# file3

FAUNA:
Numerous birds characteristic of open heath are present, such as Meadow Pipit and Skylark.  Within the areas of scrub, are breeding Stonechat, Linnet, Tree Pipit as well as, Yellowhammer, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat and Chiffchaff can be found.  The site is an important location for breeding Nightjar, a nationally important heathland bird, now becoming increasingly scarce.  Passing species such as Honey Buzzard, Goshawk and Hobby use the site as hunting ground.  The nationally important Dartford Warbler was present in 1989.

Reptiles recorded include Adder and Common Lizard.  The heterogeneously aged heath provides an excellent habitat for Small Heath butterfly and the scarcer Grayling butterfly.  Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary has also been recorded.

Other typical heather associates included, recorded in the National Trust Surveys, are Heather Beetle, the nationally scarce Flea Beetle, Common Heath Moth and Emperor Moth.  {\it Ulex europaeus} supports the nationally scarce weevil {\it Polydrusus confluens} as well as a large number of other bugs and arachnids.  The more extensively developed grassland at the northern end of the National Trust owned property contains large populations of grass bugs and Meadow Grasshopper.  Open areas of heath are important for Ants such as {\it Formica fesca} and the heathland speciality {\it Lasius alienus}.

VEG:
The following is a description of the main common section (a).  Dry dwarf shrub heath is the dominant habitat over much of the common.  characteristic of NVC H4 lowland heath, it supports a mix of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, E. tetralix, Ulex gallii, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Molinia caerulea} in varying proportions.  The {\it Calluna vulgaris} covers approximately 80 per cent of the area and generally appears undergrazed and in some areas has grown tall and leggy.  Occasionals such as {\it Potentilla erecta, Viola riviniana, Polygala serpyllifolia, Dactylorhiza} spp., {\it Trichophorum cespitosus} more usually associated with upland heaths, {\it Carex binervis, C. pilulifera} and {\it Cladonia impexa} were also noted.  The 'moist' element of this oceanic heath increases to the north of the site, but is prevented from developing into a vally mire by what is now an enclosed, semi-improved field.  This has therefore, drastically changed the vegetation and its importance as a semi-natural mire habitat since the site's SSSI notification.  The slopes of this field, however, still lead to channels of {\it Juncus effusus - Holcus lanatus} rush pasture (NVC MG10) including {\it Luzula multiflora and Juncus squarrosus}.  An artificial pond adjacent to the field boundary supports {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius} and is surrounded by dense {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub.  A small fenced area of wet semi-improved, acid, marshy grassland also exists adjacent to the pond and includes {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus, Trifolium repens, Juncus effusus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Carex binervis, Luzula multiflora, Stellaria} spp., {\it Juncus squarrosus}, (NVC MG5?).

The only other enclosed fields are found along the western boundary of the common.  These consist of a mix of semi-improved acid grassland and fen meadow (NVC M24).  The expected {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Cirsium dissectum} are joined by {\it Cirsium palustre, Carex panicea, C. nigra, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Luzula multiflora, Aulacomium palustre} and abundant {\it Dactylorhiza} sp..  {\it Festuca ovina, Agrostis} spp., and abundant {\it Trifolium repens} are found in the areas of acid grassland.  The presence of {\it Carex echinata} and {\it Juncus effusus} over {\it Sphagnum recurvum} and {\it S. palustre} picks out several acidic flushes which run through the vegetation (NVC M6ci).

Small pockets of {\it Ulex europaeus, Quercus robur, Betula pubescens, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Salix cinerea} scrub are encroaching onto the heath from the common periphery and road sides.

Intermingled within this scrub are coarse grassland and weed species such as {\it Dactylis glomerata, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}.  Young {\it Pinus sylvestris} and occasional shrubs and saplings are scattered at low density throughout much of the heathland area.  There are also a few small areas of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with dwarf shrub still present underneath.

At the southern tip, the vegetation grades into dense growth of trees and shrubs - mostly {\it Corylus avellana, Quercus robur, Betula} spp., and {\it Salix cinerea} with young {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aria, Sambucus nigra, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} also present.

The area of woodland occupying a small valley at location (1) consists of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}.  There is a rich and varied ground flora with several species characteristic of ancient woodland sites such as {\it Lamiastrum galeobdolon} and {\it Carex sylvatica}.

The disused quarry at (2) has pits and embankments of exposed gravel with {\it Salix} scrub and degraded heath on its periphery.  This area, together with the southerly expanse of acid grassland and dry heath in section (a) appear to be used for motorbike scrambling.

A disturbed area of dry heath adjacent to the road at (3) has been degraded through car parking to a mix of young {\it Calluna vulgaris} and acid grassland.

Section (c): A lightly wooded area of {\it Quercus robur} standards over a {\it Corylus avellana} coppice.  This wood is fairly diverse with evidence of regeneration and is occasionally quite open.  {\it Betula pubescens} is scattered throughout and the understory consists of {\it Ulex europaeus, Hedera helix, Lonicera periclymenum} with a species-poor {\it Polytrichum commune, Pteridium aquilinum} ground flora.

MANAGE:
The National Trust has no management policies for its part of the common.  Due to the mature, drumstick appearance of {\it Calluna vulgaris}, the site is unlikely to be stock grazed.  Variations in the heathland structure seem largely to be as a result of accidental burns.  The continued absence of grazing or controlled burning is therefore, likely to result in increasing scrub invasion and slow eventual succession to woodland. 

As unfenced, busy roads cross the site, it is probably not feasible to introduce grazing stock to the area. 

Recreational uses such as motorbike scrambling and mountain biking are causing vegetation damage and soil erosion.  Maintenance of clear paths from the car park may help to prevent trampling over the surrounding vegetation, as well as improve access for walkers.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Meadow pipit, Wheatear.
Butterflies: Red admiral, Small tortoiseshell, Large White.
Red damselfly.

VEG:
Most of the site is industrial spoil. Quaite a large area has revegetated with acid grassland with areas of heath species. The acid grassland includes {\it Potentilla erecta, Thymus polytrichus, Nardus stricta, Agrostis} sp. {\it Rumex acetosella, Pteridium aquilinum, Molinia caerulea}. Some patches of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris} evident.
{\it Ulex europaeus} is found, particularly on the side nearer the road.

A ditch by the road supports {\it Juncus bufonius, Juncus articulatus, Polytrichum commune, Ranunculus flammula, Epilobium} sp. {\it Succisa pratensis, Juncus effusus, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Digitalis purpurea}.

MANAGE:
The site is grazed by sheep and ponies. The site is revegetating with heath species present.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey near or over river: Wood pigeon, Mallard, Grey wagtail, Wren, Kingfisher. A Cormorant seen on pool near River Plym. Dippers are recorded. Black-headed gulls seen downstream.

Unidentified fish seen in river.
Unidentified Dragonflies and damselflies seen.

Recorded: Otters use the river (Spraint last found 1988).
Stoneflies: {\it Chloroperla torrentium } and {\it Leuctra geniculata} recorded in 1979.(See National Trust records).

VEG:
Proceeding south from Plym bridge on the very enjoyable footpath one finds that the river is overhung by {\it Fagus sylvatica, Alnus glutinosa}, and {\it Corylus avellana}. On the eastern side of the river the flood plain is owned by the National Trust who descibe it as ' Valuable semi-improved alluvial grassland, herb-rich along the riverbank'.

The riverbed looks impoverished in terms of plant cover in places, but some of the more shaded areas have substantial growth. The banks of the river have some invasions of {\it Fallopia japonica} near the Plym bridge end, also {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Impatiens glandulifera, Senecio jacobaea, Oenanthe crocata} are in evidence.

Bryophytes are much in evidence on river boulders including {\it Dicranum} sp. and {\it Polytrichum} sp. on old tramway abutments ({\it Polypodium vulgare} and on the banks in shaded, damper stretches of the river.

Further towards Plymouth an area (planted?) of almost pure {\it Alnus glutinosa} is encountered which has some {\it Ilex aquifolium} understorey and a ground flora that includes {\it Hedera helix, Luzula sylvatica, Rubus fruticosus, Oenanthe crocata} and {\it Urtica dioica}. Shortly below this area the river course has been altered and, near Longbridge, the banks are artificial. {\it Buddleja} sp. provides good butterfly habitat in places and, in the least hospitable-looking part of the river a kingfisher was seen.

MANAGE:
The National Trust owns and manages the alluvial flood plain near Plym Bridge and its 1989 Management Plan set out the following (abbreviated) objectives which will bear on the rivers water quality and thus wildlife:

1 'Maintainance of the existing character of traditional pasture, by the sale of a grazing licence, with all the reservations necessary to minimize any conflict with the enjoyment of visitors. The licence will precluse the use of all fertilizers and chemicals, and will control the type of stock, stocking rate and period of grazing'.

2  'Provision for picknicking and other recreational activities.....'.

3  'Protection and consolidation of the trees on the fringes of the meadow along the river bank and the railway embankment....'.

Fencing erected on the river margin to allow young trees to grow and exclude the public has lead to improved invertebrate habitat. 

Part of the river is used for canoe training.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Crows, Magpie.

VEG:
Much of the common is acid grassland with species such as {\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Agrostis} sp.{\it D. flexuosa, Poa annua}. In some areas {\it Ulex} sp. is dominant and in more southern parts {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is dominant. The wall on the SE side has some good bryophyte growth and species such as {\it Corylus avellana, Quercus} sp. and {\it Salix} sp. growing on top.

No heath species such as {\it C. vulgaris, E. cinerea} were found on this common, though the English Nature Heather condition report refers to a few impoverished plants on this common and the adjacent CL 84 which must be remnants of former heath which overgrazing and the former MOD encampments destroyed.

MANAGE:
Reduced grazing may enhance species diversity.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: House Martin, Magpie, Crow, Rook, Grey Wagtail, Chaffinch, Sparrows.

Invertebrates: Ten species of dragonfly are found on the Valley Mire SSSI to the north of the common, including the Southern Hawker {\it Aeshna cyanea}, Beautiful demoiselle {\it Calyopteryx virgo}, Golden-ringed dragonfly {\it Cordulegaster boltonii}, Silver-washed Fritillary {\it Argynnis paphia} and the White-legged Dragonfly {\it Platycnemis pennipes}. Invertebrate Site Register 84/129.

Butterflies: Also on Valley mir - High Brown Fritillary {\it Argynnis adippe}, and a nationally rare cuckoo bee {\it Nomada tormentillae}.

VEG:
Whitchurch Down is mostly acid grassland with {\it Ulex} sp. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} invasion. The site also includes improved grassland for the golf course and a valley mire.
The acid grassland includes {\it Bellis perennis, Rumex acetosella, Festuca ovina, Thymus polytrichus, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. It is grazed by sheep and ponies.

The small amount of woodland at the west end of the site consists of quite aged {Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Quercus robur}.

The grasslands and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} stands are 'punctuated' by thickets or individuals of {\it Ulex europaeus}.

The most interesting part of the common is the herb-rich valley mire at the northernmost point. Species here include {\it Sphagnum auriculatum, Sphagnum} spp. {\it Succisa pratensis, Carex viridula} ssp. {\it oedocarpa}, Carex panicea, Nardus stricta, Molinia caerulea, Drosera rotindifolia, Drosera intermedia, Pingicula lusitanica, Anagallis tenella, Narthecium ossifragum, Rhynchospora alba, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Ranunculus flammula, Ranunculus omiophyllus, Scutellaria minor, Wahlembergia hederacea, Hypericum elodes, Viola palustris, Pedicularis sylvatica}

{\it Sibthorpia europaea}, of restricted distribution in the UK grows along the stream to the south of the mire, and a rare plant that is far from its main centre of distribution is also found here.

MANAGE:
The Common is quite intensively managed by recreational interests for golf, football, cricket. The 'rides' between thickets of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} are widely used for walking. Intense use of the common may in itself prevent misuse.

The {\it Pteridium} may be considered a problem in some areas. Treatment by spraying would require temporary access restrictions to relevant areas.

The SSSI is a superb site. Its management involved stopping of drainage. The level of pony grazing has to be carefully monitored.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during very brief field visit: Magpie, Crow, Meadow pipit.

VEG:
Compiled from NVC N Dartmoor map and very brief field survey.

The area to the west of the A386 has M25 grassland which is heavily invaded by {\it Ulex} and scrub. Species present include {\it Molinia caerulea, Potentilla erecta, Juncus acutiflorus, J. effusus, Lotus pedunculatus, Cirsium palustre, Succisa pratensis, Thuidium tamariscinum, Erica tetralix, Sphagnum auriculatum, Calluna vulgaris, Angelica sylvestris, Ranunculus acris, Carex} spp. {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Hypericum elodes, Holcus lanatus, Cirsium dissectum, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Carex panicea, Filipendula ulmaria, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Prunella vulgaris, Valeriana officinalis}.

MANAGE:
The wet grasslands west of the A386 warrant further detailed survey. Bracken invasion should be controlled.


FAUNA:
Recorded from the area: Meadow Pipits, Stonechats, Whinchat, Merlin, Buzzard, Golden Plovers. Seen during brief survey: Meadow Pipits.

VEG:
Cheriton Ridge supports NVC plant communities such as H12/M15, H12a, M15d, M2, M29, M35, M6ci, U20a, U20b, U4.

At the time of survey {\it Pteridium aquilinum} appeared dominant over large areas. On the western slopes of Farley Combe there is substantial heath species with {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} within the {\it P. aquilinum} and there are {\it Sphagnum} communities (including {\it S. recurvum} and {\it S. capillifolium}.

Acidic grassland areas are found in northern parts of the common with varying amounts of {\it Molinia caerulea} among the fine-leaved grasses.

The Streams (Hoaroak Water and Farley Water that bound the site to west and east have species recorded such as {\it Oenanthe crocata, Sparganium minimum, Myriophyllum alternatifolium, Callitriche} spp. {\it Brachythecium plumulosum, Fontanalis antipyretica, Fontanalis squamosa, Rhyncostegium riparoides, Chilosegphus polyanthos}.

The wet heath areas support {\it Calluna vulgaris, Molinia caerulea, Trichophorum cespitosa, Erica tetralix, Eriophorum angustifolium}.

The M29 soakaways into Hoaroak Water support {\it Hypericum elodes, Potamogeton polygonifolious} and bryophyte species such as {\it Calliergon cuspidatum, Rhizomnium punctatum, Plagiomnium rostratum}.

Most of Malmsmead Hill is dry heath with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Potentilla erecta, Ulex europaeus, Molinia caerulea}, and occasional {\it Ulex gallii}. Dense and scattered patches of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} are found peripherally and around streams.

There are areas of scrub/woodland on the east side of Malmsmead Hill at Yealscombe Wood. The {\it Quercus} scrub (with some mature trees) has {\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Melampyrum pratense} with some substantial {\it P. aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
Cheriton Ridge has had problems with over-grazing, wheel rutting and generally poor heather condition. There has been some improvement in recent years but problems still evident. Malmsmead Hill supports much healthy heather. Bracken invasion needs monitoring.


FAUNA:
Birds seen: Meadow pipit, Chaffinch, Magpie, Crow.
Common Lizard.

VEG:
Due to a shortage of time and good weather this common was not surveyed in detail.

Yellowmead Down appears to be almost entirely invasive {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with some acid grassland on the SE side. This grassland extends along the ridge that passes to the SE towards Ditsworthy Common. It grades into {\it Molinia caerulea} grassland on the ridge. This includes {\it Potentilla erecta, Agrostis stolonifera, Carex flacca, Calluna vulgaris} (occasional), {\it Carex binervis, Juncus squarrosus, Erica tetralix, Festuca ovina, Agrostis curtisii, Polygala serpyllifolia} and is horse, sheep and cattle grazed.

The area by the Scout Hut, just north of Gutter Tor, has planted conifers. By the ford a stream and flush is found. The stream includes {\it Glyceria fluitans} and {\it Ranunculus aquatica} and the flush supports {\it Viola palustris, Wahlembergia hederacea, Ranunculus flammula, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Sphagna} sp. {\it Polytrichum commune, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Carex panicea, Molinia caerulea, Hypericum elodes}.

A rough track passes from the ford , past the Scout Hut and ahead to the ENE. This is used by walkers, and mountain bikers. A leat through this area which contains {\it Blechnum spicant, Erica cinerea, Ranunculus flammula, Cirsium} sp. {\it Sphagna} and {\it Potamogeton} sp.

Ditsworthy Warren has acid grassland with invasive {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.
Dry heath is found in large areas between Ditsworthy Warren and Eylesbarrow Tin Mine. This supports {\it Calluna vulgaris, V. myrtillus, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta, J. squarrosus}.

Hartor Tor supports a dry heath/acid grassland mosaic with a valley mire below the Tor to the south. Another valley mire (Guttor Mire) lies near Guttor Tor.

MANAGE:
The Hartor Tor area has heath in good condition  but elsewhere grazing has limited growth or has disappeared. Cattle have caused particular damage on Ditsworthy Common. Stocking levels need to be reduced. Over-wintering has been reduced. Once heather has recovered 12 year burning regime could be introduced.
(English Nature Heather Conditions Maps).


FAUNA:
Seen during field survey: Common frog, Common toad. Chiffchaff, Jay. Speckled Wood butterfly.

VEG:
VEGETATION: Areas of grassland can be ascribed to the NVC community M23 ({\it Juncus effusus/acutiflorus - Galium palustre} rush pasture). {\it Juncus effusus} is scattered throughout the grassland and is dominant on wetter areas, so it could be described as B5, marshy grassland, particularly where {\it Molinia caerulea} and Carices are frequent. However, overall cover of {\it Juncus effusus} is < 25 per cent, and {\it Holcus lanatus} is frequent, so it is placed in the B21 category, unimproved neutral grassland. In places the grassland shows signs of agricultural improvement, with {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Trifolium repens}, but it remains diverse. Of particular note is the frequent {\it Carum verticillatum}, a very local species confined to this type of unimproved pasture. Other species recorded include {\it Anagallis tenella, Achillea ptarmica, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Menyanthes trifoliata}, and {\it Carex echinata}. In the flush at 1., the very local {\it Hypericum undulatum} occurs.

The areas of scrub are largely {\it Ulex europaeus}, though young {\it Salix caprea} is also mapped as this vegetation type. {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea} are both occasional, showing that the site may have had a more heathy character in the past. 

More mature patches of {\it Salix caprea}, and other species, that have developed out of old hedges, along with an area of {\it Quercus/Salix} woodland at the north end of the site, have been mapped as A111. This woodland has few young saplings because of the moderately high grazing levels on the site at present. The ground layer is poorly developed and much trampled, consisting largely of frequent {\it Rubus} sp. and occasional {\it Oxalis acetosella}.

MANAGE:
MANAGEMENT:  Evidence of cattle and sheep grazing was found though none were on the site at the time of the visit. Grazing levels are moderate and seem to be maintaining the diversity of the sward. The hedge at 2. is defunct; the site is probably grazed as a single unit with adjoining fields. Some disturbance at 3. may indicate an attempt at drainage. If successful this would greatly reduce the wildlife value of the site. Shotgun cartridges were found in the wood but it is unlikely that much shooting takes place.


FAUNA:
Birds seen: Magpie, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Crow, Sparrows.

VEG:
Section 1 (see map) is semi-improved grassland with species such {\it Poa annua, Cirsium} sp. {\it Taraxacorum} sp. {\it Plantago major, Trifolium repens, Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus, Filago vulgaris}. Over 100 sheep present at time of survey.
The wall boundary onto the road included many species in or on the wall such as {\it Coryllus avellana, Rubus fruticosus, Rosa} sp. {\it Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Galium mollugo, Bryonia dioica, Urtica dioica}.

Section 2  on the other side of Manor Rd. there is cattle-grazed semi-improved grassland that supports {\it Rumex acetosa, Cirsium} sp. {\it Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus, Urtica dioica}. The banks on the roadside include a high {\it Salix} sp. {\it Coryllus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Polypodium vulgare, Silene dioica, Pteridium aquilinum, Urtica dioica, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus}. Some conifers have been planted at the bottom of the slope including {\it Picea sitchensis} and {\it Cupressus} sp.
Section 3 has semi-improved grassland with {\it Juncus effusus, Plantago major} and {\it Polygonum} sp. and hedges of {\it Salix} sp. {\it Alnus glutinosa} and some larger {\it Quercus robur}. Section 4 has cattle grazing with sheds related to the recreation facilities that are found on Padley Common which i not registered Common land.

Section 5 (see map) Dennis Park had 4 cattle grazing at the time of survey.  A sign says 'Please do not turn animals into this field except during open period'. The grassland contained {\it Holcus lanatus, Cynosurus cristatus, Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata}. The walls on the road side supported umbellifers and {\it Coryllus avellana, Fraxinus excelsior, Rosa} sp. {\it Crataegus monogyna, Salix} sp.{\it Rubus fruticosus, Quercus robur}.
By the entrance to the field is found a small 'gardened' area with some garden shrubs and flowers, a small shed. There are some planted {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Populus} sp.{\it Betula} sp. {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Buddleja} sp.

Section 6 (Viewed from road) is improved grassland ( with {\it Lolium perenne}) for sheep, part of which is electric fenced. Over half of the boundary is species-rich wall.

Section 7 is semi-improved grassland that has 'gone to seed'. It includes {\it Lolium perenne, Achillea millefolium, Matricaria matricarioides, Plantago majus, Holcus lanatus, Filago vulgaris, Poa annua, Trifolium repens, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium pratense, Cerastium fontanum, Agrostis stolonifera, Rubus fruticosus}. The upper sections have stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The entrance to this field has some bare ground and derelict machinery.

Section 8. This is improved grassland with about 10 planted and wooden fence-protected trees {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Malus} sp. A contouring leet which is stone lined passes across the upper slopes and supports (in running water) {\it Callitriche} sp. {\it Polygonum hydropiper, Ranunculus aquatilis, Ranunculus omiophyllus, Epilobium montanum} and water-cress.

MANAGE:
Reduced grazing pressure ( and reduced inputs) may, to a certain extent, enhance the wildlife diversity of some sections of this common but the very  evident local interest in the common for grazing and amenity is perhaps more important. The walls are a classic local feature with great wildlife an aesthetic value.


FAUNA:
Small tortoiseshell butterfly was recorded during the site visit. Mole hills were noted. Good populations of butterflies and grasshoppers have been noted (SNCI survey). The snail {\it Cernuella vulgaris} and {\it Candidula intersecta} and {\it C. glyaxii} were recorded during a survey on 18.07.84.

VEG:
Poundbury camp is an ancient hill fort (early Iron Age) situated on the outskirts of Dorchester. The majority of the common supports improved grassland dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata} (locally dominant), {\it Polygonum aviculare} and {\it Trifolium repens} and occasional {\it Achillea millefolium, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. The ramparts are designated a SNCI and listed on English Nature's Grassland Inventory. The site was surveyed in 1984 by English Nature and revisited in 1991/92? for the SNCI survey. The 1984 survey classified the grassland as CG2 {\it Festuca ovina-Avenula (Helictotrichon) pratensis} grassland, probably {\it Leucanthemum vulgare-Centaurea nigra} sub-community, with frequent {\it Festuca ovina, F. rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Helictotrichon pratense, Asperula cynanchica, Cirsium acaule, Pilosella officinarum, Sanguisorba minor, Scabiosa columbaria, Succisa pratensis, Thymus polytrichus} and occasional to frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Briza media, Cynosurus cristatus, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Koeleria macrantha, Trisetum flavescens, Carex caryophyllea, Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Galium mollugo, Leontodon hispidus, Leucanthemum vulgare, Linum catharticum, Medicago lupulina, Pimpinella saxifraga, Plantago lanceolata, Polygala calcarea, Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Trifolium pratense}. {\it Carex flacca, Hippocrepis comosa, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago media} and {\it Urtica dioica} were locally frequent. Other species recorded included {\it Anthyllis vulneraria, Campanula glomerata, C. rotundifolia, Carduus nutans, Centaurea scabiosa, Crepis vesicaria, Euphrasia nemorosa, Gentianella amarella} and {\it Polygala vulgaris}. The south-facing sides of the ramparts are herb rich whereas grasses predominate on the north-facing sides with more mesotrophic grasses such as {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and frequent mosses. There were a few scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} on the southern, inner rampart.

The steep slope along the northern edge of the common, dropping down to the River Frome, supports a coarse, ungrazed {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} grassland with {\it Festuca arundinacea, F. rubra, Dactylis glomerata, Helictotrichon} spp., and herbs such as {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Leontodon hispidus, Leucanthemum vulgare, Lotus corniculatus, Centaurea scabiosa, Cirsium acaule} and {\it Sanguisorba minor} etc. Bare areas of chalk held {\it Arabis hirsuta}. This area has been classified as semi-improved calcareous grassland due to the presence of coarser, more mesotrophic grasses as a result of lack of management. Scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub is present (SNCI survey and site visit). On this steep slope east of the hill fort is an area planted with trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus?} above apparently similar grassland to the above, grading into continuous scrub of {\it A. pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. to the east.

On the slopes in the north-west corner, outside the SNCI, an area of semi-improved calcareous grassland was recorded with frequent {\it Plantago media, P. lanceolata, Festuca ovina, Leontodon} spp. and occasional {\it Linum catharticum, Cirsium acaule, Pimpinella saxifraga, Trifolium pratense, Sanguisorba minor, Succisa pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Campanula rotundifolia, Carex flacca, Briza media, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Ranunculus bulbosus, Trifolium repens} and {\it Leucanthemum vulgare}. {\it Cynosurus cristatus} was locally frequent and {\it Gentianella amarella} rare. 

Much of the common is now fenced and some of the fencelines have changed. There is an old stone wall along the road with a few {\it Crataegus monogyna} bushes.

Lowland calcareous grassland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MANAGE:
The majority of the common has been improved except for the steep ramparts which support a good quality calcareous grassland and the northern slope. There are no registered rights on this common, but there were cattle grazing at the time of the site visit with the exception of the steep northern slope dropping down to the River Frome which is fenced off. The latter area is quite rank, supporting an impoverished flora with some encroaching scrub, but could be good for invertebrates. There has been some planting of trees on this slope towards the eastern end. The western fenceline no longer follows the boundary of the common.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit but please see under the entry for CL14, the main unit of West Ward Common.

VEG:
CL52 is one of 5 register units making up West Ward Common (an area of former water meadows) lying to the north of Dorchester in the River Frome valley. There was no public access to this part of the common which was only viewed from the nearby road. The general appearance was similar to the adjoining CLs 32 and 14 and probably supports a similar grassland community. Small areas supported tall ruderal vegetation with frequent {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium} sp. locally with a few scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna}.

MANAGE:
CL52 is a former area of water meadow with a network of ditches and sluices that enabled winter inundation to protect the ground from frost and bring on an early hay crop (Legg, 1995). Grazing is limited to between 6th and 14th August for dairy cattle and 15th August and 1st November for heifers or horses. Parts were apparently cattle grazed at the time of the site visit.


FAUNA:
Swallow, goldfinch, stonechat, raven?, roe deer and the butterflies speckled wood and small heath were recorded during the site visit. 

A faunal survey of the common was carried out by A.M.Abbott of Abbott Ecology in 1993 as part of the Dorset Ecological Consultancy survey of Corfe Common. None of the species recorded occurred in the Red Data book. Only the notable robber fly {\it Asilus crabroniformis} was recorded. Azure and large red damselflies, great green and dark bush crickets and common and field grasshoppers, 5-spot burnet, drinker, chimney sweeper, four-dotted footman, cinnabar and mullein moths, large skipper, large, small and green-veined whites, orange-tip, common blue, small tortoiseshell, peacock, speckled wood, wall brown, gatekeeper and meadow brown butterflies, 22 species of Diptera, 15 species of Hymenoptera, 9 species of beetle, 37 species of bird including buzzard, kestrel, green woodpecker, skylark, swallow, stonechat, song and mistle thrushes, whitethroat and lesser whitethroat, linnet, bullfinch and yellowhammer and the mammals mole, rabbit, fox and roe deer were recorded. The area between the B3069 and the A351 proved to be the richest area for fauna. Skylark and song thrush are listed on the short list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and linnet and bullfinch on the middle list. All common species of reptiles and amphibians have been recorded from the common recently (frog, toad, smooth newt, slow worm, common lizard and adder). It is thought that palmate newt and grass snake are also present. Great crested newt is known to occur in the pond adjacent to the A351 but that conditions are not ideal (deeper water and less vegetation would benefit this species, DERC, 1993). Additional invertebrate records from DERC include the butterflies small copper, common blue, red admiral, painted lady, dark green fritillary, marbled white, small heath and small skipper, the moths shaded broad-bar, silver Y and small pearl-bordered fritillary and the damselfly {\it Coenagrion pulchellum} and additional bird records for snipe and redwing. 

The wetter areas of the SSSI support an extremely varied and interesting fauna including a number of local and rare species. Notable among these are several beetles: the very local tortoise beetles {\it Cassida murraea} and {\it C. vibax}, the water-jewel beetle {\it Plateumaris discolor} and some uncommon leaf and ground beetles. Other noteworthy animals include three very scarce damselflies (the nationally rare southern damselfly and the nationally scarce small red damselfly and scarce ischnura), the nationally scarce beetle {\it Bagous tempestius}, the spider {\it Araneus redii} and the silky snail {\it Ashfordia granulata} (SSSI citation and Whole Site Objectives Statement). 36 species are listed on the Invertebrate Site Register including the notable weevil {\it Cneorhinus plumbeus} and the robber-fly {\it Asilus crabroniformis} and a further 20 local species (majority of records dated 1983). The southern damselfly and the robber-fly {\it Asilus crabroniformis} are listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Both species have been recorded more recently (DERC, 1993). 

42 rare or local species of invertebrate were recorded during the National Trust biological survey (1983) including a further 18 species not listed on the Invertebrate Site Register, the nationally rare hoverfly {\it Microdon mutabilis} being of particular note. The richest area on the common was found to be the mire/flush areas adjacent to the stream along the western boundary. 23 of the rare or local species were recorded here including all 5 of the notable Odonata (scarce blue-tailed, southern and small red damselflies, beautiful demoiselle and keeled skimmer dragonfly), the nationally rare hoverfly {\it Microdon mutabilis} and 16 of the notable beetle species. (The scarce blue-tailed damselfly has not been seen recently (DERC, 1993). The dry grassland was found to be species-poor but dark green fritillary, chimney sweeper moth and the knapweed-associated tortoise beetle {\it Cassida vibex} and commoner species such as the ants {\it Lasius niger} and {\it Myrmica ruginodis}, the woodlouse {\it Armadillidium vulgare}, the ground beetles {\it Amara aenea, Agonum dorsale} and {\it Pterostichus versicolor}, the ladybird {\it Thea 22-punctata} and crab spiders (Thomisidae) were recorded. Gorse fauna was well represented including the local weevil {\it Strophosomus retusus}. Mixed scrub around the edges of the common supported the local weevils {\it Barypithes pellucidus} and {\it Cneorhinus plumbeus} (both found on {\it Prunus spinosa} in the hedgerows along the northern boundary at the eastern end) and the leaf beetle {\it Lochmaea crataegi} and the weevil {\it Anthonomus pedicularis} on {\it Crataegus monogyna} in the same area. Speckled bush cricket also occurred along this section. The streams support a rich associated fauna, particularly along the southern and western boundary streams with species typical of a limestone derived stream with good numbers of water beetles, waterbugs, stoneflies, caddis flies and mayflies. Beautiful demoiselle was reported along the west side of the common and large red damselfly was seen along the southern side of the common. The National Trust report also gives a breakdown of the important invertebrate areas on the common. 

The open grass areas support meadow pipit and skylark, but the presence of scrub also supports stonechat, linnet, blackbird, willow warbler, goldfinch and wren. A few pairs of stonechat nest among the gorse. Hedgerows contain greenfinch, bullfinch, chaffinch, song thrush, robin, woodpigeon, blackcap, chiffchaff, magpie and yellowhammer. A family of mallard were recorded at eastern end of southern stream. Rabbit was particularly frequent among the gorse on the southern slopes at the eastern end of the common (NT survey, 1983).

VEG:
Corfe Common is situated to the south of Corfe Castle village on the Isle of Purbeck flanked to the south and west by a branch of the Corfe River. It is the only large remaining area of cultivated land on the Purbeck Wealden Beds. There is a central east-west ridge of Wealden sandstone (free draining) and the lower land is Wealden clay bearing a series of flushes, particularly along the western margin. The majority of the common is a SSSI.

The SSSI was subject to a NVC survey in 1990. Six acidic grassland communities (U4a, U1f, U3, M24, a transitional community (probably a transitional type to a calcicolous community characterised by {\it Brachypodium pinnatum}) and a {\it Danthonia decumbens-Agrostis capillaris-Carex caryophyllea} community (not described in NVC)) were identified. Other communities were M15, W23, M21a and M29. The {\it Agrostis curtisii} (U3) and {\it Danthonia decumbens-Agrostis capillaris-Carex caryophyllea} communities are generally restricted to the sandstone ridge, the U4, U1 and M24 on the stagnogley soils derived from the Wealden clay. On the lower slopes and wetter depressions, M24 was the dominant community. Flushes are present which support waterlogged mire communities including M21 {\it Narthecium ossifragum-Sphagnum papillosum} valley mire, M29 {\it Hypericum elodes-Potamogeton polygonifolius} soakway and M15 {\it Scirpus (Trichophorum) cespitosus-Erica tetralix} wet heath. The south-west and north-west facing slopes are fairly well drained with U1 {\it Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Rumex acetosella} grassland on the former and U4 {\it Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile} grassland on the latter. The transitional community is resticted to a few small localities. The common west of the A351 was also subject to a biological survey in 1993, although a fairly comprehensive survey recording a total of 285 plant species broken down into 16 sub-compartments, very limited abundance data was collected and habitat description was very brief. The following description is largely based on the 1990 NVC survey.

U3 - this community is marked by the dominance of {\it Agrostis curtisii} with frequent {\it Danthonia decumbens} and {\it Carex caryophyllea}. {\it Erica cinerea, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Hypochaeris radicata} are the most frequent herbs with occasional {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Pilosella officinarum, Potentilla erecta, Serratula tinctoria, Stachys officinalis} and {\it Ulex gallii}. Locally {\it Molinia caerulea} or {\it Brachypodium pinnatum} may feature. {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} is locally frequent and {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} were frequent throughout. {\it Agrostis curtisii} forms mats separated by only sparsely vegetated or bare ground and has few associates. It seems restricted to the main ridge and is common along the main paths and between the {\it Ulex} scrub. The bryophytes {\it Hypnum cupressiforme} and {\it Campylopus introflexus} are frequent with occasional {\it Dicranum scoparium} and {\it Polytrichum juniperinum} and rarely {\it Leucobryum glaucum}. {\it Trifolium subterraneum} was noted on one of the tumuli east of the B3069. {\it Chamaemelum nobile} (*nationally scarce) and {\it Silaum silaus} were recorded from the dry grassland on the sandstone ridge between the A351 and B3069 (1982 Phase 1 survey). {\it Centaureum pulchellum, Trifolium fragiferum, T. medium} and {\it Spiranthes spiralis} have also been recorded from this section of the common (NT report).

The {\it Danthonia decumbens-Agrostis capillaris-Carex caryophyllea} community is a distinctive type that is restricted to the upper, south-facing slopes of the ridge. Although {\it Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} are very much a feature of this area, the open areas are characterised by a dominance of {\it Danthonia decumbens, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Carex caryophyllea} on a very dry soil that is open and maintained by rabbits. The open turf supports much {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Erica cinerea, Potentilla erecta, Serratula tinctoria, Stachys officinalis, Succisa pratensis, Hypochaeris radicata, Pilosella officinarum} and the moss {\it Campylopus introflexus}. Occasional patches occur where {\it Brachypodium pinnatum} has established, particularly in the shelter of {\it U. europaeus} and {\it P. aquilinum}. 

M24 - this is a species-rich {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated community occuring largely on the lower south-facing slopes interspersed between areas of {\it Ulex gallii} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The {\it Molinia} is not tussocky, but of an even structure that allows a fine textured sward to develop. Other frequent grasses include {\it Danthonia decumbens, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca ovina}. Sedges are also frequent, particularly {\it Carex viridula} ssp. {\it oedocarpa} and {\it C. panicea} and rarely {\it C. caryophyllea, C. pulicaris} and {\it C. echinata}. {\it Cirsium dissectum} is a prominent constant together with {\it Serratula tinctoria, Succisa pratensis, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Stachys officinalis}. Other frequent species were {\it Anagallis tenella, Juncus conglomeratus} and {\it Lotus pedunculatus}. Less frequent were {\it Erica tetralix, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Salix repens}. Occasional species included {\it Agrostis canina, A. curtisii, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Calluna vulgaris, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Pedicularis sylvatica, Polygala vulgaris} and the bryophytes {\it Campylium stellatum} and {\it Pseudoscleropodium purum}. {\it Pilosella officinarum} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} were locally frequent. Locally the marshy grassland comprises frequent {\it Carex} spp. including {\it C. flacca, C. panicea} and {\it C. viridula} ssp. {\it oedocarpa} with {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it A. canina} often with {\it Molinia caerulea} and may be derived from the M24. {\it Cirsium dissectum} and {\it Juncus acutiflorus} may also be present (DERC, 1993).

Community cards for the M21 {\it Narthecium ossifragum-Sphagnum papillosum} valley mire and M29 {\it Hypericum elodes-Potamogeton polygonifolius} soakway communities were not compiled but {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Rhynchospora alba, Erica tetralix, Drosera} sp. and the {\it Sphagnum} species {\it S. auriculatum, S. papillosum, S. subnitens} etc. were noted. {\it Carex panicea, C. acutiformis, C. hirta}, tussocks of {\it C. nigra?, Caltha palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Hypericum elodes, Juncus articulatus, Molinia caerulea, Filipendula ulmaria, Mentha aquatica, Iris pseudacorus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Pedicularis} sp., {\it Succisa pratensis, Angelica sylvestris, Narthecium ossifragum, Erica tetralix, Drosera rotundifolia} and a few pockets of {\it Sphagnum} moss were recorded during the site visit. The additional species {\it Anagallis tenella, Dactylorhiza maculata} ssp. {\it ericetorum, Triglochin palustris} and {\it Pinguicula lusitanica} were recorded during the NT survey in 1983. A second area further north was noted during the NT 1983 survey with {\it Anagallis tenella, Drosera rotundifolia, Erica tetralix, Hypericum elodes, Pinguicula lusitanica, Potentilla palustris} and {\it Valeriana dioica}. It graded into adjacent tall herb fen including {\it Carex acutiformis, Valeriana dioica, Oenanthe pimpinelloides, Dactylorhiza praetermissa, Carex paniculata?} and {\it Menyanthes trifoliata}. There was quite a rich bryophyte flora with several species typical of upland flushes eg. {\it Philonotis fontana, Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Dicranella squarrosa} and the quite local {\it Acrocladium cuspidatum}. {\it Iris pseudacorus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Ranunculus repens, R. flammula} and {\it Holcus} sp. were recorded within the alder carr in this area (site visit). A third area of {\it Molinia-Sphagnum} mire was recorded at SY967811 with abundant {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}. {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Genista anglica} and {\it Salix repens} were present and {\it Triglochin palustris, Drosera rotundifolia} and {\it Anagallis tenella} were recorded during the 1982 Phase 1 survey. An adjacent drainage ditch supported {\it Potamogeton} sp., {\it Carex viridula} ssp., {\it oedocarpa, Juncus bulbosus} and {\it Hypericum elodes}. During the site visit, tussocky {\it Molinia} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris} were recorded here. 

The M15 {\it Scirpus (Trichophorum) cespitosa-Erica tetralix} wet heath is restricted to the stream valley at SY960810 (? on ridge, should be SY960806?) dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} with abundant {\it Campylium stellatum} and characterised by {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} with frequent {\it Anagallis tenella, Hypericum elodes, Carex viridula} ssp. {\it oedocarpa} and {\it C. panicea} with occasional species including {\it Cirsium dissectum, Erica tetralix, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Juncus conglomeratus, Potentilla erecta, Ranunculus flammula, Salix repens, Scutellaria minor, Succisa pratensis} and the bryophyte {\it Calliergon cuspidatum}. {\it Pinguicula lusitanica} was rare. 

U1 - this is a very tightly grazed dry {\it Agrostis capillaris} dominated grassland on south-facing slopes along the northern edge of the common. There is a preponderance of rosette species that can tolerate the intense grazing ({\it Leontodon saxatilis, L. autumnalis, Plantago lanceolata, Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Bellis perennis}. Other frequent grasses include {\it Holcus lanatus} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}. No {\it Festuca} spp. were seen. {\it Lotus corniculatus, Prunella vulgaris, Trifolium pratense, Euphrasia} sp. and {\it Senecio jacobaea} are frequent but otherwise, diversity is low. {\it Potentilla erecta} is locally frequent and the nationally scarce* {\it Chamaemelum nobile} locally abundant.

U4 - the northern slopes of the common support a community type characterised by constant {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Viola} sp. {\it Danthonia decumbens, Festuca ovina} and {\it F. rubra} are frequent but patchy. {\it Galium saxatile} is present but at mid constancy levels and at low cover (but recorded as frequent?). {\it Serratula tinctoria} and {\it Stachys officinalis} are more or less constant (both frequent) and {\it Hypochaeris radicata, Potentilla erecta, Pteridium aquilinum, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Ulex gallii} are also frequent. Occasional species include {\it Holcus lanatus, Molinia caerulea, Campanula rotundifolia, Carex caryophyllea, C. flacca, C. panicea, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Prunella vulgaris, Agrostis curtisii} and the bryophytes {\it Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum cupressiforme} and {\it Campylopus introflexus}.

The unusual transitional community is characterised by the presence of abundant {\it Brachypodium pinnatum} where this calcicole grows with {\it Molinia caerulea, Danthonia decubens, Erica cinerea, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Carex flacca}. It occurs on a sandy soil, very dry and somewhat open, particularly where it is grazed by rabbits. In other situations it occurs in taller swards, mixed with {\it Molinia} and the {\it Brachypodium} flowers where some shelter is provided by {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The {\it Brachypodium} appears to be invasive of other communities and the similarity to 'limestone heath' comes to mind. Other frequent species include {\it Agrostis capillaris, Prunella vulgaris, Serratula tinctoria, Stachys officinalis, Succisa pratensis, Viola} sp. and the bryophyte {\it Hypnum cupressiforme}. Occasional species include {\it Cirsium dissectum, Salix repens} and {\it Ulex gallii} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} was rare. A number of calcicoles are also found alongside the track crossing the western end of the common including {\it Cirsium acaule}. {\it Brachypodium pinnatum, Carex caryophyllea, Linum catharticum, Leontodon hispidus} and {\it Ophioglossum vulgatum} were noted here during the 1982 Phase 1 survey. {\it O. vulgatum} (about 50 fronds) was recorded again during the NT survey in the well-drained grassland of the main ridge (1983) and in 1993 from the marshy grassland west of the B3069.

Additional species mentioned in the NT survey report include {\it Trifolium striatum} and {\it Linum bienne} from the dry grassland, {\it Ranunculus sardous} and {\it Linaria repens} in areas of heavy grazing and poaching and also {\it Apium inundatum, Drosera intermedia} (1962), {\it Oenanthe lachenalli} (1979), {\it Ranunculus hederaceus} and the sedges {\it C. binervis, C. rostrata} and {\it C. vesicaria?} (1976).

Scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} occurs throughout the better drained grassland. Around the margins of the common a richer scrub has developed with species such as {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Rosa} agg. and {\it Salix} sp. etc. 

Along the western side of the railway at the northern end of the common is an area of carr, wet grassland and dry grassland/scrub including sheltered, species-rich flushes with a good population of {\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa. Mentha aquatica, Lythrum salicaria, Carex panicea, Juncus inflexus, Cardamine pratense, Ranunculus flammula, Lychnis flos-cuculi} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris} were common with species such as {\it Serratula tinctoria, Cirsium dissectum, Caltha palustris, Angelica sylvestris} and {\it Menyanthes trifoliata} occasional (NT survey, 1983). During the site visit this area appeared to be predominantly {\it Salix} sp. scrub. An open patch with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} was also noted. The northernmost end supported coarse grassland dominated by {\it Dactylis glomerata} with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium, Angelica sylvestris, Plantago lanceolata} and some {\it Pteridium aquilinum} grading into scrub at the northern end where {\it Equisetum telmateia, Dryopteris dilatata, Carex pendula, Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Iris pseudacorus} were recorded. 

A small stream drains off the common to the north-west. At the north-western end there is an area of marshy grassland with abundant {\it Juncus conglomeratus} and {\it Potentilla anserina, Lycopus europaeus, Agrostis stolonifera, Galium palustre, Senecio aquaticus} and {\it Carex hirta}. {\it Eleocharis palustris, Glyceria} sp., {\it Carex hirta, C. panicea, C. ovalis} and {\it Ulex europaeus} were also recorded here in 1982. A small subsiduary stream valley here supported {\it Juncus articulatus, Ranunculus flammula, Mentha aquatica, Potamogeton} sp. and some {\it Sphagnum} sp. Nearer the track to the east of this area {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Mentha aquatica} become abundant with {\it Potentilla anserina, P. reptans, Trifolium repens, Iris pseudacorus, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Prunella vulgaris} (site visit). {\it Ranunculus repens} and {\it R. flammula} were also recorded here in 1992. Further up this stream valley small areas of more acidic {\it Molinia} flush and wet grass heath were recorded during the Phase 1 survey, 1982, the latter including {\it Salix repens, Dactylorhiza maculata} ssp. {\it ericetorum} and {\it Cirsium dissectum}. {\it Lythrum portula} (1979) has been recorded from this stream valley. 

The stream valley bordering the southern edge of the common of the section between the B3069 and A351, supported a good population of {\it Oenanthe pimpinelloides} and {\it Catabrosa aquatica} (NT report). Scattered {\it Juncus} spp., {\it Molinia caerulea, Ranunculus flammula, R. repens} and {\it Iris pseudacorus} were recorded from this valley and continuing up the three gullies which feed into it. {\it Apium nodiflorum, Iris pseudacorus, Polygonum hydropiper} and {\it Callitriche} sp. were recorded from the stream. {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Erica tetralix, Pinguicula lusitanica, Hypericum elodes} and {\it Carex echinata} were recorded locally in the westernmost gully. The stream west of the B3069 supported {\it Sparganium erectum, Veronica beccabunga, Lemna} sp. and {\it Apium nodiflorum}. 

There is a shallow pool (seasonally fluctuating) at SY965810 supporting {\it Juncus conglomeratus, J. articulatus, Ranunculus flammula, Mentha aquatica, Pulicaria dysenterica, Potentilla anserina, Hydrocotyle vulgaris} and {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica}. {\it Baldellia ranunculoides, Juncus bulbosus, Ranunculus hederacea, R. tricophyllus, Callitriche} sp., {\it Potamogeton} sp., {\it Apium nodiflorum, Glyceria fluitans, Eleocharis palustris, Myosotis} sp. and {\it Eleogiton fluitans} were also recorded here during the NT survey, 1983. {\it Eleocharis acicularis?} (slender spike-rush) was recorded here in 1993, but {\it Baldellia ranunculoides} and {\it Glyceria declinata} recorded in 1990 were not (DERC). {\it Groenlandia densa} and {\it Catabrosa aquatica} have also been recorded. The NT survey reports acidic flushes on the slopes above including bryophyte cushions with small vascular species such as {\it Anagallis tenella, Pinguicula lusitanica} and {\it Briza media}, while in intermediate, wet, peaty hollows species such as {\it Carex viridula} ssp. {\it oedocarpa, Eleocharis} sp. and {\it Baldellia ranunculoides} are present. One flush has abundant {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Equisetum telmateia} and {\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa}. This graded downslope into species-rich, wet grassland with {\it Carex panicea, C. ovalis, C. nigra} and {\it C. hirta} with a good diveristy of herbs including {\it Cirsium dissectum} and {\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa}. Marshy grassland was noted during the site visit in the area around the pond with frequent {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus, Carex} spp. and occasional {\it Juncus conglomeratus, J. articulatus, Ranunculus flammula, Pulicaria dysenterica, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. Similar grassland was recorded locally on the opposite side of the B3069. 

Species of interest recorded during the 1993 survey include the additional {\it Carex} spp. {\it C. binervis, C. hostiana, C. otrubae, C. pilulifera, C. remota, C. rostrata} and {\it C. x fulva} making a total of 19 species recorded from the common, {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii, D. incarnata, Eleocharis multicaulis, E. quinqueflora, Galium uliginosum, Hypericum humifusum, Isolepis setacea, I. cernua, Myosotis secunda, Ornithopus perpusillus, Potentilla anglica, Primula veris, Rosa stylosa?, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Schoenus nigricans, Thymus polytrichus, Trifolium micranthum} and the calcicoles {\it Pastinacea sativa} and {\it Plantago media}. Also recorded were {\it Baldellia ranunculoides, Catabrosa aquatica, Dactylorhiza maculata, D. praetermissa, Eriophorum angustifolium, Genista anglica} (at a new location), {\it Oenanthe pimpinelloides, Potentilla palustris, Silaum silaus, Trifolium fragiferum, T. medium} and {\it T. striatum} (last recorded in 1982/83), {\it Lythrum portula} (last recorded 1979) and {\it Ranunculus hederaceus} (last recorded 1976). The nationally scarce {\it Chamaemelum nobile} was recorded at a number of additional localities to those recorded in 1990. 

East of the railway and outside the SSSI the common supports semi-improved neutral to acid grassland with frequent {\it Lolium perenne} (locally abundant), {\it Agrostis capillaris, Trifolium repens, Bellis perennis, Holcus lanatus, Cynosurus cristatus} and rosette forming species including {\it Plantago lanceolata, Leontodon} spp. and {\it Hypochaeris radicata} and occasional {\it Senecio jacobaea, Trifolium pratense, Molinia caerulea, Ranunculus repens, R. bulbosus} and locally {\it Cirsium arvense}. {\it Juncus conglomeratus} is locally frequent where the ground is wetter. Scrub occurs along the drains and stream valleys. The fungus {\it Langermannia gigantea} was recorded on this part of the common. 

Lowland, dry acid grassland, purple moor grass and rush pastures, fens and both mesotrophic and eutrophic standing water are key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. 

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

MANAGE:
The common is fenced from the road and grazed by horses and cattle. Grazing is not uniform. Grazing probably prevents {\it Molinia} becoming tussocky and maintains the species diversity. There is much scrub and bracken on the common. An area of scrub on the eastern section of the common at SY 973813 had recently been cleared and the bracken is managed by cutting. Scrub has apparently encroached on the area recorded as species-rich in 1983 along the western edge of the railway. The grassland was locally quite worn where cars park on the common at SY958813 with ephemeral species such as {\it Plantago major} and {\it Polygonum aviculare}. 

Management of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} by swiping was noted during the 1993 survey. There was also a note about the unwelcome alien {\it Crassula helmsii} recorded in the shallow pond near the A351, a species which has spread alarmingly in similar ponds in the New Forest. An attempt had been made to eradicate it during which time the pond was fenced which may have resulted in a decline in diversity through a reduction in puddling around the margin by grazing stock. The pond was also becoming choked with {\it Eleocharis palustris}. This was not noted during the site visit and the abundance has probably declined since the reintroduction of stock. In 1992 the majority of the SSSI was moderately to heavily grazed by horses, cattle and rabbits, locally with frequent rosette-forming species which are more tolerant of heavy grazing. 

According to the NT survey report (1983) the area east of the railway line was reclaimed during the second world war and has remained as enclosed agricultural land. 12 acres of the area west of the B3069 were also brought into agricultural use during the war but then returned to common grazing. Both these areas support semi-improved grassland. Some recent improvement was also noted in 1983 on the section between the A351 and the railway and the presence of fodder bins suggested supplementary feeding. Cattle and horses were grazing at the time of the NT survey. There were reports that in some years the grassland could be heavily overgrazed in summer (in years of drought?). The invertebrate interest was concentrated in the wetter areas which are largely avoided by grazing stock and therefore able to develop greater structural diversity with more species of plant able to flower. Management recommendations in the NT report included liason to prevent any further improvement, drainage and supplementary feeding of stock. It was recommended that the current grazing levels were ascertained so that the situation could be monitored and lighter grazing arranged in years of drought. Future occasional scrub cutting was considered probably to be necessary and the current occasional patch burning by commoners was considered acceptable at the current level. The marginal and scattered scrub add habitat diversity to the common.


FAUNA:
No fauna was specifically recorded from this common during the site visit but please see under the entry for CL34 with which this common is continuous.

VEG:
This common forms an additional part of Corfe Castle common (CL34). There is no current boundary separating the two. This part of the common falls within an area that was brought into agricultural use during the second World War and now supports semi-improved acid grassland (U1f). This community is described fully under the entry for CL34. The nationally scarce* {\it Chamaemelum nobile} occurs within this community. A short section of a defunct hedgerow? of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. crosses this part of the common. There is some {\it Prunus spinosa} encroachment from the hedgerow along the northern boundary.

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

MANAGE:
This area is subject to common grazing by cattle and horses together with CL34. It was brought into agricultural use during the last war and now supports semi-improved acid grassland. The area is heavily grazed with a preponderance of rosette species that can tolerate the intense grazing. There is some scrub encroachment from the northern boundary.


VEG:
Middle Halves is situated between West Street and East Street in the village of Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck. The common slopes gently to the north, west and south.

The central area of the common supports semi-improved neutral grassland comprising frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Plantago lanceolata} with with locally frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis, Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Cerastium fontanum, Achillea millefolium, Rumex crispus, Centaurea nigra} and a large population of {\it Silaum silaus}. {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} was recorded locally. To the south and west of the excluded area is an area of tall ruderal vegetation with abundant {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium arvense}.

The southern end supports a semi-improved neutral grassland with abundant {\it Holcus lanatus}, locally frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and occasional {\it Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Heracleum sphondylium, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, R. bulbosus, Centaurea nigra, Cerastium fontanum, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosa, R. crispus} and {\it Lathryus pratensis}. There is a patch of {\it Urtica dioica} near the boundary in this area. The hedgerows bordering this section supported {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Salix capraea} and {\it Ulmus procera}. 

Between this section and the central section is a narrow strip of improved grassland with abundant {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg., frequent {\it Lolium perenne} and occasional {\it Leontodon autumnalis} and {\it Ranunculus acris}. {\it Cirsium arvense} is frequent towards the western end. 

The northern end of the common supports species-poor, semi-improved neutral grassland with tall ruderal species and an area of amenity grassland. The former comprises {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Ranunculus repens, Rumex crispus, Urtica dioica, Dactylis glomerata, Heracleum sphondylium, Cirsium arvense, Trifolium repens, T. pratense} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. The amenity grassland is dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with abundant {\it Trifolium repens} and {\it Plantago major, Holcus lanatus, Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Veronica} sp. There is a playground on the extreme northern end.

MANAGE:
The common is subdivided by internal fencing and hedges. The central area of the common is managed as pasture. The large population of the uncommon {\it Silaum silaus} on the central part of the common is of note and any further 'improvement' of this area should be avoided. The southern part was apparently managed for hay and was not being grazed at the time of the site visit. The rank, species-poor, semi-improved neutral grassland with tall ruderal species at the northern end is probably only occasionally cut with the footpaths maintained by mowing. The area south and west of the small area excluded from the common is probably unmanaged with some abandoned machinery noted. The amenity grassland at the northernmost end is regularly mown. There is an enclosed playground area in the latter area.


FAUNA:
Rabbit, stonechat, buzzard, sparrowhawk? and the butterflies small heath, small tortoiseshell, red admiral, comma, gatekeeper, small copper and common blue were recorded during the site visit. 

Only a brief survey of the fauna of Ailwood Down was carried out during the National Trust Biological survey (1982/83). It was thought that the area was not of particular interest at that time but that it had great potential if it were to be returned to a herb-rich grassland. The relict areas of such grassland were described as of good quality for fauna. Adonis blue butterflies occurred on areas to the west and east providing a ready source for recolonisation and some adults were seen just within the NT boundary. Other butterflies seen were small heath, small tortoiseshell and wall brown. Nest mounds of the ant {\it Lasius flavus} were locally very large and in good concentrations. Linnet were frequent amongst the gorse and stonechat, green woodpecker and mistle thrush were all present. Signs of fox and rabbit were noted. Adonis blue butterfly and linnet are listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Ailwood Down is situated on the steep, south-facing slope of the Purbeck ridge on the Isle of Purbeck in south-east Dorset. Seven out of a total of 18 tumuli on the Purbeck Ridge lie within the common boundary together with the only long barrow on the Isle of Purbeck dating from about 3500BC. The tumuli were constructed by the Beaker folk from the Rhine who established the rich warrior dominated Wessex culture of 2100-1500BC (R.Legg, 1995). 

The upper slopes of the common support semi-improved grassland. Towards the eastern end this is calcareous in nature with much {\it Brachypodium pinnatum} and a few patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub. There were frequent rosette forming species such as {\it Hypochaeris radicata, Bellis perennis, Achillea millefolium, Leontodon} spp. and {\it Senecio jacobaea} and also {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca} sp., {\it Potentilla erecta, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Rumex acetosella} and locally occasional {\it Erica cinerea}. Towards the western end the grassland is more neutral (more 'improved') with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Trifolium repens} and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Senecio jacobaea, Plantago lanceolata, Cerastium fontanum, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Rumex acetosella} with some scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Tumuli near the northern boundary were less improved supporting {\it Sanguisorba minor, Asperula cynanchica, Thymus polytrichus, Cirsium acaule, Pilosella officinarum, Prunella vulgaris, Lotus corniculatus, Briza media, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Viola} sp., locally frequent {\it Inula conyza?} and rarely {\it Carlina vulgaris}. {\it Carduus nutans} was recorded from the grassland around the tumuli.

The lower slopes support much {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub with pockets of unimproved calcareous grassland dominated by {\it Brachypodium pinnatum} grassland with frequent {\it Origanum vulgare} and occasional {\it Sanguisorba minor, Helianthemum nummularium, Leucanthemum vulgare, Briza media, Thymus polytrichus, Festuca ovina, Campanula rotundifolia, Cirsium acaule, Galium verum, Centaurea nigra, Pilosella officinarum, Lotus corniculatus, Inula conyza, Leontodon} spp. and {\it Centaurium erythraea}. {\it Stachys officinalis} was also recorded. Additional species recorded during the SNCI survey include {\it Trisetum flavescens, Helictotrichon pratense, Danthonia decumbens, Holcus lanatus, Hippocrepis comosa, Asperula cynanchica, Scabiosa columbaria, Carlina vulgaris, Anacamptis pyramidalis} and the local species {\it Cynoglossum officinale} and {\it Hypericum montanum}. Additional species recorded during the National Trust Biological Survey include {\it Pastinacea sativa, Hypericum perforatum, Sherardia arvensis, Carex flacca, Carduus nutans} and {\it Bromopsis erecta} together with coarser grassland/scrub species such as {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Silene alba, Lonicera periclymenum, Rosa canina, Anthriscus caucalis} (unlikely?), {\it Rumex crispus} and {\it Solanum dulcamara}. There is also a note in the NT survey report that {\it Spiranthes spiralis} had been recorded from the Down. A single flowering specimen along the northern boundary towards the eastern end was reported to me by locals walking on the down although I could not relocate it. A colony was seen on the adjacent land to the east. Lowland calcareous grassland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. 

Along the southern boundary of the common is a narrow strip of mixed scrub comprising {\it Sambucus nigra, Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europaeus, Fraxinus excelsior, Cornus sanguineus, Ulmus glabra, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and some {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
There were cattle grazing the common at the time of the site visit and there were a couple of large areas of scrub control on the steeper slopes. The common was also being grazed by cattle at the time of the NT survey. Sheep would probably be better as the cattle tend to stay on the flatter upper slopes with little grazing on the steeper slopes. Continual management will be required to prevent the unimproved calcareous grassland on the steeper slopes becoming completely encroached with scrub. {\it Ulex europaeus} was present as frequent shoots amongst the grassland on the upper slopes besides the few blocks of tall scrub, currently controlled by grazing. The gorse would probably soon return if grazing was relaxed or ceased. The area of semi-improved neutral grassland towards the western end on the upper slopes was mapped as continuous scrub during the National Trust Biological survey in 1982/83. Was this area reseeded following scrub clearance? Much of the upper slopes were burnt in 1982 (as management tool?) with young regrowth of gorse noted 1982/83.

Management of the Down could be targetted towards providing suitable habitat for the Adonis blue butterfly (recorded from the adjoining areas in 1982/83 and listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan). This species is dependent on the larval foodplant {\it Hippocrepis comosa} growing in very short turf especially on steep south-facing slopes for egg-laying.


VEG:
West Holme Heath (part) is situated in the River Frome valley south-west of Wareham at the edge of a military firing range. The only public access to the common was along the adjoining minor road. 

The common supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy dominated by {\it Betula pendula} with occasional {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Pinus} sp. The understorey consists of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Sorbus aucuparia, Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, Ulmus glabra} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} and the groundflora {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Geranium robertianum, Stellaria holostea, Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, Stachys sylvatica, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and locally {\it Alliaria petiolata} and {\it Chelidonium majus?}. There may be a clearing in the centre of the woodland.


FAUNA:
House martins, a red admiral butterfly and a bush cricket were recorded during the site visit. 

A small part of the common falls within the Wareham Meadows Site of Special Scientific Interest. The SSSI is an important site for wintering birds (as a feeding site and high water roost) being particularly notable for black-tailed godwit, Bewick swans and one of the main south-western sites for Ruff. The SSSI also supports large numbers of lapwing, dunlin, redshank, snipe and curlew. It is important for breeding birds throughout the summer including the nationally rare Cetti's warbler, water rail and bearded tit (in areas of reedswamp). It is of interest for the invertebrate fauna, largely associated with the ditch systems and riverside banks. At least sixteen species of Odonata have been recorded including the local ruddy darter and the nationally scarce long winged conehead. The spider {\it Argiope bruennechi} which is confined to southern counties and the local Scarlet Tiger moth also occur.

VEG:
The Town Walls, Wareham are the ramparts that Alfred the Great built before the principal Danish invasion, AD 892. They were part of the defences of the Wessex coastal frontier, the 'Burghal Hidage', that held back the tide of European unrest. They were strengthened by Edward the Elder. Eventually, around the year 1000, the earthen bank of the town walls was topped by a curtain of stonework and the ditch was recut in the 12th century. The fortifications form three sides of a square with the River Frome utilised as a natural moat along the southern side. The western section is known as Bloody Bank, remembering the torture and execution of astrologer Peter de Pomfret, 23rd May, 1213, for wrongly predicting the end of King John's harsh reign (Legg, 1995). Parts of this common were not surveyed as they were not known to be parts of the common at the time of the site visit. 

The ramparts are now largely grassed over supporting semi-improved neutral grassland. On the western ramparts this comprises frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Plantago lanceolata, Hypochaeris radicata, Holcus lanatus, Rumex acetosa, Heracleum sphondylium, Daucus carota, Achillea millefolium, Taraxacum officinale} agg. (locally frequent), {\it Ranunculus repens, Malva} sp. and {\it Silene} sp. {\it Rumex acetosella, Festuca rubra, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis} were locally frequent and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Convolvulus arvensis} locally occasional. Locally there is some scattered scrub of {\it Quercus robur, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} with some {\it Urtica dioica} beneath. The steep, west-facing bank has a fairly open sward with patches of bare ground with frequent {\it Daucus carota} with some {\it Jasione montana} and {\it Pilosella officinarum} and a large population of {\it Salvia} sp. at the southern end. The area to the south of the B3070 was not surveyed as it was not belived to be part of the common at the time of the survey but appeared to support semi-improved neutral grassland with scattered broadleaved trees. There is a small block of woodland on the western ramparts with fairly dense planted {\it Ulmus procera} (including a few dead trees) and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with a groundflora of {\it Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Geum urbanum}. 

The western part of the northern ramparts supports {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} dominated grassland with {\it Hordeum murinum, Urtica dioica, Rumex} sp., {\it R. acetosa, Heracleum sphondylium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Calystegia sepium, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Crepis capillaris}. There is continuous scrub on the northern face comprising {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Ulex europaeus} with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Betula pendula} trees. 

The southern end of the eastern ramparts has also been planted with {\it Ulmus procera} with {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees, {\it Acer campestre, A. pseudoplatanus, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Ulmus glabra} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris} beneath. Between the planted areas are areas of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} dominated grassland with {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Lolium perenne} dominated grassland. South of this area was not surveyed as it was not believed to be part of the common at the time of the site visit. 

The broad area on top of the walls at the northern end supports frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Achillea millefolium} with occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Hypochaeris radicata, Rumex acetosa, Plantago lanceolata, Holcus lanatus, Plantago coronopus} and {\it Trifolium repens} with locally frequent {\it Rumex acetosella} and {\it Lolium perenne}. {\it Jasione montana} was also recorded and there were locally planted trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Ilex aquifolium, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Prunus} sp. {\it Pilosella officinarum, Festuca filiformis?} and the bryophytes {\it Polytrichum juniperinum, Hypnum} sp. and {\it Pseudoscleropodium purum} were also recorded locally on some of the earthworks here during the Phase 1 survey (11-12.10.84). The rampart sides to the east support {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} dominated grassland with occasional {\it Galium verum, Trifolium pratense, Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus bulbosus}, locally with {\it Succisa pratensis} and there are a few scattered {\it Quercus robur}. At the foot of the slope is an area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur}, an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} and a groundflora of {\it Hedera helix, Dryopteris dilatata, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and the bryophyte {\it Mnium hornum}. The northern sides support {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} grassland with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus, Rosa} sp. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with patches of continuous scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus, Quercus robur, Betula pendula} and {\it Ulmus} sp. A patch of acidic grassland 20m by 50m was recorded on this slope in 1984 dominated by {\it Festuca filiformis?} with {\it Agrostis capillaris, Galium saxatile, Jasione montana, Rumex acetosella, Leontodon autumnalis, Hypericum} sp., {\it Solidago virgaurea} and a few bushes of {\it Calluna vulgaris} noted to be in danger from {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Quercus robur} invasion. {\it Rosa pimpinellifolia} was also recorded on this slope. 

Below this broad area on top of the walls, extending down to the River Piddle, is an area of swamp vegetation dominated by {\it Phragmites australis} with {\it Glyceria maxima, Phalaris arundinacea, Eupatorium cannabinum, Calystegia sepium, Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Lythrum salicaria, Senecio aquaticus, Angelica sylvestris, Pteridium aquilinum, Galeopsis tetrahit} and patches of {\it Salix cinerea}. {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Iris pseudacorus} were also recorded during the Phase 1 survey 11-12.10.84. This area falls within the Wareham meadows SSSI the primary importance of which is as a wintering ground for birds. Some of the grassland within the SSSI is however of considerable botanical value with several species infrequent or local in Dorset such as {\it Geum rivale, Sanguisorba officinalis, Valeriana dioica} and {\it Myosurus minimus}. The ditch systems throughout the meadows retain a rich assemblage of marginal and aquatic vegetation including several species of restricted distribution such as {\it Oenanthe fistulosa, Typha angustifolia}, the hybrid {\it Potamogeton x sudermanicus} and nationally rare* species {\it Potamogeton acutifolius} and {\it Leersia oryzoides} (the only known Dorset locality, SSSI citation). {\it Leersia oryzoides} is listed on th middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. There are also several areas of swamp vegetation within the SSSI dominated by {\it Phragmites australis} such as this area of the common or {\it Carex acutiformis}. {\it Phragmites australis} dominated reedbed is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

* Nationally rare species are those occurring in fewer than 15 10km squares in Britain.

MANAGE:
The majority of the grassland areas are probably infrequently cut, supporting rank {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} grassland locally with scrub encroachment. The triangle on the top of the walls to the north-east is regularly mown. This latter area also supported coarse grassland in 1984 and was probably only cut once per year. The area of acid grassland recorded on the northern ramparts in 1984 appears to have been lost to coarser grassland and scrub. There has been quite a bit of tree planting on the ramparts. The ramparts support/have supported a number of unusual plants {\it Festuca filiformis?, Jasione montana, Calluna vulgaris, Rosa pimpinellifolia} and {\it Salvia} sp. Parts of the common are unmanaged such as the area of {\it Phragmites australis} swamp and part has been tarmacked for a car park.


FAUNA:
Stoat, yellowhammer, stonechat, goldfinch, buzzard and peacock butterfly were recorded during the site visit. The fauna of the SSSI is not known in detail, but the ditches support a variety of dragonflies and the meadows have strong populations of grasshoppers including lesser marsh grasshopper {\it Corthippus albomarginatus} (SSSI citation).

VEG:
Wareham Common largely lies in the floodplain of the River Piddle to the west of the town. A dyke crosses the common, dated to the Dark Ages and probably contemporary with the Battery Bank at Binnegar (see CL263), a final defence against a threat that was coming from the north (R.Legg, 1995). The river, a chalk stream in its upper catchment, influences the site with base-rich floodwater, whereas the immediate catchment provides acidic groundwater from soils derived from Bagshot Beds. This has resulted in considerable variation in plant communities present (SSSI citation). The SSSI was surveyed in 1988 and again in 1989. 

The western portion of the SSSI is the most heavily influenced by the acidic catchment. It supports a community close to an M24 {\it Molinia caerulea-Cirsium dissectum} fen meadow, typical subcommunity. {\it Molinia} is frequent, but other grasses, including {\it Briza media, Danthonia decumbens, Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus, Poa pratensis} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} form a prominent component of the sward. Sedges including {\it Carex panicea, C. nigra} and {\it C. demissa} are an important feature and {\it Juncus articulatus} is also frequent. The sward has a high proportion of herbs with frequent {\it Cirsium dissectum, Succisa pratensis, Luzula multiflora, Pedicularis sylvatica, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla erecta, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris}. Purple moor grass and rush pastures are one of the Key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. This area is crossed by several old and now infilled and relatively dry drainage channels and {\it Potentilla palustris} is particularly characteristic and frequent within these. {\it Hypericum elodes, Polygala vulgaris} and {\it Carex echinata} were also recorded and locally frequent bryophytes {\it Dicranum scoparium} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}. Further away from the river the community becomes noticeably more calcifugous with {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub. The sward changes and more closely approaches the {\it Erica tetralix} sub-community of M24. {\it Sphagnum palustre} is frequent with occasional {\it S. recurvum, S. auriculatum} and {\it S. capillifolium} and in the wetter depressions of old drainage channels {\it Drosera rotundifolia} and {\it Anagallis tenella} occur. Small quantities of {\it Erica tetralix} and {\it Genista anglica} were also recorded. {\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa, Eleocharis multicaulis, Eriophorum angustifolium, Filipendula ulmaria, Lychnis flos-cuculi} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} were recorded from this section of the SSSI 06.06.88. 

The drier slopes of a bank bordering this area to the south support dry acidic grassland comprising much {\it Bromus hordaceous?, Aira praecox} and the nationally scarce* {\it Vulpia fasculata?} (unlikely?) with occasional {\it Lolium perenne}. The main herbs include frequent to abundant {\it Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium dubium, Achillea millefolium, Cerastium fontanum, Trifolium repens} and {\it Bellis perennis}, locally frequent {\it Rumex acetosella} and occasional {\it Ranunculus bulbosus, Hypochaeris radicata, Leontodon autumnalis} and {\it Senecio jacobaea}. Towards the western end {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca} sp. were also recorded (Chamberlain, 1988). In 1997 locally frequent {\it Plantago coronopus}, occasional {\it Danthonia decumbens}, local {\it Pilosella officinarum} and locally scattered {\it Cirsium arvense} were also recorded. Along the earthwork along the southern edge of the SSSI is a partially intact hedgerow of {\it Ilex aquifolium} with {\it Quercus robur} trees and {\it Prunus spinosa}.

The eastern block of the SSSI supports mesotrophic grassland with abundant {\it Festuca rubra, Carex hirta} and {\it Ranunculus acris} and frequent {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus, Poa trivialis?, Bellis perennis, Cerastium fontanum, Eleocharis palustris, Equisetum palustre, Odontites vernus, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla anserina, Senecio aquaticus, Trifolium pratense} and {\it T. repens}. {\it Carex panicea} is locally abundant and {\it Caltha palustris, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Plantago major, Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Rumex acetosa} locally frequent. {\it Caltha palustris} is more frequent at the western end. {\it Hypericum elodes, Hydrocotyle vulgaris} and {\it Oenanthe fistulosa} have also been recorded here (Chamberlain, 1988). The community shows some affinities to an MG8 but is not a good match. Towards the eastern end {\it Holcus lanatus} becomes dominant with abundant {\it Festuca pratensis} and lesser amounts of {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Poa trivialis} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}. {\it Juncus articulatus} is fairly widespread across the eastern end which is herb poor with abundant {\it Potentilla anserina, Trifolium pratense, T. repens} and {\it Ranunculus repens} and frequent {\it Carex hirta, Eleocharis palustris, Ranunculus acris, Rumex crispus} and {\it Senecio aquaticus} (R.Porley, 1989). A small area of this part of the common has been cut off by the construction of the bypass. R. Porley (1989) described this section as being rather patchy with many coarse ruderals including {\it Odontites vernus} probably as a result of overgrazing. A. Chamberlain (1988) described the area as similar to that on the opposite side of the road but more heavily trampled and possibly slightly improved. At the time of the site visit this area supported damp grassland with {\it Senecio aquaticus, Ranunculus flammula, R. repens, Polygonum hydropiper, P. persicaria, Agrostis stolonifera, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens} and {\it Odontites vernus}. The area is excluded from the SSSI. 

The third area of the SSSI (lying outside the common boundary) is intermediate between the above two communities completing the range of variation. 

{\it Potamogeton natans, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Rumex hydrolapathum, Catabrosa aquatica} and {\it Eleogiton fluitans} occur in the ditches of the SSSI. {\it Rumex hydrolapathum, Sparganium erectum, Bidens tripartita, Ranunculus flammula, Sagittaria sagittifolia, Apium nodiflorum, Glyceria maxima, Juncus effusus, Polygonum hydropiper, Lemna} sp. and {\it Mentha aquatica} were recorded from the ditch bordering the southern edge of the eastern section of the SSSI during the site visit. The drain along the northern edge of the western section of the SSSI supported {\it Potentilla palustris, Sparganium erectum, Potamogeton} sp. and {\it Juncus effusus}. {\it Salix cineria, Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulmus glabra} were also recorded along the ditches.

The area to the west of the western part of the SSSI was also surveyed in 1988 (Chamberlain). It was described as generally improved/semi-improved although not without interest. The higher ground, although containing good frequencies of a few common herbs was considered generally of low value. The lower damper area to the north was the best area although still appearing to have been modified by agricultural improvement. {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus bulbosus} and {\it Trifolium repens} were abundant with frequent {\it Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Trifolium dubium}. Frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis} were also recorded in 1997. Frequent {\it Cardamine pratensis, Potentilla anserina, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Trifolium pratense} and occasional {\it Carex echinata, C. ovalis, Potentilla erecta, Ranunculus acris} and {\it R. flammula} were recorded from the lower damper area in 1988. Occasional {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi} was also recorded. The drain separating this area from the SSSI was dry and lined with scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Quercus robur, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Salix cinerea} with some {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Ranunculus flammula} (1997).

The majority of the remainder of the common supports semi-improved neutral grassland similar to the above. Frequent {\it Trifolium} spp., {\it Ranunculus repens, Agrostis capillaris, Lolium perenne, Plantago lanceolata} and occasional {\it Leontodon autumnalis} were recorded from the area to south of western section of the SSSI (limited access), locally marshy with {\it Juncus} sp. and {\it Ranunculus flammula}. There is a small fenced area at the south-western end supporting {\it Ilex aquifolium} (some planted), {\it Sambucus nigra, Rosa arvensis, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and coarse grass. 

South of the eastern block of the SSSI the common rises from the flood plain supporting frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Leontodon autumnalis, Bellis perennis, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus repens, Achillea millefolium, Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis capillaris}, occasional {\it Hypochaeris radicata} and locally frequent {\it Trifolium repens}. {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Polygonum} sp. occur near the ditch at the foot of the slope. There are areas of continuous scrub on the banks comprising {\it Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Malus} sp. 

The section of the common between the A351 and the railway line supports improved grassland on the flatter areas dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with occasional {\it Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Bellis perennis}. There is a fenced off area at the western end with abundant {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Dactylis glomerata, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium vulgare, Urtica dioica, Holcus lanatus, Senecio jacobaea, Cirsium arvense, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rumex} sp. The raised section to the south was less improved with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata} and occasional {\it Rumex acetosella, Hypochaeris radicata, Bellis perennis, Trifolium repens, Danthonia decumbens, Ranunculus bulbosus} and {\it Pilosella officinarum} locally with {\it Plantago coronopus, Festuca rubra, Erodium} sp. and {\it Luzula} sp. The area on top of the bank had largely been encroached upon by an adjoining field (also semi-improved). On the steep bank again there is an area of continuous scrub comprising {\it Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and occasional {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. 

{\it Jasione montana} was recorded at a couple of locations on the common.

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

MANAGE:
There were cattle and horses grazing the common at the time of the site visit and during the previous surveys. There are no restrictions on timing of grazing rights and it may well be grazed all year round. R.Porley, 1989 thought that the SSSI would probably benefit from less grazing mentioning that the {\it Cirsium dissectum} and {\it Succisa pratensis} on the western block of the SSSI were unable to develop beyond rosettes. The eastern block suffers from poaching and/or overgrazing as indicated by the frequency of {\it Odontites vernus} (R.Porley). The latter section is considered to be unimproved but naturally fertile due to flooding. A large part, outside of the SSSI, has been subject to agricultural improvement. Parts of the common probably qualify as floodplain grazing marsh, one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. There are several blocks of scrub on the common, largely confined to steep slopes. There is some internal fencing on the common and an adjacent field has encroached on it.


FAUNA:
A flock of sea gulls was seen on the common, largely black-headed.

VEG:
Portland Meadow is situated adjacent to the River Piddle west of Wareham. There was no public access to this common which was only viewed from CL23. It appeared to support a herb-poor, semi-improved neutral grassland with {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Lolium perenne} and {\it Polygonum} sp. The flora of the ditch between this meadow and Wareham common (CL23) is described under the entry for the latter.

MANAGE:
The common appeared to have been cut for hay and there were cattle and horses grazing at the time of the site visit.


FAUNA:
Comma butterfly was recorded during the site visit. A small part of the common in the south-eastern corner forms part of a small SSSI which supports a dense breeding population of sand lizard. This species is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The local heathland invertebrate species silver-studded blue butterfly and bog bush cricket and nightjar also occur on the SSSI. The former and latter species are listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Emperor moth was recorded from the common part of the SSSI during the 1983 Phase 1 survey.

VEG:
Ford Heath is a large area of former heathland to the west of Wareham between the rivers Trent and Frome. There are Bronze Age round barrows on the common and a half-mile length of Battery Bank which was a linear defence during the insecure period that followed the collapse of Roman rule (R.Legg, 1995). There was very limited public access to the common, partly due to the area being extensively quarried. The habitat map is a very rough approximation based on observations during the site visit and the county Phase 1 survey (1982/83). 

A small area in the south-eastern corner lies within the Worgret Heath SSSI supporting relict dry heathland dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with {\it Erica cinerea, Ulex minor, Agrostis curtisii} and the lichens {\it Cladonia portentosa} and {\it C. uncialis} (SSSI citation). It was noted in 1983 as having scattered {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rhododendron ponticum}, becoming thicker towards the bottom of the slope. There was a wet, bare gully with {\it Drosera rotundifolia} and at the foot of the slope was a small area of mature {\it Pinus sylvestris}. The upper slopes were mapped as supporting continuous {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Rhododendron ponticum}. During the site visit much {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex europaeus} was noted in the latter area with occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris}. The local {\it Osmunda regalis} has been recorded from the SSSI. Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The southern half of the section south of the minor road crossing the eastern end of the common was mapped as coniferous plantation in the 1982/83 county Phase 1 survey. Part(s) of this area had apparently been felled. The northern half had largely been quarried (part was still being quarried for gravel at the time of the 1982/83 Phase 1 survey) and was in various stages of revegetation. At the western end, {\it Agrostis capillaris, Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Plantago lanceolata} were frequent with occasional {\it Centaureum} sp. and {\it Leucanthemum vulgare} north of an area of {\it Rhododendron ponticum} with scattered pines. The eastern end supported an {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} dominated grassland with frequent young {\it Betula pendula}. The central areas, previously mapped as semi-improved acid grassland and mixed plantation, were not observed during the site visit. A small area of the common along Binnegar Lane had been ploughed. The narrow strip west of Binnegar Lane supported continuous {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub and locally continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus, Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur}.

A strip along the northern side of the road on the eastern end of the common was being quarried at the time of the site visit. Areas of continuous {\it P. aquilinum} with scattered scrub and some areas of grassland and heath were seen on the slopes north of this quarried area from the opposite side of the valley. This vegetation may not be as extensive as mapped. The lower slopes and eastern end of this section were mapped as improved grassland during the county Phase 1 survey with an area of continuous scrub on the lower slopes. A hay crop had recently been taken from the field nearest the road at this end.

To the south Binnegar Farm along the road is an area of mixed woodland comprising {\it Betula pendula, Quercus robur} and {\it Pinus} sp. with {\it Rhododendron ponticum, Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with some pockets of continuous {\it P. aquilinum}, remnant heath dominated by {\it Erica cinerea} and semi-improved acid grassland. There was an area of semi-improved acid grassland immediately south of Binnegar Farm dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} with frequent {\it Festuca} sp., occasional {\it Cirsium arvense, Plantago lanceolata, Dactylis glomerata, Achillea millefolium, Holcus lanatus, Lotus corniculatus, Prunella vulgaris, Potentilla erecta, Senecio} sp. and a patch of {\it Erica cinerea}. West of this grassland area was an area of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. 

The western end is largely quarried with an area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland/scrub mapped in the north during the county Phase 1 survey (1982/83) comprising {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Corylus avellana}. This area was described as spoil heaps and a clay pit, formerly heathland with no attempt to grade/reseed the spoil heaps. An area of past clay or gravel pits to the north now form lakes invaded by {\it Phragmites australis}.

MANAGE:
A once extensive area of heathland, this common has been and continues to be extensively quarried. Parts have been improved, mapped as improved or semi-improved acid grassland during the county Phase 1 survey, one area of which had been cut for hay at the time of the site visit. Parts have been enclosed. The southern slopes support plantation woodland and an area(s) of this had apparently been felled. A small area along Binnegar Lane had been ploughed. Relict heathland survives in a few places, notably in the south-east corner where there has been some scrub clearance within and outside the SSSI with recolonisation by heathland. Where abandoned pits are revegetating, these appear to support semi-improved neutral grassland, locally with much scrub encroachment. Parts are apparently unmanaged.


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel, green woodpecker, robin and speckled wood butterfly were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Chewton Common is situated in Highcliffe to the east of Christchurch, completely surrounded by urban development. The eastern parts of the common are predominantly wooded with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} (locally dominant) and {\it Betula pendula}. The understorey comprises {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ilex aquifolium}, locally with {\it Corylus avellana, Prunus avium, P. laurocerasus, Viburnum opulus, Salix cinerea} and {\it Rhododendron} sp.? {\it Reynoutria japonica} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} occur along the Ringwood Road. The groundflora is generally dominated by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with frequent {\it Hedera helix}. Additional species recorded include {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Urtica dioica, Carex pendula, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora, Carex remota, Petasites} sp. and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}. There is also an area of continuous {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub. There was some planted {\it Cornus} sp. along the edge of the Lymington Road (A337).

The western sections support areas of open heath. On the northern section there is an area of wet, dwarf-shrub heath comprising frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetalix, Molinia caerulea}, locally frequent {\it Agrostis curtisii} and occasional {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex minor}. This area is bordered by an area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland to the north similar to that described above but with {\it Molinia caerulea} in the groundflora. To the east is an area of continuous scrub comprising {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Salix} sp. with occasional {\it Ilex aquifolium} and a groundflora dominated by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Continuous scrub of {\it Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Ulex europaeus} also borders the southern end of this section of the common. The remainder of this section supports continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered {\it Betula pendula, Salix cinerea, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus} and locally scattered pine trees and pockets of {\it Agrostis curtisii} grassland with occasional {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex minor}. There is also a small pocket of marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} with occasional {\it U. minor}. 

The southern section had largely been recently burnt with frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Ulex minor} regeneration and much resprouting {\it Betula pendula} and occasional {\it Erica cinerea} (locally frequent) and {\it Myrica gale}. There was a small area of unburnt heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with {\it Ulex minor} and {\it Erica cinerea}. This area was mapped as wet heath during the county Phase 1 survey (1982). It is fringed by {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Betula pendula} woodland with occasional {\it Pinus sylvestris}, an understorey of {\it Salix cinerea, Lonicera periclymenum, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ilex aquifolium, Fagus sylvatica, Taxus baccata, Quercus robur} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and a groundflora of {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora}. 

There is a small area to the east of this area supporting continuous scrub dominated by {\it Salix} sp. with occasional {\it Betula} sp., {\it Quercus robur, Ulex europaeus, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. There is a central clearing dominated by {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Prunus spinosa}. 

Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MANAGE:
Little recent management was observed in the woodland areas. There has been some localised ornamental planting along the Lymington Road. The area of continuous {\it Ulex europaeus} to the east supported some heathland at the time of the 1982 Phase 1 survey. There was much dumped garden refuse in the northernmost section of woodland with established ornamentals {\it Reynoutria japonica, Prunus laurocerasus} and {\it Rhododendron} sp. 

The heathland areas are in need of management. Burning of the southern part is unlikely to have been for management purposes as it is surrounded by housing, but there is good regeneration of heath although with much {\it Betula pendula} also which will need controlling. The northern end of the northern part of the heath was mapped as wet heath and {\it Quercus robur/Betula} sp. woodland in 1982. This area appears to have been encroached with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scrub. Management will be required to maintain the remaining area and some heathland restoration may be possible on this part. Footpaths, particularly on the northern heath section, are maintained and locally surfaced with tarmac. There are a couple of electricity sub-stations on common.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit. Dartford warbler and evidence of burrowing insects (possibly digger wasp) were recorded during the Phase 1 survey for the 1994 Management Plan (S.Smith). 18 species of beetle were recorded on 29.06.94 (R.G.Booth) and 112 species of moths (list undated) with an additional 3 species having been recorded 1986-88. Buzzard, sparrowhawk, hen harrier, kestrel, hobby, snipe, green woodpecker, greater spotted woodpecker, magpie, jay, great tit, blue tit, coal tit, long-tailed tit, wren, mistle thrush, song thrush, blackbird, nightingale, robin, blackcap, willow warbler, goldcrest, greenfinch, siskin, bullfinch and chaffinch were recorded from the common between 1983 and 1988. Song thrush is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and bullfinch on the middle list. Butterflies recorded 1986 to 1988 were small tortoiseshell, holly blue, silver-studded blue, brimstone, silver-spotted and small skippers, small copper, meadow brown, large skipper, speckled wood, large, green-veined and small whites, comma, common blue, red admiral, painted lady and gatekeeper. Silver-spotted skipper is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and silver-studded blue on the middle list. The fauna of the SSSI is described under the entry for Town Common (CL18, ex. Hamps). The species sand lizard, smooth snake, adder, silver-studded blue butterfly, the grasshopper {\it Chorthippus vagans}, at least 12 species of Odonata, several scarce beetles and the birds nightjar, Dartford warbler, woodcock and nightingale are mentioned in the 1991 management plan. Sand lizard is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and silver-studded blue butterfly and nightjar on the middle list.

VEG:
Sopley Common is situated at the northern end of Town Common (CL18 ex. Hamps) straddling a low ridge.

The area to the east of the A338 supports mixed and coniferous semi-natural woodland and a small area of coniferous plantation. The mixed woodland comprises {\it Pinus} sp. and {\it Betula pendula} with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} beneath and some {\it Lonicera periclymenum, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Molinia caerulea}. The local {\it Anchusa arvensis} and {\it Ceratocapnos claviculata} were recorded here (1986-88). {\it Ilex aquifolium, Pteridium aquilinum, Ulex europaeus, Quercus robur, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rhododendron} sp. were recorded beneath the pine at the southern end adjacent to the A338. In 1983 a small area (c. 0.5 ha) of dry/humid heath was recorded adjacent to the A338 comprising {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix} with a patch of {\it Molinia caerulea} and a little {\it Eriophorum}. {\it Cladonia} spp. were frequent, particularly {\it C. impexa}. It was unclear during the site visit whether this area still remained. To the south of the minor road is a small area of acid? grassland bordered by a narrow fringe of mixed {\it Betula pendula/Pinus} sp. woodland. 

The eastern half, west of the A338, supports wet heath comprising {\it Calluna vulgaris} (40 percent) and {\it Erica tetralix} (60 percent) with some {\it Erica cinerea} (S. Smith Phase 1, 1994). {\it Drosera rotudifolia} and {\it D. intermedia} were noted during the site visit. Frequent to abundant {\it Molinia caerulea} was recorded 1986-88 with occasional to frequent {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Ulex minor} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum} and occasional {\it Eleocharis multicaulis, Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Rhynchospora alba}. The sedges {\it Carex arenaria, C. echinata, C. nigra, C. panicea} and {\it C. pilulifera} were recorded as occasional or rare and {\it Rhynchospora fusca} and {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} were rare. The nationally scarce* {\it Lycopodiella inundata} and {\it Osmunda regalis} (probably an introduction?) were recorded north of the minor road and {\it Myrica gale} to the south (1986-88). Several {\it Sphagnum} species have been recorded amongst the heath particularly south of the minor road including {\it S. auriculatum, S. compactum, S. cuspidatum} and {\it S. tenellum}. Frequent {\it Cladonia} spp. and {\it Hypnum cupressiforme} were recorded south of road (1986-88) and {\it Cladonia} spp. were locally frequent north of the minor road (1983). There is an area of bog vegetation in the centre dominated by {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Erica tetralix} with {\it Molinia caerulea} and several pools. Due to the lack of floral diversity of these pools in 1983 it was deduced that they probably only seasonally held water. {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Rhynchospora} sp. were recorded from the bog in 1983. The east-facing slope north of the minor road supported a couple of small flush areas with much {\it Sphagnum} moss and {\it Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Tricophorum cespitosum}. In 1983 {\it Sphagnum} species recorded from these flushes included {\it S. palustre, S. papillosum, S. tenellum, S. compactum, S. plumulosum?} and a few plants of {\it S. pulchrum}. There is {\it Pinus} sp. and {\it Betula pendula} encroachment throughout this area. Bordering the minor road and extending southwards along the bridlepath is an area of mixed woodland of {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Pinus} sp. with {\it Ilex aquifolium, Viburnum opulus, Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rhododendron} sp. The nationally scarce* {\it Lotus subbiflorus} and the local {\it Ornithopus perpusillus} have been recorded here (1986-1989).

The western end supports dry heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with some {\it Erica cinerea, E. tetralix} and {\it Molinia caerulea}. There are small patches of wet heath which in 1983 supported some {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum tenellum} and {\it S. compactum} and locally {\it Rynchospora alba, Drosera intermedia, D. rotundifolia, Cladonia impexa} and {\it C. uncialis}. The local {\it Ornithopus perpusillus} and {\it T. subterraneum} and also {\it Cuscuta epithymum} have been recorded from this area (1986-88). There were scattered clumps of {\it Ulex europaeus, Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Rhododendron} sp. north of the road (1994) and frequent {\it Ulex minor} (1986-88). To the south of the minor road there was scattered {\it Betula pendula, Pinus} sp. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} (1994) and occasional {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it U. minor} and frequent {\it Cladonia} spp. (1986-88). South of the minor road the nationally scarce* {\it Crassula tillaea} and the local {\it Trifolium striatum} have been recorded and to the north of the road the local {\it Teesdalia nudicaulis}. The western end south of the road is lower lying and damper with frequent {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Hypnum cupressiforme} and occasional {\it Sphagnum auriculatum, S. compactum, S. cuspidatum} and {\it S. tenellum}. {\it Holcus mollis} was recorded as frequent at the eastern end south of the road (1986-88). An area north of the road had been burnt at the time of the site visit with scattered {\it Calluna vulgaris, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Betula pendula}.

At the extreme western end is an area of fairly open semi-natural broadleaved woodland of frequent {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna, Carpinus betulus, Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Salix} sp. The groundflora comprises {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Lonicera periclymenum, Athyrium filix-femina, Digitalis purpurea, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. (S. Smith Phase 1, 1994, and 1986-88 records). Occasional {\it Crassula tillaea} (nationally scarce*) was also recorded. 

An initial list of 31 species of fungi has been made by Lyn Watson (1980's), mostly of common species, with the less common {\it Lactarius deliciosus} and {\it Claviceps purpurea}. 

Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats and {\it Lycopodiella inundata} is listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action plan.

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

MANAGE:
There is much scrub encroachment on the common and some scrub clearance was noted during the site visit. Areas of young heather regrowth were noted (as a result of mowing/burning management?). The burned area to the north was accidental? Quite a large area to the south of the minor road had been burnt recently at the time of the 1983 Phase 1 survey. There has been bracken control on the common, areas where {\it P. aquilinum} has been recorded as frequent in the past with very little recorded at present. There are erosion problems to the north of the minor road as a result of recreational pressures (motor bike scrambling/mountain biking?). There is a small area of plantation woodland in the east. Much of the area to the east of the A338 is unmanaged at present. Dumped rubbish was noted adjacent to the bridlepath at the southern end of the common (also noted along this path in 1994). 

The area is managed as a nature reserve by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. Management prescriptions in the 1991 management plan include removing seedling {\it Pinus sylvestris} and {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Rhododendron} sp. where it occurs, maintaining pools in the bog area, removing pine along the roadside east of the A338, considering returning woodland areas at the eastern and western ends to heathland and actively managing gorse for Dartford warbler. There were no management prescriptions for heather.


FAUNA:
MAP 1

Grey squirrel, jay, mistle thrush, kestrel, goldcrest, stonechat, Dartford Warbler, long-tailed tit, great tit and red admiral butterfly were recorded during the site visit.

The majority of this section of the common lies within the Town Common SSSI. The heathland of the SSSI is especially valued for a wide assemblage of bird, reptile, dragonfly and other invertebrate species distinctive to this habitat, including several that are nationally rare or scarce. Further heathland, wet grassland and other wetland covered by the adjoining Avon Valley, Moors River and Hurn Common SSSIs place Town Common within an exceptionally large tract of such habitats for lowland Britain. This entire area has a national and international importance for its wildlife interest. Most of the site is proposed as part of the Dorset Heathlands Special Protection Area (SPA) under the EEC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds. The SSSI adjoins the Moors River SSSI and the Avon Valley SSSI which is also proposed as a SPA and as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention (part of the common also lies within the Avon Valley SSSI).

The heathland is used by a diverse assemblage of dragonflies and damselflies with some 24 species recorded in recent years. Some of these species occur as a consequence of the close position of the heathland with breeding locations along the Moors River and the wetlands of the Avon Valley. The scarce chaser {\it Libellula fulva}, a nationally rare damselfly, is an example. The many heathland pools support breeding populations of other species such as hairy dragonfly {\it Brachytron pratense} and downy emerald {\it Cordulia aenea}, both nationally scarce, and black-tailed skimmer {\it Orthetrum cancellatum}, another local species. The notable small red damselfly has also been recorded.

Other insect groups strongly associated with lowland heathland have been little studied at this site, but the available records indicate a significant interest. The assemblage of grasshoppers and crickets includes the nationally rare heath grasshopper and the nationally scarce bog bush-cricket. The notable woodland grasshopper has also been recorded. Suitable short heathland supports silver-studded blue butterfly, also nationally scarce and the notable orange footman moth has been recorded. There are records for two nationally rare flies, the bee fly {\it Thyridanthrax fenestratus} and the parasitic fly {\it Myopa fasciata} have been recorded and six species of notable Hymenoptera; the nationally rare cuckoo-wasp {\it Cleptes nitidulus} and {\it Mutilla europaea}, the velvet ant {\it Smicromyrme rufipes}, the potter wasp {\it Eumenes coarctatus}, the solitary bee {\it Andrena argentata} and {\it Nomada fucata} and a further 13 local species. The notable beetles {\it Prionus coriarius} and {\it Bembidion nigricorne} have been recorded. The spider fauna includes many rare, scarce and local species such as the pirate spider {\it Ero aphana} presently recorded from only a few east Dorset heathlands, a jumping spider {\it Evarcha arcuata} and a crab spider {\it Thomisus onustus}. Four other notable spiders have been recorded; {\it Aelurillus v-insignatus, Ero tuberculata, Hybocoptus decollatus} and {\it Neriene futiva} and a further 32 local species. Silver-studded blue butterfly and the bee-fly {\it Thyridanthrax fenestratus} are listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The SSSI has breeding populations of all six reptile species native to Britain. These include the sand lizard and smooth snake which are typically associated with the mature dry heath. This is an especially important stronghold for the sand lizard in Britain, with the many favourable heathland slopes supporting widespread populations. Sand lizard is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The bird interest of the SSSI is substantial. The dry heath supports a large population of the rare Dartford warbler, with the number of breeding pairs reaching about 2 percent of the British total. Among the other breeding birds of the open heath are stonechat and the rare woodlark, while species of the heathland edge such as nightjar and tree pipit also use the wooded heath. The woodland attracts a futher range of breeding birds including woodcock, green and great spotted woodpeckers and siskin. There is also a mix of heathland and woodland raptors with the site being used during the breeding season by species such as hobby, sparrowhawk and long-eared owl. The proximity of the ornithologically important wetlands of the Avon Valley and the extensive presence of wet heath and pools serves to attract a variety of wildfowl and waders. Small numbers of snipe are often present, together in winter with teal and other wildfowl. The site has supported several of these wetland birds as breeding species including snipe, redshank and shelduck (SSSI citation and Whole Site Objective's Statement). Nightjar and woodlark are listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MAP 2

Egret, great-crested grebe and mute swan were recorded by the river during the site visit. 

Cetti's warbler has been recorded from the reed bed on Ogber and also along the river bank on the north and east corners of Ogber. Breeding redshank, lapwing and snipe have also been recorded on Ogber. The lower lying areas of Cowards Marsh (east of the ditch) are used by breeding waders with good numbers of lapwing. Redshank and snipe also occur (Site Management Statements). Lesser marsh grasshopper was abundant at SZ152948 and SZ151951 together with common green grasshopper at the latter site (Phase 1 survey, 1986). 

The Avon valley (Bisterne-Christchurch) SSSI, within which this part of the common lies, is of national and international importance for migratory wildfowl and wading birds. The Moors River SSSI and the Avon Valley SSSI are proposed as a SPA and as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The grasslands are used as feeding grounds by large flocks of 500 or more white-fronted geese (approximately ten percent of the UK winter population), 200 or more Bewick's swans (representing in excess of one percent of the species known population), up to 400 black-tailed godwits (8 percent of the European population) and internationally important numbers of gadwal. In addition, very large flocks of ducks, mainly wigeon and teal, occur in the SSSI in winter, especially when the meadows are partially flooded. Other wintering species include pochard, coot, golden plover, shoveller, pintail, tufted duck, green sandpiper, hen harrier, merlin, peregrine, short-eared owl, occasional bittern, ruff and garganey (Site Ojective Statement). Bittern is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The SSSI is nationally important for breeding wading birds dependent on wet grassland including yellow wagtails, redshank, snipe, lapwing, shelduck and great-crested grebes. The reed beds and willow thickets support breeding reed warblers, sedge warblers, Cetti's warblers and other fen species. The SSSI includes a small grey heronry (SSSI citation). Other breeding birds include hobby, kingfisher, barn owl, little ringed plover, common tern, snipe, mallard and moorhen (Site Objective Statement).

Otter, the nationally rare scarce chaser dragonfly, the damselfly {\it Lestes dryas}, heath grasshopper, {\it Hallodaphus montardoni} (Hemiptera) and the molluscs {\it Valvata macrostoma, Vertigo moulinsiana} and {\it Psidium tenuilineatum} and the nationally scarce bog bush cricket and long-winged conehead have been recorded from the SSSI (Site Objective Statement). Otter and the molluscs {\it Vertigo moulinsiana} and {\it Psidium tenuilineatum} are listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
MAP 1

This part of the common forms a large part of the Town Comon SSSI which covers an extensive tract of lowland heathland centred on a hilly ridge separating the floodplain of the Avon Valley from the Moors River to the north of Christchurch. Exposures of the deposits forming this ridge are of special geological interest. The SSSI contains St Catherine's Hill Geological Conservation Review site. St. Catherine's Hill at the southern end of the ridge provides key evidence for reconstructing the geography of the area during late Eocene times, some 35 to 40 million years ago. 

The topography is diverse and with variations in the underlying geology and drainage conditions, there is a varied mosaic of heathland plant communities. Areas of succession from open heath to conifer and mixed woodland add further interest. There are several Bronze Age round barrows on the common.

Town Common remains one of the few locations in lowland Britain where heathland has an extensive presence. The tract at Town Common is relatively little fragmented and includes one of the largest unbroken blocks. The heathland has developed on infertile and mostly sandy soils which along the ridge are derived from the Branksome Sand and Poole Formation with occasional clay layers causing impeded drainage on the slopes. A broad, low lying plain extends along the eastern flank of the ridge on Head and River Terrace deposits, widely giving rise to poorly drained clayey sands. In places these deposits have a rather hummocky surface due to areas of blown sand. Gravelly sands from an older river terrace cap parts of the ridge adding yet further diversity to the physical nature of the site (SSSI citation). The common appeared similar to as described for the 1983 Phase 1 survey and the following description is largely based on this and the SSSI citation with additional notes from the site visit.

The freely drained soils on the higher ground support dry heath. This is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} which widely forms deep mature stands. {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex minor} also occur, while bare areas of firm, sandy ground are important for the diminutive and nationally scarce* {\it Crassula tillaea}. {\it Erica tetralix} becomes significant where conditions are less dry, forming a humid heath. In places this vegetation supports an abundance of {\it Cladonia} lichens such as {\it C. impexa}. Locally there is much scattered scrub, particularly at the southern end, predominantly of {\it Betula pendula} with some {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. There is an area at SZ141960 with much {\it Rhododendron} scrub. There is much scattered scrub (locally very abundant) amongst the heath on the slopes of Rams Down to the east of the A338 comprising {\it Betula pendula, Rhododendron} sp. and {\it Pinus} sp. 

On large parts of the ridge, particularly at St Catherine's Hill, the heathland has been replaced by pine woodland. Other areas are at a transitional wooded-heath stage with invading {\it Pinus sylvestris, P. pinaster} and {\it Betula} spp. At the southern end of the common, largely outside the SSSI boundary, is an area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} with understorey species {\it Ilex aquifolium} and a groundflora of {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Stellaria holostea}. The adjoining areas to the north and west within the SSSI have a canopy dominated by young {\it Betula pendula}. Also along the ridge at the southern end of the common are a couple of areas of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered scrub and pine trees. The succession to woodland provides temporary niches for heathland edge animals, most notably some bird species, but causes a decline and eventual loss of the heathland interest. 

Flushes on the slopes of the ridge give rise to a sequence of communities from the dry and humid heath to wet heath and valley mire. The wet heath occurs on seasonally waterlogged soils with differences in soil moisture conditions leading to varying proportions of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea} and certain {\it Sphagnum} spp. such as {\it S. compactum}. Where the soils are permanently waterlogged small valley mires have developed on peat. These areas are more floristically rich. Among the characteristic plants are {\it Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Eriophorum} spp., including {\it E. vaginatum} which is very local in Dorset and further species of {\it Sphagnum} such as the nationally scarce {\it S. pulchrum}. The insectivorous plants {\it Drosera intermedia, D. rotundifolia} and {\it Pinguicula lusitanica} are particularly associated with this community and also open patches of peat within the wet heath. Additional Sphagna recorded from the wet heath/mire communities on the slopes of the ridge are {\it S. tenellum, S. papillosum, S. cuspidatum, S. magellanicum} and {\it S. rubellum}. The bryophytes {\it Lepidozia setacia} and {\it Cephalozia bicuspidata} and {\it Cladonia} spp. such as {\it C. arbuscula} were recorded locally. {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} also occurs in these areas.

The broad plain of the eastern flank of the ridge extends to the floodplain of the Avon Valley. Wet and humid heath widely dominates the rather flat and poorly drained land, while occasional hummocks provide transitions to dry heath. {\it Erica tetralix} is dominant over much of the area with or without {\it Calluna vulgaris}. {\it Molinia caerulea} occurs locally. There is also scattered {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum} and frequent {\it Cladonia} spp. such as {\it C. impexa}. Drier areas on hummocks support {\it Calluna vulgaris} with some {\it Erica cinerea}. There are scattered pines, particularly to the north. Numerous pools are scattered across this plain. These support carpets of the aquatic {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum}, and margins that include {\it Molinia caerulea, Eleocharis multicaulis, Eriophorum angustifolium, Rhynchospora alba} and the nationally scarce* {\it R. fusca}. 

There is an area of old quarry workings on the ridge. This was described as mostly open with patches of {\it Agrostis} sp., {\it Polytrichum juniperinum, Erodium cicutarium, Homolothecium cerisium, Calluna vulgaris, Juncus squarrosus, Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Luzula campestris} at the time of the 1983 Phase 1 survey. There is a small pool with {\it Juncus effusus} near a brilliant red sandstone outcrop. {\it Eleocharis palustris} was also recorded from the pool during the site visit. 

Bordering the disused railway track that subdivides the common is a fringe of scrub comprising {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Betula} sp. with {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

The nationally scarce* {\it Trifolium glomeratum} and {\it Lotus subbiflorus} and the local {\it Trifolium} spp. {\it T. ornithopodioides, T. micranthum} and {\it T. striatum} have also been recorded from the common. 

Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MAP 2

The areas of Cowards Marsh and Ogber lie within the Avon valley SSSI. This SSSI was subject to a Phase 1 survey in 1986 forming the basis of this report. 

The lower, eastern part of Coward's Marsh (close grazed at the time of the Phase 1 survey) supported {\it Agrostis stolonifera} dominated grassland with frequent {\it Carex flacca, Juncus articulatus, Trifolium repens, Potentilla anserina} and {\it Senecio aquaticus} with occasional {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex hirta, Prunella vulgaris, Galium palustre, Potentilla erecta, Caltha palustris, Ranunculus flammula, Lychnis flos-cuculi} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis}. {\it Trifolium repens} was only recorded as occasional during the site visit and {\it Carex nigra?} instead of {\it C. flacca}. {\it Poa pratensis} was frequent and {\it Lolium perenne} was locally abundant near the river with {\it Plantago major}. {\it Juncus articulatus, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Potentilla anserina} were not recorded during the site visit. The additional species {\it Ranunculus repens, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Cerastium fontanum} were recorded. 

Near the ditch at the southern end, {\it Carex nigra} and {\it Potentilla palustris} were recorded as abundant with {\it Potentilla anserina, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Stellaria holostea}. {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi, Senecio aquaticus, Leontodon autumnalis} and {\it Glyceria} sp. were also recorded here during the site visit. 

The western half of Coward's Marsh supports acid marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} with frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca ovina, Carex nigra, Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Potentilla erecta} and occasional {\it Agrostis capillaris, Nardus stricta, Carex panicea} and {\it Salix repens}. {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Potentilla palustris} were locally frequent and {\it Caltha palustris, Juncus squarrosus, Succisa pratensis, Carex panicea, Pedicularis sylvatica} and {\it Ranunculus flammula} also occurred locally. {\it Erica tetralix} was also recorded in clearings amongst the scrub along the western border. Where slightly drier {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Festuca rubra} become frequent with species such as {\it Poa pratensis, Stellaria graminea, Trifolium repens, Ranunculus repens, Carex demissa} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis}, locally with scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

At SZ151950 {\it Juncus effusus} is dominant with grassy areas dominated by {\it Agrostis stolonifera} with much {\it Trifolium repens, Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Polygonum hydropiper} and locally {\it Agrostis canina} with {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Molinia caerulea, Carex nigra} and {\it Potentilla palustris}. {\it Succisa pratensis} and {\it Juncus articulatus} were also recorded during the site visit. 

There is a scrubby fringe along the western border with {\it Betula} sp., {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Ulex europaeus}. 

There is a small improved area southwards from the gate onto the common dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} with some {\it Hypochaeris radicata} and {\it Rumex acetosella}. {\it Lolium perenne} was also recorded during the site visit with frequent {\it Polygonum aviculare} and some bare ground. Just below and to the east (separated by a bank of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.) is an area of grassland dominated by {\it Agrostis stolonifera} with {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Polygonum hydropiper}. Frequent to abundant {\it Trifolium repens} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis}, occasional {\it Potentilla erecta, Succisa pratensis} and {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Ranunculus repens, Holcus lanatus, Potentilla anserina, Persicaria maculosa, Juncus articulatus} and {\it Iris pseudacorus} were recorded here. {\it Potentilla palustris} and much {\it Elodea canadensis} was recorded in the drain bordering this section. 

The drain at SZ15259480 was choked with {\it Glyceria maxima} with {\it Potentilla palustris, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Sparganium erectum}. {\it Potamogeton natans?} and {\it Nuphar lutea} were recorded here in 1986. {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica, Elodea canadensis, Rumex hydrolapathum} and {\it Polygonum hydropiper} were recorded in the drain along the north-eastern edge. 

{\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa, Eleocharis palustris, Erica cinerea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Menyanthes trifoliata, Oenanthe fistulosa, Scutellaria galericulata} and {\it S. minor} have been recorded in the past from Coward's Marsh (old EN records). 

Ogber had been cut for hay during the 1986 Phase 1 survey with much {\it Caltha palustris, Carex nigra, Galium palustre, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Ranunculus repens} evident. {\it Taraxacum officinale, Succisa pratensis, Ranunculus repens, Plantago lanceolata, Festuca} spp., {\it Caltha palustris, Carex flacca, Agrostis} spp., {\it Rumex acetosa, Trifolium repens} and {\it Potentilla erecta} were recorded during the site visit. There was a patch of {\it Carex acutiformis} near the access from Coward's Marsh.

There is a small area of semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Agrostis} sp. with occasional {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus articulatus, Potentilla erecta} and locally frequent {\it Succisa pratensis} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. Off the terrace and onto the valley (to the north?) the grassland comprises {\it Agrostis stolonifera/Ranunculus repens} and {\it Rhinanthus minor} with {\it Ranuculus flammula} and a little {\it Potentilla palustris}. 

In the east there is an area of swamp dominated by {\it Phragmites australis} with a small clump of {\it Salix cinerea}. 

Purple moor grass and rush pastures, unimproved lowland hay meadow, {\it Phragmites australis} dominated reed bed and both eutrophic and mesotrophic standing water are key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

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

MANAGE:
MAP 1

Much of this area (if not all) is managed by the Herpetological Conservation Trust. Since the 1983 Phase 1 survey, an area of pine woodland west of the A338 had been cleared but there was much growth of {\it Betula pendula} in this area at the time of the site visit. There was also an area of bare ground on the slopes of Rams Down where there had been some recent scrub clearance. East of the road was an area of spoil with a couple of small areas which appeared to be good reptile habitat. However there was much erosion in this area which was burying some of the wet heath to the north. It was recommended in 1983 that the area was stabilised and seeded with {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea}. There was much bare ground in this area at the time of the site visit and the spoil appeared to have been removed? There has been scrub invasion on the southern end of the common since 1983 and an area of heathland had recently been burnt. Evidence of burning on other parts of the common was also noted in 1983 (for management or accidental?). The area of old quarry workings on the ridge is very popular with cyclists and there was much erosion here. The Christchurch Gun Club have a rifle range on the common. There was some dumped manure on the common east of the disused railway line and a small area of coniferous plantation has encroached on the northern end of the common west of the A338. 

Short term management prescriptions outlined in a Site Management Statement for part of Town Common SSSI include clearance of {\it Betula} and pine, management of {\it Ulex europaeus} to provide suitable habitat for Dartford Warbler, management of certain areas of heather by mowing, clearance of {\it Rhododendron} and some pond clearance. The reintroduction of grazing was recommended in the long term. 

MAP 2

Cowards Marsh was heavily grazed near the entrance with bare ground and much {\it Polygonum aviculare}. It was also locally close grazed at the time of the Phase 1 survey in 1986 with locallised poaching with frequent {\it Plantago major}. The area of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} on Coward's Marsh had been cut. This area possibly qualifies as an area of floodplain grazing marsh, one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. There were cattle and horses on Ogber at the time of the site visit. Grazing rights on Ogber are restricted to between August and February, presumably to allow for a hay crop. Ogber had been cut for hay at the time of the Phase 1 survey in 1986.


FAUNA:
Blackbird, great tit, song thrush and speckled wood butterfly were recorded during the site visit. The butterflies speckled wood, orange tip, brimstone and red admiral had been seen in the woods by a local resident. Apparently, pearl bordered fritillary used to occur in the woods about ten years ago. Song thrush and pearl-bordered fritillary are included in the short list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Haythorne Common is situated to the west of Verwood in the east of the county on a gentle south-west facing slope. It largely supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur}, locally with {\it Castanea sativa} and very occasional {\it Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. The understorey is dominated by {\it Corylus avellana} with locally abundant {\it Rosa canina, R. arvensis} and {\it Castanea sativa}. Other species recorded were {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Acer campestre, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus avium, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Taxus baccata}. A diverse groundflora was recorded with frequent {\it Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and occasional {\it Stellaria holostea, Geum urbanum, Geranium robertianum, Stachys sylvatica, Mercurialis perennis, Glechoma hederacea, Pteridium aquilinum, Iris foetidus, Ruscus aculeatus, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. {\it Urtica dioica} was locally frequent and {\it Centaurea nigra, Oenanthe} sp., {\it Melica uniflora} and {\it Digitalis purpurea} were recorded locally. {\it Arum maculatum, Carex remota, Daphne laureola} and {\it Polypodium} sp. were rare.

South of the road the common supports an open scrubby vegetation with {\it Quercus robur, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Corylus avellana} scrub with areas dominated by {\it Urtica dioica}. {\it Genista tinctoria} was recorded here. There was a small area of semi-improved neutral grassland at the south-eastern end dominated by {\it Holcus lanatus} with {\it Centaurea nigra, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla anserina, Rumex crispus} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}. Part of the area south of the road had been incorporated into a garden retaining some {\it Quercus robur} trees.

MANAGE:
A large part of the woodland had recently been coppiced with some past coppiced {\it Castanea sativa} (presumably originally planted) having been left. There was also some past coppiced {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. A lot of the tree loppings had been left. There were occasional pollards? The coppicing may benefit the pearl-bordered fritillary which used to occur on the common providing suitable habitat although no {\it Viola} sp. (the food plant) was recorded. There is some scrub encroachment on the area south of the road which is locally unmanaged. Part of the area south of the road has been incorporated into a garden and a small area of the grassland to the south-east is regularly mown.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit. For a description of the fauna associated with the SSSI please see under the entry for the adjoining CL82.

VEG:
CL50 is one of four commons that make up Dewlands Common (see also CL82, CLs81 and 323 being less than 1 ha). The common is situated on the outskirts of Verwood in the east of the county near the north-west limit of the Bagshot Beds. This part of the common largely supports broadleaved woodland of {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur} as described under the entry for CL82 with scrub dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus}. There are two glades dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

MANAGE:
The common is largely unmanaged. A small area of scrub had recently been cleared. For the general management proposals for Dewlands common, please see under the entry for CL82. Some scrub and gorse clearance is proposed for one of the {\it Calluna vulgaris} glades for winter 1997/98 (E. Dorset DC management plan).


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit. The SSSI (of which this common forms about one fifth) supports strong populations of sand lizard and smooth snake. The heath grasshopper occurs in the SSSI, a species which is restricted to some of the heaths of Dorset and the New Forest, and in the wetter heath areas, the local bog bush cricket occurs. The nationally scarce long-winged conehead has also been recorded. Other notable species include Dartford warbler, nightjar, silver-studded blue butterfly, the horsefly {\it Chrysops sepulcharis} and the red data book listed spiders {\it Ero aphana} and {\it Halodrassus minor}. 33 species of bees and wasps have been recorded from Dewlands common 11.07.95, the majority of which are ground dwelling species, including the red data book listed {\it Philanthus triangulum}, the notable {\it Crabro scutellatus} and {\it Dasypoda altercator} and several local species. The notable ant {\it Smicromyrne rufipes} was also recorded. Sand lizard is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and nightjar and silver-studded blue butterfly on the middle list.

VEG:
Dewlands common comprises four register units (see also CL50, CLs81 and 323 being less than a hectare). The common is situated on the outskirts of Verwood in the east of the county near the north-west limit of the Bagshot Beds. A former area of largely dry heath comprising varying proportions of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex minor}, locally with {\it Molinia caerulea} and some {\it Ulex europaeus, Betula pendula} and {\it Pinus sylvestris}. The majority of this common had been recently burnt supporting scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Chamerion angustifolium, Agrostis curtisii} and {\it Betula pendula} over bare peat. Areas of dry heath remain dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with occasional {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Ulex gallii}, locally frequent {\it Molinia caerulea} and scattered {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. There is an area of marshy grassland at the northern end of the common dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} locally with some {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

The western margins of the common support broadleaved woodland planted in 1940's (East Dorset District Council Management Plan, 1990) dominated by {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur}, locally with {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, an understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Ulex europaeus} and locally {\it Taxus baccata}. A large mature {\it Quercus robur} (approximately 100 years old) was noted within the woodland with 50-60 year old planted {\it Q. robur} standards along the western boundary (1990 Management plan). Groundflora species include {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Hedera helix, Dryopteris dilatata, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Molinia caerulea}. There is an area of worn bare ground at the southern end of the common.

MANAGE:
A large part of the common had recently been burnt, presumably accidentally. Monitoring is required to see how the heathland recovers and intervention taken if required to restore the former habitat. The area of bare ground at the southern end is used for training horses? 

Recent management at the time of the E. Dorset DC Management Plan (1990) included path clearance and waymarking and setting aside an area for BMX bikes (I would have thought it inadvisable to encourage this activity). It was commented that there had been little management in the woodland at the southern end since it was planted in 1940's. Management planned for the site included thinning {\it Betula pendula} and managing {\it Ulex europaeus} and also controlling {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scrub invasion. Continued scrub and bracken control were proposed in the 1993-98 Management Plan and the digging of a pond in the woodland at the southern end.


FAUNA:
Rabbit and deer were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
The registered area of Sutton Common comprises three sections situated on the B3081 to the west of Verwood in the east of the county. 

The easternmost section has been enclosed. The area to the east of the minor road appeared to support semi-improved neutral grassland whereas the area to the west possibly semi-improved acid grassland with scattered {\it Ulex europaeus, Betula pendula} and {\it Corylus avellana}. There was no public access to these parts which were only viewed from the roadside and the latter area in particularly was closely grazed and therefore difficult to assess. (This area was mapped as improved grassland at the time of the county Phase 1 survey, 1982/83). There were a number of mature {\it Quercus robur} in the hedgerow to the east. There is a small area of scrubby woodland at the northern end of this section adjacent to the road with some mature {\it Quercus robur} (pollards?), {\it Betula pendula} (locally dominant), old {\it Corylus avellana} coppice, {\it Ilex aquifolium, Taxus baccata, Prunus laurocerasus} and {\it Sambucus nigra} and the groundflora species {\it Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Vinca minor}. 

The central section is largely wooded. Again there was limited public access and this area was primarily viewed from the roadside. The woodland canopy at the eastern end comprised {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fagus sylvatica} with an understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Taxus baccata}. The area of woodland along the roadside, continuous with the common, had a canopy of {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Betula pendula}, an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Taxus baccata} and a sparse groundflora of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Hedera helix}. The western end of the common supported similar woodland to the latter with the additional species {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ribes rubrum} in the understorey and {\it Galium odoratum, Ruscus aculeatus, Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Melica uniflora} in the groundflora with abundant {\it Dryopteris filix-mas} near the stream and locally {\it Urtica dioica}. The section of footpath at the eastern end passes through semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur}, an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Prunus laurocerasus} and the groundflora species {\it Stellaria holostea, Geranium robertianum, Veronica montana, Dryopteris dilatata, Melica uniflora, Geum urbanum, Ruscus aculeatus, Conopodium majus, Athyrium filix-femina, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Circaea lutetiana} and {\it Anemone nemorosa}. This footpath section lies at the periphery of the Boys Wood/Kingswood SNCI. The flora for this area is discussed under the entry for CL114 (Boys Wood Common).

The westernmost section lies on the edge of Sutton Common SNCI. This SNCI supports a mosaic of damp acid grassland with species such as {\it Stellaria graminea, Trifolium pratense, Rumex acetosa, Galium aparine, Pulicaria dysenterica, Succisa pratensis, Agrostis canina, A. stolonifera, Molinia caerulea} and a few plants of {\it Lotus pedunculatus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Salix repens, Pedicularis sylvatica, Achillea ptarmica, Cirsium dissectum, Stachys officinalis, Carex flacca} and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and deciduous woodland. The woodland contains large, old trees and little understorey and is considered to be similar to a wood pasture type woodland. The main tree species are {\it Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with {\it Betula pubescens, Salix cinerea, S. capraea} and occasional {\it Ilex aquifolium}. The field layer contains frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with occasional {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris affinis, D. filix-mas, Stellaria holostea, Rumex sanguineus, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Oxalis acetosella, Festuca gigantea, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Ruscus aculeatus}. Damper areas had {\it Dryopteris carthusiana, D. dilatata, Ajuga reptans, Lysimachia nemorum, Lycopus europaeus} and {\it Carex remota}. The old {\it Quercus robur} trees are quite rich in lichens with one ancient woodland indicator {\it Usnea inflata} together with {\it Cladonia coniocraea, Evernia prunastri, Hypogymnia physodes, H. tabulosa, Parmelia caperata, P. perlata, P. subaurifera, P. sulcata, Pertusaria pertusa, Ramalina farinacea} and {\it R. fastigiata}. 

The area of common within the SNCI supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur} and {\it Fagus sylvatica}, an understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Rosa arvensis, Corylus avellana} and {\it Hedera helix} and a sparse groundflora of {\it H. helix} and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}. The area on the opposite side of the track supports tall ruderal vegetation dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} with {\it Oenanthe crocata} and {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi} and scattered {\it Salix cinerea} scrub. The narrow strip continuing eastwards along the stream appeared to support continuous scrub of {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Betula} sp.

MANAGE:
The eastern end of the common has been enclosed and agriculturally improved. The section to the west of the minor road was being fairly heavily grazed by horses. The scrub on this section is unlikely to encroach further under such heavy grazing. An area on the opposite side of the road had also been fairly heavily grazed. The remainder of the common is largely unmanaged. Some past coppicing of {\it Corylus avellana} was noted in places.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit. Boy's Wood is included in the Butterfly Site register with records for white admiral and purple hairstreak from 1983. Silver-washed fritillary was recorded during the Ancient Woodland Survey of 'The Inclosure' including the area of Boys Wood east of the stream.

VEG:
Boys Wood common is situated to the north-east of Boys Wood in the area known as the 'Inclosure' to the west of Verwood in east Dorset. It was only surveyed from the public footpath. The common supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} standards with occasional {\it Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Betula pendula}. The understorey supported frequent {\it Ilex aquifolium} with occasional {\it Taxus baccata} and {\it Corylus avellana}. The groundflora was sparse but the following species were recorded; {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Milium effusum, Lonicera periclymenum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Stellaria holostea, Oxalis acetosella, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Anemone nemorosa}. There was fairly dense {\it Fagus sylvatica} leaf litter. There were no visible boundaries to this common on the ground. 

The Inclosure and the area of Boy's Wood east of the stream were surveyed during the Ancient Woodlands Survey 03.08.88. It was described as an extensive {\it Quercus robur/Corylus avellana} woodland conforming to the W10 community of the NVC ({\it Quercus robur-Pteridium aquilinum-Rubus fruticosus} woodland) with a virtually closed canopy of dense and reasonably mature {\it Quercus robur} which was shading out the {\it Corylus avellana} understorey in places. {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Hedera helix, Lonicera periclymenum, Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. were abundant in the groundflora with frequent {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Dryopteris filix-mas, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Galium aparine, G. odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Luzula pilosa} and {\it Veronica montana} and occasional {\it Agrostis canina, Ajuga reptans, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Blechnum spicant, Carex sylvatica, Circaea lutetiana, Dactylis glomerata, Digitalis purpurea, Dryopteris dilatata, Fragaria vesca, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Hypericum pulchrum, Lapsana communis, Lysimachia nemorum, Melica uniflora, Milium effusum, Molinia caerulea, Oxalis acetosella, Potentilla erecta, Primula vulgaris, Solanum dulcamara, Stellaria holostea, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Viola riviniana}. Additional species recorded include {\it Stachys officinalis, Carex laevigata, C. remota, Festuca gigantea, Frangula alnus, Ribes rubrum, Sanicula europaea} and {\it Scrophularia nodosa}. Extensive patches of {\it Sphagnum} sp. and {\it Polytrichum} sp. were noted in the Inclosure. {\it Lathyrus linifolius, Ruscus aculeatus} and {\it Narcissus pseudonarcissus} are also listed for the Boys Wood/Kings Wood SNCI which includes the Inclosure. There are records for the nationally scarce* {\it Melittis melissophyllum} (about 50 plants, 1979) and {\it Melampyrum pratense} from the Inclosure.

The 'Inclosure' was surveyed by K.Kirby? (03.08.88) and was described as coppice with standards {\it Quercus robur/Corylus avellana} woodland with several young and mature {\it Fraxinus excelsior} especially towards the stream. The groundflora was dominated by {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Lonicera periclymenum} with occasional {\it Blechnum spicant, Lysimachia nemorum, Veronica officinalis, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Digitalis purpurea, Scrophularia} sp., {\it Luzula} sp. and {\it Carex} sp. with much {\it L. nemorum, Holcus lanatus, Melampyrum pratense, Geum urbanum, Veronica montana, Hedera helix, Hypericum} sp., {\it Polytrichum} sp. and locally abundant {\it Blechnum spicant} towards the western end. 

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

MANAGE:
An area of mature coppice with standards woodland. No recent management was observed during the site visit. K.Kirby? noted recent coppicing at the western end in the last two years prior to his visit in 1988. He also commented that the area may be in need of thinning. The dense shade cast by {\it Fagus sylvatica} and the locally dense leaf litter is probably restricting the understorey and groundflora in comparison with beneath the {\it Quercus robur}.


FAUNA:
Pheasant, magpie, chiffchaff, yellowhammer, great tit, the butterflies red admiral, ringlet, meadow brown, small tortoiseshell, marbled white and speckled wood and common lizard were recorded during the site visits.

VEG:
Wastelands (Cranborne and Alderholt) comprises a number of strips of common land situated along a network of roads and tracks between Cranborne and Alderholt in the east of the county. The site was visited on two separate occasions, the majority being surveyed on 01.07.97 with the areas immediate to Cripplestyle being surveyed on 03.06.97. The majority of the common supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The areas around Cripplestyle have a canopy dominated by {\it Quercus robur} with {\it Betula pendula} and occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with an understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana}, occasional {\it Ribes rubrum, Prunus spinosa, Rosa canina} and {\it Acer campestre}, locally with {\it Populus tremula} and rarely {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Viburnum opulus, Salix cinerea, Fagus sylvatica, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Taxus baccata}. Groundflora species recorded were frequent {\it Hedera helix, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and occasional {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, Juncus conglomeratus, Stellaria holostea, Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Urtica dioica} (locally abundant). Locally damp areas had a grassy groundflora dominated by {\it Agrostis stolonifera} with {\it Ranunculus repens}. Additional species recorded locally were {\it Mercurialis perennis, Solanum dulcamara, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Tamus communis, Melica uniflora, Alliaria petiolata, Oenanthe crocata, Conopodium majus} and {\it Carex sylvatica}. {\it Carex remota} and {\it Melampyrum pratense} were recorded from the section at SU089120. 

The western arm of the section between Hither Daggons and Further Daggons woods supported a groundflora of {\it Melampyrum pratense, Lonicera periclymenum, Rumex sanguineus, Carex sylvatica, Prunella vulgaris, Geum urbanum, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Moehringia trinervia, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Pteridium aquilinum, Dactylorhiza fuchsii} and {\it Carex remota}. The canopy was locally dominated by {\it Betula pendula} with some {\it Blechnum spicant, Circaea lutetiana} and {\it Melampyrum pratense} in the groundflora. Where the woodland opens out at the southern end of this arm, {\it Urtica dioica, Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Galium aparine} were recorded. The eastern arm was damper with a groundflora of {\it Stellaria holostea, Hedera helix, Dryopteris filix-mas, Geranium robertianum, Veronica montana, Lapsana communis, Scrophularia nodosa, Equisetum sylvaticum, Galium palustre, Poa trivialis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Dryopteris dilatata, Polytrichum} sp. and {\it Lonicera periclymenum}. There are also a couple of areas of coniferous plantation on this part of the common with a sparse groundflora. 

The fragment of woodland at Gold Oak (SU089131) had a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with an understorey of {\it Ulmus glabra, Salix cinerea, Fraxinus excelsior, Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana} and {\it Rosa arvensis} with a groundflora of {\it Oenanthe crocata, Galeopsis tetrahit, Phalaris arundinacea, Galium palustre, Carex remota, Urtica dioica, Dryopteris filix-mas} and {\it Hedera helix}. 

The additional species {\it Oxalis acetosella, Lysimachia nemorum, Dryopteris affinis} and {\it Viola riviniana} have also been recorded from these woodland areas (SNCI description). {\it Trifolium medium} has been recorded from the verges in this area. 

The northern part of the section adjoining Bratch copse (SU080138) and the sections of woodland along the lane leading westwards from here past Ashes Farm again had a canopy dominated by {\it Quercus robur} with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana} (locally dominant), {\it Quercus robur, Salix cinerea, Cornus sanguinea, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Betula} spp. and locally {\it Ligustrum vulgare} and a sparse groundflora of {\it Hedera helix, Melica uniflora, Lonicera periclymenum, Galium odoratum, Carex remota, Primula vulgaris, Glechoma hederacea, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and locally abundant {\it Melampyrum pratense}. {\it Ruscus aculeatus} was recorded locally. There is also a small area of continuous scrub of {\it Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Clematis vitalba, Rosa canina, Corylus avellana} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. The southern half adjoining Bratch copse had a canopy of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula} and {\it Salix capraea} with a little {\it Corylus avellana, Populus tremula} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} in the understorey and a sparse groudflora, locally with {\it Geranium robertianum, Stellaria holostea, Galium odoratum, Carex remota, C. sylvatica, Hedera helix, Oenanthe crocata, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and the bryophyte {\it Thuidium tamariscinum}. The additional species {\it Taxus baccata, Polystichum aculeatum, Lathyrus linifolius, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Veronica montana} and {\it Lamiastrum galeobdolon} were recorded from the SNCI in this area although not necessarily occurring on the common. 

There are a few small areas of semi-improved neutral grassland amongst the woodland, locally with scattered broadleaved trees. In the area around Gold Oak Farm (SU085123) these are locally mown and locally coarse with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Achillea millefolium, Lotus pedunculatus, Vicia cracca} and {\it Centaurea nigra}. Outside the houses at SU089123 the grassland is locally dominated with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Ranunculus} sp., elsewhere it is more closely mown with {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Cirsium dissectum}. A small area of the woodland outside a property at SU091127 had been thinned and was being gardened. 

The track at SU095127 is bordered by improved grassland dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with {\it Trifolium repens, Bellis perennis} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. The northern end of the track (north of the wooded section) locally supports acid to neutral grassland comprising {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Trifolium dubium, T. repens, Agrostis capillaris, Potentilla erecta, Hypericum humifusum, Ulex gallii, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Stellaria graminea, Lotus pedunculatus, Achillea ptarmica, Prunella vulgaris, Plantago lanceolata, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium palustre, Ranunculus repens} and locally {\it Juncus conglomeratus} with some scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The grassland here is locally scrubbed over with {\it Salix capraea, Betula pendula, Quercus robur} and {\it Populus tremula} with some {\it Carex pendula, C. remota, Urtica dioica, Lonicera periclymenum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Oenanthe crocata} and {\it Melica uniflora}. The northernmost end is predominantly a hedged track bordered by {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Quercus robur, Rosa arvensis, Reynoutria japonica, Pteridium aquilinum, Oenanthe crocata, Urtica dioica} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}. 

At the westernmost end of the common is a length of road verge supporting semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus repens, Pulicaria dysenterica, Vicia sativa, Lathryus pratensis, Holcus lanatus, Carex otrubae} and tall ruderal species {\it Urtica dioica, Rumex crispus, Cirsium arvense, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Galium aparine} and an area of tall ruderal vegetation comprising {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica} with scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and locally {\it Agrimonia eupatorium}. 

The western half of Crendell common (SU085132) supports continuous scrub comprising {\it Prunus spinosa, Rosa arvensis, Salix cinerea, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Euonymus europaeus} and {\it Malus} sp. with {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Stellaria holostea} and {\it Hedera helix} beneath. The central area of this part of the common has been planted with {\it Populus} sp. over marshy grassland comprising {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Oenanthe crocata} and {\it Symphytum} sp., locally with {\it Juncus effusus} and locally invaded with tall ruderal vegetation of {\it Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with some {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris, Lysimachia vulgaris, Carex acutiformis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Symphytum} sp. The SNCI description refers to a winter-wet pond in this area dominated by {\it Carex acutiformis} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea} with {\it Persicaria hydropiper, Symphytum officinale, Bidens tripartita, Carex otrubae} and {\it C. nigra}. The easternmost end had partly been cleared and was fenced with some regularly mown grassland. 

The northern part of Churchill Drove in the west comprises a track bordered by semi-improved neutral grassland supporting {\it Holcus lanatus, Carex otrubae, C. remota, C. nigra, C. disticha, Juncus conglomeratus, J. inflexus, J. effusus, Hypericum tetrapterum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Lathyrus pratensis, Prunella vulgaris, Vicia cracca, Lotus pedunculatus} and some {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. There is some coppiced {\it Corylus avellana} on the boundary bank and occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. Part of the track is bordered by an avenue of {\it Quercus robur} with occasional spruce trees and some {\it Ilex aquifolium} saplings with a groundflora of {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Dactylis glomerata, Melampyrum pratense, Digitalis purpurea, Ruscus aculeatus, Dryopteris filix-mas, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Teucrium scorodonia, Lysimachia nemorum, Viola} sp. and locally {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. The southern end supports scrub of {\it Prunus laurocerasus, Ilex aquifolium, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus} with {\it Cirsium arvense, Pteridium aquilinum, Rumex sanguineus, Urtica dioica, Stachys sylvatica, Centaurea nigra, Vicia cracca} and {\it Stellaria graminea}.

MANAGE:
Within the woodland areas there had been some thinning work in the southern end of the section adjacent to Bratch copse with brashings left lying on the ground ({\it Quercus robur} has been selectively removed leaving {\it Fraxinus excelsior}?). Recent coppicing was noted elsewhere in this area. An area had been cleared beneath overhead power cables at the southern end of the common. The remainder is largely unmanaged. A few small areas have been thinned leaving scattered trees over mown grassland or locally gardened. A couple of areas have been replaced with conifer plantation. Further encroachment on the common in this manner should be avoided. The area of marshy grassland on Crendell common has been planted with {\it Populus} sp. which will probably result in a lowering of the water table and will shade out the marshy grassland flora. Some of the grassland areas are regularly mown with others probably cut infrequently. Some {\it Rumex} sp. had been treated with herbicide along Churchill Drove. The fairly rich area of neutral to acid grassland along the track to the north of the Daggons Woods area is threatened with scrub and bracken encroachment. There is also scrub encroachment at the southern end of Churchill Drove. The locally distributed {\it Cirsium dissectum} was recorded in an area of fairly regularly mown grassland and may not be able to tolerate such treatment.

Dumped garden waste was noted at a couple locations and there was some dumped rubble and timber in the Daggons woods area and dumped rubble on the common near Hare Lane Farm (SU082123). There is some internal fencing on Crendell common.


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel, green woodpecker, wood pigeon, magpie and the butterflies speckled wood and gatekeeper were recorded during the site visit. The varied plant communities of the SSSI (dry and wet heath, bog, pine and birch woodland), within which this common lies, support a rich fauna including species of restricted distribution. Both the smooth snake and sand lizard occur on the common and also the rare heath grasshopper. A small fragment of the once continuous tract of heathland from Cranborne, through Hurn common to Christchurch, the SSSI forms an important habitat link between the heathlands of the New Forest and Purbeck and their invertebrate fauna is intermediate in character (SSSI citation).

VEG:
Lions Hill is situated to the east of Ashley Heath close to the Hampshire border. The common comprises the hill top and the eastern slopes of the hill. It supports acid, dry dwarf shrub heath bordered by coniferous and mixed woodland. The heathland is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with occasional {\it Erica tetralix} (locally frequent) and locally occasional {\it Molinia caerulea} with scattered pines and locally scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Mosses were locally abundant and abundant {\it Cladonia impexa} was noted in the heathland areas during the Phase 1 survey 1982/83. Along the northern boundary there is a small area of marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} with occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica tetralix}. Locally there is quite a bit of {\it Calluna vulgaris} in the groundflora of the woodland areas and locally {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. Generally the groundflora is sparse comprising {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Molinia caerulea, Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Ulex europaeus} in the understorey. The mixed woodland consists of pines with {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Betula pendula} and understorey species {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. {\it Carex pendula} was recorded in this area. 

The SSSI as a whole supports dry, humid and wet heath, bog and pine and birch woodland. It is a small fragment of the once continuous heathland tract extending from Cranborne through Hurn Common to Christchurch and provides an important habitat link between the heathlands of the New Forest and Purbeck (SSSI citation).

Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MANAGE:
There were a few felled trees in the area of heath and there is potential within the woodland areas to restore heathland where there is much ericaceous content in the groundflora. Maintenance along a pylon line crossing the common has kept the heathland there open and in good condition. Elsewhere there appears to have been a substantial amount of encroachment by woodland since the 1982/83 Phase 1 survey. Damage from motor cycles was noted in the latter survey and also a mound of spoil/concrete with associated weedy communities. These were not noted during the site visit.


FAUNA:
Deer and gatekeeper butterfly were recorded during the site visit to the northern part of the common. Adder was seen during the Phase 1 survey of this section of the SSSI in 1991. 

The southern part of the common lies within the Matchams View area of the Avon Heath Country Park. The main faunal interest of Matchams View is the occurrence of nightjar, tree pipit, common buzzard, sand lizard and wood cricket. Sand lizard is listed on the short list of globally threatenend/declining species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and nightjar on the middle list.

A small percentage of Leybrook common lies within the extensive Hurn Common SSSI which supports a diverse fauna. Dry heathland locally supports the rare heath grasshopper and the local woodland grasshopper favours bracken invaded heath. Damper heath areas supports the local bog bush cricket and the very local long-winged conehead has also been recorded. The rare silver hook moth occurs in the wettest heath. Dragonflies are well represented and include the scarce blue-tailed damselfly and the very local small red damselfly. Other scarce insects occuring in the woodland areas are wood cricket and festoon moth. The sand lizard and smooth snake are well distributed on the drier heath and the rare Dartford Warbler, hobby and the decreasing nightjar and woodlark occur in the SSSI. Sand lizard is listed on the short list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and nightjar and woodlark are both listed on the middle list.

VEG:
Leybrook Common comprises two areas of common land situated near the Dorset/Hampshire border southeast of Ashley Heath. Parts of the common lie within the Hurn common SSSI. Although now fragmented, the SSSI forms one of the largest remaining expanses of heathland in the county supporting dry and wet heathland and interesting areas of acidic grassland. It is an important link between the heaths of the New Forest and other heathlands of SE Dorset. 

The SSSI part of the northern section of the common supports dry to humid heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with some {\it Molinia caerulea, Erica tetralix}, scattered {\it Pinus} sp. seedlings and locally, {\it Erica cinerea}. Scattered {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Rhododendron ponticum} scrub was noted locally during the previous Phase 1 surveys and also {\it Ulex europaeus, U. minor, Cladonia} spp. and locally carpets of bryophytes beneath the {\it Calluna}. {\it Cladonia portentosa} was the only species recorded from the SSSI during the 1982/83 Phase 1 survey with the additional species {\it C. crispata, C. floekiana} and {\it C. fimbriata} (type) recorded from an open heath area on an area of former common land to the north now being developed for housing. {\it Hypnum} and {\it Pleurozium} mosses were also recorded from the latter area.  Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The remainder of the northern section supports {\it Pinus} sp. dominated woodland ({\it P. sylvestris} and {\it P. pinaster}) with an understorey of {\it Betula pendula, Rhododendron ponticum} and {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and a groundflora of {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. A depression with a small pool was noted at SU135040 during the 1991 Phase 1 survey supporting {\it Sparganium erectum} with {\it Equisetum} sp. around the edge surrounded by dense {\it Salix cinerea} and {\it Betula} sp. ({\it Typha} sp. and {\it Juncus effusus} were recorded here during the 1982/83 Phase 1 survey). The pool was dry at the time of the site visit with no aquatic vegetation.

The southern part of the common was not visited as it was not known to be common land at the time of the field survey. It lies within the Matchams View area of the Avon Heath Country Park which is described as containing 'areas of dry heath with scattered {\it Pinus} spp., {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. A large area of semi-natural {\it Pinus sylvestris} and {\it P. nigra} woodland and smaller areas of broadleaved woodland, {\it Pinus} sp., mixed and broadleaved scrub areas are also found'. Plant interest in this area is noted as including {\it Osmunda regalis, Dactylorhiza maculata} and {\it D. fuchsii}. 

The small areas of heathland on this part of the common were surveyed during the 1982/83 Phase 1 survey of Hurn Common SSSI. The section bordering the road to the west was described as a 'small patch of mature {\it Calluna vulgaris} ({\it Pteridium aquilinum} in the north) on flat ground, nearly surrounded by {\it Pinus} sp. and {\it Betula} sp.' The eastern section was described as 'a patch of mature {\it Calluna vulgaris} with {\it Ulex minor, Molinia caerulea} and  a little {\it Erica tetralix}'. There were scattered {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Quercus} sp. saplings. {\it Hypnum jutlandicum} was frequent and {\it Hypogymnaea physodes, Cladonia fimbriata} (type) and {\it Dicranum scoparium} were also recorded. Otherwise, apart from some very small {\it Calluna} patches, most of the area to the north and east of the road (which forms the southern boundary of the common) was recorded as 'covered by dense {\it Pinus} with more open areas dominated by {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, this particularly dense along the railway cutting in the south. Further north the railway cutting has {\it Rhododendron} in abundance'.

MANAGE:
Continual removal of invading scrub and trees is the main form of management on the northern part of the common with decaying pine stumps noted during previous surveys. There has been further removal of {\it Pinus} sp. trees since the 1991 survey when the main heath area had widely scattered {\it Pinus} trees and more abundant young trees up to 2m in height. Only seedlings were recorded during the site visit. No recent management was observed in the woodland areas. The pond on the common appears to carry run off from the road but was dry at the time of the site visit. 

There are no management observations on file for the southern part of the common which was not visited for the purposes of this survey (see under Vegetation). The heathland areas were becoming invaded by {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Betula} sp. and {\it Quercus} sp. at the time of the 1982/83 Phase 1 survey. Abundant {\it Rhododendron} was also present locally in the woodland. The Matchams View part of the Avon Heath Country Park (within which the southern part of the common lies) is subject to a Countryside Stewardship Agreement to sustain and improve the heath and to take measures to regenerate heathland vegetation.


VEG:
Old Town Sand and Gravel pits is situated near the intersection of the A338 and A31 west of Ringwood in the east of the county (formerly included on the Hampshire register). It lies on a small hill dropping away steeply to the north. The common supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy dominated by {\it Quercus robur} with some {\it Fagus sylvatica, Pinus} sp., {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. The understorey included {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Ilex aquifolium, Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Cytisus scoparius}. Groundflora species recorded were {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Hedera helix, Lonicera periclymenum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Vaccinium myrtillus, Molinia caerulea, Galium saxatile, Ceratocapnos claviculata, Stellaria holostea, Polypodium} sp. and {\it Carex} sp. with some {\it Quercus robur} leaf litter.

MANAGE:
No recent management was observed on the common. The {\it Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Pinus} sp. on the common were probably planted in the past.


FAUNA:
Meadow brown butterfly was recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Three-legged cross recreation ground is a small level area of common land situated in the village of that name between Verwood and Ferndown in east Dorset. The common supports semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Festuca rubra, Agrostis stolonifera, Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Plantago lanceolata, Hypochaeris radicata, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Leontodon autumnalis} with locally frequent {\it Trifolium pratense} and occasional {\it Cerastium fontanum, Dactylis glomerata, Trifolium repens, Prunella vulgaris, Plantago major, Ranunculus repens, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Centaureum} sp. The area was mapped as supporting improved grassland at the time of the 1982/83 county Phase 1 survey. The common is bordered by {\it Quercus robur, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Salix capraea}.

MANAGE:
There were three tethered ponies grazing the common at the time of the site visit although there are no registered rights. There was a derelict football pitch at the southern end with one goal post broken. The pavillion at the northern end had been removed leaving only the concrete base. Local children had built a small BMX/mountain bike scrambling track at the northern end and were due to meet with the local council that evening to discuss a more permanent/improved track. There had been several bonfires on the northern end and there was some scattered litter.


FAUNA:
Buzzard, song thrush (with young), gatekeeper, meadow brown, small skipper and marbled white were recorded during the site visit. Song thrush is listed on the short list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
This common is presumably part of the once extensive Horton Common (see also CL16) situated to the south of Verwood in the east of the county. A large part of Horton common was destroyed by ploughing in 1981 having been one of the most extensive unbroken tracts of heathland in Dorset (SSSI citation). This area has been extensively 'improved' and was mapped as improved grassland during the 1982/83 Phase 1 survey of Dorset. Although with restricted public access, much of the common appeared to support semi-improved neutral grassland at the time of the site visit. The field through which the public footpath passes supported grassland comprising frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Plantago lanceolata, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Trifolium repens} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. with occasional {\it Trifolium pratense, T. dubium, Stellaria graminea, Lotus pedunculatus, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Achillea millefolium, Cynosurus cristatus} and the occasional {\it Ulex europaeus} bush. {\it Centaureum} sp., {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Parentucellia viscosa} were also recorded, the latter particularly frequent in the south-easternmost field. Abundant {\it Holcus lanatus} and {\it Cirsium arvense, Trifolium repens, Leucanthemum vulgare?, Ranunculus} sp. and {\it Senecio} sp. were also noted in the latter field. There was a small area of marshy grassland in the 'footpath' field with abundant {\it Juncus effusus} and occasional {\it Cirsium palustre, Epilobium montanum?, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Senecio} sp. {\it Potentilla erecta, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Erica tetralix} were also recorded here. 

The two fields to the south of Horton Farm had been cut for hay. The field to the north of the 'footpath' field was possibly more heavily improved with abundant {\it Trifolium repens} and {\it Lolium perenne}, frequent {\it Plantago lanceolata} and also {\it Rumex crispus} noted. The track along the south-western edge was bordered by {\it Betula pendula, Salix cinerea} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.

MANAGE:
The common has been extensively 'improved' from what must have been an area of heathland. It is subdivided with internal fencing. The field in the southern corner was a horse paddock with signs of over grazing indicated by the presence of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Senecio} sp. The heavy grazing may be favouring the large population of the local {\it Parentucellia viscosa} recorded in this field. The two small fields to the north had been cut for hay. The other areas are also apparently managed for pasture but were not being grazed at the time of the site visit (also for horses?). Horton Farm stands on the common.


FAUNA:
Fallow deer and song thrush were recorded during the site visit. Song thrush is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Horton common SSSI, which includes much of the north-eastern part of CL16, supports the rare heath grasshopper on the dry heath areas and in the wetter areas good populations of the short-winged conehead and the nationally scarce bog bush cricket and long winged conehead (extremely locallised). The dry heathland with warm south-facing banks and patches of bare sand provides excellent habitat for the rare sand lizard. Sand lizard is also listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Before a large part of the once extensive Horton common was destroyed by ploughing in 1981, it supported 10 percent of the breeding Dartford warblers in Dorset and more than 5 percent of the national population. Dartford warblers are still present but in considerably reduced numbers. Mottled grasshopper and the moths emperor and beautiful yellow underwing were recorded from the dry heath area during the Phase 1 survey 1983. Part of the southernmost section of CL16 falls within the Holt and West Moors Heaths. Please see under the entry for CL21 for the fauna associated with this SSSI.

VEG:
CL16 comprises four fragments of the once extensive Horton common (see also CL122) in the east of the county. A large part of Horton common was destroyed by ploughing in 1981 having been one of the most extensive unbroken tracts of heathland in Dorset. The remaining areas still support the range of heathland types from dry heath to wet heath and bog with plants typical of these habitats, several being uncommon or rare (SSSI citation). 

The largest part of CL16 (the north-eastern section) is mostly designated as part of the Horton Common SSSI. Limited survey was carried out on this section, the description being largely based on the SSSI citation and 1983 Phase 1 survey. 

The northern end of the SSSI part of the common supports dry dwarf shrub heath mostly of {\it Calluna vulgaris} with frequent {\it Ulex minor}. {\it Ulex europaeus} was also frequent in patches and dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum} occurred to the south. {\it Erica cinerea} was recorded during the site visit. In the north the land drops away into a hollow which supported wet heath dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Erica tetralix} with much {\it Betula} sp. and several {\it Sphagnum} spp. including {\it S. magellanicum}. {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Drosera rotundifolia} were also recorded here. This area appeared to have largely scrubbed over with {\it Betula} sp. at the time of the site visit with some {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Molinia caerulea} in the groundflora. 

The central section supported wet heath comprising {\it Erica tetralix/Molinia caerulea} with abundant {\it Ulex euorpaeus} and {\it Betula} sp. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} was patchy but particularly frequent in the east near the bridlepath. There were patches of {\it Juncus effusus}. {\it Tricophorum cespitosum, Rhynchospora alba} and the nationally scarce* {\it R. fusca} were also recorded. The earthwork running north-east to south-west through this area has a central ditch which supported rank {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Juncus effusus}. The banks supported dry heath (1983 Phase 1 survey). 

At the southern end of the SSSI there is an area of wet heath and wet modified bog. The wet heath occurs around the periphery comprising {\it Molinia caerulea/Erica tetralix} with {\it Sphagnum compactum, S. tenellum} and some {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. Most of the bog was dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} but there were quite large areas, particularly in the south and west, which had mats of {\it Polytrichum commune}. {\it Juncus effusus} was also locally dominant. Several {\it Sphagnum} species were noted, particularly to the north-east ({\it S. papillosum, S. auriculatum, S. cuspidatum, S. compactum} and {\it S. tenellum}). {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum} were also locally frequent (1983 Phase 1 survey). The uncommon {\it Pinguicula lusitanica} and the nationally scarce* {\it Lycopodiella inundata} have also been recorded from the bog. {\it L. inundata} is listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. To the east is an area of {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Salix cinerea} scrub with a few {\it Pinus} sp. and a sparse groundflora of {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Holcus} sp. and {\it Molinia caerulea}. Further north this grades into {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub. Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The western edge of this section of the common has been substantially encroached on by adjoining fields now supporting semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Lolium perenne} locally with scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. 

Part of the southernmost section of CL16 falls within the Holt and West Moors Heaths SSSI supporting a small mire with scattered scrub. There was no public access to this part which was described as {\it Sphagnum} dominated  in 1988 with many small areas of standing water with {\it Potamogeton} sp. Also recorded were {\it Eriophorum} sp., {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Rhynchospora} sp. grading westwards into marshy grassland. The area was not examined closely. The general vegetation of this SSSI is described under the entry for CL21. The northern end (viewed from the roadside) supports heavily grazed semi-improved neutral? grassland with abundant {\it Senecio jacobaea}, locally with {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Rumex} sp. {\it Ranunculus flammula} was locally abundant. {\it Quercus robur, Betula} sp. and {\it Salix capraea} occur along the roadside. 

The remaining two fragments of CL16 also have no public access. Both areas were mapped as dry heath in the 1982/83 Phase 1 survey. From the roadside the section adjacent to Bramble farm could be seen to support a semi-improved neutral grassland with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus repens, Senecio jacobaea, Agrostis} sp. and scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. The northern end lies within an SNCI supporting dry heath. The section south of Monmouth's Ash Farm now has a property on the northern end and the heath has probably been largely destroyed.

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

MANAGE:
There was little evidence of recent management on the SSSI and there appeared to have been a substantial amount of scrub invasion, up to 50 percent cover of {\it Ulex europaeus} was noted in places. A polluted drain bordered the northern edge of the SSSI. Parts of the north-east section, outside the SSSI boundary have been encroached upon by surrounding fields, now supporting semi-improved neutral grassland. Some of this had been grazed, locally with bare sand from poaching, and elsewhere cut for hay. The dominance of {\it Molinia caerulea} on the bog is indicative of a modified bog. Mats of {\it Polytrichum commune} and the dominance of {\it Juncus effusus} in parts (especially at the 'mouth' of the bog against the southern edge and along the drains) is indicative of enriched water draining into the bog from the improved areas around. {\it Molinia caerulea} in the earthwork ditches and patches of {\it Juncus} in the wet heath areas provided important habitat for the short and long winged coneheads  (Phase 1 survey, 1983). Some of the wet heath area was noted to have been burned and/or cultivated during the Phase 1 survey. 

Parts of the other sections of this common had also been improved, mostly for horse pasture, and were generally very heavily grazed with frequent {\it Senecio jacobaea}. A property has been built on the section near Monmouth's Ash Farm.


FAUNA:
Chiffchaff, song thrush and greater spotted woodpecker were recorded during the site visit. Song thrush is included in the short list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Holt Wood lies within the Holt and West Moors Heaths SSSI but there appears to be little specific faunal information for this area but see under the entry for the nearby CL19 (Holt Forest).

VEG:
Holt Wood is situated in the east of the county, north of Wimborne Minster. It lies on soils derived from London clay and localised seasonal waterlogging occurs. It supports old wood pasture with many fine {\it Quercus robur} with frequent mixed age stands of {\it Betula pendula} and an understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Betula pendula} (W10a). There is much overmature wood with a good fungal flora. The groundflora consists of a mosaic of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with occasional {\it Hedera helix, Stellaria holostea, Holcus mollis, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} seedlings. {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Polypodium interjectum} are frequent as epiphytes. Lowland wood pasture is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. W7b {\it Alnus glutinosa - Fraxinus excelsior - Lysimachia nemorum} woodland, {\it Carex remota - Cirsium palustre} sub-community, has developed on base enriched soils along the stream banks in the western end of the woodland. The stream is fringed with {\it Salix cinerea} and {\it Sambucus nigra} with {\it Polystichum setiferum, Dryopteris dilatata, Juncus} sp., {\it Carex remota, Apium nodiflorum, Ranunculus ficaria, Cardamine flexuosa, Geranium robertianum, Silene dioica, Stachys sylvatica, Anthriscus sylvestris, Galium aparine, Rumex} sp. {\it Glyceria} sp., {\it Urtica dioica, Geum urbanum} and {\it G. rivale} recorded on the banks (Holt Heath NNR Managment Plan, 1994 and Survey of Holt Forest and Holt Wood, 28.02.92). 

{\it Corylus avellana} and locally {\it Salix cinerea} were also recorded in the understorey during the site visit and {\it Oxalis acetosella, Ruscus aculeatus, Lonicera periclymenum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Galeopsis tetrahit, Circaea lutetiana} and {\it Melampyrum pratense} in the groundflora. {\it Populus tremula} was recorded locally where the stream enters the common with some {\it Prunus spinosa} scrub and {\it Oenanthe crocata} recorded along the stream. {\it Ranunculus flammula, Juncus acutiflorus, Lotus pedunculatus} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris} were recorded along the central track at eastern end of the common. 

Along the roadside was an area of scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Galium aparine, Heracleum sphondylium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus} sp. and {\it Stellaria holostea} with scattered scrub of {\it Sambucus nigra, Betula pendula, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rosa} sp. There are a number of clearings to the west with continuous bracken or scattered bracken over semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Holcus lanatus, Galium saxatile, G. aparine, Stellaria graminea, Rumex acetosella, Stellaria holostea, Hypericum} sp. and {\it Cerastium glomeratum} locally with encroaching scrub. 

At the northern end, outside the SSSI and NNR, is a hedged track with verges supporting continuous bracken (locally scattered over {\it Holcus} sp. grassland), continuous scrub of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Salix cinerea} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and locally bare ground where scrub had been cleared and a new ditch dug. 

The SNCI at the northern end of the common, outside the SSSI, comprises an area of scrub surrounding shallow pools created by old clay working. The scrub consists of {\it Salix cinerea} and {\it Betula pubescens} with {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. The main interest is in the shallow pools, some of which are permanent and others transient. Species recorded include {\it Ranunculus flammula, R. peltatus, Callitriche} agg., {\it Apium inundatum, Polygonum hydropiper, Myosotis laxa, Veronica scutellata, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Eleogiton fluitans, Juncus} spp. and {\it Glyceria fluitans}. There was no access to this area which was surrounded by semi-improved neutral grassland. The large pond outside the SNCI supported a white {\it Nymphaea} sp. (ornamental?) and {\it Iris pseudacorus}. Both mesotrophic and eutrophic standing waters are key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MANAGE:
No management observations were made in the woodland during the site visit. There had been some scrub clearance alongside the track at the northern end of the common and a new ditch had also been dug here. Scrub encroachment in some of the woodland clearings was noted. The area around the ponds was fenced off with areas grazed by horses. 

There are seven rights of pasture on the common and limited grazing continued in Holt Wood until about ten years ago. At the time of the NNR Management Plan, no management had been carried out in Holt Wood since the site became a NNR. Cessation of grazing has resulted in {\it Quercus robur, Betula pendula} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} regeneration and the understorey is now often dense and impenetrable, locally enveloping {\it Quercus robur} and killing the lower branches (NNR Management Plan, 1994 and Holt Forest and Holt Wood survey 28.02.92).


FAUNA:
Rabbit, blackbird, yellowhammer, chaffinch, grey heron, stonechat, redpoll, chiffchaff, long-tailed tit, coal tit, the butterflies small blue, holly blue, small heath, gatekeeper and brimstone and oak eggar moth were recorded during the site visits. 

Holt Heath forms a large part of the Holt and West Moors Heaths SSSI supporting a rich heathland fauna including the birds hobby, nightjar and stonechat and important populations of Dartford Warbler and woodlark. The SSSI supports all 6 native British species of reptile including the rare and declining sand lizard and smooth snake in suitable habitat. The invertebrate fauna includes strong populations of the rare heath grasshopper and large marsh grasshopper and also of the uncommon bog bush cricket and long winged conehead. Silver-studded blue is amongst the many butterflies recorded and the rich dragonfly and damselfly fauna includes the nationally uncommon small red and scarce blue-tailed damselflies (SSSI citation). 

Curlew also breeds in the heathland areas of the SSSI and wintering bird species include hen harrier and merlin. The additional Odonata hairy dragonfly, downy emerald, white legged damselfly and ruddy darter, the nationally rare moths shoulder striped clover, dingy mocha and bagworm, the nationally scarce moths small grass emerald and small chocolate tip, 22 local species of moth, the nationally rare hoverflies {\it Chrysotoxum vernale, Microdon mutabilis} and {\it Pelecocera trincta}, the nationally scarce cranefly {\it Tipula holoptera}, the nationally rare Coleoptera {\it Platypus cylindrus, Neohilaria subterranea} and {\it Morellistena neuwaldeggiana} and a further 8 notable species, the nationally rare Hymenoptera {\it Cerceris quinquefasciata, Coelioxys quadridenta, Ceropales variegata, Cryptocheilus notatus, Diodontus insidiosus, Oufourea vulgaris, Gorytes laticinctus, Halictus confusus, Hedychrum niemelai, Hylaeus gibbus, Nomada argentata, N. robertjeotiana} and {\it Psen spooneri} and the nationally rare spider {\it Haplodrassus umbratilis} have been recorded from the SSSI (not necessarily from Holt Heath, Whole Site Objectives Statement). 

The heathland also supports large populations of grayling and purple hairstreak butterflies are associated with {\it Quercus robur} around the heathland boundary. Over 300 species of moth have been recorded from the heath including the additional notable species bordered grey, purple-bordered gold and marsh oblique-barred. Dormouse has been recorded from the heathland boundary and harvest mouse on the edge of the old refuse tip. Breeding tree pipit occurs on the heathland and snipe in the valley bog (breeding redshank was last recorded 1984). Recently short-eared owl and great-grey shrike have overwintered (Holt Heath NNR Management Plan).

Sand lizard and dormouse are listed on the short list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity action plan and nightjar, woodlark, large marsh grasshopper, silver studded blue butterfly, dingy mocha moth and the wasp {\it Cerceris quinquefasciata} are listed on the middle list.

VEG:
Holt Heath is the largest registered common in Dorset. It is situated in the east of the county to the north-east of Wimborne Minster. It slopes gently to the south-east, dropping away more steeply to the north. It is one of the largest remaining areas of heathland in Dorset. There are two Bronze age burial mounds on the common and an earthwork known as the Bee Garden of unknown origin. Three visits were made to the common on 22 and 25.07.97 (western end) and 15.09.97 (eastern end).

The higher ground supports dry heathland comprising varying proportions of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica cinerea}, each locally dominant, with some {\it Erica tetralix, Ulex minor, U. gallii} and some scattered {\it Ulex europaeus}. {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis curtisii, Pteridium aquilinum} and scattered {\it Pinus sylvestris} trees occur locally. {\it Cuscuta epithymum} is locally abundant. The lower plant flora includes {\it Cladonia} spp. (including {\it C. portentosa} and notably {\it C. crispata} var. {\it cetrariiformis}), {\it Campylopus} spp., {\it Pohlia nutans} and {\it Hypogymnia physodes}. Degenerate heath areas support {\it Dicranum scoparium, Hypnum jutlandicum, Polytrichum juniperinum} and various {\it Cladonia} spp. (Kite and Heath, 1994). Mown firebreaks support a grass-dominated vegetation with {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Agrostis curtisii} with varying amounts of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Erica} spp. The roadsides are bordered by a 'hedge' of {\it Ulex europaeus, Pteridium aquilinum} and other scrub species. 

Wetter/lower-lying parts support wet heath (with intermediate types) comprising {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Erica tetralix} with some {\it Calluna vulgaris}. {\it M. caerulea} is locally dominant forming areas of marshy grassland. Locally {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus acutiflorus, Rhynchospora alba, Myrica gale, Sphagnum} spp. and the nationally scarce* {\it Rhynchospora fusca} are present amongst the wet heath. There was much scrub invasion on the southernmost point of the common ({\it Ulex europaeus, Betula} sp. and {\it Pinus} sp.) and much {\it Salix cinerea} scrub in the drained area to the south. The nationally scarce* {\it Gentiana pneumonanthe} and {\it Lycopodiella inundata} occur in the wet heath areas (SSSI citation) and also {\it Drosera intermedia} and {\it Pinguicula lusitanica} (Kite and Heath, 1994). {\it Genista anglica} and {\it Salix repens} occur on the south-eastern parts of the heath (Kite and Heath, 1994).

The valley mire area was not surveyed due to time constraints but abundant {\it Narthecium ossifragum} with occasional {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} were noted at one point and locally dominant {\it Molinia caerulea} with {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Rhyncospora alba} at another. The uncommon {\it Sphagnum magellanicum} and {\it S. pulchrum} have been recorded from the valley mire. The upper reaches, just below the wet heath zone are dominated by {\it Sphagnum papillosum}. This is replaced by {\it S. cuspidatum} over large areas lower down the system. Large areas are dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, particularly where old drainage ditches lead to fluctuating water levels. There is a small valley mire to the north of the road, south of Crooked Withies with frequent {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia} and {\it Rhycospora alba}. The boundaries of these mires are only very approximate as indicated by the dashed line on the map.

There are a number of ponds on the common, mostly dug for emergency water supply. Cocks' Moor pond on the northern side of the road supported {\it Menyanthes trifoliata} and {\it Nymphaea alba?}, bordered by {\it Salix cinerea, Betula} sp. and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. 

A number of additional habitats occur around the periphery of the common. West of the road crossing the western end, there are areas which have been stripped of vegetation becoming recolonised by {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Rumex acetosella, Crepis capillaris} and {\it Cirsium vulgare} on recently stripped areas with vegetation dominated by {\it Agrostis curtisii} with scattered {\it Ulex} spp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Erica cinerea}, locally with {\it Holcus lanatus, Artemisia} sp. and {\it Papaver} sp. (ornamental) where more established. Locally there is much {\it Ulex} regeneration in such areas. There are also areas of continuous scrub comprising {\it Ulex europaeus}, in places with {\it Betula pendula, Sorbus aucuparia, Quercus robur, Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna, Salix capraea, Cytisus scoparius, Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., scattered {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Pinus sylvestris} trees and locally patches of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. 

Along the northern boundary there are a couple of areas of scrub/woodland comprising abundant {\it Betula} sp. with {\it Quercus robur, Ilex aquifolium, Salix capraea} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and locally {\it Polypodium} sp. beneath the trees. {\it Frangula alnus} was recorded on the edge of the woodland area near Paradise House. There are also a couple of small areas of semi-improved neutral grassland in the Crooked Withies area. Fringing woodland to the east of the northern section comprises {\it Betula} sp. with occasional {\it Quercus robur}, an understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium} and a groundflora of {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Teucrium scorodonia, Melampyrum pratense} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. 

Adjoining Whitesheet plantation are some areas of {\it Pinus sylvestris} woodland, probably self set from the plantation, with {\it Quercus robur, Betula pendula} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} in the understorey and groundflora species {\it Poa trivialis, Erica tetralix} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. grading through {\it Betula pendula} scrub to open heath west of the capped landfill. There is also an area here which has been stripped of vegetation and is being recolonised by {\it Ulex europaeus, Betula} saplings, {\it Digitalis purpurea, Erica cinerea, Calluna vulgaris, Rumex acetosella, Molinia caerulea, Holcus lanatus, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Senecio jacobaea}. 

Along the southern boundary east of Whitesheet planatation is a fringe of wet woodland comprising {\it Betula pubescens, Quercus robur, Salix cinerea} and occasional {\it Pinus} sp. with {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} in the understorey and groundflora species {\it Molinia caerulea, Hedera helix, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Also recorded were {\it Frangula alnus, Melampyrum pratense, Teucrium scorodonia, Blechnum spicant} and {\it Dryopteris dilatata}. 

Bordering Newman's Lane on the eastern boundary of the common is a narrow fringe of {\it Ulex europaeus, Betula pubescens, Salix cinerea, Quercus robur, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Prunus spinosa} scrub. There is a small area of {\it Betula pendula} scrub with {\it Molinia caerulea} in the groundflora where Newman's Lane turns eastwards. 

In the north-eastern corner of the common is an area of woodland with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Betula} sp., an understorey of {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} and a sparse groundflora of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}. 

Finally, along Burt's Lane (SU063049), wet woodland comprising {\it Alnus glutinosa, Salix cinerea, Betula pubescens} and {\it Corylus avellana} with a groundflora of {\it Urtica dioica, Carex remota, Hedera helix, Circaea lutetiana, Ribes} sp. and {\it Dryopteris dilatata} occurs.

Additional nationally scarce* species recorded from the SSSI (not necessarily occurring on the common) are {\it Crassula tillaea, Illecebrum verticillatum, Lotus subbiflorus} and the lower plants {\it Hypnum imponens, Schismatomma queriola} and {\it S. niveum} (Whole Site Objective's Statement). 

Lowland heathland, fen (incl. valley mire) and wet woodlands are key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

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

MANAGE:
Common grazing of the heath by cattle did not die out until the 1950's, considerably later than on most of the other Dorset heaths. One small area of valley bog near Crooked Withies is still grazed within electric fencing by a few cattle each year. Burning of the heath, especially gorse, was practised and this continued into the 1980's on the heath to the north of the road. Ditches were maintained to drain the bogs and although they have long since fallen into disuse many can still be located. There are numerous shallow pits on the plateau resulting from gravel extraction and this continued at the site until the mid 1980's (this is not a registered right). Aerial photographs taken in 1977 show an area of heather which had been cut by machine. It was presumably baled for commercial purposes. It is likely that other traditional practices which occurred widely on Dorset heathlands such as cutting of turf, peat, gorse and bracken also took place at Holt (NNR Management Plan, 1994) although the only registered right other than grazing rights is to take dead wood.

A map from 1890 shows considerably more pine on the southern block of the heath than at present. In the past two or three decades, fires have occurred quite regularly and some have been extensive. Although they must have had a serious impact at the time, they would have reversed the development of scrub over much of the heath at a time when little, if any, positive management was taking place (NNR Management Plan, 1994).

In 1955, planning permission was granted to Wimborne and Cranborne Rural District Council for the disposal of waste at Drivers Plantation on the heath (an area excluded from the registered common) where the extraction of sand and gravel was already in progress. The infill comprised predominantly household waste but quantities of liquid fats and 50 bags of asbestos are known to have been deposited. The tip closed in November 1980 (Environmental resources Ltd, 1991). The area of waste extends to approximately 11.75 ha and overlies a transition zone from dry heath to valley bog. Leachate emanating from the waste is having a serious impact on vegetation in the adjacent valley bog. DCC are currently undertaking site investigations with a view to carrying out remedial works. 

Since the site became a NNR a series of mown firebreaks was put in and water holes were excavated for emergency water supplies in the event of fire. Access points from the road were gated where there were no vehicular rights of access. Clearance of trees, mainly Scots pine with some birch and maritime pine, has been carried out over much of the site during the past six years. Efforts have in the main been concentrated on clearing young trees, which were invading heather. Some controlled burning of gorse has been carried out in the past four years (NNR Management Plan, 1994). According to the 1996 NNR leaflet English Nature are developing proposals to reintroduce grazing.

Various sites on the reserve are used illegally for rubbish dumping, mostly garden and tree cuttings by tradesmen. Stolen goods such as safes are sometimes dumped, usually in Cocks Moor Pond. Stolen vehicles are sometimes abandoned on the reserve. They are frequently set on fire and this on occasions leads to heath fires. 

Horse riding off the permitted paths and bridleways has lessened since waymarking was introduced in 1993. Trespass by off-road motorbikes is rare at present (NNR Management Plan, 1994).

At the time of the site visit an area of the heath was recovering from a burn in previous years to the east of the capped landfill. Areas of scrub had been burnt and others cut. There was much scrub encroachment on the southernmost point of the common and the area crossed by several drains. Several small areas had been skimmed of vegetation, particularly along the western edge of the common (former areas of {\it Ulex europaeus}?). There had been much {\it Rhododendron} clearance in the woodland near Crooked Withies. Firebreaks on the common are maintained by mowing. Horse riding on Bull Barrow where path badly eroded is being controlled. A few properties have encroached on the common around the periphery with areas regularly mown or gardened and a small enclosed field which had recently been cut. There were a couple of scrapped cars in the woodland near Mannington Farm at north-eastern end of common.


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel, roe deer, sparrowhawk, long-tailed tit, chiffchaff, blackbird, great tit, jay and speckled wood butterfly were recorded during the site visit. 

Noteworthy moth species recorded in Holt Forest include little thorn, ruddy highflier, square spot, red-green carpet and orange footman (Holt Heath NNR Management Plan, 1994). 

Butterflies recorded from Holt Forest include purple hairstreak, white admiral and silver-washed fritillary. Purple emperor was recorded several times in 1984 and 1985 (Butterfly site register).

VEG:
Holt Forest lies on soils derived from London clay to the west of the extensive Holt Heath (CL21) in the east of the county. It is an area of former wood pasture (lowland wood pasture is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan). It comprises semi-natural broadleaved woodland of {\it Quercus robur} with many fine mature oaks with a history of pollarding and locally frequent {\it Betula pendula} over a locally dense understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur} (W10a). Scattered {\it Fagus sylvatica} is present at the northernmost end and freely regenerating causing a shift towards W14. Dense shade and deep drifts of leaf litter have suppressed the groundflora which contains scattered {\it Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Lonicera periclymenum, Pteridium aquilinum, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Blechnum spicant} (Holt Heath NNR Management Plan, 1994 and survey 28.02.92). Occasional {\it Corylus avellana, Lonicera periclymenum, Salix cinerea} and {\it Taxus baccata} were also recorded in the understorey during the site visit and {\it Circaea lutetiana, Melica uniflora, Stellaria holostea, Carex remota, Veronica montana, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Juncus conglomeratus} and {\it Rumex sanguineus} in the groundflora. {\it Prunus avium, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Sorbus aria} were rare in the canopy and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Ribes rubrum} rare in the understorey. Occasional {\it Ruscus aculeatus, Lysimachia nemorum} and {\it Geum urbanum} were recorded at the northern end. There was a mature, fallen but still alive {\it Castanea sativa} at SU044060. {\it Epipactis helleborine} was recorded along the track to Brook Cottage. The presence of mature trees and much leaf litter probably provide important habitat for a number of invertebrate species and fungi. The wood bank along the northern boundary is lined with {\it Ilex aquifolium} with some {\it Blechnum spicant}.

A stream runs north-south through the centre of the forest. Oceanic oak woodland (W10e) has developed along the sheltered western edge of this stream north of the road which divides the common with frequent {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Betula pendula} in the canopy and frequent deadwood. The understorey comprises {\it Ilex aquifolium} (locally frequent). Here the groundflora is characterised by the abundance of ferns and mosses such as {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Blechnum spicant, Thuidium tamariscinum, Polytrichum commune} and {\it Sphagnum palustre} in addition to the species listed above. W7b is poorly developed on seepages in the valley and consists of a canopy of {\it Quercus robur, Betula pendula} and {\it Salix cinerea} with occasional {\it Quercus robur} in the understorey. The groundflora is indicative of a community shifting from an open mire system to oceanic oak woodland as the canopy closes with abundant {\it Sphagnum palustre}, frequent {\it S. fimbriatum} and occasional {\it Urtica dioica, Dryopteris dilatata, Carex remota} (locally dominant), {\it Molinia caerulea, Holcus mollis, Juncus effusus, Angelica sylvestris, Agrostis} sp., {\it Calliergon cuspidatum, Thuidium tamariscinum} and locally frequent {\it Polytrichum commune}. A small area of {\it Salix cinerea} carr (W6a) has developed on deep silt where drainage from the stream valley running north-south is impeded by the road bisecting the forest. Groundflora species recorded in this community were frequent {\it Galium aparine, Urtica dioica} and {\it Ranunculus repens} with locally frequent {\it Apium nodosum} and rarely {\it Cirsium palustre} (Holt Heath NNR Management Plan, 1994 and survey 28.02.92). Some {\it Sphagnum} sp. and {\it Molinia caerulea} were recorded beneath {\it Betula} sp. at SU041058.

The lichen and bryophyte flora is poor, but a detailed survey has not been undertaken. The shading caused by the {\it Ilex aquifolium} understorey is likely to have reduced the lichen interest on the old oaks. Two nationally scarce lichens, {\it Schismatomma quercicola} and {\it S. niveum} occur (Holt Heath NNR Management Plan, 1994 and survey 28.02.92). 

71 species of fungi were recorded from the forest in 1994, mostly on 01.10.94 including the occasional species {\it Lycoperdon echinatum, Mycena haematopus, M. polygramma, Paneolus semi-oratus} and {\it Rutstroemia firma}, the uncommon {\it Clitocybe giganteus, Mycena leucogala, Paneolus campanulatus} and {\it Panellus stipticus} and the rare {\it Marasmius hudsonii} and {\it Boletus parasiticus}. 

There is a small area of unimproved? neutral grassland at the south-eastern end of the common (at Broadlawn, mapped as semi-improved at the time of the 1982/83 county Phase 1 survey) with frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Ranunculus repens} and occasional {\it Cardamine pratensis, Ranunculus acris, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Cerastium fontanum, Holcus lanatus, Rumex acetosa, Plantago lanceolata, Festuca rubra, Centaurea nigra, Stellaria graminea, Alopecurus pratensis, Cirsium palustre} and locally {\it Juncus inflexus} and {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi}. {\it Succisa pratensis, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Agrimonia eupatorium} were recorded here during the county Phase 1 survey. There was some scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} at the northern end. There is also a pond at the northern end of this grassland area with a stand of {\it Typha latifolia} and some {\it Iris pseudacorus, Cardamine pratensis, Mentha aquatica, Oenanthe crocata} and {\it Myriophyllum} sp. surrounded by {\it Salix cinerea} scrub. Unimproved lowland hay meadow and both eutrophic and mesotropthic standing water are key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Immediately west of the grassland area is an area of {\it Betula pendula} dominated woodland with occasional {\it Salix cinerea, Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Quercus robur} in the understorey. The groundflora here was dominated by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Lonicera periclymenum, Luzula luzuloides?, Melampyrum pratense} and {\it Oxalis acetosella}.

MANAGE:
Holt Forest is an ancient royal forest and is mentioned in the Domesday book. The {\it Fagus sylvatica} at the northern end of the common was planted in about 1850 and is freely regenerating. The woodland was extensively grazed in the past, this practice dying out earlier this century. Cessation of grazing has resulted in {\it Quercus robur, Betula pendula} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} regeneration in the understorey which is now dense and often impenetrable. Since the site became an NNR, five small glades have been created in Holt Forest by removing the dense {\it Ilex aquifolium} and the main ride through the northern part of the forest has been widened. The roe deer population has been managed since the early 1980's following complaints from neighbours who were incurring regular damage to their crops. Grazing continued on the grassland area at Broadlawn until about ten years ago (NNR Management Plan and 1992 survey).

A strip of woodland beneath overhead power cables had been cleared near the road south of Brook Cottage. A lot of thinning/lopping was noted at the northern end of the common. A hay crop is taken from the grassland area and there had been some scrub clearance around the pond at the northern end. The grassland remains in good condition despite ten years without grazing. Generally the ranker grasses become more dominant in the absence of grazing. There were some beehives on the common south of Glen Farm and some dumped or stored farm machinery and crates were noted at SU037046.


FAUNA:
Deer slots, linnet, yellowhammer and chiffchaff were recorded during the site visit. Adders are seen by local residents on the common. The dragonfly {\it Orthetrum cancellatum} was recorded from the bog area on 29.07.83. Both the sand lizard and smooth snake occur at King Barrow being the most northerly location in Dorset. 23 species of bees and wasps were recorded from the common (10.07.95, S.R. and G.R.Else), a number of which are ground-nesting species, including the notable sphecid wasp {\it Crabro scutellatus} and the local wasps {\it Hedychridium roseum, Myrmosa atra, Astata boops, Crabro cribrarius, Stigmus solskyi, Ammophila sabulosa} and the bees {\it Hylaeus confusus, Andrena dorsata} and {\it Lasioglossum zonulum}. 

Dartford Warbler and Nightjar breed on the SSSI of which this common forms part. The rare heath and large marsh grasshoppers have been recorded as well as bog bush cricket, small red damselfly and silver studded blue (SSSI citation). 

Sand lizard is listed on the short list of globally threatened/declining species on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and nightjar, linnet, silver studded blue butterfly and large marsh grasshopper on the middle list.

VEG:
Land at Cripplestyle comprises the area surrounding King Barrow (CL162) to the north of Verwood in the east of the county. It supports the most northerly heathland on the Tertiary deposits in Dorset and forms part of the Cranborne Common SSSI. The common largely supports acid, dry dwarf shrub heath comprising varying proportions of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, E. cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii}, locally with {\it Molinia caerulea}. Scattered {\it Betula pendula} and pines occur locally. The parasitic {\it Cuscuta epithymum, Cladonia} sp. and {\it Polygala} sp. were also recorded. The occurrence of {\it U. gallii} on this heathland is of interest being an outlier of the main distribution in Dorset. Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The lower south-facing slopes are fenced off with some {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated grassland/mire with some {\it Erica cinerea, Ulex gallii, Narthecium ossifragum} and some scattered scrub. During the 1983 Phase 1 survey {\it Calluna vulgaris/Erica tetralix} humid heath was recorded in this area grading into wet heath. Immediately south of the fence a small strip of bog was recorded dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Erica tetralix} with {\it Rhyncospora alba, Drosera rotundifolia, Juncus squarrosus} and several {\it Sphagnum} spp. including {\it S. compactum, S. auriculatum} and {\it S. cuspidatum}. {\it D. intermedia} has also been recorded. Additional species recorded from the bog communities of the SSSI include {\it Anagallis tenella} and the national scarce* species {\it Lycopodiella inundata} and {\it Gentiana pneumonanthe} ({\it L. inundata} is listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In the wetter areas of the SSSI the local {\it Sphagnum magellanicum} occurs together with the nationally scarce* {\it Rhynchospora fusca} and {\it Carex curta}, a species rare in southern Britain. Where the heath is grazed on the SSSI the additional characteristic species {\it Genista anglica, Cirsium dissectum, Pedicularis palustris} and {\it Parentucellia viscosa} occur (SSSI citation). The nationally scarce* {\it Cicendia filiformis} has also been recorded from the SSSI (Whole Site Objectives Statement).

An area of heath at the eastern end had been burnt, probably accidentally, and was supporting {\it Molinia caerulea} (locally dominant), {\it Ulex gallii, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca ovina, Senecio sylvaticus?} and {\it Hypericum} sp. There is an area of continuous scrub to the north of the burnt area comprising {\it Betula} sp., {\it Salix} sp., {\it Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and young pines with {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Centaurea nigra, Galium aparine, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}.

At the extreme north-eastern end of the common is a small area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Betula pendula}, an understorey of {\it Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium, Ulmus glabra, Salix} sp. and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and a groundflora of {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Hedera helix, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Saponaria officinalis?, Molinia caerulea} (locally abundant) and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. South of the woodland is an area dominated by {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with {\it Molinia caerulea} and scattered scrub. 

There is some localised scrub encroachment around the margins of the common comprising {\it Betula} sp. (locally dominant), {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with some {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. There is an area of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} also in the north-western corner of the common. There is a fenced off pit west of the area of {\it P. aquilinum} here with a sign warning 'pit unsafe', the westernmost end of which is being gardened. 

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

MANAGE:
The main area of heathland appeared to be in good condition (it is grazed?). There were some old {\it Ulex gallii} bushes which had collapsed and some old dead {\it Calluna vulgaris}. Regeneration of {\it Erica tetralix} was noted. There was a small mown strip in the northwest. Two deep drains were noted in the bog area during the 1983 Phase 1 survey and it was thought this area might not survive long. Damage to the heath in the form of a number of tracks frequently used by heavy vehicles was also noted during the latter survey. 

The eastern end is in need of management. The burn was probably as a result of an accidental fire and the only heathland component observed regenerating was {\it Ulex gallii}. There is scrub encroachment on the remaining heathland in this area and an area dominated by {\it Pteridium aquilinum} over {\it Molinia caerulea}. Dumped rubbish was noted in a couple of places at this end of the common. 

There is internal fencing on the common and a small part is being gardened. 

Management of the common as a whole should be targetted at the habitat requirements of the local and rare species it supports.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit. Long-winged conehead was noted during the Dorset SNCI survey 1990/91.

VEG:
Leigh common is a low-lying, level area of common land situated on the outskirts of Wimborne Minster in east Dorset in the valley of the River Stour. It largely supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland of {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Quercus robur} each locally dominant with an understorey of {\it Salix cinerea} (also locally dominant). The groundflora comprises {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Hedera helix, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Urtica dioica, Pteridium aquilinum, Geum urbanum, Carex remota, Stellaria holostea, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and locally {\it Athyrium filix-femina}. (This area was described as mostly {\it Salix} woodland in the SINC survey 1990/91, with drier areas supporting {\it Quercus robur} over {\it Corylus avellana}. {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris} was recorded from the damper areas and a few plants of {\it Dryopteris carthusiana}). 

There is a large grassy clearing within the wood supporting semi-improved neutral grassland with locally dominant {\it Holcus lanatus} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}, frequent {\it Ranunculus repens} and {\it Potentilla anserina} and occasional {\it Oenanthe crocata, Juncus effusus, Lycopus europaeus, Cirsium palustre, Rumex acetosa, Galium palustre, Juncus articulatus} and {\it Lotus corniculatus}. {\it Succisa pratensis, Lotus pedunculatus} and {\it Ranunculus flammula} were locally frequent and {\it Potentilla erecta, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Hypericum tetrapterum}, locally occasional. There are scattered young {\it Betula} sp. through this area. To the north this area grades into marshy grassland with abundant {\it Oenanthe crocata} and {\it Calystegia sepium} with occasional {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Cirsium palustre, Epilobium hirsutum, Ranunculus repens, Urtica dioica, Dryopteris carthusiana?} and {\it Symphytum} sp. {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} was also recorded during the SINC survey 1990/91. 

There is a pond within the woodland, recently cleaned out, supporting {\it Typha latifolia, Oenanthe crocata, Glyceria maxima, Potamogeton} sp. and {\it Angelica sylvestris}. Near the pond is a small grassy clearing with {\it Molinia caerulea, Juncus articulatus} and {\it Dryopteris carthusiana?}. {\it Hypericum elodes, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Sparganium erectum, Typha latifolia} and {\it Glyceria fluitans} were recorded from the pond during the SINC survey. 

At the western end of the woodland are areas of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} dominated grassland with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea} and tall ruderal vegetation of {\it Angelica sylvestris, Urtica dioica, Aegopodium podagraria, Rumex obtusifolius, Symphytum} sp. and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. 

The road verges along the southern edge of the woodland support semi-improved neutral grassland, generally species-poor, but locally richer comprising frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Festuca rubra, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla reptans, Achillea millefolium, Trifolium repens} and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus repens, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Centaurea nigra} and locally {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Agrimonia eupatorium}. There is a wet ditch between the woodland and the verge supporting {\it Glyceria maxima, Apium nodiflorum, Scrophularia nodosa, Epilobium hirsutum, Mentha aquatica, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Polygonum hydropiper, Typha latifolia, Callitriche} sp. and locally {\it Reynoutria japonica}. 

The verges east of the woodland support amenity grassland with frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Plantago lanceolata, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata}, locally with {\it Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. The verge to the north is bordered by a defunct, species-rich hedgerow comprising {\it Symphoricarpos albus, Ulmus} sp., {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Salix cinerea} and to the south an intact, species-poor hedgerow of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus} sp. and {\it Salix cinerea}. 

The western end of the common (north of Leigh Road) supports semi-improved neutral grassland of frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra} and {\it Agrostis capillaris} with occasional {\it Hypochaeris radicata, Bellis perennis} and {\it Achillea millefolium} with some planted trees of {\it Fagus sylvatica, Sorbus aucuparia, Fraxinus excelsior, Acer} sp. and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum} (similar vegetation is also found on the area opposite, south of Leigh Road). There are a couple of ponds in this area, largely silted up and supporting swamp vegetation dominated by {\it Glyceria maxima} with some {\it Phragmites australis} and {\it Oenanthe crocata} and surrounded by {\it Salix} spp. scrub. South of the ponds is an area of tall ruderal vegetation dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} with {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and scattered {\it Salix fragilis} bordering a drain supporting {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Apium nodiflorum, Sparganium erectum, Symphytum} sp. and {\it Callitriche} sp. There are also a couple of areas of continuous scrub of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Salix} sp. on this part of the common. Bordering the eastern edge of this area is a strip of broadleaved woodland comprising {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna, Reynoutria japonica, Ligustrum vulgare, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ilex aquifolium} with some {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Bromopsis ramosa} beneath. 

Leigh common was a famous botanical site in the 1930's with the nationally rare* {\it Ranunculus ophioglossifolius} (never confirmed), {\it Pulicaria vulgaris} and {\it Cyperus fuscus} and the nationally scarce** {\it Oenanthe silaifolia} recorded (SINC survey).

*Nationally rare species are those occuring in 15 or fewer 10km squares in Britain.

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

MANAGE:
The woodland area of the common is managed as a local nature reserve by East Dorset District Council. The pond had recently been cleared out and the grassy clearing was being grazed by three cattle within an electric fence. The clearing was described as long and rank and becoming invaded by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. during the SINC survey, 1990/91. {\it Betula} sp. is also invading this area. Locally there was limited groundflora/understorey in the woodland where grazing stock had been which should be prevented. There had also been some scrub clearance, and boardwalks had been constructed over parts. Outside the LNR, most areas are regularly mown and there has been some ornamental tree planting. The ponds on the western end of the common have become silted up and would benefit from being cleared out.


FAUNA:
Blackbird and robin were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Land at Colehill comprises two parcels of land to the north of Wimborne Minster in east Dorset. The western section is situated on a north-facing slope and supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Betula pendula} with locally occasional {\it Pinus} sp. and rarely {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fagus sylvatica}. The understorey consists of frequent {\it Ilex aquifolium}, occasional {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Castanea sativa, Lonicera periclymenum, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Rhododendron} sp. and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} (locally frequent) and locally {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. The groundflora was dominated by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with frequent {\it Hedera helix}, occasional {\it Urtica dioica, Teucrium scorodonia, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Circaea lutetiana} and rarely {\it Polypodium} sp. and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}. {\it Alliaria petiolata} occurred around the margins. There is a strip of scrub running through the common beneath overhead cables comprising {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Corylus avellana, Betula pendula, Ilex aquifolium, Castanea sativa, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

The eastern section is a level area also supporting semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy dominated by {\it Betula pendula} with occasional {\it Quercus robur} and rarely {\it Fagus sylvatica}. The understorey consists of frequent {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., occasional {\it Prunus laurocerasus} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}, rarely {\it Quercus robur, Rhododendron} sp. and {\it Fagus sylvatica} and with {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Corylus avellana} at the edge. The groundflora was sparse due to the frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with {\it Urtica dioica, Hedera helix} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas} recorded. In the corner at the cross-roads is a small area of semi-improved neutral grassland comprising frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Crepis capillaris, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium} and occasional {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg.

MANAGE:
No recent management was observed within the woodland areas. A strip had been cleared beneath overhead cables on the western section now supporting continuous scrub. The latter section is criss-crossed by bicycle tracks with earth mounds forming 'jumps'. The small area of grassland on the eastern section is regularly mown.


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel, jay, blackbird, chaffinch, kestrel and Dartford warbler were recorded during the site visit. 

The fauna of the Corfe and Barrow Hills SSSI (of which this common forms part) includes some rare species, notably the two reptiles almost confined to Dorset; sand lizard and smooth snake which frequent the dry heath, and the Dartford Warbler, similarly confined to the heathland of southern England. The damper areas have good populations of the local bog bush cricket and the rare relative long winged conehead has also been recorded. Silver-studded blue and nightjar are also listed on the Whole Site Objective's Statement. 

The following is the report on a faunal survey of the Corfe and Barrow Hills SSSI taken from the management plan (1991-1995):

The wet heath and bog areas of the northern (Barrow Hill common) and southern blocks proved the most productive areas for invertebrates. Here craneflies were numerous, including {\it Dolichopeza albipes}, an infrequently recorded species, and hoverflies such as {\it Eumerus tuberculatus} and {\it Eristalis intricarius}. Long winged coneheads were fairly common while in the northern block alone several lesser marsh grasshoppers were found. Within the bog pools few species were found, although water beetles such as {\it Helophorus aequalis, H. brevipalpis} and {\it H. flavipes} were abundant. A single dragonfly species was recorded, this being the large red damselfly.

On the dry heath a number of hoverflies typical of dry sites were found such as {\it Xanthogramma pedisequum} and {\it Sphaerophoria} sp. Green tiger beetles ({\it Cincidella campestris}) were frequent along the paths along with slender sand wasp ({\it Ammophila sabulosa}), small copper, grayling and small heath butterflies. At night, a single glow-worm was found amongst wavy hair grass near Rushcombe Bottom on the northern block: 

Within the heath itself, green hairstreak and common heath moth ({\it Ematurga atomaria}) occur. Overhead, dragonflies were infrequent but included Emperor dragonfly, southern hawker and golden-ringed dragonfly. Along the woodland fringe in the northern block, additional butterfly species were found such as purple hairstreak and holly blue. 

This is an extremely good site for reptiles, with all six British species present, and confirmed in 1990. Common lizard are ubiquitous through the site, while slow worm were more infrequent. Both were recorded in the dry heath and from upon purple moor grass tussocks. In the wet heath, grass snake is largely confined to the wet heath and woodland edge of the southern and northern blocks, while adders are confined to the dry heath and are perhaps under recorded.

Of the rarer species, the burning of the central heathland within the northern block has reduced the area in which smooth snake were previously recorded, whilst a large sand lizard colony here may well have been lost. Elsewhere, both species have been confirmed within the central block with populations perhaps centred to the north-east of the block. Although several sand lizard were confirmed on the plateau of the southern block, smooth snake were not. 

Roe deer were regularly spotted in the northern block, often found lying up in the mire.

Sand lizard is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and silver-studded blue butterfly and nightjar on the middle list.

VEG:
Barrow Hill Common is situated on the outskirts of Corfe Mullen to the north of Poole. It lies on the Tertiary deposits immediately south of the valley of the River Stour. It falls away into Rushcombe Bottom to the south. There are 3 tumuli on the common forming part of a series of six skyline burial mounds dating from the Bronze Age Wessex culture (R.Legg, 1995). The common was subject to a botanical survey (in 1990?) together with the rest of the SSSI for the SSSI Management plan (1991-1995) which forms the basis of this report.

The upper parts of the common support dry dwarf shrub heath. A large fragment of mature heath has been much burnt over recent years. The 1983  NCC survey found {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} to be co-dominant with small amounts of {\it Erica cinerea} amongst the stand. Since then there have been a number of severe fires in 1988 and 1989 which have resulted in approximately 30 percent of the total dry heath being burnt. The most recent fires occurred in the central hill-top area while older fires appear to have occurred to the north and east of this area. 

In the most recently burnt areas, {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Agrostis curtisii} have colonised while in places, {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is present in large stands (partly old stands but with spread occurring at the stand periphery). The underlying flinty soils are extremely thin and in places most of the surface organic fraction and litter appears to have burnt away. Charred specimens of mature {\it Betula pendula} (and scrubby regrowth) indicate that numerous trees have invaded the heathland.

In the older regenerating areas, regrowth is considerable with {\it Erica cinerea} reaching approximately 0.15m in height, {\it Ulex gallii} to 0.25m and {\it Calluna vulgaris} to 0.12m in height respectively. {\it Molinia caerulea} is sparse but widely distributed through the area, with local concentrations of parasitic {\it Cuscuta epithymum} and occasional {\it Polygala serpyllifolia}. To the north, {\it Betula pendula} scrub has extensively invaded the heath, while to the west and east there are dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum} stands.

Along the western edges of the mature dry heath {\it Ulex europaeus}, reaching approximately 2.7m in height, is present amongst which are tree saplings such as {\it Quercus} sp., {\it Betula pendula} and occasional {\it Salix capraea} and {\it Pinus sylvestris}. Patches of broom {\it Cytisus scoparius} also occur. To the east and north-east of the heath, there are several specimens of mature {\it Pinus sylvestris} within the heath, whilst along the ancient field boundaries, there are mature {\it Quercus} sp. Along the footpaths, {\it Rumex acetosella} is frequent, while additional species include {\it Polygonum aviculare, P. persicaria, Filago minima} and, on the steeper banks, {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}. 

At the time of the site visit, the upper part of the common appeared to have recovered from the past burning and supported tall, mature heath. There was an exclosure in this area with much {\it Agrostis curtisii}. The south-facing slope dropping down to the area of wet heath had been more recently burnt and was being recolonised by {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis curtisii, Ulex gallii, Erica cinerea} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. At the eastern end of the dry heath is an area of dry heath/acid grassland mosaic with {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Agrostis curtisii} and scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

The lower slopes of the common (below the 65m contour line) support wet dwarf-shrub heath. As for much of the dry heath, the western tracts have been burnt (? several years ago in 1990) and were regenerating.

To the west, {\it Molinia caerulea} is dominant, forming almost homogeous stands in places, whilst within the wetter areas, the growth becomes defined to distinct tussocks. There are charred remains of {\it Ulex europaeus} reaching approximately lm in height, whilst in the more open areas, the regrowth consists of {\it Agrostis curtisii, Ulex gallii, Polygala serpyllifolia} and occasional young {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Quercus} sp. Scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} was noted at the eastern end during the site visit and at the western end the wet heath/acid grassland mosaic graded into drier grassland comprising {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis curtisii} and scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

{\it Erica tetralix} is infrequent but forms dense localised patches in the most open areas and here {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Ulex gallii} become uncommon and are replaced by species such as {\it Cuscuta epithymum, Juncus acutiflorus}, low hummocks of the moss {\it Leucobryum glaucum} and {\it Hypnum cupressiforme}. 

The stand grades into mire and bog vegetation in the lower lying central southern and eastern areas of the wet heath, the transition being marked by tussocky {\it Molinia caerulea} (from c. 0.1-0.2m to c. 0.8-l.0m in height) and species such as {\it Potentilla erecta} and patches of green {\it Sphagnum} sp. Amongst the grassy tussocks, numerous specimens of {\it Dactylorhiza maculata} ssp. {\it ericetorum} are present while occasional species include {\it Pedicularis palustris, Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Cirsium dissectum}.

{\it Molinia caerulea} tussocks in the mire reach approximately 0.5m in diameter and between them standing and flowing water appears. Patches of green {\it Sphagnum} and {\it Potentilla erecta} are frequent at the tussock bases, while {\it Dactylorhiza maculata} ssp. {\it ericetorum} and {\it Cirsium dissectum} occur on the larger tussocks. 

There is a small central island of scrub, formed from {\it Salix capraea} and {\it Frangula alnus}, amongst which {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. are present. In the more shaded areas, herbs include {\it Lonicera periclymenum, Scutellaria minor, Athyrium filix-femina} and the mosses {\it Leucobryum glaucum} and {\it Calypogeia muellerana}.

Further south, {\it Betula/Quercus} scrub overlies the mire, and here dense patches of green {\it Sphagnum} and the moss {\it Mnium hornum} are frequent. Additional moss species include {\it Fissidens adianthoides, Kurzia pauciflora, Thuidium tamariscinum, Eurynchium} sp. and the thalloid liverwort {\it Pellia epiphyllea}. An usual moss species here is {\it Hookeria lucens}, usually associated with deeply-shaded moist woodland. {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Dryopteris dilatata} are common. Water drains from the mire through a soak much infilled by leaf litter. Here {\it Carex laevigata, C. echinata} and {\it Juncus bufonius} occur along with the thalloid liverwort {\it Aneura pinguis}.

Approximately four areas of bog vegetation were identified within the area of wet heath. The westernmost site has been damaged in the past by fire. Here, {\it Molinia caerulea, Erica tetralix, Juncus acutiflorus, J. articulatus} and {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} are frequent. Uncommon species include {\it Trichophorum cespitosum, Drosera rotundifolia} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}. Sphagna are numerous and the NCC 1983 survey recorded the species {\it Sphagnum compactum, S.tenellum, S.rubellum, S. auriculatum} and the nationally scarce {\it S. pulchrum}.

The eastern sites all grade into dense tussocks of {\it Molinia caerulea} and here the community becomes reduced to green {\it Sphagnum} and occasional open water. Of interest, where a large pine has fallen, the hole beneath the root plate has infilled to form a small pool. Here Sphagna are colonising about the edge while unusually, several specimens of {\it Potamogeton natans} have appeared.

Areas of woodland have developed around the periphery of the common. Along the southern edge of the common, typical acid {\it Quercus-Betula} woodland has formed amongst which {\it Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana} and occasional {\it Sorbus aucuparia} are present. Several specimens of {\it Quercus robur} are of considerable size, reaching over lm in diameter. The ground layer consists of sparse vegetation amongst deep leaf litter. In places the bare sandy soils are exposed, and mosses such as {\it Atrichum undulatum} form patchy colonies. Here, creeping soft grass {\it Holcus mollis, Luzula multiflora, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Lonicera periclymenum} are most dominant. Seedlings of {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Quercus robur} are common. The northern edge of the woodland has spread onto the adjacent wet heath and consists of {\it Betula} scrub amongst which are several mature {\it Pinus sylvestis}. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is abundant beneath. 

A fragment of mature {\it Quercus/Betula} woodland has formed over undulating ground in the west containing a complex of banks (representing part of the Roman Road and/or boundary banks) and borrow pits. Considerable amounts of litter have been tipped in the most northerly depression and beds of {\it Urtica dioica} have formed. Dominant trees are {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur} with a species-poor ground layer of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Hedera helix}. Occasional {\it Pinus} sp. was recorded in the canopy during the site visit together with {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Salix cinerea} in the understorey and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Hedera helix} in the groundflora. Along the western edge of the path through this area is a steep bank of heathland vegetation. To the north and east the woodland has expanded onto the heath, and here {\it Betula pendula} and young {\it Quercus robur} trees overlie a ground layer dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}. 

Along the north-western boundary of the common there is a line of mature trees. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is frequent in the ground layer with {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex} sp. often forming large tangles. To the north of this woodland stand, there are a series of large pollard {\it Quercus robur} which represent the line of a former boundary. The surrounding ground cover here is sparse and a deep leaf litter layer has formed. 

In the south-western corner of the common an area of woodland has formed over damp soils with only the perimeter fringe representing mature {\it Quercus/Betula} woodland. Here, {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Molinia caerulea} dominate with occasional patches of {\it Prunus laurocerasus} in the extreme south-western corner. Regeneration includes seedling {\it Ilex aquifolium, Quercus robur} and {\it Betula} sp. in order of apparent abundance. The groundflora is again poor, with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} dominating the deep leaf litter, along with {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. There is a small glade in the corner which contains dry-heath vegetation with {\it Ulex europaeus} most dominant, but {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea} and {\it Ulex gallii} are all represented. It is separated from the rest of the dry heath within this block by a l0m wide band of {\it Betula} scrub.

The common is bordered along the southern edge by a stream which is heavily shaded through most of its length. The shallow waters flow slowly to the east over a pebble/gravel bottom. There are no aquatic or emergent plants present, but considerable marginal vegetation. Shading is predominantly by mature {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Betula} sp. trees and here there are a few herbs present, such as {\it Geum urbanum, Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it Ranunculus ficaria}. Along the more open bankside, there is a stand of {\it Phalaris arundinacea}, while elsewhere woodland species such as {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Stellaria holostea, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Galium aparine} and {\it Silene dioica} are present. About the sink draining from the central southern area of the mire into the stream, {\it Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Sambucus nigra} overlie the banks. Here, {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Cardamine flexuosa, Digitalis purpurea, Hedera helix, Cirsium palustre} and {\it Carex pendula} occur. Ferns are abundant and include {\it Athyrium filix-femina, Dryopteris dilatata, Blechnum spicant} and {\it Polystichum setiferum}.

Small populations of the nationally rare* {\it Erica ciliaris} and the nationally scarce** {\it Gentiana pneumonanthe} occur on the SSSI. 

Lowland heathland and fen (incl. mire) are key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

* Nationally rare species are those occuring in 15 or fewer 10 km squares in Britian.

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

MANAGE:
The common is apparently subject to quite frequent accidental burns. Although heathland can benefit from burning as a management tool, accidental and uncontrolled burns can be quite damaging. The heathland to date appears to have recovered well but the populations of the rare smooth snake and sand lizard colony have not fared so well and may even have been lost from the site. Past burning of the wet heath may have resulted in this area being dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}. Areas of recent scrub control were observed such as along the north-west boundary of the heath where there was also much dead heather (the area had been herbicided?). Further scrub clearance is required, particularly where woodland areas are encroaching on the heathland. There was an enclosure within the dry heath area but it was unclear what purpose this served. The groundflora of the woodland in the southwestern corner had been much eroded by human recreation. Considerable amounts of litter had been tipped in the most northerly depression in this area at the time the management plan was produced (1991) and beds of {\it Urtica dioica} had formed.


FAUNA:
Goldcrest, pheasant and the butterflies small tortoiseshell and small copper were recorded during the site visit. Mute swan was seen on the river. The narrow fringe of woodland bordering the eastern boundary of Hinton Moor supported a large colony of rooks. Buzzard was recorded over Pilsmoor.

At the time of the National Trust Biological Survey (June, 1982) lapwing were plentiful on Pilsmoor and undoubtedly breeding. Possible redshank and curlew were also seen. Common hare was present. Lapwing and another wader species were noted flying over Hinton Moor and about twelve pairs of lapwing and occasional snipe are reported to nest. A breeding bird survey of both areas was recommended. Water birds seen along the River Allen which adjoins this common were coot, moorhen, mallard and mute swan, all either with nests or young. Kingfisher was seen along the Hinton moor section and house martins were seen feeding overhead. Signs of water vole were noted widely, both along the river and drainage ditches. A number of damselflies were noted; banded demoiselle along the river, blue-tailed, large red and one of the blue damselflies along the drainage ditches on Pilsmoor. The common {\it Mentha aquatica}-feeding leaf beetle {\it Chrysolina polita} was also present. 

Water vole and brown hare are listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Hinton Moor to the north and Pilsmoor to the south are two areas of common land, connected in the past by a track, making up this register unit lying adjacent to the River Allen north of Wimborne Minster. 

Hinton Moor has all been ploughed up at various stages. Part to the north was under arable cultivation and areas supported improved grassland dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with occasional {\it Trifolium repens, Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Potentilla anserina}. {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} was locally occasional. Longer-standing areas supported semi-improved grassland with frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Holcus lanatus} and occasional {\it Ranunculus repens, Rumex conglomeratus, Trifolium repens, Dactylis glomerata, Cerastium fontanum, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}. {\it Urtica dioica} was locally frequent and {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Potentilla anserina} also occurred locally. 

Drains on the common add additional diversity with {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Eupatorium cannabinum, Glyceria maxima, G. fluitans, Apium nodiflorum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Filipendula ulmaria, Sparganium erectum?, Pulicaria dysenterica, Phalaris arundinacea, Juncus inflexus, Equisetum fluviatile?, Myosotis scorpioides, Cirsium vulgare, Galium palustre, Solanum dulcamara, Deschamspia cespitosa, Scutellaria galericulata, Mentha aquatica, Veronica beccabunga, Lemna} sp. and {\it Hypericum tetrapterum}, locally overgrown with {\it Salix cinerea, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Locally the ditches were quite rich, elsewhere fairly species-poor. A small stretch of the River Allen near Barnsley Farm is included in the common which was fringed with {\it Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Glyceria maxima} with {\it Ranunculus flammula, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Myosotis scorpiodes}. There was some {\it Salix cinerea} on the bank. 

Hedgerows bordering this part of the common were generally species-poor with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa} and locally {\it Cornus sanguinea, Salix cinerea} and {\it Ulmus} sp. The eastern boundary (at least to the south of Ashton Farm) is an old ditch and bank beyond which there is a strip of {\it Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Alnus glutinosa} woodland with the latter species encroaching on the common. {\it Ligustrum vulgare, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} were present in the understorey. 

Pilsmoor also apparently largely supports improved and species-poor semi-improved neutral grassland similar to on Hinton Moor although access was only negotiated to the eastern part of this section. {\it Poa pratensis} was also fairly frequent and {\it Cirsium arvense} was locally frequent as well as {\it Urtica dioica}. There was locally scattered {\it Juncus effusus} and locally frequent {\it Phleum pratense}. There was also an area of marshy grassland comprising frequent {\it Juncus effusus, Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera} with locally frequent {\it Ranunculus repens} and scattered patches dominated by {\it Carex nigra} and occasional {\it Trifolium repens, Rumex acetosa, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Leontodon autumnalis, Potentilla anserina, Ranunculus flammula, Carex hirta, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Glyceria} sp. {\it Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} were also recorded from Pilsmoor during the National Trust Biological survey in 1982.

The main drain running north-west to south-east supported rather lush vegetation with abundant {\it Apium nodiflorum} and {\it Equisetum fluviatile?} with {\it Eupatorium cannabinum, Juncus effusus, Galium palustre, Sparganium erectum?, Deschampsia cespitosa, Veronica baccabunga} and locally much {\it Carex acutiformis, Phalaris arundinacea} and algae. There was some scattered {\it Salix cinerea, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. along the ditches and {\it Viburnum opulus} was also recorded. {\it Potamogeton natans?} was recorded from the stream bordering the east of Pilsmoor by the National Trust in 1982 with small stands of {\it Carex riparia, Typha latifolia} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea} and locally large cushions of {\it Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum}. Also noted were {\it Veronica catenata, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Mentha aquatica, Apium nodiflorum, Ranunculus trichophyllus} and {\it Glyceria fluitans?}. Only some {\it Apium nodiflorum} was noted along this stream during the site visit. 

There was a short length of species-rich hedgerow along the eastern boundary comprising {\it Salix cinerea, Ulmus glabra, Fraxinus exclesior, Euonymus europaeus, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Cornus sanguinea}. A small area of woodland borders the eastern side with {\it Corylus avellana, Salix cinerea, Fraxinus exclesior, Quercus robur, Populus tremula, Iris pseudacorus} and locally frequent {\it Carex acutiformis}. 

South of High Hall copse (an SNCI) and continuing south along the disused track is a small area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland with canopy species {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur} and {\it Prunus avium} and occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} with an understorey of {\it Salix cinerea, Ulmus glabra, Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana, Acer campestre, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. Groundflora species recorded were {\it Hedera helix, Bromopsis ramosa, Iris foetidus?, Fraxinus excelsior, Mercurialis perennis, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. The track to the north of the woodland was no longer evident (should it follow the edge of High Hall copse?).

MANAGE:
Hinton moor and Pilsmoor are no longer traditionally managed as common land. There are a number of tennant farmers managing different parts subdivided by internal fencing; either rightholders or by agreement of the rightholders. Hinton moor and much of Pilsmoor is under grass ley and arable cultivation. Part of Hinton moor was due to be ploughed and reseeded the summer of the site visit. There was no stock grazing Hinton moor at the time of the site visit and is probably largely managed for silage. There was some scrub encroachment along the eastern boundary. Much of Pilsmoor was being managed as cattle pasture. The most interesting area of the common botanically was the area of marshy grassland on Pilsmoor which is probably also a valuable habitat for breeding waders. Any improvement of this area should be avoided. The drains on Hinton Moor appear to be less intensively managed than at the time of the NT survey with a fairly diverse flora in places. Both Hinton Moor and Pilsmoor were probably once areas of floodplain grazing marsh, one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Hinton Moor no longer appears to be grazed but parts of Pilsmoor Moor may still qualify for this key habitat. The continued presence of brown hare and water vole as species on the short-list of globally threatened/endangered species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan needs to be verified and the appropriate habitat managed accordingly.


FAUNA:
Carrion crow, wood pigeon, goldfinch, magpie and the butterflies red admiral, speckled wood and small white were recorded during the site visit. Track verges appeared good for grasshoppers. Field margins at the southern end of the common are managed for ground nesting birds.

VEG:
King Down is situated on predominantly east-facing slopes on the edge of the River Allen valley north-west of Wimborne Minster. The common is largely under arable cultivation for a variety of crops including wheat, maize and turnip? Some {\it Viola tricolor} and {\it Solanum nigrum} were recorded in one arable field. Other areas are under {\it Lolium perenne} ley cultivation. 

The uncut field margin around the southernmost field supported frequent {\it Lolium perenne} with {\it Senecio jacobaea, Trifolium repens, Odontites vernus, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Plantago major}, locally frequent {\it Dipsacus fullonum} and locally occasional {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. The cut area was dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with frequent {\it Trifolium repens} and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Ranunculus repens}. There is a small area of mature {\it Fagus sylvatica} woodland (plantation) along the western boundary of this area and there had been some further planting of trees. Hedgerow species here included {\it Ulmus glabra, Euonymus europaeus, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Tamus communis, Clematis vitalba, Cornus sanguinea, Rosa} sp. and {\it Corylus avellana}. 

Some {\it Fagus sylvatica} has also been planted along the road verge at southern end of the common over rankish grassland with {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. There is also a small area of plantation woodland here comprising {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with an understorey of {\it Acer campestre, Aesculus hippocastanum, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Euonymus europaeus} and a groundflora of {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Mercurialis perennis}. 

{\it Knautia arvensis, Centaurea nigra, C. scabiosa} and {\it Artemisia vulgaris} were occasional along the track verges along the eastern edge of the common. Tumuli at the centre of the common (Bronze Age burial mounds dating from the Wessex culture between 2100 and 1600 BC) supported abundant {\it Centaurea scabiosa} with {\it Leucanthemum vulgare, Arrhenatherum elatius, Daucus carota} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}. Two other tumuli in this group have been destroyed (R.Legg, 1995).

At the intersection of two tracks at the northern end of the common is an area of continuous scrub comprising {\it Cornus sanguinea, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Clematis vitalba, Ligustrum vulgare} and {\it Rosa} sp. over {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Mercurialis perennis} and a small area of planted trees {\it Fagus sylvatica, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Berberis} sp. over coarse grassland of {\it Festuca rubra, Potentilla anserina, Agrimonia eupatorium, Heracleum sphondylium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Origanum vulgare}.

MANAGE:
The common was ploughed up during the second world war (R.Legg, 1995) and has remained under arable cultivation for a variety of crops and {\it Lolium perenne} ley. The grassland areas are apparently not grazed and managed for silage. An uncut margin is left around the southernmost field under grass ley and managed for ground nesting birds. There has been some localised tree planting on the common. There is a manure heap, some stored straw bales and silage and two buildings on the common. There is internal fencing.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit. During the National Trust Biological survey (1982) a 'fairly typical invertebrate fauna was recorded from the heather patches' with sweeping and beating producing thrips, crab spiders and the weevil {\it Phyllobius pyri}. Common heath moth was frequent. The National Trust property of Lambert's Castle in general, is rich in birdlife, and mammals present include roe deer, badger, fox and dormouse (NT Biological Survey Report, 1982). Glow-worm and the butterflies pearl-bordered and small pearl-bordered fritillaries have been recorded from the SSSI of which this common forms a small part. Dormouse and pearl-bordered fritillary are listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
This common is situated on top of a hill promontory between the Marshwood Vale and the Blackwater Valley on the Dorset/Devon border near the hill-top fort of Lambert's Castle. The common largely supports wet dwarf-shrub heath comprising frequent {\it Molinia caerulea, Calluna vulgaris, Ulex gallii} and {\it Erica tetralix}. The western end of the common was drier with abundant {\it Ulex gallii}. Additional species recorded were {\it Agrostis curtisii, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Erica cinerea, Carex binervis?} and {\it Polygala serpyllifolia}. Locally there was some {\it Betula pendula, Ulex europaeus, Quercus robur} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub and locally some {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. North of the track crossing the common is a small area of scattered {\it Betula pendula} over {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}. Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

The SSSI as a whole (of which this common forms a small part) supports a variety of habitats from the mosaic of acid grassland, open heath, scrub and secondary woodland on the plateau top and steep slopes of Lambert's Castle Hill through acid bog vegetation along the springline at the foot of the south-facing slope to herb-rich, unimproved neutral grassland with several species of restricted distribution.

MANAGE:
The vegetation was fairly uniform at the time of the site visit and apparently managed by mowing. There had been some burning on the common but whether this was for management purposes was unclear. At the time of the NT Biological Survey the area was being managed by rotational cutting with the cut material left. Management then was considered to be favouring the loss of the heath. From a faunal point of view the areas of heath were considered structurally good with an undulating, open canopy. Rotational burning was considered a preferable management option but that at least the cut material was removed. The current management regime appears to be favouring the heath, the amount of heath having now increased. There has been some tree planting on the small section to the north of the track crossing the common.


FAUNA:
Very little is known of the fauna of Hardown Hill although it is known to support a high diversity of hoverflies and it is thought likely that this is mirrored in other invertebrate groups (SSSI citation). Meadow Pipits were frequent and green woodpecker was flushed from the area (Phase 1 survey). A cave whose entrance is immediately north of the NT ownership at Hardown Hill was, until recently, the most important hibernaculum for lesser horseshoe bats known in Dorset, with over 20 bats being present in the winter of 1991. The bats have, however, now moved to a site close-by.

VEG:
Hardown Hill is situated to the south of the Marshwood Vale in West Dorset overlying Gault and Upper Greensand deposits over Lias rocks. It supports what is believed to be the best remaining area of heathland in west Dorset. There are three tumuli on the common, part of a series of seven on the hill dating from 2000BC. The common was surveyed by the National Trust in 1995 and was not visited for the current survey. Phase 1 survey notes for the common were also available (late 1980's). The following is largely an extract from the former survey.

The heathland shows closer affinities to the heathlands of East Devon than those of south-east Dorset, thereby adding to the site's interest. The heath which occurs here is an example of NVC type H4, {\it Ulex gallii - Agrostis curtisii} heath. This community is confined to warm oceanic parts of southwest Britain. Hardown Hill is at the eastern edge of this community's range and therefore of biogeographic interest. Further east {\it Ulex gallii} is usually replaced by {\it Ulex minor} and equivalent heaths are of NVC type H3, {\it Ulex minor - Agrostis curtisii} heath. There are unconfirmed reports of {\it Ulex minor} being present at Hardown Hill as well as {\it U. gallii} (Elliot, pers. comm.). According to Good (1984), {\it U. minor} does not occur west of Puddletown. Therefore, if it is present on Hardown Hill, this would be very interesting, but D. Pearman thinks it is unlikely to be present (pers. comm.). 

{\it Calluna vulgaris} is the dominant dwarf shrub over the larger part of the area with {\it Ulex gallii} and {\it Erica cinerea} intermixed at varying frequency and {\it U. gallii} attaining dominance very locally. {\it Erica tetralix} is also a prominent sward component on the damper, southern and western sides of the hill, with {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} intermixed on the western side only. The dwarf shrub forms high cover with a canopy height varying, according to the length of time since it was last burnt, from about 5 to 60 cm. Most of the heath is comparatively tall with closed canopy and negligible sign of canopy break up. {\it Agrostis curtisii, Molinia caerulea, Festuca ovina} and a few other vascular plants are intermingled but these do not attain high cover except along a network of frequently mown firebreaks. Mats of {\it Cladonia} lichen, {\it Hypnum jutlandicum} and other mosses also occur within the heath, mostly concentrated within the shorter areas. Seven species of {\it Cladonia} lichen were recorded at Hardown Hill by H. Bowen in 1993, but none of these are particularly notable (information from DERC).

{\it Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and other scrub occur within the heath, mostly around the margins. One patch on the western boundary which appears to have been {\it U. europaeus} scrub, has been cleared and there is good regrowth of heather here. Hardown Hill is very good for its {\it Rubus} flora (Pearman pers. comm.). Close to the northern boundary is an area of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}/scrub habitat on the upper slopes of the hill beyond the path. The ground still very disturbed, being located on some former earth workings. {\it Ulex} scrub here is overmature and 'leggy', and there is a scattering of young {\it Quercus} and some {\it Cytisus}. There is a disused quarry on the western boundary which was completely grown over with bracken, bramble and gorse scrub at the time of the Phase 1 survey (mostly {\it U. europaeus} but with some {\it U. gallii} on the upper lip). East of the quarry is a fenced-off enclosure with an old building (1966) belonging to West Dorset WaterBoard. Next to this within the same enclosure is a newly constructed Racal Vodaphone aerial and control unit building. There is also a fenced-off enclosure of young {\it Pinus sylvestris}, planted as a memorial for the Women's Institute or something (Phase 1 survey).

A nationally scarce, suboceanic-montane moss, {\it Schistostega pennata} has been found in a cave at the top of Hardown Hill (EN - information on file), probably the cave whose entrance is immediately north of the NT ownership at Hardown Hill and off the common. It is a calcifuge species found in deep shade on soft, often crumbling substrates in lowland situations.

Lowland heathland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MANAGE:
The heath appeared to be in good condition with vigorous growth of dwarf shrubs at the time of the 1995 NT Biological survey. It was suggested that the main aim of management within this part of the property should be to maintain vigorous growth of dwarf shrub over the heathland area. Details of recent past management should be used to determine future management needs. It was considered that an appropriate burning programme would probably meet the objectives with areas of heath burnt on rotation. Ideally the rotation period should be determined by the response of the vegetation, with the aim of creating a mosaic of taller and shorter patches of heath, but it is probably inevitable that the vegetation pattern is determined at least to some extent by the occurrence of accidental fire. The network of firebreaks should be maintained to minimize the risk of accidental fires causing significant damage (currently regularly mown).

Grazing was considered highly desirable to encourage greater diversity in terms of vegetation structure and plant species composition, but thought not to be essential. Too heavy or inappropriate grazing would cause damage and should therefore be avoided. Light grazing by cattle or ponies would be best. If sheep were used, particular care would be needed to ensure that the heath did not become overgrazed during the autumn and winter. 

It was thought to be very important that the structure and species composition of the vegetation should be kept under review, particularly the distribution and cover of common gorse, bramble, young trees and other scrub which should not be permitted to displace heath. An area of scrub had recently been cleared.

The small conifer plantation was considered inappropriate to good nature conservation management of the heath, and consideration should be given to its removal or to thinning back to a few specimen trees if there are landscape reasons for their retention (NT biological survey report). 

The Phase 1 survey of the late 1980's described the condition of the heathland as early low growth in even aged stands, indicating the burning of the habitat. However, the burning might possibly be accidental, at least in part, as the areas are rather haphazard both in size and distribution. In some places there were patches of bare peat where the heathland had not yet recovered from fire, although there was reasonable seeding of heathers, including (oddly enough) much {\it Erica tetralix}. 

Quite a wide track runs in a north-south direction along the western side of the southern part of the heath which looked as though it was used by vehicles. A narrow margin to the west of the track looked like it was regularly swiped with very young/low growth. The fenced-off enclosure at SY405944 contained an old building (c.1966) belonging to West Dorset Water Board. Next to this within the same enclosure was a newly constructed Racal Vodaphone aerial and control unit building. The small plantation at the southern end of the common is also fenced (Phase 1 survey).


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel was recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Eype Down is situated on a hill near the coast, largely occupying the hill top and north-facing slopes, to the south-west of Bridport. The vegetation largely consists of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered scrub of {\it Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and some {\it U. gallii}. During the 1988 survey much {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} was recorded beneath the {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and also scattered {\it Digitalis purpurea, Lonicera periclymenum, Conopodium majus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Silene dioica, Stellaria holostea, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Galium aparine, Oxalis acetosella, Holcus} spp., {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Agrostis} spp. 

There are some large areas of continuous {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub on the hill top. Continuous scrub on the lower slopes, particularly along the earthworks, comprises locally dominant {\it Prunus spinosa} or {\it Corylus avellana} with occasional {\it Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it A. campestre}. Beneath the scrub, {\it Blechnum spicant, Polystichum setiferum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Iris pseudacorus, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Lonicera periclymenum, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Oxalis acetosella, Hypericum pulchrum, Polypodium} sp. and {\it Geum urbanum} were recorded. Additional species recorded here in 1988 were {\it Melampyrum pratense, Arum maculatum, Glechoma hederacea, Mercurialis perennis, Silene dioica} and patches of {\it Adoxa moschatellina}. There is a patch of {\it Reynoutria japonica} on the crest of the bend in the road. Much {\it Urtica dioica} was recorded in the latter area in 1988.

There are small pockets of neutral to acid grassland amongst the {\it Pteridium aquilinum} comprising {\it Festuca} sp., {\it Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Galium saxatile, Dactylis glomerata, Leontodon} spp., {\it Luzula} sp., {\it Rumex acetosa, Hypochaeris radicata, Potentilla erecta, Stachys officinalis, Viola} sp. and {\it Danthonia decumbens?}. Additional species recorded from the grassland areas in 1988 included {\it Agrostis} spp., {\it Conopodium majus, Lotus corniculatus, Teucrium scorodonia, Deschampsia flexuosa, Ranunculus ficaria, Ranunculus} spp. and {\it Achillea millefolium}.

On the top of the western spur, rather disturbed, rank grassland with frequent scattered {\it Sambucus nigra} and {\it Ulex europaeus} was recorded in 1988. The grassland comprised {\it Festuca} sp., {\it Agrostis} sp. and {\it Dactylis glomerata} with {\it Ranunculus ficaria, Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. In the less disturbed and rank areas grassland similar to the neutral to acid grassland described above occurred with frequent {\it Centaurea nigra}. Parts of this area had been burnt recently in 1988 with abundant {\it Chamerion angustifolium}.

At the southern end of the common is an area of woodland with a canopy of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} with some {\it Castanea sativa} and a few {\it Pinus} sp., an understorey of {\it Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and a groundflora of {\it Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Polystichum aculeatum?, Hedera helix, Digitalis purpurea, Molinia caerulea?} and some {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. There is a fragment of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} woodland at the eastern extremity of the common with an understorey of {\it Sambucus nigra, Salix cinerea, Corylus avellana} and {\it Prunus spinosa} and a groundflora of {\it Hedera helix, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Carex pendula} and {\it Polygonatum} sp.

MANAGE:
The common is apparently unmanaged. It was surveyed with the possibility of inclusion within the West Dorset Coast SSSI. However it was not included due to it supporting a not particularly rare or special habitat and suffering from lack of management. It was thought the area could become better if managed more sympathetically. Grazing rights are apparently no longer practiced although it appears an ideal site for common grazing, only being crossed by a minor road (if a cattle grid were placed on the minor road before the A35) and would benefit greatly from this. Areas of existing grassland could be extended by localised bracken control and also along the paths through creating scalloped margins. Banks of {\it Ulex europaeus} could be managed by rotational coppicing to provide good habitat structure. There may need to be some control of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}, particularly at the southern end. The patch of {\it Reynoutria japonica} should be removed. A garden has encroached on the common and there is an old car park along the roadside now closed by means of an earth bank.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit. 29 species of invertebrate were recorded from West Cliff below the common (A.Stubbs, 1989, unfortunately largely illegible). Of particular note were the cranefly {\it Orimarga juvenilis}, the soldier fly {\it Oxycera pygmaea}, the flies {\it Herina lugubris, Tachytrechus notatus, Hercostomus plagiatus} and {\it Syntormon pumilus} and the tiger beetle {\it Cicindella germanica}. The site is included in the Invertebrate Site Register). BAP spp?

The common forms a very small part of the West Dorset coast SSSI which stretches almost 20km from Lyme Regis in the west to Burton Bradstock (east of Bridport) in the East. The landslips, seepages and other cliff features of the SSSI provide varied conditions which support a diverse insect fauna particularly rich in rare species. The warm, south-facing cliff faces suit many species with predominantly southerly distributions. Solitary bees and wasps are especially well represented, with 5 red data book species present including the strongest national populations of the two mining bees {\it Lasioglossum laticeps} and {\it L. angusticeps}. Red data book flies include the endangered cranefly {\it Arctoconopa melampodia} and the chloropid {\it Platycephala umbraculata} which have been recorded on few other sites. 7 red data book and 18 nationally scarce beetle species have been recorded including the cliff specialists {\it Cicindella germanica, Scopaeus laevigatus, Boris analis} and {\it Sitona gemellatus}. It is the only known British site for Morris's Wainscot moth.

The cliff top grasslands of the SSSI are also important for the insect fauna and some of the cliff species, such as bees, use the flowers as a source of nectar and pollen. The nationally scarce and declining pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly has been recorded in these areas and the small pearl-bordered fritillary is locally common. In the eastern part of the site there are small colonies of the nationally scarce Lulworth skipper butterfly. Many species of bird and mammal have been recorded as breeding within the site including the rare and protected Dormouse. Dormouse and pearl-bordered fritillary are listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the mining bee {\it Lasioglossum angusticeps} on the middle list.

VEG:
Four Foot Common is situated on the cliff top to the east of Eype's Mouth south of Bridport. It lies within the West Dorset Coast SSSI which is an internationally important geological site, particularly famous for its fossil reptiles. The cliffs expose the most complete Lower Jurassic sequence in Europe and are also important in Britain for Lias exposure. Watton cliff is one of a handful of sites in the world to yield middle Jurassic mammals. The varied undercliffs of the SSSI have a wide range of habitats which support a number of rare plants and animals. Adjoining the coast line are unusually large areas of herb-rich grassland of a type now very restricted in occurrence (SSSI citation). 

The western end of Four Foot Common supports coarse, semi-improved neutral grassland comprising abundant {\it Dactylis glomerata} with occasional {\it Cirsium arvense, Senecio jacobaea, Gallium mollugo?, Ranunculus repens, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Holcus lanatus}, locally abundant {\it Linaria vulgaris}, locally occasional {\it Urtica dioica, Galium verum, Daucus carota} and {\it Lotus corniculatus}, scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and some {\it Rubus fruticosus} and {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub. {\it Crepis capillaris} and {\it Artemisia vulgaris} were also recorded here in 1988 and a fairly narrow strip of more maritime influenced grassland was noted along the seaward side of the footpath. 

The eastern end supports continuous scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Prunus spinosa} with some {\it Hedera helix, Clematis vitalba} and {\it Urtica dioica}. An area of old excavation around a disused kiln extends onto the common at this end. Some unimproved grassland was recorded here in 1988, especially on the steep slopes, comprising abundant {\it Agrostis capillaris} with frequent {\it Trifolium pratense, Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Leontodon hispidus} and occasional {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus, Poa trivialis?, Trisetum flavesens, Trifolium dubium, Galium verum, Plantago lanceolata, Lotus corniculatus, Lathyrus pratensis, Senecio erucifolius, S. jacobaea, Potentilla reptans, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium vulgare} and {\it C. arvense} with some scattered {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub, grading into continuous scrub on the western margin. {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Trifolium repens} were locally abundant with locally frequent {\it Carex flacca, Luzula campestris} and {\it Plantago media}. Other species recorded were {\it Lolium perenne, Festuca pratensis, Bromus} spp., {\it Carex caryophyllea, Pulicaria dysenterica, Sanguisorba minor} and {\it Pimpinella saxifraga}.

The narrow path that connects these two sections is dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} bordered by coarse {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Festuca rubra} grassland with {\it Potentilla reptans, Plantago lanceolata, P. major, Cirsium arvense, Trifolium repens, Senecio jacobaea, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Centaurea nigra}. Much {\it Ononis repens, Senecio erucifolius, Lathyrus pratensis, Potentilla reptans, Trifolium dubium, Convolvulus arvensis} and occasional {\it Carduus tenuiflorus} were recorded here in 1988.

MANAGE:
The common is apparently unmanaged. The grassland at the western end of the common may become further encroached with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scrub, although it may be kept in check by wind action. Any remaining grassland at the eastern end will probably become encroached with scrub in the absence of management.


FAUNA:
Wren and small tortoiseshell butterfly were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Beaminster Down is situated on a hill top sloping gently to the east overlooking the heads of the valleys of the rivers Britt and Axe. There are two Bronze Age round barrows on the common which are scheduled ancient monuments ('Dorset Commons and Greens', 1995). The majority of the common supports {\it Lolium perenne} ley with {\it Trifolium repens}. The two round barrows support coarse grass and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. There is a small area of coarse {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Urtica dioica} grassland along the western boundary with some {\it Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub. The southern end of the common supports arable crops. 

Only the easternmost end of the common supported semi-natural vegetation, largely scrubbed over with {\it Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra} and locally {\it Rubus idaeus}. Groundflora species included {\it Stachys sylvatica, Galeopsis tetrahit, Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Polystichum setiferum?, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Silene} sp. and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. There is a small area of open grassland of {\it Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium} with occasional {\it Galeopsis tetrahit} and {\it Cirsium arvense}, scattered scrub of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus} and a patch of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. 

Hedgerows bordering the common support {\it Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana, Pteridium aquilinum, Urtica dioica, Acer campestre, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and rarely {\it Fraxinus excelsior}.

MANAGE:
Beaminster Down was almost entirely fenced and ploughed up during the second world war ('Dorset Commons and Greens', 1995). The majority of the common is under arable cultivation either as ley grassland or for crops. Some of the grassland was being grazed by sheep and part was being cut for silage. The area of scrub to the east is apparently unmanaged. The common is fenced from the roads and there is also internal fencing. There is a farm buiding on the common.


VEG:
Burstock Down is situated on a steep north-facing slope overlooking Broadwindsor in West Dorset. It adjoins the National Trust Property of Lewesdon Hill. 

The central area of the common supports continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. {\it Molinia caerulea, Stellaria holostea, Teucrium scorodonia, Deschamspia flexuosa} and locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} were recorded beneath the {\it P. aquilinum}. {\it Ulex gallii, Oxalis acetosella} and {\it Ceratocapnos claviculata} were rare. The common was mapped as supporting scattered bracken with a small area of dry heath at the time of the 1982/83 county Phase 1 survey. 

Two areas of woodland border this area with mature {\it Fagus sylvatica} (presumably planted), {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Quercus robur} in the canopy and a groundflora with abundant {\it Dryopteris dilatata} and much {\it Fagus sylvatica} leaf litter. {\it Blechnum spicant} was recorded on the eastern boundary bank.

MANAGE:
The area is apparently unmanaged with some encroaching scrub. There are some old planted {\it Fagus sylvatica} on the common.


FAUNA:
Blackbird was recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Hursey common is situated to the west of Broadwindsor, south of the village of Hursey in West Dorset. To the north of the road bisecting the common, the land is generally level, the southern part dropping steeply into the stream valley. 

The northern end of the common supports semi-natural broadleaved woodland with a canopy of {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, an understorey of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Salix cinerea, Hedera helix, Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Acer campestre, Sambucus nigra, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Ligustrum vulgare} and a groundflora of {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, Hedera helix, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Carex pendula, Geranium robertianum, Urtica dioica, Angelica sylvestris, Aegopodium podagraria, Geum urbanum, Mercurialis perennis, Carex sylvatica, Bromopsis ramosa, Polystichum aculeatum?} and rarely {\it Viola hirta}. A white-flowered {\it Aster} sp. (garden escape) was locally abundant. Along the roadside further south {\it Ulmus procera, Carpinus betulus, Salix fragilis, Viburnum opulus, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Sorbus aucuparia}, planted {\it Betula pendula} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} were also recorded.

South of the main area of woodland is an area of marshy grassland with abundant {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}, frequent {\it Festuca rubra, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Holcus lanatus} and occasional {\it Centaurea nigra, Deschampsia cespitosa, Angelica sylvestris, Trifolium pratense, Lathyrus pratensis, Juncus inflexus, Lotus pedunculatus, Cerastium fontanum, Carex panicea, Succisa pratensis, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca pratensis} and {\it Potentilla erecta} with scattered scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rosa} sp. {\it Heracleum sphondylium} was locally occasional and {\it Hypericum tetrapterum, Juncus effusus} and {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii?} were rare. A garden {\it Mentha} sp. and an ornamental {\it Achillea} sp. were also recorded.

Bordering the road at the southern end of this section of the common (to the south of the car park) is an area of improved grassland dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with frequent {\it Cynosurus cristatus} and occasional {\it Trifolium repens, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Rumex crispus}. 

The southern section of the common is largely wooded, the majority apparently having been planted (at least in parts) supporting {\it Prunus avium, Fraxinus excelsior, Carpinus betulus, Populus alba, Tilia} sp., ornamental {\it Sorbus} spp., {\it Salix cinerea, Acer campestre, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and locally {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. The southern end supported {\it Alnus glutinosa} woodland which was not surveyed due to lack of public access. 'Wet woodlands' are one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan although no description of this category has been compiled. Bordering the public footpath along the eastern edge of the common is an area of coarse, species-poor, {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} grassland. 

The area to the north of the car park is designated a SNCI. Additional species recorded from the SNCI include {\it Cardamine pratensis, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Trifolium medium, Vicia cracca, Filipendula ulmaria, Adoxa moschatellina, Oenanthe pimpinelloides, Silaum silaus, Primula vulgaris, Lysimachia nummularia, Cirsium palustre, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Orchis mascula} and {\it Danthonia decumbens}.

MANAGE:
Part of the common has been enclosed and 'improved' and was being grazed by sheep although there are no registered rights. The area of species-rich marshy grassland is possibly managed with an occasional cut, appearing rather rank and becoming encroached with scrub. More management is needed to maintain this area. There has been some planting of ornamental trees on the common, particularly on the southern section. There was some dumped garden rubbish in the woodland at the northern end of the common and has probably occurred elsewhere on the common as indicated by the presence of ornamental garden escapes. No recent management was observed in the woodland areas. There is also a small car park on the common.


FAUNA:
Carrion crow, skylark and the butterflies meadow brown and marbled white were recorded during the site visit. Skylark is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Lenthay common is situated on a gentle south-facing slope on the edge of the Yeo Valley to the south-west of Sherborne in the north of the county. It supports semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Cynosurus cristatus} with occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Trifolium repens, Festuca pratensis, Cirsium vulgare, Ranunculus acris, Geranium dissectum, Festuca rubra, Prunella vulgaris, Cirsium arvense, Cerastium fontanum, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Leontodon autumnalis}. {\it Ranunculus acris, Bellis perennis} and {\it Poa pratensis} were recorded as abundant during the SNCI survey 31.05.91. The latter survey also refers to a small bank in the extreme west of the site with {\it Plantago media, Cirsium acaule, Leontodon hispidus, Hieracium pilosella, Carex flacca} and {\it Helictotrichon pratense} (the site did not meet SNCI criteria). During the site visit, the far eastern end was fenced off and a little rank with some {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium} and some {\it Conium maculatum} and {\it Urtica dioica} along the defunct hedge base. 

The hedgerows on the common are species-poor (predominantly {\it Crataegus monogyna}) and locally defunct. Species recorded were {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana, Acer campestre} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., locally with {\it Prunus avium} and some {\it Ulmus} sp. and occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees.

MANAGE:
The common was being moderately grazed by cattle at the time of the site visit except for the far eastern end which was a little rank. It was very muddy and poached around the gate at the southern end of the fence separating the eastern end. The common has evidently been agriculturally improved. In the 18th century the area supported a racecourse more than a mile in length and was later converted to a golf course which ceased at the end of the Edwardian era (1911). The area also held the town's cricket pitch. The site of an extensive Roman Villa also lies in this area (R.Legg, 1995).


FAUNA:
Kestrel, swift, blackbird, wood warbler, chiffchaff, wood pigeon, house sparrow, swallow, magpie, blue tit, house martin, partridge and small tortoiseshell butterfly were recorded during the site visit. There is a rookery on the common. There were many water snails in the pond at ST855225.

VEG:
Breach common and St. James common are situated to the south-west of Shaftesbury largely comprising a network of road verges. 

MAP 1

Breach common is situated on a fairly steep, west-facing slope almost entirely covered with {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum} with {\it Juncus conglomeratus, J. effusus, J. articulatus, Chamerion angustifolium, Cirsium arvense, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Symphoricarpos albus, Lycopus europaeus, Angelica sylvestris, Cirsium arvense} and scattered scrub of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra, Corylus avellana} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Drier areas support {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} dominated grassland. East of the minor road is a small pond, almost dry at the time of the site visit, supporting {\it Ranunculus flammula, R. lingua, Glyceria fluitans, Iris pseudacorus, Mentha aquatica, Apium nodiflorum, Solanum dulcamara, Juncus bulbosus?}, {\it Iris} sp. (ornamental) and a species of water crowfoot {\it Ranunculus} sp. Breach common is bordered to the west by continuous scrub comprising {\it Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Ilex aquifolium, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Salix cinerea} with a groundflora supporting {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Impatiens glandulifera, Lonicera periclymenum, Caltha palustris} and {\it Stachys sylvatica}. 

The narrow 'track' (disused) leading north-westwards from Breach common was bordered by {\it Corylus avellena, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Acer campestre} and {\it Quercus robur} with a groundflora of {\it Dryopteris dilatata, Athyrium filix-femina, Primula vulgaris, Mercurialis perennis, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Mnium hornum, Geum urbanum, Rumex sanguineus, Stachys sylvatica, Stellaria holostea, Anthriscus sylvestris, Chaerophyllum temulum, Carex remota, Arrhenatherum elatius, Allium ursinum} and {\it Brachypodium pinnatum}. It is bordered on one side by a stone wall at the south-eastern end supporting {\it Polypodium} sp. The track is still used at the northern end with hedgerows supporting {\it Acer campestre, Prunus spinosa, Rosa canina, Ulmus procera} and {\it Quercus robur} trees. One of the hedgerows has been removed along part. 

The minor road leading onto Breach common from the south is bordered by a {\it Corylus avellana} part layered hedgerow with {\it Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Ulmus procera} and some {\it Umbilicus rupestris}. The track leading off from the southern edge west of 'Hartlands' is bordered by {\it Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} with the groundflora species {\it Urtica dioica, Silene dioica, Stellaria holostea, Glechoma hederacea, Anemone nemorosa, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Veronica beccabunga, Ranunculus repens, Carex pendula, Apium nodiflorum} and some {\it Ulex europaeus}. 

The verges of the road running south-westwards from Shaftesbury to Blynfield Farm support coarse semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Festuca pratensis} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and occasional {\it Potentilla reptans, Trifolium dubium, T. repens, Vicia sativa, V. cracca, Heracleum sphondylium, Festuca rubra, Rumex crispus, Galium mollugo, Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Urtica dioica} with some scattered {\it Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Crataegus monogyna} scrub. There is a small area of marshy grassland at ST850223 with frequent {\it Juncus inflexus} and occasional {\it Lathyrus pratensis, Juncus effusus, Epilobium hirsutum, Rumex crispus, Lotus pedunculatus} and {\it Lysimachia punctata?} (garden escape). Areas of continuous scrub support {\it Corylus avellana, Lonicera periclymenum, Salix cinerea, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Quercus robur, Ilex aquifolium, Ulex europaeus, Populus tremula, Rosa} sp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. with groundflora species {\it Lonicera periclymenum, Urtica dioica, Petasites hybridus, Mercurialis perennis, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Hedera helix, Dryopteris dilatata, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Glechoma hederacea, Carex pendula} and locally {\it Equisetum telmataeia} (at the western end). A single {\it Anacamptis pyramidalis} plant was recorded at ST84252205.

MAP 2

At ST848215 there is a triangle of semi-improved neutral grassland at the intersection of two roads comprising frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with locally frequent {\it Rumex acetosella} and occasional {\it Ranunculus repens, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Lotus corniculatus} with scattered scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. There are a number of drains crossing this area. On the opposite verge, {\it Trifolium pratense, Oenanthe crocata, Juncus effusus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Epilobium hirsutum, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea} are locally frequent. Also recorded in this area were {\it Carex divulsa, Sison amomum} and {\it Picris echioides}. Continuous scrub to the west supports {\it Prunus spinosa, Quercus robur, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Salix cinerea}. 

At ST844208 the grassland comprises {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Ranunculus repens, Stellaria graminea, Rumex crispus, Cerastium fontanum, Festuca rubra, Deschampsia cespitosa, Potentilla anserina} and locally {\it Gnaphalium uliginosum} and {\it Juncus effusus} with scattered patches of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and mixed scrub. On the opposite side of the road outside Guy's Marsh Farm is a small stand of {\it Typha latifolia} with {\it Solanum dulcamara} and {\it Iris pseudacorus}. 

The grassland outside Guy's Marsh prison is less rank with {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Bellis perennis, Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Ranunculus repens} with a row of {\it Populus tremula} along the border. 

The track running west-east immediately to the north of the prison is bordered by tall hedgerows of {\it Ulmus procera, Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra, Quercus robur, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Acer campestre} with tall ruderal vegetation dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} with {\it Rumex crispus, Cirsium vulgare, C. arvense, C. palustre, Digitalis purpurea, Carex pendula} and locally frequent {\it Galium aparine} and {\it Glechoma hederacea}. There is a small area of mature {\it Prunus spinosa} scrub with a groundflora of {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata} and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}. At the eastern end the track opens out to {\it Holcus lanatus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera} grassland with occasional {\it Juncus inflexus, Trifolium repens, Dactylis glomerata, Stachys sylvatica, Lolium perenne, Lathyrus pratensis, Heracleum sphondylium, Lotus corniculatus, Centaurea nigra} and locally {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Alopecurus geniculatus}. There is a pond here supporting abundant {\it Typha latifolia} with {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica, Mentha aquatica, Glyceria maxima, Carex otrubae} and {\it Potamogeton} sp. 

Bordering the minor road at ST852212 the grassland comprises frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Holcus lanatus} with occasional {\it Trifolium repens, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca pratensis, Ranunculus repens, R. acris, Vicia cracca} and rarely {\it Centaurea nigra}. Further north the grassland is ranker with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}, locally frequent {\it Rumex obtusifolius} and occasional {\it Stellaria graminea, Trifolium pratense, Achillea millefolium, Hypochaeris radicata, Holcus lanatus, Heracleum sphondylium, Ranunculus} spp. and {\it Agrimonia eupatorium}. {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. occurred locally. A stream crosses this section with {\it Glyceria fluitans, Juncus effusus, Galium palustre}, fringed with {\it Urtica dioica} and there is a stretch of species-rich hedgerow with {\it Ulmus procera, Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Acer campestre}. Scattered scrub of {\it Prunus spinosa, Ulmus procera, Salix cinerea, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Crataegus monogyna} is present at ST853215 and {\it Urtica dioica} is locally frequent at ST850215.

Mesotrophic and eutrophic standing water and ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows are key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MANAGE:
Breach Common is apparently unmanaged and becoming encroached with tall ruderal vegetation and scrub. The verges on the common probably receive an occasional cut and are mostly quite rank and species-poor with scrub encroachment in places. Parts are still apparently grazed with tethered horses? at ST848215 and within temporary fencing outside Paynthouse Farm at ST838211. The grass outside Guy's Marsh Prison and outside some of the properties on the common is regularly mown. The lower part of St. James's Common had been cut for hay (ST852212). There had been a limited amount of scrub control on the common near Paynthouse Farm, becoming recolonised by {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius} and at the southern end of St. James's Common with regrowth of {\it Prunus spinosa, Ulmus procera} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. There are some planted ornamental trees on the common outside Cole's Lane farm at ST846217. The ponds on the common need attention, the one on Breach Common being almost dry at the time of the site visit and the other two becoming overgrown with {\it Typha latifolia}. Farm machinery was being stored on the common outside Guy's Marsh Farm and Paynthouse Farm to the west and there were also chicken huts on the common outside the latter farm. There was some dumped manure and grass cuttings near Edward's Farm to the west of Breach Common.


VEG:
Forest Deer Leases straddles a small stream valley in the extreme north of the county, north of Gillingham, close to the Wiltshire border. The common was only observed from the roadside and the public footpath crossing the western end. At the western end the common supported semi-improved neutral grassland with abundant {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}, frequent {\it Holcus lanatus} and occasional {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Trifolium repens, Ranunculus repens, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Festuca rubra}. {\it Juncus} sp. occurred locally at the eastern end. The common was mapped as improved grassland during the 1982/83 county Phase 1 survey.

The stream crossing the common is overgrown with {\it Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Rumex} sp.

The common is bordered by largely species-poor hedgerows (locally defunct) comprising {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} locally with occasional {\it Rosa canina, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Quercus robur} trees. {\it Ligustrum vulgare} was rare. The western hedgerow is more species rich with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Rosa arvensis, Acer campestre, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.

MANAGE:
To the east of the stream was an uncut area (for hay?), the far eastern end, adjacent to the road, being grazed by cattle. The western half had been grazed, but there was no stock on at the time of the site visit. The stream is bordered by fences and the abundance of {\it Rumex} sp. suggests that it has probably been subject to extensive poaching in the recent past. The common is herb poor and has undoubtedly been agriculturally improved.


FAUNA:
Deer, jay, magpie, chaffinch, buzzard, great tit and woodpigeon were recorded during the site visit. Bat boxes, owl boxes and other bird nest boxes were noted on the common.

VEG:
Breeze Hill and Melbury Hill is situated to the south-east of Shaftesbury, close to the Dorset/Wiltshire border on a steep south-facing valleyside in the South Wessex Downs. There was no public access to this common, but the adjoining area to the south has open public access under the ownership of the National Trust providing access to the southern edge of the common and also views across it from the opposite side of the valley. Due to the topography it was possible to see some distance into the woodland which the common supports. The common appears to be covered with dense {\it Fagus sylvatica} plantation, locally with some {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. There is very little groundflora with {\it Fagus sylvatica} leaf litter and a lot of lying loppings off the trees. Species recorded were {\it Lapsana communis, Alliaria petiolata, Urtica dioica} (locally frequent), {\it Galium aparine, Glechoma hederacea, Arctium} sp. and {\it Geranium robertianum}. Locally the groundflora is grassy with {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Brachypodium} sp. A few grassy clearings were also noted along the southern boundary.

MANAGE:
A large area of managed {\it Fagus sylvatica} plantation. There were a lot of lying tree loppings in the wood and parts had been thinned. There was a dumped cooker at the bottom of the valley. Bat boxes, owl boxes and other nest boxes had been put up in the woodland. The common lies within the South Wessex Downs ESA but is unlikely to be eligible for the scheme being a large plantation woodland.


VEG:
God's Blessing Green is situated in the village of the same name to the north of Wimborne Minster in the east of the county. The common largely comprises strips of road verge. Parts are wooded comprising a canopy of {\it Quercus robur} with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and locally dominant {\it Populus tremula}. The understorey supported frequent {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} with {\it Populus tremula, Acer pseudoplatanus, Salix cinerea, Acer campestre, Prunus spinosa, Ilex aquifolium, Fraxinus excelsior, Rosa} sp. and {\it Rhododendron} sp. also recorded. {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Hedera helix} were frequent in the groundflora with {\it Lonicera periclymenum, Teucrium scorodonia, Pteridium aquilinum, Geum urbanum} and locally {\it Euphorbia amygdaloides, Carex remota, C. sylvatica?, Geranium robertianum} and {\it Caltha palustris} near the stream on the northern end of the common. 

Outside God's Blessing Farm is an area of semi-improved neutral grassland of frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra, Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Trifolium repens} with occasional {\it Potentilla anserina} and {\it Ranunculus repens} and locally {\it Centaurea nigra, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Prunella vulgaris} beneath scattered trees of {\it Betula pendula, Acer campestre} and {\it Quercus robur}. To the south of this area is a small area of continuous scrub of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Salix cinerea} and {\it Corylus avellana} with {\it Hedera helix, Dryopteris filix-mas} and {\it Equisetum} sp. beneath. Areas beneath {\it Quercus robur} trees along God's Blessing Lane outside the nursery were being gardened. 

Elsewhere the verges support coarse grassland with a tall ruderal element with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera} with occasional {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Cirsium arvense, Calystegia sepium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Ranunculus repens, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and locally frequent {\it Lathyrus pratensis}. {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Angelica sylvestris, Festuca rubra, Trifolium pratense, Plantago lanceolata, Leontodon autumnalis, Holcus lanatus, Rumex obtusifolius, Polygonum persicaria} and {\it Achillea millefolium} were also recorded locally.

MANAGE:
The grassland outside God's Blessing Farm was closely mown and could be derived from an area of woodland that has been thinned to leave scattered trees. Areas beneath the trees along God's Blessing Lane were being gardened as a nature trail by the nursery. The coarse verges are possibly cut back at intervals. The remainder is probably unmanaged.


VEG:
A small common situated to the east of Iwerne Minster in the north of the county lying within the area covered by the former Cranborne Chase ancient hunting forest. The common supports coniferous and broadleaved plantation and semi-natural broadleaved woodland. The coniferous plantation comprises {\it Larix decidua}. The broadleaved woodland comprises a canopy dominated either by {\it Fagus sylvatica} or {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, the latter with occasional {\it Quercus robur}. Understorey species include occasional {\it Corylus avellana} (locally frequent), {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fagus sylvatica} with occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna} beneath the {\it Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Acer campestre} and rarely {\it Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Ligustrum vulgare} beneath the {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. The groundflora comprises frequent {\it Mercurialis perennis} and occasional {\it Glechoma hederacea, Pteridium aquilinum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Ajuga reptans, Urtica dioica, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Circaea lutetiana, Arum maculatum, Stachys sylvatica, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Silene} sp. and the moss {\it Eurynchium praelongum}. {\it Lamiastrum galeobdolon} and {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} were recorded locally and {\it Scrophularia nodosa} and {\it Stellaria holostea} were also recorded. A groundflora similar to within the semi-natural broadleaved woodland areas persists in places within the areas of plantation.

MANAGE:
Parts of the common support plantation woodland with planted {\it Larix decidua} or {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur}. There had been some clearance work in the understorey with some brashings left. The remaining semi-natural woodland could be replaced by plantation in the future. The common lies within the South Wessex Downs ESA but is unlikely to be eligible for the scheme which includes 'small areas of broadleaved woodland and copses which are characteristic elements of the chalk downland landscape' as it has been partly planted with conifers.


FAUNA:
Small tortoiseshell and red admiral butterflies were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Hodmoor is situated adjacent to the River Stour east of Shillingstone beneath the Roman Hill Fort of Hod Hill. The common was only viewed from the publicly maintained cul-de-sac road from the A357 as there are no public rights of way on the common. Described as 'idyllic meadows' by R.Legg (1995) at the time of the site visit the area was largely under arable cultivation for wheat with an area of recent {\it Lolium perenne} ley. The southern end appeared to support improved grassland with scattered {\it Urtica dioica}. The grassland near the access was damp and dominated by {\it Agrostis stolonifera} with some {\it Juncus inflexus} and {\it Elytrigia repens}. There was also a strip of grassland along the river bank at the northern end. The area was mapped as improved grassland and arable at the time of the 1982/83 county Phase 1 survey.

The central drain running west-east held standing water with a marginal vegetation of {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Angelica sylvestris, Iris pseudacorus, Sparganium erectum, Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Glyceria fluitans, Equisetum} sp. and the aquatic {\it Lemna} sp. The other drains on the common were not visible and possibly some had been infilled. 

The hedgerow north of the access track was dominated by {\it Ulmus glabra} and there were occasional young {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees in the hedge nearer the river. There were scattered {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur} and {\it Salix} spp. along the river bank on the southern half of the common.

MANAGE:
The common was largely under arable cultivation for wheat with an area of recent {\it Lolium perenne} ley. The southern end was being grazed by sheep (registered rights of pasture are for cattle). This was probably once an area of floodplain grazing marsh, one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. There was a small tent and some parked cars on the strip of grassland adjacent to the river (fishermen?). There is internal fencing on the common.


FAUNA:
Chiffchaff and carrion crow were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Netmead lies on the eastern bank of the River Stour to the west of Child Okeford in the north of the county. There was very limited access to the common. 

The southern end of the common, crossed by the public footpath, had recently been cut for hay. It appeared to support improved grassland comprising frequent {\it Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Trifolium repens} with occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Ranunculus repens, Rumex acetosa, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Plantago lanceolata}. {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Centaurea nigra} were rare and {\it Plantago major} was recorded locally. The drain crossing this end of the common supported {\it Apium nodiflorum} and {\it Glyceria fluitans} with some {\it Salix fragilis} alongside. The hedgerow along the eastern boundary supported {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer campestre, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Corylus avellana}. The spur in the west separated by a drain appeared to support continuous scrub comprising {\it Salix} spp., {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Quercus robur} with {\it Conium maculatum} and {\it Urtica dioica} beneath. The northern end of the spur appeared to have been planted with {\it Populus} sp. 

The northern end of the common was only viewed from the end of Netmead Lane and the public bridlepath which runs near the western side of the common. The area also appeared 'improved' with occasional {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica}, particularly at the northernmost end and occasional {\it Ranunculus} sp. 

The common was mapped as improved grassland during the 1982/83 Phase 1 survey.

MANAGE:
The common has been divided into two parts by an internal fence. The southern end of the common had been cut for hay and the northern part was being grazed by cattle. The whole area appeared to have been agriculturally improved. A small area had been planted with {\it Populus} sp. and the area occupied by continuous scrub is probably unmanaged.


FAUNA:
A skipper butterfly was recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Higher Fifehead common is situated on top of a small hill south of Sturminster Newton in the north of the county. It is subdivided into three parts by a minor road and a public bridlepath. The largest part forms part of a larger field fenced from the road and supporting improved grassland with abundant {\it Lolium perenne} and occasional {\it Trifolium repens, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Agrostis capillaris}. 

The southernmost part supports semi-improved neutral grassland with tall ruderal species (locally dominant) and scattered scrub. The grassland comprises {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Agrostis capillaris} with {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Conium maculatum, Urtica dioica, Elytrigia repens, Centaurea nigra, Achillea millefolium, Artemisia vulgaris, Plantago lanceolata, Symphytum} sp. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered scrub of {\it Quercus robur, Acer campestre, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Ulex gallii?} and {\it Malus} sp. (A group of {\it Anacamptis pyramidalis} were noted on the opposite road verge to the west, just off the common). There is a small area of bare ground at the southern end.

The grassland on the remaining part of the common is less rank comprising {\it Agrostis} spp. with {\it Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago major, Matricaria discoidea} and {\it Chenopodium} sp., locally dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} with {\it Lathyrus pratensis, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Trifolium dubium} and locally with scattered scrub. This area is bordered by {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub to the west and {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus} to the east. At the northern end the grassland comprises abundant {\it Lolium perenne} with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis stolonifera, Heracleum sphondylium, Leontodon autumnalis, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Centaurea nigra, Phleum pratense, Achillea millefolium, Festuca pratensis, Cerastium fontanum, Potentilla reptans, Tragopogon pratensis, Agrimonia eupatorium, Festuca rubra, Daucus carota} and {\it Pimpinella saxifraga}. The area of woodland and scrub between these two areas comprises {\it Quercus robur, Prunus spinosa, Lonicera periclymenum, Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Silene dioica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
The area of improved grassland forms part of a larger field fenced from the road which is managed for pasture or cut for silage? There was a manure heap on this section. The remainder of the common is largely unmanaged except for the immediate road verges which are cut and a small area which had possibly been grazed (the less rank area of grassland). The majority of the semi-improved neutral grassland is becoming encroached with scrub and tall ruderal species. There were some bare patches in the northernmost area of semi-improved neutral grassland where some pollutant/chemical had been tipped? 

The area of bare ground at the southern end of the common is used for parking skip vehicles on by a local business. There was also some dumped farm machinery on the common.


FAUNA:
Grey squirrel, roe deer, chiffchaff, robin, chaffinch, buzzard, cuckoo, magpie, the butterflies small skipper, small pearl-bordered fritillary?, green-veined white, brimstone and orange tip and the damselfly {\it Agrion virgo?} were recorded during the site visit. Anthills were also recorded. It is a well known butterfly site in Dorset and listed on the Dorset Butterfly site register. Strong populations of small pearl-bordered and marsh fritillaries were recorded 21.06.86 from the grassy clearings around the periphery of the common together with grizzled skipper, green hairstreak, large skipper, speckled wood, brimstone and large white. The additional species purple hairstreak, white admiral, silver-washed fritillary, gatekeeper, ringlet, marbled white, meadow brown, comma, small tortoiseshell, small skipper and small and green-veined whites were recorded on 01.08.86. Small pearl-bordered fritillary, grizzled skipper and marsh fritillary were also recorded 20.06.85 together with common blue. Numerous eggs of brown hairstreak were found during the winter of 1984/85. Marsh fritillary is listed on the short list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Deadmoor common is situated in the Blackmoor vale south-west of Sturminster-Newton in the north of the county. It largely supports continuous scrub comprising {\it Acer campestre, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Euonymus europaeus, Rosa campestre, Ligustrum vulgare, Quercus robur} and rarely {\it Alnus glutinosa}. {\it Betula pendula} is locally dominant. Amongst the scrub {\it Juncus effusus, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Dryopteris filix-mas, Potentilla erecta, Stachys officinalis, Viola} sp., {\it Carex sylvatica, Fragaria vesca, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and the bryophyte {\it Eurynchium praelongum} were recorded. At the western end this grades into {\it Quercus robur} woodland with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, an understorey of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rosa} sp. and {\it Prunus spinosa} and groundflora species {\it Brachypodium pinnatum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Lonicera periclymenum, Ajuga reptans, Carex sylvatica} and {\it Stachys officinalis}. Along the track leading onto the common, {\it Ranunculus ficaria, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Urtica dioica, Silene dioica, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Carex remota, Glechoma hederacea, Poa trivialis, Galium aparine, Veronica montana, Stellaria holostea, Chaerophyllum temulum, Veronica anagallis-aquatica, Ajuga reptans, Potentilla anserina, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Mentha aquatica} were recorded.   

Public access is limited to the north-eastern and southern boundaries where there were many grassy clearings. The semi-improved neutral grassland at the south-eastern end of the common supported frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Carex hirta, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Alopecurus pratensis} with occasional {\it Carex otrubae, Vicia sativa, Anthriscus sylvestris, Juncus inflexus, Cerastium fontanum, Centaurea nigra, Angelica sylvestris, Trifolium pratense, Oenanthe crocata, Pulicaria dysenterica, Cirsium arvense} and {\it Rumex acetosa}. The next clearing to the west supported similar grassland with {\it Mentha aquatica, Cardamine pratensis, Lotus pedunculatus, Dactylorhiza fuchsii} and some {\it Ulex europaeus}. At ST75251090 the grassland is dominated by {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} with {\it Potentilla erecta, Luzula multiflora, Pulicaria dysenterica, Arrhenatherum elatius, Succisa pratensis, Carex flaca, Genista tinctoria, Stachys officinalis, Lonicera periclymenum, Stellaria holostea} and {\it Serratula tinctoria} (where small pearl-bordered fritillaries and anthills were also recorded). There is a strip of marshy grassland to the west of this area dominated by {\it Oenanthe crocata} and {\it Urtica dioica}. A similar small area of marshy grassland occurs at the extreme northern point of the common.

Along the north-eastern boundary the grassland was marshy with frequent {\it Juncus acutiflorus}, locally dominant {\it Cirsium dissectum} and occasional {\it Carex panicea, Lathyrus pratensis, Silaum silaus} and {\it Carex caryophyllea}. {\it Molinia caerulea} occurred locally and {\it Carex pulicaris} was rare. 

The grassland areas were surveyed 28.09.88 recording abundant {\it Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Centaurea nigra, Juncus effusus, Mentha aquatica, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Succisa pratensis}, frequent {\it Agrostis canina, A. stolonifera, Alopecurus pratensis, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Phleum pratense, Carex panicea, Juncus articulatus, Lotus corniculatus, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Rumex acetosa} and occasional {\it Dactylis glomerata, Carex hirta, Cirsium arvense, C. palustre, Hypericum maculatum, Lotus pedunculatus, Potentilla reptans, Prunella vulgaris, Rumex conglomeratus} and {\it R. obtusifolius} recorded. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Potentilla anserina} were locally frequent and {\it Briza media, Molinia caerulea, Angelica sylvestris, Polygonum hydropiper} and {\it Ranunculus flammula} locally occasional. {\it Stachys officinalis} was recorded as rare. 

Additional species recorded during a BSBI meeting 05.09.92 included {\it Achillea ptarmica} and {\it Senecio erucifolius} from the grassland areas and the woodland species {\it Viburnum opulus} and {\it Festuca gigantea}.

MANAGE:
The majority of the common is probably unmanaged. Some scrub clearance was noted in the grassy clearings. The amount of grassland has apparently declined since the 1988 survey (sketch map only) and 1983 Phase 1 survey through scrub encroachment. Continued active management is required to maintain the species-rich grass clearings and ideally to extend these. The common has many similarities to the nearby Lydlinch common (CL42) which is a SSSI and a similar management regime could be appropriate. There is probably some grazing of the clearings by deer helping to maintain the grassland diversity.


FAUNA:
Buzzard, wren, jay and the butterflies comma, small copper, red admiral, large white and small tortoiseshell were recorded during the site visit. Lydlinch common and Stock wood SSSI supports an outstanding assemblage of butterflies and moths with about 30 resident butterfly species with the incidental recording of nationally scarce invertebrates belonging to other groups such as the small red damselfly. The common contributes to what is thought to be the largest population in England of the nationally scarce marsh fritillary butterfly and also supports the only known Dorset colony of the nationally scarce brown hairstreak butterfly. Several other declining butterfly species are found on the SSSI including the local small pearl-bordered fritillary and three nationally scarce moths; the ruddy highflyer, grass wave and the orange footman (an oak woodland species). Additional butterflies recorded in 1986 included grizzled skipper, clouded yellow, purple hairstreak, green hairstreak, white admiral, silver-washed fritillary, marbled white and dingy skipper (up until 1985). Brown argus was recorded in 1989 and 1990. Some 41 species of moth were recorded 01/02.06.92 (SSSI citation and site file). Marsh fritillary is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. 

The SSSI also provides valuable habitat for a range of birds. Nightingale is present in one of its largest breeding colonies in Dorset (11 singing males recorded in 1989) together with sedge warbler, lapwing, whitethroat and redstart. The scrub and grassland mosaic also provides food and shelter for wintering birds such as fieldfare, redwing and brambling. 63 species of bird were recorded from the common in 1986 including the additional species sparrowhawk, kestrel, woodcock, cuckoo, little and tawny owls, green and great spotted woodpeckers, redstart, song thrush, nuthatch, tree creeper, siskin, linnet, redpoll and bullfinch. Common lizard and grass snake are also well established (SSSI citation and site file). Song thrush is listed on the short-list and linnet and bullfinch on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

VEG:
Lydlinch Common is situated in the Blackmoor Vale at the intersection of the A3030 and the A357 to the west of Sturminster Newton in the north of the county. Seasonally waterlogged clay soils overlie the gently undulating topography of the Oxford Clay. The SSSI consists of an intimate mixture of herb-rich grassland, scrub and woodland supporting over 200 species of vascular plants (SSSI citation). 

The open vegetation is intermediate between a neutral grassland and a fen meadow (MG9/M24 {\it Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa} grassland/{\it Molinia caerulea-Cirsium dissectum} fen meadow). {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Holcus lanatus} are locally abundant together with {\it Succisa pratensis, Stachys officinalis, Serratula tinctoria, Achillea ptarmica} and {\it Centaurea nigra}. Over 20 grass species occur in the sward, such as {\it Hordeum secalinum, Festuca rubra, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}. Characteristic, but less frequent, are herbs such as {\it Lotus pedunculatus, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Carex nigra}. 

The fen meadow component is characterised by extensive patches of {\it Cirsium dissectum}, a variety of rushes and a rich sedge flora including {\it Carex flacca, C. pulicaris, C. panicea} and {\it C. viridula} ssp. {\it oedocarpa}. Tall herbs such as {\it Angelica sylvestris, Senecio erucifolius} and {\it Cirsium palustre} are prominent amongst the rough grass tussocks. 

{\it Calluna vulgaris} occurs on free-draining soils present on anthills. The common also supports herbs of restricted distribution such as {\it Oenanthe pimpinelloides, Trifolium fragiferum} and {\it Silaum silaus}.

{\it Prunus spinosa} with {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ligustrum vulgare} dominate the scrub with {\it Ulex europaeus, Rosa arvensis, Rhamnus catharticus} and {\it Frangula alnus}. {\it Viola riviniana} is common in the field layer (SSSI citation). {\it Ulmus procera, Acer campestre, Quercus robur, Salix} sp. and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} were also recorded amongst the scrub.

There had been some pipe-laying work along the roadside at the time of a BSBI field meeting in 1992 with an associated weed flora of {\it Anchusa arvensis, Diplotaxis muralis, Lactuca serriola, Senecio squalidus, S. viscosus, Stachys arvensis, Veronica polita} and the local {\it Geranium rotundifolium} (BSBI News, Dec. 1992).

Much of the grassland was surveyed 20.09.88. {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Holcus lanatus} were recorded as abundant with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Carex panicea, Achillea millefolium, Angelica sylvestris, Cirsium arvense, C. palustre, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Rumex acetosa, R. crispus, Senecio erucifolius} and occasional {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense, Carex flacca, Agrimonia eupatorium, Bellis perennis, Cerastium fontanum, Galium palustre, G. verum, Juncus effusus, Leucanthemum vulgare, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla reptans, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Stellaria graminea, Trifolium repens, T. pratense} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. Locally abundant {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} and locally frequent {\it Agrostis canina, Achillea ptarmica, Centaurea nigra, Filipendula ulmaria, Mentha aquatica, Serratula tinctoria, Stachys officinalis} and {\it Succisa pratensis} were also recorded. {\it Oenanthe fistulosa} was rare. Locally the grassland was long and rank (with {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}) becoming overcome with scrub (particularly east of the A3030) with much {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Cirsium} sp. and {\it Urtica dioica}, but still much {\it Succisa pratensis, Achillea ptarmica} and some {\it Stachys officinalis, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Serratula tinctoria}. North of A357, the grassland was again long and rank with much {\it Deschampsis cespitosa} and {\it Cirsium arvense} and very abundant {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} becoming overcome by {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. The grassland appeared much the same in 1997 but much {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} was recorded north of the A357 and no {\it Serratula tinctoria} was seen. Frequent {\it Angelica sylvestris} and locally frequent {\it Succisa pratensis} were noted. The grassland area at ST733132 was not surveyed in 1988. It supports a more acidic grassland with locally abundant {\it Agrostis canina} with pockets of bare ground and occasional {\it Molinia caerulea} (locally frequent), {\it Potentilla anserina, P. erecta, Deschampsia cespitosa, Centaurea nigra, Carex ovalis?, Succisa pratensis, Serratula tinctoria, Carex panicea} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}. {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Galium saxatile} were rare.

The scrub area adjacent to Stock Wood was also surveyed in 1988 recording abundant {\it Holcus lanatus} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}, frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Carex nigra, C. panicea, Achillea millefolium, A. ptarmica, Angelica sylvestris, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium dissectum, Lotus corniculatus, Ranunculus acris, Serratula tinctoria} and {\it Stachys officinalis} and occasional {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Arrhenatherum elatius, Deschampsia cespitosa, Molinia caerulea, Phleum pratense, Carex flacca, Cirsium arvense, C. palustre, Juncus articulatus, J. effusus, Lotus pedunculatus, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla anserina, P. erecta, P. reptans, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Succisa pratensis} in clearings and along the rides. {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Oenanthe} sp. were also recorded in the clearing near the road in 1997, {\it Ranunculus flammula} and {\it Carex pendula} along the rides and {\it Dactylorhiza} sp. along one of the rides at the northern end of this area. There are small areas of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} woodland locally with some {\it Quercus robur} amongst the scrub with understorey species {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix} sp. and a groundflora of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}. 

The area of semi-improved grassland to the north was herb-poor {\it Agrostis capillaris/Holcus lanatus} grassland with occasional {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Cirsium arvense, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Ranunculus repens}. {\it Cynosurus cristatus} was locally frequent. 

There is a Coronation {\it Quercus robur} (Edward VII) at the far eastern end of the common.

MANAGE:
In 1991, the area of grassland at ST735137 had been heavily grazed by cattle (the same area fenced and cattle grazed in 1988) with sporadic cattle grazing north of the A357. The majority of the common has remained ungrazed since the 1930's and has now reverted mostly to dense scrub. The small remaining areas of grassland have been extended since 1987, initially by the Dorset Wildlife Trust and then the Dorset Branch of the British Butterfly Conservation Society. New clearings had been created and scrub had been coppiced or cleared. Rides amongst the scrub at the western end were being mown annually and the semi-improved field was being managed for hay  (M.S.Warren, 1991). Management recommendations made in the short management plan included cutting areas of scrub on rotation and to maintain clearings with light cattle grazing or cutting on a four year rotation (locally two yearly), control scrub invasion and to extend clearings. Annual mowing of rides was to be continued as was the then current grazing regime. The woodland areas were to be retained and the grassland at the eastern end cut on four-year rotation. A pipeline was laid along the roadside in 1992 (BSBI meeting report). 

During the site visit recent scrub clearance/coppicing was noted and mowing of rides. A small area of the scrub had been cleared/coppiced at the western end leaving scattered {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur} trees and some scattered scrub. Scalloped margins had been created along scrub margins. The grassland was possibly locally ranker and less diverse than recorded in 1988 although the ranker areas appear good for grasshoppers. There had been further scrub encroachment on the grassland at the eastern end. No grazing was evident at the time of the visit. Locally the grass was very worn with areas of bare ground (as a result of recreational pressure?) The area of semi-improved neutral grassland adjacent to Stock Wood had been damaged by forestry machinery. A small area around the coronation oak at the eastern end is regularly mown.


FAUNA:
The butterflies meadow brown, small tortoiseshell, ringlet, marbled white and a species of skipper were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Peaceful Lane is situated in the Blackmoor Vale in the north-west of the county. It runs for 1.7km south-eastwards from Woodbridge on the A3030 east of Bishop's Caundle, joining another minor road to the west of King's Stag. The verges of variable width support semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with occasional {\it Festuca rubra, Carex divulsa, Lolium perenne} (locally frequent), {\it Trifolium repens, Centaurea nigra, Galium mollugo, Lathyrus pratensis, Anthriscus sylvestris, Odontites vernus, Stachys sylvatica, Rumex crispus, Heracleum sphondylium, Vicia sativa} and {\it V. sepium}. {\it Chaerophyllum temulum, Plantago lanceolata, P. major} and {\it Urtica dioica} were locally frequent with {\it Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Oenanthe crocata} locally frequent in ditches and {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum} recorded along the woodland edge at the southern end of the common. Other local species recorded at the southern end include {\it Lysimachia nummularium, Potentilla reptans, Senecio erucifolius, Juncus articulatus} and some {\it Salix cinerea} scrub. Additional species {\it Trifolium pratense, T. dubium, Vicia cracca, V. hirsuta, Oenanthe pimpinelloides, Cirsium arvense, Sison amomum?, Phleum pratense, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Alopecurus pratensis} were recorded at ST717112.

The central area of the common (ST71651145) supports semi-improved neutral grassland comprising frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca pratensis, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}, abundant {\it Lathyrus pratensis} and occasional {\it Leucanthemum vulgare} and {\it Silaum silaus}. {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus inflexus, Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Stellaria graminea} were locally frequent and {\it Stachys officinalis, Potentilla anserina, Carex otrubae, Agrimonia eupatorium, Pulicaria dysenterica, Cirsium arvense, Epilobium hirsutum, Hypericum hirsutum} and {\it Achillea millefolium} were also recorded locally. There was some scrub around the stream and two road drains comprising {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Salix cinerea}. 

The grassland at ST71451180 was less rank comprising frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Trifolium pratense, Stellaria graminea} and {\it Cerastium fontanum, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Festuca rubra} with locally frequent {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and locally {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and a small area of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Salix cinerea} scrub. {\it Carex pendula, Conium maculatum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Rumex acetosa} were recorded near Lower Woodbridge Farm and a small area of coarse grassland with {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Dipsacus fullonum, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Symphytum} sp. and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. 

Additional species recorded from the common include {\it Viola riviniana, Trifolium medium, Ranunculus acris, Cardamine pratensis, Primula veris, Succisa pratensis, Achillea ptarmica, Orchis mascula, Luzula campestris} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} (Dorset SNCI survey). According to a local resident, the population of {\it Orchis mascula} has declined in recent years.

The hedgerows bordering the common are at least locally species-rich. Species recorded from the hedgerows at the southern end of the common include {\it Prunus spinosa, Acer campestre, Fraxinus excelsior, Ligustrum vulgare, Rosa arvensis, Cornus sanguinea, Corylus avellana, Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna, Viburnum lantana?, Salix capraea, Sambucus nigra, Ulmus glabra, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}. There were a few {\it Quercus robur} trees in the hedgerow bordering the central part of the common. Ancient and/or species-rich hedgerow is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MANAGE:
The immediate road verges are cut, probably infrequently, and a few areas of the common are regularly mown outside properties. According to a local resident the common used to be grazed by horses and has since become rank and the population of {\it Orchis mascula} declined. The verges are quite diverse and still support a number of species typical of unimproved grasslands such as {\it Silaum silaus, Oenanthe pimpinelloides, Orchis mascula, Leucanthemum vulgare, Stachys officinalis, Centaurea nigra, Lathyrus pratensis, Stellaria graminea, Agrimonia eupatorium} and a diversity of grasses. With appropriate management such as the reintroduction of grazing or an appropriate cutting regime, the diversity of the grassland could increase. In the absence of management the diversity could decline.


FAUNA:
Deer, rabbit, buzzard, chiffchaff and meadow brown butterfly were recorded during the site visit.

VEG:
Burton common is situated on the A352 approximately 7km south of Sherborne in the Blackmore Vale. The common slopes gently to the south and east and is bordered by a stream (The Cam) to the east. Public access was restricted to the northern edge. 

The common supports semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus, Pulicaria dysenterica, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Carex panicea} and occasional {\it Agrostis stolonifera, Juncus inflexus, Plantago lanceolata, Oenanthe pimpinelloides?} (locally frequent), {\it Descampsia cespitosa, Succisa pratensis, Lotus pedunculatus, Galium palustre?, Cirsium palustre, Centaurea nigra, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula, Hypochaeris radicata, Potentilla anserina, Achillea ptarmica, Potentilla reptans, Cerastium fontanum, Stellaria graminea, Leucanthemum vulgare, Agrimonia eupatorium, Senecio erucifolius} and {\it Danthonia decumbens}. {\it Cirsium dissectum} was locally abundant and {\it J. conglomeratus, J. effusus, J. articulatus, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Veronica serpyllifolia} occurred locally. {\it Carex viridula} ssp. {\it oedocarpa, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Filago vulgaris?} were rare. Scattered scrub of {\it Quercus robur, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Ulex} spp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rosa} sp. occurs throughout. The eastern end is lower and damper with locally abundant {\it Juncus} spp., the largest concentration of {\it Oenanthe} and more {\it Ulex} sp. scrub. {\it Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, Glyceria} sp. and water crowfoot ({\it Ranunculus} sp.) were recorded in a dry pool at (1). 

Similar vegetation was recorded during the 1988 survey (Dorset Neutral Grasslands survey) with, in addition, abundant {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Juncus conglomeratus}, frequent {\it Carex nigra, Bellis perennis, Trifolium pratense} and the bryophyte {\it Calliergon cuspidatum} and locally frequent {\it Potentilla erecta}. It was described as closer to a wet heath which is grazed and consequently dominated by grasses and therefore was not included in the neutral grasslands report. The acidic nature of the site was reflected by the abundance of {\it Juncus conglomeratus, Carex demissa, Ulex} sp. and occasional {\it Potentilla erecta} and {\it Galium saxatile}. The sward is described as dominated by {\it Agrostis canina} in the SNCI survey which was not recorded in this or the 1988 survey. Also recorded in the SNCI survey were occasional {\it Oenanthe fistulosa} and {\it Potentilla anglica, Dactylorhiza incarnata} and {\it Orchis morio}. {\it Polygonum minus} was found during a BSBI meeting 09.92 where the bridleway leaves the common. 

At the far eastern end of the common is a small area of continuous scrub comprising {\it Fraxinus excelsior} saplings and {\it Prunus spinosa} with a groundflora of {\it Oenanthe crocata, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Stellaria media, Hedera helix, Chaerophyllum temulentum, Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Lapsana communis}.

The hedgerows along the northern and western sides were overgrown and encroaching on the common and locally defunct. {\it Ulmus procera} was locally abundant and there were some mature {\it Quercus robur} in the northern hedgerow. Other hedgerow species recorded were {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Rosa} sp.

MANAGE:
The common is managed by grazing with horses. There was only one horse grazing at the time of the site visit but the common was badly poached in places, probably due more to the ground being quite damp and not heavy grazing. According to the common land register grazing is not allowed during the winter months probably because the ground is too wet. Deer and rabbits also frequent the common. There were about 20 cattle grazing the common in 1988 together with horses and 2 horses and approximately 10 cattle grazing the common on 19.07.82 during the county Phase 1 survey. There is a lot of scattered scrub and the hedgerows are also encroaching on the common. Under the current management regime scrub encroachment is not a threat to the grassland and probably provides additional valuable habitat. The common is moderately species-rich supporting several uncommon species such as {\it Cirsium dissectum, Polygonum minus} and {\it Oenanthe} spp. and should not be further 'improved'.


VEG:
Stockwood common is situated in the village of Stockwood to the east of Melbury Osmond in the north-west of the county. It slopes gently to the north-east. The majority of the common has been agriculturally improved and now supports improved grassland dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with some {\it Trifolium repens, Agrostis stolonifera, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. Bordering hedgerows have been removed in places and parts of the common incorporated into adjoining fields. 

Semi-improved neutral grassland occurs along the road verges comprising frequent {\it Holcus lanatus, Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Lolium perenne} with occasional {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Dactylis glomerata, Heracleum sphondylium, Alopecurus pratensis, Ranunculus repens, Juncus effusus, Vicia cracca, Cirsium arvense, Lathyrus pratensis, Phleum pratense, Silene dioica} and {\it Rumex} sp. {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum} were locally frequent and {\it Carex hirta, Elytrigia repens, Stachys sylvatica} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., locally occasional. {\it Carex otrubae} and {\it C. pendula} were also recorded. Locally there were some scattered {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees and some planted {\it Populus} sp. There is an area of bare ground outside Church Farm.

At the extreme southern end is a small area of continuous scrub of {\it Corylus avellana, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Quercus robur}. 

There are a number of mature {\it Quercus robur} on the common in extant or former hedgerows. Other hedgerow species recorded include {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer campestre, Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sambucus nigra}.

MANAGE:
The majority of the common has been agriculturally improved and was being grazed by cattle at the time of the site visit (there are no registered rights on this common). Hedgerows bordering parts of the common have been removed and parts incorporated into adjoining fields. One area of road verge had been cut and a small area near Church Farm was enclosed with temporary fencing (for grazing?). The northernmost hedge had been layered in the past. There has been some tree planting on the common. Locally there is some scrub encroachment. There had been some major work carried out on the northern end of the common by the Water Board. There is a small gravel parking area on the common adjacent to Staverdale Cottages and there was some agricultural machinery on the common opposite Church Farm.


FAUNA:
No fauna was observed during the site visit.

VEG:
Poor allotment is situated on the South Wessex Downs above Frome St. Quintin, east of Cerne Abbas in the west of the county on a gentle west-facing slope. There was no public access to this common which was viewed from the nearby A37 and public bridlepath. It was mapped as improved grassland during the 1982/83 county Phase 1 survey and appeared to support improved grassland dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} at the time of the site visit. It was bordered by defunct hedgerows with fencing on three sides and an intact {\it Crataegus monogyna/Prunus spinosa} hedgerow on the other.

MANAGE:
The common appears to have been agriculturally improved and was being grazed by cattle at the time of the site visit.


FAUNA:
Deer were seen near the common during the site visit.

VEG:
Poor Lot is situated on the west-facing slope of Ridge Hill in the South Wessex Downs to the south-west of Cerne Abbas in west Dorset. The only access to this common was via the Wessex ridgeway along the eastern edge. The upper slopes of the common supported semi-improved neutral grassland comprising abundant {\it Agrostis capillaris} with occasional {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Leucanthemum vulgare, Lotus corniculatus, Rumex acetosa, Trifolium repens} and {\it Festuca} sp. {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Succisa pratensis} were also recorded but occurring rarely. This area was mapped as arable/improved in 1984. 

Broadleaved woodland occurs on the lower slopes with a canopy predominantly of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with {\it Corylus avellana} beneath (there was no public access to the woodland). Continuous scrub of {\it Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana} and {\it Sambucus nigra} extends up the southern edge of the common. 

The hedgerow along the northern boundary was defunct and supported {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. The eastern hedgerow was intact with {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Salix capraea, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Ulex europaeus}.

MANAGE:
The grassland area was fenced and probably used for sheep pasture although there were no stock on at the time of the site visit. There had been a hay crop?


FAUNA:
CHESIL BEACH - MAPS 1 AND 2

Oystercatcher, ringed plover and the butterflies red admiral, small tortoiseshell and large white were recorded during the site visit. Chesil Beach is the breeding site for about 50 pairs of little tern and 30 pairs of ringed plover, the only sizeable populations of these species in south-west Britain. Part of the common is fenced off during the breeding season to protect them. The nationally rare cricket {\it Mogoplistes squamiger} occurs just above the high water mark, the only known British population (SSSI citation). Small numbers of common tern, lapwing, redshank and oystercatcher also nest on the beach and shelduck occasionally breed in old structures on the beach. Several hares are also known to breed on the beach and foxes hunt there, being the chief predator of tern eggs and chicks, but also feeding on small mammals in the denser areas of vegetation. Brown hare is listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The small mammal fauna includes long-tailed field mouse (D.Elton, 1991).

The lagoon behind the common known as The Fleet, is a RAMSAR site and Special Protection Area for birds, supporting up to 1,200 wintering mute swans and up to 7,500 wintering wigeon (nationally important numbers) and around 2,500 migrant dark-bellied Brent Geese (internationally important). The SPA also supports nationally important numbers of shoveler, red-brested merganser, coot and pochard. The intertidal mud flats support numerous wintering and passage waders with up to 1,000 dunlin and 1,500 lapwing. Stands of {\it Phragmites australis} support large populations of sedge and reed warblers and a few pairs of the rare Cetti's warbler (SSSI citation and file).

Other notable bird species recorded from the SSSI (extending westwards beyond the common to SY497884 and including the lagoon 'The Fleet') include breeding marsh warbler and bearded tit, wintering great northern diver, red throated diver, Slavonian grebe, black-necked grebe, passage of whimbrel, black-tailed godwit, greenshank, purple sandpiper, ruff and avocet and also roseate tern, merlin, hobby, barn owl, hen harrier, marsh harrier, snowy owl, short-eared owl and kingfisher. Marsh warbler and roseate tern are listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

A survey of the terrestrial invertebrates of Chesil Beach from Abbotsbury to Ferry Bridge (including a large part of the common) was carried out in 1994 as part of the Lyme Bay Environmental Study. A total of 299 species were identified of which 11 were Red Data Book (RDB) species (three of which have only been recorded at Chesil Beach) and 28 were nationally notable. Two of the RDB species and 8 of the notable species were recorded from the saltmarsh only (outside the common boundary). The RDB species were the looping snail {\it Truncatella subcylindrica} (saltmarsh only), the ground beetles {\it Anthicus tristis, Dromius vectensis} and {\it Polistichus connexus}, the driftline beetle {\it Omophlus rufitarsis}, the fly {\it Aphrosylus mitis} (saltmarsh only), the bee {\it Hylaeus euryscapus}, the scaly cricket {\it Pseudomogoplistes squamiger} and the spiders {\it Haplodrassus minor, Pellenes tripunctatus} and {\it Phlegra fasciata}. The spider {\it Pellenes tripunctatus} was recorded on Chesil Beach for the first time, the only other recent recording for this species in the UK being from vegetated coastal shingle at Dungeness, Kent. 

MAPS 3 AND 4 - ISLE OF PORTLAND

Swallow, shag, wheatear and the butterflies small copper, red admiral, small tortoiseshell and speckled wood were recorded during the site visit. 

Butterflies of limestone grassland are well represented on the Isle including strong populations of chalkhill blue, the rare Adonis blue and the cretaceous race of silver-studded blue unique to Portland (adonis and silver-studded blue are listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan). Two uncommon moths, the Portland ribbon wave and four-spotted occur on the island (the latter is listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan). Also recorded are the local cockroach {\it Ectobius panzeri} and there are strong populations of grey bush cricket. The nationally rare mollusc {\it Truncatellina britannica} and the nationally scarce {\it Helicella itala} occur in the SSSI. 5 species of notable Hemiptera, 14 of Hymenoptera (including the RDB species {\it Solenopsis fugax, Euodynerus quadrifasciat, Stigmus pendulus, Hylaeus euryscapus, Bombus cullumanus, Hahnia candica} and {\it Lasioglossum angusticeps}, the latter species listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan), a further 27 species of Lepidoptera (including the RDB species {\it Leucochlaena oditis} and {\it Heliothis viriplaca}) and 3 Diptera (including the RDB species {\it Chrysotoxom elegans} and {\it Chrysis fulgida}) have been recorded (SSSI Site Objective Statement). 

The postion of the island on the south coast and its diversity of habitats (particularly abundant scrub) make Portland especially attractive to migrating birds and rarities are regularly recorded. It is a famous site for the study of bird migration. Resident birds of the island include the commoner grassland and scrub species and there are small numbers of cliff nesting guillemot, razorbill and puffin (SSSI citation).

VEG:
CHESIL BEACH - MAPS 1 AND 2

Chesil Beach is one of the three major shingle structures in Britain and is of international importance for coastal geomorphology. Along about half of its length it encloses The Fleet, the largest tidal lagoon in Britain. This, together with the beach and associated habitats, incorporates a site that is of international importance to wildlife. The beach, essentially a linear storm beach linking the Isle of Portland to the mainland, is exceptional firstly for its size (150-200m wide and approximately 28km in length); secondly for the systematic coarsening of pebbles eastwards; thirdly for variation in the composition of pebbles; and forthly for the extensive historical records of beach changes (SSSI citation). The common comprises the easternmost approximately 6km of the beach. 

The stable landward side of the beach supports the characteristic flora of shingle as patches of individual species and as more continuously vegetated areas of coastal grassland. Along the shore of the fleet grows a discontinuous fringe of the nationally scarce* {\it Suaeda vera} together with {\it Beta vulgaris} and the nationally scarce* {\it Euphorbia portlandica}. There are large and nationally important populations of {\it Crambe maritima, Glaucium flavum, Lathyrus japonicus} (nationally scarce*) and {\it Trifolium scabrum}. {\it Eryngium maritimum, Calystegia soldanella}, the nationally scarce* {\it Euphorbia portlandica} and {\it Atriplex longipes} (at the only known site in Dorset) and the nationally rare** {\it Geranium purpureum} and {\it Polycarpon tetraphyllum} (recorded sporadically, but not in the last few years) are also present. Only one plant of {\it Crambe maritima} was recorded on the common during the site visit. 

During the Phase 1 survey, 1985, the richer areas of maritime grassland were dominated by species such as {\it Armeria maritima} and {\it Festuca rubra} with abundant {\it Cochlearia danica, Bromus mollis, Plantago coronopus, Thymus polytrichus} and {\it Aira} sp., frequent {\it Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Silene maritima, Anthyllis vulneraria} and {\it Trifolium scabrum} and occasional {\it Sedum acre, Pilosella officinarum, Trifolium campestre, Carex arenaria, Dactylis glomerata, Ononis repens, Beta maritima, Erodium cicutarium} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. {\it Rhinanthus minor} was recorded locally. Additional species recorded from the maritime grassland during the site visit include locally frequent {\it Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Cladonia} sp. lichen and occasional {\it Elytrigia atherica, Crithmum maritimum, Calystegia soldanella, Atriplex} sp. and {\it Sonchus} sp. {\it Rubia peregrina} was also recorded. {\it Daucus carota} and {\it Senecio} sp. were recorded in the area to the south of the car park, adjacent to the road. There were scattered patches of {\it Silene maritima} on the shingle. 

ISLE OF PORTLAND - MAPS 3 AND 4

The Isle of Portland is internationally important for its geological interest, particularly for the extensive, well exposed and accessible outcrop of the Portland and Purbeck Beds. A full sequence from the Kimmeridge Clay through the whole of the Portland Beds and well into the Purbeck Beds can be seen. The Portland Beds contain numerous features of sedimentological and stratigraphical interest and are very fossiliferous. The lower half of the Purbeck beds supports the well known 'fossil forest'. Other features of interest includes the most important raised beach on the south coast of Britain at Portland Bill and the best British example of rock collapse by slab failure. 

The Isle in general has a rich assemblage of plants and animals associated with limestone grassland, scrub and coastal habitats, a combination of features and species unrepeated elsewhere. There are long-standing areas of unimproved limestone grassland and also considerable interest in some of the old quarries which have become colonised by limestone plants. Shorter swards which are maintained by grazing or exposure to wind are dominated by {\it Festuca ovina} or {\it F. rubra} whereas longer swards are dominated by {\it Festuca arundinacea} and {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum} with {\it Dactylis glomerata} and locally {\it Brachypodium pinnatum}. The shorter swards are frequently rich in herbs including {\it Hippocrepis commosa, Lotus corniculatus, Carlina vulgaris, Scabiosa columbaria, Asperula cynanchica, Anacamptis pyramidalis} and {\it Ophrys apifera}. 

The sea cliffs hold a varied maritime flora which includes frequent {\it Crithmum maritimum, Inula crithmoides} (nationally scarce*) and {\it Armeria maritima}. {\it Limonium recurvum} (nationally rare**), a species confined to the island and {\it Mathiola incana} (nationally rare**) occur on the cliffs (endemic {\it Limonium} spp. are listed on the middle list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan). Near Portland Bill there is a maritime grassland dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} with abundant {\it Armeria maritima} and {\it Daucus carota}. 

The Weares or undercliffs on the east and west coasts support grassland and scrub communities amongst boulders. The scrub is composed of {\it Prunus spinosa, Viburnum lantana, Rubus fruticosus} agg., an alien {\it Cotoneaster} sp. and sapling {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. Elements of woodland flora are found here with {\it Euphorbia amygdaloides, Geranium robertianum} and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}. {\it Orobanche} spp. are frequent including {\it O. elatior} and {\it O. hederae} (nationally scarce*) and the nationally rare** {\it O. artemisiae-campestris} and {\it O. maritima}. {\it Smyrnium olusatrum} and the local {\it Euphorbia portlandica} (nationally scarce*) are also abundant. 

Reflecting the extreme southerly and maritime position of Portland, the bryophyte flora of the island is particularly interesting in that it is essentially Mediterranean in character. It includes some rare species including {\it Eurhynchium meridionale} (nationally rare, the nearest colony of which is in SW France) and {\it Southbya nigrella} (nationally rare) which in Britain is only known from Portland and the Isle of Wight. Other species recorded include the nationally rare {\it Funaria pulchella, Cephaloziella baumgartneri} and {\it Weissiatro tortilis} and the nationally scarce {\it Grimmia orbicularis, Coloejeunea rossettiana, Gymnostomum viridulum} and {\it Pottia bryoides}.

Portland is one of the richest coastal limestone sites for lichens in the British Isles. Over 210 species have been recorded, the majority on rock. Among these is the nationally scarce Mediterranean species {\it Rocella phycopsis} which occurs very locally on sheltered rock with other scarce lichens including {\it Arthonia endlicheri, Dirina repanda} (nationally scarce), {\it Lecanactis grumulosa, Sclerophyton circumscriptum} and {\it Caloplaca granulosa} (nationally rare). Rocks near the high water mark constitute another important lichen habitat where the genera {\it Caloplaca} and {\it Verrucaria} are particularly well represented. The quarries also hold a number of uncommon species both on rocks and on soil where the genus {\it Collema} is important (SSSI citation). Other species recorded include the nationally rare {\it Collema fragile, Diploschistes gypsaceus, Orobranche subelevata} and {\it Puetlinula cerebrina} and the nationally scarce {\it Caloplaca arnoldii, Catillaria littorella, Hymenelia prevostii, Opegrapha saxicola, Petractis clausa, Psora lurida, Rinodina bischoffi, Sarcosagium campestre, Toninia lobulata, T. mesioidea, Buellia subdisciformis} and {\it Rhizocarpon umbilicatum}. 

A Phase 1 survey of the Isle was carried out in 1984 upon which this report is based with additional observations from the site visit.

The area at SY681719 comprises the cliff top path and adjoining revegetating spoil heaps. This area was described as rich and diverse in 1984, supporting {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Brachypodium} sp. grassland with abundant {\it Carex flacca} and {\it Lotus corniculatus} along the path, frequent {\it Centranthus ruber} and occasional {\it Anacamptis pyramidalis} on the spoil. During the site visit {\it Hippocrepis comosa, Bromopsis erecta, Festuca rubra, Teucrium scorodonia, Lotus corniculatus, Rubia peregrina, Echium vulgare, Sanguisorba minor, Thymus polytrichus, Galium mollugo, Carlina vulgaris, Pilosella officinarum, Centranthus ruber, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Brachypodium} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Cotoneaster} sp. were noted.

Coastal path from SY679704 south to Branscombe Lodge. 

This section supports unimproved to semi-improved calcareous grassland. North of ARE Southwell, the grassland was very rich and diverse in 1984, dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} with abundant {\it Carex flacca} at the edge, abundant {\it Lotus corniculatus, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Prunella vulgaris} in dense patches and frequent {\it Bromus hordaceous, Daucus carota, Cirsium acaule, C. heterophyllum} and {\it Galium} sp. South of ARE Southwell, again described as very rich and diverse, the grassland was dominated by {\it Brachypodium} sp. with abundant {\it Holcus lanatus} and frequent {\it Poa compressa}. Elsewhere {\it Brachypodium} sp. is ranker and the grassland less diverse. During the site visit, locally frequent {\it Lolium perenne} with {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus, Bromus hordaceous, Trifolium repens, Bellis perennis, Hordeum secalinum, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Leontodon} sp. were noted with richer areas with {\it Galium verum, Centaurea scabiosa, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Daucus carota}.

Broad area of grassland between Branscombe Lodge and Devenish Arms. 

Another very rich and diverse area from the 1984 Phase 1 survey, the grassland mainly of {\it Festuca rubra} with {\it Brachypodium} sp. near the cliffs and {\it Carex flacca} towards the lawnsheds. There was some scrub mainly of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Some {\it Briza media} and {\it Festuca arundinacea} was found near the scrub. {\it Carex flacca/Festuca rubra} dominated areas where trampled/grazed with some {\it Ranunculus repens, R. bulbosus}, abundant {\it Centaurium} sp., {\it Potentilla reptans, Galium verum} and {\it Hieracium officinarum} (?). During the site visit, locally abundant {\it Daucus carota} was recorded. The northern end of this area was ranker and species-poor with {\it Agrostis} sp. and {\it Festuca arundinacea}. A narrow zone of maritime turf along the cliff top here was recorded in 1984, very rich and diverse, dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Carex flacca} with frequent {\it Ononis repens, Centaurium} sp. and {\it Potentilla reptans}. Other frequent grasses included {\it Bromus hordaceous} and {\it Brachypodium} sp. (both in localised patches). 

Grassland areas immediately north of Portland Bill. 

Improved/semi-improved grassland dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} in the south and {\it F. rubra} and {\it Lolium perenne} in the north, becoming ranker towards the Bill road with some {\it Brachypodium} sp. and {\it Holcus lanatus}. Around the coastguard cottages were dense patches of {\it Rubus} sp. scrub with some {\it Malus sylvestris}. Abundant {\it Pilosella officinarum, Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Daucus carota} were noted. The roadside verges supported abundant {\it Bromus hordaceous, B. sterilis, Festuca arundinacea} and {\it Briza media} (1984). During the site visit the area west of the car park was heavily trampled and species-poor with abundant {\it Plantago coronopus}. To north there was much {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum?}, frequent {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Dactylis glomerata, Senecio} sp., {\it Agrimonia eupatorium, Sanguisorba minor, Cirsium acaule, Anthyllis vulneraria, Lathyrus pratensis, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Cirsium arvense} becoming coarser with {\it Convolvulus arvensis, Linaria vulgaris, Carlina vulgaris, Centaurea scabiosa} and {\it Solanum dulcamara}. East of the car park {\it Festuca rubra} was dominant with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata, Leontodon} sp. and occasional {\it Sanguisorba minor, Brachypodium} sp. and {\it Daucus carota}. {\it Daucus carota, Lotus corniculatus, Prunella vulgaris} and {it Ranunculus bulbosus} were recorded as frequent here in 1984. 

Portland Bill.  

The SNCI (area excluded from SSSI) supports very patchy maritime turf with locally abundant {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Beta maritima, Spergularia media, Lotus corniculatus, Medicago lupulina, Daucus carota, Crithmum maritimum, Plantago coronopus, Armeria maritima, Cochlearia danica, Tripleurospermum maritimum} and {\it Leontodon saxatilis}. A few plants of {\it Inula crithmoides} (nationally scarce*) and {\it Lavatera arborea} were noted. The nationally scarce* {\it Parapholis incurva} has also been found along the eastern edge in abundance. During the site visit, the area to north-west of the SNCI had a deep crevace with {\it Crithmum maritimum} and {\it Armeria maritima} on the rock. Spoil heaps on the SNCI supported {\it Aster tripolium?} and the nationally scarce* {\it Inula crithmoides}. 

Coastal strip north-eastwards from the Bill.

The cliffs here are much lower supporting {\it Daucus carota, Crithmum maritimum, Plantago coronopus, Armeria maritima} and {\it Inula crithmoides} (nationally scarce*) with {\it Beta vulgaris} on the cliffs and along the path. North of Butts Quarries an area of the lawnshed is included within the common boundary. This area was not surveyed but probably supports a semi-improved neutral/calcareous grassland. Further north there is a strip of calcareous grassland supporting {\it Cirsium acaule, Carlina vulgaris, Centaurea nigra, Carex flacca, Blackstonia perfoliata, Festuca} sp., {\it Brachypodium} sp. and {\it Euphrasia} sp. becoming patchy to the north. At the northern end of this section is a large spoil heap.

Culverwell (SY684693)

This area supports dense and diverse scrub dominated by {\it Rubus} sp. with abundant {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it F. arundinacea}. {\it Malva sylvestris} was occasional. {\it Sambucus nigra, Salix cinerea} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} were also recorded during the site visit. {\it Blysmus compressus?} and {\it Eupatorium cannabinum} were recorded in a damp area near the road. A rather rank area of {\it Festuca rubra/Brachypodium} sp. grassland was noted with {\it Agrimonia eupatoria, Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Centaurea nigra}. One plant of {\it Malva arborea} was seen near the road.

Verges along the Bill road.

The verges are species-poor and dominated by {\it Festuca arundinacea} with some {\it Smyrnium olusatrum}. The section along Southwell Street south of Church Ope Cove supported semi-improved neutral grassland with {\it Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra} and the herbs {\it Medicago arabica, Achillea millefolium, Geranium molle, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Bellis perennis, Galium mollugo, Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Malva} sp. (site visit).

Church Ope Cove.

Church Ope Cove is a pebble beach with some {\it Centranthus ruber, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Smyrnium olustratum}. Numerous beach huts line the cove and spread up the gentle cliffs behind. The cliffs support continuous scrub of {\it Ligustrum vulgare, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus} sp. and {\it Prunus spinosa}. Amongst the scrub occur {\it Rubia peregrina, Centranthus ruber, Hedera helix, Orobanche hederae?} (nationally scarce*), {\it Scrophularia nodosa, Daphne laureola, Geranium robertianum, Iris} sp. and where more open, {\it Euphorbia helioscopia, Erodium} sp., {\it Mentha} sp., {\it Brachypodium} sp., {\it Vicia} sp. and calcicolous plants such as {\it Sanguisorba minor, Salvia} sp., {\it Cotoneaster} sp. and {\it Origanum vulgare}. The south side of the cove also supported {\it Linum catharticum, Polygala} sp., {\it Viburnum lantana, Teucrium scorodonia, Plantago media} and {\it Scabiosa} sp. 

The common supports the range of habitats to be found on the Isle. Key habitats identified in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan occurring on the common include coastal vegetated shingle structure, lowland calcareous grassland and maritime cliff and slope.

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

**Nationally rare species are those occurring in 15 or fewer 10km squares in Britain.

MANAGE:
MAPS 1 AND 2 - CHESIL BEACH

Part of the common is fenced off each year to protect the ground nesting birds largely from foxes. There are a number of boathouses scattered along the edge of The Fleet and a groyne on the common. There is no strandline vegetation opposite RE Bridging Hard probably as a result of the motor boat training which occurs on The Fleet here. There are also a couple of wartime pill boxes on the common here. There is a car park and visitor centre on the common adjacent to the road. Some of the maritime turf is suffering from visitors crossing it from the car park area to the top of the shingle bank and to the south of the car park. A road improvement scheme with promenade has encroached on the common to the south of Ferry Bridge. A large drainage scheme has been constructed on the common opposite HMS Osprey. This is to remove sea water seeping through the shingle bank. Further south near the road junction the shingle bank had been artificially heightened (1985 Phase 1). 

The Strangways Estate (part of the Crown Estate?) who own the area manage much of it as a nature reserve. The aims of the estate are summarised in the 1991 management plan (D.Elton) as 1) to maintain the special character and interest of the area including its wildlife, physical and ecological characteristics, 2) to protect and encourage rare species of wildlife that occur or breed in the area, 3) to allow recreation, traditional and commercial activities compatible with the above, 4) to interpret the area to the visiting public and to gain their support for and cooperation in its conservation through education, 5) to work with other bodies in the county eg. DTNC, NCC, Heritage Coast project, in achieving the above and 6) to earn income from the area in ways and to an extent compatible with 1) and 2) above. Specific policies to meet these aims are 1) to maintain the West Fleet beyond Rodden Hive as a strict sanctuary area with minimal disturbance to wildlife, 2) to permit traditional activities elsewhere on the Fleet so long as they are not considered to be damaging, 3) to restrict recreational use of the Fleet to reduce harmful impacts on its wildlife and ecology, 4) to restrict access to Chesil Beach during the tern breeding season and 5) to maintain an active presence at Ferrybridge. It was recommended that an NNR was established to raise the perceived status of the area and give statutory backing to the Estate's conservation Work, with the benefit of financial support for the running of the reserve. 

MAPS 3 AND 4 - ISLE OF PORTLAND

The areas along the west coast appear to be largely unmanaged and becoming rank with some scrub encroachment and localised loss of diversity. The 1984 Phase 1 survey refers to some areas being grazed but the stock are not specified. The areas of grassland around the car park and the Bill are regularly mown, resulting in a semi-improved sward, and heavily trampled and worn in places with some bare ground. The strip of grassland along Southwell Street south of Church Ope Cove is also regularly mown. Maritime turf on the Bill was very patchy due to trampling. Numerous beach huts line Church Ope Cove and there is much scrub development on the cliffs (overtaking the calcareous grassland in places through lack of grazing?). There are several aerials within fenced enclosures on the area of grassland south of Branscombe lodge and there is a car park on the common near the Bill. Along the coast northeastwards from the Bill there is some old winching gear, a scrap car, a concrete structure and a large spoil heap on the common.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit. Please see under the entry for CL2 for the fauna of the Isle of Portland SSSI.

VEG:
CL72 comprises a number of small pieces of land in the centre of the Isle of Portland. The stretch of road verge bordering Inmosthay Quarries was surveyed in failing light late in the season but appeared to support semi-improved neutral {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} - dominated grassland with {\it Calystegia sepium} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. The two areas to the south in Weston supported an amenity grassland dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with some {\it Hordeum secalinum, Picris hieracioides, Dactylis glomerata, Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Achillea millefolium} and locally {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}. There were a few planted {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} on the section east of the road. The other smaller sections of this common were not surveyed.

MANAGE:
The verge alongside Inmosthay Quarries appeared largely unmanaged with some encroaching scrub. There were two small car parks on this section. The two pieces to the south in Weston are regularly mown and there has been some tree planting on one section. There were some swings and a slide here also.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit but see the description of the fauna of the Isle of Portland SSSI under the entry for CL2.

VEG:
CL4 is situated on a steep north-west facing slope near the highest point on the island commanding fine views over Chesil Beach. Part of the common lies within the Isle of Portland SSSI, the vegetation of which is described under the entry for CL2.

The steep slope supports rank, unimproved calcareous grassland with scattered scrub dominated by {\it Bromopsis erecta} with {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum, Festuca arundinacea} and {\it F. rubra}. Shorter areas of turf also had {\it Helictotrichon pratense, Briza media} and {\it Festuca ovina}. Herbs include locally abundant {\it Leontodon hispidus} with {\it Linum catharticum, Lotus corniculatus, Hippocrepis commosa, Sanguisorba minor, Pimpinella saxifraga, Plantago media, Primula veris, Rhinanthus minor, Galium verum, Centaurea nigra, Scabiosa columbaria, Cirsium acaule, Picris hieraciodes, Serratula tinctoria, Senecio erucifolius} and {\it Pilosella officinarum}. Scrub areas contain {\it Cornus sanguinea, Prunus spinosa, Cotoneaster} sp. and {\it Sambucus nigra} with {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}. A limited epiphytic lichen flora was also noted including {\it Usnea subfloridana} (SNCI survey, 1992). The additional species {\it Centaurea scabiosa, Ononis repens} and {\it Lathyrus pratensis} and scrub species {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and locally {\it Fraxinus excelsior} were recorded during the site visit. Lowland calcareous grassland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. 

The steep bank west of the north-south footpath which divides the common had largely been destroyed due to road improvements. Formerly this area supported a mosaic of coarse grassland, dense {\it Hedera helix} and scrub. The main interest of this area was in the large population of the nationally scarce* {\it Orobanche hederae} it supported with over 100 plants present (SNCI survey). The eastern end of this section supports {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} woodland with {\it Hedera helix, Brachypodium} sp. and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}. The western end is becoming recolonised with calcareous grassland. 

The flatter areas along the southern edge of the common have largely been improved with car parks, raised beds and a war memorial interspersed with improved/amenity grassland. The steep bank below the war memorial supports scrub and rank calcareous grassland as described above with the nationally scarce* species {\it Orobanche hederae} and {\it Euphorbia portlandica} (SNCI survey). {\it Thymus polytrichus} was recorded here during the site visit.

At the easternmost end of the common is an enclosed area apparently supporting semi-improved neutral grassland with {\it Lolium perenne, Centaurea nigra, Reseda lutea, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus, Senecio jacobaea, Trifolium repens, Rhinanthus minor, Pimpinella saxifraga} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}.

MANAGE:
The areas of improved grassland are regularly mown. The remainder is largely unmanaged, fairly rank and with scrub encroachment. The calcareous grassland would benefit from grazing and some scrub clearance may be necessary to maintain this habitat. A large proportion of the western end of the common has recently been destroyed for a road improvement scheme destroying an important site for the nationally scarce {\it Orobanche hederae}. There is a small enclosed area at the eastern end of the common. There are some raised ornamental beds on the common and several small car parks.


VEG:
CL322 is situated in the River Frome Valley on the outskirts of Dorchester in a bend in the river. It is one of a series of 5 water meadows in this valley collectively known as West Ward common (see also CLs 35, 52, 147 and 322). There was no public access to the common which was viewed from the nearby A37. {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees occur along the river bank and there is much {\it Salix} spp. scrub on the common. Amongst the scrub is rank marshy grassland/tall ruderal vegetation with {\it Cirsium} spp.

MANAGE:
CL322 is a former area of water meadow that enabled winter inundation to protect the ground from frost and bring on an early hay crop (Legg, 1995). Grazing rights are limited to between 15th August and 1st November. The common appeared to be unmanaged.


FAUNA:
Heron, moorhen and the butterflies common blue, red admiral and small tortoiseshell were recorded during the site visit. Swans were seen on the River Frome.

VEG:
CL14 is situated in the River Frome Valley adjacent to the River on the outskirts of Dorchester. It is one of a series of 5 water meadows in this valley collectively known as West Ward common (see also CLs 35, 52, 147 and 322). Public access to the common was not clear and was therefore only viewed from the roadsides and limited public rights of way. The area was mapped as largely improved grassland during the 1982-83 Phase 1 survey of Dorset. The common was again mapped as largely supporting improved grassland during the survey with some areas of semi-improved neutral grassland. 

Areas of improved grassland comprise frequent (locally abundant) {\it Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and occasional species such as {\it Trifolium repens, Urtica dioica, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca rubra, Rumex crispus, Holcus lanatus, Cirsium arvense, Carex hirta, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. Locally occasional {\it Cirsium palustre, Juncus inflexus, Festuca pratensis, Leontodon} sp. and {\it Iris pseudacorus} were recorded at the western end of common. {\it Juncus articulatus} was locally abundant east of the bypass, south of the railway with frequent {\it Carex panicea} and occasional {\it Potentilla anserina, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Lotus pedunculatus}. 

There were local patches of marshy grassland south of the railway with {\it Iris pseudacorus, Juncus inflexus, Mentha aquatica, Apium nodiflorum, Phalaris arundinacea, Glyceria maxima, Carex acutiformis, Lythrum salicaria} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica}. North of A37 there are a couple of areas infested with {\it Cirsium arvense}, locally coarse with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata}. At the far eastern end are a couple of areas of tall ruderal vegetation supporting {\it Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica, Calystegia sepium, Impatiens glandulifera, Heracleum sphondylium, Angelica sylvestris, Epilobium hirsutum, Carex acutiformis, Symphytum} sp. and locally {\it Typha latifolia}. Further east, bordering the minor road are a couple of areas, recently cut, of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius?} dominated grassland with {\it Carex hirta}. The eastern end south of the A37 looked less improved with locally frequent {\it Juncus articulatus}. 

Areas of standing water south of the railway support {\it Apium nodiflorum, Juncus inflexus, Iris pseudacorus, Phalaris arundinacea, Pulicaria dysenterica} and {\it Mentha aquatica}. There are a couple of areas of standing water adjacent to the bypass choked with {\it Glyceria maxima, Phalaris arundinacea, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Eleocharis palustris, Lemna} sp. and algae. {\it Impatiens glandulifera, Angelica sylvestris} and {\it Iris pseudacorus} were recorded on the river bank. The drain between CL14 and CL35 supported {\it Apium nodiflorum, Glyceria fluitans, G. maxima, Iris pseudacorus, Phragmites australis} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. {\it Sparganium erectum} and {\it Solanum dulcamara} were also recorded from the ditches on the common. Drains along the northern side of the A37 are bordered by {\it Salix} spp., {\it Corylus avellana, Populus alba, Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Both eutrophic and mesotrophic standing water are key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

There is an area of swamp vegetation adjacent to the railway towards the western end of the common dominated by {\it Glyceria maxima} and {\it Phragmites australis}? {\it P. australis} reedbed is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

MANAGE:
CL14 is a former area of water meadow with a network of ditches and sluices that enabled winter inundation to protect the ground from frost and bring on an early hay crop (Legg, 1995). Grazing rights are limited to between 6th and 14th August for dairy cattle and 15th August and 1st November for heifers or horses. At the time of the site visit, the common was being grazed by cattle south of the A37 and sheep to the north (there are no registered rights to graze sheep on this common). It was unclear whether the area is still managed for hay. A couple of small areas at the eastern end had recently been cut for hay. The area appears largely improved reflected in the fairly luxuriant growth of vegetation in the drains and ditches. The common is fenced from the roads. A new road has been built across the common.


VEG:
CL35 is situated in the River Frome Valley to the north-west of Dorchester between CLs 14 and 52. It is one of a series of 5 water meadows in this valley collectively known as West Ward common (see also CLs 35, 52, 147 and 322). There was no public access to the common (the public footpath being blocked by the drain between CL35 and CL14) and was only viewed from CL14. The common appeared to support similar grassland to the adjoining section of CL14 ie. frequent to abundant {\it Lolium perenne} with frequent {\it Holcus lanatus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and occasional {\it Carex hirta, Trifolium repens, Ranunculus repens, Festuca pratensis, Leontodon} sp. and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. The drain between the two commons supported {\it Apium nodiflorum, Glyceria fluitans, G. maxima, Iris pseudacorus, Phragmites australis} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}.

MANAGE:
CL14 is a former area of water meadow traditionally inundated in winter to protect the ground from frost and bring on an early hay crop (Legg, 1995). Grazing is limited to between 6th and 14th August for dairy cattle and 15th August and 1st November for heifers or horses. It was unclear whether the area is still managed for hay. There was no stock on at the time of the site visit.


VEG:
CL147 is one of 5 register units making up West Ward common (an area of former water meadows) lying to the north of Dorchester in the River Frome valley. There was no public access to this part of the common which was only viewed from the nearby road. There was no visible boundary between the common and the adjoining field. The general appearance was similar to the adjoining CL32 and 14 and probably supports a similar grassland community.

MANAGE:
CL147 is a former area of water meadow with a network of ditches and sluices that enabled winter inundation to protect the ground from frost and bring on an early hay crop (Legg, 1995). Common grazing is permitted between 15th August and the end of February. The area of common land forms part of a larger field.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit but see under the entry for the adjoining section of CL2. No faunal records associated with this section of the Portland Harbour Shore SSSI were found.

VEG:
This common comprises a narrow strip of species-rich coastal grassland bordering onto Portland Harbour at the south-eastern end of Chesil beach. It is bisected by a disused railway. 

The common lies within the Portland Harbour Shore SSSI and was subject to an NVC survey in 1997 by SGS Environment (carried out in February). MC8 {\it Festuca rubra-Armeria maritima} maritime grassland was the main community identified with {\it Cochlearia maritima} and {\it Achillea millefolium, Daucus carota, Dactylis glomerata, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Beta vulgaris} ssp. {\it maritima}. The true community was fairly locallised with two MC8 transitional communities being prominent; MC8/MC11 {\it Festuca rubra-Daucus carota} ssp. {\it gummifer} maritime grassland on the seaward side and MC8/SM24 {\it Elymus pycnanthus} saltmarsh on the landward side. 

The MC8/MC11 is dominated by {\it Festuca rubra} with varying proportions of {\it Plantago coronopus, Anthyllis vulneraria} and {\it Armeria maritima} being evident at the time of the survey. In addition, young and inconspicuous growth of {\it Daucus carota} ssp. {\it gummifer} and {\it Ononis repens} was noted. Other species recorded were {\it Dactylis glomerata, Plantago lanceolata, Bellis perennis, Achillea millefolium, Elytrigia atherica, Hypochaeris radicata, Heracleum sphondylium, Lotus corniculatus, Sedum acre, Poa annua, Sagina procumbens?, Picris echioides, Cochlearia danica, Galium verum, Geranium molle, Cirsium vulgare?, Trifolium} sp., {\it Sonchus} sp. and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. There is a ditch in this area supporting {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. scrub with {\it Dipsacus fullonum} and {\it Eryngium maritimum}. 

The MC8/SM24 comprises {\it Festuca rubra, Elytrigia atherica, Beta vulgaris} ssp. {\it maritima, Armeria maritima, Cochlearia danica, Plantago coronopus} and {\it Daucus carota}. An area of SM24 {\it Elymus pycnanthus} saltmarsh was identified towards the northern end adjacent to the road dominated by {\it Elytrigia atherica} ({\it E. pycnanthus}) with {\it Cochlearia danica, Armeria maritima, Rumex crispus, Festuca rubra, Dipsacus fullonum} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. 

The ditch along the roadside at the southern end of the common supports SM14 {\it Halimione portaculoides} saltmarsh dominated by dense low shrubs of {\it H. portulacoides} together with the nationally scarce* {\it Suaeda vera} and an unidentified {\it Limonium} sp. Coastal saltmarsh is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Further north this ditch supported vegetation dominated by {\it Elytrigia atherica} with {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Carex arenaria?}. Other species present included {\it Dactylis glomerata, Rumex crispus, Heracleum sphondylium, Armeria maritima, Cirsium vulgare?} and locally {\it Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. {\it Linaria vulgaris} and {\it Melilotus} sp. were recorded here during the site visit.

During the Phase 1 survey of the adjoining Chesil and the Fleet SSSI the grassland was described as similar to that found on the adjoining section of CL2 with more ruderal species such as {\it Elytrigia atherica} (locally dominant) and {\it Carduus tenuiflorus} (occasional to frequent) reflecting the greater disturbance. The nationally scarce* {\it Euphorbia portlandica} is also mentioned as occurring on this part of the SSSI in the citation.

A marine centre and car park occupy the northern end of the common and the outlet from the drain on Chesil beach crosses the southernmost end.

Coastal vegetated shingle structure is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

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

MANAGE:
The grassland is unmanaged and heavily trampled. Locally there is some scrub encroachment. A marine centre and car park have encroached on the northern end of the common and the outlet from the drain on Chesil Beach crosses the southernmost end.


FAUNA:
No fauna was recorded during the site visit. Badger setts were noted on the western part of the common during the Phase 1 survey by M.Liley. 

The River Frome SSSI, of which this common forms a small part, is of high entomological interest. Areas of riparian habitat in particular have been found to support diverse invertebrate faunas including nationally rare species of fly and beetle recorded in wet woodland, fens and ditches. Other typical wetland species present include the local scarlet tiger beetle (a moth whose larvae feed on {\it Symphytum} sp. and the bright green leaf beetle {\it Chrysolina menthastri} which lives on {\it Mentha aquatica}. Two local species of Odonata have been recorded from the SSSI; the ruddy darter and the banded demoiselle together with the nationally rare 'scarce' chaser which breeds in slow flowing sections of the river (SSSI citation). 

Kingfisher and grey wagtail occur throughout the length of the River while the fringing swamp, fen and wet woodland habitats support a number of riparian passerines including reed bunting, reed warbler and sedge warbler. The rare Cetti's warbler has become widely established in similar habitat along the lower river, whilst grasshopper warbler is now reduced to the status of an irregular breeder. Of the water fowl, moorhen, mute swan and mallard are ubiquitous, but less obvious is the water rail which breeds in dense fen vegetation. The wet grassland breeding birds of the Lower Frome valley have all undergone substantial declines in numbers over recent years. Redshank, snipe and lapwing, all once common as breeding birds are now only present as winter visitors. The river margins and riparian vegetation are regularly used by a number of species on passage such as common sandpiper and green sandpipier. Osprey is a regular spring and autumn visitor (SSSI citation). 

All three species of native aquatic mammal have been recorded on the River Frome; water shrew, otter and water vole (SSSI citation). 

Water vole and otter are both listed on the short-list of globally threatened/declining species in the UK Biodiversity Action plan and reed bunting on the middle list.

VEG:
Burton Heath is situated adjacent to the River Frome west of Wool within the River Frome SSSI. The SSSI stretches from Dorchester to Wareham with Burton Heath situated in the middle reaches. The SSSI is the most westerly example of a major chalk stream in Great Britain. It supports an aquatic and bankside vegetation which shows a downstream transition from a purely chalk stream community to a lowland, mixed geology community in the lowermost reaches. The plant communities are species-rich compared with like communities on other rivers. Changes in agricultural management of the valley have resulted in unimproved grassland being restricted to a few remaining wet pastures, and in semi-natural riparian vegetation such as tall fen, swamp and wet woodland also being localised (often associated with river channel morphological features such as cut-off meanders, side channels and bankside shoals (swales). Very occasionally transitional and mosaic habitats including wet heath and a few areas of grazed wet grassland occur. 

Burton Heath was subject to a Phase 1 survey in January of 1997 (M.Liley). The eastern part of the common largely supports semi-open canopy {\it Quercus robur-Betula} sp.-{\it Salix cinerea} woodland with some coppiced {\it Corylus avellana}. {\it Lonicera periclymenum, Prunus spinosa, Ulex europaeus} and {\it Crataegus monogyna} were also recorded in the understorey during the site visit with the groundflora species {\it Hedera helix, Molinia caerulea, Pteridium aquilinum, Iris pseudacorus?, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Dryopteris dilatata}. Wet woodland is one of the key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan but no description of this habitat has been compiled. There are relict areas of dry heath and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, locally with scattered {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Ulex europaeus}. There is also an area of relict wet heath at this end of the common with scattered {\it Salix} sp. Tributary ditches/streams support {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius}. 

The western part of the common supports semi-open dry heath/{\it Pteridium aquilinum} colonised by {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Quercus robur} with some areas of {\it Calluna/Erica} with {\it Polytrichum} spp. mosses. Lowland heathland is one of the Key habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Below this is an area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland and scrub comprising {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Betula} sp. 

The common adjoins areas of swampy tall herb fen dominated by {\it Glyceria maxima} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}, rank marshy grassland and {\it Salix} carr with {\it Carex paniculata} and at least six dominant species of lichen.

MANAGE:
The common is largely unmanaged. A wayleave for power lines and some recent excavation/damage was noted on the eastern end of the common during the Phase 1 survey by M.Liley. Bracken and scrub encroachment threaten the relict areas of heath.


