basis of rather old and geographically imprecise Lepidoptera and Coleoptera records.  However, these indicate that there may be considerable invertebrate interest in the area, possibly linked in particular with dead wood and old trees. The large area and diversity of habitats are particularly important features.

VEG:
A large amount of information exists for this common, with detailed habitat maps held by NCC and NT. This summary is very generalised and incorporates our own observations. For further information, consult NT or NCC. Most of the site is woodland, and the Aldbury common area has many fine old oak and beech standards with good structure, and remnants of old wood pasture. Rail Copse is largely semi-natural woodland, probably ancient, with oak, hornbeam, hawthorn, birch, sweet chestnut, beech and ash. Ground flora is often sparse, but dominated by Pteridium aquilinum, Holcus mollis, Oxalis acetosella, Endymion non-scripta, Lysimachia nemorum and Rubus fruticosus, with some Rhododendron invasion. Grymes Dell area north of road is dominated by very large beech trees. Clearings have Pteridium, Rubus, Deschampsia flexuosa, Agrostis capillaris, Holcus mollis, Bromus ramosus. There is scattered birch, holly, sweet chestnut, oak and hornbeam.  The ground layer is sparse under beech, with scattered Oxalis acetosella amidst bracken and bramble.

The northern part of the site around the Bridgewater monument is largely semi-natural woodland, possibly wood pasture in places, with open patches. There are numerous mature trees, mainly oak, beech and hornbeam, some magnificent old pollards, and occasional standing dead timber. It is similar in composition to Rail Copse, with clearings containing acid grassland, brambles and birch. Parts of the woodland have dense nettles, parts dense bracken, though other areas are shady with little ground flora. Open areas along the approach to the monument grade into woodland clearings; the grassland along this strip is mown B22 MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, though in places it appears to be more acidic.

The whole of the common contains numerous uncommon species, including Saxifraga granulata, Helleborus foetidus, Cephalanthera damasonium, Monotropa hypopitys, Carex pallescens and Calamagrostis epigejos.

MANAGE:
Little management currently occurs on the common, except for light amenity management and some very limited exercise of estover rights. Some grassland areas are mown, and the National Trust maintains rides and clears fallen trees. The area is very popular, and there is much dumping in places. Regeneration in the woodlands in adequate, though squirrels and deer are probably locally detrimental to this. Many of the woodland areas could be thinned, with creation of additional rides. The woodland is too tidy, with insufficient dead wood - an effort should be made to retain this and also dead trees. Some tree planting has occurred, including conifers (these should be discouraged). Continuation of present management, with these provisos, is recommended.


VEG:
The common lies on the eastern flood plain of the River Trent to the west of Scunthorpe. The site was surveyed by Judith Allinson in 1988. There is no public access to the common and, in view of the existing survey and time constraints, it was only viewed through binoculars from a nearby road, about 500m distant. 

The common was described as "wettish grazing land on peat on alluvial material which has not been ploughed". Occasional bog oaks are present. To the western side of the common, near the entrance gate, there is an area of what appears to be semi-improved grassland of NVC type MG6 ({\it Lolium perenne/Cynosurus cristatus}, with much {\it Bellis perennis} present). However this quickly grades into a mosaic of NVC types MG9/MG10 (ie. {\it Deschampsia/Holcus/Juncus} grassland, but with very little {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} over much of the pasture). 

To the eastern end was recorded an area of scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} scrub. Other species present were: {\it Agrostis canina, A. capillaris, A. stolonifera, Achillea ptarmica, Carex viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa, C. panicea, C. nigra, Cirsium arvense, Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Glyceria fluitans, Hypochoeris radicata, Juncus articulatus, J. bulbosus, J. effusus, Luzula multiflora, Mentha aquatica, Molinia caerulea} (rare), {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Phragmites australis, Potentilla erecta, P. anserina, Ranunculus repens}, and {\it Galium saxatile}. In the ditch to the northern edge are {\it Carex acutiformis, C. elata, Iris pseudacorus} and {\it Lysimachia vulgaris}. In terms of Phase 1, this vegetation appears to involve elements of both marshy grassland and damp neutral grassland.

During the present survey, it was only possible to make out the boundaries of the site. These appeared to be mainly barbed-wire fences with only a very occasional small bush of {\it Crataegus monogyna}. The trees along the NE edge of the common are still there and appear to be {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula} sp. and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. There were no signs of an area of scattered {\it C. monogyna} scrub.

MANAGE:
During the present survey it was possible to confirm that the common is still grazed by cattle (plus an occasional horse). The levels of grazing appear quite high, with the vegetation appearing from a distance to be quite short. The 1988 survey considered the site to be of SSSI quality due to the scarcity of this vegetation type in Humberside. A further survey of the site is recommended to determine whether it retains its botanical diversity.


FAUNA:
The common/SSSI has a Grade B entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. This lists the site as being very important for waterbeetles, including one RDB2 {it\ Hydroporus rufifrons} and four nationally notable species - {\it Agabus labiatus, A. uliginosus, Cercyon tristis} and {\it Hygrotus decoratus}. These are restricted to the grassy pools at the SE edge of the site and do not appear to have colonised the lakes created by the Wildlife Trust. There is also a significant dragonfly assemblage and two nationally notable moth species {\it Cucullia abisinthii} and {\it Eustrotia uncula}. For full details consult the ISR.

Breeding birds on the common include teal, snipe, woodcock, long-eared owl, tree pipit, green and great-spotted woodpeckers and a number of more common woodland species.

VEG:
The common coincides exactly with the boundary of the SSSI of the same name. The accompanying habitat map and description is derived from the SSSI citation/scientific file. The site is also recorded in the Lowland Heathland Inventory of North Yorkshire and Humberside (R. Fenton, 1992). Only a very brief visit was made to the common, viewing it from the road to the south. 

The site forms a relict portion of a former raised mire system which lies to the west of the Isle of Axholme. It is one of only three such areas remaining in South Humberside. The peat has been partly covered by blown sand. In the past it was used extensively for peat cutting (no turbary rights registered). This activity has resulted in localised variations in the water table.

A large proportion of the site has been colonised by {\it Betula pubescens} woodland. Towards the west, where the ground is higher and drier, there is a canopy of {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Betula pubescens} and {\it B. pendula}, with an understorey of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. or dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. In the central area the {\it Betula} is less mature and {\it Salix cinerea} is common, reflecting wetter conditions. {\it Phragmites australis} and {\it Molinia caerulea} also present.

In the eastern portion, which is wetter, open areas of fen and heathland have been maintained by a programme of tree/scrub removal. Most of the heath is wet and dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Erica tetralix. Andromeda polifolia} occurs here at the SE limit of its British range (GR 756038). However, this is now reported to be reduced to a single plant. Drier sandy areas have {\it Calluna vulgaris} dry heath, whilst the fen is characterised by {\it Phragmites australis} and {\it Cladium mariscus}. Small areas of {\it Sphagnum} spp. mosses still occur. 

There is also an open water body in this part of the common - "Pantry's Pond", with a series of adjoining pools and islands. Other plant species recorded from the site include {\it Salix viminalis, Lysimachia vulgaris, Calamagrostis epigejos, Deschampsia flexuosa, Luzula multiflora, Galium saxatile, Eriophorum angustifolium, Cirsium dissectum, Achillea ptarmica, Lythrum salicaria, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Carex paniculata}. Two further species of particular interest are {\it Frangula alnus}, which occurs in the narrow strip of trees/woodland along the southern edge of the common, and {\it Thalictrum flavum}, which occurs in a small patch of neutral grassland at extreme SE of the site, adjacent to the entrance.

MANAGE:
The common is managed as a nature reserve by the Lincolnshire Trust for Nature Conservation. The main management work undertaken is the removal of scrub and trees and, occasionally, clear felling of whole woodland blocks. This is to maintain the diverse mosaic of vegetation communities/habitats which exist on the site, many of which are of entomological significance. Without this, the whole site would progress to woodland, with the consequent loss of conservation interest. 

Particular attention is given to maintaining several areas of open water, one of which is important for a number of types of rare water beetle and additional ponds have been created in an attempt to provide new habitat for them to colonise (as yet unsuccessful). The large "Pantry's Pond" has been enlarged by the creating a series of channels and pools, using the resulting spoil to create islands and banks. The pond also has a bird-watching hides provided. There is a path around the perimeter of the site, for use by members posessing permits, which is also kept clear of trees. 

Being one of only three lowland peat sites in South Humberside, this common, despite its relatively small size, is of significant regional importance. A further management tool is grazing by sheep, with the central portion being fenced in 1993 to allow grazing of this area aimed at discouraging tree regeneration.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, wren, skylark, large white butterfly, meadow brown, gatekeeper.

VEG:
This common is a small disused chalk pit on the outskirts of the village of Worlaby. Unlike the nearby similar site a few km to the north at Bonby, this one has not been filled-in. There is a record of the site on the Lincs. and South Humberside Trust for Nature Conservation Schedule of Sites of Conservation Importance, dating back to 1977. In view of the date of this record, a survey of the site was undertaken.

The main interest of the common lies in the remains of the old quarry itself, which occupy the central portion. Here there is a sward of somewhat rank calcicolous grassland. This is mainly dominated by {\it Bromus erectus}, with occasional-to-frequent, and elsewhere, locally co-dominant {\it Brachypodium pinnatum}. A number of quadrats were recorded to try and identify the NVC communities present. In addition to the two dominant grasses, there are also locally frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Helictotrichon pratense, H. pubescens, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Brachypodium sylvaticum} and {\it Trisetum flavescens}. 

Occasional-to-frequent forbs include {\it Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus, Pimpinella saxifraga, Heracleum sphondylium, Knautia arvensis, Centaurea scabiosa, Ononis repens, Leontodon hispidus, Achillea millefolium, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Rhinanthus} sp., while occurring occasionally are {\it Plantago media, P. lanceolata, Geranium pratense, Tragopogon pratensis, Galium verum} and {\it Carex flacca}, and rarely, {\it Linum catharticum, Lathyrus pratensis} and {\it Campanula rotundifolia}. The most likely NVC fit appears to be CG5. However, the presence of species such as {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Trisetum flavescens} may suggest a transitional community with CG4, or even a mesotrophic grassland type, given the relatively low diversity and frequency of strictly calcicolous forbs.

Surrounding the quarry is a narrow band of dense scrub/trees progressing to woodland, amongst which is a mix of tall neutral grassland and ruderals. The scrub and trees are mainly {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with occasional {\it Malus} sp., {\it Sambucus nigra, Rosa canina, Prunus} sp. and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. The neutral grassland/ruderals comprise {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia repens, Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Stachys sylvatica} and {\it Aegopodium podagraria}, plus one stand of {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. At the edge of the road is a mown verge with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium, Centaurea nigra, Torilis japonica, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and  {\it Elytrigia repens} (this part is not fenced).

MANAGE:
The common has been fenced in the past to keep out motorcycles and this appears to have been successful. There is no management at present. 

The site appears to support the most diverse example of calcicolous grassland found on any Humberside common visited during the present survey. In view of its extremely small size, however, it can only be considered to be important on a local scale. Continued monitoring of this site is recommended. 

There is a possible future threat of the grassland becomimg shaded by encroaching scrub and trees, which would almost certainly reduce the botanical diversity of the site. In this event, control of scrub and trees is recommended. The structural diversity of the grassland sward suggests a variety of microhabitats for invertebrates and it probably has good small mammal populations. 

The surrounding scrub/woodland appears to have potantial for a variety of birds. In summary, a small, but diverse site and worthy of continued surveillance.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: greenfinch, moorhen, blue tit, skylark, willow warbler, large white butterfly, small tortioseshell, gatekeeper, small skipper, ringlet, 7-spot ladybird. Also several blue-coloured damselflies and a dragonfly, possibly {\it Libellula depressa}.

VEG:
The common lies on the outskirts of the small town of Howden. It is divided into two portions by the course of an old railway line.  With no biological information to hand, a field survey of this site has been undertaken. 

The northern portion is overgrown with a mosaic of swamp and tall ruderal herb species. Stands dominated by {\it Glyceria maxima} cover about half of this area. In addition there are also large areas of previously cut ? {\it Typha latifolia} (now as dead stems), over which there are locally abundant {\it Senecio} sp. and {\it Persicaria maculosa}, plus frequent {\it Cirsium arvense} and ? {\it Chenopodium} sp. Locally there are scattered new shoots of {\it Typha latifolia}, with occasional {\it Epilobium palustre, Epilobium} sp., {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Cirsium vulgare}. In addition there are also several small stands of {\it Filipendula ulmaria} with locally frequent {\it Cirsium arvense, Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Calystegia sepium}, plus one stand of {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and another area with abundant {\it Phragmites australis}. Other plants noted locally within this area include {\it Vicia cracca} and {\it Scrophularia aquatica}. 

Finally, there is also a central area with abundant tussocky {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Carex ?otrubae}.  There are also occasional scrub and trees in this area - {\it Salix} spp., {\it Crataegus monogyna, Quercus} sp., and small planted seedlings of {\it Acer campestre} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. Along the western edge of this portion runs a well-used path, along which is a narrow strip of tall neutral grassland/ruderals - {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Lolium perenne, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. 

The opposite side of the common at this point runs along a drain and this has a row of tall {\it Salix ?alba} trees. At the extreme northern tip of the common lies a small pull-in next to the A63(T). Here there are several clumps of {\it Armoracia rusticana} with locally frequent {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Tripleurospermum maritimum}, plus locally occasional {\it Artemisia vulgaris, Arctium minus, Sisymbrium officinale, Anthriscus sylvestris, Symphitum ? x uplandicum} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}.

The southern portion of the common is dominated by the pond, which has a series of wooded "islands" within it. These have trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Populus ? canadensis, Betula} sp., {\it Crataegus monogyna, Salix} spp., plus occasional {\it Larix decidua}. The margins of the islands and the shore of the lake are locally fringed with marginal vegetation (F2.1) which includes dense {\it Glyceria maxima}, plus {\it Juncus effusus, J. articulatus, Senecio aquaticus, Epilobium hirsutum, Oenanthe fistulosa, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Ranunculus flammula, Persicaria maculosa, Eleocharis} spp. ({\it E. palustris} and ? {\it E. uniglumis}) and {\it Scrophularia aquatica}. In addition, a small clump of {\it Nymphaea alba} was noted near to one of the islands. 

There are also large areas of bare mud at the water's edge, created probably by the combined effects of birds and anglers, with {\it Persicaria amphibia} floating in the water. Adjacent to the pond are several areas of swamp. These are mainly dominated by {\it Phragmites australis}, with other species which include {\it Glyceria maxima, Typha latifolia, Juncus inflexus, J. effusus, Potentilla anserina, Carex ?otrubae, Senecio aquaticus, Myosotis} sp., {\it Oenanthe fistulosa} and {\it Eleocharis} spp. At the margins of the swamp the vegetation merges into areas of tall neutral grassland/tall ruderals - {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Cirsium arvense, Chamerion angustifolium, Galium aparine, Lathyrus pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium hirsutum, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Angelica sylvestris}. 

Throughout the area surrounding the pond are a number of {\it Salix} spp. trees in scattered and small clumps. Species identified include {\it S. cinerea, S. fragilis, S. alba} and {\it S. viminalis}. To the east of the pond lies an area of somewhat drier swamp, which appears to be progressing to grassland. This is dominated by {\it Glyceria maxima} with locally frequent {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Persicaria maculosa}. At the extreme eastern edge, {\it E. arundinacea} becomes locally dominant.

MANAGE:
The common appears to be managed by the town council. Very little active managemnt takes place at present. There has been a large investment in constructing boardwalks across areas of wet vegetation. There is an information board and picnic tables provided at the eastern point of entry onto the common. The northern area of swamp/tall herb vegetation appears to have been cut back in recent times.

The nature conservation interest of the site is probably limited by the high levels of recreational use. Stretches of the pond shore are trampled by anglers and ducks, while the numerous paths around the site cause some disturbance and allow eutrophication from dog fouling. Despite this the site appears to have a fairly good degree of botanical diversity and wide structural diversity of habitats present. The pond appears to have potential for dragonflies and damselflies etc. and an invertebrate survey is recommended.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, wren, rabbits, meadow brown butterfly.

VEG:
The common lies at the NW edge of the Isle of Axholme, on flat ground adjoining the South Engine Drain, which runs alongside the canalised River Torne. The site was surveyed by the wildlife trust in 1977. It is recognised that this is now rather out of date. The common was viewed from the public footpath which runs along the NW side of the common, on the opposite side of the North Engine Drain, and also from a public footpath which passes close to the eastern tip of the site. 

The 1977 survey makes reference to an even earier survey of 1948, when the site was botanically diverse, with species such as {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Nardus stricta, Rhinanthus major, Potentilla erecta, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Saggitaria sagittifolia}. By 1977 the site was described as "practically destroyed". The only elements of the original diverse flora remaining were very localised stunted plants of {\it Calluna} and {\it Erica tetralix}.

At the time of the present survey, the common was seen to comprise a number of separate fields, with the site being sub-divided by a number of drains/fences. A steep bank at the NW edge of the common, along the South Engine Drain, has a narrow strip of vegetation comprising neutral grassland, tall ruderals and scattered scrub. The strip is now crossed by the fence-lines leading down to the drain, but it appears to have been a continuous strip at some time past, with what appears to be the remnants of a hedgerow of {\it Crataegus monogyna} running along the top of the bank, parallel with the drain. This vegetation contains {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Cirsium arvense, Galium verum, Chamerion angustifolium, Torilis japonica, Centaurea nigra, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Vicia cracca}. Toward the lower part of the slope are {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Iris pseudacorus, Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, Epilobium hirsutum, Scrophularia aquatica, Phalaris arundinacea, Lythrum salicaria} and {\it Calystegia sepium}, with locally, at the water's edge, {\it Carex ?riparia, Sparganium} sp. and {\it Glyceria maxima}. Scattered in various parts are occasional bushes of {\it Salix} spp. {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus}.

The grassland across the major portion of the common appears to be improved in character. Locally occasional or frequent were {\it Senecio jacobaea, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare} and {\it Sonchus} sp. Some of the internal boundaries are marked by hedges of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and locally have {\it Salix} spp. trees. In addition, there is a well-developed hedge with trees along the NE edge of the common which has {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Crataegus monogyna, Salix} spp. and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}.

The SE side of the common is crossed by a fenced track. This appears to have created a small ungrazed strip of coarse neutral grassland ({\it Arrhenatherum elatius}) along the edge of Folly Drain.

MANAGE:
As mentioned eariler, the common is divided by fences into several separate grazing units. At the time of the site visit, a variety of grazing management was evident, For example, certain areas were being grazed by horses, others by cattle, while one area had no stock at present. The narrow strip along the South Engine Drain has, in places, dense concentrations of grazing rabbits. Looking across the site from this side, a linear striped pattern was evident in the grassland sward. This appeared to be produced by the relative density of flowering spikes produced by the grasses. This suggests that the site, or parts of it at least, have been ploughed and re-seeded at some time. Ideally, with time available, this site should be comprehensively re-surveyed.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: wren, skylark, greenfinch, meadow brown butterfly.

VEG:
The common lies on the edge of the Wolds Chalk escarpment just to the east of Bonby. It was originally a small chalk pit, but this has now been filled-in and re-seeded. The site was in this condition at the time of the LTNC survey in 1977. A visit was made to the site to look for any change since this date. 

The re-seeded portion appears to have changed little, being dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}. The grass had been recently cut, with the clippings removed, like a hay crop. Recognisable forbs occurring locally within this grassland include {\it Centaurea scabiosa, C. nigra, Lotus corniculatus, Pimpinella saxifraga, Plantago lanceolata, Glechoma hederacea, Veronica chamaedrys, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. In 1977 the grass was described as having "species characteristic of disturbed ground" and it appears that some of the above may have recolonised on chalk present in the replaced topsoil. Also present are several clumps of {\it Armoracia rusticana}, while along the southern side are small clumps of {\it Reynoutria japonica}.

Along the northern side of the common there is a narrow road verge where elements of the original calcareous flora exist. This is mainly a coarse neutral grassland sward dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}, with locally frequent {\it Festuca rubra, Trisetum flavescens} and {\it Brachypodium pinnatum}. A range of forbs present includes {\it Galium verum, Centaurea nigra, C. scabiosa, Knautia arvensis, Achillea millefolium, Heracleum sphondylium, Lathyrus pratensis} and {\it Plantago lanceolata}. 

A further verge on the NE side, about 1.5m has been fenced. This again has semi-improved neutral grassland and has been planted with trees: {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Acer campestre}.

Along the southern edge of the common runs an old green lane lined with mature trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. Beneath is coarse grassland/tall ruderal species etc.: {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Trisetum flavescens, Dactylis glomerata, Elytrigia repens, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Calystegia sepium, Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica, Centaurea nigra, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Stachys sylvatica}. 

In the SW corner the trees form a small block of true woodland with undershrubs of {\it Symphoricarpos albus, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sambucus nigra}, with a field layer which includes {\it Hedera helix, Alliaria petiolata, Urtica dioica, Galium aparine, Bromus sterilis, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Geum urbanum} and {\it Tamus communis}. This area includes one dead ? {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} tree.

MANAGE:
As already discussed, the old chalk pit has been filled and re-seeded several years ago. The site may have been botanically interesting before this was done. The reclamation work also included the fencing and planting of trees on the NE edge of the site. The re-seeded grassland appears to be cut by mowing, with the clippings removed like a hay crop. This is preferable to leaving the cuttings "in-situ" as this prevents eutrophication. 

There appears to have been some recolonisation of the sward by calcicolous species, presumably from the verge along the northern edge. This management regime would appear the most appropriate for the site. 

There are several small clumps of {\it Reynoutria japonica} which ideally should be treated with weedkiller to prevent a serious infestation. The lighting of fires on the site is seen as a potential threat, both from an aesthetic point of view and also because this may allow species such as {\it Chamerion angustifolium} to colonise. 

Warning signs need to be placed to the south of the common to discourage people from dumping rubbish on this part of the site.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: greenfinch, goldfinch, yellowhammer, swallow, wood pigeon, housemartin, large white butterfly, meadow brown, ringlet.

VEG:
The common lies on the western edge of the Yorkshire Wolds and incorporates the Newbald Becksies SSSI. A visit was made to the common, where the SSSI was viewed from the edge and the western (non-SSSI) portion was surveyed. A diverse mosaic of habitats have resulted within the SSSI, which lies on the spring-line at the base of a chalk slope. The site is important as one of the best remaining examples of flush and wetland communities in north Humberside. A detailed large-scale habitat map for the SSSI was available from the Scientific File. 

Associated with the spring-line are base-rich bryophyte communities, which are dominated by mosses such as {\it Drepanocladus revolvens, Acrocladium cuspidatum} and {\it Cliamacium dendroides}. Higher plants include {\it Pinguicula vulgaris, Carex viridula} subsp. {\it brachyrrhyncha, C. flacca, Valeriana dioica, Menyanthes trifoliata} and {\it Dactylorhiza incarnata}. 

Adjoining the springs are areas of marshy grassland, dominated by {\it Juncus inflexus, J. articulatus} and {\it Carex disticha}, with abundant {\it Valeriana dioica} and frequent {\it Galium uliginosum, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Caltha palustris}, plus {\it Dactylorhiza} spp. orchids (incl. {\it D. fuchsii}). Other stands of marshy grassland have {\it Crepis paludosa, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Succisa pratensis}. In addition, there are also areas of swamp with tall herbs such as {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Cirsium palustre, C. arvense, Urtica dioica} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}. This vegetation forms wide bands on the lower slopes and in the vicinity of the watercourses which traverse the site.

The wet grassland grades into drier neutral grassland which include species such as {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra} and {\it Briza media}. Other species present include {\it Sanguisorba officinalis, Leontodon hispidus, Lathyrus pratensis, Listera ovata, Achillea ptarmica, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Rhinanthus minor}. 

Drier areas above the spring-line support semi-natural woodland with canopy trees mainly of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}, plus undershrubs of {\it Crataegus monogyna}. The eastern part of the SSSI appears to be scrubbing over in places, with one tall specimen tree of {\it Salix alba} noted. Along the road at this end of the SSSI, there is a row of what appear to be planted trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}, about 10m tall, situated about 5m in from the roadside edge.

The western portion of the common appears to be overgrown with a mixture of tall neutral grassland, tall ruderal herbs and various scattered trees. This vegetation has {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Epilobium hirsutum, Rumex obtusifolius, Galium aparine} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. Scattered trees/shrubs include {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Sambucus nigra, Acer pseudoplatanus, Salix} spp. (incl. {\it S. alba}), {\it Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. Species noted along the watercourse include {\it Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Apium nodiflorum, Cirsium palustre, Epilobium hirsutum, Myosotis} sp. and {\it Scrophularia aquatica}. Locally along the stream the vegetation grades into areas of swamp with {\it Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}.

MANAGE:
The common is owned by the Parish Council and the SSSI is managed under a Countryside Stewardship funding (1993). This part of the common has recently been fenced to allow light summer grazing by cattle (stock were present at time of site visit). This was the traditional management of the site until about 15 years ago. Part of the agreement necessitated provision of gates for public access. Future work on the SSSI may involve the clearance of encroaching scrub from the eastern end. 

The western, non-SSSI portion of the common appears unmanaged and lies outside the fenced area.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: greenfinch, rabbit, yellowhammer, house sparrow, pheasant, swallow, blackbird, great tit, wood pigeon, moorhen (on pond). A local resident also mentioned that barn owls hunt along the common.

VEG:
The common was once an important part of the local economy, apparently being mentioned in the Domesday Book. At one time it was well-known for the large number of grazing geese kept here. In the absence of any other information, a site visit was made to the common.

Most of the area comprises a neutral grassland sward. This had been cut for hay by a local farmer, just prior to the visit. This appears to contain {\it Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra} and {\it Lolium perenne}. Forbs noted include {\it Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Heracleum sphondylium, Ranunculus acris, Anthriscus sylvestris, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Centaurea nigra}. At (1) there is a damp depression with {\it Juncus ?effusus} and {\it Potentilla anserina}.

Crossing this eastern portion of the common are a number of drains with strips of uncut vegetation on either side, about 2.0m wide. These comprise stands of tall, coarse neutral grassland plus tall ruderals: {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Epilobium hirsutum, Galium aparine, Lathyrus pratensis, Utrica dioica, Rumex obtusifolius, Stachys sylvatica, Torilis japonica, Calystegia sepium, Potentilla anserina, Cirsium arvense} and {\it C. vulgare}. There are also a number of bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} present in these areas. The ditches themselves appear to be too shaded by the tall vegetation to support any interesting species, but occasional {\it Scrophularia aquatica} were noted. Most of this part of the common lacks any form of boundary hedge and to the north is almost contiguous with the adjacent arable fields. To the south, however, there is an intact {\it C. monogyna} hedge also with {\it Sambucus nigra} and one tree of {\it Ulmus} sp. The margins of the common here also have strips of uncut grassland/tall ruderals.

At (2) there is a small pond. This is used by moorhens etc. and has very little fringing vegetation, with just a few clumps of {\it Juncus inflexus}. Surrounding this is an area with {\it Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}, plus occasional trees/shrubs: {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, C. monogyna, Salix} spp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. In the open water were two clumps of {\it Nymphaea alba}, while beneath the surface are water crowfoots ({\it Ranunculus} sp.). 

To the east of here the boundary of the common lies next to various properties and there is a clump of trees/shrubs along the hedge-line: {\it Fraxinus excelsior, C. monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Ligustrum ?ovalifolium}. On the opposite side of the road to the pond lies a drain at the boundary of the common. This is again choked with {\it Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Urtica dioica}, with occasional {\it Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Apium nodiflorum}. The boundary at this point is a hedge/trees with {\it C. monogyna} and {\it Ulmus} sp.

Area (3) is somewhat complex. There is cut grassland next to the road, within which three saplings of {\it Acer campestre} and one of {\it Sorbus} sp. have been planted. Behind this is a line of trees/shrubs: {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Rosa canina}, with {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Glechoma hederacea} beneath. Beyond this there are tall trees at the boundary of the common ({\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}), while the area in the middle has tall grassland/ruderals plus scattered scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna}. On the opposite side of the road lies a further area of cut grassland in front of Hill Farm. Between here and the pond is a fenced area of ground which is used to house geese/hens. Note that the farm and several outbuildings also lie on the common.

MANAGE:
The common was once an important grazing area for the adjoining commoners. Now, only a handful of geese remain in an enclosed area at Hill Farm. The grassland of the common is cut once a year for hay by a local farmer. A full survey of the grassland is recommended before the hay cut has taken place. In the absence of grazing, taking a hay crop is probably the best form of management. 

There has been discussion among local inhabitants about jointly purchasing a small flock of sheep to graze the common. This would require the erection of some form of temporary fencing and may be difficult to organise and regulate. Under the present management, the uncut areas along the drains and margins provide continued suitable habitat for small mammals and appear to be a feeding area used by barn owls etc. 

There are plans to constuct a further pond in the wet depression to the east of the common. This would appear to be a suitable site, although the area should have a thorough botanical survey before excavation, to make sure there are no interesting plants which would be lost. As mentioned earlier, much of the eastern part of the common has very few boundary hedges/trees. It is suggested therefore that new hedgerows of native species be planted on this part of the common

This site appears to be an important refuge for local wildlife in an area largely dominated by intensive arable agriculture. 

A final feature noted was that some residents, whose houses adjoin directly onto the common, have adopted parts of it as garden and cut the grassland as lawn. There are also a number of drives across the common to adjoining houses.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: wren, chiffchaff, blue tit, yellowhammer, syklark (distant), grayling. 

The Allerthorpe Common area as a whole (the greater part of which is not actually registered common land), has a Grade B entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. However, most of the records appear to relate to small sections of the whole site which have wet and dry heath developed on the coversands. These lie within the Allerthorpe Common SSSI, but neither these habitats, nor the SSSI overlap with the registered common land itself. In fact the boundary to the ISR entry site includes only the portion of the registered common to the south of the track/bridleway which divides it into two portions.

VEG:
The common lies to the edge of a larger area known as Allerthorpe Common, with only a small peripheral area actually being registered. The Site as a whole is a conifer plantation (Forest Enterprise). Two small clearings with a mosaic of wet and dry heath communities comprise the Allerthorpe Common SSSI, but neither of these overlap with the registered portion. However, the whole wooded block was listed as a "Site of Nature Conservation and Geological Importance" by the former Humberside County Council (circa 1988). 

The following description of that part registered as common has been based on the site visit, when the area was inspected from the public bridleway which runs through it. The common is essentially a block of semi-natural broadleaved woodland dominated by {\it Betula pendula}. Scattered throughout are occasional mature individuals of {\it Quercus} sp., many of which have abundant dead branches. Many of the {\it B. pendula} trees are multi-stemmed, suggesting past coppice. There are also moderate amounts of small-size fallen dead timber on the woodland floor. 

Beneath the canopy the wood is quite open,  with a poorly-developed shrub layer. In the western portion there is a field layer with abundant {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris}. Locally there is abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}, while elsewhere there are stands of {\it Holcus lanatus/H. mollis}. Locally frequent throughout are {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}, while there are occasional plants of {\it Lonicera periclymenum}, plus etiolated bushes of {\it Ulex europaeus}. This field layer is generally sparse, with abundant leaf litter present. 

About half way along the woodland, the composition is much the same, although {\it Molinia caerulea} is lacking. There is evidence of past clearance of some trees, with "glades" which have a mosaic of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub, neutral grassland and tall ruderals - {\it Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus mollis, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Urtica dioica, Chamerion angustifolium}, plus some seedling {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus} sp. trees. There are also occasional trees of {\it Sorbus aucuparia} present here.

The easternmost portion sees areas of dense bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. in the understorey, with occasional bushes of {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Sambucus nigra}.

MANAGE:
The site appears to have little in the way of woodland management at present. There is evidence, in the presence of multi-stemmed, mature birch trees, that the site has been coppiced in the past, and also some signs of other tree felling. 

The site is probably important at a local level for a range of birds and invertebrates etc. and would probably benefit from a fairly low level of management to allow the accumulation of more dead wood.


VEG:
The eastern portion of the common was inspected from the adjoining road and comprises a rather damp broadleaved woodland. This is mainly dominated by {\it Salix ?fragilis} with occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. The field layer appears to be dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria} with locally occasional {\it Phragmites australis} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. 

To the extreme east there is a transition to mature {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} (incl. one standing dead individual, plus a good quantity of dead branches throughout the wood). Along the edge of the road is a narrow strip of coarse neutral grassland with tall ruderals - {\it Urtica dioica} plus frequent {\it Heracleum sphondylium} and locally occasional {\it Arctium minus}. To the west of the block of woodland, alongside the track to common farm, the wood is crossed by a ditch with {\it Glyceria maxima, Urtica dioica, Solanum dulcamara, Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Calystegia sepium}.

The remainder of the common appears in part at least as though it may have been incorporated into the private gardens of the restored/reconstructed Butterwick Grange, with a sign saying "Private, No Entry", plus an unchained dog!. A large clump of mature {\it Populus} sp. trees was noted at the far western end of the common.

MANAGE:
This common appears unmanaged. The wooded portion appears to be important for local wildlife, with most of the surrounding area comprising arable land almost totally devoid of any hedgerows/trees etc.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: blue tit, blackbird, greenfinch, carrion crow, housemartin, flock of starlings, yellowhammer, meadow brown butterfly, grey squirrel. 

The Burton Bushes SSSI has an ungraded entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. This site has been recognised as of potential importance for the fauna of the mature and dead timber habitat but does not appear to have been studied.

VEG:
This common forms an attractive landscape feature on the western edge of Beverley. It has a diverse mosaic of different habitats and a number of important historical features. Included within the site is the Burton Bushes SSSI, which has been well-documented ecologically. The site also includes a number of old lime pits, the major one of which is "Newbegin Pits". Little information was to hand about these features, and so a fair amount of time has been devoted to surveying these and other parts of the common.

The greater part of the common comprises a cattle-grazed, improved grassland sward. Much of this is dominated by {\it Lolium perenne}, with a limited range of associates, such as {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Bromus mollis, Hypochoeris radicata, Phleum bertolonii, Bellis perennis, Ranunculus acris and Trifolium repens}, with occasional clumps of {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. Localised areas of grassland have been poached by the hooves of cattle, allowing the growth of species such as {\it Matricaria matricarioides, Capsella bursa-pastoris} and {\it Polygonum aviculare}. To the west of the common, lies the Beverley Golf Course, where the mown greens and fairways have been placed in the amenity grassland category. Parts of the race course have been similarly interpreted. 

Crossing the common are a number of unfenced roads. These are generally lined by avenues of mature, planted deciduous trees. Types noted include {\it Tilia} sp., {\it Fagus sylvatica, Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus} sp. and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}. Locally, seedling trees have been planted in gaps. 

There are scattered trees elswehere on the common. Some of these take the form of recent plantings, as can be seen on parts of the golf course to the south of the Burton Bushes SSSI (including one fenced plot). Noted amongst these were {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Tilia} sp., {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Aesculus hippocastanum, Acer campestre, A. pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. 

Elsewhere there appear to be trees which are remnants of the woodland which once covered most of the site. These are most obvious around the margins of the Burton Bushes SSSI, where they have the appearance of over-mature wood pasture/parkland trees, with dead branches attached, plus occasional standing dead trees/stumps and some clearly pollarded individuals. Within the golf course there are also specific landscape features managed as scrub/trees, which include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europaeus, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus} sp., and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}. Some of the {\it Crataegus monogyna} bushes have been sculpted into distinctive topiary shapes through grazing by cattle.

The Burton Bushes SSSI lies to the west of the site and was fenced from grazing livestock in 1980. The woodland is known to exceed 200 years in age, with evidence suggesting that it is natural in origin. The undisturbed soil profile is an important feature of the site. The woodland canopy comprises about 50 per cent {\it Quercus} spp. (mainly {\it Q. robur}), with a range of other species which include {\it Betula pubescens, Acer campestre} and {\it Ulmus glabra}. There are a good number of seedling {\it Quercus} sp. trees along several broad grassy rides and various clearings.  A number of dead trees were noted during the present survey plus one individual of {\it Tilia ?cordata} and {\it Prunus} sp. The understorey is dominated by {\it Ilex aquifolium}. The woodland floor has abundant leaf litter and small fallen branches. The field layer throughout much of the wood, and along the roads, is generally grassy ({\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Holcus lanatus}), with remnants of a more diverse flora which includes {\it Anemone nemorosa, Circaea lutetiana, Hyacinthoides non-scripta} and {\it Oxalis acetosella}. Some areas are dominated by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Urtica dioica}, while {\it Festuca gigantea} is present in some of the shadier areas.

There are a number of old lime pits on the common, the largest of which is Newbegin Pits (GR 025 395). The latter area now mainly comprises a rather scrubby woodland. To the north, and elsewhere this is rather open, and is more a mosaic of grassland, trees and scattered scrub. The floor of the pits are very undulating and along the western edge, there is quite a steep wall, as much as 10m deep. A range of trees/shrubs are present and include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Aesculus hippocastanum, Quercus} sp., {\it Fagus sylvatica, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Rosa canina, Betula pendula, Ilex aquifolium, Ulmus glabra} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. Some of the specimen trees are clearly of planted origin, with smaller seedlings protected from grazing by wooden fencing surrounding their stems. There are a number of mature dead trees present. 

Beneath the trees are localised stands of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica}. To the north there tends to be an improved grassland field layer with {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Cynosurus cristatus}, with locally frequent {\it Bellis perennis, Trifolium repens} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. Over much of the area however, as on the steeper banks around the edges of the pit, there is a true woodland field layer with species such as {\it Viola riviniana, Potentilla sterilis, Hedera helix, Oxalis acetosella, Geum urbanum, Glechoma hederacea, Geranium robertianum, Stellaria holostea} and {\it Veronica chamaedrys}. 

Locally, the underlying calcicolous spoil of the pits, has an influence upon the vegetation composition. The best examples of this occur in the large clearing which lies to the south of the pits. Here there is a complex of low spoil mounds. The bases and areas in between these are improved grassland. The tops however, tend to have a calcicolous sward dominated by {\it Festuca rubra}. This has locally frequent {\it Galium verum, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Lotus corniculatus} plus locally occasional {\it Briza media, Carex caryophyllea, Phleum bertolonii, Achillea millefolium, Prunella vulgaris, Leontodon hispidus, Bellis perennis, Cirsium arvense, Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Hieracium pilosella}.

Of the further remaining lime pits, the next largest lies to the SW of the Newbegin Pits, within the golf course (GR 017 390). This to some extent is very similar to its larger neighbour, but more open scrub and trees, rather than woodland. Additional species noted in the understorey also include {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum}, carpets of {\it Eurynchium praelongum}, occasional clumps of {\it Mercurialis perennis} and some good populations of {\it Sanicula europaea}. Of particular interest is the narrow strip of grassland, again on calcicolous spoil, which runs along the western edge and proceeding northwards for about 200m. This spoil has a short turf rather similar to that within the Newbegin Pits. {\it Festuca ovina} appears dominant here, with frequent {\it Carex flacca, C. caryophyllea} and {\it Hieracium pilosella}, locally frequent {\it Thymus praecox, Galium verum} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}, plus occasional {\it Briza media, Campanula rotundifolia, Hypochaeris radicata, Lolium perenne, Achillea millefolium, Potentilla erecta, Cynosurus cristatus, Plantago media, Lotus corniculatus, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Trifolium pratense}. Locally there is also occasional {\it Danthonia decumbens} and to the north, several individuals of {\it Cirsium acaule} were also noted.

MANAGE:
The main form of management on the common is grazing by cattle. There appear to be several hundred of these present on the site. Grazing levels appear generally high over most areas. The Burton Bushes SSSI was fenced in 1980 and is no longer open to grazing. Roads entering from the common along the western edge are cattle gridded, but those from the east, which are right at the edge of the town, are not protected. However, the cattle never seem to stray into town. 

A significant part of the grassland on the common is cut as the greens and fairways of the golf course, and also parts of the race course. Both of these have a number of fixed structures present on the common, including a club house, surfaced parking, the fenced race course, race stand and associated buildings. A number of the trees along the roadside edges have been replanted in recent years. 

There are a number of features of ecological interest on the site. These include the Burton Bushes SSSI where the management includes mowing of rides and treatment of regenerating sycamores. The ancient trees here appear  potentially important for dead wood invertebrates. Outlying this site are the parkland trees on the grazed portion of the common, which may be similarly important. 

Additional diversity is provided by the Newbigin and smaller lime pit, where there are elements of a calcicolous grassland flora. However, these areas appear to be suffering eutrophication from grazing cattle and people's dogs and can only be described as semi-improved in character. In view of the recreational and grazing pressures on the site, it seems unlikely that anything could be done about this.

The tower of an old mill on the common forms a prominent landscape feature, while the bye-laws of the common are displayed at the edge of the common next to the town. These take up a number of painted wooden boards fixed to the wall of a building and appear to be of some antiquity.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: swallow, carrion crow, lapwing, wren, molehills.

VEG:
This common lies on the NE outskirts of Beverley and appears to have a historic connection as common grazing for the town. The site was surveyed by Ken Graham and Judith Allinson in 1988. In addition, a visit was made to the site to gather additional information. 

The earlier survey describes the site as having "bog oak vegetation", a type found in only a limited number of situations. These areas would have originally been fen land, but with subsequent lowering of the water table, are now used as pasture. The area did not appear to have been ploughed and no bog oak trunks were seen. This earlier survey classifies much of the common as having a heavily grazed NVC type MG9 grassland sward (ie. Deschampsia flexuosa - Holcus lanatus community). Within this are {\it Carex viridula} subsp. {\it oedocarpa} and {\it Potentilla anserina}, with wetter areas which have species such as {\it Eleocharis palustris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Glyceria fluitans} and {\it Triglochin palustris}. Heavily grazed {\it Oenanthe fistulosa} was found in some depressions to the south-west. 

The western areas were higher and had {\it Agrostis-Festuca} grassland with {\it Danthonia decumbens, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Achillea ptarmica}. A wide ragne of other species were recorded during the 1988 survey. These include: {\it Briza media, Achillea millefolium, Cardamine pratensis, Carex hirta, C. flacca, C. nigra, Filipendula ulmaria, Lotus corniculatus, Luzula campestris, Apium nodiflorum, Rorippa nasturtium-aquatcium, Alopecurus geniculatus, Glyceria maxima, Angelica sylvestris, Galium palustre, G. saxatile, Juncus articulatus, J. acutiflorus, J. bufonius, J. inflexus, Veronica catenata, Mentha aquatica, Rumex conglomeratus, Scrophularia aquatica, Ranunculus flammula, R. sceleratus} and ? {\it R. tricophyllus}.

During the present survey, the common was walked from the gate in the NW corner, crossing the bridge across the central drain, and proceeding to the drain to the SE of here. In view of an earlier survey, and the time constraints on the project, there was insufficient time to walk the whole site. The grassland on the NW portion of the common (1) at this time appears semi-improved in character, dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris}, with occasional-to-frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium, Cerastium fontanum, Lolium perenne, Prunella vulgaris, Rumex acetosa, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Ranunculus acris}, plus locally occasional {\it Cirsium arvense}, and {\it C. vulgare} (NVC type MG5?). In addition, there are also localised areas with a short {\it Agrostis/Festuca} turf with {\it Carex ?caryophyllea, Hieracium pilosella, Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Achillea millefolium}. Damp depressions are characterised by {\it Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Potentilla anserina} with occasional {\it Ranunculus flammula}. 

The margin of the common to the north (2) has a row of mature trees which includes {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudolpatanus, Salix ?fragilis} and {\it Populus ?canadensis}. 

Locally on the common are small scattered topiary-shaped shrub bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna}, while at (3) is a small group of mature trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. 

At (4) is a length of shallow, rather dried-up drain, along which are a number of mature trees, predominantly {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}, with to the western end, also {\it Quercus} sp. (some of the latter with die-back). Along the drain are small bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa} and occasional individuals of {\it Apium nodiflorum} in the drain. 

Close to here (5) is a small fenced plot which has been planted with trees - {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus} sp. and {\it Corylus avellana}. Around the nearby bridge over the main drain is much eroded, poached ground created by livestock, also with abundant {\it Senecio jacobaea}. 

Grassland on the opposite side of the drain (6) appears to have abundant {\it Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Lolium perenne}. Within this are locally frequent {\it Bellis perennis, Trifolium repens, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Plantago major, Cirsium palustre, C. arvense} and {\it Cerastium fontanum}. Damp areas are characterised by {\it Juncus articulatus, Carex panicea, Sagina} sp., {\it Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Potentilla anserina}. 

To the south of here (7) is a fenced section of drain. This has a line of mature trees of {\it Fagus sylvatica, Alnus glutinosa, Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}. Several of these have died a number of years ago, with just the stumps now remaining. Along the drain itself is taller, mostly ungrazed herbaceous vegetation of {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Stachys sylvatica, Myosotis scorpioides, Phalaris arundinacea, Sparganium erectum, Mentha aquatica, Torilis japonica} and {\it Apium nodiflorum}.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by cattle and horses (incl. ponies, foals and donkeys). Grazing levels appear high, with abundant droppings among the grassland. An overall impression is that the quality of the grassland sward may have declined since the 1988 survey, although comprehensive re-survey would be needed to make clear comparisons. 

The mature planted trees with some dead wood provide some habitat diversity. A small plot has been recently fenced and planted with broadleaved trees. 

There has been considerable poaching of the topsoil in areas favoured by livestock, especially around the bridge over the main drain (where animals can gain access to drink). To a certain degree this process is beneficial in creating microsites for germination and bare ground which can provide habitat for certain invertebrates.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, blue tit, magpie, carrion crow and large white butterfly.

VEG:
This common lies to the SE of Beverley, adjacent to the settlement of Woodmansey. The site was evaluated in 1990 as part of the proposals to construct a new link road on the eastern side of Beverley. A brief visit was made to the southern section of the common (there being insufficient time for more detailed survey). 

The existing information indicates that most of the common is mainly "improved permanent pasture with remnant {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}". In the area to the SW, adjacent to Woodmansey (1), the grassland has abundant {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca rubra} with frequent tussocks of remnant {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. Other associates include occasional-to-frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne} and {\it Cirsium arvense}, with locally occasional {\it Rumex acetosa} and {\it Achillea millefolium}. This grassland has been placed in the Phase 1 category of B6 - poor semi-improved grassland and appears to be transitional between NVC types MG5 and MG9. Scattered scrub bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} are also present locally throughout. 

At (2) is a depression which appears to have a marshy grassland sward covering what appears to be the bed of a dried-up pond. This is dominated by tussocky {\it Juncus effusus} with frequent {\it Potentilla anserina} and occasional {\it Myosotis scorpioides, Cirsium palustre} and {\it Ranunculus flammula}. Present locally are {\it Veronica scutellata, Galium palustre, Carex hirta, Juncus inflexus} and {\it Glyceria fluitans}. Drier areas within are dominated by {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. There appear to be elements of NVC types MG9/MG10 within this sward. 

(3) is a further small dried-up pond with {\it Juncus effusus/Deschampsia cespitiosa}, plus {\it Potentilla anserina, Ranunculus repens, Carex hirta, Cirsium palustre} and {\it Myosotis scorpioides}. 

To the north of here the common has a boundary comprising a hedge of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sambucus nigra} with trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. To the south the border is marked by occasional mature trees which include {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Salix ?fragilis} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}.

Grassland on the NW portion (4) also appears to be {\it Agrostis capillaris} with frequent remnant {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. This also has frequent {\it Cynosurus cristatus}, locally frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Trifolium repens}, plus locally occasional {\it Cirsium palustre, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. Close to Figham Clough Bridge are a number of mature trees of {\it Quercus} sp., which have the appearance of "parkland" specimens, with some crown die-back noted. Bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} stand in the grassland amongst these.  

To the west of the common (5) lies a well-clipped hedge of {\it Crataegus monogyna}. There are also long rows of {\it C. monogyna} trees along much of the length of the drains which cross the common, especially on the section between Figham Clough Bridge and Figham Bridge. In the narrow grassland strip between the drains at (6) the grassland appears to be progressing to a pure improved sward (NVC type MG7). 

To the east of the Berevley and Skidby Drain, grassland to the south (7) appeared to be similar in character to that at (1) - ie. {\it Agrostis capillaris} with frequent remnant {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} tussocks. 

The portion to the north (8) was only viewed from a distance. This appears to be a much taller grassland sward with {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus effusus} and {\it Holcus lanatus}, with frequent {\it Cirsium arvense} in evidence. 

To the north of the common is an area which appears to be under the management of the water authority (including a sewage works and sludge beds). This area was not surveyed in any detail. However, a section at (9) appears to have been used for tipping, possibly of sewage sludge. To the north of this area there appears to be re-seeded grassland, while to the south is a stand of tall ruderals. This includes {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Rumex obtusifolius, Chamerion angustifolium, Epilobium hirsutum, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, Urtica dioica} and {\it Arctium minus}. The central portion appears to comprise bare ground and ephemeral species.

Along the eastern edge of the common lies a newly reconstructed floodbank. The area behind this has been fenced and planted with a variety of trees: {\it Salix} spp., {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Acer campestre, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Alnus} sp.

MANAGE:
The major part of the common is grazed by cattle and sheep. There appear to be several separate grazing compartments resulting from the drains which cross the site. Grazing levels generally appear high, with numerous droppings in places and the general impression is that the grassland may be progressing to an improved sward (more detailed survey and monitoring recommended). The most interesting grassland appears to be in the wetter areas. 

There are some fine specimen "parkland" oak trees on the common (4) and these have previously been highlighted as an important landscape/ conservation feature. With some crown die-back and other dead branches, they probably are important bird nesting, roosting and feeding sites and may support a variety of dead wood invertebrates (survey recommended). Replacement planting of new trees is recommended, if the continued presence of "parkland" trees on the common is to be maintained. As the existing trees die, all fallen material should be left {\it in situ}. The hedges and trees on the margins of the site and also those lining the drains, add further to the habitat diversity. 

A newly reconstructed floodbank along the eastern boundary of the common has been planted with trees. 

The northern portion of the common is fenced from the remainder and is managed by the water authority. Part appears to be used for tipping sewage sludge.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: magpie, house sparrow, blue tit, large white butterfly and ringlet.

VEG:
The common lies close to the hamlet of Thearne, on the outskirts of Beverley. The following description is based on a site visit. The common is in two portions, both unfenced from an unmetalled track which leads to Common Farm. 

The western portion comprises a coarse grassland sward dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata} (NVC type MG1). Locally frequent are {\it Phleum pratense, Lolium perenne, Ranunculus repens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Plantago major, Agrostis} spp. and {\it Elytrigia repens}, with locally occasional {\it Rumex obtusifolius, Centaurea nigra, Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Achillea millefolium}, plus occasional stands of {\it Urtica dioica}. Along the western edge of this portion is a hedge with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus one tall tree of {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. Along the southern edge runs a drain. Noted here were {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Glyceria maxima, Sparganium erectum, Epilobium hirsutum, Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum}. At the top of the slope were growing {\it Heracleum sphondylium} with locally occasional {\it Symphitum x uplandicum}.

The eastern portion has a mixture of marshy grassland grading at the edges to coarse neutral grassland. The former is dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Juncus inflexus} (possibly also with hybrids) with frequent {\it Persicaria maculosa, Galium palustre, Potentilla anserina} and {\it Agrostis ?stolonifera}, locally frequent {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Alopecurus geniculatus}, plus locally occasional {\it Senecio ?aquaticus}, {\it Carex hirta} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum} (NVC type MG10). 

Locally there is also a grassland sward dominated by tussocky {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Juncus inflexus} and {\it Potentilla anserina} (NVC type MG9). In the drier areas there is more of the tall grassland dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, plus areas of a shorter sward dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Holcus lanatus}, with few forbs, but locally occasional {\it Centaurea nigra} (probably NVC type MG5). In addition, this part of the common also has a few dense stands of {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. Scattered scrub locally over this part of the common includes {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Rosa canina} and {\it Rosa} sp. To the east this develops into a band of dense scrub with {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sambucus nigra}.

MANAGE:
The common is unmanaged at present. Although small, the diverse structural mosiac of grassland and scrub communities appear to offer potential at a local level for some birds and invertebrate groups.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: swallows, yellowhammer, sedge warbler, carrion crow, skylark, grey heron, reed bunting, meadow pipit, coot, sandmartin, mute swan, meadow brown butterfly, small tortioseshell, ringlet, painted lady. 

The common has an ungraded entry in the Invertebrate Site Register. This has a general recommendation that the site is good for butterflies and dragonflies, but there is no survey information available.

VEG:
The common lies on level ground to the east of the River Trent. This area is extensively drained, with two major drains running along the northern and southern edges of the common. The site is recorded in the schedule prepared by the former Humberside County Council. The following description has been based on notes made during the site visit. There may be other information available, but there was insufficient time to collate this.

The site is effectively divided into two by the bund which bisects the site, with Butterwick Hale to the SW and Butterwick Common to the NE. This bund is fenced at either side and supports an improved grassland sward dominated by Lolium perenne. Locally there have been trees planted of {\it Salix} sp. Along the path which runs along the top are species such as {\it Capsella bursa-pastoris} and {\it Tripleurospermum maritimum}. 

The major part of the Butterwick Common portion (1) appears to comprise a horse-grazed sward of semi-improved grassland. This appeared to have abundant {\it Holcus lanatus} with locally occasional {\it Potentilla anserina} and {\it Cirsium palustre} and locally frequent {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Festuca rubra} (only viewed from top of bund). 

To the east (2) is a small triangular corner with tall marshy grassland/ruderals with {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Heracleum sphondylium, Filipendula ulmaria, Rumex obtusifolius, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. 

To the NW of this portion lies the largest of three (artificially created?) ponds on the common (3). This is used for fishing and is fringed with {\it Typha latifolia} and a number of {\it Salix alba} trees of varying maturity. Locally there are also marginal stands of {\it Juncus effusus, Phalaris arundinacea, Carex hirta, Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. In the water appears to be {\it Elodea canadensis}. In the vicinity of the pond are three fenced plots which have been planted with trees. These include {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Alnus glutinosa}. 

To the NW of here (4) the bund continues along a track along which there is a mosaic of tall neutral grassland and tall ruderals (incl. {\it Arctium minus}), plus scattered scrub and trees which include {\it Populus ?canadensis, Prunus} sp. and {\it Sambucus nigra}.

Butterwick Hale lies to the south and west of the bund. This mainly supports a mixture of a coarse turf dominated by {\it Holcus lanatus}, with locally frequent {\it Potentilla anserina, Phleum} spp., {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}. Other areas comprise a tall neutral grassland dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with tall ruderals such as {\it Rumex obtusifolius, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Urtica dioica}. 

At (5) there is a small pond, used as a cattle-drink, with {\it Callitriche} sp., {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica, Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Ranunculus flammula}. 

(6) is a small side-drain which has {\it Glyceria maxima} and occasional {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. The western boundary of the common is marked by a hedge with trees - {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} (some of the latter with crown die-back). 

Along the southern side of the bund at (7) is a strip of swamp vegetation which adjoins two ponds. Present here are {\it Glyceria maxima, Phalaris arundinacea, Juncus effusus, Typha latifolia} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. The two ponds appear to be artificially created, with sections of the surrounding common fenced to exclude grazing livestock. The westernmost pond supports species such as {\it Typha latifolia, Persicaria/Polygonum} spp., ? {\it Sparganium} sp., {\it Juncus effusus} and ? {\it Schoenoplectus lacustris}. There are also several large individual trees of {\it Salix alba} growing in this vicinity along the southern bank of the bund. 

The second, easternmost pond had hardly any open water at the time of the site visit. This area appeared to be dominated by {\it Persicaria} and {\it Polygonum} spp., with some marginal stands of {\it Glyceria fluitans, Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}.

At the time of the site visit, the way the site is managed suggested that there is likely to be some biological information on file (hence a fairly low level of detail in the present survey). This may well be the case, but there has been insufficient time to investigate.

MANAGE:
The greater part of the common is extensively grazed. At the time of the site visit, the north/eastern portion was grazed by horses, while the south/western portion has a mixture of horses, cattle and sheep. 

The two shallow ponds/scrapes on the latter part of the common appear to have been dug to create an area suitable for waders to nest. The surrounding habitat has been fenced to exclude stock. In addition the larger pond and the bund have also been fenced. However, these are not entirely stock-proof. Several further fenced plots near to the large pond have been planted with trees, presumably to increase the nature conservation potential of the site. An owl box was noted affixed to a dead tree in the vicinity of the larger pond. 

Taken in a local context, the common does indeed appear to be important for local wildlife, judging from the quite diverse list of species noted during the site visit. Most of the surrounding land appears to be under intensive arable farming, further enhancing the value of the site.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: green woodpecker, blue tit, blackbird, yellowhammer, skylark, greenfinch, painted lady, small skipper,  gatekeeper, ringlet, rabbits, molehills. In addition, a number of small blue-coloured damselflies were active around the wet parts of the drain.

VEG:
The common lies in open countryside a few km SE of Scunthorpe. The northern portion is listed in the Lincolnshire and South Humberside Trust for Nature Conservation schedule of Sites of Conservation Importance (SCI), although the available information dates to 1977. A survey of the site has therefore been undertaken, walking its whole length. Due to the very narrow character of the site, it has not been possible to produce a conventional habitat map. Instead, it has been broken up into a number of different target-noted sections (see map).

The northernmost portion (1) lies immediately adjacent to a minor road. The track (ie. commmon) at this point is used for vehicular access to an adjoining fish farm, although there is a wooded strip along the western side of the common. Along the eastern side runs a drain about 1.5m deep. Here this appeared completely dry. Within this were noted {\it Lycopus europaeus, Equisetum} sp., {\it Myosotis scorpioides, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris, Solanum dulcamara, Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, Scrophularia aquatica, Ranunculus repens, Phalaris arundinacea, Athyrium filix-femina and Lythrum salicaria}, plus small seedlings of {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. The {\it Equisetum} sp. was interesting in that it appeared to be a hybrid type (? {\it E. palustre/E. fluviatile/E. arvense}). 

Along the eastern boundary itself lies a rather sparse hedge of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Populus tremula} plus mature trees of {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Betula pendula}. Between the ditch and the track (still to the east), is a mown strip of coarse neutral grassland/tall ruderals. Noted here were: {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Rumex obtusifolius, Chamerion angustifolium, Plantago major, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Artemisia vulgaris, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Silene alba}. 

To the other (western) side of the track there is a narrow strip of similar grassland, this part of the common in this vicinity being shaded by trees of the adjacent woodland - {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Populus tremula, Quercus} sp. and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. Locally there are abundant seedling {\it Populus tremula} in the verge and localised dense clumps of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. or {\it Galium aparine}.

At (2), near to the fish farm entrance, the wood stops, but the western edge of the common still has a row of mature trees - {\it Quercus} sp. and {\it Betula pendula}. Beneath are thickets of {\it Prunus spinosa}, while below is neutral grassland with scattered bracken {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. To the east, the drain continues, still dry, with bracken also present among a shorter neutral grassland turf dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} with locally frequent {\it Rumex acetosella} and locally occasional {\it Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia} and {\it Hypochoeris radicata}. The most prominent species along the ditch at this point are {\it Angelica sylvestris} and {\it Typha latifolia}, with occasional {\it Epilobium hirsutum}.

At (3), the ditch now had open water visible within it, with plants of {\it Typha latifolia, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus effusus} and {\it Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum}. The western side of the track has a mosaic of tall grassland/ruderals ({\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}) and scattered bracken, with trees of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Quercus} sp. along the boundary.

At (4), the track turns abruptly into a field and the common continues as a narrow footpath, crossing a stile, along the edge of a cornfield and climbing gently uphill. This also marks the point where the LSHTNC SCI ends. To the east the common now has no physical boundary and the arable crop may in fact encroach onto the common. To the west the drain continues, but only for about 130m beyond this point. It is very overgrown with tall grassland/ruderals - {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}, with occasional {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Sisymbrium officinale, Chamerion angustifolium, Agropyron repens, Urtica dioica, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Dactylis glomerata, Bryonia dioica} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. Locally, the eastern edge of the common, beyond the drain, has a remnant hedge/trees of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. 

(5) marks the top of the 'hill'. There is a very narrow path at the very edge of the arable field (about 30cm wide). The eastern edge of the field has a narrow strip of tall grassland/ruderals (rarely with {\it Galium verum}), plus a very occasional remnant bush of {\it Crataegus monogyna} along the old hedge-line. Along the path are a variety of weed species such as {\it Chenopodium} sp., {\it Sisymbrium officinale, Polynonum aviculare} and {\it Persicaria maculosa}.

At (6) there are more hedgerow remnants, with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Quercus} sp., {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Corylus avellana}. There is also some scattered bracken among the grassland and occasional clumps of {\it Carex ?divulsa}.

At (7) there is a more or less continuous hedgerow (which has, in addition, {\it Acer campestre}). A ditch starts here, again overgrown, with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia repens, Silene alba, Bryonia dioica, Urtica dioica}, scattered bracken, {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Galium aparine, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra} and rarely, {\it Knautia arvensis}, plus {\it Scrophularia aquatica}.

The southernmost section of the common (8) is wider and has an earth track running along it once more. Along the ditch, which is wet at this point, were noted {\it Veronica beccabunga, Epilobium hirsutum, Juncus effusus, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Epilobium ?palustre, Scrophularia aquatica, Lythrum salicaria, Typha latifolia, Lycopus europaeus, Lotus ?uliginosus, Glyceria fluitans} and {\it Myosotis} sp. Neutral grassland, to both sides of the track, partly mown, is mainly dominated here by {\it Holcus lanatus} with locally frequent {\it Cirsium arvense} and occasional {\it Bryonia dioica}. Both sides also have well-developed hedges with trees - {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Lonicera periclymenum, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Salix} spp., {\it Malus} sp., {\it Betula pendula, Quercus} sp., {\it Populus tremula} and {\it P. ? canadensis}.

MANAGE:
The northern and southern sections of the common lie along earth tracks, with sections of the grassland being cut at various times. The marginal ditches of these sections may be periodically cleared. These two parts of the common are botanically fairly diverse and appear to be important as local wildlife refuges. Most of the surrounding land is devoted to intensive cereal farming, increasing the importance of such "wildlife corridors". 

The central section lies at the edge of arable fields and it appears as though the crops in fact encroach onto the common. This section (5-6) has no ditch, very vestigial hedges, with grassland often dominated by {\it Elytrigia repens}, although it may still support small mammals. 

The SCI section appears more diverse than suggested by the earlier survey.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were house sparrow, greenfinch.

VEG:
The common comprises a closely-mown amenity grassland sward. Along the edge of High Street is an avenue of mature trees. These appear, apart from one of a {\it Prunus} sp., to be {\it Robinia pseudacacia}. The western edge of the common is followed by the hedges of the adjoining private gardens. To the south lies a well-clipped hedge of {\it Crataegus monogyna}, while a section of the eastern edge has a hedge, overshadowed by trees of {\it Pyrus} sp. and various ornamental conifers.

MANAGE:
The common is managed intensively as a recreational area. Does not have any nature conservation value.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: painted lady, small tortoiseshell, gatekeeper, 7-spot ladybird.

VEG:
The common forms two linear sections to the south of the River Ouse, close to the village of Whitgift. There was no pre-existing survey information and therefore the common was surveyed from the rights of way which run along it. 

The eastern portion lies along part of the complex of drains which feature prominently along this southern bank of the Humber/Ouse. Most of this part of the common has a sward of recently cut grassland, with the cylindrical bails still lying {\it in situ}. This appears to be dominated by grasses such as {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia repens, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Phleum pratense}. The re-growth appears to be mainly {\it Elytrigia repens} at present. 

Two well-marked "farm tracks" cross the northern part (Dog Hall Drain). Species noted along these include {\it Cirsium arvense, Heracleum sphondylium, Polygonum aviculare, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Matricaria matricarioides, Chenopodium} sp., {\it Capsella bursa-pastoris, Plantago major, Rumex obtusifolius, Lolium perenne} and ? {\it Coronopus didymus}. The Dog Hall Drain at this point is well-maintained and cut back to the water's edge with frequent {\it Phragmites australis}. A short way south, the common is crossed by a section of drain with sides of tall {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} grassland and within the drain, clumps of {\it Phragmites australis}, plus clumps of {\it Juncus effusus} at the edges.

Running along the western arm is Quart Lane Drain. The westernmost end of this has uncut grassland dominated by tall {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with occasional/frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Alopecurus pratensis}, plus locally occasional {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. Along the side of the drain itself, there appears to be a strip of dredged material, with species such as {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Phragmites australis, Chamerion angustifolium} and occasionally, {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. The drain itself has {\it Phragmites australis}, with one small clump of {\it Typha latifolia}.

The second part of the common runs north-south along Church lane. Due to the narrow linear character of this part, it was not feasible to produce a habitat map, but the following is a description of transects across the common at various points.

(1). To the western edge is a band of tall neutral grassland/ruderals with occasional bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna}. In places these take the form of the remnants of an old hedgerow along the boundary (also with {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rosa canina}, plus three bushes of {\it Lavatera arborea} noted). The edge of the road to both sides has a mown verge of neutral grassland/ruderals. To the eastern side lies a ditch, with uncut neutral grassland/tall ruderals lying beyond this on the eastern boundary. The vegetation appears to be dominated by {\it Elytrigia repens, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, with occasional/frequent {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Phleum pratense, Phragmites australis, Convolvolus arvensis, Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. The ditch here has little vegetation, but locally occasional {\it Phragmites australis} and {\it Juncus effusus} are present.

(2). Essentially simliar to (1), but {\it Crataegus monogyna} etc. bushes absent. Grassland cut right to drain on east side with locally occasional {\it Achillea millefolium, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Tragopogon pratensis} agg. The western side is uncut with abundant {\it Cirsium arvense}. No {\it Phragmites australis} present within grassland.

(3). Verges cut both sides, similar to (2), with locally occasional {\it Centaurea nigra} to the east. No physical boundaries from adjacent arable fields.

(4). Western side of road mown. No boundary from adjacent arable fields along this side. Drain now absent on eastern edge. Tall grassland and ruderals with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia repens, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. There is also a continuous planted row of {\it Acer campestre} trees along the eastern edge, amongst which are occasional small {\it Sambucus nigra} bushes, plus small thickets of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa} with occasional {\it Rosa canina}. One plant of {\it Armoracia rusticana} noted in verge to east.

(5). The common appears to narrow here. Neutral grassland/ruderals mown to either side of the road. No boundary either side from adjacent arable fields. No trees/bushes on this section.

(6). Northern portion, similar to (5), also with smallish planted trees which include {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus} sp., {\it Acer campestre, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Ulmus} sp. Occasional clumps of {\it Armoracia rusticana} present. Drain section to west of road, somewhat overgrown.

MANAGE:
The eastern portion had for the most part, recently been cut for hay at the time of the site visit. There also appears to be clearance of the drains present on the common at various times, with the dredgings dumped on site. 

The western portion has mown verges at the sides of the road (highway authority). The northern part of this section has been planted with a small number of deciduous trees in recent years. Drain clearance work also along this portion.

Neither part of the common is especially diverse botanically. However, they form part of the huge complex of drain habitats which feature prominently on flat land adjoining the Humber. These as a whole are important refuges for local wildlife, with most of the area being dominated by intensive arable agriculture.


FAUNA:
Noted during the brief site visit were: sand martin, swallow, wren, large white butterfly.

VEG:
The two portions of the common lie close to the southern bank of the River Ouse. Neither is crossed by any public rights of way and they could only be viewed from the adjoining road. 

The eastern portion of had a grassland sward cut 2-3 weeks previously. Abundant regrown and flowering {\it Bromus mollis} was in evidence, with locally frequent {\it Trifolium pratense} and locally occasional {\it Rumex obtusifolius, Cirsium arvense, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Ranunculus} sp. The field entrance has abundant {\it Lolium perenne}. The boundary to the east is a hedge of {\it Crataegus monogyna} with trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and one of {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}. The short southern boundary is a hedge with {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix} spp. Along the western side runs a ditch backed by a discontinuous {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedge, which also has {\it Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rosa canina}. The ditch has an associated narrow strip of tall neutral grassland and tall ruderals. Noted along here were {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica dioica, Galium aparine} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}.

The western portion of the common appears to have a semi-improved grassland sward, grazed by horses. This looks to be dominated by {\it Lolium perenne}, with occasional {\it Cirsium arvense, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Ranunculus} sp. At the edges are stands of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica}. Hedges of {\it Crataegus monogyna} also border this portion. These are discontinuous in places, with some trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} along the eastern side.

MANAGE:
The eastern portion had been cut for hay just prior the the site visit. This portion may also be grazed at some times of year. The western portion looks to be grazed by a small number of horses throughout the year. The common is unlikely to be of significant nature conservation value, although the hedges may be important to local wildlife.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, sand martin, grey heron, painted lady, small tortoiseshell, plus four-spotted chaser {\it Libellula quadrimaculata}.

VEG:
This common comprises a long narrow strip following a variety of drains to the south of the Ouse. There are two, almost contiguous portions. In the lack of any prior survey information existing, a field survey was undertaken, viewing the common from the bridleway which runs its entire length.

Along the westernmost portion (1), the dominating feature is a wide bare-earth farm track, which occupies between a half and two thirds of the width of the common. Toward the edges of this are a number of ephemeral/ruderal-type species such as {\it Polygonum aviculare, Persicaria maculosa, Chenopodium} sp., {\it Stellaria media, Veronica} sp., {\it Rumex obtusifolius, Galeopsis tetrahit, Tripleurospermum maritimum} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. 

To the eastern side of the track is a strip (about 25 per cent of the width) of coarse neutral grassland/tall ruderals. This includes {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, Arctium minus, Rumex obtusifolius, Conium maculatum, Torilis japonica, Senecio jacobaea} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. Locally the eastern border of the common has a discontinuous "hedge", with scattered scrubby areas developing onto the common. These comprise {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Salix} spp. and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. In addition, to both sides of the track there are occasional planted trees which include {\it Prunus} sp., {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer campestre} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}, plus coniferous species.  

The western edge of the common in this area is marked by a drain. Part of this has been cleared and has little aquatic vegetation, apart from local clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}. The bank of the drain has coarse neutral grassland/tall ruderals, as for the opposite side. Elsewhere the ditch has growth of species of {\it Carex ? riparia} and occasional {\it Phragmites australis} and {\it Scrophularia aquatica}.

Further northwards at (2), there is a similar pattern of vegetation at the sides of the track, although apart from a small corner, there is no development of scrub in this part. The southern edge of the common here also has a drain, with {\it Glyceria fluitans, Phragmites australis} and {\it Juncus ? articulatus} noted here. There are no borders to the common at this point, with an abrupt transition directly onto the surrounding arable land.

Close to here (3) are two parts of the verge which appear to be under management as tree nurseries. These have closely-spaced small planted trees which include {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer campestre, Corylus avellana}, plus conifers. The track here is down to about 25 per cent of the width of the common. 

Continuing along the common (4), the track varies between 30-60 per cent of the width, with a thin marginal strip of ephemerals, plus verges of coarse neutral grassland/tall ruderals (with rare individuals of {\it Dipsacus fullonum} noted). This has a discontinuous row of well-spaced planted {\it Acer campestre} trees (southern part only). Occasional clumps of {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. noted. Parts of both margins of the common along here are bounded by small drains. These have locally frequent {\it Phragmites australis} (which is also, toward the north, present within some of the grass verges). A further feature of this part of the common is the presence of further small plots of planted seedling trees. 

The second, eastern portion of the common, is much narrower and appears to comprise a drain, with the narrow track/path running along its southern side. There is no boundary on either side, with the path in effect being at the edge of a large area of arable production. 

To the western end (5), the drain is somewhat overgrown with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Phragmites australis}. Other species present in the grassy ditch-bank include {\it Rumex obtusifolius, Heracleum sphondylium, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Elytrigia repens, Calystegia sepium, Urtica dioica, Sisymbrium officinale, Torilis japonica, Geranium dissectum, Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Plantago lanceolata, Lolium perenne, Chamerion angustifolium, Senecio jacobaea, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. "Weeds" at the edge of the path include {\it Polygonum aviculare, Capsella bursa-pastoris} and {\it Tripleurospermum maritimum}.

Around the stretch at (6), the ditch has been dredged and is quite deep and broad. This contains {\it Agrostis stolonifera, T. angustifolia} and {\it Phragmites australis}, plus locally occasional {\it Ranunculus sceleratus} and {\it Juncus ?articulatus}. Sections of the grass bank appear to have been mown. Additional species noted here include {\it Dipsacus fullonum, Conium maculatum, Lathyrus pratensis, Hypochaeris radicata, Tussilago farfara, Prunella vulgaris, Trifolium pratense, Festuca rubra, Convolvolus arvensis} and {\it Centaurea nigra}.

At (7) the remaining section of ditch is again deeply dredged. This has locally abundant {\it Typha latifolia} with locally abundant ? {\it Bolboschoenus maritimus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}, plus occasional {\it Juncus effusus}.

MANAGE:
The dominant feature of the western portion of the common is its use as a farm access track to the surrounding arable areas. This has resulted in a very significant portion of the common (up to two thirds) being churned-up bare soil. Vehicles using this route are likely to be very large. While some creation of bare groud is desirable to create areas for plant germination and habitat for burrowing insects, the effect of vehicular use on this common appears rather excessive. 

As mentioned above, part of the common seems to be in use as tree nursery, but by whom, is not clear. Trees have also been planted on the common for ornamental/nature conservation reasons? 

Several stretches of drain have been dredged - this probably being a continuous and periodic maintenance activity, which will create areas of open water for plant colonisation etc. However the water is likely to be highly eutrophicated due to the surrounding land use. 

A final point to note is the presence, on the western part of the common, of a large heap of dumped silage material, plus a bonfire site. 

As a whole, the site is potentially important as a local "wildlife corridor" within an area largely dominated by intensive arable agriculture. This potential appears restricted by the disturbance from vehicular use of the common.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: swallows, swift, meadow pipit, wood pigeon, yellowhammer, wren, large white butterfly, gatekeeper, small tortoiseshell, painted lady, red admiral. Butterflies were particularly noticeable taking nectar from the flowers of thistles near to Broadmarsh Well.

VEG:
This common lies on drained, level ground just to the east of Adlingfleet. It mostly comprises an area of cattle-grazed grassland and was viewed from the rights of way which cross it. 

To the east (1) a bare earth track runs onto the common, where there is a cattle-grazed sward of improved grassland with numerous cowpats present. This is dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with locally frequent {\it Phleum} spp., {\it Elytrigia repens, Poa pratensis, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, plus occasional {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. At the edges is taller vegetation of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia repens, Cirsium arvense, Heracleum sphondylium} etc. Both boundaries of the common in this vicinity have discontinuous hedges of {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with barbed wire fencing in the gaps. Other species present include {\it Rosa canina} and {\it Sambucus nigra}, while there are several tall {\it Crataegus monogyna} trees to the opposite side of the track. Areas of bare ground along the track and elsewhere have species such as {\it Polygonum aviculare, Tripleurospermum maritimum} and {\it Capsella bursa-pastoris}.

Close to here the main Adlingfleet Drain crosses the common. This is about 10m wide, fenced and appears quite deep, with little marginal vegetation, apart from occasional clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}. The grassland on this part of the common (2) is mainly a coarse neutral grassland of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Elytrigia repens} and {\it Holcus lanatus}, with locally frequent {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Bromus sterilis}, plus locally occasional {\it Rumex obtusifolius, Conium maculatum} and {\it Geranium dissectum}. The track divides into two in this locality and associated with this are wide strips of shorter, improved grassland dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}, with occasional {\it Leontodon autumnalis}. In the vicinity of (3), these improved strips widen considerably to occupy almost the whole width of the common.  

At (4) is Broadmarsh Well, a small pond enclosed by two sets of barbed wire fencing. The enclosed area has dense stands of {\it Cirsium arvense}. The pond itself lies in quite a deep hole which appears to be fringed with {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sparganium} sp. 

At (5) is an expanse of coarse neutral grassland with an element of tall ruderal species - {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Phleum} spp., {\it Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Agrostis capillaris, Elytrigia repens, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgaris, Urtica dioica} and {\it Ranunculus acris}. Once again there is a discontinuous {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedge, with tall trees in places. 

The remainder of the common (6) had been cut for hay approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the site visit. Along the northern edge of this part, the track continues, with some tall grassland/ruderals along the boundary. This part of the common is mainly enclosed by a barbed wire fence with only a very occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna} bush, although there are a pair of mature {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees at (7).

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by cattle, with a herd of about 30 individuals noted during the site visit. Part of the common has also been cut for hay. 

There is a cattle grid at the eastern edge and there are also some sheep pens on the common at this point. The tracks across the common provides access for farm traffic to several of the adjoining fields and lanes. 

There is a new cattle grid provided at the entrance to one of these at (8). Here there is a Parish Council Planning notice announcing planned works to improve the nature conservation potential of the common. The main one of these will be the planting of 2,000m of new boundary hedges to replace those which have at present been lost. This will be done using {\it C. monogyna} and other native species. In addition there will also be fencing of 4,000m to make the site stockproof, plus the replacement of 4 gates. Finally there is to be a new seasonal pond created with an area of 1,600 sq. m, in order to encourage breeding birds. These appear to be entirely appropriate management proposals for this common. 

In the vicinity of (2) there has been some tipping of rubble and there is also a bonfire site.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, blue tit, ringlet butterfly, plus a fledgling cuckoo calling for food.

VEG:
The common lies along the eastern edge of a minor road leading from Kilpin Village. The site is listed in the schedule of nature conservation sites prepared by the former County Council. However, there was no survey information to hand from this source, and so a survey of the site was conducted. 

Most of the width of the verge comprises a strip of dense scrub and trees. The side away from the road has a narrow band of coarse neutral grassland/tall ruderals, while the boundary in parts has a rather overgorwn dry ditch. The scrub is mainly of {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with trees of {\it Quercus} sp. Other species occurring locally include {\it Rosa canina, Sambucus nigra, Malus} sp., {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Salix} spp. (incl. {\it S. cinerea}, plus tall specimen trees of {\it S. ? alba} and {\it S. fragilis}). 

The grassland strip behind the scrub is dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with frequent/abundant {\it Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Galium aparine, Cirsium arvense, Agropyron repens, Anthriscus sylvestris} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. Clearings where the scrub thins have similar vegetation, while the more dense areas havd a field layer which includes {\it Glechoma hederacea, Ranunculus repens, Stachys sylvatica, Deschampsia cespitosa, Chamerion angustifolium, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Rumex ?sanguineus, Galium aparine} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. 

The south-western part of the common has a more scattered scrub amongst which are stands of {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}, with a ditch to the rear choked with {\it Urtica dioica}.

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged. Although not particularly diverse botanically, the site represents an important local "wildlife corridor". Much of the surrounding landscape is given over to intensive arable farming. The mosaic of grassland, scrub and tall trees imparts the site with a great structural diversity. There is abundant leaf litter and many of the taller trees have dead branches present. The common is likely to be of value to a variety of birds, invertebrates and small mammals. 

At several points along the roadside edge are pull-ins, adajcent to which there has been considerable dumping of rubbish onto the common. Strategically sited warning signs may help to counteract this.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: yellowhammer, blue tit, greenfinch, coot, grey heron, swift, sandmartin, meadow brown butterfly, small skipper, ringlet and large white. In addition, a number of small blue-coloured damselflies were seen. A local person claimed that some of the tall trees on the common were used by tawny owls.

VEG:
The common comprises a long strip alongside a drain, on level ground to the NE of Goole. The site is included in the schedule of nature conservation sites prepared by the former county council. There was no information to hand from this source and the following description is based on notes made during the site visit.

As is often the case with linear sites, it is difficult to produce a habitat map in the strict sense. The site has therefore been described in terms of transects along its length. 

The westernmost portion (1) comprises a drain with scrub/woodland to the north and cut grassland, with a track/path, to the south. This grassland appears to be semi-improved neutral in character, with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Phleum} spp., {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}. Forbs present include {\it Ranunculus repens, Odontites verna, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium dubium, Dipsacus fullonum} and {\it Heracelum sphondylium}. The drain here is well-maintained and the mowing of the grassland appears to be part of this process. Noted locally along the drain itself were occasional {\it Ranunculus sceleratus, Filipendula ulmaria, Lemna minor, Glyceria fluitans, Phalaris arundinacea, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Carex ?otrubae, Lycopus europaeus, Epilobium hirsutum, Scrophularia aquatica, Sparganium} sp. and {\it ?Potamogeton trichoides}. 

The scrub/woodland area to the north appears to be mainly of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. Other associates include {\it Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Sambucus nigra} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. The field layer contains {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Vicia cracca, Galium aparine, Stachys sylvatica, Urtica dioica} and locally occasional {\it Phragmites australis}. The most shaded areas are characterised by a field layer of {\it Hedera helix, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Urtica dioica} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}.

At the other side of "randy lane bridge", where the metalled road crosses, there is a rather different transect. The path on this section runs along the northern side of the drain. For some distance there is a mown strip along the northern edge of the drain. Beyond this the grassland is dominated by tall coarse species, with a complement of tall ruderals. There is similar vegetation on the narrow strip on the southern side of the drain. Locally to both sides are small areas of scattered scrub/trees which include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and  {\it Prunus spinosa}. The tall grassland is generally again dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}, with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Galium aparine, Galium cruciata, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}, occasionally with {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. 

Along the northern slope of the drain and the path, the grass is generally shorter (probably due to periodic mowing as part of ditch maintenance). This vegetation tends to have a higher species diversity and includes {\it Trifolium pratense, Lathyrus pratense, Dipsacus fullonum, Odontites verna} and {\it Vicia cracca. Phragmites australis} is present locally.  Grasses dominant along the path itself include {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne} and {\it Phleum bertolonii}. Grassland along the edge of the ditch itself has abundant {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Angelica sylvestris}. Within the water of the ditch are locally frequent {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica, Sparganium} sp. and {\it Carex ?otrubae}.  

Toward (3) there is an essentially similar transect. The grassland along the northern bank of the ditch appears to become gradually more diverse, with species such as {\it Agrimonia eupatoria, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Festuca rubra, Carex flacca, Prunella vulgaris, Holcus lanatus, Tragopogon pratensis, Hypochaeris radicata, Leucanthemum vulgare, Senecio jacobaea} and {\it Torilis japonica}. Also noted along the ditch was {\it Scrophularia aquatica}.

Along the section at (4), additional species noted within the grassland include {\it Crepis capillaris, Hypericum tetrapterum, Sonchus arvensis} and {\it Arctium minus}, plus several sizeable clumps of {\it Primula vulgaris}. Within the ditch at this point, {\it Sparganium erectum} could be distinguished.

The eastern portion of the common (5) comprises an arm which turns to run in a northerly direction. A track runs along this portion and is used by tractors etc. Once again there is a mosaic of tall neutral grassland and tall ruderals (but here relatively species-poor), with areas of dense scrub and trees (incl. {\it Salix} spp.). The ditch along this section is narrower and appears infrequently maintained. Species noted along here include {\it Sparganium erectum, Lycopus europaeus, Angelica sylvestris, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Lemna} spp., {\it Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Veronica anagallis-aquatica, Scrophularia aquatica, Typha latifolia} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. Part of the western boundary has a hedge with trees: {\it Crataegus monogyna, Quercus} sp., {\it Rosa canina, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}.

MANAGE:
The main form of management on the common appears to be the maintenance of the drain. Clearance of this probably creates/maintains open water areas for aquatic species to colonise and prevents it becoming choked by taller herbaceous types. 

A part of this process is the mowing of the grass verges of the drain. This again will help to maintain areas of shorter and potentially more species-rich grassland. However, over-enthusiastic mowing early in the growing season may have an adverse effect, cutting many species before they have had chance to flower and set seed. Ideally the grass should be cut in late summer and only in short sections at a time. This way, any invertebrate populations in the taller grassland will not be completely wiped out. All cut material should ideally be removed from the site to avoid the possibility of eutrophication of the sward. 

There are several similar commons in the county which are associated with the edges of drains. However, this is the largest (in terms of area) and most diverse example and is therefore important in this regard. The common represents an extremely valuable local wildlife corridor and has a wide structural diversity of different habitats. In addition, it is scenically very attractive and relatively undisturbed by visitors. A more detailed survey and continued monitoring of this site are strongly recommended. 

Occasional mature trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} were noted with dead crowns (ie. dead wood habitat).


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: Yellowhammer, greenfinch.

VEG:
The common occupies the area between the road through the hamlet of Yapham and Green and Prospect Farms. The site is unfenced from the road and was viewed from here. 

The common comprises a grassland sward which had been cut in recent weeks and appears improved in character, mainly dominated by {\it Lolium perenne}. Other species noted include occasional or frequent {\it Bromus mollis, Ranunculus repens, R. acris, Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale, Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica dioica} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. At the edge of the road, {\it Potentilla anserina} and {\it P. reptans} were also noted.

Hedges and tress of various types border the remaining edges of the common. To the south (1) for example, there is a well-clipped hedge of {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with one smallish tree of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and two of {\it Populus nigra} var. {\it italica}. 

At (2) there is a defunct {\it Crataegus monogyna} hedge, while along the boundary at (3) is an overgrown {\it C. monogyna} hedge with trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} (some with die-back) and {\it Pinus} spp. 

The NE corner is overshadowed by a pair of tall trees -  {\it Populus} sp., plus {\it Salix ?fragilis}, the latter again with some die-back (these two not actually rooted on the common).

MANAGE:
The common appears to be cut for hay. No sign of grazing at the time of the site visit. Little nature conservation interest, although the overgrown hedges/trees along parts of the common may be of some local ornithological importance.


FAUNA:
Noted during the site visit were: swallows, feral ducks (on pond), yellowhammer, ringlet, blue tit, wren, several small blue-coloured damselflies (also around pond).

VEG:
The common comprises three separate parcels of land in the Village of Thwing. This is the most northerly site included within the survey within Humberside. However, none of the individual compartments is actually greater than the adopted survey threshold size of one hectare. 

The site is listed in the former county council nature conservation schedule, but this does not provide any survey information, and a site survey was therefore undertaken.

The easternmost portion comprises a fairly overgrown area of tall neutral grassland/ruderals, within which there is a small pond. This pond is used by lots of feral ducks. In the centre is a small island with tall neutral grassland/ruderal vegetation of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Epilobium hirsutum, Cirsium arvense, Centaurea nigra, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Juncus inflexus}. The edges of the pond are muddy and trampled by the ducks. 

At the far edge is a stand of {\it Schoenoplectus ?lacustris}, while elsewhere are occasional {\it Mentha ?aquatica, Veronica beccabunga}, and one small clump of {\it Iris pseudacorus}. Within the water itself there are plants of {\it Potamogeton natans} and abundant submerged {\it Elodea canadensis}. Surrounding the pond is further tall grassland/ruderals, with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Heracleum sphondylium, Stachys sylvatica, Calystegia sepium} plus {\it Symphitum ? x uplandicum}. Shorter grassland around the pond edges is eutrophicated by the ducks and has {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus repens, Plantago major, Potentilla anserina} and {\it Lathyrus pratensis}. 

Along the northern edge is an overgrown hedge with trees - {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Sambucus nigra}, with further scattered trees encroaching generally onto the common. There are also two tallish trees of {\it Salix fragilis} next to the pond.

The middle portion of the common lies to the west of the village and is crossed by a bare earth track/footpath. To the south of the track is tall neutral grassland/tall ruderals, overgrown in part with dense scrub and trees. This vegetation has {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Galium aparine, Centaurea scabiosa, Galium cruciata, Ranunculus acris, Potentilla reptans, Heracleum sphondylium, Stachys sylvatica} and {\it Urtica dioica}. The scrub and trees comprise {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Sambucus nigra, Rosa canina} and {\it Prunus} sp. 

To the north of the track is a dense block of scrub/woodland, dominated by trees of a species of {\it Prunus}, about 8m tall. Also present are occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. There is a sparse field layer beneath these trees of {\it Urtica dioica, Glechoma hederacea} and {\it Hedera helix}. Along the edge of the road is a mown grassland strip about 1.5m wide.

The final, western part of the common, appears to be a strip of dense scrub with trees. This mainly comprises {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with occasional {\it Rosa canina, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. The more dense scrub areas have a sparse field layer of {\it Urtica dioica} with locally occasional {\it Geranium robertianum} and {\it Viola ?riviniana}. Along the road and elsewhere, however, there are more open areas which have tall neutral grassland/ruderals - {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Anthriscus sylvestris, Galium aparine, Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica dioica, Galium cruciata, Stachys sylvatica, Geum urbanum} and {\it Glechoma hederacea}. In addition there were locally occasional {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Lapsana communis}, plus one small clump of {\it Knautia arvensis}, near to the road.

MANAGE:
The middle and western portion appear unmanaged, apart from mowing of the roadside verge by the highway authority. 

The eastern portion appears to be that owned by the parish council. The pond may be an artificially created feature. The presence of feral ducks appears to be causing eutrophication. This part of the common is the one which appears in the former county's wildlife schedule, being listed on account of grassland communities. Mowing of some of the grassland (with removal of the cut material) on this part of the common may encourage an increased botanical diversity. 

These relatively undisturbed plots of land appear to have a local importance for wildlife.


VEG:
The common is of amenity grassland. Peripheral areas show species such as {\it Holcus lanatus, Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium, Lolium perenne, Plantago coronopus, Anagallis tenella, Plantago laneolata, Hypochoeris radicata}. There are planted trees such as {\it Quercus robur, Salix} sp. {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}.


FAUNA:
No fauna seen during survey (bad weather).

VEG:
The grassland is (NVC) CG2b {\it Succisa-Leucanthemum} sub-community. Species include {\it Daucus carota, Plantago coronopus, Anthyllis vulneraria, Trifolium pratense, Ononis repens, Plantago lanceolata, Rhinanthus minor, Centaurea nigra, Stachys officinalis, Plantago major, Cirsium} sp. {\it Primula veris, Sanguisorba minor, Briza media, Dactylis glomerata, Campanula rotundifolia, Helianthemum nummularium, Serratula tinctoria, Anacamptis pyramidalis, Campanula glomerata}.

By the eastern entrance to the common there is rather foot-worn grassland and {\it Achillea millefolium, Agrimonia eupatoria, Galium verum, Galium saxatile, Malva sylvestris, Senecio jacobaea}. The path to the clifftops is eroded by walkers.

MANAGE:
Ecology Officer (Colin Pope) reports that 'the site is unmanaged but the exposed coastal location has prevented scrub incursion. The steep, heavily-used footpath at the edge of the site is subject to problems of erosion.'


VEG:
Much of the eastern end of the common is amenity grassland with some planted {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Salix x chrysocoma, Carpinus} sp. (cultivated), and {\it Prunus} sp. On the other side of a small car park there is a drain and tarmac path under the shade of {\it Aesculus hippocastanum} and some {\it Ulmus procera}. There is occasional {\it Sambucus nigra} and ground flora of {\it Urtica dioica, Anthriscus sylvestris, Hedera helix, Arum maculatum, Heracleum sphondylium}. The ditch supports {\it Carex pendula, Filipendula ulmaria, Oenanthe crocata, Epilobium hirsutum, Glyceria maxima, Rorippa} sp. {\it Holcus lanatus}.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Wood pigeon, Wren, Chaffinch.  Butterflies: Peacock, Large White.

VEG:
The 4 eastern parts of the common (which is in 5 sections) are managed as amenity grassland. There is a car park and children's play area near the centre of this area. A large population of {\it Chamaemelum nobile} is found here. The Ecology Officer of Isle of Wight council reports that the area has a 'flora similar to many of the New Forest greens today'.  The western edge (north of 'Wayside') includes a small wooded area of {\it Quercus robur, and coppiced {\it Salix} sp. The under storey includes {\it Ilex aquifolium, Buddleja} sp. {\it Prunus laurocerasus} and ground flora includes {\it Urtica dioica, Digitalis purpurea, Holcus lanatus, Geranium robertianum, Eupatorium cannabinum, Sonchus asper, Artemesia vulgaris, Senecio jacobaea, Plantago major, Mentha aquatica, Solanum dulcamara}.

At the time of survey the open area of West Green supported substantial tall ruderal species such as {\it Rubus fruticosus, Eupatorium cannabinum, Cirsium} spp. {\it Senecio jacobaea, Urtica dioica, Juncus inflexus, Pulicaria dysenterica, Scrophularia nodosa, Epilobium} spp.

The woodland downslope is damp {\it Quercus robur} woodland with {\it Corylus avellana, Salix} sp. {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. Ground species include {\it Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus, Lonicera peryclymenum, Hedera helix, Circaea lutetiana, Ligustrum vulgare, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Dryopteris dilitata, Arum maculatum, Iris pseudocors, Aegpodium podograria}. There are some planted exotics.

The southern side is more scrub with species such as {\it Salix} sp. {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna}.

MANAGE:
Grasslands mown (population of {\it Chamaemelum nobile} appears to thrive). Some woodland management in hand, obstructions removed, brushwood left.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Wood pigeon, Whitethroat, Blackcap.

Fox, rabbit, Grey squirrel.

VEG:
By the Long Mill Lane lies an area of amenity grassland which is mown by the council. The main body of the common is woodland of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Betula pendula}. Understorey species include {\it Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Salix} sp. and ground flora species include {\it Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus, Glechoma hederacea, Hedera helix, Mercuralis perennis, Cirsium} sp. {\it Bellis perennis, Cerastium holostoides, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Stellaria dioica, Dryopteris filix-mas, Plantago major}. The western end of the common supports scrub that includes {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with trees of the same by the road.

MANAGE:
The Napps common was 'damaged' by the hurricane of 1987 with considerable work put in by local council to make area safe. Some recent replanting in cleared areas. The bridleways are well-used probably due to a local riding school. There is a garden waste dumping problem.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Wood pigeon, Chaffinches, Green Woodpecker, Jay, Magpie, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Great Tit, Canada Geese, Mallards.

Grey squirrel.

Recorded: Grass Snake, Greater-spotted woodpecker, Spotted flycatcher and over 50 other birds. Purple Hairstreak butterfly.

VEG:
Much of the woodland is {\it Quercus} woodland with some ancient trees and substantial {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} characteristic of acid soils of this sandstone ridge. North of the Church and College, the wood has understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Prunus laurocerasus} and ground flora of {\it Mercuralis perennis, Hedera helix, Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. The main wood has a few areas of substantial {\it Calluna vulgaris} although these have invasive {\it Betula pendula} and sometimes {\it Ulex europaeus}. Damper areas have {\it Juncus} sp. cover and occasional {\it Carex pendula}.

The Cricket ground and the northern end of the part of the common that is north of Holden Road have amenity grassland, which in the latter case blends into scrub and then woodland further towards Holden House. Near Holden House lies a large amenity pond with small amounts of {\it Glyceria maxima, Iris pseudocorus, Salix x chrysocoma, Iris pseudocorus}.

MANAGE:
Managed by Kent High Weald Project. Remains of heath areas need protection from scrub invasion.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Goldfinches, Wood pigeon, Thrush, Robin, Kestrel, Chaffinch, Great Tit.

VEG:
The northern end of the common has a pond that is overshaded and clogged with tall emergent vegetation. There is also a small pond on the north eastern side of the common with {\it Juncus effusus, Polygonum persicaria, Glyceria fluitans} and edged with {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Solidago virgaurea}. These ponds are set in semi-natural neutral grassland with some {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

The semi-natural neutral grassland that makes up a large proportion of the common includes {\it Holcus lanatus, Festuca} sp.,{\it Rumex acetosa, Heracleum sphondylium, Vicia} sp. {\it Cirsium arvense, Centaurea nigra, Pteridium aquilinum}. Small areas are cut for hay (e.g. opposite Cherry Garden Farm. There are areas of dense scrub along the 'spine' of the common that include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Quercus} sp. 

An area of semi-natural acidic grassland with some heath species lies east of the main road that passes through the common. {\it Calluna vulgaris} patches are found in acid grassland with some {\it Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius}. Acidic grassland is also found (though without observed heath species) opposite Mead Farm.

The southern parts of the common have large areas that are excluded from the common. Remaining common areas support neutral grassland and islands of scrub (sometimes dense) and substantial {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
Some areas mown for amenity. Signs and SNCI records refer to grazing.


VEG:
Halling Common is semi-improved grassland with some isolated, grazed scrub species such as {\it Crataegus monogyna}. Marsh areas that support {\it Scirpus maritimus, Juncus} sp. are often fringed by scrub of {\it C. monogyna, P. spinosa, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus}. The fields include much {\it Senecio jacobaea, Cirsium vulgare, Achillea millefolium, Urtica dioica, Taraxacum} sp.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Jay, Blackbird, Wood pigeon, Robin, Chaffinch, Great Tits, Magpie.
Nightjars recorded from the site.  

Bats recorded: {\it Myotis mystacinus, M. brandti, M. daubentoni, M. natteri, Plecotus auritus}.

VEG:
From the car park near the northern limit of the common, verge grass and a few planted trees are evident. The broad-leaved woodland found to the east of the car park includes mature coppice of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur} with occasional conifers. There is a small area of pine plantation. {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Ranunculus ficaria, Aegopodium podograria, Arum maculatum, Urtica dioica} much in evidence. There is an excavated ragstone quarry entrance with barred entrance which may provide habitat for bat roosts. This feature forms the main basis for the designation of part of this common as Westerham Mines SSSI.

Near Valance End the woodland/scrub has been cut back due to power lines and {\it P. aquilinum} is abundant here with regenerating scrub. Near French Street lies some scrub with {\it Salix} sp. {\it Taxus baccata, Berberous darwinii, Pteridium aquilinum}.

The main body of the woodland is broad-leaved and mixed woodland with 70 per cent storm damage. Species present include {\it Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris}.  Paths support acidic grassland with {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Agrostis capillaris}. There is substantial {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} in many parts of the common and some {\it Calluna vulgaris} which indicates former heathland.  

West of the two long areas excluded from the common lie bryophyte-rich banks ({\it Mnium hornum}) with a line of well-developed {\it Fagus sylvatica}. Across Hosey Common Rd. lies {\it Quercus robur} dominated wood with understorey including {\it Coryllus avellana, Ilex aquifolium} and substantial {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
Let regeneration continue undisturbed. Leave deadwood for invertebrates. Maintain protection of old ragstone mines for bats.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Blackbird, Green woodpecker, Chaffinches, Magpie, Wood pigeon.

VEG:
Paths from a car park by the sharp bend at the northernmost point of the common leads to damp {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Betula} sp. woodland with some understorey of {\it Corylus avellana} and ground flora species that include {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Deschampsia flexuosa} a good bryophyte growth e.g. {\it Mnium hornum}. This section of common north of Mariners Hill is mixed wood with {\it Pinus sylvestris, Quercus} sp. {\it Fagus sylvatica, Castanea sativa}. There is much {\it Betula} sp. regeneration after storm damage (1987) with patches of {\it V. myrtillus, C. vulgaris} and much {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus, Lonicera periclymenum}. There is invasion of {\it Rhododendron ponticum} and some occasional small {\it Taxus baccata}.

The larger section of common is similar in species, with age and stage of development depending on degree of storm damage. Some central areas are clear of high woodland and have regenerating scrub. A large area of the centre and northern side has very substantial invasion of {\it Rhododendron ponticum}.

A trackway from a small dwelling on the northern side (OS Grid Ref.  44405195) has damp sides with species such as {\it Dicranum majus, Thuidium tamariscinum, Blechnum spicant, Anemone nemorosa, Ajuga reptans, Calluna vulgaris} and liverworts.

Woodland south of Kent Hatch Rd. is steep-sloped and supports large {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur} and {\it Salix} sp. {\it Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra}.

MANAGE:
Allow post-storm regeneration to continue with little disturbance. Control {\it Rhododendron ponticum} or at least keep to current area.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Chaffinches, Starlings, Wood pigeon.

Rabbits.

VEG:
The area of acid grassland east of Farley Lane includes {\it Galium saxatile, Deschampsia flexuosa, Agrostis canina, Holcus lanatus, Luzula multiflora, Campanula rotundifolia, Centaurea nigra, Carex} sp. and bryophytes such as {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}. There are patches of {\it Ulex europaeus}. The grassland is edged by broad-leaved woodland with {\it Quercus robur, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Ligustrum vulgare, Ilex aquifolium}. Ground flora species here include {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Hedera helix, Mercuralis perennis, Lonicera periclymenum, Anthriscus sylvestris}. Grassland on the west of Farley Lane is more neutral 'road verge' grass with {\it Glechoma hederacea, Ranunculus} spp. {\it Hypochoeris radicata, Veronica} sp.

The section of common north of Gotley is {\it Quercus robur/Betula} sp. woodland with some storm damage and thus much deadwood. Regeneration includes some young {\it Fagus sylvatica} and planted {\it Q. robur, Q, cerris} and {\it Liriodendron tulipifera}. Most of the latter have died. Ground flora is limited by shading but includes {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Pteridium aquilinum, Chamerion angustifolium, Teucrium scorodonia, Cytisus scoparius}. The woodland on the due-west facing side of the common is of {\it Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus} with understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Malus sylvestrus, Salix} sp. and {\it Sambucus nigra}. There are extensive seedlings of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}.

MANAGE:
Acidic grassland should be maintained by restraining scrub. Planted trees will need after-care.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Wood pigeon, Jay, Chaffinch, Blue tit.

Grey squirrel, Fox.

The SSSI citation for Oldbury and Seal Chart records interest for Hymenoptera  (e.g. {\it Andrena fucata, A. lapponica} and Mollusca {\it Limax tenellus, Phenacolumax major}.

VEG:
Most of Seal Chart is acidic {\it Quercus petraea} woodland, both ancient and secondary}. The wider Oldbury and Seal Chart SSSI is noted for ' an outstanding assemblage of fungi ....numbering over 250 species and including several tht are rare or scarce in Britain. Characteristic communities of invertebrates and bryophytes also occur'.

The area east of Saxby's Road and north of the Maidstone Road is mixed acidic woodland {\it Quercus petraea} and {\it Pinus sylvestris} with substantial {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus}. There are a few planted trees in tubes. Nearer the Maidstone Road, the wood is broad-leaved of {\it Q. petraea, Betula pendula} with some invasion of {\it Rhododendron ponticum}. In some areas there is substantial understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium} There are patches of relict heath with {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex europaeus} by paths. Old banks support good bryophyte growth e.g. {\it Mnium hornum}. West of Waterden is an overshaded pond with {\it Glyceria fluitans} with substantial {\it Salix} sp. in and around the pond. East of Waterden lies a small area of grassland and tall ruderal species ({\it Pteridium aquilinum, Chamerion angustifolium}.

A small section of the common west of CL 38 is highly storm affected with vigorous {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Salix} sp. regeneration with {\it Ulex europaeus}.   

The area south of the Maidstone Rd. near Chart Warren was only viewed from the road but clearly is broad-leaved {\it Quercus petraea/Betula pendula} woodland with small area of planted trees near the road. Between the A25 and the covered reservoir lies a plantation of {\it P. sylvestris}. with, according to records, invasion of {\it R. ponticum}. Much of the area SW of Saxbys is pine plantation with reduced ground flora and at least one area of bare eroded ground. A small pond by the A25 (included in the common but within a large excluded area) is highly shaded by {\it Salix} spp.

Redhill Wood supports mature {\it Q. petraea, Betula pendula} within a matrix of coppiced and regenerating (post 1987 storm) {\it Betula pendula} scrub. There is substantial {\it Pinus sylvestris} (especially nearer Church Rd.) with some {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Ground flora species include {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris, Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus}.

A small area of the common on Cone Hill to the south of Redhill Wood is mostly {\it Q. petraea/Betula pendula} storm affected wood with regenerating {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Ground flora of {\it V. myrtillus, R. fruticosus, Solidago virgaurea}.   

The triangle of common east of Styants Wood is {\it Quercus/Fagus sylvatica} woodland with some {\it P. sylvestris} in the more central parts. Understorey trees include {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} with {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Cytisus scoparius} near the southern road.  Ground flora is sparse due to shading in many areas but there is {\it V. myrtillus} and more open glades have {\it Pteridium aquilinum, R. fruticosus}. An old pond at the northernmost point of this section is overshaded sy {\it Salix} sp. and invaded by {\it Urtica dioica} and garden waste.  Near the pond lies a patch of amenity grassland with some planted amenity trees {\it Picea sitchensis, Populus tremula} and some (treated) {\it Fallopia japonica}.

MANAGE:
Some tree-planting was done after the 1987 storm but is generally not as successful as natural regeneration. Ponds on the common are in need of reinstatement. Preservation of the remnants of former heathland a priority.


FAUNA:
Wood pigeon, Wren, Thrush.

Rare bees and wasps in sand quarry at southern end.

VEG:
The southern end of the common by Stone Street Rd. has woodland of {\it Betula pendula, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica}.The southwestern point of the common has {\it Quercus} sp.,{\it Castanea sativa, Ilex aquifolium} woodland. The owner of the sand quarry area has fenced along the road.                               

A bridleway passes from Stone Street Rd upslope through woodland of {\it Castanea sativa, Betula} sp. {\it Pinus sylvestris} with ground flora of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Pteridium aquilinum, Hypnum cupressiforme}.

The woodland along the path at the top of the slope is mostly of {\it Quercus robur} with some {\it Castanea sativa, Rhododendron ponticum, Betula pendula, Ulex europaeus, Salix} sp. 

Grass/heath by earth banks include {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Vaccinium myrtillus, Pteridium aquilinum, Calluna vulgaris, Juncus effusus} and bryophytes.

MANAGE:
Path maintained. {\it Rhododendron ponticum} invasion a potential problem. The sand quarry at southern end supports habitat for rare bees and wasps.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Wood pigeon, Great-Spotted Woodpecker, Chaffinches.

VEG:
Bitchett Common has acidic soils with a predominant tree cover of {\it Quercus petraea} and {\it Fagus sylvatica} (NVC W15). Old coppice of {\it Betula pendula} is present and also some {\it Castanea sativa}. Understorey species include {\it Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Taxus baccata, Sorbus aria, Sorbus aucuparia}. Ground flora is acidic with {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Galium saxatile}. A small area of acidic grassland is noted on the western side of the site and includes {\it Galium saxatile, Rhytidiadelphus} sp., {\it Prunella vulgaris, Teucrium scorodonium} which is rabbit grazed.

MANAGE:
Bitchett Common was affected by storm damage (1987) and there has been some replanting. Coppiced {\it Castanea sativa} present.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Wren, Crows, Blackbird,
Jay, Greater-Spotted woodpecker.

VEG:
A pond lies at the SW corner of the common which includes species such as {\it Menyanthes aquatica, Nymphea alba, Typha latifolia, Cressula helmsii, Juncus effusus, Glyceria maxima, Polygonum hydropiper}.

The woodland of the common is semi-improved broadleaved woodland with a few {\it Pinus sylvestris} in some areas.  Much of the standing trees are of {\it Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Quercus petraea, Castanea sativa}. There is much regeneration since the 1987 storm as well as planting. Natural regeneration includes much {\it Betula} sp. but also {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Castanea sativa, Prunus avium, Corylus avellana, Sorbus aria} There areas of substantial {\it Ulex europaeus}. The lichen interest was thought to be very good (F. Rose) after a 1968/9 survey though whether this is sustained is unknown as some of the old trees that support rarer lichens have disappeared.

Some roadside banks support acidic grassland species such as {\it Galium saxatile, Teucrium scorodonia} with some {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

MANAGE:
Restoration post 1987 storm. Some planted and tube-protected trees. Fallen wood and sawn wood left for invertebrate conservation for which Knole Park is well known.


VEG:
Godden Green common consists of amenity grasslands around the village of Godden Green, some of which are mown. Some sides of the common are edged by scrub and some standards. A pond near the pub supports {\it Typha latifolia, Iris pseudocorus} with recently pollarded {\it Salix}.

MANAGE:
Pond maintainance and aftercare in hand. Some grassland mown and recent tree planting.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Blackbirds, Thrush, Wood pigeon, Chaffinches, Wren.

VEG:
The section of common near 'The Swan' is mown amenity grassland. The section marked Lamberhurst Down on the map includes some amenity grassland with planted trees such as {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Fagus sylvatica, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna} and some woodland of {\it Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior}. The pond/lakes support {\it Glyceria maxima, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Juncus effusus, Ulex europaeus, Coryllus avellana, Salix} sp. at the fringes. The open water supports {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius, Typha latifolia, Sparganum} sp. {\it Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica}.
Northern part of the common are woodland of {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Coryllus avellana} with ground flora of tall grasses, {\it Urtica dioica, R. fruticosus, Lythrum salicaria, Chamerion angustifolium}. There are small pockets of waste ground with tall ruderal species.

MANAGE:
Amenity areas mown. Ponds appear well maintained.  Minor waste dumping needs attention.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Pheasant, Blackbird, Wood pigeon, Great Tits.

VEG:
The easternmost point of the smaller section of common includes mown amenity grassland with a few planted trees ({\it Aesculus hippocastanum}). The rest of this section is mown grassland under young {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}.

The SE facing side of the larger section of common  includes some acid grassland areas that support {\it Achillea millefolium, Galium saxatile, Dactylis glomerata, Cirsium} sp., {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Deschampsia flexuosa, Centaurea nigra, Potentilla anserina, Sonchus asper} and a patch of {\it Cruciata laevipes}. The area is surrounded by scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Betula pendula, Quercus robur} and large amounts of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The main part of this section of common is woodland of {\it Quercus robur, Betula pendula}. The ground flora is sparse due to shading but is dominated by {\it P, aquilinum, R. fruticosus}. A ditch at the southern end near 'Durrants' supports substantial {\it Urtica dioica,} and {\it Symphytum officinale}.   The western side of  Hook Green includes scrub {\it Q.robur, Betula} sp. with some {\it Ulex europaeus}. There is a small area of {\it Pinus sylvestris}.

MANAGE:
Amenity grassland areas are mown but no apparent woodland management.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during the survey: Blackbird, Jay, Wren.

VEG:
The common is divided into 4 sections by minor roads. It is probably former open grasslands. 

The northernmost section is an area of substantial {\it Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus} edged by young {\it Quercus robur, Betula} sp. There are old banks by the road.

The section on the NW side of the whole common is young even-aged broad-leaved woodland of {\it Betula pendula, Castanea sativa, Aesculus hippocastanum, Acer pseudoplatanus} with a shaded ground flora of {\it Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus, Pteridium aquilinum}.

The larger southern sections of the common are more woodlands that are usually dominated by {\it Quercus robur} with some {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} to the northern edges.  Ground flora species include {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Mnium hornum, Solidago virgaurea, Stachys officinalis, Teucrium scorodonia, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Geranium robertianum, Hypnum cupressiforme, Polytrichum commune, Plagiothecium} sp. {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Melica uniflora, Melampyrum pratense}. 
Kent County Wildlife Survey mentions recent coppice of {\it Coryllus avellana}.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Jay, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie.

Grey Squirrel.

Speckled wood and Large White butterflies.

VEG:
Most of Scotland Common is broad-leaved semi-natural woodland that includes coppice, and standards of a variety of species. 

The western arm of the common is mostly woodland of {\it Q. robur, Fraxinus excelsior} and some old {\it Coryllus avellana} coppice. Understorey species include {\it Sambucus nigra, Ulex europaeus} and ground flora species are found such as {\it Galium aparine, Rubus fruticosus, Urtica dioica, Hedera helix, Silene dioica, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Dryopteris dilitata, Bryonia dioica, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Geum urbanum}.

The area north of Hillmere is 'scrubbier' and may have had hurricane damage from 1987. The scrub {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} is sometimes very thick with consequently sparse ground flora. 

The main body - the area labelled Scotland Common is mature broad-leaf woodland with much {\it Quercus robur, Acer pseudplatanus}. The woodlands of this SSSI are recorded as species-rich, but this was less evident at the late time of survey.

MANAGE:
The wood/scrub is cut down under power lines that pass through the SE side of the site. Coppicing could be re-instated to revive ground flora in some areas.


FAUNA:
Dragonfly records of note: {\it Coenagrion puella, Ischnea elegans, Coenagrion puella}.

Moths recorded: {\it Synanthedon spheciformis} (white-barred clearwing), and {\it Eustrotia uncula} (Silver Hook).

Birds recorded during survey: Chaffinch, Thrush, Magpie.

VEG:
Gibbins Brook is surveyed by previous studies extensively to Phase II. NVC communities identified include:
Woodlands/scrub: W1,W4c,W5c,W6d,W7a,W10a,W10b,W16a,W21a.W22a,W24a,W24b,W25a.

Mesotrophic grasslands:  MG1b, MG1e,MG7f,MG10a.

Calcifugous grasslands and montane communities: U4b, U20a.

Mire communities:  M22a, M23a, M27b.

Swamp and Tall Herb Fen communities:  S10, S12, S14, S22.

A plant list derived in 1994 (Hodd) found 163 species.

The valley bog area from The Stormes to the central area of Gibbins Brook includes {\it Typha latifolia, Epilobium} sp. {\it Stellaria graminea, Chamerion angustifolium, Angelica sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Holcus lanatus, Juncus articulatus, Juncus conglomeratus, Lotus uliginosus, Ranunculus repens, Rumex acetosa, Dactylorhiza maculata}. South of the road {\it Molinia caerulea, Sphagnum} spp. {\it Polytrichum} sp. are extensive with 2 areas of {\it Menyanthes trifoliata}.

A swathe of carr/wood of{\it Alnus glutinosa} with {\it Quercus robur, Salix} spp. {\it Betula} spp. lies within the common south of the minor road. Ground flora recorded before this survey include {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Iris pseudocorus, Caltha palustris, Apium nodiflorum, Cardamine pratensis, Dryopteris} sp. {\it Equisetum telmateia, Rubus fruticosus, Carex paniculata}.

A pond is found at junction of minor roads with {\it Typha latifolia, Crassula helmsii} the edges of which have recently had scrub cover cut back.
The pond was dry at the time of survey. Other species recorded in the past from the pond include {\it Eleocharis palustris, Equisetum} sp. {\it Potamogeton} sp. ,{\it Ranunculus} sp.
A project to encourage heath habitat to regenerate has begun in this area.

At the time of survey the northern areas included much {\it P. aquilinum} on semi-improved grassland with some {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub.

Areas of scrub/hedgerow border the common including {\it Crataegus monogyna, Salix} sp. {\it Quercus robur}.

MANAGE:
The site is managed by White Cliffs Countryside Project. Scrub encroachment needs attention. Any pollution sources from nearby should be managed to minimize impact on the acidic valley bog - a rare habitat in Kent.


FAUNA:
No birds seen during survey. The SSSI is noted for some molluscs.

VEG:
The common is mostly acidic woodland of {\it Quercus petraea, Betula pendula, Ilex aquifolium} with some {\it Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Ground flora is restricted by shading but includes {\it P. aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus}. Storm damaged parts have much regeneration by {\it Betula pendula}.

MANAGE:
No active management. Regeneration from storm damage in evidence.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Magpie, Thrush, Chaffinch.

VEG:
The westernmost part of the common is amenity grassland and a car park bisected by a gully (dry) and line of scrub ({\it C.monogyna, Betula} sp.) with rank grasses. The western edge has planted {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avallana}.

The grasslands on 'The Lees' include {\it Chrysanthemum vulgare, Achillea millefolium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Senecio jacobaea, Artemesia vulgaris, Centaurea nigra, Convolvulus vulgaris, Cirsium} sp. {\it Potentilla anserina, Potentilla rupestris, Rumex acetosa, Lolium perenne, Linaria vulgaris, Hypericum tetrapterum, Hypochoeris radicata, Conopodium majus, Tripleurospermum maritimum}. A ditch/gully across the grasslands supports {\it Glyceria maxima, Phragmites australis, Rorippa} sp. {\it Alliaria petiolata, Lemna} sp. {\it Impatiens glandulifera}. An area of approximately 5 year old planted trees lies near the northern side of the common and there are planted {\it Betula} sp. trees near Hampstead Lane.

East of Lees Rd. lie two strips of scrub/wood with {\it F. excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Salix} sp.

MANAGE:
Amenity grassland mown. Some planted trees.


FAUNA:
Birds recorded during survey: Wren, Crows, Jay, Great Tits, Partridges.

VEG:
About two-thirds of this common is arable land. However the western end includes broad-leaf woodlands of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur}. Understorey species include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus}.

Within the main arable areas lies some unimproved calcareous grassland around some tumuli. Grasses here include {\it Brachypodium pinnatum,Bromus erectus} and  {\it Centaurea scabiosa, Sanguisorba minor, Cirsium acaule, Avenula pratensis}.                              

Across the centre of the common and along some of the SW facing side lies scrub/wood of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur} and {\it C. monogyna, Sorbus aria, Acer pseudoplatanus,Prunus spinosa}.

The eastern end of the common includes two strips of unimproved chalk grassland with some emergent scrub.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is managed as arable land. Conifers referred to on OS map have been extracted.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Magpie, Wood pigeon, Wren, Thrush.

VEG:
The track from Ringwould is edged by {\it Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus, Crataegus monogyna} and one or two {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. This opens out downslope and scrub species include {\it Cornus sanguinea, Sambucus nigra}. Near the confluence of paths at the bottom of the slope there is scrub and woodland with {\it F. excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus}. The Lynch is a partially open calcareous grassland ({\it Thymus druceii, Campanula rotundifolia, Daucus carota, Brachypodium pinnatum, Centaurea scabiosa, Sanguisorba minor, Origanum vulgare, Euphrasia officinalis, Cirsium acaule, Bromus erectus, Avenula pratensis}) and scrub of {\it P. spinosa, Taxus baccata, C. monogyna}. The western end also supports some {\it Pinus} sp. and the scrub has grown to woodland.

MANAGE:
Some reduction of scrub under power lines. Old small stone extraction pits. Scrub may help butterflies, but will need cutting back eventually.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Goldfinches, Thrush, Magpie, Starlings.

VEG:
The open grassland is acidic with species such as {\it Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Urtica dioica, Agrimonis eupatoria, Rumex acetosa, Hypochoeris radicata, Centaurea nigra, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Sonchus asper, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, Trifolium pratense, Arrhenatherum elatius, Deschampsia flexuosa, Potentilla rupestris}. There is a tennis court near Upper Green Rd. There are planted {\it Salix} spp. and exotics near Stumble Hill. The southern edge of the common is tree-lined with {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior}. Near Lady Vane Close lies some woodland with a dry and shaded old pond. The northern side of the common is broad-leaved woodland of {\it Quercus robur} with understorey of {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna} with {\it R.fruticosus, Pulicaria dysenterica}.

MANAGE:
Amenity grasslands mown. Some new planted trees.


VEG:
Site is now a road under construction. The eastern side (to which there was no access at the time of survey) may be unaffected and support some woodland and scrub.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Blackbirds, Great Tit, Blue Tit.

Grey squirrel.

VEG:
The northern part of the common is semi-improved and amenity grassland with pollarded {\it Tilia} sp. by the road. Amenity trees include {\it Prunus} sp.,{\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior}. The common passes either side of an excluded area of housing. The Hurst includes a wide path used by walkers and horse-riders. This part of the common is {\it Quercus robur} woodland with {\it Prunus avium} (several fallen)  with understorey of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre, Coryllus avellana}. Good bryophyte growth {\it Mnium hornum, Hypnum cupressiforme} is found on old banks which define some of the common boundaries. Ground flora species include: {\it Geum urbanum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Rubus fruticosus, Geranium robertianum, Melica uniflora, Heracleum sphondylium, Carex pendula, Urtica dioica, Pteridium aquilinum, Polygonum persicaria, Rosa canina, Tussilago farfara, Rumex acetosa, Glechoma hederacea, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Stellaria holostea, Carex sylvaticum, Hedera helix}. 

The southernmost section of the common is of roadway and verge grasses.

MANAGE:
Amenity grasslands mown. Trees cut under power lines.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during: Great Tit, Robin, Bullfinch.

VEG:
The common is mostly broad-leaved woodland of {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior} with some {\it Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum}. Understorey species include {\it Acer campestre, Prunus spinosa, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus avium, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna}. By a stream near the bottom of the wood lies {\it Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Corylus avellana}. Ground flora species include {\it Hedera helix, Oxalis acetosella, Geum urbanum, Urtica dioica, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago major, Glechoma hederacea, Anthriscus sylvestris}.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Wren, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Wood pigeon.

Grey Squirrel.

VEG:
The most northern section of the common is a small area of semi-improved grassland that includes {\it Lolium perenne, Plantago lanceolata, Phleum pratense, Dactylis glomerata, Rumex acetosa}. There a few trees planted in tubes. The western end of this section is a concrete path/track lined by {\it C. monogyna/Prunus spinosa} hedge.

The northeastern section of the common appears to be subsumed into a private garden and is lawned grass and a hedge adjacent to a house.

The longest section of the common is Luckett's Lane which, by the A290 is concrete path with small areas of garden and verge. A path towards the west is hedge lined (including a small area of {\it Phragmites australis})  which leads towards the Church Wood SSSI area of RSPB, Woodland Trust and English Nature (NNR) reserves.             

The section of the common to the south of Blean includes improved grassland and some semi-improved grassland.

MANAGE:
Amenity grasslands mown. Some tree planting.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Magpie, Wood pigeon.

VEG:
The wooded sections of the common have {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} with understorey species such as {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Ligustrum vulgare, Prunus avium} and occasional {\it Taxus baccata} with ground flora of {\it Hedera helix, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Arum maculatum, Anthiscus sylvestris, Galium aparine, Rubus fruticosus, Lamium alba, Urtica dioica, Alliaria petiolata}. There is some {\it Symphoricarpos alba} near the school.

The amenity grasslands of the two southern sections of the common are lined by planted {\it Tilia} sp.

MANAGE:
Amenity grasslands are mown, and lower branches of planted limes removed. No active management to wooded parts of the common.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey:

Thrush, Wren, Magpie, Robin.

VEG:
The western end of the common is rough grassland including {\it Centaurea nigra, Dactylis glomerata, Hypochoeris radicata, Achillea millefolium, Ranunculus} sp. {\it Plantago lanceolata, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia flexuosa}. There regularly planted {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus rubra}.

On the NE facing side there are large planted {\it Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Tilia} sp. {\it Castanea sativa}.

On the southern side of the common lies a disturbed area with substantial {\it Urtica dioica, Fallopia japonica} tall {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna}. Near Colleys Farm lies scrub {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} with some {\it F. japonica} and {\it Urtica dioica}.

The southeastern corner includes {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna} scrub round an old pond (?) which supports much {\it Urtica dioica, Chamerion angustifolium, Rubus fruticosus}. This area surrounds acidic grassland that is rabbit-grazed. An area is designated a 'Wildflower Area' with protected species and planted species.

MANAGE:
Some grassland mown. Planted amenity trees. A wildflower area created by Kent (Stour) Countryside Service. Active interest from local people. {\it Fallopia japonica} needs treatment.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Great Crested Grebe, Swan, Coots.

VEG:
The northwestern section includes a car park and a cafe that is edged by tall ruderal species and scrub of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Salix} sp.,{\it Crataegus monogyna, Betula pendula, Buddleja} sp.   

The canal/drain of open water is edged with {\it Typha latifolia, Glyceria maxima, Urtica dioica, Convolvulus vulgaris, Armoracia rusticana, Epilobium hirsutum, Mentha aquatica, Heracleum sphondylium, Myosotis} sp. {\it Artemesia vulgaris, Lamium album}. Between the drain and the railway lies a footpath and areas of swamp, tall ruderal vegetation and {\it Salix} scrub.

The northeastern side of the common has been taken over for industry and incinerators. A large flood bank supports tall grasses and ruderal species including {\it Cirsium} sp. {\it Urtica dioica, Sonchus asper, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Achillea millefolium, Rosa canina, Alliaria petiolata, Trifolium pratense, Agrostis} sp. {\it Polygonum aviculare}.

The lake edges support {\it Typha latifolia, Anthriscus sylvestris, Glyceria maxima, Juncus inflexus, Phragmites australis, Eupatorium cannabinum, Artemesia vulgaris, Juncus effusus, Tussilago farfara, Rumex} sp. {\it Achillea millefolium, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus}.

The southern edge of the common and the western side of the lake includes scrub species of {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Cornus sanguinea, Viburnum opulus, Euonymus europaeus, Coryllus avellana, Malus sylvestris}.

MANAGE:
The lake is managed for recreation and thus only of conservation interest at the fringes. Some trees planting possible.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Pied Wagtail, Thrush, Wood pigeons.

VEG:
The main part of Challock Lees is amenity grassland with some planted trees.

Near 'The Lees' the parkland trees are {\it Fagus sylvatica, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra}. Further east the planted trees include {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Sorbus aria, Acer pseudoplatanus}. Rougher unmown grasses fringe the mown areas.

A small car park is found near the northernmost point with some adjacent scrub/trees including {\it Fraxinus excelsior}.

The western end of the common is woodland of {\it Quercus robur, Castanea sativa} with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Malus} sp. Ground flora at the time of survey included {\it Urtica dioica, Pteridium aquilinum, Chamerion angustifolium, Glechoma hederacea, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Solanum dulcamara}.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Green woodpecker, Chaffinch, Sparrows, Greenfinch, Magpie.

VEG:
The neutral grasslands around Green Street Green are grazed by horses (and one goat the time of survey). The greens are frequently edged by scrub 
of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and include {\it Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Poa annua, Agrostis} sp. with {\it Achillea millefolium, Taraxacorum} sp.{\it Capsella bursa-pastoris, Cerastium holostoides, Lamium purpureum, Bellis perennis, Ranunculus} sp. At some points there are planted amenity trees. The 'pond' near the pub has dried up in the past and grassed over with temporary standing water after wet weather at time of survey.

The rest of the common is road verge neutral grassland backed by scrub.

MANAGE:
More tree planting possible. Pond could be restored.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Blue Tit,Blackbird, Tits, Wood pigeon.

Rabbits, Grey Squirrel.

VEG:
The northernmost small section of the common is a triangle of broad-leaved woodland of {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior}. The small section near Lady Vane Close is part amenity grassland with planted {\it Fagus, Betula} and Bamboo, and part wooded.

The northernmost point of the largest section of the common is mown acid grassland. Most of this section is {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus avium, Salix} sp. (some recent coppice) with understorey of {\it Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre, Corylus avellana} with ground flora of {\it Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus, Circaea lutetiana, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Urtica dioica, Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. There is some {\it Symphoricarpos albus} by the road. There wetter areas nearer the road with scrub of {\it Salix} sp. {\it Betula} sp. {\it Typha latifolia, Mentha aquatica, Urtica dioica, Polygonum persicaria, Stellaria dioica, Galium aparine} and some substantial {\it P. aquilinum}. The old pond by the western side is overgrown and shaded with {\it Ranunculus flammula, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica}.   The eastern section is similar woodland with more evident storm damage and regeneration of {\it Betula} sp.,{\it Prunus avium}.

MANAGE:
Small area of grassland mown. Some new tree-planting. Site affected by 1987 storm with much regeneration.


VEG:
The small strip of land south of Dunk's Green Rd. is car park with a bit of {\it Quercus,Fraxinus} wood with {\it Prunus spinosa, Coryllus avellana} and {\it Rubus fruticosus}.

The larger section includes further car park and similar woodland with an area of amenity grassland.

MANAGE:
Grassland mown. Some tree planting in tubes.
Active interest from Shipbourne Parish Council.


FAUNA:
Birds seen on or near common: Mallards, Lapwing, Shelduck, Magpie.

VEG:
Farthing Wall, Common Wall, Ham Wall and the tracks North of Allen's pond are trackways with scrub of {\it C. monogyna, P. spinosa, S. nigra, Anthriscus sylvestris} and tall grasses in varying degrees alongside. Pickle Way has tall grasses and substantial {\it Angelica sylvestris}. The area around Allen's Pond is mostly scrub {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} with {\it R. fruticosus, Urtica dioica}. Much of the land is disturbed by excavation or dumping. The cliff faces may provide interesting habitat for birds, bats and plants.

Allen's Pond is very overgrown with little open water and much {\it Juncus} spp. It is overhung and encroached by scrub species especially Salices.


FAUNA:
Recorded: Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Redpoll.

Badger sett ?

VEG:
This common is unimproved chalk grassland with substantial scrub invasion. The northern side includes much scrub of {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} with many burrows (badgers?)
in the northern corner. The north eastern triangle of common is now arable land.

Add NT records.

MANAGE:
Active measures taken to control scrub. 

Add NT records.


VEG:
This common is horse-grazed (8 - 10 horses) calcareous grassland (part semi-improved and part unimproved). Species include {\it Agrostis} sp., {\it Holcus lanatus, Festuca} sp. {\it Achillea millefolium, Lolium perenne, Avenula pubescens, Sanguisorba minor, Galium verum, Odontites verna, Plantago lanceolata, Euphrasia officinalis, Centaurea scabiosa, Ononis repens, Lotus corniculatus, Scabiosa columbaria, Campanula rotundifolia, Centaurium erythraea, Senecio jacobaea, Trifolium repens}. There is some scrub {\it Prunus spinosa} at the edges.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Coot, Moorhen, Cuckoo, Pheasant, Heron, Redshank, Skylarks, Curlew.

VEG:
The pond at the SE end of the common could be healthy but is currently choked with {\it Typha latifolia}. Approaching the railway line one finds rough neutral grassland of {\it Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Glechoma hederacea, Lamium purpureum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Lamium album, Dipsacus fullonum, Juncus effusus, Rosa canina, Cirsium} spp. Scrub of {\it Ulmus procera, Salix} sp.,{\it Crataegus monogyna} is found on the northern edge.

Adjacent to the railway is marshy grassland with {\it Molinia caerulea, Urtica dioica} edged by {\it Crataegus monogyna}.

The northern side of the railway is cattle grazed (about 80 cattle at the time of survey). Ancient banks support numerous anthills. Some areas close to the railway are very wet with pools of open water at the time of survey.

The drains alongside the common support {\it Typha latifolia, Iris pseudocorus, Rumex obtusifolius, Juncus inflexus, Cardamine pratensis} and some areas of {\it Phragmites australis}. A track passes along the west side of the common and then approaches Barrow Hill which is enclosed by banks and includes acid grassland with {\it Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosella}. Patches of {\it Urtica dioica} suggest past disturbance.  The grassland nearer the R. Thames supports {\it Vicia sativa, Agrostis} sp. {\it Ranunculus acris, Senecio vulgaris, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Cerastium holostoides, Cirsium vulgare, Alopecurus pratensis} and {\it Carex} spp.

MANAGE:
Area of B5 needs monitoring to prevent scrub encroachment. Pond needs maintainance.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Mallards, Goldfinches, Moorhens, Pied Wagtail.

VEG:
Matfield common is a large amenity grassland with some mature planted trees such as {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Tilia} sp. {\it Quercus robur}.

There is a pond which supports {\it Juncus effusus, Iris pseudocorus, Glyceria maxima, Typha latifolia, Fallopia japonica, Ulex europaeus}. Islands include {\it Salix x chrysocoma}.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Thrush, Wren, Magpie, Robin, Jay.

Slowworm. Fly Agarics.

VEG:
The western side of this common is plantation broadleaved woodland with species such as {\it Quercus} sp. {\it Pinus sylvestris, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica} and understorey species such as {\it Ulex europaeus, Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula} sp. {\it Prunus avium}. Ground flora includes {\it Rubus fruticosus, Urtica dioica, Aegopodium podograria, Chamerion angustifolium, Pteridium aquilinum, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium} spp. {\it Taraxacum officinale, Senecio jacobaea, Plantago lanceolata, Virgurea solidago, Juncus effusus, Pulicaria dysenterica, Teucrium scorodonium}.

Areas east of the school are semi-natural woodland with {\it Q.robur, P. sylvestris} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Castanea sativa, Prunus avium, Fagus sylvatica, Ule europaeus} as understorey. Ground flora at time of survey the ground flora was substantial {\it Rubus fruticosus, Pteridium aquilinum}.

In the narrow section of common North of Beechmont, the woodland is more recent with {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. Moving east one encounters more {\it Fagus sylvatica} which limits ground flora by shading in some places. Northeastern sides of the wood revert to {\it Quercus, Fraxinus, Acer pseudoplatanus} woodland. 

The triangle of common to the north of the main area includes standards of {\it Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and some exotics near the entrances to gardens.

MANAGE:
Recent management centred around 1987 storm 'damage' - some clearance and replanting. Generally natural regeneration more effective than planting.


VEG:
The eastern section of this common is tarred road.

On the eastern corner of Pond Lane lies a small bit of mown grassland, planted garden, memorial {\it Prunus} sp. and a commemorative bus shelter.
North of Stone Street Farm lie strips of road verge backed by hedge of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium}. Grasses include {\it Dactylis glomerata, Trifolium repens, Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Urtica dioica, Centaurea nigra, Holcus lanatus, Plantago lanceolata, Rubus fruticosus, Rumex acetosa, Aegopodium podograria, Geranium robertianum}.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Wren, Crows, Magpie, Wood pigeon.

VEG:
The common is defined as the land 2.5m either side of the centre line of Radfall Road.   

The strict limit of the common includes the track with scrub to either side of {\it Quercus robur, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus spinosa}. There are 1 or 2 coppiced {\it Carpinus betulus}. Ground flora includes {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Glechoma hederacea, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Luzula sylvatica, Carex pendula}. There are patches of {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius}. Some old earth banks support good bryophyte growth.

MANAGE:
The adjacent reserves demonstrate restored coppice and high forest management.  The common itself may benefit from opening up of glades to stimulate ground flora.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Magpie, Thrush, Tits, Wood pigeon.

Grey squirrel.

VEG:
The northernmost part of the common is woodland of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Qercus} sp. with {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus cerris} and understorey of {\it C. monogyna}.

The slopes of Hawks Hill grade from woodland upslope to scrub and calcareous grassland. The scrub includes {\it C. monogyna, Ligustrum vulgare, Prunus spinosa}. The southernmost section of the common is woodland similar to the above but with more varied understorey of {\it Cornus sanguinea, Prunus spinosa, Ilex aquifolium, Taxus baccata, Euonymus europaeus} with a shaded ground flora of substantial {\it Hedera helix}.  The track to the top of Hawks Hill is edged by further scrub.

The chalk grasslands of the top of Hawks Hill includes {\it Galium verum, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Centaurea nigra, Senecio jacobaea, Rosa} sp. {\it Trifolium campestre, Taxacorum} sp. {\it Phleum pratense, Odontites verna, Cirsium} sp.,{\it Dactylis glomerata, Anthriscus sylvestris, Arrhenatherum elatius, Plantago major, Hypochoeris radicata, Daucus carota, Knautia arvensis, Chrysanthemum leucanthemum}.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Black-headed gull, Mallard.

VEG:
This common is salt marsh with species including {\it Plantago coronopus, Sueda maritima, Salicornia} sp. {\it Halimione porticuloides}, a tall yellow umbellifer, {\it Aster tripolium}. Old stone embankments support good lichen growth. The land includes a flood bank with a path on top.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Blackbird, Robin, Great Tit.

VEG:
The northern section of the common is semi-improved grassland with rank grasses and some ruderal species. A hedge of {\it C. monogyna, Corylus avellana} is found near the footpath. South of the footpath lies scrub of {\it P. spinosa, C. monogyna, Quercus robur, Coryllus avellana}. Ground flora is limited by shade but includes much {\it Urtica dioica}.

The southern section of the common included much tall ruderal vegetation at the time of survey including {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Chamerion angustifolium, Cirsium} sp. {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Ulex europaeus, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Teucrium scorodonia, Rumex acetosa, Convolvulus vulgaris, Mentha aquatica, Ranunculus} sp. {\it Rosa canina}. Scrub vegetation which is advancing in this area includes {\it C. monogyna, Salix} sp.,{\it Sambucus nigra}.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Magpie, Great Spotted Woodpecker.

VEG:
This common is a small area of rough grassland with some scrub and planted tree species. The grassland includes {\it Malva sylvestris, Rumex acetosa, Pulicaria dysenterica, Ranunculus} sp. {\it Convolvulus vulgaris, Cirsium vulgare, Centaurea nigra, Glechoma hederacea, Centaurea erythraea, Achillea millefolium}. There are patches of tall ruderal species such as {\it Urtica dioica, Senecio jacobaea, Rubus fruticosus, Pteridium aquilinum}. There are many medium sized {\it Prunus} sp. trees as well as {\it Betula} sp., {\it Malus} sp. {\it Castanea sativa}. Exact limits to common not easy to identify and access difficult to arm that is parallel to minor road.

MANAGE:
Used for informal horse-training. Otherwise not actively managed.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Skylark, Thrush.

VEG:
This common consists of semi-improved neutral grassland at the north end of CL 86 (with similar species) and a trackway passing East-West towards Beckley Hill.

MANAGE:
Manage as for CL86 to encourage species diversity.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Magpie, Thrush, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Wren.

VEG:
The northernmost section of the common is road verge with some {\it Taxus baccata}. The section along Langton Rd. near Rusthall Common consists of cultivated garden, verge grass with hedge of {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior}.

Along High Rocks Lane lies a small sliver of wood with {\it Quercus robur, Alnus glutinosa, Corylus avellana}. The ground flora includes {\it Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus, Circaea lutetiana, Geranium robertianum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Aegopodium podograria, Geum urbanum, Pteridium aquilinum}. A large {\it Quercus robur} is found near the road.

Across the old railway line, itself a likely good botanical site, lies a Woodland Trust reserve (Friezland Wood). 

Cabbage Stalk Lane, to the west of Tunbridge Wells Common (not registered), is a shaded pleasant walk. A wall passes along the northern side. The track is edged by scrub species such as {\it Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Ligistrum vulgare}. There is much {\it Fallopia japonica} and also {\it Chelidonium majus,Hedera helix, Dryopteris filix-mas, Urtica dioica, Aegopodium podograria, Polygonum persicaria, Myosotis} sp.{\it Sonchus asper, Echium vulgare, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Geum urbanum, Pteridium aquilinum}. At the eastern end there are some large {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and pollarded {\it Tilia} sp. and at the highest point of the track substantial{\it Ilex aquifolium}.

Other small parts of the common to the east of Tunbridge Common appear to be car parks.

MANAGE:
Verges mown. The {\it Fallopia japonica} on Cabbage Stalk Walk needs treatment.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Green Woodpecker. Wood pigeon, Greenfinch.

Fox's den.

VEG:
The common is in two parts either side of the A2 road. The larger section to the north of the road is {\it Quercus robur} woodland with one or two {\it Pinus sylvestris} and {\it Prunus avium}. There are some old coppice {\it Quercus}. Understorey trees include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Betula pendula, Sambucus nigra}. Near the A2 the land is recovering from disturbance with regenerating scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus, Buddleja} sp. {\it C. monogyna, S. nigra} and young {\it Quercus robur}.

South of the A2 the section of CL 157 is recent woodland of coppiced {\it Corylus avellana}, with much {\it Betula pendula} and some {\it Fagus sylvatica}. Ground flora includes {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus} Banks support good bryophyte growth ({\it Mnium hornum}). A wooden structure has been built perched in trees in the middle of this section of the common.

MANAGE:
Some of the land disturbed by road construction.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Starlings, Great Tits, Wood pigeon, Green woodpecker, Magpie.

Anthills.

VEG:
Most of this common is acidic grassland with {\it Rumex acetosella, Centurea nigra, Plantago major, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus acris, Taraxacum} sp. {\it Galium aparine, Lamium purpureum, Achillea millefolium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Agrostis} sp. The grassland includes some isolated clumps of {\it C. monogyna} and a few {\it Pinus sylvestris} trees.

Scrub on the western side includes {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} with some trees of {\it Pinus sylvatica, Acer pseudoplatanus, Populus nigra} 'Italica'. The small areas of woodland e.g. on the north-western corner include {\it Quercus robur, Pinus sylvestris} and scattered {\it Prunus avium}. There is good natural regeneration of {\it Quercus}.

MANAGE:
Some planted trees. Good regeneration of {\it Quercus robur} in some areas.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Crows, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Blackbird.

VEG:
Scrub on the south side of the motorway includes {\it C. monogyna, P. spinosa, Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius} over rough grassland with considerable {\it Rubus fruticosus}. There are planted trees in tubes on banks on the western edge of the common.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Chaffinches, Magpie, Thrush.

Recorded for Joydens Wood as a whole: Redpolls, Jays, Bullfinches, Turtle Doves.(Woodland Trust Handbook).

VEG:
Entering the site from Summerhouse Drive one first encounters {\it Quercus/Betula} woodland with some {\it Castanea sativa}. Ground flora includes {\it Anemone nemorosa, Myosotis} sp. {\it Rubus fruticosus, Urtica dioica, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. There is much deadwood left.

The main body of the common is conifer plantation with edges of trees/scrub of {\it Betula, Salix, Quercus, Sorbus aucuparia}. Ground flora of the edges include {\it P. aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus, Teucrium scorodonia, Digitalis purpurea, Prunus laurocerasus}. Banks and Faesten Dyke support good bryophyte growth.

MANAGE:
There is a Joydens Wood Support Group. Waymarked walks created. Woodland Trust handbook refers to long-term policy of thinning out and felling of conifers with the protection and maintainance of the Faesten Dic (Dyke).


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Magpie, Great Tit, Song Thrish, Starlings, Green Woodpeckers.

VEG:
Sections of the common south of the A2:

South of Old Bexley Lane there is scrub/wood of {\it Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius}. Ground flora includes substantial {\it Hedera helix} and some non-native {\it Symphoricarpos alba}.  North of Old Bexley Lane lies a mosaic of acidic grassland and dry heath with {\it Rumex acetosella, Achillea millefolium, Lamium purpureum, Plantago lanceolata, Deschampsia flexuosa, Taraxacorum} sp. ,{\it Agrostis} sp. Old banks support good bryophyte growth. A depression near the middle is probably an old pond. There is a scattered scrub of {\it Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna}.

Alongside Denton Rd. lies an area of rabbit-grazed acidic grassland used for recreation. North of The Dell a path winds through {\it Ulmus procera} scrub and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. Ground flora includes {\it Hedera helix, Galium aparine, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Anthriscus sylvestris}. Old motorbikes dumped here. The {\it Ulmus} scrub grades to {\it Betula pendula} scrub and  thence woodland of {\it Quercus robur, Betula pendula} (CL 157).

The area north of Heath Side is a recently more open area (affected by recent fire according to local resident) which is now scrub-invaded ({\it Betula pendula, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Quercus robur}). Ground flora includes substantial {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Lonicera periclymenum}. A 'ride' running north-south is edged by planted {\it Betula pendula}. Near Leyton Cross there are areas of amenity/road verge grassland.

North of Oakfield Lane lies {\it Quercus robur} woodland with understorey of {\it C. monogyna} and (sometimes burnt) {\it Ulex europaeus} and an amenity grassland recreation ground with small car park.

Sections of the common north of the A2:

South of Heath Lane lies an area of woodland that contains an area of heath. 

Nearer the A2 is woodland of {\it Quercus robur/Fraxinus excelsior} with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Hedera helix, Lonicera periclymenum, Prunus avium}. There are some more open areas of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The central part has been 'de-scrubbed' by coppicing and burning to enhance heath and acidic grassland habitat.

The largest section of the common includes concrete tracks, a model aircraft flying area and (towards the north) undulating ground much used by cyclists. The latter area also has patches of (temporary?) open water. The area is a mosaic of heath, scrub (mostly {\it Ulex europaeus}), and acidic grassland. 

South of Rochester Way is woodland that is usually {\it Betula} sp. but sometimes {\it Quercus} dominated. There are 'rides' of acidic grassland and occasional areas where previous heath species survive ({\it Calluna vulgaris, Ulex europaeus}).

The most northerly section of Dartford Heath common is amenity, recreation grassland with (south of Bowman's Cottage) some unmown acidic grassland and recently planted trees.

MANAGE:
Warden appointed for Dartford Borough Council. Groundwork also involved. Management plan in preparation. Winter Volunteer programme. Management centred around reduction of scrub encroachment, fire prevention, trials to re-instate heath vegetation. Booklets and newsletters published. The site is in a Stewardship scheme (Countryside Commission).


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Great tit, Magpie.

VEG:
This common is open grassland which includes part of the High Weald Walk. Species present include {\it Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Poa annua, Ranunculus} spp. {\it Ranunculus ficaria, Urtica dioica, Galium aparine, Pentaglottis sempervirens, Lamium purpurea}. The lowers slopes have substantial {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and clumps of {\it Rubus fruticosus} blending into scrub above Coneyburrow Wood. There are a few standards of {\it Q.robur} along the eastern side.

MANAGE:
Some planted trees by road and chestnut paling by road.


FAUNA:
Rabbits. Adders (old warning sign). Great Tit, Chaffinch.

VEG:
Upslope this common has {\it Quercus robur} woodland with {\it Fagus sylvatica, Acer pseudoplatanus, Euonymus europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Viburnum lantana} and occasional {\it Taxus baccata} and {\it Mahonia aquifolium}. Mid-slope and on the western side lies scrub of {\it P. spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, V. lantana}. Above the path along the southern edge lies open calcareous grassland with {\it Thymus druceii, Sanguisorba minor, Viola} sp. {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Potentilla sterilis, Glechoma hederacea, Digitalis purpurea}. This area has been 'de-scrubbed' and there is a bonfire site.

MANAGE:
Scrub invasion of the grassland is being cut back to encourage calcareous grassland.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. No detailed target nortes were available for this small site, therefore a full field survey has been undertaken. The common lies at the head of a huge valley mire complex, the greater part of which lies within an adjoining common which is registered in North Yorkshire (CL 195). The valley mire occupies a depression along the eastern edge of CL 286W. Dominant species are Eriophorum vaginatum, Sphagnum recurvum, S. papillosum and Polytrichum commune, with locally frequent Deschampsia flexuosa, Eriophorum angustifolium, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium oxycoccus, Vaccinium myrtillus and Carex nigra. This vegetation appears mainly of NVC type M19b although the abscence of Calluna vulgaris appears unusual but this may be related to the effects of grazing. Juncus effusus was locally dominant with Polytrichum commune and Spagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). Higher ground surrounding the valley mire to the south west at (2) has damp acidic grassland. This is dominated by Nardus stricta and Juncus squarrosus, with locally abundant or frequent Sphagnum spp., Polytrichum commune, Deschampsia flexuosa, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum and occasional Juncus effusus, Vaccinium myrtillus and Carex panicea. This grassland is mainly NVC U6. Further northwards (3) the grassland becomes somewhat drier. Acidic grassland occurs as a mosaic with dry dwarf shrub heath at (4). This is a small hill surrounded by narrow acidic flushes. About 75 per cent of the hill is occupied by grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa with locally abundant Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). The heath component, around 10 per cent is represented by Calluna vulgaris and Vacinium myrtillus (NVC H12). To the south of the hill there are areas dominated by Pteridium aquilinum (NVC U20), accounting for the remaining 15 per cent of this area. The western edge of the common at this point has a steep slope which is also mainly dominated by Pteridium aquilinum. At (5) there is a large acidic/neutral flush occupying a depression along the western boundary of the common. This is dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune (NVC M6c). To the north of the common is high ground which has dry dwarf shrub heath with about 85% cover of Calluna vulgaris (NVC H12). There are small remnants of eroded peat with similar vegetation; there was probably blanket peat over this area until relatively recently. Locally frequent species include Deschampsia flexuosa, Vaccinium myrtillus, Nardus stricta and Juncus squarrosus. The hillside to the south of here has similar vegetation, although there are patches of dense Pteridium aquilinum and acidic grassland within the heath. Dry-modified bog occurs in a mosaic with acidic grassland at (7), with Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus each making up about 10% of the vegetation cover.

MANAGE:
MANAGEMENT: The common is used for sheep grazing. The eastern boundary of the common (ie. the Lancashire/North Yorkshire boundary) cannot be identified on the ground, so allowing free movement of stock between this common and the much larger CL 195 of North Yorkshire. There are small amounts of heather on the common, the main stand being at (6), where 85% of the sward is Calluna vulgaris. Here the plants are about 30cm tall and a high proportion were flowering at the time of the survey. However, about 25% of the plants had a topiary appearance induced by sheep grazing. Calluna is also present within grassy areas (4) and (8). Here the plants tended to be much smaller and at least half were reduced to a dense low-growing carpet as a result of being grazed.

The distinctive topographical variation on this site has resulted in an interesting mosaic of vegetation types. The valley mire complex is a particularly impressive feature, although only a small part lies within Lancashire. There appears to be no other management of the site.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Flock of Swallows and flock Housemartins. Kestrel overhead. Peacock, Red Admiral, and Meadow Brown butterflies. Gold Ringed Dragonfly over one of the ponds.

VEG:
The Lancashire Phase 1 map for this common could not be located and a full field survey was therefore carried out. The common is in two separate units. The eastern portion, Grimehill Moor, is predominantly marshy grassland (1) dominated by rank tussocky Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). The only other frequent species is Deschampsia flexuosa. At (2) Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus are co-dominant in some patches, giving rise to a mosaic of Marshy grassland and wet dwarf shrub heath. To the south at (3) are two small areas where Calluna vulgaris dominates but there is still frequent Molinia caerulea throughout. Along the western edge of Grimehill Moor (4) is a small valley where the Molinia caerulea has occasional Angelica sylvestris, Deschampsia cespitosa, Dryopteris dilatata and Juncus effusus. Also present is ruderal vegetation with Chamaenerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica and Epilobium hirsutum and scattered scrub mainly Salix cinerea but also with occasional individuals of Acer pseudoplatanus and Sambucus nigra. Running into the valley is an interesting small acidic flush (5). This is dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum palustre with locally frequent Viola palustris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex nigra and C. rostrata. To the north of this part of the common is more marshy grassland this time in a mosaic with tall ruderal vegetation. There appears to have been a degree of disturbance of the ground surface here at one time. Frequent species include Deschampsia cespitosa, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Juncus effusus and Epilobium hirsutum with occasional Angelica sylvestris. The westerly part of the common is Cranberry Moor. This once again has much Molinia caerulea-dominated marshy grassland (6). However there are patches of Calluna vulgaris throughout. The overall cover of Calluna vulgaris is about 50 percent. Deschampsia flexuosa was noted growing on top of tussocks of Molinia caerulea. Along the line of the railway tunnel there is an area of spoil, possibly remaining from the construction of the tunnel. At (7) is a mosaic of dry dwarf shrub heath and unimproved acidic grassland. There is a 75 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris, while the grasses are Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa and Nardus stricta. At (8) is a complex mixture of vegetation types, where the above species are accompanied by Chamaenerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense. Elsewhere there are small acidic flushes dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum palustre often with Stellaria alsine. The flush at (9) also has Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium and Epilobium palustre. There are two tiny rectangular reservoirs on the common, these are fringed with similar vegetation. To the east at (10) is an area of 50 percent disturbed bare ground. Neutral grassland in this area has Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Holcus lanatus and Dactylis glomerata, while the ruderal species Chamaenerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense and Tussilago farfara are all common.

MANAGE:
Both parts of the common appear largely un-grazed, and otherwise un-managed, although a goat was noticed tethered on Cranberry Moor. This part of the common is fenced from the surrounding land. The old spoil heaps along the line of the railway tunnel have attracted motorcycle scramblers and this area is also popular with horseriders. As a result there is a significant area of bare, eroded ground. Small boys were noted fishing in one of the ponds. The bare ground at (10) is probably due to the clearing of previously dumped material. The heather (Calluna vulgaris) covers approximately 40 percent of the whole site. This is all in a good condition with most plants producing numerous flowers. The stands are generally even-aged and around 20cm tall. This would suggest that the the common may have been well-grazed until relatively recent times, thus allowing a sudden fresh growth of young heather plants. The name Cranberry Moor suggests that this area was once blanket mire. A right of turbary exists for part of the common, although there is now only a very thin layer of peat. 

The part of the common at Grimehill Moor is not fenced and appears to have been completely un-grazed for some considerable time. Heather only occurs in small areas on this site, but it is genarally taller than above, is all very healthy and has a more diverse age structure than on Cranberry Moor. A metalled road runs along the eastern boundary of Grimehill Moor. Adjoining the common are a church and a public house. There are two areas of the common used for car-parking. To the north is an area of bare ground, adjoining the church, while to the south, a strip of the common adjoining the road has been metalled and is used as car-parking for the public house.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  
Rabbits. 
Flock of Swallows, Magpie.
Green-veined White, Small Copper, and Red Admiral butterflies.  

The southern sections of the common comprise an area covered by the Common Bird Census since 1982. The area covers Hazel Moor and all the land to the south of the common covered by target notes 3 to 12 (see map on rear of site card). Summarised records for 1990-1992 have been obtained from BTO.

Species breeding every year

Collared Dove			    Blue Tit
Pied Wagtail			    Great Tit
Wren					    Magpie
Dunnock				    	Carrion Crow
Robin				    	Starling
Blackbird				    Tree Sparrow
Mistle Thrush			    Chaffinch
Whitethroat			    	Goldfinch
Garden Warbler
Willow Warbler


Species breeding during two years

Curlew	  (1990, 1992)    Jackdaw	 (1990, 1991)
Tawny Owl (1990, 1992)    Greenfinch (1990, 1991)
Swift	  (1991, 1992)    Linnet	 (1990, 1992)
Redstart  (1990, 1992)    Bullfinch  (1990, 1992)
Coal Tit  (1990, 1991)

Species breeding during one year

Blackcap		  (1991)
Lapwing		  	  (1990)
Swallow		  	  (1992)
Green Woodpecker  (1992)
Chiffchaff	  	  (1992)
Goldcrest		  (1990)
Long-tailed Tit   (1990)
Jay			      (1992)
Reed Bunting	  (1991)


Species present but not breeding

Sparrowhawk	     (1990-1992)
Kestrel		     (1992)
Lapwing		     (1991)
Curlew		     (1991)
Cuckoo		     (1990)
Swift		     (1990)
Swallow		     (1990, 1991)
House Martin     (1990-1992)
Song Thrush	     (1990)
Yellow Wagtail   (1990)
Grey Wagtail     (1990, 1991)
Chiffchaff	     (1990)
Treecreeper	     (1990)
Linnet		     (1991)
Bullfinch        (1991)
Blackcap	     (1992)
Long-tailed Tit  (1992)

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. There was one relevant target note available. This has been combined with notes made during the field survey to produce the following report. The common comprises several small plots of land in and around the Villages of Copster Green and Salesbury. Those areas associated with Copster Green to the north are mainly all intensively mown amenity grassland with scattered trees (1). The principal grass species are Agrostis capillaris, A. stolonifera, Holcus lanatus, Poa annua and Dactylis glomerata. The range of associated forbs is restricted including Ranunculus bulbosus, Plantago major, P. lanceolata, Bellis perennis, Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosella, R. acetosa, R. obtusifolius, Potentilla erecta, and P anserina. Scattered trees have been planted at a low density throughout these areas. The range of species is varied and includes Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus robur, Sorbus aucuparia, S. intermedia, Salix fragilis, Aesculus hippocastanum, Crataegus monogyna, and Alnus glutinosa. At (2) there is a narrow strip of dense scrub and mature trees including Quercus sp., Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus agg., Prunus domestica, Salix fragilis, Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia, and Ilex aquifolium. Beneath there are patches of grassland damp in places which hold a wide diversity of species: Deschampsia cespitosa, Potentilla anserina, Carex flacca, C. hirta, Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus, Juncus effusus, Lathyrus pratensis, Centaurea nigra, Stachys sylvatica, Equisetum arvense, Agropyron repens, Epilobium hirsutum, Urtica dioica, Phalaris arundinacea, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Iris pseudacorus, Cirsium arvense and Epilobium hirsutum. Note that portions of CL 81 and CL 110 lie within this area and have generally similar vegetation and have not been mapped individually as they are both less than 1ha in size. Those parts of the common associated with Salesbury to the south have a more varied vegetation composition although Haze Moor (3) however, does have amenity grassland. An area of mature woodland at Hall Lane (4) is dominated by mature Quercus robur with locally occasional Betula pendula and Acer pseudoplatanus. Understorey shrubs include Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia, Rubus fruticosus agg., Prunus spinosa and Corylus avellana. Lonicera pericylmenum grows on many of these. The ground layer is varied and has Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Hyacinthoides non scripta, Deschampsia cespitosa, Hedera helix, Silene dioica, Sagina nodosa and Drypoteris dilatata. In parts the field layer has a distinctly acidic character with Deschampsia flexuosa, Oxalis acetosella and Galium saxatile. To the south where the wood narrows (5) the main trees are Ulmus glabra, Salix fragilis and Sambucus nigra. At (6) the woodland is again dominated by Quercus robur, with open patches either of Rubus fruticosus scrub or tall ruderal vegetation dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium and Urtica dioica. Area (7) is a small patch of rank neutral grassland dominated by Deschampsia cespitosa with abundant Agrostis capillaris and Holcus lanatus and locally frequent Succisa pratensis and Potentilla anserina, with some dense Rubus fruticosus agg. scrub and patches dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium and Cirsium arvense. Across the road at (8) is a narrow grassy verge backed by an overgrown hedge. The grassland has Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Ranunculus repens, Juncus inflexus, Agropyron repens, Calystegia sepium, Stachys sylvatica and Mercurialis perennis. The hedge has mature trees and contains Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia sp. (probably T. x europaea) and Ulmus glabra. To the south of here is an area of very overgrown marshy grassland and well-developed scattered scrub (9). Most of the grassland is dominated by Juncus acutiflorus with frequent Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta and Agrostis capillaris. Locally there are frequent Equisetum arvense, E. fluviatile, Cirsium palustre, Lotus uliginosus, Achillea ptarmica, Carex nigra, Juncus inflexus, Mentha aquatica, Stachys sylvatica, Chamaenerion angustifolium and Epilobium hirsutum. This appears to be predominantly a stand of NVC type M23. Occasionally the grassland is drier with patches of Deschampsia cespitosa, Dactylis glomerata and Holcus lanatus. There are scattered mature and seedling trees of Quercus sp., Acer pseudoplatanus, Salix cinerea, S. x laurina, Betula pendula and Alnus glutinosa. This area also has minute, heathy patches with Nardus stricta, Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. To the edge of here at (10) is a small patch of dense scrub with Salix cinerea and S. x laurina.  The patch of woodland at (11) is dominated by Quercus robur and Betula pendula with locally frequent seedling Ilex aquifolium. At (12) the dense scrub contains Ulex europaeus and Rubus fruticosus agg. The strip of grassland at (13) is very similar to that at (9), dominated by Juncus acutiflorus, but also has Carex panicea, Luzula multiflora and Centaurea nigra, and appears to be a stand of NVC type M23a.

MANAGE:
The main form of management on the common is the mowing of the areas of amenity grassland. This is apparently done by the local authority. Parts of these areas have also been planted with native species of tree, some in the last few years. In some areas (2) there are overgrown scrubby edges to the grassland which have a much greater botanical diversity than elsewhere. It would be advantageous if this form of management could be extended to other marginal parts of the amenity grassland. These parts of the common are extensively used for exercising dogs and there appears to be a problem of fouling and eutrophication of the grassland. The areas of woodland appear unmanaged at present. The marshy grassland and areas of scrub/woodland at (9) may be a locally important habitat for woodland edge birds and invertebrates. There is the possibility that dense scrub could engulf this area in future years without some form of management.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Meadow Pipit Swallows and Curlews.  
Record from Phase I survey for Redshank.

VEG:
Vegetation maps were available from the Lancashire Phase 1 Survey and also from the SSSI files (part of the common lies within the Haworth Moor SSSI). A field survey was undertaken to gather additional species information and record management practice. The common occupies the lower slopes of Boulsworth Hill and is mainly Molinia caerulea-dominated marshy grassland (NVC M25). This is mostly quite tall and tussocky (1). The only other frequent species is Deschampsia flexuosa. In some places, especially at the edges, there is abundant Juncus effusus, often associated with patches of unimproved or semi-improved acidic grassland. These areas seem to be preferred by the sheep which were present on the common, which produce a short grassland turf around the tussocks of Juncus effusus. The grassland is usually dominated by Nardus stricta with occasional Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). The semi-improved swards also have Agrostis capillaris, Poa annua and Urtica dioica. Swains Plat Clough (2) has an interesting mixture of grassland types. In a few places the grassland is quite species-rich and mesotrophic in character, dominated by Festuca ovina, but with frequent Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis capillaris, Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium repens and occasional Euphrasia officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Briza media, Leontodon autumnalis, Hieracium pilosella, Campanula rotundifolia, Bellis perennis and Carex flacca (most probably NVC type MG5). Next to the clough (stream), species such as Galium palustre, Equisetum palustre, Cardamine flexuosa, Veronica beccabunga, Epilobium palustre, Juncus articulatus, Carex nigra and Stellaria alsine are present. There are several small acidic/neutral flushes on the common, dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune (NVC M6c). The flush at (3) is species-rich with Carex nigra, C. panicea, C. echinata, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Epilobium palustre, Juncus articulatus, Equisetum palustre, Eriophorum angustifolium, Stellaria alsine and Vaccinium oxycoccus. In places the carices form a dense carpet and correspond to NVC M6a. On the higher ground of Will Moor, there is dry-modified bog (4). This is generally dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC M20). Locally there are occasional Eriophorum angustifolium, Molinia caerulea and Empetrum nigrum. Rarely there are Sphagnum recurvum, S. papillosum and Vaccinium oxycoccus. At the edges of the peat, there are areas of wet-modified bog, dominated by Molinia caerulea, which grade into the marshy grassland on thin peat lower down. All of this vegetation is NVC M25. The sides of Will Moor Clough have much dense bracken. In places there is also dry dwarf shrub heath with low-growing, heavily grazed Vaccinium myrtillus (5).

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by fairly low numbers of sheep. These appear to congregate in peripheral areas of acidic grassland, where there has been localised eutrophication of the grassland and dense clumps of Juncus effusus have developed. As mentioned above, small areas of dry heath have been selectively grazed by sheep to produce a low-growing mat of Vaccinium myrtillus. There appears to be no other active management of the site.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Flock of Swallows, Meadow Pipits, Red Grouse, Kestrel (hovering).
Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, and Red Admiral butterflies.
Common Frog.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The target notes and vegetation map were combined with additional information gathered during a field survey to produce the following map. The common has two separate components, situated to the east and west of CL 13 (which shares the same name). The vegetation is varied, straddling the area between open blanket mire on the plateau of Darwen Moor, sloping ground to the edges, and taking in some enclosed farmland on the lower slopes. the vegatation is best discussed under the two separate land units. 
1. WESTERN SECTION (MAPS 1 AND 2): The part of the common shown in MAP 1 is the area of Cartridge Hill to the south. the top of the hill (1) has dry-modified bog, dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum, with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC M20). Locally there are occasional Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, and Empetrum nigrum (about 5 percent cover between them). To the east of here (2) is an area of Molinia caerulea on deep peat (NVC M25). On the slope to the south of Cartridge Hill, there is 20 percent unimproved acidic grassland in patches, where the peat has thinned. This is dominated by Nardus stricta, with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC U5). This grassland also occupies the steepest parts of the slope (4). There are several enclosed areas of plantation on this part of the common. At (5) the plantation is mature with Pinus sp. at the top, but dominated by Fagus sylvatica below. There are occasional Quercus sp., Acer pseudolpatanus, and Betula pendula, some of which may be self-seeded. Beneath is a carpet of Deschampsia flexuosa and Agrostis capillaris. The plantation at (6) is mainly a pure stand of Fagus sylvatica, but there is a discrete area of Pinus sp. plantation to the south. At (7), an area has been fenced and planted fairly recently, again a mixture of Pinus sp. and Betula pendula, but with occasional Alnus glutinosa. There are a number of other internal enclosures on this part of the common. The grassland in some of these enclosures has been agriculturally improved. A number of diffuse and discrete acidic flushes are present on the lower slopes. Generally these are rather species-poor, dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune (NVC M6c). However, locally they are slightly more diverse (8), with Stellaria alsine, Epilobium palustre, Cirsium palustre, Sphagnum papillosum, Holcus mollis, H. lanatus and Cardamine pratensis.

MAP 2: Following from map 1 onto map 2, there is further dry and wet-modified bog as at (1) and (2) on map 1. Again, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum are all locally occasional, amounting to only 10 percent cover overall. In places the bog gives way to unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta. Elsewhere Molinia caerulea is dominant on peat less than 0.5m in depth (ie. marshy grassland). There is a steep-sided valley to the west in Stepback Brook. Much of this area (10) has a mosaic of wet heath within marshy grassland. Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus have a combined cover of around 50 percent, while there is locally abundant Empetrum nigrum (10 percent). Occasionally there are individuals of Blechnum spicant and also seedlings of Alnus glutinosa. Juncus bufonius is locally abundant in muddy places along the track. There is one small patch of dense Pteridium aquilinum in this area. To the north, on the edge of Darwen Moor (11) is the edge of the main expanse of blanket peat on CL 13. This is dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa. Unlike the adjoining CL 13, from which this common is fenced, Calluna vulgaris is absent from here. At (12) there is a steep grassy slope dominated by Nardus stricta with locally frequent Juncus effusus leading from the plateau. At the foot of the plateau is an area of enclosed farmland. This has been mapped entirely from the original Phase 1 survey, and was viewed only through binoculars from the top of Brindle Brow.

2. EASTERN SECTION (MAP 2): Much of this area has also been enclosed by drystone walls at some time in the past. As the area is on a fairly steep slope, it has not however been significantly improved agriculturally.  The vegetation in the west is mainly marshy grassland, dominated by Molinia caerulea. At (13) however, Juncus effusus is dominant, with locally abundant Carex nigra and Anthoxanthum odoratum. About 20 percent of the area is drier, and has a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath (Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus covering 10 percent of the area). The long flush through this area is dominated by Juncus effusus, Holcus mollis and Sphagnum recurvum with frequent Agrostis canina. Many tiny acidic flushes run up the slope in this region. Also within this area are rare individuals of Salix sp., Ilex aquifolium and an introduced spiny shrub (?????????). In the south eastern corner there is an area of invading Crataegus monogyna scrub.

MANAGE:
Several parts of the common are enclosed by drystone walls, often containing agriculturally improved grassland swards, particularly in the peripheral low-lying areas. Grazing sheep appear to have free access to all the unenclosed parts of the common. Overall grazing pressure on these areas appears moderate. Ericoid species are relatively sparse on this site, in contrast to the adjoining CL 13 which has a high cover of Calluna vulgaris. Most of the Calluna vulgaris on CL 156 is confined to the steeper valley sides, there are small amounts elsewhere, but it is usually at no more than 5 percent cover. Most of the Calluna on the common is healthy although its general scarcity may suggest that the grazing intensity was higher in the past.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Meadow Brown, Small Tortioseshell and Green-veined White butterflies.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. Several target notes relevant to the common were available. These have been combined with the information from the present survey to probuce the following report. The common lies close to a new housing estate and has a busy road crossing it. For this reason most of the common is un-managed and has rank vegetation. The common has a very varied mosaic of vegetation types present. These belong to four main NVC communities. To the north of the common is damp unimproved neutral grassland belonging to NVC type MG9. This is dominated by Deschampsia cespitosa and has abundant Holcus lanatus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Agrostis capillaris and Dactylis glomerata with locally frequent Phleum bertolonii, P. pratense, Potentilla reptans, Phalaris arundinacea, and occasional Juncus articulatus, J. conglomeratus and J. inflexus. Locally there is tall ruderal vegetation including Reynoutria japonica, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Solidago canadensis, Senecio palustris and Epilobium hirsutum. There are also some areas of scattered scrub which have Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus agg., Salix cinerea, and Salix caprea. Ilex aquifolium was also present in the dense scrub at (2) while Crataegus monogyna was the most prominent species in the hedges which fringed much of the site. A few parts of the common have unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa, often accompanied by Galium saxatile and Potentilla erecta (NVC U5). Marshy grassland is a prominent vegetation type over much of the common. Generally this has abundant Molinia caerulea and Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, J. conglomeratus and J. inflexus are often frequent. The majority of this grassland is considered to be of NVC type M25b. However some of the above rushes become locally dominant, and these areas may be tending towards NVC type M23a. It is likely that many transitional swards between these two vegetation types are present. Within the areas of marshy grassland a number of forbs are frequently encountered. These include Achillea ptarmica, Carex nigra, Lotus uliginosus, Galium palustre, Epilobium hirsutum, Centaurea nigra, Lychnis flos-cuculi and Succisa pratensis. Solanum dulcamara is encountered occasionally. At (3) there is a wet channel around a small stream which is dominated by Juncus inflexus and Epilobium hirsutum with frequent Phalaris arundinacea, Lotus uliginosus and Filipendula ulmaria. Area (4) has marshy grassland with co-dominant Juncus effusus and J. inflexus. There are a few small boggy patches with Molinia caerulea, Carex nigra, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Sphagnum recurvum, Angelica sylvestris and Epilobium palustre. Lysimachia vulgaris was noted in area (5) and between these two areas is a row of mature Salix caprea bushes. The western part of Stone Moor is generally drier. At (6), part of the common is fenced and is still grazed by cattle. The grassland in this area is generally semi-improved in character, with frequent Holcus lanatus, Poa annua, Lolium perenne, Matricaria matricarioides, Cirsium vulgare and Urtica dioica. At (7) is a small patch of unimproved acidic grassland with Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris and Deschampsia flexousa. Carex nigra is locally abundant here, and several individuals of Carex hirta were found. To the south-east there are two further parcels of land which belong to this common land unit. One of these areas is now taken-up by the recently constructed M65. The other portion, Bentley Wood Green (8), has a mosaic of rank marshy and acidic grassland, with a similar species composition to the remainder of the common. Hypericum perforatum was recorded next to the track crossing this area.

MANAGE:
The common is largely un-managed. As a result the vegetation is tall and rank, with tall ruderal species and scattered scrub in many parts. Part of the common at (6) has been enclosed from the rest and is still grazed by cattle. This has led to localised eutrophication of the grassland. At (7) several bonfire sites were noted. The two parts of the common to the south-east are now crossed by the recently constructed M65. A portion of these areas was de-registered as common land following an application by the Secretary of State for Transport. The resulting boundary changes have been accounted for in the map. Apparently not all of the common land crossed by the motorway was de-registered. The common has a fairly diverse and interesting flora and appears important in a local context, being situated in a generally urbanised area. There is "de facto" public access to most of the site which may lead to disturbance of the vegetation (eg. trampling, bonfire sites). The rank and tussocky nature of the grassland over most of the common probably represents an important invertebrate habitat.


VEG:
The common lies in an area which may possibly have been a large tract of blanket mire at one time (the name Moss features prominently in local place names). Part of the common is now taken-up by the recently constructed A56 dual carriageway. A remnant of blanket mire is present in the form of a small area of Wet-modified bog dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). A thin carpet of Calluna vulgaris covers about 25 percent of this area and there is also frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and occasional Eriophorum vaginatum. There is a thin line of flushed vegetation around the perimeter of this area with Juncus effusus, Alopecurus geniculatus, Rumex acetosella and Stellaria alsine. The south of the common has a band of semi-improved acidic grassland dominated by Agrostis capillaris with frequent Poa annua, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus lanatus, Juncus squarrosus and Poa pratensis. The main body of the common is a mosaic of grassland similar to that just described within marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea with locally frequent Juncus articulatus, J. effusus, J. squarrosus, Alopecurus geniculatus, Stellaria alsine and Carex nigra.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed intensively by cattle. This has resulted in a general eutrophication of much of the site. Much of the main area of marshy grassland has been poached by cattle hooves, creating wet depressions where Alopecurus geniculatus and Stellaria alsine have become abundant. Farmyard manure has been dumped in the north-western corner of the common. Part of the common is now taken-up by the recently constructed A56 dual carriageway.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Pied Wagtail, Flock of Swallows, Magpie, Carrion Crow.
Rabbits, Fox.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. Information from this was used in conjunction with a field survey to produce the following report. 
The common is an upland plateau dissected in the north by the steep valley of Harden Brook. There are extensive internal drystone walls on various parts of the common. The area to the south-east (1), however, is unenclosed land. This was mapped entirely as dry-modified bog in the Lancashire Phase 1 survey, but the peat appears to be less than 0.5m deep over most of this area. Most of the area at (1) has thus been mapped as a mosaic of marshy grassland and wet dwarf shrub heath. The area as a whole has around a 30 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris, although locally it reaches 90 percent. Molinia caerulea is frequent throughout and dominates the grassy areas. Locally frequent are Eriophorum vaginatum and E. angustifolium, with locally occasional Erica tetralix and Juncus squarrosus. More rarely there are small clumps of Tricophorum cespitosum and Sphagnum spp. To the north of here (2) the peat depth appears to be more than 0.5m. Calluna vulgaris is locally frequent, although the vegetation is mainly dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum, and has been mapped accordingly as dry-modified bog (NVC type M20). To the east, at (3), is a patch of wet heath with an 80 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris, and with Molinia caerulea frequent throughout. Along the edge of the common here (4), there are patches of wet heath in a mosaic with acidic grassland. Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix are both locally dominant. The grassland component has Juncus squarrosus, J. effusus, Nardus stricta and Molinia caerulea. At (5) is a small basin mire in a shallow depression. This has frequent Eriophorum vaginatum E. angustifolium and Sphagnum spp. Along the southern boundary at (6) is a small acidic flush dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum, with locally frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Molinia caerulea, Viola palustris and Epiloboum palustre. In the south-west of the common are a number of small fields enclosed by drystone walls, which have now collapsed in many places. This allows free access of livestock from the main body of the common. However, these appear to have been subject to differing management regimes in the past as the vegetation is slightly different in each. The areas of unimproved acidic grassland are mainly dominated by Nardus stricta, with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and Juncus effusus, and locally frequent Juncus effusus and occasional Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile (NVC U5). Calluna vulgaris is the most frequent heath species, where present ranging between a 30-50 percent cover, but difficult to quantify because it is growing in such a short carpet. Vaccinium myrtillus occurs only rarely. Along the western edge of the common, a new road with a hardcore surface has been built on the common and has been fenced-off on either side. there is a small patch of dry dwarf shrub heath at (7) with a 70 percent cover of extremely short Calluna vulgaris. There is a further area of dry heath on the southern side of Harden Brook Valley, here too steep to be so heavily grazed, with an 80 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris and frequent Vaccinium myrtillus (probably all NVC type H12). On the northern side of the Harden Brook, there are a number of agriculturally improved fields which were not visited. Where these pass onto the steep valley side they progress into unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta. Along the bottom of Harden Brook itself are narrow strips of flushed vegetation.  These are dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). A number of other species are to be found in varying degrees of frequency, including Polytrichum commune, Ranunculus omiophyllus, Rumex acetosella, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Stellaria alsine, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Lotus uliginosus, Viola palustris, Digitalis purpurea, Ranunculus flammula and Galium palustre. Blechnum spicant was found occasionally on the valley sides, which to the south have wet dwarf shrub heath dominated by Calluna vulgaris with abundant Molinia caerulea.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed extensively by sheep and cattle (although there is only one right of pasture for sheep). Livestock can move freely in the section to the south of Harden Brook. Although parts of this area are enclosed by old drystone walls, these have now collapsed in many places. To the north of Harden Brook are enclosed fields of improved pasture utilised by the farm to the north of the common. Farmyard manure was being spread on one of these fields at the time of the survey. Movement of livestock in these areas is thus strictly controlled. The effect of grazing can clearly be seen in the condition of the heather (Calluna vulgaris) on the southern section of the common. The overall cover of heather is very variable, generally around 80-90 percent on the pure heath stands, and 30-50 percent where there is a mosaic with either acidic or marshy grassland. Often the heather has been grazed into a very short carpet. This is particularly the case in the area of heath at (7) and also in the old field system to the south of here where the plants are very difficult to spot. Elsewhere, as at (1) and (2), the heather may grow to around 10cm tall, and begins to take on a rounded, topiary appearance. About 30 percent of the heather here appears unaffected by grazing, but it still all consists of very small plants.                                           
Rarely there are drumstick forms of heather where plants have reached maturity before being subjected to a high grazing intensity. On the sides of Harden Brook the heather is less accessible to livestock (ie. sheep only), and is somewhat taller, but still generally has a topiary appearance.

Along the western edge of the common a hardcore track has been constructed on the common and is fenced-off on either side. To the north of the Harden Brook a pile of rubble has been dumped in one of the improved fields.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Flock of Swallows and flock of juvenile Starlings, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Wheatear, Magpie.  
Meadow Brown, Large White and Green-veined White butterflies.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. This information was combined with a field survey to produce the following report. The western arm of the common (Map 1) lies at the southern edge of Oswaldtwistle Moor. The principal vegetation type is dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum (NVC M20). Deschampsia flexuosa is frequent throughout and locally there is Eriophorum angustifolium. Molinia caerulea is generally frequent becoming more prominent towards the east, giving rise to discrete patches of Molinia caerulea-dominated wet-modified bog (NVC M25), particularly at the head of Deep Clough. In the area around (1), there are scattered small plants of Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus and also small areas of bare peat. In the far west of the common (2), the peat depth falls below 0.5m to give rise to marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea, frequent Juncus squarrosus and Deschampsia flexuosa and occasional Nardus stricta and Juncus effusus. Similar vegetation occurs all along the slope at the southern edge of the common at the margins of the blanket mire. At (3) there are occasional small individuals of Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. On the steeper slopes (4) there is unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with frequent Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Galium saxatile and locally frequent Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). Scattered plants of Vaccinium myrtillus are also present. On the steep sides of Deep Clough, Vaccinium myrtillus reaches about a 30 percent cover, giving rise to a dry heath/acidic grassland mosaic. Calluna vulgaris is prominent in one part where it reaches 20 percent cover, but it is absent elsewhere. Also found on the valley-side to the east are scattered bushes of Ulex gallii. At the head of Deep Clough is more marshy grassland with Molinia caerulea but also small areas of wet heath with Vaccinium myrtillus (10 percent cover). Adjoining the stream in Deep Clough are areas of acidic flush (20 percent), dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). Locally there is Stellaria alsine, Ranunculus flammula, Viola palustris, Carex nigra, Epilobium palustre and Cirsium palustre.

MAP 2: The area shown on map 2 is the broad plateau of Thirteen Stone Hill. This area was probably blanket mire in the past, but now only a few islands of deep peat remain. Most of this part of the common has marshy grassland with co-dominant Molinia caerulea and Juncus squarrosus, with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa on peat, generally less than 0.5m deep. The prominence of Molinia caerulea suggests an affinity with NVC type M25, while the presence of Juncus squarrosus suggests NVC type U6. The vegetation may be transitional between these two NVC communities. Locally, as at (6) on map 1, there is occasional Polytrichum commune. The areas of deeper peat (7) have dominant Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). Small plants of Vaccinium myrtillus account for about 20 percent of these areas. Locally there are small pools with Eriophorum angustifolium. On the summit of Thirteen Stone Hill (8) the soil tends to be drier, and there is a mosaic of marshy grassland and unimproved acidic grassland. The latter is dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa, with locally abundant Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). There are similar small areas of acidic grassland around the periphery of the common. Along the southern edge of the common, a narrow strip of acidic grassland has become locally eutrophicated due to the congregation of livestock in this area, and Poa annua is locally abundant. An old enclosure on the common at (9) also has semi-improved acidic grassland. This is dominated by Festuca ovina and Agrostis capillaris, and has locally abundant Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Juncus effusus and Molinia caerulea. Livestock also congregate in the area at (10), where Juncus effusus, Poa annua and Cirsium vulgare are frequent. At (11) there is a steep slope on a small valley-side where there is a 50 percent cover of Vaccinum myrtillus, and in a similar situation at (12), this is joined by Calluna vulgaris. At (13) these two species account for around 15 percent of the vegetation cover. The northern part of the common has several acidic flushes. These are mostly discrete flushes, but at (14) they are diffused within an area of marshy grassland (occupying 30 percent of this area). These flushes are generally dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). Several species are locally frequent within these features, including Carex nigra, Juncus articulatus, Polytricuhum commune, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis canina, Stellaria alsine, Epilobium palustre and Viola palustris. The narrow flush at (15) also contains Glyceria fluitans.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by cattle and sheep, and is effectively separated into two units by a fence in the vicinity of the join between the two halves of the survey map. Livestock were noted over the whole area of the common, but they seem to favour the southern and eastern edges, where the grassland has become locally eutrophicated as a result. However, a sheep-feeding station was noted in the middle of Thirteen Stone Hill (17). At (16) is a small pond in an area of old workings. This is used as a cattle-drink, and the surrounding area has been reduced to bare ground through poaching by cattle hooves. At (9) there is an enclosed field of semi-improved acidic grassland. Stock on the common cannot gain access to this area, which does not appear to have been grazed in recent times. Straw and farmyard manure had been spread on the common at (18). Dumping of rubble was noted at (20), and at (19), this practice was also noted in the presence of bonfire sites. At (21) a stone-built house, with a fenced-off garden, is present. There is also a fenced area at the edge of the common, to the east of here. 

The extent of heather cover on the common is very small. Calluna vulgaris is confined largely to steep slopes which are less readily accessible to grazing animals. On the sides of Deep Clough Valley, Calluna reaches a localised cover of 20 percent. All the plants have been grazed into a low-growing carpet. Calluna occurs at 25 percent cover in the small valley at (12), again all grazed into a thin carpet. In area (22), rare, stunted individuals of Calluna were noted. On the blanket mire at (1), scattered individuals of Calluna vulgaris occur, accounting for about 1 percent of the total cover. The plants are small, but healthy and appear un-modified by grazing. This may be due to their scattered occurrence and the fact that that they are in an expanse of blanket mire, not favoured by livestock.


FAUNA:
There are no specific fauna records available for this common which forms a very minor component of CL 42, Holcombe Moor. Please consult this site card for information on the fauna recorded for this common.

VEG:
The common sits within and forms a very minor part of the southern section of CL 42, Holcombe Moor. A comprehensive Phase 1 survey of this area was done by the Lancashire Trust for Nature Conservation in 1987. Most of the common lies on level ground to the west of Peel Monument. To the south (1) is dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and locally frequent Calluna vulgaris (10 percent cover), Eriophorum angustifolium and Vaccinium myrtillus. There are tussocks of Molinia caerulea to the south. Further north (2) the peat thins giving rise to patches of unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and Juncus squarrosus. About 20 percent of this area has Calluna vulgaris and 20 percent Vaccinium myrtillus with occasional Empetrum nigrum. At (3) a small part of the common lies to the north of a fence. This area is grazed by sheep on the ajdoining CL 42. The heath species here are present at very low frequencies. Another fence runs along the path to the east of Peel Monument. This separates an area with a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath (4). There is a 10 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris and a 20 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus. The grassland has Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa and Agrostis capillaris. A small area of heath (5) has a 75 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris. Around the base of Peel Monument is a patch of semi-improved acidic grassland with Agrostis capillaris, Poa annua, Cirsium arvense and Rumex obtusifolius.

MANAGE:
The common is contiguous with CL 42 and is for the most part ungrazed. A fence to the north separates a small part of both CL 42 and CL 214 from heavily grazed land to the north. The Calluna vulgaris on the common is fairly even-aged at around 30cm tall comprising healthy plants with a good proportion flowering at the time of the field visit. As discussed the cover of Calluna is about 10 percent, except (5) where it reaches 75 percent. To the north of the fence the Calluna is rare and has been grazed to a low-growing carpet.


FAUNA:
No fauna were recorded during the site survey. There are records for the dragonfly Aeshna juncea, Red Grouse and a male Hen Harrier from the Phase 1 report.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1991. An extensive number of excellent target notes relevant to the common were available in the report. A brief field visit was made to the common to record management and take photographs. The common lies on high ground to the north of the Bowland Fells. The underlying geology is Millstone Grit, overlain by boulder clay. The highest part of the common is a mosaic of dry-modified bog and wet acidic grassland, while the lower part has marshy grassland, acidic grassland (some is semi-improved) and small areas of wet dwarf shrub heath. The highest point on the common is in the south-east at Whit Moor (361m). Much of this area has dry-modified bog (1). This is dominated by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum and hummocks of Polytrichum commune. Other species present include Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile, Eriophorum angustifolium and scattered young Vaccinium myrtillus. The amount of Sphagnum spp. varied from being abundant in the wetter areas (often in association with Eriophorum angustifolium), to being absent in the drier parts, often being replaced by other bryophyte species. At (2) there is similar bog also with scattered small acidic flushes dominated by Juncus effusus with a bryophyte ground layer and scattered Carex echinata. The large flush at (3) was similarly dominated by Juncus effusus. A large area of unimproved acidic grassland at (4) is dominated by Juncus squarrosus at 75 percent ground cover. Other species present include Polytrichum commune, Eriophorum vaginatum, young Vaccinium myrtillus, Festuca spp. and Nardus stricta. The area of grassland at (5) is criss-crossed by drainage ditches which contain Juncus spp. and Sphagnum spp. The grassland itself is similar in nature to (4). This area is separated from adjacent parts of the common by fences. To the north-east of the fence (6) is an area of wet dwarf shrub heath of Molinia caerulea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Polytrichum spp. and Sphagnum spp.

The Erica tetralix is at most only locally occasional to frequent and generally sparse over this area as a whole, probably less than 25 percent overall cover. A similar situation exists for Vaccinium myrtillus, which tends to occur in the drier parts. The acidic grassland component is dominated by Juncus squarrosus with abundent Polytrichum commune, frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and locally abundent Nardus stricta and Molinia caerulea. Sphagnum species recorded from area (6) during the site visit were S. capillifolium var. rubellum and S. papilliosum. About 10 percent of area (6) also has acidic flushes dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune. Locally, there is frequent Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Much of the remainder of the common, in the region around the metalled road, has been enclosed into several grazing compartments by wire fences. The majority of this area (7) has been mapped as marshy grassland dominated by Juncus spp. and bryophytes. Species present are Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus, Deschampsia flexuosa, Sieglingia decumbens, Festuca ovina, Carex nigra, Nardus stricta,   Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile. Rarely, there are small plants of Vaccinium myrtillus and Sphagnum spp. occuring in the wetter places. At (8) the above species are accompanied by Eriophorum vaginatum, Cirsium palustre, Digitalis purpurea and Hydrocotyle vulgaris. There are scattered Salix. sp. scrub in this area and at (9) there is scattered Ulex europaeus scrub. Next to the road at (10) there is an enclosure of semi-improved acidic grassland. This is dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa, Nardus stricta and Juncus squarrosus with frequent Potentilla erecta, Juncus effusus and Erica cinera. Next to the road is wetter and Spagnum palustre, S. subnitens and Polytrichum commune are frequent, with occasional Eriophorum vaginatum.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed extensively by sheep. There is much internal fencing on the common, especially at the lower-lying north-eastern end, next to the road. Horses were seen grazing in one of these enclosures. The road itself is fenced from surrounding land, even though there are cattle grids. Area (5) in the middle of the common is also fenced-off. This area has an extensive series of drainage ditches, now filled with Juncus effusus. The heather condition of area (6) was examined at the time of the field survey. The ground cover of Erica tetralix was less than 25 percent overall. The plants were healthy, with a good age structure, reaching 30cm tall in places (this species appears generally to be less palatable to sheep than Calluna vulgaris).


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Flock of swallows. 
Red Admiral and Wall Brown butterflies.

VEG:
The common is very small and no useful information was gained from the Lancashire Phase 1 survey. A full field survey was carried out. The common is an interesting area of mature heath occupying the site of a long-abandoned quarry. The heath which extends over most of the common has abundant Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Pleurozium schreberi and Hypnum jutlandicum, with locally abundant Erica cinerea and Empetrum nigrum, and frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and Nardus stricta (NVC H12a). Within the heath are scattered tiny patches of acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with occasional Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosa and Potentilla erecta (NVC 5). One of these areas occupies the floor of the old quarry (1, where the above species are accompanied by Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus and Molinia caerulea. Part of this area is dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium and Rubus fruticosus agg., and there are scattered seedlings of Betula pendula and Quercus robur. Part of this area has a pile of grass clippings and other garden rubbish. A dense stand of Urtica dioica and Arctium minus surrounds this, together with a number of disposed garden shrubs. At the edge of the main area of heath, adjoining the metalled road is a further area dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium. Within this area are frequent Cirsium arvense, Equisetum arvense, Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus agg., and occasional Potentilla erecta, Silene dioica, Stachys sylvatica, Dryopteris dilatata, Hypochoeris radicata, Hieracium sp. and Ulex europaeus. In the centre of the common is a house and gardens which has been fenced-off from the rest of the site. This has a tall specimen of Pinus sylvestris in the garden. The western boundary of the common at the top of the old quarry has areas of dense Pteridium aquilinum. The south of the common at (3) has a mosaic of dense Salix scrub, dry dwarf shrub heath and small areas of tall ruderal vegetation. The scrub is dominated by Salix cinerea and Salix laurina, with occasional Betula pendula, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus idaeus and R. fruticosus agg. The ground flora is quite damp, with Juncus effusus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, H. mollis, Potentilla erecta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dryopteris dilatata and Athyrium filix-femina. Within this area, under dense shade, is a small pond of eutrophicated water. Two clumps of a vegetative Carex were present at the pond edge, possibly Carex vesicaria.

MANAGE:
The common has no formal management. The heath is well-developed, the ericoid species (Calluna vulgaris and Erica cinerea) covering around 30% of the common. Most plants are mature, to about 40cm tall, having a well-branched structure, are healthy, and a high proportion were flowering at the time of the survey. There are small numbers of scrub trees developing within the heath and it may be possible that, if uncontrolled, dense scrub may eventually take over much of the site. The encroachment of the fenced-off house and gardens in the centre of the common has been noted. Possibly this was a quarrymans' house. There has been dumping of garden rubbish in the old quarry adjacent to this property and also in the area around the small pond. In the north-western corner of the common there is a small tarmac pull-in. Elsewhere along the metalled road there are other pull-in places.


