# file3

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988 which was itself based in this area upon an upland vegetation survey conducted originally in 1984. This information has been combined with notes made during the field visit to produce the following report. The common straddles the plateau of Beatrix Fell and Burn Fell, falling away steeply from here along its southern edge. In the north, the common is dissected by the steep valley of Dunsop Brook. The underlying geology is mainly carboniferous sandstones. Most of the plateau ridge (1) has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by either Nardus stricta or Juncus squarrosus with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina and Galium saxatile, and occasional Potentilla erecta and Polytrichum commune (probably a mosaic of NVC types U5 and U6). At (2) there is a 50 percent cover of dry-modified bog, dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum. The steep fell-side (3) is completely dominated by dense Pteridium aquilinum. At the head of Dunsop Fell (4) there is an area of dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum. At its southern margin there is a clear edge of bare peat where active erosion appears to be taking place. At the head of Dunsop Brook Valley there are two acidic flush features (5). These have a similar species composition, being dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune with locally abundant Eriophorum angustifolium and at the edges E. vaginatum and Juncus squarrosus. The most northerly one also has locally frequent Carex nigra and C. echinata. Both appear to belong to NVC type M6c. There are two further similar flushes further down the valley, the one at (6) being a species-rich example. This contains locally frequent Stellaria alsine, Cardamine sp., Vaccinium oxycoccos, Narthecium ossifragum, Galium palustre, Chrsosplenium oppositifolium, Potentilla erecta, Holcus mollis, Epilobium palustre, Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex demissa, C. panicea, C. echinata, and Juncus bulbosus. On the north side of Dunsop Brook at (7) there is a mosaic of acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath. This has a 50 percent cover of hummocky Vaccinium myrtillus and abundant Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus and Deschampsia flexuosa. On the southern side of the valley (8) the vegetation was shown as similar to the above in the original Phase 1 map. Upon inspection however it was found that what appeared to be hummocks of Vaccinium myrtillus from a distance is in fact mostly Polytrichum commune. This occurs within a grassland sward comprising Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Festuca ovina and Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC U5). The hillside at (9) had a stand of completely dead Pteridium aquilinum, presumably sprayed.

MANAGE:
The common is extensively grazed by sheep. The steep slope along the southern edge (3) is unsuitable for grazing as it is almost totally covered by a dense stand of bracken. A smaller patch of bracken on the valley-side at (9) has been sprayed recently and was completely dead at the time of the site visit. The phase 1 report for the map sheet SD 65 NE makes the observation that much of the upland vegetation in this part of the Bowland Fells has a good heather cover and is managed for Grouse shooting. The common is clearly in contrast, having no heather, as a result presumably of a sustained high level of sheep grazing (there being 17 rights of pasture for sheep on the common). The weather was wet and misty at the time of the survey, which made the recording of upland birds rather difficult. The Phase 1 report makes the general observation that the fells occuring within SD 65 NE provide excellent breeding territories for upland birds in summer.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey: Red Admiral butterfly.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey, but due to its small size there are no specific target notes. A full field survey was therefore carried out. The site is an old quarry, now overgrown with mature heath, and being progressively invaded by Pteridium aquilinum. At (1) Calluna vulgaris is the dominant heath species with around a 60 percent cover. There is also abundant Vaccinium myrtillus and frequent Deschampsia flexuosa. In area (2) Vaccinium myrtillus is dominant, with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and locally abundant Calluna vulgaris (25 percent cover) and Empetrum nigrum (NVC H12). About 50 percent of this area is Pteridium aquilinum which is scattered thinly throughout. Dense Pteridium aquilinum has taken over at the edges of the common especially to the south and west. The track is grassy and has grassland dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa.

MANAGE:
The common is not managed. As a result the heather is mature reaching 40cm tall. Most plants are healthy although a small proportion are becoming a bit "leggy" and there are a few plants which are dying due to old age. There was a good show of flowers at the time of the survey. Bracken appears to be spreading throughout the entire common reaching a complete ground cover in many places. It is very likely that without appropriate management the heath will eventually be lost to dense bracken in coming years.


FAUNA:
No fauna were obverved during the site survey.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. However, due to its small size no relevant target notes were available, and so a full field survey was undertaken. The common occupies an abandoned quarry. It is surrounded on three sides by a conifer plantation which has been recently felled. The heath has co-dominant Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus and locally abundant Empetrum nigrum. Deschampsia flexuosa is generally frequent throughout. There are several parts of the common which are being invaded by Pteridium aquilinum. In the central area of heath the Pteridium occurs as scattered dense patches over 50 percent of the area.

MANAGE:
The common appears un-managed. The heath is mature mainly around 40cm tall. Most of the heather plants are healthy with a high proportion having numerous flowers at the time of the survey. However some plants had a "leggy" appearance and there were a small number of plants which were dead apparently due to old age. Bracken is invading over much of the common and it is likely that this process may eventually lead to the loss of all the heath.


FAUNA:
Records collated by Derek Bunn in September 1990.  Invertebrates: Callophrys rubi (green hairstreak butterfly), Cimbex femorata (birch sawfly), Bombus lapponicus (a bumblebee).  
Small Mammals: Microtus agrestis (short-tailed vole), Apodemus sylvaticus (wood mouse), Sorex araneus (common shrew), Sorex minutus (pygmy shrew).

VEG:
The common is listed as a Lancashire Wildlife Trust Site of Biological Importance. A survey was done by Derek Bunn in September 1990. These notes are summarised below, although a brief site visit was necessary to produce the vegetation map. The common occupies a narrow strip of land on a hillside overlooking the Ribble Valley. The site was originally an old quarry. In some parts along the eastern edge a low cliff of Millstone Grit is exposed. Much of the common has mature dry dwarf shrub heath, although this has progressed into dense scrub in many places. At (1) there is such an area of scrub, dominated by Salix cinerea. A number of other species are present including Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Aesculus hippocastanum, Ligustrum vulgare, Sorbus aucuparia, Symphoricarpus albus (Snowberry), Sambucus nigra and a single individual of Tilia x europaea next to the track entrance. Beneath is a dense understorey of an alien Reynoutria sp., and Rubus fruticosus agg. Other species present include Urtica dioica, Digitalis purpurea, Rosa sp., Chamaenerion angustifolium, Calystegia sepium, Aegopodium podagraria, Rumex obtusifolius and Cardamine flexuosa. At (2) is a small area of unimproved acidic grassland/dry dwarf shrub heath mosaic. The heath species are Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus which together account for 30 percent of the ground cover. The ground has numerous small mounds and hollows with well-worn footpaths in between. The dominant grass species are Agrostis capillaris, Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa although Holcus lanatus is generally dominant in the hollows which also contain occasional individuals of Dryopteris dilatata. Several bushes of Ulex europaeus were noted in this area and Galium saxatile is locally abundant. In the central section of the common at (3) is a small stream surrounded by woodland dominated by Quercus robur with frequent Ulmus procera (by the stream), Betula pendula (more to the north), Salix cinerea and Crataegus monogyna. The understorey of the woodland at (3) includes Deschampsia flexuosa, Oxalis acetosella, Rubus fruticosus, Vaccinium myrtillus, Holcus lanatus, Silene dioica, Viola canina, Rosa sp., Stellaria graminea, Epilobium montanum and Galium saxatile. The remainder of the common is a mixture of dry dwarf shrub heath and dense scrub (5). Calluna vulgaris covers about 20 percent of this area, with about the same cover of Vaccinium myrtillus. However there are two discrete areas of heath where the cover of Calluna vulgaris rises to 50 percent. The scrub appears to be more dense at the bottom of the slope at the edge of the road. The main scrub species are Betula pendula and Salix cinerea with occasional S. caprea, S. viminalis and Ilex aquifolium. The field layer includes Rumex acetosa, Plantago major, P. lanceolata, Centaurea nigra, Allaria petiolata, Heracleum sphondylium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Lonicera periclymenum, Solanum dulcamara, Ranunculus ficaria, Potentilla erecta, Lotus uliginosus, Athyrium filix-femina and Equisetum arvense. There are also records for two garden plants, Lamium maculatum (spotted dead-nettle) and Pulmonaria officinalis (lungwort). At (4) there are good outcrops of Millstone Grit.

MANAGE:
The common is unmanaged with varying degrees of scrub invasion. It is likely that the site is a valuable local habitat for invertebrates and birds of woodland edge and scrub. It is likely that without control measures, scrub may eventually invade most of the site, with consequent loss of heath. The heather is well-developed and un-grazed and the plants have a good age structure, reaching 50cm tall in places. Most plants were in full flower at the time of the site visit. There are numerous tracks and paths around the old quarry which have caused slight localised trampling of the heather in places. There has been some dumping of household rubbish in the dense scrub at (1).


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Red Grouse.

VEG:
The Lancashire Phase 1 map for this site could not be located and a full field survey was therefore carried out. The common is occupied mainly by species-poor wet modified bog. This appears to be a remnant of an area of blanket mire which once covered much of the surrounding area. Other small commons nearby have similar remnants. The bog is dominated by Molinia caerulea with frequent Eriophorum vaginatum and E. angustifolium. There are locally rare individuals of Calluna vulgaris. This is mainly of NVC Type M25. The break of slope at the margins of the deep peat are quite obvious this marking a transition to marshy grassland where the peat is generally less than 0.5m deep. To the east the grassland is also dominated by Molinia caerulea with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and Juncus squarrosus. To the north of the common there are occasional patches of unimproved acidic grassland. These have abundant Deschampsia flexuosa, Agrostis capillaris and  Juncus squarrosus with occasional Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina, Ranunculus repens, Leontodon autumnalis (probably an NVC U4 sward). In a few places there is Poa annua, suggesting localised eutrophication by cattle. In the north-east the marshy grassland has abundant Juncus effusus. Along the northern boundary of the common is a line of somewhat flushed vegetation dominated by Juncus effusus. This has frequent Deschampsia cespitosa Agrostis canina, Epilobium palustre, Stellaria alsine, and occasional Polytrichum commune, and Oreopteris limbosperma. To the south-east there is a small acidic flush with Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Eriophorum angustifolium (NVC M6c).

MANAGE:
Parts of the common are heavily grazed by cattle. These tend to avoid the bog and congregate in the area to the north where there is localised evidence of eutrophication of the grassland and poaching of the peaty soil by hooves. The northern boundary is un-fenced from the adjoining field.


VEG:
The common lies in an area which may have formerly been a large tract of blanket mire. The name Moss features prominently in local place names. Part of the common is now occupied by the recently constructed A56 dual carriageway. A high proportion of the common is taken-up by a remnant of blanket mire. Most of the surrounding land is occupied by grass pasture. The vegetation has been classified mainly as wet-modified bog as there is mostly a peat depth greater than 0.5m and the dominant species is Molinia caerulea. However over about 20 percent of this area there is no appreciable depth of peat and the vegetation has been classified as marshy grassland. There is also frequent Eriophorum angustifolium occasional Calluna vulgaris (20 percent cover) and locally occasional Vaccinium oxycoccos, V. myrtillus and Sphagnum spp. The remainder of the common is marshy grassland dominated by Juncus effusus with locally frequent Agrostis capillaris and locally occasional Ranunculus repens and Stellaria alsine.

MANAGE:
The common is un-fenced from a larger grazing unit of which it forms a part. This area is sheep-grazed although the rights entry is for cattle only. As a consequence the vegetation is all rather short, the Calluna vulgaris in particular having being grazed to a low intertwined carpet. It is surprising in view of the surrounding agricultural management that species such as Vaccinium oxycoccos are still managing to hang on in this now isolated remnant of mire. As mentioned part of the common has been lost to the A56 dual carriageway.


FAUNA:
Observed overhead were a flock of swallows and a Kestrel.

VEG:
The Lancashire Phase 1 map for this site had no relevant target notes and a full field survey was therefore carried out. The common is an isolated patch of acidic grassland/dry dwarf shrub heath mosaic. There may have originally been some sort of mire on this site as there is a right of turbary. The common has a 50 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris. The grassland component is dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexousa with occasional Agrostis capillaris, A. stolonifera, Festuca ovina, Galium saxatile, Vaccinium myrtillus, Rumex acetosa, Plantago major and locally Hypochoeris radicata. There are small patches of tall ruderal vegetation (5 percent of the area) dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium and frequent Cirsium arvense, Tussilago farfara, Urtica dioica and Anthriscus sylvestris. The grasses in these areas are mesotrophic in character Agrostis capillaris Dactylis glomerata and Holcus mollis. The south western corner of the common is occupied by bare ground used as a bus-turning circle and for car-parking. At the edge is an area of ephemeral type vegetation, including Polyonum persicaria, P. aviculare, Matricaria matricarioides, Tussilago farfara, Plantago major, Rumex obtusifolius, Poa annua, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Cerastium fontanum, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Chenopodium sp. and Myosotis sp. The northern edge of the common has a narrow strip which faces adjacent houses where there are a number of largely planted tree and shrub species. These include Syringa vulgaris, Ligustrum vulgare, Acer pseudoplatanus, Populus tremula, and Sorbus aria agg. Around these is a dense stand of Chamaenerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica and Rubus fruticosus agg.

MANAGE:
The common has no active management. The Calluna vulgaris which occupies about 50 percent of the area is mature to 40cm tall and the surrounding grassland fairly rank. Several encroachments include localised dumping of brick rubble and bonfire sites, car-parking, and the planting of garden shrubs opposite private dwellings.


FAUNA:
No fauna were observed during the brief site survey.

VEG:
This small common occupies a sloping site and has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta. Within the sward are frequent Juncus squarrosus, Molinia caerulea and Agrostis capillaris with locally occasional Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca ovina, Deschampsia flexuosa and Vaccinium myrtillus (probably NVC U5). At the bottom of the slope is a narrow strip of marshy grassland with a similar species composition, but where Molinia caerulea and Juncus effusus become abundant. There are signs of localised eutrophication of the grassland sward where Poa annua and Trifolium repens are present.

MANAGE:
The common is heavily grazed by cattle and the grassland sward is fairly short. Much of the Juncus effusus is tussocky and this species may have been encouraged by the intensive grazing. There are localised signs of eutrophication of the grassland sward and poaching of the soil by cattle hooves.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were: Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Lapwing, Carrion Crow.  Butterflies: Large White, Small Tortoiseshell.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. However the survey in this area was originally started in 1984, but not completed. Target notes and habitat maps were updated for the 1988 survey. Additional notes were gathered during the site visit to produce the following report. Most of the common has marshy grassland dominated by tussocky Molinia caerulea on peat less than 0.5m deep (1). Locally there is frequent Eriophorum vaginatum, Carex nigra and Deschampsia flexuosa and occasionally Tricophorum cespitosum and Juncus effusus (NVC type M25). At (2) the marshy grassland has a heathy character, with Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum. Further up from here, Well Clough is steep-sided and has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta. At (3) there is an acidic flush dominated by Sphagnum recurvum with abundant Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Carex spp. and Molinia caerulea. The north of the common is occupied by an abandoned quarry, with the old working face in the form of a sandstone cliff to 20m tall. The spoil heaps have thin unimproved acidic grassland, dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa, with many huge boulders in places. Frequent species include Anthoxanthum odoratum, Sagina procumbens, Rumex acetosella Chamaenerion angustifolium, Cerastium fontanum and Tussilago farfara. The cliff face has ledges and is wet in places, and harbours Dropteris dilatata Oreopteris limbosperma Anagallis tenella and numerous bryophytes. There are three large pools which contain Typha latifolia, Equisetum fluviatile, Ranunculus omiophylus and R. flammula.

MANAGE:
The common is unfenced from the adjoining CL 213, both units being extensively grazed by sheep. There has been burning of the Molinia caerulea in places presumably to increase the amount of regrowth for grazing. The structure of the Molinia is very tussocky with little leaf litter to be seen on the common.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Housemartins. Small Tortoiseshell and Small White Butterflies.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The site was visited during the present survey to provide additional species information to record present management and to take photographs. The common is in two parts, both enclosed by tall dry-stone walls. The larger eastern portion comprises two fields of rank marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). One of the two fields has small areas of acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC U5). The western portion of the common is a narrow grassy strip between fields which may have been a green lane. Its southern section (1) is open to an adjoining field of improved pasture. This has a mosaic of Molinia caerulea-dominated marshy grassland and semi-improved acidic grassland with frequent Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia flexuosa and Cynosurus cristatus. Locally there are dense clumps of Juncus effusus and Urtica dioica. The southern section is fully enclosed acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta (NVC U5); occasional species include Galium saxatile, Agrostis capillaris, Vaccinium myrtillus and Juncus squarrosus. A narrow acidic flush runs along most of this section (2). This is dominated by Juncus effusus (NVC M6c) and has locally abundant Sphagnum recurvum, Montia fontana, Stellaria alsine, Holcus lanatus and Polytrichum commune with occasional Epilobium palustre, Galium saxatile, G. palustre, Molinia caerulea, Carex nigra, Cardamine flexuosa and Glyceria fluitans. Locally there are small hollows with standing water which have abundant Glyceria fluitans and Ranunculus omniophyllus.

MANAGE:
The grassland on the eastern part of the common is largely rank and unmanaged. However there are occasional breaches in the enclosing wall which may allow occasional incursions by sheep from adjoining grazing units. The narrow strip to the south is grazed by stock in the adjacent field of which it forms a part. The flushed part however appears completely unmanaged.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Skylark, Snipe, pair of Pheasants.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988 but no relevant target notes were made and so a full field survey has been undertaken. The common occurs as two separate land units. The southerly component has a very complex mosaic of different vegetation communities. The central area has many Sphagnum-dominated depressions which may have been produced by former peat cuttings. These areas are currently being regularly harvested for Sphagnum. These have the appearance of bog-pool communities, being dominated by Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum cuspidatum, S. recurvum and Polytrichum commune, with abundant Agrostis canina and occasional Carex curta. These areas may belong to NVC type M2. Around the Sphagnum-dominated hollows is marshy grassland with abundant Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia flexuosa, Eriophorum angustifolium, Poyltrichum commune and Sphagnum recurvum, with locally occasional Vaccinium oxycoccus, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. This vegetation appears to belong principally within NVC M25. However Juncus effusus is also locally dominant possibly suggesting transition into NVC M23 and where this occurs with abundant Sphagnum recurvum possibly areas of NVC M6c. The surrounding part of this part of the common (2) is equally complex. The vegetation is predominantly a marshy grassland dominated locally by Molinia caerulea, Juncus squarrosus, Deschampsia flexuosa, and Nardus stricta. Locally frequent throughout are Succisa pratensis, Sphagnum pappilosum, S. recurvum, S. palustre, S. cuspidatum, Carex nigra, C. panicea, Potentilla erecta, Polytrichum commune and Galium saxatile. This appears to be mainly NVC type M25 possibly grading into NVC U6 where Juncus squarrosus becomes dominant. In addition however some of the vegetation is dominated by Juncus effusus with frequent Molinia caerulea, Polytrichum commune, Nardus stricta, Succisa pratensis, Sphagnum papillosum, Juncus squarrosus and Agrostis canina and may represent areas of NVC type M23b.  Locally there are patches of  flushed vegetation where Carex panicea, C. nigra, C. demissa, Senecio palustris, Ranunculus flammula, Achillea ptarmica, Prunella vulgaris, Equisetum vulgare, Succisa pratensis, Agrostis capillaris and Nardus stricta are all frequent.  The northern unit of the common may have also been cut for peat in the past. The vegetation comprises a series of wetter hollows with vegetation which is flushed in character surrounded by a matrix of slightly raised ground with marshy grassland. The hollows which cover about 40 percent of the area, are dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune with abundant Eriophorum vaginatum, Molinia caerulea and occasional Juncus squarrosus, Deschampsia flexuosa, Carex nigra, Eriophorum angustifolium Vaccinium oxycoccos and Potentilla erecta. These areas appear to belong to NVC type M6c. The higher ground has vegetation dominated by Molinia caerulea, Juncus squarrosus and Deschampsia flexuosa with abundant Polytrichum commune, frequent Eriophorum angustifolium and E. vaginatum and occasional Luzula multiflora, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum capillifolium var. rubellum and Vaccinuim myrtillus. This appears to be somewhat transitional between NVC types M25 and U6. Along the edge of the common in the south-east (4) is a drainage channel with associated acidic flush vegetation. This is dominated by Juncus effusus and also has Stellaria alsine, Ranunculus omiophyllus, R. flammula, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Juncus articulatus, Cardamine pratensis, Galuim palustre, Viola palustris, Sphagnum recurvum and Glyceria sp. (vegetative).

MANAGE:
The vegetation on both parts of the common has very obviously been influenced by past and current management. Peat cutting appears to have taken place in the past on both parts of the common although there is no longer any appreciable depth of peat remaining. Three rights of turbary have been registered on the common. There are also rights of estover for rushes although these no longer appear to be harvested. The Sphagnum-filled hollows on the southern section (2) are harvested intensively and many piles of drying Sphagnum were in the process of being bagged-up at the time of the site visit. This part of the common is also apparently grazed by sheep periodically, although none were present at the time of the survey. The scattered plants of Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus on this part of the common had all been grazed into a dense low-growing carpet. This part of the common is un-fenced from a slightly larger field in which horses are tethered, and these are unlikely to be able to gain access onto the common. The northern part of the common is also un-fenced from a larger grazing unit of which it forms a part, and is grazed by sheep. However, the area on common land appears to be mainly avoided by the livestock which prefer the adjoining area of drier and more palatable grassland. A drainage channel runs from the south-eastern corner of the common although the effect on the overall area appears to have been minimal. As discussed under the vegetation section, the management has strongly influenced the character of the vegetation, producing many transitional vegetation communities.


FAUNA:
Owing to the wet and overcast weather at the time of the survey the only fauna observed were Meadow  Pipits.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. No detailed target notes were available for this small site therefore a full field survey has been undertaken. The common lies at the head of a huge valley mire complex, the greater part of which lies within an adjoining common which is registered in North Yorkshire (CL 195). The valley mire occupies a depression along the eastern edge of CL 286W (1). Dominant species are Eriophorum vaginatum, Sphagnum recurvum, S. papillosum and Polytrichum commune with locally frequent Deschampsia flexuosa, Eriophorum angustifolium, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Vaccinium myrtillus and Carex nigra. This vegetation appears mainly of NVC type M19b although the abscence of Calluna vulgaris appears unusual but this may be related to the effects of grazing. Juncus effusus was locally dominant with Polytrichum commune and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). Higher ground surrounding the valley mire to the south west at (2) has damp acidic grassland. This is dominated by Nardus stricta and Juncus squarrosus with locally abundant or frequent Sphagnum spp. Polytrichum commune, Deschampsia flexuosa, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum and occasional Juncus effusus, Vaccinium myrtillus and Carex panicea. This grassland is mainly NVC U6. Further northwards (3) the grassland becomes somewhat drier. Acidic grassland occurs as a mosaic with dry dwarf shrub heath at (4). This is a small hill surrounded by narrow acidic flushes. About 75 percent of the hill is occupied by grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa with locally abundant Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). The heath component around 10 percent is represented by Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus (NVC H12). To the south of the hill there are areas dominated by Pteridium aquilinum (NVC U20) accounting for the remaining 15 percent of this area. The western edga of the common at this point has a steep slope which is also mainly dominated by Pteridium aquilinum. At (5) there is a large acidic/neutral flush occupying a depression along the western boundary of the common. This is dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune (NVC M6c).  To the north of the common is high ground which has dry dwarf shrub heath with about 85 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris (NVC H12).  There are small remnants of eroded peat with similar vegetation; there was probably blanket peat over this area until relatively recently.  Locally frequent species include Deschampsia flexuosa, Vaccinium myrtillus, Nardus stricta and Juncus squarrosus.  The hillside to the south of here has similar vegetation, although there are patches of dense Pteridium aquilimum and acidic grassland within the heath.  Dry-modified bog occurs in a mosaic with acidic grassland at (7), with Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus each making up about 10 percent of the vegetation cover.

MANAGE:
The common is used for sheep grazing.  The eastern boundary of the common (ie. the Lancashire/North Yorkshire boundary) cannot be identified on the ground, so allowing free movement of stock between this common and the much larger Cl 195 of North Yorkshire.  There are small amounts of heather on the common, the main stand being at (6), where 80 percent of the sward is Calluna vulgaris.  Here the plants are about 30sm tall and a high proportion were flowering at the time of the survey.  However, about 25 percent of the plants have a topiary appearance induced by sheep grazing.  Calluna is also present within grassy areas (4) and (8).  Here the plants tend to be much smaller and at least half are reduced to a dense low-growing carpet as a result of being grazed.  

The distincitive topogrphical varition on this site has resulted in an interesting mosaic of vegetation types.  The valley mire complex is a particularly impressive feature, although only a small part lies within Lancashire.  There appears to be no other management of the site.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Flock of Swallows. Small Tortoiseshell, Meadow Brown, Large Meadow Brown, Large White and Green-Veined White butterflies.

VEG:
The Lancashire Phase 1 map had no relevant target notes for this site and a full field survey was therefore carried out. The common is a small plot of rank damp neutral grassland mainly dominated by tussocky Descmahpsia cespitosa. The compostiton in the grassland sward varies quite considerably over different parts of the common. Locally abundant species include Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Equisetum arvense, Potentilla erecta, Phleum pratense and Agrostis capillaris. Juncus effusus and Juncus inflexus are encountered occasionally. These species tend to become dominant in the wetter areas which also include Stachys palustris, Angelica sylvestris, Carex nigra, Epilobium montanum, E. hirsutum, E. palustre, Caltha palustris, Cirsium palustre, Lotus uliginosus, Juncus conglomeratus, J. articulatus, Achillea ptarmica and Drypoteris dilatata. These areas have been mapped as marshy grassland. Tall ruderal vegetation is prominent within the grassland sward with chamaenerion angustifolium being the most frequent but also with Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense and C. vulgare. The grassland appears to be mainly of NVC type MG9 but it may be transitional with NVC M23 where rush species become dominant. Small areas of acidic grassland have Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa and Potentilla erecta (NVC U5). Also of note was a large stand of Solidago canadensis next to the road. The scattered scrub to the north is mainly Betula pendula but Quercus sp. and Ilex aquifolium were also present. The strip of woodland to the south has abundant Fagus sylvatica, frequent Sorbus aucuparia and occasional Acer pseudoplatanus, Salix caprea and Crataegus monogyna. Next to the stream there are many tall specimens of Salix fragilis. The ground flora is dominated by Urtica dioica with frequent Chamaenerion angustifolium Holcus lanatus and Stellaria holostea with occasional Deschampsia cespitosa Filipendula ulmaria and Heracleum sphondylium.

MANAGE:
The common appears largely unmanaged. The grassland is rank and tussocky as a result, with scrub beginning to develop in certain areas. A good range of species are present and the vegetation has good structural diversity. This grassland may have important microhabitats for invertebrates, particularly with the juxtaposition of wet and dry areas. An area of bare ground to the east has been designated as a car park and picnic benches are provided.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. However due to its small size no relevant target notes were available and a full field survey was therefore carried out. The common occupies the site of an old quarry. The workings are restricted and are confined mainly to the north-eastern corner. Part (1) has dry dwarf shrub heath with co-dominant Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. 5 percent of this area also has dense tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum which has been mapped as remnant dry-modified bog. The southern part of the quarry area (2) has a mosaic of acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath. Calluna vulgaris reaches around a 50 percent cover with Vaccinium myrtillus at 40 percent, but the whole area has frequent grassy patches dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa. There are also occasional Nardus stricta and Empetrum nigrum. In addition a few individuals of Parentucellia viscosa (Yellow Bartsia) were found here apparently a new record for this species. The southern section of the common (3) has heath with a 70 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris and areas of tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum again mapped as remnant dry-modified bog. At (4) is an interesting patch of mire with a 60 percent cover of Sphagnum spp. and dominant Eriophorum vaginatum. Calluna vulgaris is frequent with a 50 percent cover as is Vaccinium myrtillus. Locally frequent are Eriophorum angustifolium, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium oxycoccos and Andromeda polifolia. This is the only recorded site for the latter species on a Lancashire common and may be a new record for this species. In addition there are locally abundant plants of Erica tetralix and occasional plants of Vaccinium vitis-idaea. This mire may belong to NVC type M18. The north western corner of the common has a small patch of marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea with frequent Carex nigra, Deschampsia flexuosa, Polytrichum commune, Galium saxatile and Juncus squarrosus (NVC M25).

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged. This is in keeping with the area surrounding the common which comprises numerous small field systems enclosed by drystone walls, now apparently abandoned by farmers. The few farm bulidings in the area are uninhabited and showing signs of decay. The heather on the common is around 30cm tall and has a good age structure with most plants having a good crop of flowers at the time of the survey. The small area of mire on the common is botanically interesting. This is in contrast to the blanket mire on many of the nearby upland commons which have been extensively modified by agricultural management (especially grazing).


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Kestrel, Rabbits.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. A field survey was undertaken for the common land survey as there were no relevant target notes available for the site from the Phase 1 survey. Most of the common has Juncus effusus-dominated marshy grassland (2). Locally frequent are Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia flexuosa, D. cespitosa and Juncus squarrosus. The slope to the north of the common (1) has been fenced-off from the remainder of the site. This has semi-improved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta, with locally frequent Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris, Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis, Urtica dioica and tussocks of Juncus effusus. There is a similar area to the south of the common. At (3) there is an acidic/neutral flush of NVC type M6c. The central area has a dense carpet of Sphagnum recurvum and Eriophorum angustifolium surrounded by a zone dominated by Juncus effusus. Abundant species include Carex nigra, Agrostis stolonifera, and Galium palustre.

MANAGE:
The common is heavily grazed by both sheep, in the enclosed area to the north, and cattle on the remainder. This has favoured Juncus effusus the tussocks of which dominate much of the site. The prescence of stock has also led to localised eutrophication of the grassland.


FAUNA:
No fauna were recorded during the site survey.

VEG:
The three components of the common are all contiguous with CL 2 (the much larger unit). Many of the vegetation boundaries within the two commons pass through where the commons are joined. For the sake of simplicity and clarity therefore the vegetation of this common has been discussed under CL 2. Phase 1 habitat types present are however shown as usual on the front of this site card. Please turn back to CL 2 for the vegetation map and description of this site.

MANAGE:
The three parts of CL 37 are all fenced from the contiguous CL 2. The management in terms of grazing is however more or less the same as on CL 2. The two sections to the east may be grazed more intensively, possibly also by cattle as the grassland was somewhat eutrophicated in places. There appears to be no other form of active management on any part of the common at present.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Curlew, Snipe.

VEG:
The common forms a smaller part of Rimington Moor together with CL 239W (which has the same name). Both commons were covered in the Lancashire Phase 1 survey. A field survey was undertaken to supplement the target notes to record management and take photographs. As with CL 239W much of the site has Molinia caerulea-dominated marshy grassland (mainly NVC M25). Within the sward are locally frequent Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus, Carex nigra and occasional tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum. An area of gently sloping ground has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with frequent Festuca ovina and occasional Juncus effusus (NVC U5). The central area is occupied by the upper reaches of a valley mire which also crosses the boundary onto the adjoining 239W. This has abundant Carex nigra, C. panicea, C. echinata, C. demissa, Sphagnum recurvum, Juncus articulatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Caltha palustris, Ranunculus flammula, Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium and Viola palustris (NVC M6).

MANAGE:
The common forms part of a larger grazing unit with the adjoining CL 239W and is extensively sheep-grazed. The dry stone wall boundary between the two commons has collapsed in many places allowing free movement of stock over the two commons. As mentioned under CL 239W the valley mire is an important relict of a more extensive mire system and appears to be at continued risk from continued grazing and drainage of the surrounding land.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Snipe, Meadow Pipit, Red Grouse, Kestrel, Rabbits.

VEG:
The common was covered under the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. No target notes were available for this site therefore a full field survey has been undertaken. The common occupies the flat summit of Weets Hill, sloping sharply from here towards the north and west. The summit of Weets Hill has dry-modified bog although the peat is quite thin especially around the edges. Dominant species are Eriophorum vaginatum and Deschampsia flexuosa with occasional Eriophorum angustifolium and Carex nigra (NVC M20). Once onto the slope the bog quickly breaks up to give acidic grassland (2) dominated by Nardus stricta with frequent Festuca ovina, Deschampsia flexuosa and occasional Anthoxanthum odoratum (NVC U5). Juncus squarrosus is locally dominant (NVC U6). The southern section of the hillside (3) is dissected by many narrow parallel gullies. The ridges have more NVC U5 grassland while the channels have acidic/ neutral flush. These are of NVC type M6c dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune frequent Galium palustre and occasional individuals of Dryopteris dilatata. The top of the slope at this point (4) has marshy grassland with abundant Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta and Juncus effusus with locally frequent Festuca ovina, Carex nigra and Eriophorum vaginatum. Adjacent to this area is a small acidic/neutral flush with Sphagnum recurvum, S. papillosum, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Carex panicea, C. demissa, C. nigra and Narthecium ossifragum (possibly M6b). At the base of the slope much of the remainder of the common is occupied by marshy grassland. This is dominated either by Molinia caerulea or Juncus effusus with locally frequent Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus squarrosus and Eriophorum vaginatum (possibly a mosaic of NVC types M23 M20 and U6). At (5) is a large level area dominated by Juncus effusus some of which had been recently cropped at the time of the survey. Half of area (5) has Juncus effusus accompanied by Holcus lanatus and Molinia caerulea (NVC M23), while the remainder is flushed, with Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune being abundant (NVC M6c). There are several discrete acidic/neutral flushes in this area. The most notable are those associated with the stream in Near Weets Hollow (6). These are typical NVC M6c with, in addition to the above dominant species, locally frequent Juncus articulatus, Stellaria alsine, Holcus lanatus, Eriophorum angustifolium and Cardamine pratensis. Small areas of open water have dense carpets of Glyceria fluitans. Weets Hollow is a steep, narrow valley which descends from the top of the hill. There are rare scattered individuals of Crataegus monogyna and Sorbus aucuparia here.

MANAGE:
The common is used extensively for sheep grazing. As mentioned above, some of the Juncus effusus had been recently cropped (there are two rights of estover on the common).


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Meadow Pipit and flock of Swallows. Green-veined White and Red Admiral butterflies.

VEG:
The Lancashire Phase 1 map for this area could not be located and a full field survey has been done. The common occupies level ground in a relatively elevated position on the flanks of Great Hameldon. A green lane, the King's Highway runs along the eastern edge of the common. The principal vegetation type on the common is species-poor marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). Unimproved acidic grassland is the other main component which is often present as a mosaic with the Marshy grassland. At (1) for example there are equal proportions of the two vegetation types, while at (2) the acidic grassland only accounts for around 5 percent of the sward. Acidic grassland also occurs as discrete stands around the fringes of the common. This is dominated by Nardus stricta with locally frequent Festuca ovina and Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). Locally there are occasional plants of Vaccinium myrtillus as along the edge at (3). In some areas along the boundary of the common tussocks of Juncus effusus are frequent, and at (4) the sward is semi-improved due to localised eutrophication by livestock. In some parts of the acidic/marshy grassland Juncus squarrosus becomes dominant (NVC U6).  The vegetation at (5) is a mosaic of discrete areas of acidic and marshy grassland with Juncus effusus becoming locally abundant. There is a small series of old quarry workings, now vegetated with NVC U5 acidic grassland. Rare plants of Vaccinium myrtillus and Calluna vulgaris occur in this area, while the wet parts together with the course of the small stream at (6) have abundant Juncus effusus with occasional Stellaria alsine, Cirsium palustre, Lotus uliginosus, Ranunculus repens, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosella, Polytrichum commune, Sphagnum sp., Agrostis canina, Oreopteris limbosperma and Holcus lanatus. The north-western part of the common (7) lies at the base of a hillside. This has acidic grassland, either dominated by Nardus stricta or Juncus squarrosus. Deschampsia flexuosa is frequent throughout. Locally within area (7) there are rare plants of Vaccinium myrtillus and occasional small bushes of Ulex europaeus. In addition 10 percent of area (7) has depressions with acidic flush vegetation, which may be abandoned workings of some description. These have Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). There are some areas of open water in tiny pools, where Glyceria fluitans is abundant.

MANAGE:
The common is extensively grazed by both cattle and sheep. The grassland sward is generally short and overall botanical diversity of the site is poor. The rare plants of Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus have all been grazed back into low-growing carpets. There appears to be no other current management, although there is evidence of old workings in some parts, possibly associated with quarrying. These areas are now fully vegetated.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Kestrel and Meadow Pipits.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. No specific target notes were made on this site and a full field survey has therefore been done. Note that the vegetation for the contiguous common CL 37, three small parcels of land at Stanley are discussed under this section. The common occupies the lower slopes of Burnslack Fell and is generally dominated by marshy grassland of various composition. The western section of the common is a low plateau (1). This was mapped as Eriophorum vaginatum dry-modified bog in the Phase 1 survey. However the peat depth was generally less than 0.5m in depth and, although E. vaginatum is locally abundant, Molinia caerulea is frequent to abundant throughout most of this area. Deschampsia flexuosa is also frequent. Locally there is occasional Juncus squarrosus, Sphagnum spp. and Vaccinium myrtillus and rarely V. oxycoccos Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix. This vegetation appears to have affinities with both NVC types M20 and M25. Along the western edge the ground slopes steeply away into a narrow valley (2). The ground near top of the slope has unimproved acidic grassland (15 percent of the area). This is dominated by Nardus stricta and has frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and Agrostis capillaris and occasional Juncus effusus. Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile (NVC type U5). Rarely there are individuals of Vaccinium myrtillus. Lower down there is marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea and in the valley bottom there are diffuse areas of acidic flush (50 percent of the overall area). These areas are dominated by Juncus effusus, with abundant Sphagnum recurvum and some S. papillosum and S. palustre. Locally frequent species include Polytrichum commune, Agrostis canina, Carex panicea, C. echinata, Mentha aquatica, Cirsium palustre, Juncus articulatus and Equisetum palustre (mainly NVC type M6c). Occasionally in this area are scattered bushes of Ulex europaeus and there are small patches of semi-improved acidic grassland (5 percent) where Poa annua is abundant. The eastern arm of the common (3) has marshy grassland dominated by Juncus spp., J. effusus is the most prominent but J.acutiflorus and J. inflexus are locally abundant. Locally there are frequent Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis canina, A. capillaris, Equisetum palustre, Polytrichum commune, Nardus stricta, Galium saxatile and the moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. This vegetation appears to be mainly of NVC type M23. To the north of the common much of the grassland becomes flushed in character. At (4) Molinia caerulea-dominated marshy grassland is a minor component, with 75 percent of the area being acidic flush dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune. Locally frequent are Juncus acutiflorus, Stellaria alsie and Galium palustre ane locally occasional are Erica tetralix, Vaccinium oxycoccos, V. myrtillus and Cirsium palustre (NVC M6c). Adjacent to here there is a similar proportion of flush, this time within acidic grassland. Additional species recorded in these flushes includes Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, Lysimachia nemorum, Caltha palustris, Valeriana dioica, Equisetum palustre, Succisa pratensis and Galium uliginosum. In places the Sphagnum was replaced by a carpet of Pleurocarpous brown mosses, possibly reflecting a localised input of slightly base-rich water. Along the northern edge of the common from this point a narrow valley drains to the east. Associated with this are pockets of woodland and scrub, although in places this is reduced to no more than a strip of trees (much of this vegetation lies within the contiguous CL 37). At (5) is a patch of dense scrub dominated by Salix pentandra (possibly reflecting a further localised input of base-rich water). Also present are occasional Alnus glutinosa and Crataegus monogyna. A row of mature trees of Alnus glutinosa run westwards from this point. To the east on CL 37 (6) there are scattered trees (Alnus glutinosa, Crataegus monogyna and Fraxinus excelsior) within an area of semi-improved acidic and improved grassland. The north-western corner has a patch of mature alder wood on the valley side (7). The canopy also has occasional Fraxinus excelsior and Quercus robur. The field layer has abundant Juncus effusus and locally frequent Geranium robertianum, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Stellaria alsine, Galium palustre, Geum urbanum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus inflexus, Urtica dioica and Ranunculus repens. The small acidic flush at (8) is dominated by Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus and Sphagnum recurvum and has frequent Viola palustris.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. Local eutrophication has occured in favoured areas, such as the sheltered valley bottom at (2). However over much of the remainder of the common the vegetation is fairly rank. There appears to be no other active management of this site. The minute amounts of Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix which occur in area (1) are generally all very short and showing signs of heavy selective grazing.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Lapwing, Carrion Crow.  Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell, Large White.

VEG:
The Common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. However the survey was originally started in this part of Lancashire in 1984 but not completed. Target notes and habitat maps were updated for the 1988 survey. Additional notes were gathered during the present survey to produce the following report. The common is a fairly level area of moorland to the south of Bacup. Most of the area has marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea over thin peat, generally less than 0.5m deep (1). The Molinia is very tussocky and was just beginning to grow at the time of the survey and had been burned recently in several places. Locally there is frequent Eriophorum vaginatum and Deschampsia flexuosa with occasional Empetrum nigrum, Carex nigra, Sphagnum spp. (dried-up), and Polytrichum commune. To the east (2) are two strips of unimproved acidic grassland with abundant Nardus stricta and Juncus squarrosus with some Molinia caerulea and Polytrichum commune (probably a mosaic of NVC types U5 and U6). At (3) there is an area of flushed vegetation with abundant Eriophorum vaginatum and Carex nigra. In the north-western corner is a disused sandstone quarry with an exposed working face to about 20m tall. Much of the spoil within the quarry supports thin unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa with locally frequent Nardus stricta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris, Juncus squarrosus, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Sagina procumbens, Rumex acetosella, Cerastium fontanum, Molinia caerulea, Tussilago farfara and small amounts of Empetrum nigrum Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. The exposed cliff has ledges and wet faces which support Dryopteris dilatata, Oreopteris limbosperma, Anagallis tenella and numerous bryophyte species.

MANAGE:
The common is un-fenced from adjoining CL 237, CL 300 and pasture land to the north, and the area is grazed extensively by sheep. The Molinia caerulea has been burned in places and there was very little leaf litter of this species between tussocks.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The vegetation map from this survey has been used as the basis for the following report, together with species notes gathered at the time of the field visit. The common is situated on the eastern slope of Easington Fell. The slope is undulating with alternating bands of dry vegetation on the steeper slopes and wet vegetation on the less steep areas. The highest ground is at (1) and has closely grazed unimproved acidic grassland. This is dominated by Juncus squarrosus and locally by Nardus stricta, with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and Festuca ovina (NVC types U5 and U6). Adjoining here (2) the grassland occurs in a mosaic with dry dwarf shrub heath with closely grazed Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus (combined cover 40 percent) probably NVC U5. Below here on less steep parts of the slope are pockets of deep peat with mire vegetation (3). These are dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum spp. Locally there is frequent Eriophorum vaginatum and tussocks of Polytrichum commune. Cover of ericiod species is patchy, Erica tetralix being the most abundant having about 30 percent cover overall. There is also locally frequent Vaccinium myrtillus and more rarely, Calluna vulgaris (at only about 5 percent cover overall but rising to 30 percent in its most abundant locations). At (5) there is degraded bog with little or no  Sphagnum spp., with acidic grassland and dry heath in parts. There are further small patches of dry heath over thin peat on steep ground elsewhere on the common dominated mainly by Vaccinium myrtillus. Superimposed over much of this area is a large swathe of dense Pteridium aquilinum. Juncus effusus-dominated marshy grassland occurs at (6).

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. These tend to favour grassy areas, which are closely-grazed as a result. Heath vegetation adjoining these areas is similarly closely cropped. Calluna vulgaris on the areas of bog is much less affected by grazing, being senescent in places. Erica tetralix appears un-grazed by sheep.


FAUNA:
Only a Meadow Pipit and a Skylark were recorded due to the exrtremely wet and misty weather at the time of the survey.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. However there were several instances where the recorded habitat types did not appear to match the vegetation of the site. As a result the site was re-surveyed. The bulk of the site has vegetation dominated by Molinia caerulea. To the east of the minor road which runs through the common this is in the form of wet-modified bog, where there is generally a layer of peat of more than 0.5m in depth (1). Within these areas there is around a 30 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris with frequent Eriophorum vaginatum, Deschampsia flexuosa with occasional Vaccinium myrtillus and Eriophorum angustifolium. This appears to be an NVC M25 sward. Adjacent to these areas is Molinia caerulea-dominated marshy grassland (2) and wet dwarf shrub heath with M. caerulea and Calluna vulgaris (3) or, a mosaic of these vegetation types. Juncus effusus is locally abundant within the marshy grassland. To the west of the minor road is an expanse of similar vegetation (4). Molinia caerulea is dominant throughout but the cover of Calluna vulgaris is somewhat patchy around 30 percent cover overall. At (5) is the site of a former quarry, which has now been filled and has a sward of grassland which is neutral in character. Agrostis capillaris is dominant, with frequent Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Trifolium repens and occasional Cirsium arvense. To the edge of here the old spoil still remains (25 percent). On the thin soil elsewhere there is acidic grassland with frequent Agrostis capillaris, Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa with minute amounts of Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. At (6) are two small remnants of dry-modified bog which sit on islands of deep peat. These have co-dominant Eriophorum vaginatum and Calluna vulgaris with occasional Sphagnum sp., E. angustifolium and Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC M20). The north western corner of the common is much drier than the rest of the site. The north western corner is quite steeply sloping and part of the area has old workings of some description (7). About 15 percent of this area is covered by Calluna vulgaris, while the remainder is Nardus stricta-dominated acidic grassland (NVC U5) with frequent Festuca ovina and Agrostis capillaris, with occasional Vaccinium myrtillus and rarely, small bushes of Ulex europaeus. At the edges of the metalled road are narrow strips of semi-improved acidic grassland, where the above grass species are joined by Poa annua, Trifolium repens, Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica and Holcus lanatus. A narrow steep-sided valley runs across the northern boundary of the common (8). In places the sides have dense Pteridium aquilinum, while along the stream in the bottom there is flushed vegetation. This is dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c) with frequent Holcus lanatus and locally occasional Dryopteris dilatata, Oreopteris limbosperma and Athyrium filix-femina. On the valley sides there are occasional individuals of Blechnum spicant.

MANAGE:
Most of the vegetation on the common is fairly rank and un-grazed, although a handful of sheep were noted on the common. The Calluna vulgaris on the common is generally young and healthy, being between 10-25cm tall. In discrete pockets of heath, Calluna reaches up to 80 percent cover. Within the mosaic of marshy grassland/wet heath and the wet-modified bog which covers most of the site, Calluna averages out at around 30 percent cover, although its distribution is somewhat irregular. On the two islands of dry-modified bog at (6), there was a 50 percent cover of Calluna, with many regenerating seedlings. A disused quarry to the south-east has been developed as a car-parking/picnic area. There was a burnt-out car here, and some dumping of rubbish. A disused quarry to the west of the road has been filled-in and grassed. At the road junction at the north-eastern tip of the common, road-making materials (stone chippings) have been piled-up at the side of the road.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The vegetation maps for the two parts of the common were inferred from this report, and the vegetation description has been written using target notes from adjoining habitats and notes made during the field visit to the contiguous commons. Note that the common represents two very minor parts of a much larger area of common land. The relevant site cards can be consulted for a fuller view of the vegetation on Easington Fell as a whole. The northern portion of the common is a minute triangle of land on a steep north-facing slope. This has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta. The southern part of the common lies on Easington Fell and is mainly dry dwarf shrub heath with an 80 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus. Calluna vulgaris is present locally, but only accounts for 10 percent ground cover at most. Other species occur throughout the heath at low frequency including Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina and Deschampsia flexuosa. At the western end the common runs across a larger area of bog with abundant Sphagnum spp., with areas of thin peat which have unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Juncus squarrosus and Polytrichum commune. The bog also has dominant Eriophorum vaginatum, with abundant E. angustifolium and Vaccinium myrtillus.

MANAGE:
The two parts of the common are situated within, and are un-fenced from a much larger block of common land. The area as a whole is grazed by sheep. A full picture of the management of this area of common land can be gained by referring to the relevant site cards (consult above 1:50000 key map to see which are the contiguous commons).


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Swallows, Wheatear, Meadow Pipit and Red Grouse.

VEG:
This common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. Because of its small size there were no relevant target notes and a full field survey was conducted in conjunction with that of the contiguous commons CL 182 and CL 293. The unimproved acidic grassland is dominated by Nardus stricta, with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina and Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). Adjoining here there is acicic grassland in a mosaic with dry dwarf shrub heath. There is a 50 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus, with locally frequent Empetrum nigrum and Polytrichum commune. The small patch of dry-modified bog is part of a larger area situated on CL 182. This comprises almost 100 percent tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum (NVC M20).

MANAGE:
The common is contiguous with, and un-fenced from CL 182 and CL 293. The area as a whole is quite heavily grazed by sheep. A detailed discussion of the management of the two larger adjoining commons is given on the relevant site cards.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Marsh Tit, Chaffinch.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1991 and is also a Lancashire Wildlife Trust Site Of Nature Conservation Interest. The following report was been produced principally from the Phase 1 target notes. The main body of the common is a mosaic of unimproved acidic/neutral and marshy grassland. To the north at (1) for example is an area of damp neutral grassland dominated by Deschampsia cespitosa with locally abundant Filipendula ulmaria, Holcus lanatus and Potentilla anserina, locally frequent Angelica sylvestris, Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus, Centaurea nigra and occasional Achillea ptarmica, Valeriana officinalis, Juncus inflexus, Lotus uliginosus and Succisa pratensis (NVC type MG9). To the south (2) 75 percent of the grassland is similar to that above, 10 percent is marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC type M25), while 15 percent is unimproved acidic grassland. This has Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta and Campanula rotundifolia. At (3) along the southern edge of the moor is a strip of marshy grassland with patches of dense scrub and tall ruderal vegetation. The scrub species are Crataegus monogyna and Ulex europaeus. Additional species recorded from this area include Hypericum tetrapterum, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Juncus articulatus, J. conglomeratus, Carex echinata, C. pulicaris, Phalaris arundinacea, Luzula campestris, Alchemilla xanthochlora, Sanguisorba officinalis, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Galium cruciata, Cirsium palustre, Rhinanthus minor, Stachys officinalis, Geranium pratense, Caltha palustris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Ranunculus acris, Briza media and Chamaenerion angustifolium. A band of dense scrub in the north (4) has Betula pendula, Prunus spinosa, Ulex europaeus and occasional mature Fraxinus excelsior. To the south of the minor road which crosses the common there is a narrow strip of dense scrub and woodland. In the extreme south (5) is a strip of broad-leaved semi-natural woodland. The dominant canopy trees are Alnus glutinosa and Acer pseudoplatanus with occasional Fraxinus excelsior. Beneath the main canpoy are frequent Corylus avellana (coppiced in the past) and seedlings of A. pseudoplatanus, with occasional Sorbus aucuparia, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus spinosa, Quercus sp. and Salix cinerea. The understorey has locally frequent Deschampsia cespitosa, Milium effusum, Stellaria holostea, Lonicera pericylmenum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Geum urbanum, Oxalis acetosella, Hedera helix, Geranium robertianum, Circaea lutetiana, Viola riviniana, Carex remota, Brachypodium sylvaticum and Betonica officinalis. In parts the vegetation is quite damp with Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris, Chrysosplenium oppostiffolium, Lotus uliginosus, achillea ptarmica and mosses which include Polytrichum commune and Thuidium tamariscinum. Further north at (6) the wood is dominaded by Acer pseudoplatanus and there is a dense scrub layer of Crataegus monogyna, Rosa sp., Prunus spinosa and Sambucus nigra. The wooded part of area (7) is dominated by Fraxinus excelsior, with dense scrub of Prunus spinosa and Salix cinerea.

MANAGE:
The common appears un-managed. Most of the grassland is rank and tussocky, and there is scrub encroaching on various parts of the site, thus offering a wide variation in structural diversity. As such, the common is likely to be a locally important habitat for birds of woodland/woodland edge and also appears to have a range of microhabitats favourable for invertebrates. The main part of Melling Moor and some of the strip of woodland also have considerable botanical diversity. At the moment there appear to be no immediate threats to the site, but in future years it may be necessary to undertake selective thinning of scrub, and also possibly rotational cutting of some of the taller grassland in order to maintain the wide strucural diversity of habitats. In the extreme north-western corner there is a small area of bare ground at the side of the road used as a lay-by. Near to here is a small area of grassland which has been enclosed by a fence.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Grey Squirrel (in Woodland). Seen overhead: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Meadow Pipit, Pair of Kestrels (may have been nesting in the abandoned quarry). Meadow Brown butterfly. Common frog.

VEG:
Vegetation maps from the Lancashire Phase 1 survey could not be located therefore a full field survey was undertaken. The common occupies sloping ground to the north of the Hill of Great Hameldon. From the A679, which touches the northern boundary of the common, the skyline is dominated by the disused sandstone quarries which lie at the top of the hill. Two areas of coniferous plantation are present at the bottom of the slope. These have a dense planting of Pinus spp., including P. sylvestris and also Picea stichensis. Locally there are a few self-seeded Betula pendula, B. pubescens and Sorbus aucuparia especially at the edges and Alnus glutinosa in wet parts. The ground flora of the more open rides includes Agrostis capillaris, Juncus effusus, Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus lanatus, Rubus fruticosus and Rumex acetosella. Under the densely planted trees themselves there is a dense carpet of pine needles with occasional plants of Dryopteris dilatata. A species-poor ditch and un-managed hedge run next to a green lane at the side of the western section of woodland. The hedge is mainly of Crataegus monogyna with occasional Ilex aquifolium, Quercus sp. and Alnus glutinosa. Above the woodland to the west the ground rises sharply (1). Most of the slope has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with occasional Juncus squarrosus, frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and tiny quantities of Vaccinium myrtillus (NVC U5). About 5 percent of this area had scattered tiny Juncus effusus/Sphagnum recurvum/Polytrichum commune flushes (NVC M6c). There are also several discrete acidic (NVC M6c) flushes along the western boundary of the common; these are species-rich and contain between them Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Carex nigra, Epilobium palustre, Potentilla erecta, Stellaria alsine, Athyrium filix-femina, Viola palustris, Cirsium palustre and Juncus articulatus. Most of the hilltop is occupied by a disused sandstone quarry. Cliffs to about 10m tall run along the back of the old working face. Occasional individuals of Dropteris dilatata and Chamaenerion angustifolium cling to tiny ledges. About 75 percent of the old quarry is piles of un-vegetated sandstone rubble. The remainder is Deschampsia flexuosa dominated grassland on very thin soils (NVC U2). Locally there are small quantities of Vaccinium myrtillus within this grassland. Away from the quarry itself is Nardus stricta dominated grassland (NVC U5). The north eastern corner of the common is on level ground and has a number of anthropogenic factors which have influenced the vegetation. The area has been used in the past as a military training area, several old shooting butts, rifle ranges and targets are present. These appear to be popular with motorcycle riders and some areas of bare ground have developed. At (2) there is a fenced area which has been used for dumping in the past and is partly bare ground, but which has a developing sward of neutral grassland dominated by Agrostis capillaris, with frequent Trifolium repens, Poa annua, Deschampsia cespitosa, Cerastium fontanum, Festuca ovina, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgare, and Medicago lupulina. The adjoining land at (3) has similar grassland, with abundant brick rubble still showing through. Adjacent to the edge of the wood at (4) is an area of flushed grassland dominated by Nardus stricta. The grassland, which occupies a series of ridges, makes up about 80 percent of the area, while the flushes occur in channels and contain Juncus effusus, J. articulatus, Ranunculus flammula, Eriophorum vaginatum, Epilobium palustre, Epilobium hirsutum, Stellaria alsine, Equisetum palustre, Carex nigra and Holcus lanatus (NVC M6c). Similar flushes occur in the area to the north of here (5), but the grassland is dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). Three small reservoirs are present in this part of the common. Two are open water, while the third has a dense carpet of Sphagnum recurvum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Juncus effusus and J. articulatus.

MANAGE:
The grassy slopes of the common are used for sheep-grazing. The common forms part of a larger grazing unit with CL 205, from which it is not fenced, thus allowing free movement of stock. Cattle also graze the common, but these stay on the level ground to the north-east. Much of the grassland in this area has been eutrophicated as a result. The practice of dumping in this area has already been mentioned (mainly brick rubble), together with the fencing-off of one area for this purpose. Tracks in the old quarry, together with those associated with the old rifle range are popular for informal recreation, such as motorcycle riding. Many of the tracks have been maintained by the spreading of hardcore. Dumping of items such as old furniture has taken place in the old quarry.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1991. Target notes from this have been used in conjunction with information gathered during the field survey to produce the following report. The common occupies sloping ground to the south-west of Clougha Pike. The majority of the common has a mosaic of both wet and dry-modified bog (around 30 percent and 60 percent cover respectively) with scattered small patches of unimproved acidic grassland (1). Most of the bog is dominated by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum. The wetter parts have Sphagnum spp., Eriophorum angustifolium and Polytrichum spp., while the drier parts have Deschampsia flexuosa and Juncus squarrosus. Locally abundant throughout is Vaccinium myrtillus and less commonly there are patches where Empetrum nigrum, Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix are frequent. At the top of the hill the common narrows and the ground rises more steeply (2). Here there is a stand of dry dwarf shrub heath with an 80 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus. 10 percent of the area has scattered sandstone boulders. Toward the lower slopes of the common the peat thins giving rise to a mixture of wet acidic grassland (60 percent cover) with numerous diffuse acidic flushes (3). The grassland is mainly dominated by Juncus squarrosus and Polytrichum commune with some Sphagnum spp. Locally there are frequent Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa. The flushed areas have Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune with locally frequent Eriophorum vaginatum and E. angustifolium. Flushes at (4) also have Urtica dioica, Stellaria alsine and Agrostis canina. On the other side of the road (5) is a mosaic of Marshy grassland and acidic grassland. The Marshy grassland is dominated by Juncus effusus. The acidic grassland is semi-improved and has Festuca ovina, Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus squarrosus and Galium saxatile. At the base of the slope there are carpets of Polytrichum commune and occasional Molinia caerulea with Sphagnum recurvum and S. palustre in the flushes.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed extensively by sheep.  The fences between this and the continguous common, Cl 146, Redmoss Fell, has now disintegrated, thus allowing free movement of sheep across the two commons.  There is however, a sharp contrast between the vegetation on the two commons and the land on the other side of the boundary fence to the south-east.  Here there is around 80 percent cover of healthy Calluna vulgaris.  On the common, however, Calluna vulgaris is rather scarce and where it occurs, has invaribly been grazed back into a short, tightly woven carpet.  The same is the case for small amounts of Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum.  Erica tetralix however, although still scarce, tends to grow to around 10-20 cm tall and appears largely umodified by grazing.  This species appears to be somewhat unpalatable to sheep.  The area at (2) has Vaccinium myrtillus, also present as a low-growing carpet, or rounded "topiary" shaped bushes.  The flushed grassland at (5) has had a number of drainage channels dug in recent years.  The common lies totally within the "Clougha Access Area", an area of unrestricted public access, negotiated by Lancashire County Council.  Car parking has been allowed next to the road in the south of the common and a map showing the extent of the access area, together with various byelaws has been erected.  The road is un-fenced from the common and is protected at either end by cattle grids.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Swallows, Wheatear, Red Grouse, Meadow Pipit.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The following report has been made with reference to target notes made at this time and information gathered during the field survey. To the east is a sloping bank with unimproved acidic grassland (1). This is dominated by Nardus stricta with abundant Agrostis capillaris, frequent Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosella and Festuca ovina with occasional Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus and Aira praecox (NVC type U5). Next to the track the grassland is somewhat semi-improved with abundant Agrostis capillaris, Juncus effusus and Cirsium arvense. West of here is an area of dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum (NVC M20). Locally there is abundant Vaccinium myrtillus and rarely Calluna vulgaris. In small drier areas there is acidic grassland with Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina and Juncus squarrosus and heath with Vaccinium myrtillus (10 percent of the area) belonging to NVC type U5. At (3) there is a small patch of Sphagnum-rich bog. This is dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum spp., with locally frequent E. angustifolium, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Polytrichum commune, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. oxycoccos and Drosera rotundifolia (NVC M19). Area (4) is a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus (50 percent cover). Deschampsia flexuosa is frequent and there is locally abundant Juncus squarrosus, Festuca ovina. Calluna vulgaris is extremely rare among this vegetation which appears to belong to NVC type U5. At (5) is a pure stand of NVC U5 Nardus stricta-dominated acidic grassland.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and is fenced from its contiguous neighbours apart from CL 292. The Vaccinium myrtillus appears generally healthy while all of the Calluna vulgaris on the common is dead or dying with a mass of twisted stems suggesting that it has been subject to a high level of selective grazing.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Blackbird, Bluetit.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1991 from which detailed target notes were available. These were combined with additional information gathered during the site visit to produce the following report. The common comprises several strips of semi-natural woodland alongside the river Wenning. The range of trees is varied, including Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus sp. and Ulmus glabra. In many places the woodland is reduced to a narrow row of trees. The deepest area of woodland at (1) has an undershrub layer of Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Ilex aquifolium, Rubus fruticosus agg., R. idaeus, Prunus spinosa and a dense clump of Symphoricarpus albus (Snowberry). The ground cover is varied and includes Mercuralis perennis, Stachys sylvatica, Geum urbanum, Geranium robertianum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Agrostis stolonifera, Silene dioica, Hedera helix, Deschampsia cespitosa, Bromus sterilis, Conyza canadensis, Drypoteris filix-mas, Milium effusum, Potentilla sterilis, Glechoma hederacea, Aegopodium podagraria, Anthriscus sylvestris, Galium cruciata and Lapsana communis. Immedately next to the river there is Phalaris arundinacea, Angelica sylvestris, Mentha sp. and a Salix sp. (possibly a variety of S. purpurea). Along the side of the road at (2) the woodland is reduced to a row of trees, principally Acer pseudoplatanus, within a strip of neutral grassland and tall ruderal vegetation. Frequent species here include Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Agropyron repens, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus agg., Petasites hybridus, Geranium pratense, Rumex obtusifolius, Senecio jacobaea and Arctium minus. Part of this area has recently been disturbed by the dumping of limestone rubble at the side of the road.


FAUNA:
Seen during the brief site visit were: Meadow Pipit and Kestrel.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey during 1991. A wide selection of target notes were relevant to the common and these have been used almost exclusively to produce the following report. In addition, part of the common lies within the southern tip of the Leck Beck Head Catchment Area SSSI. This site is primarily of geological importance, especially for its cave systems. However there are also regions of botanical interest, mainly associated with outcropping limestone to the north of the common. The area of the common lies mainly upon Yoredale Gristone and therefore has a mainly acidophilous flora. Areas of gritstone scree to the south of the SSSI do support Huperzia selago and these regions are also referred to in the Phase 1 report. A minor proportion of these screes occur on the common but there was nothing in the Phase 1 target notes to confirm whether Huperzia selago was actually present on the common. A search was made of these screes and the species was not discovered. The north of the common has dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum with some Vaccinium myrtillus (1). Most of the common has wet unimproved acidic grassland (2) which is dominated by Nardus stricta, Festuce ovina, Juncus squarrosus and Molinia caerulea. Frequently there are Polytrichum spp., Sphagnum spp., Galium saxatile and Deschampsia flexuosa. Locally there are small amounts of Cladonia spp., Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. At (3) there is an area of Sphagnum- rich blanket bog with abundant Eriophorum vaginatum, Sphagnum spp., Polytrichum commune and Deschampsia flexuosa.  In this locality are the sandstone screes which were searched for Huperzia selago (4). The south-western part of the common has many discrete narrow acidic flushes. These are dominated by Juncus effusus and Polytrichum commune, with locally abundant Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Cardamine sp., Ranunculus flammula, R. repens, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Carex echinata, C. panicea, C. demissa, Eriophorum angustifolium and Juncus bulbosus. Many of the acidic flushes also have some flowing water, often containing Fontinalis antipyretica. In the far south-west at (5) scattered bushes of Ulex gallii were present around the flushed areas and also on adjoining grassland. At (6) there has been agricultural improvement of the grassland sward.  (7) is a small copse of mature Fraxinus excelsior trees, with bushes of Ilex aquifolium and Crataegus monogyna and an understorey of Rubus fruticosus agg., Urtica dioica, Hyacinthoides non-scripta and Dryopteris dilatata.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep and possibly also by cattle in its southern portion. The intensity of grazing appears to increase from the exposed upland north-eastern end toward the south-western end, which is relatively low-lying. In the extreme south-west there has been some agricultural improvement of the grassland. There appears to be no other management of the common.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Grey Heron, Snipe, Curlew and Hare. 
The common lies within the Lune Estuary SSSI, the saltmarshes of which provide roosting sites for waders at high tide, and support large numbers of wildfowl such as Mallard, Wigeon, Shelduck and Pink-footed Geese.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Saltmarsh Survey of Great Britain in 1983. A site visit was undertaken to look for any change since this date, to investigate the management regime and to take photographs. The common lies on the southern shore of the Lune Estuary to the west of the old port of Glasson. The whole area is occupied by saltmarsh with several distinct regions of vegetation. At the landward edge of the saltmarsh is a strip of upper marsh vegetation with abundant Agropyron pungens (1). The main part of the marsh beyond here (2) comprises alternating patches of vegetation dominated either by Puccinellia maritima or Festuca rubra. The P. maritima lies in shallow hollows marking areas of relatively wet vegetation. These areas have frequent Triglochin palustris and Suaeda maritima with locally frequent Salicornia europaea, Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra, Glaux maritima, Plantago maritima and Aster tripolium. The elevated areas are relatively drier and are dominated by Festuca rubra and have frequent Puccinellia maritima and Glaux maritima, with locally frequent Aster tripolium, Triglochin palustris and Armeria maritima, with only locally occasional Salicornia europaea and Plantago maritima. There are scattered individuals of Spartina anglica especially to the seaward edge and along the main creeks. The above vegetation is a mid-upper marsh community probably all of NVC type SM13. Several small creeks are present often supporting Halimione portulacoides and Suaeda maritima. The southern section of the common (3) is typified by the drier component of the vegetation and is crossed by a large creek. The lower section of the marsh (4) is distinctly wetter and supports more of the Puccinellia maritima- dominated vegetation. The northern section has a thin scattering of Spartina anglica. This species is absent from the southern section however.

MANAGE:
Grazed by cattle and sheep, although the vegetation is still fairly diverse. Not fenced from the adjoining saltmarsh area.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Meadow Pipit, Skylark. 
JNCC Report No. 7, "Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors", Brown and Shepherd, 1991. This has a record for breeding Twite on this common.

VEG:
The common forms part of a large upland block comprising several commons to the north-west of Rochdale. This portion was originally surveyed to Phase 1 level in 1984. The information from this survey has been updated during the site visit. The northern part of the common is occupied by an old quarry with the old working face to the south (1). Most of the quarry comprises old spoil heaps of coarse sandstone rubble. About half of the spoil is vegetated with unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa and Festuca ovina. The old working face is a broken cliff to 10m tall in its highest parts. Occasional ledges on the cliff face support Chamaenerion angustifolium, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus and Dryopteris dilatata. At the western edge of the quarry there are also areas of dry-modified bog on areas which were never quarried (15 percent cover). The dominant species here are Eriophorum vaginatum and Deschampsia flexuosa. Acidic grassland accounts for 50 percent cover while bare sandstone spoil covers the remaining 35 percent. To the south of the quarry is the edge of an expanse of blanket mire (3). This is in the form of dry-modified bog dominated by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum (NVC type M20). Deschampsia flexuosa and Eriophorum angustifolium are frequent throughout while along the peat margins to the north there are locally abundant Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum. In several places along the edge deep gullies have been eroded into the peat. The depth of peat appears to be between 1.5-2.0m. There are also patches of bare peat in the surface of the bog in this area of around 1.0 sq.m in size.

MANAGE:
The quarry appears to have been abandoned for many years, the area being grazed by sheep (moderate intensity). There is no boundary fence between this and the adjoining CL 94. Dumping of rubbish has occurred in some places within the old quarry.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Flock of Swallows, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Golden Plover, 
Flock of Swifts, Kestrel.  
The Phase 1 survey notes mention records for breeding Snipe.  
Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Small Skipper.  
Other fauna: Common frog.  
JNCC Report No 7. shows records on this common for breeding Dunlin, Lapwing, Twite and Wheatear.

VEG:
This common lies physically within Greater Manchester, although it is registered as common land within the county of Lancashire. As such it has not been included in the Lancashire Phase 1 survey. However, it was covered by a Phase 1 survey of the Rochdale area conducted during 1988. This was presented in the form of uncoloured maps, annotated with dominant species codes. These maps were lacking in detail in places, although there is a comprehensive range of target notes. The entire common has been re-surveyed with reference to the previous Phase 1 notes at the writing-up stage. The common occupies a large upland plateau, with  Knowl Hill (419m) to the south. Above Naden Higher Reservoir several steep-sided valleys cut into the plateau area. In the south-west an arm on the common slopes gently towards the A680 Rochdale-Rawenstall road. MAP 1 (northern section). Blanket mire occupies two plateau areas to the north and the south of Naden Brook Valley. This is dominated throughout by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum. Deschampsia flexuosa and Eriophorum vaginatum are frequent throughout while Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium myrtillus are locally abundant especially at the margins of the blanket mire (see dominant species codes on vegetation map). Where present these species account for between 50-75 percent of the ground cover. The vegetation belongs to NVC type M20. There are numerous indications that the surface of the blanket mire is actively eroding. Locally within the surface there are numerous small patches of bare peat. However it is in marginal areas that the process of peat erosion is most obvious. To the north of Knowl Hill for example (1) there are numerous exposures of bare peat at the edge of the mire (up to 10 percent cover). Empetrum nigrum appears to favour areas of disrupted mire having a local cover of 75 percent in this region. Erosion channels also have bare peat but are often colonised by Molinia caerulea. Erosion of peat is also prominent at (2) where there are bare patches up to 5.0m sq. in places. Empetrum nigrum is also abundant again, at 50 percent cover. The worst area of peat erosion is in the north at (3) around Hail Storm Hill. Here the peat is generally quite thin and the surface is very disrupted, with patches of bare peat and the underlying substrate each having a 10 percent cover. About 5 percent of the area is scattered patches of unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa and Festuca ovina. An old drainage channel, Man Road Ditch, runs across the southern portion of the blanket mire. This is now largely in-filled with vegetated peat, being contiguous with the surrounding Eriophorum vaginatum mire in its central portion. To the north the vegetation is dominated by Molinia caerulea with frequent Eriophorum vaginatum and has been mapped as wet-modified bog (4) and there is a patch of similar vegetation at (5). To the south the drain has Molinia caerulea on thin peat which has been mapped as marshy grassland (6). To the east of this map several steep-sided valleys cut into the plateau. These are mostly vegetated with either dense Pteridium aquilinum or a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath. On the northern slope of Naden Brook for example there is a 30-40 percent cover of dense Pteridium aquilinum (6), present as scattered small patches. Larger areas have been mapped separately (some with reference to aerial photographs). Vaccinium myrtillus dominates the heath component at around 30 percent cover, while there is locally abundant Empetrum nigrum. The grassland is dominated by Nardus stricta with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa. There is outcropping sandstone on the steeper slopes at the bottom of Naden Brook. As a whole this mosaic of vegetation belongs mainly within NVC type U5. There are scattered patches of remnant dry-modified bog within the valley of Naden Brook. One of these has abundant Erica tetralix.In the valley above Bone Hole (7) there is a 50 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus, rising to 75 percent on the steeper slopes. The plants are generally scattered throughout a matrix of acidic grassland, again dominated by Nardus stricta with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa. Several acidic flush features are associated with these two valleys. These are generally species-poor and dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum with frequent Holcus lanatus, Eriophorum angustifolium, Agrostis canina, and occasional Carex nigra and Molinia caerulea. The flush at (8) has occasional Erica tetralix, while that at (9) has locally abundant Vaccinium oxycoccos and Carex panicea. To the north of the common the landscape is dominated by the now disused Ding Quarry. The peripheral areas have numerous mounds of spoil running in elongated ridges. About 50 percent of the area is vegetated by unimproved acidic grassland on thin soils dominated by Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa and Juncus squarrosus. Locally there are small amounts of Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus and Chamaenerion angustifolium. About 40 percent of the area comprises un-vegetated stone rubble, with large blocks in places. The 1988 Phase 1 survey noted that some extraction of flagstones was still taking place. The old working faces are un-interesting, but have seepage of water in places giving rise to small flushed areas dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune. Numerous bare earth tracks run through the quarry (10 percent cover).
Surrounding the disused quarry is a band with patches of remnant blanket mire dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum, with equal amounts of unimproved acidic grassland with Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa and Festuca ovina. The adjoining flush at (11), below Little Ding, is dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum and has small amounts of Vaccinium oxycoccos and Viola palustris.

MAP 2 (southern section) This part of the common is dominated by Knowl Hill (419m). To the north of here is the edge of the blanket mire, dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum, as described under map 1. At its southerly edge the blanket mire undergoes a somewhat indistinct transition into an expanse of vegetation on thin peat dominated by Molinia caerulea. This has been mapped as marshy grassland. This combination of vegetation type and peat depth appears to be a frequently observed feature of the margins of blanket mire in this part of Lancashire. At (12) for example there is a complex mosaic with 30 percent unimproved acidic grassland and equal amounts of remnant bog and marshy grassland. Tricophorum cespitosum (uncommon in the Rochdale area), Juncus squarrosus and Vaccinium myrtillus are all frequent here. Knowl Hill stands above the blanket mire and on the top has thin unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Festuca ovina and Deschampsia flexuosa (13). To the north there is grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa, with scattered tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum on remnant peat. To the south of Knowl Hill there is a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath (15). Vaccinium myrtillus, with smaller amounts of Empetrum nigrum, have a patchy distribution but account for an ovarall 10 percent ground cover. Part of this area now has vegetated mounds of spoil, possibly from earlier quarrying. Empetrum nigrum is abundant on a tongue of very degraded blanket mire on the ridge at (16). This species reaches 75 percent cover here. Again at the edge of the mire (17) there is marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa. The southern flank of Knowl Hill has an area of diffuse flushed vegetation (18). 80 percent of this area comprises acidic flush dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum. There are also frequent Deschampsia cespitosa, Carex curta, C. echinata, C. nigra, Agrostis canina and Holcus lanatus with occasional Epilobium palustre, Vaccinium myrtillus and Galium saxatile. A narrow acidic flush to the east is notable for Viola palustris and Galium palustre. Much of the remainder of the common is marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). This area is bisected by a fence which prevents livestock from gaining access to the southern section. North of this the grassland is fairly short and has frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and occasional Eriophorum angustifolium and E. vaginatum, with rare plants of Empetrum nigrum. To the south of the fence the Molinia caerulea is tall and rank, with a similar species composition but also with rare plants of Vaccinium myrtillus and Calluna vulgaris. At (22) there is a 50 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris with a joint 10 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum. Much of this area has been recently burned, probably by accident.
To the south of the common there are several further areas where ericoid species feature prominently in vegetation dominated by Molinia caerulea. At (23) for example there is are equal proportions of Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus with a combined cover of 50 percent. A small pool within this area has a dense cover of Sphagnum spp. Area (24) marks two patches with Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix with a combined cover of 40 percent. Also frequent here are Eriophorum angustifolium and Vaccinium oxycoccos with occasional Tricophorum cespitosum and Vaccinium myrtillus. Dry dwarf shrub heath occurs in a small disused quarry at (25). This has 60 percent unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa with abundant Nardus stricta and Festuca ovina and occasional Deschampsia cespitosa, Molinia caerulea, Juncus squarrosus, Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Galium saxatile. The ericoid species are dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus (65 percent cover) with occasional Calluna vulgaris and Empetrum nigrum. Calluna vulgaris is more prominent elsewhere (26) for example, where it reaches 20 percent cover, with some Erica tetralix and Vaccinium myrtillus. Adjacent to the road there are small stands of tall ruderal vegetation. At (27) for example there is a stand of Epilobium hirsutum and Chamaenerion angustifolium, also with some Iris pseudacorus.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is grazed extensively by sheep. The vegetation is generally species-poor as a result. On the blanket mire, Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium myrtillus are of localised occurrence, mainly in peripheral areas. The effect of grazing of these species can clearly be seen as they are usually present as low-growing, closely nibbled, "topiary" bushes. On some of the east-facing edges there has been some die-back of these species, probably caused by wind damage. The areas of heath vegetation in the steep valleys, again dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus, have a similar growth form, often present as small, inconspicuous plants within a grassland sward. Steeper slopes have better-developed plants, still however, with "topiary" growth forms. The area to the south of the fence across Ashworth Moor appears ungrazed. The vegetation here is much taller than elsewhere. Heath species appear unmodified by grazing and are relatively immature (suggesting a recent cessation of grazing?). The recent occurrence of a fire was noted in this area and it was considered that this was probably accidental. An area of bare ground, used for car-parking has been created in the south-western corner of the common, adjacent to the A680. A sign has been erected prohibiting the driving of cars or riding of motorcycles onto the common. Despite this, motorcycle tracks were noted on the path up to Knowl Hill and two riders were seen crossing the west of Ashworth Moor at the time of the survey. Stiles have been provided to take footpaths across the fence erected over Ashworth Moor. The 1988 Phase 1 survey noted that flagstones were being worked in the disused Ding Quarry. Several cars have been abandoned in this area.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Red Grouse, Carrion Crow.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. Several target notes and background information relating to Pendle Hill as a whole were available. A certain amount of re-mapping was considered necessary in the area around Ogden Clough which lies on the junction of four of the Phase 1 maps. This was easily done using binoculars from the opposite hillside on CL 79 to the south. The common occupies the southern section of the plateau of Pendle Hill which is formed of Pendle Sandstone and Millstone Grit much of this overlain by blanket peat. Along the southern and eastern edges there are steep slopes which descend from the plateau. Most of the plateau has a layer of blanket peat in the form of dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum (NVC M20). Vaccinium myrtillus and Deschampsia flexuosa are generally abundant throughout and along the western side there is a 10 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris but this plant is absent to the east. Eriophorum angustifolium is occasional, and around the peripheral margins of the peat edge, especially to the west, there is locally abundant Empetrum nigrum. The edge of the blanket peat is clearly visible as a band around most of the edge of the blanket mire, and often shows signs of significant erosion in places. This is particularly noticeable above Dry Clough (2), but occurs right the way around the edge of the plateau. Surrounding the blanket mire is a band of dry dwarf shrub heath, again dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus (90 percent cover). In many places this occurs in a mosaic with remnants of the blanket bog (3), for example at White Slacks. Juncus squarrousus and Festuca ovina occur frequently throughout these areas. Locally there are patches of pure acidic grassland within the heath dominated either by Nardus stricta or Juncus squarrosus and with occasional Galium saxatile, Festuca ovina and Deschampsia flexuosa. Most of this heath and grassland appears to belong within NVC type U5 which can often have large amounts of Vaccinium myrtillus. To the south of the common is the steep-sided valley of Ogden Clough. This has several tributary valleys on the CL 95 side, generally dominated by dense Pteridium aquilinum. At (4) there is a mosaic of 75 percent dense Pteridium aquilinum, 15 percent acidic scree and 10 percent unimproved acidic grassland. In the base of Ogden Clough there is a narrow strip of unimproved acidic grassland with areas of species-poor acidic flush dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune (NVC M6c). Further similar flushes occur on the valley side of Ogden Clough as it curves away to the north. At the summit of Pendle Beacon the peat has been eroded to reveal fragments of silicious base rock (25 percent of the area) with the remainder comprising unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta and Festuca ovina. Adjoining here, the boundary with the blanket bog is somewhat irregular and eroded, and has been difficult to map precisely due to the absence of landmarks on the plateau. On the steep, east-facing slope below Pendle Beacon the vegetation was much easier to visualise and has been mapped largely from the original Phase 1 map, with alternating strips of scree, dry heath, acidic grassland and some patches of dense Pteridium aquilinum. At the base of the slope is an area of semi-improved acidic grassland (6) with abundant Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris and Poa annua.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed extensively by sheep, although they perhaps tend not to visit the steeper slopes as much as they do other parts of the common. The small quantities of Calluna vulgaris on the western edge of the blanket mire is in the form of scattered, healthy plants to about 30cm tall. A small proportion show signs of having been nibbled by sheep, and most plants had a good crop of flowers at the time of the survey. On most of the blanket mire and heath on the common however, Calluna vulgaris is very rare. Vaccinium myrtillus is abundant throughout the common on the bog and heath. In level areas, V. myrtillus  shows signs of extensive sheep grazing, being reduced to low, rounded, "topiary" bushes. On the steeper slopes, however, the plant is much better developed. There are no signs of burning having occurred on the common. The predominance of Vaccinium myrtillus may be related to preferential grazing-out of Calluna vulgaris. Related to the use of the land are considerable areas of eroded peat on the common, especially at (7). Some of these are "natural" erosion gullies, although there is a wide, eroded track of bare, rutted peat leading towards the Pendle Beacon. This has been created by walkers and mountain bikers. Clearly some form of repair work, such as a boardwalk, is badly needed in this area. The peat depth seems to reach a maximum of 2.0m. There is also exposed peat at the margins of the blanket mire, with the boundary often being indistinct. Accelerated erosion appears to be occurring in some areas as at (2). A well-worn path ascends the steep slope to Pendle Beacon. This has been considerably eroded in the past, but has been repaired with steps and stone pitching in recent years.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Skylark, Red Grouse, Meadow Pipit, Swallow, Housemartin, Snipe and Red Admiral butterfly.

JNCC Report No. 7, "Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors" (1991), lists a record for breeding Golden Plover on this common.

VEG:
The common lies physically within West Yorkshire. A Phase 1 survey of this area was done by NCC in 1991 from which brief target notes were available. A field visit was undertaken to supplement this information to investigate management and to take photographs. The common occupies the plateau of Shore Moor. To the east there is a long gentle slope towards Moorhey Flat where the ground then descends abruptly into the Roch Valley. In the north west the plateau edge is dissected by two narrow steep-sided valleys or cloughs. The hill plateau has dry-modified bog vegetation dominated by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC type M20). Locally there is abundant E. angustifolium and especially at the peat margins abundant Empetrum nigrum. Around the blanket peat margins the bog vegetation gives way to either unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta, or marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea. In places the acidic grassland has abundant Empetrum nigrum and has been mapped as a mosaic of this habitat type with dry dwarf shrub heath. Often the acidic grassland has Juncus squarrosus with small amounts of Vaccinium myrtillus and appears to be of NVC type U5. Generally the surface of the blanket peat is intact in this area although there are a few scattered patches of bare peat often with small pools colonised by Eriophorum angustifolium. Exposures of bare peat were noted at the edge of Noon Hill Clough (1). A number of small acidic flushes are associated with both this and Brook Holes Clough. These are dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum. The most diverse example is at (2) within Noon Hill Clough and has locally abundant Polytrichum commune, Agrostis canina, Galium palustre, Carex nigra, Stellaria alsine, Viola palustris and occasional Cirsium palustre, Eriophorum angustifolium and Epilobium palustre. These flushes belong to NVC type M6c. The eastern arm of the common has a slope occupied by a stand of marshy grassland (NVC M25) dominated by very tussocky Molinia caerulea. Locally there is frequent Juncus effusus, and there are occasional drier patches with Nardus stricta and Juncus squarrosus. In the extreme east is a steep slope which descends down to the A6033 in the valley below. This has an extremely complex mosaic of vegetation types. In the vicinity of a track at the top of the slope there has been localised intensive grazing by sheep (3). This has produced a sward of semi-improved acidic grassland with frequent Nardus stricta, Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus, Urtica dioica, Agrostis capillaris, Rumex acetosella and Poa annua. Much of the hillside is dominated by a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath. This has abundant Nardus stricta, Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia flexuosa and Vaccinium myrtillus (up to 50 percent ground cover), probably falling within NVC type U5. Lower down the slope Molinia caerulea has a greater relative abundance and some areas have been mapped accordingly as wet dwarf shrub heath. Calluna vulgaris occurs very rarely. Locally there are patches of dense Pteridium aquilinum. One small patch of broad-leaved semi-natural woodland has mature Quercus petraea and Betula pendula. In addition, much of the ground along the lower edge of the slope has been recently planted with saplings of the above species.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. These tend to favour areas peripheral to the very tussocky blanket bog and marshy grassland. This has led to localised eutrophication of the grassland in places. The steep slope to the east appears to have been less favoured by grazing animals as there is quite well-developed heath and scrub in places. However, Calluna vulgaris is rare, the heath vegetation being dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus, which is less susceptible to grazing than the former species. Note that the southern boundary of the common is marked by the West Yorkshire/Greater Manchester boundary. However there is no fence, which means that stock can wander freely between this and the contiguous common, CL 168 (Lancashire). As already mentioned, extensive tree planting has been done on the slope above the A6033. A limited amount of dumping of brick rubble has occurred in hollows at the top of this slope.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Wren, Bluetit, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Coot, pair of Mallard.

VEG:
The common is a small piece of woodland with no specific target notes available from the Lancashire Phase 1 survey. A full field survey has therefore been carried-out. To the north of the common is a narrow strip of mature broad-leaved woodland next to the metalled road (1). The canopy has co-dominant Fraxinus excelsior and Acer pseudoplatanus with occasional Ulmus glabra. Beneath the main canopy is a dense shrub layer with seedlings of the above and also Ilex aquifolium, Crataegus monogyna and Sambucus nigra. The field layer is varied dominated in places by Rubus fruticosus agg., but with locally frequent Mercurialis perennis, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Hedera helix, Geum urbanum, Stachys sylvatica, Urtica dioica, Viola riviniana, Agrostis stolonifera, Potentilla sterilis and Geum robertianum, with locally occasional Dryopteris filix-mas, D. dilatata, Bromus ramosus, Silene dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Deschampsia cespitosa and Mycelis muralis. To the south the wood widens and occupies a hill which slopes down to the canal (2). This is essentially the same in character although Fagus sylvatica, Quercus sp. and Aesculus hippocastanum are also present in the canopy. The field layer generally tends to be dominated by Deschampsia cespitosa over much of the area. However at the bottom of the slope immediately above the canal the field layer is generally similar to (1) and also has locally occasional Aquilegia vulgaris, Aegopodium podagraria, Lonicera periclymenum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Filipendula ulmaria, Asplenium scolopendrium and Arum maculatum. Shrub species include Rosa sp., Prunus sp., and Rhododendron sp. Along the eastern edge of the canal is a dense row of Crataegus monogyna bushes. The southern section of woodland (3) has Fagus sylvatica as the most prominent canopy species especially away from the canal-side with occasional mature Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus glabra and Quercus sp. As a consequence there is a rather sparse field  layer. To the west of the common is a section of the Lancaster Canal and the towpath. The towpath is generally around 2.0m wide, although just to the south of the canal overbridge it is much wider. The towpath has unimproved neutral grassland, best developed along the boundary wall as it is quite heavily trampled along the main part of the path. The grassland is mainly species-poor, dominated by Dactylis glomerata. In places there has been localised eutrophication by dog fouling. Locally there are a range of forbs including Mercurialis perennis, Galium aparine, Ranunculus ficaria, Tussilago farfara, Plantago lanceolata, Alliaria petiolata, Urtica dioica, Arum maculatum, Geum robertianum and Heracleum sphondylium. Owing to an error in plotting the boundary of the common, this part was actually surveyed on 2.4.93. The retaining wall of the overbridge has Hedera helix and Cymbalaria muralis.

MANAGE:
The woodland is part of a larger adjoining site which is managed as a nature reserve by Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council. A sign has been erected at the entrance to the wood, next to the canal overbridge, and shows the site boundary. A range of management tasks has been undertaken. These include selective clearance of Sycamore, localised planting of Hazel, construction of steps and paths, erection of direction signs, litter clearance and provision of seats. The overall impression is of high quality management work. The woodland is botanically quite varied, with a calcicole element to the flora, and appears to be have great conservation value at a local level.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Flock of Swallows, Chaffinches, Kestrel (hovering), Red Grouse, Red Admiral butterfly.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The vegetation map has been used with minor additions. Several target notes were available for the common and these have been combined with notes made during the field survey to produce the following report. The site occupies a long hilltop ridge which runs from Black Hill and Spence Moor in the north-east to Nick of Pendle in the south-west. Most of the vegetation on the ridge is a sward of unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta. Within this are locally frequent Festuca ovina and occasional Juncus squarrosus Galium saxatile and rarely scattered plants of Vaccinium myrtillus (NVC U5). In the area of Pendleton Moor (1) Juncus effusus is also locally frequent along with occasional narrow flush lines with abundant J. effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). On the lower slopes in this part of the common this localised flushing of the grassland becomes more prominent (2). Here around 30 percent of the area comprises acidic flush (NVC M6c). The acidic grassland here is again dominated by Nardus stricta but also with Juncus effusus with locally abundant Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile, Sphagnum spp., Polytrichum commune (in pronounced hummocks) and Potentilla erecta (probably a mosaic of NVC types U5 and M23). The grassland appears modified by grazing with the tussocky Juncus effusus often being surrounded by shortly grazed turf where Poa annua is locally abundant. At (3) the grassland becomes truly marshy dominated by Juncus effusus throughout. Locally frequent are Eleocharis palustris, Equisetum palustre, Ranunculus flammula, Cardamine sp., Stellaria alsine, Urtica dioica, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune (a mosaic of NVC types M6c and M23). Next to the road at (4) are a series of old workings with a pronounced system of mounds and hollows with dry acidic grassland (Nardus stricta) and marshy grassland (Juncus effusus) respectively. In a few places along the main ridge there are occasional patches of marshy grassland (5). These have abundant Eriophorum vaginatum, Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus and in some cases, Molinia caerulea. These seem to occupy slight depressions and may represent final vestiges of thin peat. These islands stood out well at the time of the survey, having a russet brown colour contrasting with the pale straw yellow of the Nardus stricta surrounding them. Two disused quarries are present next to the road at Nick of Pendle with abundant sandstone outcrops. Along the southern edge of the common there is a steep slope leading to a gully which is occupied by a narrow acidic flush and in parts, dense Pteridium aquilinum (6). Upstream a number of interesting flush features spread out onto the common (7). These are dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum, but also contain locally frequent Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Carex nigra, C. echinata, C. panicea, Sphagnum papillosum, Polytrichum commune, Galium palustre, Potentilla erecta, Juncus articulatus, Narthecium ossifragum, Viola palustris, Montia fontana, Stellaria alsine, Equisetum palustre and Vaccinium oxycoccos (NVC M6c). The highest ground on the common is on Black Hill, where there is remnant dry-modified bog. The deepest peat is at (8) where the vegetation is dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum (NVC M20). Locally however there is much standing water on the surface of the bog, with abundant Eripophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum cuspidatum and S. papillosum (NVC M3). There is some Vaccinium myrtillus on drier ground to the east of this area. Elsewhere, (9) for example, the peat is very thin and the bog frequently grades into patches of acidic grassland (in about equal proportions). Here the bog is dry in character, dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and Deschampsia flexuosa and locally abundant Vaccinium myrtillus (NVC M20). The grassland is dominated either by Nardus stricta or Juncus squarrosus (NVC types U5/U6). At (10) is a narrow strip of marshy grassland dominated by Juncus effusus with abundant Nardus stricta and Eriophorum vaginatum. However diffuse acidic flushes occupy about 45 percent of the area, and at the centre are a number of pools of deep water, choked with emergent vegetation. Large parts of the flush are dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). There are also sedge-rich carpets dominated by Carex echinata, C. panicea and C. demissa, with frequent Sphagnum papillosum, Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Narthecium ossifragum, Juncus articulatus and Nardus stricta (possibly M6b). The wetter parts of the flush have Holcus mollis, Stellaria alsine, Ranunculus omiophyllus, R. flammula, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Glyceria fluitans, Myosotis sp., Anthoxanthum odoratum and Potamogeton polygonifolius. A further interesting acidic flush occurs at (11), again dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune. An area of flowing water at the centre has Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum, while surrounding this are frequent Lotus uliginosus, Stellaria alsine, Equisetum palustre, Montia fontana, Ranunculus omiophyllus, Galium palustre, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Myosotis sp., and Juncus articulatus.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed extensively by sheep and is unfenced from its contiguous neighbours. The level of grazing appears to have been quite intensive for some time as the grassland is dominated mainly by species unpalatable to sheep (Juncus effusus, J. squarrosus and Nardus stricta). There is only one tiny area of heath on the common, fenced from the main grazing unit. Vaccinium myrtillus occurs as rather suppressed plants in small amounts on some of the remnant blanket mire. The numerous acidic flushes on the site are generally species-rich and appear to have as yet been un-modified by grazing. The fairly high pedestrian traffic on some of the paths on the common has led to wide paths in places, particularly the one which follows the main ridge and leads to Pendle Hill. However as this path does not cross areas of peat, the consequences of this high level of use have not been as catastrophic as on the adjoining CL 95, where there has been extensive localised peat erosion.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The vegetation map has been substantially produced from this survey. Only one brief target note was available for this common. Therefore a field visit was undertaken in order to collect additional species information to record management and heather condition and to take photographs. The common is situated on a north-westerly facing slope the underlying geology being carboniferous sandstone and shales. The higher ground is mainly occupied by dry dwarf shrub heath (1). Here there is a 70 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris and 20 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus. Locally there are patches of abundant Eriophorum vaginatum presumably on remnants of peat and throughout there is occasional Empetrum nigrum. Below here at (2) the heath occurs in a mosaic with unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Juncus squarrosus and Nardus stricta. Here Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus have equal cover at around 30 percent each. There is a pure stand of acidic grassland on the flanks of Standridge Hill to the north of the B6478 at (3). This is dominated by Nardus stricta with locally frequent Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). To the east of here this grassland occurs in a mosaic with Vaccinium myrtillus dry heath. Lower down the slopes the vegetation becomes wet in character. At (4) there is a pocket of Sphagnum-rich mire and diffused acidic flushes. This is dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and E. angustifolium and Sphagnum spp. There is around a 20 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris with locally frequent Carex echinata, Vaccinium myrtillus and V. oxycoccos, occasional Empetrum nigrum and Erica tetralix and rarely, Drosera rotundifolia. The acidic flushes occupy around 25 percent of the area and are dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum. This vegetation probably is a mosaic of NVC types M6c and M19. At (5) the bog is replaced by a mosaic of Nardus stricta acidic grassland and Calluna vulgaris/Vaccinium myrtillus heath. To the west of here are discrete areas of acidic flush with patches of marshy grassland dominated by Juncus effusus. On the hillside above Smelt Mill Clough (6) are further acidic flushes running downslope through an area of unimproved acidic grassland. These are quite interesting, being dominated by Juncus effusus, Polytrichum commune and Sphagnum recurvum, with locally frequent Galium palustre, Epilobium palustre, Viola palustris, Cardamine sp., Carex nigra, Holcus lanatus and Agrostis canina. Further along the clough is an area of dense Pteridium aquilinum (7) with scattered trees of Sorbus aucuparia. At (8) there is Sphagnum-rich mire, dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum spp. cover at around 40 percent. Also present are locally abundant Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Eriophorum angustifolium and tussocks of Polytrichum commune (probably NVC M19). On the other side of the metalled road at (9) is the upper edge of a valley mire complex which lies mainly upon the adjoining CL 248W. This has a broadly similar vegetation.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. There are cattle grids at either end of the B6478 which runs across the common. There is a good cover of ericoid species over much of the common, mainly Calluna vulgaris, but also with Erica tetralix in the wetter parts. There were some signs of the heather having being burnt in the area of heath at (1), although not recently. Here Calluna vulgaris reaches around a 70 percent cover, with plants being fairly mature, reaching 30-40cm tall in places. The majority of plants are healthy, although some bushes have a rounded, topiary appearance, suggesting a slight grazing effect. A high proportion of plants were flowering at the time of the survey. Further downslope, into areas (2) and (4), the cover of heather declines to between 10-30 percent. About 70 percent of bushes have a distinct topiary appearance due to the effect of sheep grazing. On the mire in area (4), about 10 percent of the Calluna is dead, presumably due to old age. The Erica tetralix here is in good condition and appears to be avoided by sheep. The mire at (8) has Calluna with around 25 percent cover, with smaller amounts of Erica tetralix, mainly in a similar condition to that of the open fell at (1).


VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The vegetation map has been reproduced without modification. Several useful target notes were available and these have been augmented with additional notes from the field survey to produce the following report. The Easington Fell area is underlain by carboniferous sandstones and shales. To the south of the common there is the broad hilltop of Easington Fell itself which is joined by gently undulating high ground to Sadler Hill in the west. Steep slopes descend northwards from the fell which is dissected by the valley of Skelshaw Brook. The southern part of the common is a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and patches of dry dwarf shrub heath with smaller remnants of Sphagnum-rich mire. At (1) there is a 40 percent cover of short Vaccinium myrtillus. The grassland is either dominated by Nardus stricta (NVC U5) or Juncus squarrosus and Polytrichum commune (NVC U6), with frequent Festuca ovina and Deschampsia flexuosa throughout. There is more Vaccinium myrtillus heath on Sadler Hill (2) and on the steep slope to the north (3) unimproved acidic grassland. This is dominated by Nardus stricta typical of the NVC U5 category mentioned above. Locally there is also infestation with tussocky Juncus effusus. At the head of Skelshaw Brook (4) there is a valley mire complex with small patches of wet acidic grassland on the thinner peat. This is dominated by Sphagnum spp. (40 percent cover) and Eriophorum vaginatum with abundant Vaccinium myrtillus. Locally there is frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Deschampsia flexuosa, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix. Some parts have the appearance of acidic flushes being dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune with locally frequent Carex nigra, Agrostis canina and Juncus articulatus. This area appears to be a mosaic of NVC types M6c and M19.  Within the valley of Skelshaw Brook and extending up onto the fell to the east is a large area dominated by a dense, impenetrable stand of Pteridium aquilinum (5). Also along the valley are several large acidic flush features. The one at (6) is a species-rich example, being dominated by Eriophorum angustifolium and Sphagnum spp., with Juncus effusus at the edges. Drosera rotundifolia is abundant throughout with Vaccinium oxycoccos and Potentilla erecta abundant at the edges. Occasionally there are Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Polygala serpyllifolia, Anagallis tenella, Carex nigra, C. echinata and Juncus articulatus. Rarely there are individuals of Dactylorhiza fuchsii. The Brook itself has Blechnum spicant, Oreopteris limbosperma and Dryopteris dilatata. To the west of the stream are Carex panicea, Juncus bufonius, Viola palustris, Luzula multiflora and Eriophorum angustifolium. To the east of Skelshaw Brook is a steep-sided ridge fringed with dry dwarf shrub heath, with sandstone scree in places. The heath is dominated by Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. On the top of the ridge (7) is a pocket of bog dominated by Sphagnum spp. and Eriophorum vaginatum with occasional E. angustifolium and Erica tetralix. An open pool in the centre has Polytrichum spp. and Sphagnum spp. The north of the common, on the lower slopes (8) has marshy grassland dominated by Juncus effusus, with some Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta and Eriophorum angustifolium. At (9) is a band of remnant dry-modified bog dominated by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum, but still with Juncus effusus, Molinia caerulea and Nardus stricta. The northern arm of the common has more Juncus effusus-dominated marshy grassland.

MANAGE:
The common is contiguous with and un-fenced from several adjoining commons, and is grazed by sheep. Much of the vegetation on the common shows evidence of extensive modification by grazing. The grassland is generally short and dominated by either Juncus squarrosus or Nardus stricta, both species unpalatable to sheep. The Vaccinium myrtillus on the areas of heath has often been grazed into a short carpet, or where taller, rounded "topiary" bushes. Ericoid species are scarce on the common, being mainly confined to areas of bog where there is a low frequency of Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Meadow Pipit, Skylark.   

JNCC Report No. 7, "Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors", Brown and Shepherd, 1991. Shows records for breeding Golden Plover.

VEG:
The common is part of a large upland block of several commons to the north-west of Rochdale. This area was originally surveyed to Phase 1 level in 1984 and updated in 1988. Additional notes on species and management were made during the site visit. The northern part of the common lies within an abandoned quarry (1). Here there are sandstone spoil heaps with a 50 percent cover of sparse unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa and Festuca ovina. About 15 percent of the area is remnant dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum. Similar blanket mire covers most of the rest of the common (2). This is generally species-poor, the only other frequently occurring species being Deschampsia flexuosa, with locally frequent Eriophorum angustifolium (NVC type M20). To the south-west the valley of Scout Moor Brook marks the edge of the common. The margin of the blanket mire at this point (3) is actively eroding at present with a complex mosaic of peat haggs and bare peat. The steep valley side below (4) has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and frequent Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus squarrosus and Galium saxatile (NVC type U5). Locally there are small quantities of Vaccinium myrtillus. Just above the stream (4) V. myrtillus is more abundant and the area has been mapped as a mosaic of dry dwarf shrub heath and acidic grassland. Empetrum nigrum is locally occasional. Near the stream there is flushed vegetation dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. The vegetation is generally species-poor and dominated by species unpalatable to sheep suggesting a sustained high stocking level. The more palatable species such as Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum have a very closely-cropped topiary appearance. The area of acidic grassland at (4) has numerous contouring sheepwalks on the valley-side.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: 
Birds: Skylark, Grey Heron, Meadow Pipit, Kestrel, flock of Swift, Curlew alarm calling.  
Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Small Skipper, Small Tortoiseshell.
A Merlin was recorded during the 1988 Phase 1 survey.  
JNCC Report No. 7, "Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors", Brown and Shepherd, 1991. This report shows records on this common for breeding Golden Plover, Lapwing and Wheatear.

VEG:
This common lies physically within Greater Manchester, although it is registered as common land within the county of Lancashire. As such it has not been included in the Lancashire Phase 1 survey. However it was covered by a Phase 1 survey of the Rochdale area conducted during 1988. This was presented in the form of un-coloured maps annotated with dominant species codes. These maps were lacking in detail in places although there is a comprehensive range of target notes. The entire common has been re-surveyed with reference to the previous Phase 1 notes at the writing-up stage. The common occupies the plateau of Rooley Moor with steeply sloping ground along its western edge above a series of reservoirs. MAP 1: This covers that part of the common which lies on Rooley Moor. There are still some areas of blanket mire present on the common. To the north around Red Pits (1) is an area of somewhat degraded blanket mire with tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum, abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and locally frequent Molinia caerulea, Eriophorum angustifolium and Empetrum nigrum (NVC M20). The surface of the bog is disturbed in places with about a 10 percent cover of bare peat and underlying substrate. To the north however the blanket mire has an unbroken vegetation cover. There is a further stand of this vegetation at Clegg Ding (2), unaffected by erosion. The peat appears quite thin in places and the nature of the vegetation is quite varied. Empetrum nigrum is locally abundant especially above Clegg Ding Clough. Old erosion channels through the peat in this area have abundant Molinia caerulea. South of here, the peat fades away (without any obvious edge) and merges into a stand of marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea (4). Within the sward there are locally frequent Deschampsia flexuosa, Carex nigra and Juncus squarrosus (NVC M25). Small areas of remnant peat support tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum and E. angustifolium. To the south and east of Rooley Moor is unimproved acidic grassland, with some Molinia caerulea-dominated marshy grassland in places. The acidic grassland is dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa with locally abundant tussocks of Juncus effusus. A target note from the 1988 Phase 1 survey (GR. 854 187) notes the presence here of Tricophorum cespitosum. Most other areas of unimproved acidic grassland on the common are also dominated by these two grass species, often with frequent Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). Several acidic flushes associated with this area, and elsewhere on map 1, are dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum. Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex nigra, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis canina and Polytrichum commune are all locally abundant (NVC M6c), while the flushes at (6) and (7) also have locally abundant Vaccinium oxycoccos. Acidic flushes in a gully at Windy Hillocks (8) are notable for abundant Viola palustris. A further acidic flush above Bagden Quarry (14) also has Deschampsia cespitosa and Juncus articulatus. Ding Clough lies in a very narrow, steep-sided valley, mostly dominated by a stand of dense Pteridium aquilinum (9). Ding Quarry (10) is now disused. This forms a prominent feature on the skyline from a long distance away. The south of the quarry has mounds of spoil running in elongated ridges. About 50 percent of the area is vegetated by unimproved acidic grassland on thin soils dominated by Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa and Juncus squarrosus. Locally there are small amounts of Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus and Chamaenerion angustifolium. About 40 percent of the area comprises un-vegetated stone rubble, with large blocks in places. The 1988 Phase 1 survey noted that some extraction of flagstones was still taking place. Numerous bare earth tracks run throughout the quarry (10 percent cover). To the north of the quarry are cliffs formed from the old working faces, up to 20m tall in places (11). Occasional ledges on the cliffs support Dryopteris dilatata and Chamaenerion angustifolium. There is seepage of water at the base of the cliffs in places with species-poor acidic flushes with Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Eriophorum angustifolium. A small pool below the cliffs has emergent Juncus effusus. To the east of map 1 at (12) there is a large expanse of marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea. The 1988 Phase 1 survey notes that this had previously been burnt. Deschampsia flexuosa and Eriophorum vaginatum are locally abundant and small, damp hollows have abundant Eriophorum angustifolium. Several old mine shafts were noted, regenerating with Molinia caerulea and Nardus stricta. At (13) there is hummocky unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta, probably covering old quarry spoil.

MAP 2 (southern section): This part of the common comprises a ridge of high ground with steeply sloping ground to the west and gentle slopes to the south and east. The vegetation is a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland on the drier areas and marshy grassland in damp areas. Marginal parts of the common have numerous small acidic flushes, many of which are particularly species-rich in comparison to similar features in the general locality. The main area of acidic grassland is on the steep dry slope to the west, above Reddyshore (14). This is dominated by Nardus stricta with locally frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5).
Juncus effusus is locally abundant at the edges of the common. A steep bank at Reddyshore (15) is a conspicuous landscape feature, with 25 percent exposures of shale and sandstone. To the east there is more acidic grassland associated in places with an extensive series of old, shallow, quarry workings. Much of this area comprises low spoil mounds, now completely vegetated with thin acidic grassland (16). The composition of this grassland is similar to that elsewhere. Scattered large sandstone boulders (natural features) occur in places. The main centre of the quarry is at Cat Stones (17). This has low cliffs and 10 percent sandstone exposures, with more acidic grassland. Some of the inaccessible cliffs have well-developed sprawling plants of Empetrum nigrum. Hollows in the base of the quarry have abundant Juncus effusus, while occasional small pools have Glyceria fluitans, Eripohorum angustifolium and Ranunculus flammula. The top of Warm Slack Hill (18) has a complex mosaic of vegetation types. The grassland sward is dominated by Molinia caerulea with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and locally abundant tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum on very thin peat. This has been classified as marshy grassland, probably once an area of blanket mire. Patches of unimproved acidic grassland (NVC U5) occupy about 10 percent of the area. Similar vegetation occurs at (19) where the dominant species, Molinia caerulea, is joined by Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Juncus squarrosus, Deschampsia flexuosa and Juncus effusus. In NVC terms this vegetation is probably mainly NVC type M25, but may be transitional with M20 and U6. Erica tetralix is a plant of localised occurence within this area. Marshy grassland with a similar species composition is prominent to the east, where it is often associated with acidic flushes. The best example is at Prickshaw Slack (20), a broad shallow valley where there is a large central core of acidic flush surrounded by marshy grassland, roughly in equal proportions. The acidic flush is dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune with frequent Molinia caerulea, Eriophorum vaginatum and E. angustifolium and occasional Vaccinium oxycoccos (NVC type M6c). Locally there are Carex echinata and C. nigra. At the lower end (21) there is a dense stand of Carex rostrata (possibly NVC type M4). At (22) there is a diverse acidic flush, again dominated by  Sphagnum recurvum and Molinia caerulea with frequent Juncus effusus, J. articulatus, Eriophorum angustifolium, Viola palustris, Carex panicea, C. rostrata, C. echinata, Narthecium ossifragum and Vaccinium oxycoccos. Outstandingly diverse acidic flushes occur in the vicinity of a defunct reservoir at Bottom of Rooley Moor (23). The flush now occupies the empty reservoir and a considerable area beyond. Again dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum, there are also locally frequent Epilobium palustre, Menyanthes trifoliata, Carex echinata, C. rostrata, C. panicea, C. nigra, Stellaria alsine, Lotus uliginosus, Galium palustre, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Eriophorum angustifolium, Juncus articulatus, Narthecium ossifragum, Viola palustris and Vaccinium oxycoccos. At (24) there is a further interesting acidic flush with Carex nigra, Juncus articulatus, Prunella vulgaris, Cirsium palustre, Lotus uliginosus, Galium palustre, Epilobium palustre, Cardamine flexuosa and Deschampsia cespitosa.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed extensively, mainly by sheep. Cattle were observed on the common at Old Sink Slack, to the north of map 1. Much of the vegetation on the common, especially the acidic grassland, is short and dominated by species which are unpalatable to sheep. The common is unfenced from it's contiguous neighbour, CL 162, the boundary being an arbitrary one following a grid line. A small part of the common to the south (map 2) is fenced, having agriculturally improved grassland. Heath species are notably absent from most of the common. Only steep, inaccessible slopes such as at Ding Clough, map 1 (9), have heath species (Vaccinium myrtillus) in any quantity. Empetrum nigrum is associated with eroding parts of the blanket mire and has generally been grazed into a low-growing carpet. The species-rich flushes to the south of the common appear to be little affected by livestock. These have particular conservation value, especially in a local context, and are worthy of further investigation and monitoring. The usual dumping of rubbish and burnt-out cars was noted in both Ding Quarry and Cat Stones Quarry. Motorcycle tracks were also present along the footpaths in places. A bus-turning circle has been constructed at the extreme south-eastern corner of the common. A number of small exclosures and wooden sheds have been constructed in this vicinity.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Meadow Brown, Green-veined White and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies.

VEG:
The common is contiguous with the much larger CL 14 Hapton Common, and is an extension of the vegetation types found on that common. At (1) the marshy grassland component (50 percent of this area) is dominated by Juncus effusus with locally dominant Molinia caerulea, frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex nigra, Succisa pratensis, Angelica sylvestris and Achillea ptarmica, and occasional Lychnis flos-cuculi. This grassland may be transitional between NVC types M23 and M25. The acidic grassland component is dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa, with locally frequent Galium saxatile and Potentilla erecta (NVC U5). At (2) is a wet hollow with abundant Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Stachys palustris, Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris and Lysimachia punctata. The remainder of the common has neutral grassland. At (3) there is a sloping grassy bank. This is dominated by Deschampsia cespitosa, Agrostis capillaris and Dactylis glomerata. A range of forbs include Vicia cracca, lathyrus pratensis, Dipsacus fullonum, Heracleum sphondylium, Stachys sylvatica, Cirsium arvense, Chamaenerion angustifolium and Equisetum arvense (probably an NVC MG9 sward). Several individuals of Dacylorhiza fuchsii were also noted. Scattered scrub species include Crataegus monogyna, Salix fragilis, S. caprea and Viburnum opulus.

MANAGE:
The common is un-managed and as a result the vegetation is rank and often tussocky. The grassy bank at (3) is an embankment which retains a stretch of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. This has been recently re-aligned due to the construction of the M65 and now crosses the extreme southern tip of the common. The rank and generally tussocky vegetation on this common appears to offer a wide range of microhabitats suitable for invertebrates.


VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The vegetation map and target notes have been combined with additional information gathered during the site visit to produce the following report. The common occupies gently undulating ground on the top of Easington Fell. To the south is a depression with a valley mire complex (1). Peat exposures at the stream edge next to the road show that the peat depth is of more than 0.5m. This is dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum spp. with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa, Eriophorum angustifolium and Polytrichum commune. Locally there is frequent Vaccinium myrtillus and Calluna vulgaris with occasional Erica tetralix, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium oxycoccos and Juncus squarrosus (NVC M19). Along the course of the central stream is a discrete acidic flush dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). On higher ground to the east (2) is an area of dry dwarf shrub heath with an 80 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus and occasional Calluna vulgaris. Near Brown Hill and Far Brown Hill (3) have a mosaic of dry dwarf shrub heath and unimproved acidic grassland. This has a 50 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus with Calluna vulgaris generally quite scarce but reaching 20 percent cover in places. The grassland is generally dominated by Juncus squarrosus (locally by Nardus stricta) with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta, Polytrichum commune and Galium saxatile and locally occasional Molinia caerulea and Cladonia spp. This vegetation as a whole appears to be a mosaic of NVC types U5 and U6. Towards Brown Hill End (4) Eriophorum vaginatum becomes abundant with Erica tetralix and Cladonia lichens growing on Vaccinium myrtillus tussocks. Just north of here (5) there is a section of valley mire on deep peat dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum spp., with occasional E. angustifolium and Erica tetralix. The open pool has Sphagnum spp. and Polytrichum spp. The steep slope to the north has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta (NVC U5).

MANAGE:
The common is sandwiched between CL 176W to the west and CL 66W to the east and is fenced from neither of these. The area is grazed by sheep which have free passage over all of the commons. Grouse butts are present to the south of the common. However there were no signs of recent heather burning and it was not possible to tell if the common is still used for grouse shooting. The cover of ericoid species (Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix) is generally rather low on this common. Calluna is locally frequent, reaching 20 percent cover in places, but much less than this overall. Most of this is present as scattered small plants, in places having a very twisted and contorted growth form, induced by grazing. Erica tetralix occurs both on the valley mire (1) and on the bog at (5). Plants are generally healthy, apparently not selectively grazed by sheep. The influence of sheep grazing can also be seen in the grassland on the common which is often quite short and dominated by Juncus squarrosus and Nardus stricta, species unpalatable to sheep.


FAUNA:
No fauna were observed specifically on this common during the Morecambe Bay site survey.  

The Morecambe Bay SSSI an area of intertidal flats which are very important for a wide range of fauna. A full account of the Morecambe Bay fauna is given under the fauna section of the main report.

VEG:
The common lies within the Morecambe Bay SSSI, which is also a Special Protection Area under EC legislation relating to the conservation of wild birds, and also meets the criteria for designation as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. This particular common appears to relate specifically to the Keer Channel in the area below the normal tide level. This means that the common is completely flooded at high tide while at low tide an expanse of intertidal sand and mud is revealed at either side of the river channel. However from the site visit and also a study of 1988 aerial photographs it is apparent that the south-eastern edge of the channel does have a narrow strip of saltmarsh. This is a closely-grazed sward dominated by Festuca rubra with abundant Juncus gerardii and frequent Puccinellia maritima, Armeria maritima and Glaux maritima with occasional Plantago maritima. This is a low-mid marsh community of NVC type SM16.

MANAGE:
The common is by its very nature largely unmanaged. The narrow strip of saltmarsh forms part of a larger uninterrupted area on the contiguous CL's 35 and 124, which are not fenced from each other. This area of saltmarsh is closely grazed by sheep.


FAUNA:
During the site survey, several Snipe were disturbed from one of the flushes.

VEG:
The common lies physically within Greater Manchester. The contiguous commons CL 164 and CL 165 to the west, lying across the county boundary in Lancashire. As such this common was not included in the Lancashire Phase 1 survey. It was however covered by a survey of the Rochdale area completed in 1990. This is presented in the form of black and white maps, annotated with dominant species codes together with numerous but brief target notes. The vegetation maps were somewhat lacking in detail and it was decided that the whole common would be re-surveyed. MAP 1. This shows a part of the common dominated by Brown Wardle Hill Middle Hill and Hades Hill. Most of this area has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and occasional Juncus squarrosus (NVC U5). The grassland on the hilltops tends to be a sparse sward of Deschampsia flexuosa and on Middle Hill especially there is up to 50 percent bare earth (1). Middle Hill Quarry to the north (2) is now being re-worked but has good quantities of unimproved acidic grassland on the undisturbed spoil mounds. There is a further area of bare earth at (3) which has been recently worked and levelled. The col between Middle Hill and Brown Wardle Hill has narrow strips of marshy grassland with Molinia caerulea and Juncus effusus and an acidic flush dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (species-poor). MAP 2. This shows the northern section of the common dominated by Rough Hill and the slopes to the west of Crook Hill. The Rough Hill area is one of undulating topography with a complex range of vegetation types. To the north of the common there is deep peat vegetated by tussocky Molinia caerulea (4) mapped as wet-modified bog. This has locally frequent Eriophorum vaginatum and E. angustifolium with occasional Empetrum nigrum (probably NVC M25 tending to M20 in places).  Surrounding this core area the peat is generally less than 0.5m deep, although the vegetation is broadly similar. The change in peat depth marks a transition to areas of marshy grassland which occupy much of this part of the common. In places the grassland becomes drier, often a patchwork of tussocks of Molinia caerulea with Deschampsia flexuosa dominating the areas in between. At (5) and on the summit of Crook Moor (6) there are discrete areas of dry-modified bog (on peat more than 0.5m deep) dominated by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum, with Empetrum nigrum at its margins. Adjacent to these areas the bog is present as fragmented tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum within acidic grassland dominated either by Nardus stricta or Deschampsia flexuosa. To the south-west of Crook Moor there is a steep slope of Nardus stricta-dominated acidic grassland. At the bottom of the slope are a series of disused quarries, with several exposed mounds of shale spoil on the hillside above. There are several patches of marshy grassland with tussocky Molinia caerulea in this locality. An acidic flush at (7) has abundant Carex rostrata and Sphagnum recurvum with locally frequent Juncus effusus, Agrostis canina, Holcus mollis, Polytrichum commune, Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum and Carex nigra. This may belong to NVC type M4.

MAP 3. This part of the common is a narrow strip of land to the south of Brown Wardle Hill. For the most part the vegetation is marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea, with Juncus effusus frequent in places (a species-poor NVC M25). A number of diverse acidic flushes occur in this area. These are in the main dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum. A particularly good example occurs at (8) where there are locally abundant Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus mollis, Lotus uliginosus, Stellaria alsine, Epilobium palustre, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Cirsium palustre, Viola palustris, Carex nigra, C. curta, and Polytrichum commune. Sphagnum species present include S. fimbriatum, S. recurvum, S. palustre and S. squarrosum. A very similar flush occurs at (9), also having locally abundant Menyanthes trifoliata and Juncus articulatus. The flush at (10) has Equisetum fluviatile. These flushes all belong to NVC type M6c. The southern portion of the common has a very complex mosaic of vegetation types. At (11), for example, there is a small patch of wet heath. This has Molinia caerulea, Erica tetralix, Narthecium ossifragum and Vaccinium myrtillus. On a valley side at Froggy Wells (12) there is locally abundant Vaccinium myrtillus. At (13) there is wet heath with a 40 percent cover of stunted Calluna vulgaris. Adjacent to here is a small depression containing a basin mire (14). This is dominated by Molinia caerulea and has abundant Sphagnum recurvum and Eriophorum angustifolium, frequent Deschampsia flexuosa, locally frequent Sphagnum fimbriatum, S. palustre and Juncus effusus and occasional Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium oxycoccos. Rarely there are stunted individuals of Calluna vulgaris. This vegetation probably falls within NVC type M6c. Much of the grassland on this part of the common is again marshy and dominated by Molinia caerulea, often with acidic grassland mostly dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschapmsia flexuosa, with some Juncus squarrosus. Locally the acidic grassland has a semi-improved appearance with Agrostis capillaris, Juncus effusus and Cirsium arvense.
At (15) there are small patches of Vaccinium myrtillus within the grassland sward. Isolated bushes of Salix sp. and Ulex gallii occur locally on this part of the common.

MANAGE:
The common is un-fenced from its contiguous neighbours. The whole area is extensively grazed by sheep and is generally dominated by species unpalatable to these animals. There are a few small remnant areas of heath vegetation in the extreme south of the common (map 3), but this is all showing signs of intense selective grazing. Numerous motorcycle tracks and hoof prints were seen on the common in this area. Middle Hill Quarry is now being re-worked (2) and an area of bare ground at (3) has also recently been worked and levelled. The species-rich acidic flushes are of particular conservation interest.


FAUNA:
No fauna specific to the common were recorded during the Morecambe Bay site visit. The common lies within the Morecambe Bay SSSI, one of the largest  areas of intertidal estuarine mudflats in Britain. The Bay supports nationally important numbers of several species of wintering wading birds and wildfowl. Part of the Bay (including the two parts of the common to the west) lie within an RSPB reserve. A full account of the fauna of the Morecambe Bay Commons is given under the fauna section of the main report.

VEG:
The common has three parts. Two of these to the west are closely associated with a major creek system within the much larger CL 45. These parts of the common lie within the Morecambe Bay SSSI which is also a Special Protection Area under EC legislation relating to the conservation of wild birds and meets the criteria for designation as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The part of the common to the east lies just outside the boundary of the area with the above protection status. Part of this piece of land is a swamp dominated by a dense stand of Phragmites communis (1). Between here and the edge of the common (formed by the Keer Channel) is a strip of saltmarsh (2). This is dominated by Festuca rubra with occasional Glaux maritima and Aster tripolium. Locally there is vegetation typical of a strand line dominated by Agropyron pungens. In addition there are further scattered patches of Phragmites communis throughout this area. Locally the vegetation is tending toward neutral grassland with Arrhenatherum elatius being abundant in these areas. Along the rear edge of this part of the common is a defunct hedgerow with well-developed bushes of Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus agg., Rosa spp. and Ulex europaeus. Occasional mature trees of Fraxinus excelsior are present. The two remaining portions on the common lie within CL 45 and adjoin CL160. The boundaries are not physically identifiable. The interface of saltmarsh and intertidal mud in this vicinity has been mapped from aerial photographs flown for NCC in 1988. Most of these parts of the common are covered by a closely-grazed turf of Festuca rubra, with locally frequent Agrostis stolonifera and locally occasional Juncus gerardii, Glaux maritima, Plantago maritima and Puccinellia maritima. This is a species-poor low-mid marsh community of NVC type SM13.

MANAGE:
The two above areas are extensively sheep grazed and are also managed for the cutting of turf. The whole area lies within an RSPB reserve, possibly influencing management of the grazing.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Robin, Lapwing, Mallard, Shelduck, Oystercatcher, Herring Gull, Black-headed Gull, Redshank, flock of Swallows, Grey Heron, Pied Wagtail. The common lies within the Morecambe Bay SSSI, one of the largest areas of intertidal estuarine flats in Britain. The area supports nationally and internationally important numbers of several species of wintering wading birds and wildfowl. Part of the Bay lies within an RSPB reserve. A full account of the fauna of Morecambe Bay is given under the fauna section of the main report.

VEG:
The common, which is the most southerly of the Morecambe Bay Commons, was covered by the Saltmarsh Survey of Great Britain in 1983. There has been considerable erosion of the saltmarsh in this part of the bay since registration in 1965. A series of aerial photographs taken for the NCC in 1988 were used to plot the current position of the saltmarsh on the common. A field visit was necessary to identify any vegetation changes since the 1983 survey, to investigate current management practice, and to take photographs. The common is a narrow strip of saltmarsh, eroded in places between the villages of Hest Bank and Bolton-le-Sands. To the south of the common there is a well-developed system of creeks. These creeks often have abundant Spartina anglica in the muddy bottoms, often accompanied by Salicornia europaea and Suaeda maritima (pioneer community NVC SM6 and SM8). On the sides there is occasional Halimione portulacoides and Limonium vulgare. These two species are rather uncommon throughout the Morecambe Bay commons due to the effect of grazing. This southern extremity of the saltmarsh however appears to be relatively unaffected by grazing. The vegetation between the creeks is a mid-upper marsh community, co-dominated by Puccinellia maritima and Festuca rubra. Locally frequent are Glaux maritima, Plantago maritima, Spartina anglica, Armeria maritima, Aster tripolium, Suaeda maritima and rarely Salicornia europaea (NVC type SM13). There are scattered patches of invading Spartina anglica at the seaward edge of this stretch of the common. These are most obvious on the south of the common where the Spartina anglica is accompanied by locally abundant Salicornia europaea and Suaeda maritima (pioneer communities NVC SM6 and SM8 again). This is one of the few areas where active saltmarsh accretion was observed in the bay mediated by Spartina. A recently reconstructed groyne at the south of the common may have induced this localised accretion. At (3) is a complex mosaic of somewhat disrupted saltmarsh. The surface is very hummocky throughout, with much invading Spartina anglica in between. The 1983 saltmarsh survey records Limonium vulgare and the less common L. humile as being present in this area. The overall abundance of Spartina anglica does not seem to have increased on this part of the common since the 1983 survey. Moving northwards (4) the frequency of creeks in the saltmarsh declines. The surface of the saltmarsh is gently undulating and there are frequent elongated water-filled pools. Typically the vegetation sward, which here appears closely grazed, is dominated by Festuca rubra with locally abundant Puccinellia maritima, locally frequent Aster tripolium, Spartina anglica, Glaux maritima and Armeria maritima. This is a mid-upper marsh community (NVC type SM13). Salicornia europaea and Suaeda maritima are present in low-lying hollows. In places there is abundant Juncus gerardii, marking a transition to NVC SM16. The northernmost section of saltmarsh on the common (5) is an obviously closely-grazed species-poor sward, co-dominated by Festuca rubra and Puccinellia maritima with occasional Armeria maritima, Triglochin palustris, Aster tripolium and Glaux maritima. There are very occasional small patches of Spartina anglica on the strip of sand to the edge of the bay. However the obvious feature here is the active erosion of the saltmarsh, with large blocks of turf slumping away from the edge of the saltmarsh to eventually be swept away by the sea. To the rear of the saltmarsh at (6) is a levee vegetated with maritime grassland dominated by Festuca rubra with frequent Puccinellia maritima and Trifolium repens, with occasional Armeria maritima and Agropyron pungens. Along the seaward edge of this levee there are also Medicago lupulina, Ononis repens, Glaucium flavum (several plants), a species of Artemisia and Senecio squalidus. A shingle bank runs along most of the upper edge of the common. In places, as at (7), this is fronted by a narrow strip of strand-line vegetation dominated by Agropyron pungens (NVC SM24). The shingle itself locally supports species such as Tripleurospermum maritimum and Honckenya peploides (8). At (9), behind the strip of shingle, car-parking spaces have been marked-out with a maxture of  Semi-improved acidic grassland, hardcore and shingle. In places this supports a mosaic of thin grassland and ephemeral plants, including Polygonum aviculare, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Aphanes arvensis, Galium verum, Plantago major, Senecio squalidus, Achillea millefolium, Leontodon autumnalis, Medicago lupulina and Cirsium vulgare. Along the boundary wall is a rank grassland community dominated by Lolium perenne and Agropyron pungens with occasional Trisetum flavescens, Geranium pusillum, Daucus carota and Capsella bursa-pastoris. This area also has scattered Crataegus monogyna bushes, together with occasional Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus agg. and Rosa sp. The slight calcicole element to this vegetation may be due to the imported limestone hardcore. To the north is an area outside the car park with similar vegetation, but which also includes a species of Euphorbia, Polygonum persicaria, Sisymbrium officinale, Matricaria matricarioides and Tripleurospermum maritimum.

MANAGE:
The northern section of the common is grazed extensively by sheep. As already discussed, the sheep tend to avoid the area to the south of the common which is a popular recreational area. As a consequence the saltmarsh vegetation is quite diverse in this area. The common also forms part of the RSPB Morecambe Bay Reserve. Part of their management work in this area involves the control and monitoring of Spartina anglica. This may be partly why this species does not appear to have spread significantly since the 1983 survey. Car parking is allowed on private land adjoining the common, opposite the railway crossing at Hest Bank (11). Here the RSPB have erected information signs which also request the public not to disturb birds by walking onto the common. However this spot is particularly popular with visitors and the level of disturbance is likely to be high at times.


FAUNA:
No specific records of fauna were made during the site visit. The common is surrounded by the much larger CL 162, and all of the fauna recorded in this area relate to this common land unit. However JNCC Report No. 7, "Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors" has maps indicating records for breeding Twite and Wheatear from this common.

VEG:
The common lies physically within Greater Manchester, although it is registered as common land in the County of Lancashire. As such it has not been included in the Lancashire Phase 1 survey. However it was covered by a Phase 1 survey of the Rochdale area conducted during 1988. This was presented in the form of un-coloured maps annotated with dominant species codes. These maps are lacking in detail in places and the target notes although numerous often provide little information. The entire common has been re-surveyed with reference to the previous Phase 1 survey at the writing-up stage. The common was also studied from aerial photographs held by Greater Manchester Coutryside Unit which has allowed more accurate placing of habitat boundaries. The common straddles the tip of a ridge between two steep-sided valleys. The top of the ridge is a miniature plateau with the edge of a larger expanse of blanket mire. This is dominated by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa, occasional E. angustifolium and locally abundant Empetrum nigrum (up to 50 percent cover). This vegetation belongs to NVC type M20. The surface of the bog is somewhat degraded and has about a 10 percent cover of bare peat patches around 5.0m sq. in area. This plateau is surrounded by steep slopes which have a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath. The grassland is dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa with locally frequent Juncus squarrosus. The heath is dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus. However the area covered by this species is variable, being around 75 percent on the northern slope above Naden Brook, but only around 10 percent at the eastern tip of the common. The heath also has locally occasional Empetrum nigrum. This mosaic of vegetation as a whole appears to be of NVC tpye U5. A patch of dense Pteridium aquilinum occurs at (3). Several small acidic flushes are present dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c).

MANAGE:
The common is un-fenced from the adjoining CL's and is grazed by sheep. Vegetation is short heath species are "topiary".


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: 
Nesting birds: Skylark, Wheatear, Meadow Pitpit.
Other birds: Curlew, Kestrel.  
Butterflies: Large White.  
JNCC Report No. 7, "Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors", Brown and Shepherd, 1991. This report shows a record for breeding Twite on this common.

VEG:
The common was covered by a Phase 1 survey in 1984. This was updated during the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The site map has been reproduced from this with some minor alterations. Additional species information has been gathered during the site survey to augment the few target notes available. The common is dominated by Whittle Hill (468m) (1). This has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and Agrostis capillaris with locally frequent Juncus effusus. On its eastern flank there is an area of eroded grassland with much bare substrate, the cause of which is unclear. Surrounding the hill is gently sloping ground with species-poor dry-modified (blanket) bog. This is dominated by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum and has frequent Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC M20). Rarely there are pockets with abundant Sphagnum spp. There is a transitional area between the two with a mosaic of both vegetation types. To the south-west are two acidic flushes (3) dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum with locally frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex nigra and Viola palustris. A low hill on Turf Moor (4) was mapped as dry dwarf shrub heath during the Phase 1 survey. However, a great deal of peat was found in this area which appeared to comprise a mosaic of very degraded blanket mire with areas of acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath. The mire vegetation consisits of tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum on peat of up to 1.0m deep often with bare peat round the edges. Empetrum nigrum is generally abundant throughout although it has a very straggly and closely-grazed appearance. Where the peat has disappeared there is unimproved acidic grassland with Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus and Deschampsia flexuosa. Empetrum nigrum is again abundant in places, and rarely there are plants of Vaccinium myrtillus. Surrounding the hill is a rim of unimproved acidic grassland with old enclosure walls in places. This grassland is dominated by Nardus stricta and has locally frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and occasional Anthoxanthum odoratum and Carex nigra. Two enclosed fields above Fecit Lane (6) appear to be partially agriculturally improved, with abundant tussocks of Juncus effusus in places. In the south-eastern corner (7) is a stream (Grain Brook) which leads to a narrow valley. Most of this area is unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and Agrostis capillaris with locally abundant Juncus effusus. The stream leads into a deep cutting which has natural shale and sandstone exposures. Associated with these are Oxalis acetosella, Digitalis purpurea and Blechnum spicant with a few well developed bushes of Vaccinium myrtillus, Empetrum nigrum and Calluna vulgaris (ie. out of the reach of grazing animals). Downstream the valley widens to give patches of marshy grassland dominated by Juncus effusus with frequent J. conglomeratus, J. bufonius, J. articulatus, Stellaria alsine, Epilobium palustre, Deschampsia cespitosa, Equisetum palustre, Cardamine flexuosa and Rumex acetosella. Within the stream itself are Glyceria fluitans, Ranunculus omiophyllus, Callitriche hamulata and C. stagnalis. The small reservoir marked on the map at this point appeared not to exist! Further up Grain Brook (8), and also on the side of Scout Moor Brook, to the north (9), the steep sides support a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath. These areas are co-dominated by Nardus stricta and Vaccinium myrtillus. Several acidic flushes descend the slopes to the north of the common. These are dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum and contain a number of other species including Deschampsia cespitosa, Cirsium palustre, Carex nigra, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Cardamine pratensis, Galium saxatile, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis canina, Carex nigra, Eriophorum angustifolium and Polytrichum commune. These flushes probably all belong to NVC type M6c. At (10) is a small area of marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea with abundant Juncus effusus.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed extensively by sheep. Dry stone walls separate this common from its contiguous neighbours to the east. However, there are gaps in the walls which allow free movement of stock. Numerous defunct field boundaries are also present along Fecit Hill. Recent post and wire fences cross the common to the south and east of Whittle Hill. Heath species on the common are generally restricted to less accessible slopes. The large stands of Empetrum nigrum on Turf Moor (4) have a very contorted growth form with many dead stems, suggesting a high level of selective grazing. Much of the vegetation on the common is dominated by species which are considered unpalatable to sheep. There has been localised eutrophication of the vegetation in resting and sheltering areas favoured by sheep (eg. wall edges, stands of Juncus effusus).


VEG:
The common was covered by a Phase 1 survey in 1984 and this was updated for the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1988. The vegetation on this common was found to be much more complex in nature than the Phase 1 map implied, and has been substantially re-mapped during the present survey. The north of the common is occupied by the low Higher Hill with gently sloping ground to the south. In the far south both edges of the common descend into narrow steep-sided valleys. The summit of Higher Hill (1) has an expanse of dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC M20). On the edge of the hill to the south (2) is a strip of unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC U5). This grassland now also occupies most of the basin once occupied by a reservoir at Great Lodge (3). Juncus effusus is locally abundant here. Further areas of Nardus stricta-dominated grassland occupy steep slopes to the south of the common. To the east of Higher Hill is a mosaic of degraded remnants of bog on thin peat interspersed with unimproved acidic grassland in roughly equal amounts (4). Adjoining here (5) is a small depression with deep peat of vegetation dominated by tussocky Molinia caerulea mapped as wet-modified bog. This species also features prominently on thin peat on the slope at (6) while deeper peat here has tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum. A pure stand of Molinia caerulea on thin peat at (7) surrounds an acidic flush which has abundant Sphagnum spp., Juncus effusus and Eriophorum angustifolium with some Molinia caerulea, Carex nigra and Agrostis canina (probably NVC M6c). Several other small acidic flushes are present over the common all with a similar species composition to the above. Along Cheeseden Brook (8), there is more unimproved acidic grassland again dominated by Nardus stricta, but also with Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa and Anthoxanthum odoratum. In parts the sides of Cheeseden Brook Valley have exposed shale cliffs (10 percent), while there are also scattered small areas of acidic flush (10 percent), dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum. Scattered individuals of Blechnum spicant and Oreopteris limbosperma are to be found on the valley sides. Further impressive undercut shale exposures occur along the side of Grain Brook (9), while there are also small patches of dense Pteridium aquilinum in this area. Area (10) is a small patch of marshy grassland dominated by Juncus effusus at the side of Grain Brook.

MANAGE:
The common is mainly separated from its contiguous neighbours by dry stone walls. However these have collapsed in many places to allow free movement of livestock. This and the surrounding block of commons are grazed extensively by sheep. Generally the vegetation is species-poor and dominated by species unpalatable to these animals. For a more detailed discussion of the management of this common see the site cards for the larger adjoining commons.


FAUNA:
Recorded during brief site visit were:  Magpie, Snipe, Pheasant, Blackbird, Red Admiral butterfly.

VEG:
The common is a Lancashire Wildlife Trust Site of Nature Conservation Importance. A thorough Phase 1 survey was conducted in 1986. This has been combined with notes made during a brief site visit to produce the following report. Most of the common supports well structured marshy grassland which grades into fen in the northern section. The main area of marshy grassland is at (1). This has abundant Phalaris arundinacea and Deschampsia cespitosa and locally Juncus effusus, Agrostis capillaris and Holcus lanatus. Locally frequent are Angelica sylvestris, Ranunculus flammula, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Potentilla palustris, Juncus inflexus, J. articulatus, Carex demissa, C. flacca, Achillea ptarmica, Ajuga reptans and Filipendula ulmaria. A drainage ditch crosses this area (2). To the sides are narrow strips of semi-improved neutral grassland with Agrostis capillaris, Poa annua, Urtica dioica and Lolium perenne. Associated with the ditch itself are Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium hirsutum, Phalaris arundinacea, Glyceria fluitans, Potamogeton sp., Sparganium erectum, Ranunculus aquatilis and Equisetum fluviatile. To the north of the common is an area of fen (3). This is dominated by Phalaris arundinacea with locally frequent Chamaenerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus effusus, Filipendula ulmaria, Epilobium hirsutum, Angelica sylvestris, Typha latifolia and Lycopus europaeus. The route of an underground pipeline crosses this part of the common. At the time of the 1986 survey this area was mapped as unimproved neutral grassland. When the present survey was done this had reverted to fen vegetation almost completely dominated by Phalaris arundinacea. To the south of the road the vegetation is not as interesting as that to the north due to varying degrees of eutrophication by livestock. The small areas of marshy grassland are broadly similar but tend to be dominated by Juncus effusus and there are scattered small bushes of Ulex europaeus. In the region in front of Pointer House (4) there are large patches of semi-improved neutral grassland with frequent Poa annua, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense and Epilobium hirsutum. In places there has been much poaching of the ground by cattle hooves; Polygonum persicaria and Senecio aquaticus occur here. This are also has scattered patches of scrub, mainly Crataegus monogyna and Rubus fruticosus agg., but also with occasional Ulex europaeus. The strip of unimproved and semi-improved neutral grassland at (5) is on very peaty soil and has Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Poa annua, Phleum pratense, Cirsium arvense and Juncus inflexus. Many parts of the common are fringed with dense scrub and/or mature trees. At (6) there is dense scrub dominated by Crataegus monogyna, but also with Salix cinerea, Prunus spinosa, Symphoricarpus albus (Snowberry), Alnus glutinosa, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus and Rosa sp. The scrub at (7) is somewhat similar but also has abundant Ulex europaeus, with some tall Fraxinus excelsior and Quercus robur. At (8) the common is fringed by tall Salix fragilis and Alnus glutinosa. At (9) is a wet ditch with emergent vegetation including Glyceria fluitans, Phalaris arundinacea, Juncus acutiflorus, Typha latifolia, Epilobium hirsutum and Caltha palustris. This is backed by mature trees of Salix fragilis, S. cinerea and Crataegus monogyna. At (10) the northern edge of the common is bounded by an earth embankment with, in front of it, a dense strip of Salix cinerea scrub. Other species which may be present are Salix viminalis and possibly the hybrid S. x smithiana. On the boundary at (11) is an impressive row of tall individuals of Salix alba.

MANAGE:
Parts of the common are grazed quite extensively by cattle. These tend to favour the area to the south of the road where they have induced localised eutrophication of the grassland sward. Cattle do however also frequent the northern section, especially around the main drainage channel. Much of the tall vegetation in the fen area has also been badly trampled by cattle. A strip of land across the common, presumably the course of a pipeline, has been disturbed in the past. At the time of the 1986 survey the vegetation here was strikingly different to that in adjacent areas (see above vegetation description). Although this area is still evident, its vegetation seems to have largely progressed back to its original character. The site is bounded by earth banks to the north and east and has internal and peripheral drains. The vegetation in the fen area appears to be drying out somewhat and may be progressing to marshy grassland. The common lies within an intensively farmed region and is likely to be of considerable value to local wildlife. The range of Sallow species present appears varied and may be worth more detailed study.


FAUNA:
No fauna were specifically recorded on this common during the Morecambe Bay site visit. The common together with its contiguous neighbours lies within the Morecambe Bay SSSI. This is one of the largest areas of intertidal estuarine flats in Britain. The Bay supports nationally and internationally important numbers of several species of wintering wading birds and wildfowl. Part of the bay (including the common) lies within an RSPB reserve. A full account of the fauna of Morecambe Bay is given under the fauna section of the main report.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Saltmarsh Survey of Great Britain in 1983. There has been considerable erosion of the saltmarsh in this part of Morecambe Bay since Common Land Registration in 1965. Apparently the seaward edge of this common was marked by the edge of the saltmarsh. The erosion has meant that part of the common is now occupied by intertidal sand and mud. Aerial photographs flown for NCC in 1988 have been used to plot the current position of the saltmarshes in the southern section of Morecambe Bay. Any changes in the vegetation since the 1983 survey have been noted during the site visit. The saltmarsh remaining on the common has two vegetation communities. Most of the common (1) has a dense stand of Juncus maritimus with abundant Juncus gerardii, Festuca rubra, Agrostis stolonifera and Glaux maritima with occasional Aster tripolium (NVC SM18). The remaining portions of the saltmarsh are closely grazed and dominated by Festuca rubra with abundant-to-frequent Juncus gerardii, Glaux maritima, Armeria maritima and Plantago maritima. This is a mid-upper marsh community of NVC type SM16. The 1983 saltmarsh survey noted a patch of pioneer community of Salicornia europaea and Puccinellia maritima on that part of the common now occupied by an area of intertidal sand and mud within the Keer Channel.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep with a short relatively species-poor turf in the areas not dominated by Juncus maritimus. The common is not fenced from the contiguous commons CL 35, 233 and 268.


FAUNA:
No fauna were observed during the brief site inspection. 
The common lies within the Morecambe Bay SSSI. This area is also a proposed Special Protection Area under EC legislation and a proposed wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The bay as a whole forms one of the two largest areas of intertidal estuarine flats in Britain, the other being The Wash. The site supports internationally important numbers of several species of wintering wading birds and wildfowl. A discussion of the importance of the Morecambe Bay Commons as a whole is given under the fauna section of the main report.

VEG:
The common comprises three areas of intertidal sand and mud. Two of these appear to have been in their present condition at the time of registration in 1965. However there has been considerable erosion of the saltmarshes in this part of Morecambe Bay. That part of the common just off Jenny Brown's Point appears as though it was at least partially occupied by saltmarsh at registration. This area is shown on the 1: 50000 Ordnance Survey Map as saltmarsh (revised 1981) and the 1983 Saltmarsh Survey of Great Britain shows at least some saltmarsh present on the common. A series of aerial photographs flown for NCC in 1988 have been used to plot the position of the saltmarsh on the Morecambe Bay Commons. The main report contains a summary map produced from these photographs showing the extent of saltmarsh at this time.

MANAGE:
As an area of unstable intertidal sand and mud, these areas are wisely generally avoided. However, there may still be some shrimp fishing, a traditional activity in Morecambe Bay. Bait digging probably also takes place. Note that there is one right of pasture for sheep.


FAUNA:
No fauna were specifically recorded on this common during the Morecambe Bay site survey. The common together with its together with its lies within the Morecambe Bay SSSI. This is one of the largest areas of intertidal estuarine flats in Britain. The Bay supports nationally and internationally important numbers of several species of wintering wading birds and wildfowl. Part of the bay (including this common) lies within an RSPB reserve. A full account of the fauna of Morecambe Bay is given under the fauna section of the main report.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Saltmarsh Survey of Great Britain in 1983. There has been considerable erosion of the saltmarsh in this part of the Bay since Common Land Registration in 1965. This common however which lies alongside the upper reaches of the Keer Channel appears to have been largely unaffected by this erosion. A field visit has been made to identify any vegetation changes since the 1983 survey to investigate current management practice and to take photographs. The saltmarsh on the common is a mid-upper marsh community generally dominated by Festuca rubra. Frequent associates in this closely grazed sward are Juncus gerardii, Puccinellia maritima, Glaux maritima and Armeria maritima, with occasional Plantago maritima (NVC type SM16). At (1) there is about a 40 percent cover of dense Juncus maritimus tussocks marking areas of NVC type SM18. Along the path at this point at the top of the saltmarsh there is locally abundant Spergularia maritima. At (2) the saltmarsh appears especially heavily grazed with large areas being an almost pure stand of Festuca rubra. Adjoining the river channel here there are clumps of Agropyron pungens. This species also occurs in scattered patches at (3) where there are further tussocks of Juncus maritimus. To the extreme north (4) this part of the common is used extensively for parking cars and consequently much of the surface of the saltmarsh is very compacted.

MANAGE:
The common is heavily grazed by sheep. The common is un-fenced from its contiguous neighbours, but it is bisected by a fence. A gated track crosses this boundary and the RSPB have erected an information sign here. Dumping of rubble has taken place next to the minor metalled road which crosses the common. This road leads between Crag Bank and Carnforth and the common is much visited by local people who park freely on parts of the common adjacent to this road.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were: Flock of Starlings, Pied Wagtail, Curlew, Shag, Small Tortoiseshell butterfly.
The common lies within the Morecambe Bay SSSI, one of the largest areas of intertidal estuarine flats in Britain. The Bay supports nationally and internationally important numbers of several species of wintering wading birds and wildfowl. Part of the bay (including the common) lies within an RSPB reserve.  The Bay is a grade C site on the Invertebrate Site Register with records for the saltmarsh cranefly Limonia sera and the ground beetle Agonum nigrum.

VEG:
The common lies within the Morecambe Bay SSSI. This region is also a Special Protection Area under EC legislation relating to the conservation of wild birds, and also meets the criteria for designation as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The saltmarshes of the bay were covered by the Saltmarsh Survey of Great Britain in 1983. There has been considerable erosion of the saltmarsh in this part of the bay since Common Land Registration in 1965. Apparently the seaward edge of this common was originally marked by the seaward edge of the saltmarsh. However as can be seen from the site map, a large proportion of saltmarsh on the common has been eroded since 1965. A series of aerial photographs flown for NCC in 1988 has been used to plot the current position of the saltmarsh. The main report contains a map showing the 1988 status of the saltmarsh for the whole southern section of Morecambe Bay. A field visit was necessary to identify any vegetation changes since the 1983 survey, to investigate management practice, and to take photographs. In a few locations it was obvious that further erosion has taken place since 1988, and an attempt has been made to take account of this in the site map. The bulk of the saltmarsh on the common is a low-mid marsh community, co-dominated by Festuca rubra and Juncus gerardii. This sward is generally heavily sheep grazed and has abundant Plantago maritima and locally frequent Puccinellia maritima, Glaux maritima, Trifolium repens and occasional Armeria maritima, Triglochin palustris and Aster tripolium (NVC type SM16). In wetter hollows within the saltmarsh Puccinellia maritima tends to dominate at the expense of Juncus gerardii, marking a transition to NVC type SM13. All along the lower edge of the saltmarsh the process of active erosion can be seen. The edge of the mid-marsh is truncated by a low cliff from which slabs of turf are slumping down as they are undercut by waters moving in the large offshore channel of the River Keer. In contrast to CL 43 to the south, this common appears to have no Spartina anglica at present. Small clumps of this species were noted on mud at the edge of the saltmarsh in the 1983 survey. However these appear to have all been swept away by the erosive action of the Keer Channel since this time. At (1) there are scattered dense clumps of Jucnus maritimus and this species also dominates a narrow strip of the upper marsh at (2). The associated species are similar to those found in the main body of the saltmarsh and this community probably belongs to NVC type SM18. Next to the farm track at (3) Juncus maritumus occurs with abundant J. inflexus. To the north of the common at (11) there is a dense stand of vegetation dominated by J. maritimus. At (4) there are two small patches of swamp vegetation. These are dominated by Scirpus maritimus with several dense clumps of Carex otrubae hidden within (NVC S21). A further small area of swamp is present at (5), again dominated by Scirpus maritimus, this time accompanied by Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp., tabernaemontani. There are dense clumps of Juncus maritimus next to these swamps. Again Juncus inflexus was frequent at the extreme upper edge of the saltmarsh. A narrow drain at (6) is associated with a dense stand of Agropyron pungens. This species is also locally abundant on a somewhat degraded area of upper saltmarsh at (7), which has about a 50 percent cover of bare substrate. A new earth levee has been contructed at (8) and is now vegetated with a sward of maritime grassland. This is dominated by Festuca rubra and has locally frequent Puccinellia maritima and Trifolium repens with occasional Armeria maritima and Agropyron pungens. A strip of semi-improved neutral grassland at (9) is again dominated by Festuca rubra, with occasional Lotus corniculatus, Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Hieracium pilosella, Trisetum flavescens, Plantago lanceolata, Cirsium arvense, Poa annua, Urtica dioica and Agropyron pungens. Localised eutrophication has been caused by dog fouling. There is a strip of similar grassland along the farm track at the rear edge of the common to the north of here. To the north of the common a strip of semi-improved neutral grassland (10) has abundant Lolium perenne, Agrostis capillaris and Poa annua and is fronted by a shingle ridge along the strand line. In places there is strand line vegetation dominated by Agropyron pungens. This area also has some scattered scrub of Crataegus monogyna bushes.

MANAGE:
The saltmarsh on the common is grazed extensively by sheep, with the result that the vegetation is generally very short and rather species-poor. The ungrazed clumps of Juncus maritimus are a very conspicuous feature. As mentioned in the above section, the considerable erosion of the saltmarsh here in recent years is restricting the area of available grazing. Apart from the loss of saltmarsh, the vegetation composition does not appear to have changed significantly since 1983. One point however is that Schoenoplectus lacustris subsp., tabernaemontani was recorded in the swamp at (4) but could not be found here during the field survey. The erosion, and also possibly RSPB control  measures, have led to the complete loss of Spartina anglica from this area (small amounts present in 1983). There is no other active management on the common.


FAUNA:
Recorded during the site survey were: Oystercatcher, Snipe, Curlew, Grey Heron, flock of Lapwing. 
The common lies within the Morecambe Bay SSSI, which is one of the two largest areas of intertidal flats in Britain, the other being The Wash. The whole complex is of international importance for wintering wading birds and of national importance for wintering wildfowl. This common contains a large area of intertidal sand and mud and the largest area of saltmarsh on any Lancashire common. The area has several other categories of conservation status. The Morecambe Bay area is a Special Protection Area under Article 4 of the EC directive 79/409/EEC on the Conservation of Wild Birds, and meets the criteria for designation as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Thus the mudlfats and saltmarshes of Morecambe Bay form a vital link in the chain of west coast estuaries used by migrating birds. The range of overwintering waders feeding and roosting in the estuary include 9 species which occur at nationally important levels (numbers exceeding 1 percent of the British population). 
These are Oystercatcher (41,000), Dunlin (31,000), Knot (14,000), Curlew (8,000), Redshank (5,000), Turnstone (1,200), Bar-tailed Godwit (3,200), Grey Plover (700), and Ringed Plover (310). The first 6 are recorded at levels of international significance (numbers exceeding 1 percent of the European Population). Internationally important numbers of Ringed Plover (1,200) are recorded on passage in the spring, and nationally important numbers of Dunlin (3,000) and Redshank (5,600) in the autumn. Passage counts of Sanderling indicate the international significance of Morecambe Bay for this species. However the 1991 RSPB report for Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay suggests that this species has declined as a passage migrant in recent years. 
The Bay also regularly supports 16,000 wintering wildfowl, with internationally important numbers of Shelduck (3,200) and Pintail (2,500). A further three species occur at nationally important numbers: Eider (3,400), Goldeneye (300) and Red-breasted Merganser (130). The saltmarsh on the common is the major part of that within the RSPB reserve. This is particularly important for its winter population of Wigeon (1,360 recorded in January 1991). 
The saltmarsh on the common is also one of the most extensive in the bay as a whole and provides an important nesting habitat for other species, including Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Shelduck, Snipe, Black-headed Gull, Wheatear, Reed Bunting, Common Tern, Sedge Warbler and Linnet. Invertebrates associated with the saltmarsh include Phaedon concinnus (a nationally scarce species of leaf beetle), Trichosirocalus dawsonii (a weevil) and Pediasia aridella (a moth). Areas of bare sand and strandline vegetation at the top of the marsh are home to a number of invertebrate species including Agonum nigrum and Bembidion bipunctatum (nationally scarce ground beetles) and Quedius pallipes (a rove beetle). Other nationally scarce species include Ochthebius marinus (a water beetle of brackish pools) and Platycherius immarginatus (a hoverfly). The bay is an Invertebrate Site Register grade C site. As well as noting Agonum nigrum, the register also mentions Limonia sera, a cranefly associated with saltmarshes. A number of scarce butterfly species are recorded on the saltmarsh on this common. These breed on adjacent calcareous grasslands in the Yealand/Silvardale area. The RSPB monitors butterfly populations on the nearby Leighton Moss reserve and Warton Crag. Important butterfly species recorded include Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, High Brown Fritillary, Northern Brown Argus and Purple Hairstreak (1991 RSPB report for Leighton Moss and Morecambe Bay).

VEG:
Most of the common is occupied by saltmarsh. This is in fact the largest single tract of saltmarsh on any Lancashire common. The area is shown as two overlapping 1:10,000 scale maps. At the time of Common Land Registration in 1965, the seaward edge of the common (and the boundary with the adjoining CL 160) appears to have been set to follow the edge of the saltmarsh at that time. Since 1965 there has been considerable erosion of the saltmarsh in this part of Morecambe Bay. As a result, much of the western edge of this common is now occupied by intertidal sand and mud. A series of aerial photographs flown for NCC in 1988 has been used to plot the "current" extent of the saltmarsh. Further revisions have been made from the field maps drawn during the site survey, where obvious subsequent losses were evident. The aerial photographs were also useful for mapping the position of the area occupied by the refuse tip, although the area of re-seeded grassland adjacent to the tip has increased in the intervening four years. The vegetation on the saltmarsh was surveyed during 1983 as part of the Saltmarsh Survey of Great Britain. This was used as the baseline for the vegetation survey. However as this is now somewhat out of date, changes since this time were noted during this field survey. Other tasks undertaken during the field survey include the recording of management practices and taking of photographs. Most of the saltmarsh on the common is a closely grazed mid-upper marsh community dominated by Festuca rubra. This is largely species-poor with frequent Agrostis stolonifera, and occasional Glaux maritima, Plantago maritima and Triglochin maritima. This is mainly of NVC type SM13. Locally there is abundant Juncus gerardii, marking a transition to NVC type SM16. Much of the saltmarsh is level due to a long history of management for turf cutting.  Locally there are damp hollows with abundant Puccinellia maritima and Spergularia maritima. There are scattered tussocks of Juncus maritimus on parts of the saltmarsh. However, this species dominates at (1), accounting for 80 percent of the ground cover. In between is a closely grazed turf similar to that elsewhere on the common (NVC type SM18). A species of vegetative Carex was also found here, possibly C. serotina.  A band of vegetation at (2), close to the edge of the saltmarsh, has about a 40 percent cover of Juncus maritimus (probably a mosaic of NVC types SM16 and SM18). At (3) there is a strip at the top of the saltmarsh of swamp vegetation. This is dominated by a dense stand of Scirpus maritimus, with locally abundant Juncus maritimus. Within this sward are also some clumps of Carex otrubae. Beneath this tall vegetation is a dense layer of Festuca rubra and Agrostis stolonifera. This belongs to NVC type S21. Two small areas of swamp (4) are dominated by Iris pseudacorus. The part of the saltmarsh in front of the RSPB lagoons (area (5), map 1) was not visited. The 1983 saltmarsh survey noted Carex extensa as being present in this area. An isolated strip of saltmarsh runs between the breakwater to the south of the common and the adjacent River Keer. This again is shortly grazed Festuca rubra, with locally frequent Agrostis stolonifera, Glaux maritima, Juncus gerardii, Armeria maritima and Plantago maritima. Locally there are patches of Agropyron pungens. The breakwater (7) has apparently been made from dumped slag of some description which has been shaped into a narrow ridge between 5.0-10.0m tall. This has now hardened like concrete and has the appearance of an irregular, coarse, rocky outcrop with a structure rather like pumice. Over much of the breakwater a grassland sward has developed on thin soil. This has a distinctly calcicolous character. This grassland is well-developed on the top of the breakwater at (8) and is dominated by Festuca ovina and has abundant Thymus praecox, locally frequent Plantago lanceolata, Linum catharticum, Lotus corniculatus, Hieracium pilosella, Trifolium repens and occasional Carlina vulgaris, Campanula rotundifolia, Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens and Ononis repens. This may be a variety of NVC type CG7. Running westwards from here the edge of the breakwater develops into a cliff which has occasional bushes of Ulex europaeus and occasional individuals of Inula conyza and Verbascum thapsus. At its western end the breakwater (7) is not as high and is fairly flat on top, again supporting significant amounts of calcicolous grassland. This is similar to that at the western end but also has Carex flacca. To the extreme north of the common, to the east of Brown's Houses is a row of trees at the boundary of the saltmarsh (8). This is mainly Acer pseudoplatanus, but also has a lime tree, probably T. cordata. A small pool in the saltmarsh just opposite here has abundant Hippuris vulgaris.

MANAGE:
The saltmarsh on the common is extensively grazed by sheep and cattle. The turf is generally very short and the vegetation composition does not appear to have changed significantly since the 1983 saltmarsh survey. Much of the saltmarsh in this part of Morecambe Bay is managed for turf cutting. This usually takes place in the autumn, being done mechanically. Turves about 3.5cm deep and 30cm wide are removed in strips, leaving bands of uncut turf about 3cm wide in between. Recovery usually takes 3-5 years although re-cutting is usually not done for 10 years. Seeding with Festuca rubra is sometimes carried out with seed collected elsewhere on the marsh. Generally, however recolonisation is usually natural by vegetative spread from the remnant strips and from propagules washed, blown or carried in. This part of Morecambe Bay as a whole, and this commom land unit, lie within an RSPB reserve. However most of the area (and none of the common land) is not actually owned by the Society. The grazing pressure from cattle and sheep (and wildfowl) on the marsh is high, with a resulting very short sward. Fences have been erected to the north of the common, where sheep are penned at the highest tides. These areas have suffered localised defoliation. From an ornithological point of view, a taller, tussocky vegetation would provide cover for nesting wading birds. The RSPB appear to have been unable to influence the grazing regime on the common, which is under the control of landowners and commoners. As a response to this the Society bought an area of saltmarsh, adjoining the common, where they have been able to introduce a more sympathetic grazing regime and excavate two brackish lagoons. The area was once used extensively by a local wildfowlers' association. The RSPB have now bought a proportion of the shooting rights in an attempt to limit the disturbance which this sport causes on the reserve. Part of the common to the south, behind the breakwater, is used as a refuse tip by the local authortiy. This area has been fenced from the common. Part of the former tip has been returned to grassland. A Go-Kart track has been built on the breakwater next to the tip.


FAUNA:
No fauna were recorded specifically on the common during the site visit. 
The common lies within Morecambe Bay SSSI, one of the two largest areas of intertidal estuarine flats in Britain. The bay supports nationally and internationally important numbers of several species of wintering wading birds and wildfowl. This common accounts for the major area of Morecambe Bay mudflats that occur on common land. The site is a Special Protection area under EC conservation legislation and is a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. As such Morecambe Bay provides a vital link in the chain of west coast estuaries used by migrating birds. The range of overwintering waders feeding and roosting in the estuary include 9 species which occur at nationally important levels (more than 1 percent of the British population). These are Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Knot, Curlew, Redshank, Turnstone, Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover and Ringed Plover. The first 6 are recorded at internationally important levels (more than 1 percent of the European population). Wildfowl which occur at internationally important levels are Shelduck and Pintail. Three species occur at nationally important levels: Eider, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. Details of fauna found in the saltmarshes of Morecambe Bay common land are discussed under CL 45, which contains the major part  of the saltmarsh on the commons fringing the bay, and within the fauna section of the main report.

VEG:
Several small pieces of saltmarsh occur on the common which otherwise is occupied almost completely by intertidal sand and mud. The two 1:10,000 scale maps show the bulk of the common. However, a small area of the intertidal flats to the west has not been included in these two maps. The overall extent of the common can be seen in the reduced 1:50,000 map above. The edge of the saltmarsh in this part of Morecambe Bay has undergone considerable erosion in recent years. Aerial photographs of the bay from 1988 were used to plot the "current" extent of the saltmarsh and some more obvious changes since this date have been noted in this field survey. The main report shows this feature over the whole southern section of Morecambe Bay. The area was covered by the 1983 saltmarsh survey. This field survey has been undertaken to look for any changes since this date.	                

MAP 1: One small area of saltmarsh is shown on this map (1). This is a narrow triangular wedge which is contiguous with and unfenced from the vast expanse of saltmarsh which forms the adjoining CL 45. The whole area is extensively grazed by sheep and cattle. The vegetation here is dominated by Festuca rubra with frequent Agrostis stolonifera and locally abundant Puccinellia maritima and Plantago maritima with occasional Juncus gerardii, Carex flacca, Plantago coronopus and Glaux maritima. There are scattered small clumps of Juncus maritimus in this area. To the north of the common it appears likely that the boundary includes part of the cliffs at the edge of Jenny Brown's Point. Here there is a narrow strip of scrub, comprising rather contorted bushes of Crataegus monogyna, with occasional Rubus fruticosus agg., Ilex aquifolium and Rosa spp. The limestone cliffs in this area are known as a site for the nationally rare Sorbus lancastriensis, which only occurs in 5-10km squares and the nationally scarce fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris, which occurs in 21 10km squares. Species beneath the scrub on ledges in the cliff include Brachypodium sylvaticum, Teucrium scorodonia, Digitalis purpurea, Sedum acre, Asplenium scolopendrium and Parietaria diffusa. Further to the east, before reaching Brown's Houses, the vegetation is accessible to grazing sheep and the vegegation beneath the scrub is uninteresting. A few trees of Taxus baccata and Acer pseudoplatanus occur here. 

MAP2: This section of the common has four small pieces of saltmarsh, again continuous with and unfenced from the main expanse of saltmarsh on the surrounding CL 45. This area is also extensively grazed, in this case predominantly by sheep. All of this saltmarsh is dominated by a short turf of almost pure stands of Festuca rubra, with locally frequent Puccinellia maritima, Armeria maritima, Agrostis stolonifera and Glaux maritima. The largest area at (2) is part of an area of saltmarsh which is used for turf cutting. The saltmarsh at (3) appears to have eroded significantly in comparison with the vegetation map from the 1983 survey. The other feature on this map is an artificial breakwater which has been constructed on this and the adjoining common, CL 45 (4). This has apparently been made from dumped slag of some sort which has been shaped into a narrow ridge about 7.0m tall. This has now hardened and has the appearance of an irregular, coarse, rocky outcrop with an internal structure rather like pumice. Along the edge facing the sea most of the breakwater is un-vegetated. However there are scattered small hollows with sparse grassy vegetation dominated by Festuca rubra, accompanied by Plantago coronopus, Carlina vulgaris, Linum catharticum, Cerastium fontanum and Carex flacca. This vegetation has a distinctly calcicolous nature. At the southern tip of the breakwater, where it meets the Keer Channel (5), the grassy patches become more prominent and the above species are accompanied by Thymus praecox, Hieracium pilosella and Carex flacca. Along the edge of the breakwater facing the saltmarsh there are also pockets of grassland, favoured by sheep as sheltering areas. As a result this grassland is somewhat eutrophicated with locally abundant Poa annua.

MANAGE:
The saltmarsh on the common is extensively grazed by sheep and cattle. The turf is short and the vegetation composition does not appear to have changed significantly since the 1983 saltmarsh survey. Much of the saltmarsh in this part of the bay is managed for turf cutting. This usually takes place in the autumn, being done mechanically in this area. Turves about 3.5cm deep and 30cm wide are removed in strips, leaving bands of uncut turf about 5cm wide in between. Recovery usually takes 3-5 years although re-cutting is usually not done for 10 years. Seeding with Festuca rubra is sometimes carried-out with seed collected elsewhere on the marsh. Generally, however, recolonisation is usually natural, by vegetative spread from the remnant strips and from propagules washed, blown or carried in. This part of Morecambe Bay as a whole, and this common land unit, lie within an RSPB reserve, although most of the area (and none of the common land) is not actually owned by the Society. The grazing pressure from cattle and sheep (and wildfowl) on the marsh is high, with a resulting very short sward. A taller, tussocky vegetation sward would provide cover for nesting waders. The RSPB appear to have been unable to influence the grazing regime, which is under the control of the commoners/landowners. The area is also used by a local wildfowlers' association. The RSPB have now bought-up a proportion of the shooting rights in an attempt to limit the disturbance which this sport causes on the reserve.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Grey Heron, Bluetit, Mute Swan, Kingfisher, Redshank, Snipe, Wren, Mallard, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Greylag Geese.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Great Britain Saltmarsh Survey in 1983. This is the only Lancashire Common with saltmarsh which does not lie within an SSSI. Interestingly the common is ungrazed and has a much more varied flora than many of the other common land saltmarshes which do have SSSI designation. The common is a narrow strip of saltmarsh on the eastern edge of the Wyre Estuary, near the village of Hambleton. Much of the saltmarsh is being invaded by Spartina anglica in places. The northern section of the saltmarsh is co-dominated by either Puccinellia maritima, Festuca rubra or Spartina anglica. The vegetation sward is well developed although somewhat open in places and has locally frequent Halimione portulacoides, Suaeda maritima, Triglochin palustris, Salicornia europaea, Aster tripolium, Plantago maritima, Limonium vulgare and Atriplex hastata. The ground cover of Spartina anglica rises to 80 percent in places. This area was mapped as a pioneer Spartina anglica NVC SM6 community in 1983. This is still present at the accreting edges of the saltmarsh but the landward edge appears to have undergone a transition to a low-mid marsh community probably encompassing NVC types SM10 and SM13. Numerous small creeks in this area have abundant Halimione portulacoides and Atriplex hastata. (H. portulacoides is somewhat rare in Lancashire in comparison with the rest of Great Britain). To the eastern edge of the common at this point (2) a new tarmac road has been constructed to houses immediately behind the common and an area of bare ground has been created by parked vehicles. Southwards from here is broken strandline vegetation dominated by Agropyron pungens and Atriplex hastata (NVC SM24). Several small swampy areas with Scirpus maritimus are also present at the rear edge of the saltmarsh (NVC S21). A grassy levee runs along the edge of this part of the common (3). This is regularly mown on the top and supports improved grassland  The sides of the levee have unmanaged grassland with species which include Centaurea nigra, Agropyron pungens, Achillea millefolium, Carex flacca, Daucus carota and Equisetum arvense. At (4) is a narrow bank above a narrow srtip of saltmarsh, with grassland co-dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius and Agropyron pungens, with the latter species also dominating along the strandline. Festuca rubra is locally abundant within the grassland, which contains a range of forbs including Lathyrus pratensis, Potentilla anserina,  Centaurea nigra, Pulicaria dysenterica, Silene dioica, Viola riviniana and Tripleurospermum maritimum. Locally there are small stands of Phragmites communis and Phalaris arundinacea with occasional Iris pseudacorus. A narrow strip of saltmarsh does run along the edge at this point and has abundant Juncus gerardii. On the upper part of the bank is a dense scrub of Crataegus monogyna, Rosa sp., Rubus fruticosus, Ulex europaeus and Salix cinerea. The largest single expanse of saltmarsh on the common lies to the south of here on a bend in the river Wyre (part is excluded from the common for some reason). The lower part of the marsh (5) has abundant-to-frequent Festuca rubra, large areas dominated by Halimione portulacoides (especially on the seaward edge), locally frequent Atriplex hastata, Puccinellia maritima and Triglochin palustris with locally occasional Spartina anglica (about 1 percent cover), Limonium vulgare and Aster tripolium. This community again probably belongs to NVC type SM13. Above here (6) Spartina anglica becomes locally dominant within the saltmarsh which also has locally frequent Juncus gerardii. In the 1983 survey most of this area was shown as a Spartina anglica pioneer community. Accretion appears to have taken place since this time, accompanied by a transition over much of this area to a low-mid marsh community (with NVC types SM10, SM13 and SM16 probably all represented). At (7) there are small patches of brackish swamp (5 percent cover) with abundant Scirpus maritimus (NVC S21). At (8) is a narrow strip of saltmarsh with a range of communities present. On the lower part is a narrow band of pioneer saltmarsh dominated by Spartina anglica with locally frequent Puccinellia maritima, Salicornia europaea, Halimione portulacoides, Aster tripolium, Suaeda maritima and Atriplex hastata (probably mainly transitional, low marsh vegetation, NVC SM10). At the top of the marsh is a narrow strip of strandline vegetation dominated by Agropyron pungens (NVC SM24). Between these two strips is a band of low-mid marsh vegetation dominated by Festuca rubra, with many of the low-marsh species present as associates but also with locally abundant Glaux maritima, Plantago maritima, Scirpus maritimus, Juncus maritimus and J. gerardii. The 1983 survey map appears to show a fairly wide band of Spartina anglica at this point which was not noted during the present survey. A steep bank above the saltmarsh along this edge (9) supports dense scrub and scattered mature trees. The scrub is dominated by Prunus spinosa with frequent Crataegus monogyna, a Rosa sp., Rubus fruticosus agg., Sambucus nigra and Ulex europaeus.  Scattered trees include mature individuals of Fraxinus excelsior and Acer pseudoplatanus. There is a woodland ground flora of Brachypodium sylvaticum, Dactylis glomerata, Silene dioica and Hedera helix. This run of vegetation is broken at (10) by a construction site for a new bridge across the R. Wyre to replace the existing toll bridge.
A similar narrow band of saltmarsh continues south-eastwards from where the toll bridge crosses, again backed by a steep bank with dense scrub and scattered trees. Underneath and to the sides of the bridge is a muddy area with abundant Salicornia europaea. At (11) the common lies at the top of a much larger expanse of saltmarsh. This strip has a broad area of strandline vegetation dominated by Agropyron pungens and patches of brackish swamp dominated by Scirpus maritimus.

MANAGE:
The saltmarsh of the common is not managed. As a result the vegetation has a varied flora and a well-developed structure. Pioneer Spartina communities were prominent on the 1983 survey map, and these seem to have undergone further accretion in many places, giving rise to transitional low-marsh and mid-upper vegetaion. However one strip of Spartina (probably not actually on the common) appears to have reverted to unvegetated mud. The grassy levee to the north is regularly mown on the top (a public right of way). A new road has been constructed at the edge of the common to the north to give access to new houses. Bare ground has been created here by car-parking and an earth bank has been constructed by local residents to act as a defence from flooding. Part of the common is currently occupied by the construction site for the new bridge on the A588 across the river Wyre.

NB. June 1994. English Nature are considering the notification of large areas of the Wyre Estuary as an SSSI, up to and including all of the salt marshes downstream of Shard Bridge. This will include the major portion of the saltmarsh on this common.
In addition, although not a definite proposal at the moment, the Wyre Estuary is a potential site for a tidal barrage.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Oystercatchers, Snipe, Mallard, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Shag. 
The common lies within the Lune Estuary SSSI, the saltmarshes of which provide roosting sites for waders at high tide and support large numbers of wildfowl such as Wigeon, Mallard, Shelduck and Pink-footed Geese.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Saltmarsh Survey of Great Britain in 1983, and lies within the Lune Estuary SSSI. The area of saltmarsh on the common is part of an area at Conder Green referred to specifically in the SSSI citation as being unusual within the estuary because it is ungrazed. This has allowed plants sensitive to grazing such as Limonium vulgare the rarer L. humile plus Artemisia maritima to survive. The area has the widest botanical diversity of all the saltmarshes in the Lune Estuary and one of only three sites in Lancashire where L. vulgare and L. humile occur together. A field visit was done to investigate any change since the 1983 survey, to look at the management regime, and to take photographs. The saltmarsh occurs in two sections dissected by an embankment which carried the former Glasson Dock Railway. To the north is a strip of species-rich ungrazed saltmarsh. Typically this is co-dominated by Puccinellia maritima and Festuca rubra although in many places one species is dominant over the other F. rubra being more dominant in the east (1). A good range of halophyte species are present including locally abundant Suaeda maritima, frequent Atriplex hastata, Aster tripolium, Plantago maritima, Glaux maritima, Juncus gerardii, Triglochin maritima and occasional Salicornia europaea. A few scattered clumps of Juncus maritimus are present and there is some Halimione portulacoides on the creeks. To the west (2) Puccinellia maritima becomes dominant with only locally frequent Festuca rubra. The accompanying species are similar but with Limonium vulgare (and probably L. humile) locally frequent. All of this vegetation  appears to belong to a low-mid marsh community, probably all within NVC type SM13. To the seaward side (3) is a sparse vegetation community of colonising Spartina anglica with locally abundant Suaeda maritima especially at the interface. This is pioneer marsh and possibly transitional low-marsh (NVC types SM6 and SM10) There are varying degrees of invasion by Spartina anglica elsewhere on this part of the common. Area (1) is practically free of the species. Area (2) has patches of invading Spartina anglica affecting about 25 percent of the area, while area (4) is relatively unaffected with only 1 percent so far affected. At the top of this part of the common there is in places a narrow strip of strandline vegetation dominated by Agropyron pungens, while in places at the head of the main creeks are bare areas of mud with pioneer communities of abundant Salicornia europaea and Suaeda maritima. Most of that part of the common to the south of the railway embankment is free of Spartina. However there is a dense patch at (5) about 2.0m across and at the edge of the river Conder there is a marginal strip of this species at one point (6). The saltmarsh on this part of the common is generally dominated by tall Festuca rubra with locally frequent, and occasionally dominant, Puccinellia maritima, especially on the edges of creeks. Also present are locally abundant Atriplex hastata and Aster tripolium, locally frequent Glaux maritima and Plantago maritima and occasional Triglochin maritima and Juncus gerardii. This vegetation again belongs to a mid-upper marsh community from NVC type SM13. At (7) there is a stand of Juncus maritimus, while at (8) is a small pool of brackish water with abundant Juncus gerardii in the surrounding saltmarsh, with other small pools and Phragmites communis clumps next to them. All along the edge of the B5290 (9) is a strip of strandline vegetation dominated by Agropyron pungens with frequent Festuca rubra and smaller quantities of the other halophyte species. This is probably of NVC type SM24. Locally there are small patches of disturbed ground immediately next to the road with species including Trifolium pratense, Senecio jacobaea, Leontodon autumnalis, Tripleurospermun maritimum, Potentilla anserina and Spergularia maritima. At (10) there is a record for "large populations" of Atriplex longipes, as noted in the Survey of Nationally Rare Plant Species in N.W. England (Volume 2. Lancashire). This species occurs in only seven 10km squares in Great Britain (British Red Data Book: Vascular Plants (1983)).

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged, although there is one right to graze sheep. The majority of the saltmarsh in the Lune Estuary is grazed. Due to the lack of grazing this area has the widest variety of saltmarsh plants within the estuary and as a result has particular conservation value. The site also holds good populations of the nationally rare species Atriplex longipes. The areas dominated by Spartina anglica were plotted during the Great Britain Saltmarsh Survey, this area being actually surveyed in 1983. The large stand of Spartina anglica at (3) along the edge of the Lune Estuary was noted in this survey. However the invading S. anglica in the mid-upper marsh (1) and (2) does not appear to have been present at this time. The strip of invading Spartina at the edge of the river Conder (6) was also present in 1983 and does not appear to have expanded significantly since this time.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Pair of Woodpigeons, Robin, Flock of Goldfinches, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Rabbits.

VEG:
The Lancashire Phase 1 survey map for this site could not be located and a full field survey was therefore undertaken. The common occupies an area of level ground. A large swathe of the common along the western edge has been lost to the recently constructed A56 dual carriageway. To the north of the common an access road linking the A56 to a nearby reservoir has also been constructed. Much of the vegetation on the common is a sward of rank tussocky Molinia caerulea-dominated marshy grassland (1). Within this grassland there are occasional Juncus effusus and locally small patches of Calluna vulgaris (probably accounting for less than 5 percent of this area). This vegetation would appear to be predominantly NVC type M25. At (2) along the course of an old track the marshy grassland occurs in a mosaic with wet dwarf shrub heath with 40 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris. Area (3) marks a strip where the marshy grassland has abundant Chamaenerion angustifolium with occasional Epilobium hirsutum, Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica, Juncus effusus, Holcus lanatus and Deschampsia cespitosa. There is one small clump of vegetation with abundant Hypericum perforatum and Solidago canadensis. To the east of the King's Highway there is a complex mosaic of all the vegetation types described so far. At (4) there is 50 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris present as wet dwarf shrub heath. A tiny stream runs through this area and has acidic flush vegetation dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum with frequent Viola palustris, Stellaria alsine, Epilobium palustre and Epilobium hirsutum. The south-eastern corner of the common has drier ground with a mosaic of tall ruderal vegetation and mostly neutral grassland dominated by Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia cespitosa, Chamaenerion angustifolium and Cirsium arvense with locally occasional Dactylis glomerata, Calluna vulgaris (less than 5 percent cover), Molinia caerulea and Juncus effusus.  To the north of the new access road the ground slopes steeply into a narrow valley.  On the eastern side  there are spoil heaps and tracks associated with an old quarry.  The vegetation in this area is a complex of several types.  Most notable are discrete areas of mature dry dwarf shrub heath, with a 90 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris, frequent Nardus stricta and occasional Vaccinium myrtillus.  Some of the heath is present as a mosaic within acidic grassland dominated by Nardus strictia. However elsewhere there is more Molinia caerulea-dominated marshy grassland and sometimes within this, wet dwarf shrub heath, again dominated by Calluna vulgaris. The stream in the valley bottom lies precisely along the northern boundary of the common. Fringing the stream is an area of luxuriant vegetation which includes Juncus articulatus, Epilobium palustre, Filipendula ulmaria, Valeriana officinalis, Achillea ptarmica, Oreopteris limbosperma, Luzula sylvatica and Mentha aquatica.  A few individuals of Salix caprea and Salix aurita were also found next to the stream. A small acidic flush running from the hillside to join the stream also has tall flushed vegetation dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum palustre, with Holcus lanatus, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Epilobium hirsutum, E. palustre, Dryopteris dilatata, ANgerlica sylvestris, Cirsium palustre, Athyrium filix-femina, Equisetum sylvaticum and Galium palustre.  Next to the main track running across this area a few individuals of Geranium versicolor were found.  As already mentioned, the A56 now occupies a strip to the west of the common. This dual carriageway lies in a shallow cutting. There are good populations of Phalaris arundinacea on the grassy verges.

MANAGE:
The common appears to have been completely unmanaged for quite some time, even though there are four rights of pasture for sheep and cattle.  This has allowed the grassland sward to become rank.  The Molinia caerulea is very tussocky over the main part of the site.  The small area of heath has well-developed Calluna vulgaris, usually at around 90 percent cover and with good age structure.  In the area of grass/heath mosaic, the Calluna vulgaris is generally at about 40 percent cover and here too the plants are healthy.  The main interest of the site is in the species rich tall herb wet vegetation associated with the stream along the northern boundary, together with the well-developed heath communities.  This site is important on a local level because much of the surrounding land has been agriculturally improved.


FAUNA:
A bird survey was conducted between April 7 and June 25 1988. This recorded occupied territories for Curlew, Dunlin, Wheatear, Skylark and Meadow Pipit. There are non-breeding records for Twite, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Starlings and Redshank. Several Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Carrion Crows and one Snipe were recorded during the present survey in addition to numerous rabbits in places.

VEG:
The common has several sources of botanical information. The main reference is a Phase 1 survey conducted by the Lancashire Trust for Nature Conservation in 1987. This was undertaken in response to proposals by the Ministry of Defence to extend its range at Holcombe Moor (currently not encroaching on the common itself). The survey comprises a 1:10000 Phase 1 vegetation map and a comprehensive set of target notes. The Holcombe Moor area as a whole is also listed as a Site of Biological Importance in Greater Manchester, this area including part of the common. A field visit was made in order to provide the additional information required for the present survey, namely to comment on management practice, condition of heath species, and to take photographs. The vegetation description is discussed under the two component maps: 
MAP 1: This covers the area to the north and west of Bull Hill. Most of this area is an undulating plateau falling away from Bull Hill with a steep-sided horseshoe valley in the north at Alden Ratchers. Blanket mire covers most of this area, dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and locally frequent Eriophorum angustifolium and Empetrum nigrum. Within the blanket mire there are numerous areas of peat erosion, with target notes in the Phase 1 report highlighting these areas. Along the edge of the common at (1) the margin of the blanket mire is clearly visible, with heavy slumping and erosion of peat giving rise to a complex mosaic of vegetation, with bare peat tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum with Nardus stricta and, next to the wall, closely grazed acidic grassland with Agrostis capillaris and Deschampsia flexuosa. The peat depth on the intact mire is about 2.0m. A large patch of bare peat was mapped at (2). At (3) there are extensive areas of degraded Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire grading into unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta, Agrostis capillaris and Deschampsia flexuosa. On the mire itself, there is locally abundant Vaccinium myrtillus. Near to here (4) is a localised patch of bog rich in Sphagnum spp. In the north of the common at (5) there is also much eroded bog, with a variable peat thickness, down to bedrock in places and again grading into Nardus stricta-dominated acidic grassland. Above Alden Ratchers, the margin of the blanket mire is quite close to the edge of the valley (6), but erosion is occurring, with tongues of bare peat 2-5m wide and up to 40m long. At the heads of streams to the south of Alden Ratchers (7) there is classic peat erosion with slumping over a radius of about 50m from the head of each tributary. Locally abundant on the blanket mire at this point are Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum. At (8) there is a wet depression dominated by Eriophorum angustifolium, with abundant E vaginatum, Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum. The valley of Alden Ratchers has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and frequent Deschampsia flexuosa to the north, while to the south this occurs as a mosaic with dry dwarf shrub heath dominated by Vaccinium myrtillus (9). The cover of V. myrtillus varies from around 30 percent to 75 percent on some of the steeper slopes. The area also has prominent frost terracettes on some of these slopes. Some of the streams in this area have small acidic flushes associated with them and at (10) these are diffuse and account for 20 percent of the ground cover. The flushes are dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum with locally abundant Polytrichum commune, locally frequent Viola palustris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Potentilla erecta, Carex nigra, Galium saxatile, Holcus mollis, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Stellaria alsine and Cirsium palustre. A large tongue-like flush occurs at (11), again dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum. Within it and alongside are islands of Eriophorum angustifolium, giving way to Nardus stricta at either side. Epilobium palustre, Ranunculus flammula, Viola palustris, Montia fontana, Galium palustre and liverworts occur. Within the flush are discrete patches of Sphagnum bog encircled by Juncus effusus. On the northern flanks of Bull Hill (12) there is unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa with some Juncus squarrosus. Locally there are small areas of thin remnant blanket peat, only a few cm deep (10 percent cover) with Eriophorum vaginatum. At (13) are piles of spoil with Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa-dominated acidic grassland. To the east (14) are moist mineral soils with more productive acidic grassland which is attractive to sheep, with abundant Poa annua in some localities and still with a few remnants of very thin peat with Eriophorum vaginatum. Peripheral parts of Beetle Hill (15) have a mosaic of unimproved and semi-improved acidic grassland (70 percent and 30 percent respectively). The unimproved sward is dominated by Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa with locally frequent Juncus squarrosus and Molinia caerulea. The semi-improved areas tend to be dominated by Poa annua with frequent tussocks of Juncus effusus. Beetle Hill itself (16) has an area of degraded blanket mire of Eriophorum vaginatum, with many narrow tongues of Nardus stricta-dominated acidic grassland running down from the hill to the west.
At (17) there is a series of old workings, with 25 pecrent of the area as exposed shale, much disrupted by motorcycles. To the south of here (18) is a small strip of land which was not covered in the original Phase 1 survey. A grassy track with semi-improved acidic grassland runs to the east. The rest of the area has a complex series of mounds with acidic grassland (40 percent cover) and between these, numerous acidic flushes with small, fast-flowing streams and occasional small pools of still water (40 percent cover). 10 percent of the area comprises marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea and Juncus squarrosus. The flushes are very diverse and contain Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum, S. squarrosum, Agrostis canina, Cardamine flexuosa, Viola palustris, Galium palustre, Stellaria alsine, Eriophorum angustifolium, Deschampsia cespitosa, Epilobium palustre, Polytrichum commune, Juncus articulatus, J. bulbosus, Narthecium ossifragum, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Ranunculus flammula, Anthoxanthum odoratum, and in the open water, Glyceria fluitans and Ranunculus omiophyllus.

MAP 2 This part of the common comprises Harcles Hill. There are steep, heathy slopes along the south-eastern and south-western edges  of the common, with a gentle slope to the north-east. Harcles Hill itself has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta, extending along the ridge northwards towards White Hill. At the edges the grassland merges into Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire on relatively thin peat. There is abundant Deschampsia flexuosa in the sward and to the east there are grassy patches with D. flexuosa and Nardus stricta at about 10 percent cover (24). At (20) there are several very wet patches of ground with Molinia caerulea tussocks amongst the Eriophorum vaginatum and small pockets of Sphagnum spp. On the lower slopes to the north and east the vegetation becomes wet in character with a mosaic of marshy grassland and numerous Juncus effusus/Sphagnum palustre acidic flushes. At (21) there is an area of marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea and locally frequent Juncus effusus (with 10 percent scattered patches of unimproved acidic grassland). The wetter parts have Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum and Sphagnum spp. Within area (22) there is a mosaic of equal proportions of the marshy grassland with Juncus effusus/Sphagnum recurvum flush. Locally there is abundant Carex curta within this flush. The discrete acidic flush at (23) is dominated by Juncus effusus and Eriophorum angustifolium and also has locally frequent Carex echinata, Viola palustris, Sphagnum recurvum, Stellaria alsine and Epilobium palustre. To the south near Harcles Hill Farm there is a small acidic flush with records for Juncus bufonius and Vaccinium oxycoccos. To the south of the plateau there is further species-poor blanket mire on thin peat, dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and Deschampsia flexuosa (26). To the east this grades into acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath (27). The heath species comprise frequent Vaccinium myrtillus and locally occasional Calluna vulgaris and Empetrum nigrum. These two areas of vegetation are fenced to the south, from a small piece of this common and most of CL 214, and are apparently excluded from grazing.
That part within CL 42 (28) is blanket mire dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum, with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and locally frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Calluna vulgaris (10 percent cover), Empetrum nigrum and Vaccinium myrtillus. A further area of the common has been fenced-off; that on the hillside to the east of the Peel Monument and has good areas of heath. Area (29) is a grassy slope with a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath. Nardus stricta is dominant with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and Agrostis capillaris. There is a 10 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris and a 20 percent cover of Vaccinium myrtillus. Below here are a series of abandoned quarries with a 75 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris and 10 percent Vaccinium myrtillus. At the bottom of the slope there is a complex mixture of habitat types, with species present including Calluna vulgaris (30 percent), Vaccinium myrtillus (40 percent), a Salix sp., a Betula sp., Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Chamaenerion angustifolium and Cirsium arvense. To the west of the plateau a narrow strip of unimproved acidic grassland at the top of a steep slope (32) has also been fenced from the rest of the common. In the south at (33) there is a steeply sloping area of dry dwarf shrub heath with a 40 percent cover each of Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. At (34) there is a strip of unimproved acidic grassland and dry heath with 30 percent Vaccinium myrtillus and 10 percent Calluna vulgaris. A further small patch of heathy vegetation occurs at (35), with a 10 percent cover each of Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. Grasses are dominated by Nardus stricta with locally frequent Agrostis capillaris, Juncus squarrosus and occasional Molinia caerulea.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is grazed extensively by sheep. Steeply sloping hillsides along either side of Harcles Hill (MAP 2) have been fenced from livestock and appear relatively un-grazed. The southern tip of this area is also fenced from the rest of the common (and includes most of CL 214). This area too also appears largely un-grazed.  The north-west of Harcles Hill adjoins an M.O.D. firing range to the south of Bull Hill (MAP 2). This is a prohibited area and numerous signs have been erected along the common land boundary at this point, warning the public to keep clear; there is no fence however. The influence of heavy grazing over much of the common can clearly be seen in the vegetation. Most of the acidic grassland is present as a very closely-grazed sward and has become locally eutrophicated, particularly around Beetle Hill to the north-east. Heath species are of only local abundance on the grazed part of the common. The main  heath species is Vaccinium myrtillus, with smaller amounts of Empetrum nigrum, and rarely Calluna vulgaris. A clear example of the effect of grazing upon the latter species can be seen on the blanket mire in the south of the common, where area (28) has been fenced from grazing. To the north of the fence in the grazed area, Calluna vulgaris is very inconspicuous as scattered, small plants in a low-growing, intertwined carpet at probably only a 5 percent cover. South of the fence, however, Calluna vulgaris is present at around a 15 percent cover and although generally only about 20cm tall, the structure of the plants does not appear to have been significantly modified by grazing. The main area of heath on the unenclosed part of the common is in the valley of Alden Ratchers to the north. The ground cover of Vaccinium myrtillus (the main heath species) varies between 30-90 percent. Much of this is present as a closely grazed carpet around 5cm tall. Empetrum nigrum is present at the edges of the blanket mire above here. These two species occur locally elsewhere on the common (see vegetation description), often showing the effects of grazing by sheep. On the heath excluded from grazing on the steep slopes to the southern edges of Harcles Hill there are good quantities of Calluna vulgaris. Below Peel Monument (30) there is a well-developed area of Calluna vulgaris heath. The Calluna is at 75% cover, generally mature and even-aged at around 50cm tall. The plants have a good, freely-branched structure and do not appear modified by grazing. There are however a small proportion of "leggy" and senescent plants. There was a good crop of flowers at the time of the survey. The other main stand of Calluna vulgaris is at (33) where it is co-dominant with Vaccinium myrtillus (80 percent combined cover). Again the plants are becoming somewhat "leggy" but do not appear modified by grazing. The other area where Calluna occurs on the common is at (35), on the grazed part of the common. Here there is much closely grazed acidic grassland with only a 5-10 percent cover of Calluna vulgaris (and the same amount of Vaccinium myrtillus). The plants have all been closely-grazed into a short, tightly woven carpet. Only about 25 percent of the Calluna plants here were producing flowers at the time of the field visit. There are signs of parts of the common being used by trail motorbikes. The Phase 1 survey noted the erosion of the surface of the bog along a marked path at (36). During the field visit numerous motorcycle tracks were noted to the south-west of Beetle Hill (14). The old workings at (17) have much bare shale created by the use of the area for motorcycle scrambling.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were: Skylark, Kestrel.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey between 1984 and 1989 (report written 1991). Only a part of the relevant maps could be located. A full survey was conducted as this was necessary also for the adjoining CL 166 which actually lies within Greater Manchester. The central part of the common is dominated by Brown Wardle Hill (400m). This is a good vantage point with commanding views over the rest of the common. The Hill has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and occasional Juncus squarrosus (NVC type U5). On the top of the hill itself there is a thin grassy sward dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa. To the south of the hill there is a transition to marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC M25), but still with locally abundant Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa and occasional Juncus squarrosus. Around Sandy Bed to the south Juncus effusus is locally abundant. To the west of the hill are several diffuse species-poor acidic flushes dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum. To the north of Brown Wardle Hill there are further stands of marshy grassland, similar to the above, around Brown Hill and Shawforth Moor. On steep slopes to the north and east, towards Hades Hill, there is more Nardus stricta-dominated acidic grassland. Scattered throughout this area are numerous old spoil mounds (shale). The large quarry at Middle Hill (1) is now being re-worked although much undisturbed acidic grassland remains. The large abandoned quarry at (2) has a 60 percent cover of Nardus stricta-dominated acidic grassland, with 20 percent thin acidic grassland with Deschampsia flexuosa on top of spoil mounds, and 20 percent sandstone rubble. There has been some dumping in the hollows which are damp and locally eutrophicated with Juncus effusus, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Agrostis capillaris, Polytrichum sp. and Poa annua. The old working face is a cliff up to 20m tall with some Sagina procumbens, Chamaenerion angustifolium and Dryopteris spp. The old sludge bed (3) has a pool within which are growing emergent Juncus effusus, J. articulatus, Eriophorum angustifolium, Ranunculus flammula, Iris pseudacorus and Typha latifolia. The area to the north-west of the common is rather untidy with numerous small exclosures. This area is grazed by sheep and cattle and has a sward of semi-improved acidic grassland of Nardus stricta, Agrostis capillaris, Juncus effusus, Urtica dioica, Poa annua and Cirsium arvense. To the north-east there are occasional diffuse acidic flushes, all species-poor. At the north-western corner of the common (4) there are planted trees, one area of Pinus sp. and one with Acer pseudoplatanus and Castanea sativa. To the south of here the A671 crosses the common, separating off a small, unfenced portion to the west (5). This has semi-improved neutral grassland which is used as a general amenity area by adjoining houses. This is dominated by Agrostis capillaris with frequent Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phleum bertolonii and Trifolium repens. Sapling trees of Sorbus aucuparia, Acer pseudoplatanus and Betula pendula have been planted over part of the area next to the river. The grass Phalaris arundinacea is also abundant here, along with Impatiens glandulifera. Behind a set of garages erected on the common there is a row of four mature Fraxinus excelsior trees and one of Sorbus aria. On a steep part of the river bank behind the garages there is an area with many seedling Fraxinus excelsior which is dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium.

MANAGE:
The major part of the common is extensively grazed by sheep. The common is unfenced from the adjoining CL 166 to the east. To the north of the common (Shawforth Moor) there is also grazing by cattle. This part of the common has a very untidy appearance, with numerous small areas excluded from the common, managed as smallholdings and allotments etc. Some of these exclosures also appear to be on registered common land. One such exclosure (6) has been developed as a travellers' encampment and has wooden buildings erected upon it. A few travellers vehicles were seen elsewhere on this part of the common. There has been much dumping of rubbish in places. Landgate Quarry, situated on land excluded from the common (7), is still active and to the north has extended beyond the exclosure boundary onto common land. The disused quarry at (8) is being used for tipping industrial waste, including piles of broken clay pipes. The disused Middle Hill Quarry (1) is now being re-worked. Finally, grassland next to the A671 (5) is regularly mown by the local authority.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Skylark, Red Grouse, Meadow Pipit, Swallows, Housemartins and Red Admiral Butterfly.  

JNCC Report No. 7, "Breeding Birds of the South Pennine Moors" (1991) has records for breeding Golden Plover, Merlin, Twite and Wheatear on this common.

VEG:
The common lies physically within Greater Manchester and was not included in the Lancashire Phase 1 survey. However, it has been covered by a Phase 1 survey of the Rochdale area conducted in 1988. This report was presented as a series of un-coloured maps annotated with dominant species codes, together with extensive but brief target notes. The maps were found to be lacking in detail in places and a full survey of the area has been carried-out. The common lies on the southern flank of Shore Moor and has three arms descending to the south. Much of the high ground may have originally had extensive blanket mire. A small remnant remains (1) dominated by tussocky Eriophorum vaginatum with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC M20). At the margins there is abundant Empetrum nigrum and several areas of bare eroding peat. On the rest of the plateau the peat has now largely gone giving rise to a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath (2). This area has abundant Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa, locally abundant Empetrum nigrum (up to 50 percent cover) and occasional Juncus squarrosus and Agrostis capillaris. Locally there are remnant tussocks of Eriophorum vaginatum on thin peat. This vegetation is predominantly of NVC type U5 but may be transitional with NVC type M20 in places. Occasionally there are pockets of marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea (3). Steeper ground to the east and west and also on the three arms of the common to the south tend to have a pure stand of unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus squarrosus and J. effusus being locally frequent. There are several important acidic flushes to be found on the common. These are generally dominated by Juncus effusus Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune and belong to NVC type M6c. The most impressive of these runs northwards from a reservoir along Hills Clough in the western arm of the common. About half of the open water of the reservoir has a dense stand of Equisetum fluviatile (4), with Glyceria fluitans at the edges, mapped as marginal vegetation. The flush itself (5) has a diverse range of species which include Agrostis canina, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Epilobium palustre, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus mollis, Molinia caerulea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex echinata and C. nigra. To the north (6) the flush narrows and also has Carex panicea, C. demissa, Juncus bulbosus, Cirsium palustre and Potamogeton polygonifolius. In places the flush is a "lawn" of Carices, predominantly C. echinata, probably NVC type M6a. The flush to the south of this arm of the common has locally abundant Carex curta. Turn Slack Clough has another large acidic flush. The reservoir itself was breached some time ago and is now largely occupied by marshy grassland dominated by Juncus effusus (8). Several acidic flushes are associated with Blue Pot Brook (9), where many small "tributary" flushes run up the valley sides. Hydrocotyle vulgaris and Vaccinium oxycoccos are notable species recorded here. An acidic flush to the east of Stansfield Hill (10), again typical NVC M6c, is notable for locally abundant Viola palustris, Carex nigra, C. panicea, C. echinata, C. demissa and Hydrocotyle vulgaris. The eastern arm of the common also has several notable acidic flushes. At (11) there is Sphagnum recurvum, S. papillosum and S. fimbriatum and occasional Viola palustris, Potentilla erecta and  Dryopteris dilatata. A small basin mire at (12) has typical NVC M6c vegetation with abundant Sphagnum recurvum, S. fimbriatum and Vaccinium oxycoccos. This part of the common also has several large stands of dense Pteridium aquilinum. The area around Long Hill (13) has several areas of marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). The sward also contains occasional Nardus stricta and Deschampsia flexuosa and rarely, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum. At (14) are vegetated spoil heaps from a disused quarry with a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath. Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus each have around a 10 percent cover. The grassland is mainly dominated by Nardus stricta, with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and locally frequent Molinia caerulea. At (15) there are small patches of dry dwarf shrub heath where Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus account for an overall 10 percent ground cover.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by sheep. There is no fence between this and the contiguous commons CL 166 and CL 172. As a consequence much of the vegetation on the common is dominated by species unpalatable to sheep. Small areas of Calluna vulgaris are present in the extreme south-east but this is generally present as a low-growing, closely cropped mat of vegetation (ground cover always less than 25 percent). Several small exclosures have been constructed in this vicinity and these contain chicken huts, sheds and allotments, etc. Part has been fenced to create an area which was being grazed by a horse at the time of the survey. The old quarries to the north of here are untidy, with dumping of rubble and rubbish in places, and localised growth of Urtica dioica. The presence of several botanically varied acidic flushes on the common has been noted above.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: Lesser Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull, Snipe. 
The common forms a minor part of the Ribble Estuary, which has a range of conservation designations. The estuary is internationally noted for supporting large populations of waders and wildfowl.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Saltmarsh survey of Great Britain in 1983. A field visit was undertaken to look for any change since this date, to investigate management, and to take photographs. The common is situated just inside the main levee which separates the Ribble Estuary Saltmarshes from the adjacent reclaimed farmland. The saltmarsh on the common is heavily grazed. About 75 percent of the marsh is a species-poor mid-upper marsh community dominated by Puccinellia maritima with locally frequent Festuca rubra and Triglochin maritima, locally occasional Glaux maritima and Plantago maritima, and rarely individuals of Juncus gerardii. This sward probably belongs mainly within NVC type SM13. Several small pools on the common have abundant Triglochin maritima while small channels to the western edge of the common contain Cochlearia officinalis. Over 25 percent of the saltmarsh, the grassland is an agriculturally improved sward dominated by Lolium perenne with abundant-to-frequent Trifolium repens and locally frequent Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris and occasional Leontodon autumnalis (probably tending towards NVC MG7). The remainder of the grassland on the common is also agriculturally improved again dominated by Lolium perenne with locally abundant Trifolium repens and Poa annua. The long levee along the eastern edge of the common also has locally abundant Capsella bursa-pastoris, Cirsium arvense, Bellis perennis and Urtica dioica. At the edge of the levee at (1) are three mature specimens of Salix fragilis while at (2) there is scattered scrub of Crataegus monogyna. The section to the south of the common has been separated by a new levee recently. There is a small patch of tall ruderal vegetation at the edge of a drainage channel (3). This has Urtica dioica, Epilobium hirsutum, Phalaris arundinacea, Rumex obtusifolius, Polygonum hydropiper and Impatiens glandulifera. Within the water itself are occasional individuals of Scirpus maritimus.

MANAGE:
At the time of the survey there were no grazing stock on most of the common. This was because a recent application of top dressing had been made on the saltmarsh, this still being evident as a white powder on the vegetation. However the site is heavily grazed and is being progressively agriculturally improved. There is no boundary fence separating the saltmarsh to the seaward side of the common. This vegetation on the common is clearly highlighted on the 1986 saltmarsh survey map. Although the common is only a peripheral and small portion of the SSSI, agricultural improvement could be encroaching on other marginal areas of the saltmarsh. A new levee has recently been constructed to the south of the common. Behind this two old levees have been removed and the original drainage channel diverted to create a larger area of improved pasture. Southport and District Wildfowling Club have shooting rights on the Ribble Marshes NNR, but it is unlikely that this activity ever takes place on the common itself.


FAUNA:
There are records from the Phase 1 report for Red Grouse and Large Heath butterfly.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey in 1991. A large number of excellent target notes were available which gave good information about management. As there are hardly any ericoid species present on this heavily grazed common, a field visit was considered unnecessary. The common lies on a plateau to the north of the Bowland Fells. The underlying geology is Millstone Grit overlain by boulder clay. The surface of the common is relatively level and has an intricate mosaic of wet acidic grassland, blanket bog and acidic flush. The acidic grassland is dominated by Juncus squarrosus. The majority has been mapped as semi-improved because the common has been heavily grazed by sheep (hence the dominance of J. squarrosus). Generally the grassland is quite wet with locally frequent Eriophorum vaginatum, Molinia caerulea, Polytrichum commune and Sphagnum spp. Locally Molinia caerulea becomes dominant, as at (1), marking a localised transition to marshy grassland. Also present here are small peaty pools with Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum cuspidatum. On slightly higher and better drained ground (on the valley slopes at (2) for example) the acidic grassland is dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa, Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina, Juncus squarrosus, Agrostis capillaris, Galium saxatile and Potentilla erecta with occasional plants of Vaccinium myrtillus. On the sides of the gill are large exposures of weathered shales. At (3) this type of grassland occurs among scattered gritstone boulders, where there are grazed plants of Vaccinium myrtillus and some Cladonia portentosa with Blechnum spicant in the rock crevices. The southern tip of the common also has a small patch of dry-modified bog, dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum with little or no Sphagnum spp. or Polytrichum spp. Occasional grazed plants of Narthecium ossifragum and Vaccinium myrtillus were recorded here. The blanket bog on the common is typically dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum, often also with E. angustifolium. Often there is abundant Polytrichum spp. and Sphagnum spp. between the tussocks. Sphagnum spp. recorded include S. papillosum, S. subnitens, S. palustre, S. cuspidatum, S. recurvum and S. fimbriatum. Locally there is abundant Molinia caerulea, while at (5) there is occasional Narthecium ossifragum. This species also occurs at (6) where there is also locally occasional overgrazed Vaccinium myrtillus with Tricophorum cespitosum and Drosera rotundifolia. The latter species was recorded at  (7) also with Vaccinium oxycoccos. In various places the bog is showing signs of degradation due to grazing, with some patches of bare peat. This was observed at (8), where there are also old Betula sp. trunks exposed from the peat at the side of a stream. The stream itself is choked with Juncus effusus and occasional stands of a Carex species, possibly C. rostrata. The surrounding bog has frequent but short Vaccinium myrtillus and V. oxycoccos (influence of grazing). Further small patches of bare peat were recorded at (9) again attributed to grazing livestock. Locally frequent species in this area include Narthecium ossifragum, Tricophorum cespitosum, Erica tetralix, Sphagnum spp., Polytrichum commune and Cladonia portentosa. Further references to damage caused by grazing occur at (10) where there are abundant Molinia caerulea and Juncus squarrosus within the bog, with scattered short Vaccinium myrtillus and peaty pools with Sphagnum cuspidatum. A target note at (11) refers to a very wet area of bog with Eriophorum vaginatum, Carex panicea and Juncus spp., with Molinia caerulea at its edges. The other principal component of the vegetation are the large areas of acidic flush.  These are dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune. Carex rostrata was recorded on the valley slope at (12) in the south. Very few specific target notes refer to the flushes and presumably they must be relatively species-poor. Species mentioned include Juncus conglomeratus, J. effusus, J. squarrosus, Sphagnum palustre, S. recurvum, Polytrichum commune, Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Carex panicea, Nardus stricta and Molinia caerulea.

MANAGE:
There are several references to management in the Phase 1 report for the common. The common has 8 rights of pasture for sheep. The general description for sheet SD66SW describes the common as "heavily grazed" and makes the point that much of the acidic grassland is semi-improved, dominated by Juncus effusus. Several of the target notes make comments such as "heavy grazing is apparent" (sheep) and ascribes areas of bare peat on the common and other areas of "bog degradation" to the effect of sheep grazing. A further point made is that any Vaccinium myrtillus present was all rather short, again having the appearance of being selectively grazed. The presence of an excavated drainage channel at (11) was also noted.


FAUNA:
The weather was overcast at the time of the survey and the only fauna recorded was a hovering kestrel. There was evidence of numerous Rabbits to the north-west of the common.

VEG:
There was no information available from the Lancashire Phase 1 survey and a full field survey was therefore carried out. The common occupies a strip of land running in a north-westerly direction from the plateau of Pendle Hill eventually descending sharply into the Ribble Valley. The part of the common which lies on the plateau has an expanse of blanket mire or dry-modified bog. In the south this is deeply dissected in places by erosion channels in the peat which run toward Ogden Clough on the southern boundary. The bog is dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and has abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and Vaccinium myrtillus, locally abundant Empetrum nigrum, and locally frequent Eriophorum angustifolium (NVC M20). Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix occur very rarely together at less than 1 percent ground cover. Area (2) represents the edge of the plateau where the bog occurs as remnants only within an expanse of unimproved acidic grassland. This is either dominated by Nardus stricta (NVC U5) or Juncus squarrosus (NVC U6). Area (3) is the steepest part of the plateau edge (approximate gradient 1 in 1.5). Most of this area is a loose sandstone rock and scree with 20 percent patchy cover of unimproved acidic grassland with Festuca ovina, Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus squarrosus and Nardus stricta (NVC U5). Area (4) is at the base of the steep slope and is an area with more Nardus stricta-dominated unimproved grassland. At (5) is a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland (25 percent) and numerous diffuse acidic flushes (75 percent). The grassland has three constant species, Juncus squarrosus (50 percent cover), Nardus stricta (40 percent cover), and Polytrichum commune (30 percent cover). Sphagnum spp. occur locally at 5 percent cover, making this a sward of NVC U6. Small areas are drier and dominated by Nardus stricta (NVC U5). The acidic flushes are dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum, S. papillosum, Polytrichum commune with locally frequent Juncus squarrosus and Eriophorum angustifolium (NVC M6c). Locally there is Carex echinata. At (6) there are a number of more species-rich acidic flushes. Additional species include Juncus articulatus, Carex panicea, C. nigra, C. echinata, C. demissa, Equisetum fluviatile, and less commonly, Carex dioica, Ranunculus flammula and Triglochin palustris. Area (7) is a steeply sloping hillside largely covered by closely-grazed semi-improved acidic grassland. This is dominated by Festuca ovina, with locally frequent Agrostis capillaris, Poa annua, Stellaria media and tussocks of Juncus effusus. Locally there are occasional Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Nardus stricta, Campanula rotundifolia and Euphrasia officinalis.  In the region of Burst Clough there are also occasional bushes of Crataegus monogyna and Fraxinus excelsior trees. At the edge of the common is a defunct hedge with Crataegus monogyna trees.

MANAGE:
The common is unfenced apart from the lower part to the north-west. This allows grazing sheep to roam freely across the common from adjoining land units. The intensity of sheep grazing is variable, being modest on the blanket bog at (1) and at its most intensive on the slope at (7). The lower part of the latter area is grazed by horses (for which there is no grazing right). There is also evidence of extensive rabbit grazing throughout this part of the common. The scarce plants of Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix in area (1) have a combined cover of less than 1 percent. The plants are all fairly small, around 10cm and do not show any signs of being grazed (possibly they are too scarce to be targeted). However much of the Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum on the bog have a distinctly "topiary" appearance which may have been induced by grazing. The eroded gullies in the blanket mire show the peat depth to be around 1.5m at this point.


FAUNA:
A Skylark was noted during the field survey.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Lancashire Phase 1 survey between 1984 and 1989 (report produced 1991). However the relevant vegetation maps could not be located at the time of data collation. It was necessary in any event to do a full survey of the contiguous Lancashire common CL 166, and so this common has also been re-surveyed. The common is dominated by Rushy Hill (315m) with sloping ground to the south, east and north. The hill itself (1) supports unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with frequent Juncus squarrosus, Agrostis capillaris and Deschampsia flexuosa, and locally occasional Juncus effusus and Molinia caerulea. Rarely there are small plants of Vaccinium myrtillus. This grassland belongs mainly to NVC type U5. The eastern part of the hilltop appears to be favoured by sheep and has some semi-improved acidic grassland with abundant Poa annua. To the north of the hill (2) is a species-poor sward of marshy grassland dominated by tussocky Molinia caerulea. Deschampsia flexuosa is abundant throughout and there are locally frequent Nardus stricta and Juncus squarrosus. This grassland may be transitional between NVC types U5 and M25. On the southern and eastern flanks of the hill, the vegetation becomes heathy in character, but often in a mosaic with marshy grassland similar to the above. At (2) and (3) for example there is a 50 percent cover of low-growing Empetrum nigrum with locally occasional Vaccinium myrtillus. The main part of the hill to the south however (4) has unimproved acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta with a 10% cover of Empetrum nigrum. In the south-west at (5) there is locally frequent Galium saxatile within the mosaic of grassland vegetation and near the boundary wall occasional bushes of Ulex gallii. At (6) there are numerous small exclosures which contain domestic houses. Much of the grassland in the vicinity has become semi-improved in character with locally abundant Juncus effusus, Poa annua, Agrostis capillaris and Cirsium arvense. At (7) there is a small patch of neutral grassland which has recently been planted with trees, including Fagus sylvatica, Betula pendula and a Prunus sp. To the extreme south-west of the common is an area which is fenced from the remainder of the common. Much of this area has a mosaic of unimproved acidic grassland and dry dwarf shrub heath (8). Calluna vulgaris is present at 60 percent cover along with Vaccinium myrtillus at 20 percent cover. The area as a whole seems to be a series of long-abandoned, shallow quarry workings. The acidic grassland is again dominated by Nardus stricta, and has frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and occasional Empetrum nigrum, Molinia caerulea, Agrostis capillaris and Juncus squarrosus. Elsewhere there are areas of marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea, but also with Juncus effusus and Deschampsia cespitosa in places. A small acidic flush at the base of the old quarry is dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune and has frequent Holcus mollis and occasional Dryopteris dilatata. The north of the common is occupied by Lobden Golf Course (9), mainly a sward of amenity grassland, reverting to marshy grassland at its periphery.

MANAGE:
The most prominent management activity on the common is that associated with the golf course (i.e. grass mowing). Elsewhere the common is grazed by sheep which can range freely between this and the contiguous common CL 166, since there is no boundary fence at this point. However part of the common has been separated from the rest by an internal fence (8) and appears un-grazed. Here there is abundant Calluna vulgaris at about 60 percent cover. The plants have a varied age structure, reaching about 40cm tall, with no signs of grazing damage. Most plants were flowering profusely at the time of the survey.


FAUNA:
Recorded during the site survey were: Redshank, Lapwing, Robin, Black-headed Gull, Sparrowhawk, Magpie, Shelduck, flock of starlings, Wren, Rabbits.  
The common lies within the Lune Estuary SSSI. Mudflats within the SSSI are rich in invertebrates and provide extensive feeding grounds for waders and many wildfowl, especially Shelduck. Sandbanks provide important low tide roosting sites for Pink-footed Geese and other waterfowl. Saltmarshes provide roosting sites for waders at high tide, and support large numbers of wildfowl.

VEG:
The common was covered by the Saltmarsh Survey of Great Britain in 1983 and lies within the Lune Estuary SSSI. A field visit was necessary to look for changes in the vegetation since the 1983 survey, to investigate current management practice, and to take photographs. A large portion of the common is intertidal sand and mud within the Lune Estuary itself. Numerous creeks penetrate from here deep into the saltmarsh. To the southern edge of the saltmarsh is an area which is currently accreting (1). This comprises an area of sand with frequent to abundant Salicornia europaea and locally abundant Puccinellia maritima. Adjoining the open sand of the estuary there is also a bank with scattered Spartina anglica. This is predominantly a pioneer saltmarsh community of NVC type SM8. The areas with colonising Spartina anglica probably belong to NVC type SM6. The majority of the saltmarsh (2) is a mid-upper marsh community belonging to NVC type SM13. The surface of the marsh has subtle topographical variations. The vegetation is dominated by both Festuca rubra and Puccinellia maritima in a fairly closely grazed sward. These are accompanied by frequent Salicornia europaea and Triglochin maritima with locally frequent Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Glaux maritima and occasional Armeria maritima. Scattered small patches of Spartina anglica are present throughout. The sides of the creeks, which are quite deep (to 3.0m), have ungrazed vegetation dominated by Puccinellia martima and locally frequent Suaeda maritima, Aster tripolium, Cochlearia anglica and Halimione portulacoides. Some of the larger creeks also have invading Spartina anglica on the open mud. In places the surface of the saltmarsh has been very badly poached by the hooves of  cattle, especially at (3) and there are numerous small elongated pools of brackish water. Parts of the saltmarsh are slightly more elevated, particularly at the edges of creeks and along the margin to the east which adjoins the River Lune.  These areas tend to be free of poaching damage and tend to be dominated by Festuca rubra, with frequent Puccinellia maritima and Glaux maritima, with the previously mentioned halophytes of occasional occurrence. Along the western (landward) edge of the common, the saltmarsh vegetation becomes more varied in composition. In the badly poached area at (3) there are numerous "stools" of undisturbed vegetation, the tops of which are dominated by Plantago maritima and have frequent Juncus gerardii, Glaux maritima, Puccinellia maritima, Agrostis stolonifera and Triglochin palustris. In the trampled areas between there is much standing water, and there are also three dense stands of Scirpus maritimus, a swamp community belonging to NVC type S21. Along the boundary at this point is a bank of improved grassland, backed by a defunct hedge with isolated small trees of Crataegus monogyna. At (4) there is an area typical of the main saltmarsh, but with locally frequent Spartina anglica. At (5) is a small disused quarry, now occupied by saltmarsh. This again has been badly poached by cattle and is dominated by Puccinellia maritima, with a good range of other halophytes and about 25 percent cover of Spartina anglica. The edge of the quarry has an old cliff face (sandstone) about 10.0m tall, with abundant Salicornia europaea at its base and Halimione perched portulacoides above. The cliff supports a number of tree and shrub species, including Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus agg., Sambucus nigra, Ulex europaeus and a species of Pyrus, probably introduced accidentally. At (6) is a small "island" of elevated ground. This supports dense scrub of Crataegus monogyna bushes with occasional Rubus fruticosus and Ulex europaeus. Grassland beneath has been eutrophicated, being an area favoured by livestock. At (7) there is saltmarsh consistent with that elsewhere on the common, but with a 50 percent cover of bare muddy patches with only occasional Salicornia europaea. At (8) is a dense stand of Spartina anglica at the margin of the saltmarsh, while at (9) this species is absent, the saltmarsh being dominated by closely grazed Festuca rubra, with the other halophytes as before. At (10) however the saltmarsh is rather muddy, with occasional Salicornia europaea, and has been badly poached by cattle hooves. Spartina anglica is dominant-to-abundant throughout this area. Behind here (11) is a band of saltmarsh free of S. anglica, still badly poached. At (12) the saltmarsh grades into a raised foreshore with rocks and pebbles, with some invading Spartina anglica at the seaward edge of the saltmarsh.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed extensively by cattle (and possibly also by sheep). There has been excessive localised disruption and poaching of the saltmarsh turf by cattle hooves in places. At (3) the rutting is so deep that the area is now avoided by stock. The vegetation of the common is remarkably unchanged from the 1983 survey. However one notable feature is the accretion of the saltmarsh at (1). This was only noted as a scattered area of pioneer Salicornia europaea in 1983, and appears to occupy a much larger area now (the 1983 map was drawn only approximately to scale). The spread of Spartina anglica into this area from a smaller population to the east should also be noted. S. anglica was also present in the area around Ferry Cottage (8) in 1983 and its area of cover seems to have increased here also.


MANAGE:
Heavily used for recreation, with golf course, picnic                 
 areas, horse gallops and model aircraft area. The central area is mown        
 regularly by Hinckley Golf Club. Where areas are not mown, rough              
 grassland and scrub have developed. A network of rides and firebreaks         
 are mown most frequently, throughout the summer. A grassland crop is          
 taken on an informal basis by local farmers. Stamp & Hoskins (1963)           
 refer to control by a Committee of Reeves, who theoretically control          
 pasturing of cattle between 12th May and 21st October. The scientific         
 interest of the common is not incompatible with public usage at the           
 present or slightly increased levels, but its management requires             
 careful planning, as detailed in the MSC management plan.


FAUNA:
The common holds a range of common breeding birds such as Linnets.

VEG:
The common is a mosaic of acidic unimproved and semi-improved grassland with areas of scrub and scattered trees. Areas marked (1) are regularly mown grass rides. Areas marked (2) are rough grassland containing Holcus lanatus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Carex hirta, Lotus uliginosus and Lysimachia vulgaris. Drier and more acidic parts (3) hold Festuca ovina, Agrostis spp., Galium saxatile, Campanula rotundifolia, Succisa pratensis and Calluna vulgaris forming heathy grassland. Scattered mature trees (e.g. (4)) are mainly oak. Areas marked (5) are mixture of oaks and scrub with trees up to 20 years old and mainly Ulex europaeus, Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus and Rosa sp. - good habitat for nesting passerines e.g. Linnets. G2 boundary ditches (6) are generally rich with Ranunculus aquatilis, Berula erecta, Apium nodiflorum and Sparganium erectum. Full species list in MSC report.

MANAGE:
Heavily used for recreation, with golf course, picnic areas, horse gallops and model aircraft area. The central area is mown regularly by Hinckley Golf Club. Where areas are not mown, rough grassland and scrub have developed. A network of rides and firebreaks are mown most frequently throughout the summer. A grassland crop is taken on an informal basis by local farmers. Stamp and Hoskins (1963) refer to control by a Committee of Reeves, who theoretically control pasturing of cattle between 12th May and 21st October. The scientific interest of this common is not incompatible with public usage at the present or slightly increased levels, but its management requires careful planning, as detailed in the MSC management plan.


FAUNA:
On visit: Bullfinch, Swallow, Great Tit, Woodpigeon.

VEG:
Much of the common is dense hawthorn scrub (A21) grading into scrubby secondary woodland with Sambucus nigra and Acer pseudo-platanus. B22 rough grassland occurs in between with Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens, Holcus lanatus, Plantago major. In a rocky area (I14) with large granite boulders near the quarry Sedum acre, Heracleum sphondylium, Rubus fruticosus, Carduus nutans and Rosa sp. occur.  The rocky outcrop of Castle Hill is a mosaic of rough grassland with Agrostis capillaris, Galium verum and Rumex acetosella in less disturbed areas.

MANAGE:
The common is a popular local recreation area but has little botanical interest. The dense scrub is a valuable habitat for nesting birds but further encroachment should be checked to maintain open areas.  This has been done on a small scale on Castle Hill and steps and a seat have been installed. A war memorial is located at the summit.  There appears to be little other management taking place and the uneven terrain and slopes makes mowing difficult, producing a rank, tussocky sward. Consideration should be given, however, to mowing small areas with a brush cutter and removal of cuttings to provide some structural diversity in the grassland.


FAUNA:
On visit one family of Little Grebes noted on river.

VEG:
This common contains interesting remnants of a former unimproved alluvial meadow and shows affinities with a species-poor NVC MG4 Alopecurus pratensis-Sanguisorba officinalis flood meadow. The presence of S. officinalis and Silaum silaus is of note but these are very sparse and the field has probably been improved in the past resulting in an abundance of grasses including Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis stolonifera, Phleum sp. and Deschampsia caespitosa. Herbs are scarce relative to grasses but include Centaurea nigra, Filipendula ulmaria and Lathyrus pratensis. Along the river bank Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica and Dipsacus fullonum occur.  The dense boundary hedge is of ash Fraxinus excelsior, Viburnum opulus, Crataegus monogyna and Salix capraea. A slow flowing river forms the north-east boundary.

MANAGE:
This common is threatened by proposed gravel extraction. Whilst the common has lost some of its botanical interest, the main species of note are still present and may be encouraged to increase under a lighter grazing regime. Gravel extraction should be opposed as this alluvial meadow habitat is unusual on Leicestershire commons, and rare in the county. The predominantly intensive arable nature of the surrounding fields provides a marked contrast.  The file note at Leics Museum states that it is mown for hay, but at the time of the survey it was cattle grazed and a hay crop did not appear to have been taken. Hay making would probably be beneficial, but whatever any future management, no artificial fertiliser should be used.


FAUNA:
On visit, only Great Tit noted. Boundary hedges are likely to be most important feature for fauna.

VEG:
The whole common is a close-mown improved grassland sward (B4), showing affinities with a NVC MG7 Lolium perenne community.

MANAGE:
The grassland is close-mown, and there has been a little tree planting. There is some dumped litter. The common could be improved by leaving larger uncut areas, perhaps peripheral, or leaving areas which have only an annual hay cut. This would help to provide structural diversity for invertebrates. Grass cuttings should always be removed from the site. A limited amount of further tree planting (native broad-leaves) could occur.


FAUNA:
On visit: Robin, Blue Tit, Bullfinch, Chiffchaff, and Wood Pigeon noted.

VEG:
The common is predominantly rank neutral grassland, semi-improved (B22), though a substantial proportion is wooded. The grassland is a rank MG1 community occasionally mown along road edges. There is one patch of Reynoutria japonica with Rubus idaeus. The SE corner is fenced-off and trees have been planted including Picea sitchensis, Acer campestre Quercus sp., Sorbus aucuparia, Fraxinus and Acer pesuedoplatanus. The A111 woodland parts of the site are mainly Q. robur with Betula pendula some Sambucus and Ilex. Ground flora is mainly Holcus mollis Hyacinthoides non-scripta and Pteridium aquilinum with Rubus fruticosus, Silene dioica and Anthriscus sylvestris. Other species include Malus sylvestris, Euonymus europaeus, Cytisus scoparius and Ulex europaeus. A21 scrub is dense Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus Corylus and Salix sp. Other species noted on site include Stachys sylvatica, Chamaenerion angustifolium and Ulmus sp.

MANAGE:
Road edges are mown, and the south-eastern area has been fenced off and planted. Most trees were thriving, though the oaks seemed to be dying.  There is some dumping on the common. The woodland showed little regeneration. The site could be improved by mowing the grassland areas sympathetically, leaving varied structure and removing cuttings. The woodland could do with some thinning, and the path running along the long axis of the wood could be widened to form a ride, and allow light in to encourage regeneration. The planted area should be tended, but the sitka spruce should be removed, leaving a broad-leaved mix only.


FAUNA:
On visit Wood Pigeon and Robin were noted.  Also Arion ater.

VEG:
Wide verges with hedges. Although noted by Leics. Museum file to be quite rich in species, the B22 grassland is in fact a species-poor MG7 community in general with some MG1. Typical species are Lolium perenne, Plantago lanceolata, P. major, Daucus carota, Urtica dioica, Rumex spp., Achillea millefolium and Rubus fruticosus. A ditch at the southern end is deeply incised with nettles and Epilobium hirsutum.  Approximately 20% of the common is a thick hedge with much Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Acer campestre and scattered ash trees Fraxinus excelsior.

MANAGE:
Much of the roadside grassland is mown and the cuttings left, leading to eutrophication of the sward and an increase in docks and ruderal species. There has been some dumping, and bare ground has been formed by cars parking on the verge. Trees have been planted in places, including Aesculus hippocastanum, Acer pseudoplatanus and Quercus sp. The hedge has been flailed into an `A' shape in places. This latter practice should continue as a form of positive hedge management. No further tree planting should occur, and the grassland should be mown annually with removal of cuttings, to allow the establishment of a more diverse sward.


FAUNA:
On visit: Wood Pigeon, Blackbird, Robin and Chaffinch noted.

VEG:
A21 scrub forms distinct patches, usually dense. Dominant species are Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, but Rosa sp. and Rhamnus catharticus recorded. Much of the B22 grassland is NVC MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius community with small areas of more improved MG7 grassland. The scrub has a MG1 fringe along much of its length, and nettles are frequent in the MG1 grassland.  The 1975 survey recorded Viola hirta and much Viola odorata and also Listera ovata. The site used to possess a calcareous flora and in 1983 Brachypodium pinnatum, Briza media, Carduus acanthoides, Galium verum, Senecio erucifolius, Silaum silaus and Succisa pratensis were recorded. Although B.pinnatum still occurs, the site does not appear ideal for the other species, and semi-improvement or eutrophication due to neglect has occurred. However some of grassland had been cut, limiting the efficiency of the survey. Scrub cover appears to have increased on the common.

MANAGE:
Prior to WW2, the common used to be cattle grazed. Much of the grassland and the immediate road verges are mown, and some areas closer to houses are mown by the house occupants. A few trees have been planted, including Aesculus carnea. Scrub has increased on the site, and the L&RWT proposed scrub clearance in 1984. The sward is still reasonably diverse, but is rank in many areas, and scrub is still encroaching. Steps must be taken to restore the interest of this site, which is still likely to hold interesting species. The whole of the grassland must be cut at least annually, and the cuttings removed (this does happen in one or two areas), and the scrub must be cleared back gradually from the existing grassland areas. In a county context, the grassland on this site is of some importance, and there is no evidence to suggest that the increasing rankness has damaged the site permanently, at least to date.


FAUNA:
On visit: Robin, Blackbird and Blue Tit noted. The scrub areas are likely to be of value to birds.

VEG:
Most of the common is on the north-east side of the road; the south side is occasional patches of MG1 and a thin hedge or a tall hedge close to the road. Map indicates patches of A21 scrub and B22 grassland which account for the bulk of the site. The B4 grassland is a small patch around a new road junction. Mowing of the common limited survey efficiency. See map for target notes: (A) is dense scrub, quite tall, largely Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa and Sambucus nigra with areas of B22(MG1), generally close to the road. There are some patches of tall herb vegetation (small) with Urtica dioica and Chamaenerion angustifolium. This section is 10-15m wide in general. Area (B) is a mown area of fairly species-rich grassland. Species include Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Centaurea nigra,Rumex obtusifolius, Dactylis glomerata, Lathyrus pratensis, Potentilla anserina, Senecio jacobaea and Deschampsia caespitosa.  Area (C) is a long area of scrub, with a thin strip of rank MG1 along the roadside.  Various sections of this have been cleared in the past, leading to a diversity in structure.  The dominant species is Prunus spinosa, with other species such as Crataegus monogyna and some Malus sylvestris.  Cowslips Primula veris occur in this section.  Area (D) is the new junction, with reseeded grassland surrounding.  Areas (E) are strips of mown MG1 or MG7, c. 15 m wide.  Section (F) was cleared of scrub in 1981, and the stretch was planted with a variety of native species such as Acer campestre, Alnus glutinosa and Corylus avellana. Now it is generally scrub free but rank MG1, with D. caespitosa and J. effusus. It is quite wet in places, and has scattered ash trees and willows.

MANAGE:
Some parts of the common are mown, and cuttings left, but in general much is left unmown, except for a thin roadside strip. Area (B) has cuttings removed. There is some tree planting in places, generally scattered individual saplings, and there is some dumping. The grassland areas need cutting every year, with removal of cuttings (as in area B, which is floristically the richest area of the common, probably not by coincidence), and thinning and some clearance of scrub, to maintain the existing grassland, should be undertaken. Scrub clearance on various parts of the common has been undertaken periodically in the past.


FAUNA:
On visit: Blackbird, Chaffinch, Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Robin, Willow Warbler.  
22 species of Mollusc were recorded in 1970. 
The glow worm beetle Lampyris noctiluca was recorded in 1977.

VEG:
The B31 sward is dominated by Poa pratensis Koeleria cristata, Helictotrichon pubescens, Festuca ovina, F. rubra and Trisetum flavescens. Herbs include Pimpinella saxifraga, Clinopodium vulgare, Saxifraga granulata and Viola hirta. Where the soil is thin, often in association with rocky outcrops, the sward is suppressed and the following species occur: Saxifraga tridactylites, Erophila verna, Erodium cicutarium, Arabidopsis thaliana and Sedum acre. The grassland is becoming badly invaded by A21 and A22 scrub. This is largely Crataegus monogyna with some Sambucus nigra and Rosa sp. together with ranker grassland surrounding and in between with much Rubus fruticosus and thistles Cirsium spp. The scrub is densest below the road up to the church and covers approximately 60% of the site. The grassland is also becoming rank with an increase in cover of Dactylis glomerata, though generally the sward remains species-rich.

MANAGE:
Scrub clearance was evidently last carried out in 1978 and 1979 by the owners of the site, and it is needed urgently now, most importantly from around the edges of the remaining grassland. The grass itself is becoming very rank, and grazing would be ideal to  maintain the interest of the site, though the level of public use (as evidenced by the signs of horse riders and the amount of litter dumping) and the problem of fencing would probably mitigate against this. Cutting of selected areas would seem to be the most feasible way of preventing eutrophication of the sward and providing structural diversity in the grassland. Cuttings should be removed.


FAUNA:
On visit Stock Dove, Goldfinch and Moorhen noted.

VEG:
An area of improved grassland, recorded as such by Leicester Museum Survey in 1978.  Area (1) is improved reseeded pasture dominated by Lolium perenne with very few herbs. Other species include Taraxacum officinale, Senecio vulgaris, Ranunculus repens, Dactylis glomerate and clumps of Urtica dioica. In places the grass is tussocky with areas of poached bare ground. Boundaries (2) as follows: S. boundary is a dense Crataegus monogyna hedge with Fraxinus standards and some Sambucus nigra. Bryonia dioica occurs in hedge. W. boundary is more gappy with tall hawthorn bushes. Eastern boundary has hawthorn and Salix fragilis along a dry ditch. Uncut margins by hedges have much U. dioica. River bank (3) is steeply sloping with abundant U. dioica, Arrhenatherum elatius and Epilobium hirsutum. River edge has Sparganium erectum, Iris pseudacorus with Scirpus lacustris in the river itself.

MANAGE:
The area has been ploughed and reseeded in the past. In 1988 it had been cut for hay then grazed by c.20 cattle at time of visit. It would be best to continue this management at this site but with no further pasture improvement.


FAUNA:
On visit: Swift, House Sparrow, Carrion Crow noted; also Grey Squirrel.

VEG:
Most of the site is improved grassland (1) dominated by Lolium perenne. A rough uncut margin has been left along the northern boundary with taller Lolium Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica and occasional Rubus, extending to wire fence. Area (2) is childrens' play area. Areas marked (3) are lines of scattered trees - poplars, oaks and hawthorns have been planted on N. boundary, a line of tall mature birches and limes occurs on the eastern boundary and around the edge of the play area. (3a) is a group of very large sycamores. Area (4) is a small formal garden with a central lawn, flower beds and paved area with seats. It is bordered by flower beds and shrubs with some tall mature sycamores. Point (5) is a toilet block.

MANAGE:
The playing field (1) is regularly mown, and the sward is very short. The childrens' play area (2) has slides, climbing frames etc. The small garden (4) is regularly planted with annuals and the central lawn mown. Seats have been provided here and by the playground.  The common is intensively managed for recreation and obviously well-used. Leaving longer vegetation around the edges would increase the structural diversity of the sward, but in general the present management is adequate as the present usage allows little scope for change.


FAUNA:
On visit: Wren, Robin and Blue Tit noted, but bird activity low due to heavy rain.  The scrub is likely to be a valuable feature for passerines.

VEG:
(1) Continuous bracken. This occurs on all open ground, especially around the car park, growing mainly over acid grassland and in clearings. (2) Continuous and scattered scrub: main species are Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus Corylus with mature Acer pseudoplatanus and Quercus sp. Ulex europaeus is common in clumps and Betula pendula is occasional. Clearings in the scrub are dominated by bracken. (3) Semi-natural secondary woodland is mostly concentrated west of the road and dominated by Quercus sp. with large old multi-stemmed hawthorn, blackthorn, elder and birch with Pteridium as ground cover. Oaks also grow in a small wooded area over acidic grassland N of car park. (4) B11 acid grassland: occurs round the rocky tor and beneath trees and bracken. Dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris, with Potentilla erecta, Teucrium scorodinia, Galium saxatile, Rubus fruticosus and Holcus lanatus. Vaccinium myrtillus was recorded by Leics. Museum, but it was not relocated. (5) parking area partly surfaced, with Lolium and Agrostis between tracks. Plantago major and P. lanceolata, Trifolium repens and Achillea millefolium are common; Senecio squalidus is present.

MANAGE:
The common appears to be unmanaged, apart from the enlargement of the car park. Main problems on the site are scrub and bracken encroachment, tipping and accidental burning of the vegetation Tipping is especially common along SE edge. At present the common is still a valuable mosaic of unimproved habitats, but could be improved by scrub clearance, bracken mowing and cutting of the grassland, with removal of cuttings. Some tree planting has been carried out in the NW corner.


FAUNA:
Breeding Lapwing and Redshank recorded. Dragonflies recorded include Calopteryx splendens, Pyrrhosoma nymphula, Pyrrhosoma nymphula mixta and Libellula depressa.  56 species of moth recorded during trapping in 1981, including five species local or rare within the county. 19 species of butterfly recorded. The common is a ISR site grade C. There are records of Coleoptera Hemiptera and especially Lepidoptera (see above). Notable A and Nb beetles and moths have been recorded and records suggest a good wetland fauna.

VEG:
The site is the largest remaining example of unimproved alluvial grassland left in the county and is the only Leics. site for Oenanthe silaifolia. The grassland is largely an NVC MG4 community. The hay fields contain typical flood meadow species including Sanguisorba officinalis, Silaum silaus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra, Poa trivialis, Hordeum secalinum, Centaurea nigra and Trisetum flavescens. Other species include Thalictrum flavum, Galium verum, Saxifraga granulata and Filipendula vulgaris. Some areas have been improved in the past and are floristically poorer with Lolium perenne, Cynosurus cristatus and Ranunculus spp. dominant. These areas are not clearly defined. The Summerpool Brook is eutrophic and slow-flowing and contains Glyceria maxima, Carex acutiformis, C. riparia, Filipendula ulmaria, Lycopus europaeus and Ranunculus scleratus.

MANAGE:
Governed by its own enclosure act of 1762. The area between the track and the Summerpool Brook is summer grazed. The rest is cut for hay and the aftermath grazed. The hay can be cut after 15th June; it is usually cut in early July. The hay is sold before it is cut and the buyer cuts it. Certain areas have had fertilisers applied but the NCC is trying to stop this practice. Generally the management appears to be ideal. The 1762 enclosure act allowed parcels of land to be enclosed, but the owner then lost the right to graze other areas.


FAUNA:
Good range of common birds on the SSSI as a whole and an invertebrate list for the SSSI exists in the NCC Files. There is a badger sett just to the north of the common.  ISR site grade C. An invertebrate survey in 1983 recorded several local and uncommon species of beetle and a stonefly. There are additional records of moths, butterflies and beetle. It is not clear however which, if any, of these records relate to the common.

VEG:
The main areas of interest in the SSSI lie to the north of the small section of it that is common land. The common is predominantly rough grassland, not species-rich. Species present include Pteridium aquilinum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta and Epilobium angustifolium.  The east side of the site (1) supports scrub of Crataegus monogyna and occasional Quercus robur.

MANAGE:
The grassland is becoming rank, and scrub clearance is needed to maintain the grassland.


FAUNA:
No information available, but unlikely to be rich or diverse.

VEG:
The whole field had been recently ploughed and reseeded forming an improved grassland sward (B4). Previously it was noted as `improved'  by Leics. Museum Phase 1 survey. In 1976 the Leics. Flora survey recorded Caltha palustris, Oenanthe fistulosa, Senecio aquatica, Ranunculus aquaticus and Saxifraga granulata.  The river bank is a rank NVC MG1 community with nettles. In the river there are patches of Sparganium spp. and Scirpus lacustris, but the banks themselves are very steep at the base.

MANAGE:
Ploughing and reseeding has recently taken place. The common appears to have been quite rich in species in 1976, and was probably an unimproved meadow. Positive management recommendations are difficult to make given its present status. Perhaps the best option, short of reseeding with a herb-rich mix, is to graze or take a hay crop every year, with no further improvement, reseeding or fertilizer application.


VEG:
Most of the site is arable land and cropped for wheat at present.  The south-eastern corner is allotment gardens. Two are worked as gardens, the rest of the area has been abandoned and has much rough grassland. The hedge along the road has large Fraxinus excelsior, Acer campestre and Crataegus monogyna. Recorded as arable land by Leics Museum Survey in 1972. L&RWT survey in 1987 noted rough grassland in former allotment gardens - species present included Dactylis glomerata, Elymus repens, Cirsium vulgare, Epilobium montanum, Heracleum sphondylium, Lamium album, Lolium perenne and Urtica dioica, most of which are still present.

MANAGE:
Previous survey noted rough grassland, but did not mention allotments, so it is possible that they may have been recently taken over. The rough grassland over the rest of the plot could be cut once a year and cuttings removed, but it is probably best to leave the management as at present; the area not under cultivation is too small to manage effectively for wildlife. The dense hedge along the roadside should be maintained as a valuable feature.


FAUNA:
One of the most important Lepidoptera sites in the county. Moth trapping over 1 year on the SSSI produced 200+ spp., including rare and local species. The mix of habitats supports diverse populations of birds and invertebrates. 30 breeding birds occur, including Lesser White throat and Turtle Dove and visiting Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. 15 species of butterfly have been recorded. The pool at the western end of the SSSI is important for aquatic invertebrates. No information for the verges outside the SSSI section. ISR site grade C on basis of moth fauna.

VEG:
Starting from the NW (1) the common comprises a 1m strip of roughly mown MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, grading into wider unmown MG1 and scrub with Heracleum sphondylium, blackthorn, hawthorn, elder, Urtica dioica, Epilobium angustifolium, Artemisia vulgaris, Cirsium arvense, Rubus, Calystegia sepium, Stachys sylvatica. The scrub is densest furthest from the road and includes some large oak trees. At (2) the verge is 50m wide mown MG7 Lolium perenne with Taraxacum officinale, Potentilla anserina, P.reptans. On the N side of the road (3) drainage is impeded by tractor ruts, and a community of Juncus inflexus, Carex otrubae and Deschampsia caespitosa occurs. A ditch nearby (4) has Epilobium hirsutum, Scrophularia aquatica, Solanum dulcamara. On the south side at (5), uncut MG9 D.caespitosa occurs with ruderals including Rumex obtusifolius and Hypochoeris radicata. Cattle grazing occurs at (6) where part of the common is enclosed with an electric fence, producing an MG7 Lolium perenne sward with many thistles.  Further south (7), scrub becomes dominant with some large oak and ash along the boundary. 

One of the most valuable areas is at (8) where Sanguisorba officinalis is frequent in an MG9 D. caespitosa community with scattered Silaum silaus, Lathyrus pratensis, Pulicaria dysenterica, Vicia cracca, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium palustre, Senecio jacobea.  Disturbed areas here have Agrostis stolonifera, Galeopsis tetrahit and Odontites verna.  Towards the SSSI, the grassland becomes rank and scrubbed over, with much Rubus; S. officinalis decreases in frequency.

The SSSI was not surveyed, but from existing records it appears to be a neglected area, poorly drained and suffering from scub invasion.  Open areas (9) have Molinia and D.caespitosa grassland  with Nardus in places. Holcus lanatus is abundant, and the wetter areas have J.effusus, J.inflexus and J.conglomerata. Serratula tinctoria, Cirsium dissectum, C.demissa, C.pilulifera, C.hostiana, Dactylorhiza maculata ssp ericetorium, Galium saxatile and Achillea ptarmica.  These areas are at risk from encroaching scrub. The scrub consists of Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna and Salix capraea.

MANAGE:
Management is very variable along the length of the common, ranging from cattle grazing on a Lolium sward, to years of neglect, resulting in dense scrub. The SSSI in particular is in need of continual scrub clearance to maintain the open areas and species of interest. This is being undertaken by the L&RWT. A pipeline in this area is mown annually, which is of benefit. In the NE the mature scrub could be left to develop into woodland. A fire destroyed Genista anglica and Calluna in 1967. The pool was cleared in 1980 and this should be repeated when necessary. Grazing should be extended onto more of the common, particularly in area (8) where it should be carefully controlled to maintain Sanguisorba officinalis and S. silaus. The use of electric fencing, as used in (6) could facilitate this. The common is important in a county context, and the occurrence of several unusual species makes suitable management a priority.


FAUNA:
None recorded: the site is unlikely to be very rich.

VEG:
The common consists of a mown roadside verge on both sides of the  'A' road. The grassland lies on embankments forming a cutting, and areas are disturbed and have been reseeded. Main species present are Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens, forming a NVC MG7 community, with Rumex obtusifolius and some Holcus lanatus. Ulex europaeus is occasional. Scattered Crataegus monogyna scrub is found towards the southern edge of the south section.

MANAGE:
The area has been disturbed, reseeded, and is now close-mown. Little can be recommended except for continuation of mowing, and allowing the development of the scrub to form a thicket.


FAUNA:
No records were made on the visit, and the area is not likely to hold a fauna of any significance.

VEG:
The area is now a wheatfield, newly ploughed around the edges. The boundary is clearly marked by a gappy hawthorn hedge with a very thin fringe of MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland.

MANAGE:
The area is managed as cultivated land. Little can be recommended in the way of positive management under its present usage.


FAUNA:
The area is unlikely to hold a notable fauna.

VEG:
The common is now a wheatfield, not separated from a much larger area of cultivated land. The bank down to the road slightly to the south-west is very thin, steep, and has been planted with sycamores.

MANAGE:
The area is managed as cultivated land. Little can be recommended in the way of positive management given its present use.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were recorded: Wren, Swallow, Yellow Wagtail (Family party).

VEG:
The entire area of the common is close-mown MG7 Lolium perenne dominated grassland, with scattered hawthorn scrub and planted cherry trees. The common was presumably old tracks, now absorbed into the golf course.

MANAGE:
Mostly close-mown, with some tree planting. The canal edge is rough mown, though it hardly lies in the common. Leaving more rough grassland is the only management option that can be recommended.


VEG:
Main length of common is a trackway with ruts between strips of MG7 Lolium perenne grassland running between fields of sprouts and wheat. There are no boundary hedges, and the track is not delimited from the surrounding fields in any way. The cross section in the north is similar but has a flanking, intermittent, dry ditch with rough MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland within, together with a gappy hawthorn hedge.

MANAGE:
The grassland on the track is probably occassionally mown, though generally the sward is kept down by the passage of vehicles. The best management would be to plant a new hedge and leave as much longer (occasionally mown) grassland as possible.


FAUNA:
No fauna noted on visit, but Trust survey noted Redpoll, Yellowhammer and Willow Warblers for the woodland and scrub area adjacent.

VEG:
The whole area is cultivated allotments. Adjacent area is birch and oak woodland with scrub.

MANAGE:
Managed for horticultural (allotment) purposes. No management recommendations can be made given its current role.


FAUNA:
Swallow noted, but fauna is likely to be poor.

VEG:
The common consists of a thin gravelled track with a fringe of MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland about 1-2m wide on each side. There are occasional scattered trees, with trees around the farm. A hedge is present along the south-eastern  arm  which is similar. Some ruderal species are present.

MANAGE:
The grassland is occasionally mown. Little can be recommended for the common, except perhaps the planting of a hedge along the longest section, and also some standard native trees.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, Carrion Crow, Starling.

VEG:
The common consists of a thin strip of MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland on each side of a dirt track. Ditches flank each side, with Phragmites australis growing upwards, merging into MG1. The ditches are stagnant, and have little open water; some Lemna sp. present. There is very occasional hawthorn scrub, and patches of nettles. The south-western adjunct merges into a surrounding grass field.  CL 73 (0.35 ha) leading to Ludney Farm, is a similar track, but rougher and with an intermittent hedge.

MANAGE:
The grassland is probably mown occasionally in places, and is also kept down by the passage of vehicles. Ditch sides are cut. There are some very muddy vehicle ruts, indicating flooding in winter in parts.


FAUNA:
Rook noted on visit, but the site is unlikely to hold a rich fauna.

VEG:
The common is a thin, mown strip of MG1 Arrhenatherum grassland, surrounded by wheatfields. It is c.10m wide, including the track. On one side a dry ditch runs the length of the site. Much of the edges of this are mown but there are occasional patches of Sparganium erectum and Glyceria maxima, indicating that the ditch must occasionally flood.

MANAGE:
The grassland is mown. Little can be suggested, except for possibly the planting of a hedge on the south-west side, and if it was possible, encouraging the raising of water levels slightly in the ditch.


FAUNA:
Magpie noted on visit, but the habitat is unlikely to support a significant fauna.

VEG:
All of the site is B22 grassland, a mosaic of MG7 Lolium perenne swards and MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland with a central track. The common is approximately 10m wide for much of its length. There are occasional scattered ash trees and some hawthorn and elder scrub (very intermittent). Occasional patches of rank tall herbs occur, such as nettles, Elymus repens, Heracleum sphondylium and Arctium minus.

MANAGE:
Parts of the site are mown, amd there is somedumping. Suggested management would be to plant a hedge along the length of the site with occasional standard trees, and leave some patches of longer, infrequently mown grassland.


FAUNA:
On visit, Blackbird, Dunnock and Wood Pigeon noted.

VEG:
Mainly lies on south side of road. North side is 6m wide and is mainly MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland mown by road with one or two scattered bushes. South side is c.10m wide and is uncut MG1 grassland becoming woodland; many of the trees have been planted and are 2-3m up to 4m high. The common is raised and this section is south facing. Near the south edge there is a ditch which is very clogged with vegetation - Typha latifolia, Glyceria maxima, Phalaris arundinacea shaded by scrub. This scrub lies along an old railway line forming the southern edge of the common, though there are scattered Salix cinerea bushes elsewhere. Scrub and planted tree species present include oak, ash, field maple, hawthorn and elder with MG1 grassland beneath.  Generally the grassland is rank and species-poor with patches of tall herbs. However it has probably not been improved having merely become rank through productivity.

MANAGE:
The site is generally unmanaged, except for a mown roadside strip. Many of the trees have probably been planted, but scrub is also invading between them. It is possible that the area was planted as a shelterbelt. The old railway line is possibly not part of the common. At end (A), the common becomes thinner, and the old railway line has been levelled and gravelled, with an old fence delimiting its edge. The management of the site should continue as at present, with an area gradually becoming woodland, to form a valuable area of cover in a very open landscape.


FAUNA:
From L&SHTNC files: Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Lapwing and a range of common species occur. Three species of shrew recorded. Lists of mammals, fish, molluscs and fungi in files.

VEG:
Much of the common is a golf course with a mosaic of closely-mown fairways and rough grassland with Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Cirsium arvense, Arrhenatherum elatius, Cynosurus cristatus, Hypochoeris radicata, Lotus corniculatus and Potentilla anserina (MG7-6). Scrub and trees are scattered throughout, but particularly along the SE edge where they have also been planted and fenced off. The SE edge is on a slope and is wilder than the western side with a valuable mosaic of scrub and rough mesotrophic grassland with scattered Carex hirta (MG5 Cynosurus cristatus-Centaurea nigra grassland). Trust records include Alchemilla vulgaris, Galium verum, Saxifraga granulata, Succisa pratensis and 5 species of Ranunculus. The common has several ponds some ornamental surrounded by large trees whilst one on the NE side is full of Typha latifolia and Ranunculus sceleratus.

MANAGE:
This is a popular recreation area, for golf and dog walkng etc.. The NW side is managed for formal recreation with intensively mowing of the football pitches and golf greens, but the main area of interest is the SE slope. Current management is quite sympathetic to conservation, with tree planting and a low intensity mowing regime; this should continue. Ideally, this area could be grazed, but as this is not practical, some scrub clearance may be needed, and areas that are mown should be raked to prevent the grass becoming too rank. At present, the only grazing is very patchy, irregular horse grazing by tethered anaimals. The small pond in the NE corner is choked with Typha and needs clearing. Considering its proximity to the city of Lincoln, parts of this common retain considerable wildlife interest and would make a good urban wildlife site for the further involvement of local naturalists.


FAUNA:
Part of an internationally important site for waders and wildfowl. L&SHTNC wader survey 1978 (Section 16) 1978 noted: 31 prs Skylark, 27 prs Meadow Pipit, 51 prs Reed Bunting, 11 prs Linnet. 1982 grazing survey (Oct) noted: Gadwall, Pintail, Hen Harrier, Short-eared Owl, 400 Twite. Area important for winter Lapland Buntings.  
The Wash is an ISR site grade B. There has been little systematic survey work but available records suggest a good saltmarsh fauna particularly Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera.

VEG:
The area is entirely composed of vegetated saltmarsh, interspersed with numerous muddy creeks. Vegetation community is predominantly Halimione portulacoides and Puccinellia maritima co- dominant (P/H). Aster tripolium occurs in a band at the seaward side and Agropyron pungens (Elymus pycnanthus) forms patches near the sea wall (A).

MANAGE:
Information from L&SHTNC Saltmarsh Grazing Survey 1982: the area is grazed by c.30 cattle (including the saltmarsh to the south of the common) up to September, when the stock are removed before the high spring tides. However, the grazing is confined to the area south of gridline 30; generally, the section north of this is not grazed. Part of the site is a bombing and firing range, and other areas are used for wildfowling and bait digging.


FAUNA:
Snipe recorded previously. On visit the following species were noted: Swallow, House Sparrow, Great Tit, Goldfinch, House Martin, Dunnock, Wood  Pigeon, Starling, Moorhen (family party)  

Lepidoptera - Peacock  

The North Kyme Drain running alongside the common is an ungraded ISR site, which has records of a nationally rare midge Dixella serotina and an uncommon aquatic weevil Eubrychius velutus.  However it is unlikely that the ditch is overall a particularly rich site.

VEG:
The common consists of c.3km of road verges and ditch levee of varying width - parts are up to 50m wide, but the width is more commonly 10m. It hardly exists on the south side of the village. Vegetation cover is mainly B22 semi-improved grassland of varying degrees of rankness (parts are cut others are left uncut). However, one area in the south is dense A21 Salix spp. and Crataegus monogyna scrub on one side of the road, a reasonably large contiguous area near Billinghay consists of B5 marshy grassland and there are several scattered trees, principally Salix fragilis. There is a ditch and hedge along parts of the SE edge. The ditch along the west side is probably outside the common and is sparsely vegetated with Sparganium erectum, Lemna sp. and Nuphar lutea.  B22 areas are largely MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius communities, in places rank and in other areas mown.  The wider triangle of land at the south end is a rank MG1 area with ruderals. Some of the site is close-mown, and, locally, improved, and tending towards a MG7 Lolium perenne sward. Small patches of Phragmites australis and Epilobium hirsutum are scattered over many parts of the site, and there are larger areas of tall herb vegetation, e.g. Urtica dioica and E. hirsutum.  The richest areas are found in the wet parts of the site, principally the B5 marshy grassland near Billinghay. This holds a wide range of species, including Deschampsia cespitosa, Phalaris arundinacea, Glyceria maxima, Juncus inflexus, E. hirsutum, Eleocharis palustris, Senecio jacobaea, Centaurea nigra, Lythrum salicaria, Oenanthe sp.. Previous surveys have recorded a number of wetland species, some uncommon, e.g. Angelica sylvestris, Cardamine pratensis, Equisetum sp., Filipendula ulmaria, Galium palustre, Iris pseudacorus, Lysimachia nummularia, Mentha aquatica, Nasturtium officinale, Stellaria palustris (uncommon in Lincolnshire), Carex riparia, C. acutiformis, C. panicea, C. hirta, C. disticha, and C. flacca.

The G1 pond in the south (A) is approximately 50 x 50 m, and fringed by G. maxima, with P. australis, J. inflexus, Polygonum persicaria, D. cespitosa, extensive Polygonum amphibium and some Sparganium erectum.

MANAGE:
Parts of the site used to be cattle grazed. Now, parts of the site are cut for hay, other areas mown with cuttings left (e.g. area A), and other parts close-mown. Generally, much of the grassland is cut infrequently, with cuttings left. One area is horse grazed at the north end of the common. There is some tree planting, benches and litter bins have been provided in places, and spoil has been dumped on parts. The common is an important feature in a generally arable area, and has some valuable wet areas. The grassland is rather uniform in places, and the main recommendation would be to cut more of the common at infrequent intervals, and remove cuttings where possible. Ideally, grazing should be reintroduced on parts of the site. The wetland areas should not be allowed to become too rank and dry out; some occasional clearance may be necessary.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, Linnet, 6 Partridge, Lapwing, Swallow, Wren, Goldfinch, Robin, Collared Dove, House Martin, Magpie.  

Moles, Rabbit.  

Green-veined White, Meadow Brown, Wall.  Sympetrum striolatum

VEG:
The site is a wide lane bounded by a ditch and hawthorn hedge on both sides. It is almost all B22 semi-improved and disturbed neutral grassland dominated by Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus and Arrhenatherum elatius, rank in places with Cirsium vulgare and C. arvense. Also Deschampsia cespitosa (occ. abundant), Phleum pratense, Trifolium repens, Urtica dioica, Cynosurus cristatus and Juncus inflexus. MG7 Lolium perenne-Plantago lanceolata areas occur on some paths and the surface is quite wet in places with poaching and ruts. Area (A) is a more improved MG7 Lolium sward close-grazed with a hedge and ditch. (B) is partly rank grassland and partly close-grazed MG7 Lolium perenne sward. (C) is disturbed close-grazed MG7 with a fence and newly-widened drain on E. side. Bare chalk is dumped across the common over a culvert at (X). Point (D) has a nicely  'A'  shaped dense hawthorn hedge. The grassland here is short grazed MG7 with Deschampsia cespitosa.  Area (E) has a similar Lolium-dominated sward, though parts have Arrhenatherum and a more diverse grassland.  (F) has a dense hawthorn hedge with Rosa canina, and a ranker, weedier sward with more fringing hawthorn hedge.  Overall, the site has some interest when compared with the surrounding arable fields.

MANAGE:
The common is cattle grazed, for probably all year, at moderate to high intensity. 22 cattle were present at the time of the visit. The site is fenced all round. Parts of the grassland have been cut or topped, with cuttings left lying. Peripheral ditches have been cleared. Continuation of present  management, with a reduction in grazing pressure and no further pasture improvement, is recommended.


FAUNA:
On visit, Swallow, Mistle Thrush and Goldfinch were noted.  
Butterflies recorded in past include Orange Tip, Small Heath, Brimstone, Small Copper, Wall, Large White, Small White, Green-veined, Common Blue, Ringlet, Peacock, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Small Tortoishell.

VEG:
Much of the site is composed of B4 improved grassland (2) in the form of mown football pitches (MG7 Lolium perenne community) with rougher grassland at the edges.  The remainder of the common (1) and (3) is covered is rough grassland and tall herb vegetation developed on disturbed ground and rubble; species present include Lolium perenne, Plantago major, Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium, Potentilla reptans, Juncus inflexus, Hypericum perforatum, Artemisia vulgaris, Cirsium arvense, Rubus fruticosus, Rumex obtusifolius, Silene alba and Leucanthemum vulgare. Elder scrub has colonised area (1) in places.

MANAGE:
The football pitches are close-mown. Some trees have been planted in the south-west corner (TP), and part of the area (2) in the south is grazed by gypsy horses from a nearby camp. Much of the rest of the common is unmanaged. Rubble has been dumped on parts of the site in the past. The common is an interesting urban wildlife site. If possible, parts of the ranker grassland should be cut occasionally, and scrub development kept in check. More native trees and shrubs could be planted near areas with rubble dumping, and in the corners near the football pitches. A pond could be dug in area (3).


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted:  Kestrel, House Martin, Swallow, Wood Pigeon.

Moles.

Meadow Brown.

VEG:
The common appears to have been reseeded, with Lolium perenne dominant in an MG7 sward. Ruderals occur around the edges where mowing does not reach; these include Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Daucus carota and Conium maculatum. The ditch along the south side has Phragmites australis, Epilobium hirsutum and Cirsium arvense grading into a MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius community. Tree planting along the north-eastern edge has produced a dense scrub cover of young trees mainly sycamore, ash and hawthorn.

MANAGE:
The grassland has been reseeded and is lightly mown. This, together with the tree planting, suggests that it is managed as an informal recreation area. The northern part has had much rubble dumped on it, forming an artificial surface. This should be removed if possible, and resown with a fine grass mix, perhaps including some wildflowers.


FAUNA:
On visit, Willow Warbler, Swallow noted; also, Meadow Brown.

VEG:
A small area of grassland, the majority of which has been reseeded. The common is crossed by deep ditches. (1) is an MG7 Lolium perenne dominated sward with patchy Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense. (2) is a wetter area (B5) dominated by Deschampsia cespitosa with abundant Holcus lanatus. Filipendula ulmaria is common and Juncus inflexus locally abundant. Pulicaria dysenterica and Potentilla anserina are occasional. This area is crossed by a ditch (3a) which is deep with flowing water. Veronica beccabunga is abundant along with Apium nodiflorum. Other species along ditch include J.inflexus and Mentha aquatica. On ditch banks Carex hirta, C.flacca, Campanula rotundifolia, Briza media and one bush of Ononis spinosa occur. (3b) is a very shallow drain with no running water. (4) is a remnant of an old boundary with scattered hawthorn and Urtica dioica.

MANAGE:
The area is cattle grazed - the grazing is let by the council. The boundary hedge by the road (4) is flail-mown. The wetter area (2) and the main ditch (3a) are the only areas of interest on the site. No further attempts to improve the field or drain the wetter parts should occur. Grazing should continue as at present.


FAUNA:
Pheasant noted but the area is unlikely to hold a rich fauna.

VEG:
The common is entirely J1 cultivated land, used for wheat production. The roadside verge is dominated by a MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius community and the ditch by the road itself has Phragmites australis present.

MANAGE:
The common is managed entirely for crop production. At the time of the survey, it was being harvested for wheat. The roadside verge is cut. No managament recommendations for the area can be made.


FAUNA:
None noted, and no information available.

VEG:
The common has been incorporated into a much larger area, used entirely for crop production. At the time of the survey the common and the surrounding area was being harvested for wheat.

MANAGE:
Used entirely for cereal production. No recommendations can be made.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, Blue Tit, Goldfinch, Mallard, Moorhen, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Warbler.

VEG:
The west and east sides of the common are tracks with ruderals (Urtica dioica and Rumex obtusifolius) and MG7 Lolium perenne grassland with rutted bare ground. The eastern side (1) is bounded on one side by a hawthorn hedge with elder and Rosa sp., and on the other by a ditch with MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland, Heracleum sphondylium and Phragmites australis. The central part of the common (2) has no clear boundary but appears to be a strip of land adjacent to a ditch; it is MG7 Lolium grassland with Trifolium repens and Cirsium arvense. The ditch is fenced and the ungrazed strip has P.austrilla reptans. A remnant boundary hedge (3) probably used to extend the full length of this strip to form a green lane but most has been removed leaving a gappy remnant of hawthorn ash elder and sycamore. The track next to the churchyard is bounded by an old hedge.

MANAGE:
The central strip ((2) and (3)) appears to have been incorporated into the adjacent field with much of the boundary hedge now removed. This strip has been reseeded and is cattle grazed. To restore the green lane, the boundary hedge should be replanted - a hollow exists indicating where it used to be. Rubble has been dumped at one end of the track to improve the surface. Grazing of the site should continue.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Lapwing.  
Hare.

VEG:
The eastern end (1) runs south of a steep-sided ditch across intensively cultivated fields. The boundary has scattered pollarded willows. The track supports an MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland with Cirsium arvense, Dactylis glomerata and Urtica dioica. The ditch is too steep sided to support much vegetation except for Alisma plantago-aquatica, Ranunculus sceleratus and scattered Phragmites australis. Arctium minus, Artemisia vulgaris and Conium maculatum are scattered. The track crosses the ditch where the ditch joins an irrigation channel and the track becomes a reseeded mown MG7 Lolium perenne grassland.

MANAGE:
The proximity to arable fields suggests that the track is liable to recieve spray drift and fertiliser runoff. Parts of the common have been cut. Some willows have been pollarded - more should be done, and additional tree planting should occur. The common has probably been much disturbed by drainage operations associated with the nearby pumping station. No other recommendations can be made.


VEG:
The common is a surfaced track running between an arable field and a ditch. Most of the area is a stony surfacing material with ruderals along the centre in an MG7 Lolium perenne community. Arrhenatherum elatius occurs along the side of the ditch, which is steep sided and full of Lemna sp. There are a few scattered hawthorns at the south-west end.

MANAGE:
Used as a track, with no other management  apparent. Trees could be planted along the track edge.


FAUNA:
No information available or sightings made.

VEG:
A surfaced agricultural track crossing cabbage fields. Rough MG7 Lolium perenne grassland occurs along the centre of the track, with Urtica dioica and Rumex obtusifolius. Four ash trees are the only feature of note on the site.

MANAGE:
Used as an agricultural track, with no other management. More trees could be planted along the  edge of the track.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Wood Pigeon, Chaffinch.  
Moles.  
Curlew on adjacent fields.

VEG:
The common is a track and verges, with ditches running on both sides. (1) track: the E. end of the track has been surfaced roughly and has 2m wide verges, predominantly Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata, with Holcus lanatus and Trifolium repens. The centre of the track has L.perenne, T.repens and Plantago major. Parts of the track are all grass c.6m wide - MG7 L.perenne-T.repens sward. (2) ditches: ditch to north has much Phragmites australis, some Epilobium hirsutum and patches of Filipendula ulmaria and Pulicaria dysenterica. The southern ditch has Phragmites but peters out in places. Other species present include Filipendula, Iris pseudacorus and Deschampsia cespitosa, with hawthorns in places.  (3) are clumps of Salix fragilis and (4) are patches of hawthorn, with Phragmites and Epilobium hirsutum.

MANAGE:
The verges are regularly cut and the cuttings collected. This  should continue. The track at the east end has been roughly surfaced with tarmac, and ruts have been filled in with rubble and brick. It is used for vehicular access only. The scrub and trees should be left undisturbed if possible, and the ditch should be managed sympathetically.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Yellow Wagtail, Goldfinch, Wood Pigeon, Starling, Meadow Pipit.

VEG:
A track with mown MG7 Lolium perenne grassland at west end (1) with Plantago major, Taraxacum officinale, Rumex obtusifolius. A dense hawthorn hedge forms a boundary on the east side and this provides good habitat in an otherwise intensively arable area. Trees have been planted including ash sycamore and horse chestnut. Ditches border each side of the track with Phragmites australis, Epilobium hirsutum and Mentha sp.  Arrhenatherum elatius grassland forms a fringe along the ditches. From (2) eastwards there is no hedge and the track is bordered by ditches; some trees have been planted. Sonchus asper and Phragmites occur along the ditches and the strip of land between the track and ditch is a coarse MG7 Lolium perenne grassland. The track has been surfaced with tarmac on the eastern half.

MANAGE:
The eastern end is used as an access track. The west end is a footpath and is mown. The trees that have been planted are neglected and need maintenance. More native species should be planted and the hedge should be extended.


FAUNA:
On visit, House Sparrow and Starling were noted.

VEG:
From west end to point (A) the common is a 3m wide tarmac road with 1-2m of disturbed MG7 Lolium perenne grassland on each side, together with hawthorn and elder hedges with scattered ash trees. There is a thin ditch on the north side with Epilobium hirsutum, Rumex obtusifolius and Arctium minus. Eastwards from point (A) the lane becomes a narrow track with MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland lining tall hawthorn hedges which shade the track. Eastwards from Barfield House there are occasionally more open areas with a smaller hedge and MG1 grassland. This continues onto the south-east leg of the common though all of this part was not visited.

MANAGE:
The edges of the verges are mown occassionally. Little can be recommended for the site, except that the hedges and trees should be retained, and occasional mowing should continue.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: House Sparrow, Goldfinch, Skylark, Swallow, Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Pheasant.  
Green-veined White.

VEG:
The majority of the site is dominated by B22 MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland. The west end is surfaced with 2-3m of MG1 verge though a thin strip next to the track has been mown and developed a MG7 Lolium perenne community in places. Other species present include Trifolium repens, Heracleum sphondylium, Dactylis glomerata, Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Potentilla anserina, Geranium molle, Plantago lanceolata and P.major. Epilobium hirsutum is common by edges of drains; Petasites hybridus and Leucanthemum vulgare are local. (2) drains and ditches occur along much of the site. Banks generally have E.hirsutum, Filipendula ulmaria, U.dioica and rank grasses. 2a has dense Typha latifolia and Phalaris arundinacea is present in places. Wetter drains have Apium nodiflorum. (3) scrub - very little of this is present; some ditches have occasional Rubus fruticosus and Rosa canina and relic hedges have hawthorn (3a) and hazel. (4) planted trees; around the farm complex at 4a some lawson cypress trees have been planted. Rowan, sycamore, field maple, ash and midland hawthorn have been planted around 4b. At 4c, there are some very large standard ash trees.

MANAGE:
The common is used as an access track, surfaced in places. Parts are used for storage and dumping of farm materials, such as pallets and manure. The verges have been cut in many areas. Trees have been planted by the track at 4b. Continuation of present management is the only realistic option, with prehaps the planting of additional native trees.


FAUNA:
On visit, the following species were noted: Swallow, House Sparrow, Partridge, Wood Pigeon, Moorhen with chicks, Pheasant.

VEG:
The common is mainly a verge 10-20m wide. (1) this area is used for turning vehicles and storage of materials and is very disturbed with bare ground Rumex spp., Tripleurospermum maritimum and grasses. (2) most of site is a mixture of Lolium perenne, Elymus repens, Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata with Taraxacum officinale, Plantago major, Cirsium arvense, Achillea millefolium, Daucus carota, Arctium minus, Dipsacus fullonum and patches of Polygonum aviculare. (5) ditch sides are more rank with much Urtica dioica, A.elatius, D.glomerata, Heracleum sphondylium, Lolium with Phragmites australis at bottom of sides. Some open water in ditches but generally overgrown. (7) is an area of B4 improved grassland mown as a lawn with an area left rough by the ditch and lawson cypress trees planted.

MANAGE:
(1) is used for vehicel turning and storage of materials. (2) - 1-2m of the roadside is cut, the remainder is left. The majority of the verge should be cut at least annually, with removal of cuttings if possible. (3) is a private road to a farm, largelygravel covered. At (4), the telegraph polesand cables are stored. At (5), the west side of the ditch has been mown, but the east side has been left rank. At (6), soil has been dumped. At (7), the area has been fenced and reseeded, then mown to a short lawn. Trees have been planted here. Overall, the wide verge on this common could become a reasonably diverse grassland, if left undisturbed, and cut at least annually, with removal of cuttings.


FAUNA:
On visit, some common species were noted e.g. Blackbird, Starling, Wood Pigeon, Kestrel.
Common Shrew.    
Some of the peripheral ditches may have invertebrate interest.

VEG:
The common is a large area of amenity and semi-improved grassland, managed almost entirely for recreation. (1) B4 improved grassland; much of the common has been reseeded and is used as a golf course. Much is close-mown though there are areas of longer grass with Dactylis glomerata, Achillea millefolium and Urtica dioica often around clumps of trees. The area east of the golf course has very short grassland with Trifolium repens; the football pitches are largely Lolium perenne-T.repens grassland, with Plantago major. (2) B22 semi-improved areas are also close-mown dominated by Lolium with rougher areas. Species present include Ranunculus repens, Tripleuro-spermum maritimum, A.millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Stellaria media, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis stolonifera. Wetter areas on western edge have records of Galium palustre, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Phragmites australis and Ranunculus sceleratus.  (3) planted trees; numerous blocks of trees have been planted over the common. They are generally mixtures of rowan, sycamore, hazel, hawthorn and poplars, and are fenced to protect from horses. Poplars and horse chestnuts have been planted by the golf course east of the race track. The golf course west of the race track has also had groups of trees planted; in addition to rowans and poplars, exotics such as maples, lawson cypress, lombardy poplars and silver poplars have been used. Silver birch have been planted in clumps near rougher areas. The planted trees are often also associated with planted shrubs.  The common has many scattered parkland trees, with large mature elms along the northern boundary. The pond is surrounded by very tall sycamores, willows and elms, with Dactylis glomerata and Lolium perenne growing rank beneath.

J5 roads and buildings are found on the common, including the race course stand and a pavilion.

C31 tall herb vegetation occurs in places.  The largest area is found on the eastern edge of the race course, and consists of uncut Urtica dioica, Arrhenatherum elatius, Achillea millefolium and  Senecio jacobaea on a bank.  The bank along the ditch and canal forming the western boundary has tall Epilobium hirsutum, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Arrhenatherum elatius and Dactylis glomerata, mixed with elder, hazel and willow scrub.

G122 pond; this is dominated by Glyceria maxima and Lemna sp.

MANAGE:
The common is managed primarily for recreation. Many areas are closely mown, and there has been much tree planting. The rough areas along the western boundary contrasts strongly with the closely-mown nature of the west of the site, and this feature should be retained. The common is also grazed by horses, and used for horse riding. The grazing appears to be patchy and irregular. The present use of the area for recreation would seem to preclude large-scale changes to the management regime, and there are a number of areas of rougher grassland with a more diverse sward. Continuation of present management is recommended, though efforts should be made to retain the existing areas of richer grassland habitats.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Woodpigeon, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Wren, Blue tit, Great Tit, Robin, Blackbird, Jay, Chiffchaff, Magpie.  
The common is part of an ISR site which lists the nationally notable bug Alydus calcaratus (a heathland species) and the local spider Atypus affinis.

VEG:
The common consists almost entirely of generally open secondary birchwood over Old Red Sandstone, which outcrops within it. The canopy is at c. 10m and comprises dominant birch with abundant English Oak and frequent Rowan. Holly and Whitebeam are also present. The shrub layer is sparse and patchy; it includes Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius, Rhododendron ponticum, Rubus fruticosus agg. and Lonicera periclymenum. Ranunculus ficaria, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Taraxacum officinale agg., Digitalis purpurea, Hedera helix, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Silene dioica, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis capillaris and Festuca ovina are present in the ground layer, which is often sparse. In the SE of the site is a small area of relict heathland. Mostly mature and senescent Calluna vulgaris occurs with rare Erica cinerea and Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris, Polytrichum formosum, Campylopus introflexus and Cladonia spp., under scattered Ulex scrub. A small area of dense scub occurs in the west, of Cytisus, Ulex, Rubus, Bracken, and Aegopodium podagraria. The margins of the site have some Sycamore, Prunus domestica and Symphoricarpos rivularus with patchy MG1 grassland.

MANAGE:
The common appears to be unmanaged, the birch wood having developed over heathland which was previously more extensive as heathland grasses within the wood attest. There is some dumping of garden rubbish from the adjacent housing. It would be desireable to retain the small remaining area of heath by scrub control. However this would have to be a continuous process and may not be feasible unless local people could become involved. The spread of Rhododendron should be checked, which has already extensively invaded other heathland sites in the Wirral.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Wren, Treecreeper, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackbird, Magpie.  
Grey Squirrel.

VEG:
The common is a small area of semi-natural broadleaved woodland over Old red Sandstone, which borders a small stream. The woodland is mature with a rather open canopy at c. 20m, of English Oak, Beech and Sycamore, with Alder beside the stream. There is scarcely any shrub layer, but a diverse ground flora is present with frequent Urtica dioica, Geranium robertianum, Veronica hederifolia, Ranunculus ficaria, Hyacinthoides non-scripta and Rubus fruticosus agg. Aegopodium podagraria, Geum urbanum, Dryopteris dilatata, Digitalis purpurea, Silene dioica, Oxalis acetosella, Viola riviniana, Stellaria holostea, Conopodium majus, Adoxa moschatellina, Pteridium aquilinum and Milium effusum are also present. The stream side holds the introduced Montia sibirica. The W edge of the common rises above the incised stream bed, and has a small area of open grassland on which bonfires have been lit.

MANAGE:
There was no evidence of woodland management. Wooden posts have been erected beside the road to prevent vehicular access.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Mallard, Moorhen, Woodpigeon, Wren, Magpie.

VEG:
Two ponds are present (possibly old marl pits?). That to the E is deeper with little marginal vegetation, although some Carex remota was seen. The W pond was shallower and fragmented into smaller areas by encroachment of marginal vegetation and carr. The following spp. were noted here: Epilobium hirsutum, E. parviflorum, Ranunculus sceleratus, R. repens, R. flammula, Equisetum fluviatile, Cardamine flexuosa, C. pratensis, Juncus inflexus. J. effusus, Galium palustre, Solanum dulcamara, Potentilla palustris, Mentha aquatica, Carex sp., (C. pseudocyperus listed in Wirral report), Iris pseudacorus and Myosotis sp.. A large stand of Typha angustifolia occurs in the NW pond with some Alisma plantago-aquatica., Salix fragilis, S. cinerea, and S. viminalis fringe the ponds. The remainder of the site consists of open secondary woodland of English Oak, Sycamore and Hawthorn with rare holly. The ground flora includes abundant Hedera helix and frequent Rubus fruticosus agg., Lonicera periclymenum, Dryopteris dilatata, Holcus lanatus and Galium aparine. More local or scarce are Aegopodium podagraria, Symphytum sp., Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Ribes rubrum, Stachys silvatica, Viola riviniana, Allium ursinum, Anthriscus sylvestris, Chaerophyllum temulentum, Glechoma hederacea and Silene dioica. A small area shows acidic influence with Festuca ovina, Teucrium scorodonia and Hieracium sp. The Wirral report also lists Acorus calamus and the nationally scarce Stratiotes aloides in ponds.

MANAGE:
The common is managed and signposted as a conservation area. A fence and holly bushes have been established to prevent access from the adjacent cricket pavilion hedges have been laid and a gate installed. There is some litter from the pavilion. A woodpile has been left possibly to encourage invertebrate fauna. The present management for nature conservation should continue.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted: Woodpigeon, Greater Spotted and Green Woodpeckers, Dunnock, Wren, Treecreeper, Blue, Great, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Chiffchaff, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Jay, Robin, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Linnet. 
Common Lizard, Grey squirrel.  
There is a long history of zoological recording from this site with many records held in NWDB. Some recent records of note are: (nesting) Sparrowhawk, Tree and Meadow Pipits, Willow and Marsh Tits, Stone-chat. (other birds) Snipe, Woodcock, Nightjar, Siskin, Redpoll, Wood Warbler. 56 species of bird are confirmed or probable breeders on the NT property and Red Squirrel and Badger occur. Sand Lizard used to occur, but has not been present for some years. The ISR lists recent records for the notable species Alydus calcaratus (Hemiptera) and Grey Scalloped Bar and Dotted-border Wave (moths) as well as the Pinion-streaked Snout (moth). Other species include the beetles Cicindela campestris and Lochmaea suturalis, the bug Rhacognathus punctatus and Emperor, Beautiful Yellow Underwing, Grass Emerald and Oak Eggar moths. Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Wall, Small Copper and Common Blue butterflies occur and records for Orthoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera also exist, amongst others.

VEG:
Much data exists for this site and reference should be made to the source documents as only a summary can be presented here. The common consists principally of dry dwarf shrub heath with extensive invasion by birch. Heath is strongly dominated by Calluna vulgaris with some Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Danthonia decumbens, Carex pilulifera, Vaccinium myrtillus and Potentilla erecta. Hypnum cupressiforme, Polytrichum juniperinum, Dicranum scoparium and various lichens are also present. In especially dry areas Erica cinerea and Ulex gallii are prominent. Wet heath on common land is restricted to a few areas: Area (1) is most diverse with Molinia caerulea, Erica tetralix, Trichophorum cespitosum and Leucobryum glaucum (latter two species scarce in the vice-county). Close by is a small area of Juncus effusus pasture under open Birch wood. Areas (2) and (3) are less damp with E. tetralix and frequent Molinia in area (3). N of area (1) and NW of Benty Farm is an area of dense scrub composed of Ulex europaeus, U. gallii and young birch up to 2m. The S section of this scrub had been burnt the previous season. Birch, both Betula pendula and B. pubescens is the main invader of the heath, although Oak and Pinus sylvestris are also locally invading. Scrub is colonising from the margins of the site, where woodland is now well-developed. Scattered birch of various ages is now present throughout all but the central areas of the common. Older woodland, best represented in the E of the site, consists of even-aged stands with Birch dominant, but Oak and Rowan frequent. There is little shrub or herb layer. Hawthorn is present on the E boundary along a stream which has Angelica sylvestris, Apium nodiflorum and Montia sibirica. In the NE of the site is an area of mature Pinus sylvestris plantation which has some Rhododendron ponticum. Rhododendron also occurs in the vicinity of heathland in this area. Bracken occurs in a few places in small amounts but is not at present an invasive problem on the site.

MANAGE:
The common and the whole NT property has been the subject  of a well-documented management initiative first produced in 1978.  The aim  is to create structurally varied, mixed-age heath communities. Scrub succession is a major and continuing problem on the site, and since 1982 both dense stands and isolated trees of birch have been cleared from areas in which some Calluna is still surviving. Regrowth (many new saplings and much coppice regrowth up to 1m tall seen in areas cleared 7 years ago) is being treated with the selective herbicide Krenite. Encouraging regeneration in existing stands of Calluna is also seen as important, and 2 techniques have been employed in this respect. Firstly, sheep grazing has been reintroduced into 3 fenced paddocks with signs erected warning the public to properly control their dogs in these areas. The results are being monitored in fixed plots. In addition some heather cutting is being carried out in ungrazed areas, aiming for a 10-12 year rotation. Rhododendron and bracken invasion are being watched for.

Another problem has been the drying-out of the wetter areas, possibly related to water extraction by the local Water Authority or else to increased water uptake by the invasive tree species. The high nature conservation value of wet heath is recognised and the problem of drying is being investigated. The populations of scarce plant species are being monitored and appropriate reintroductions considered. Erosion, caused by high visitor pressure, is localised but some repair work to paths has been undertaken. The site is closely wardened, which is important to safeguard against fires, amongst other things.

This well-documented management initiative for nature conservation should continue, with the expertise gained used to assist in the safeguard of similar sites in the area.


FAUNA:
On site visit the following species were noted:  Kestrel, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Skylark, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Mistle Thrush, Starling, Magpie, Linnet.  
Rabbit, Mole. Redshank and Turnstone on adjacent sandflats.

VEG:
The common increases in nature conservation interest from E-W. Much of the E end consists of closely-mown amenity grassland, poor in species with Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis, Festuca rubra, F. pratensis and a few forbs: Taraxacum officinale agg. Bellis perennis, Rumex crispus, R. acetosa, Plantago major, P. lanceolata, Cerastium fontanum, Achillea millefolium and Trifolium repens. Several small areas of planted White Poplar are present surrounded by a ranker sward with Arrhenatherum elatius and planted bulbs. At the far E of the common is an area of coastal grassland which is NVC MG11 inundation grassland comprising dense Festuca rubra, Agrostis stolonifera and Potentilla anserina; Lotus corniculatus, Sagina procumbens,  Cerastium diffusum, Juncus articulatus (and Puccinellia sp?) with some halophytic species such as Cochlearia danica, Plantago maritima and Glaux maritima. There is a concrete seawall which in the central section of the common has been recently banked up on its inner face with much fresh earth and subsequently reseeded. It harbours an almost continuous sward of amenity grasses  with Festuca rubra, Brassica napus, Beta vulgaris ssp maritima and various ruderal spp., and robust legumes such as Medicago sativa ssp sativa, and is generally of low conservation interest. N of Leasowe Lighthouse there is another area with saline influence, but damper including Ranunculus sceleratus, Ranunculus (section Batrachium poss. R. baudotii?), Carex disticha, Polygonum persicaria, ? Pucinellia sp. and Juncus articulatus. The lighthouse itself is surrounded by unimproved mesotrophic grassland with Arrhenatherum elatius, Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense which has colonised a dry reed bed with locally dominant Phragmites australis. W of the Lighthouse and S of the footpath there is unimproved mesotrophic grassland in which three ponds have been scraped recently and are now surrounded by earth banks. One has some Iris pseudacorus, but they are poor in plants and the W pond was still an unfilled expanse of bare sand at the time of survey. At (1) there is a small area of drying marsh dominated by Juncus subnodulosus with Polygonum persicaria, Phragmites, Rubus fruticosus and Epilobium hirsutum, becoming very encroached upon by surrounding grassland. Parallel to the edge of the site here there is a drain with Phragmites australis, Ranunculus sceleratus and Oenanthe fistulosa. Willows have been planted along the margins. Beyond the drain at the time of survey there was a broad band of bare, peaty sand arising from the infilling of a ditch which had been dug by a neighbouring farmer on the common.

Dune vegetation is prominent between parkfield house and the W end of the site. At (2) there is stable dune grassland and semi-stable dune with small blowouts. Parts are of good quality with Festuca rubra, Carex arenaria, Ammophila arenaria, Lotus corniculatus, Senecio jacobaea, Ceratodon purpureus, Brachythecium albicans, Erophila verna, Taraxacum erythrospermum group, Rumex crispus, Elymus farctus, Sedum acre, Geranium molle, Cerastium diffusum, C. semidecandrum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Phleum arenarium, Hypochoeris radicata, Erodium cicutarium, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium arvense and the local Vicia lathyroides. Further W there is more shingle and Honkenya peploides is present. Similar dune grassland at (2) has Carex caryophyllea, the nationally scarce Euphorbia portlandica and one Lupinus arboreus. At the far W there is a region of active sand movement with patchy but locally dense vegetation including foredune and strandline species. Elymus farctus and Ammophila are abundant, with Leymus arenarius, Cakile maritima, Salsola kali, Beta vulgaris ssp maritima, Diplotaxis muralis and Medicago sativa ssp sativa.

MANAGE:
Much of the E of the common is managed as an amenity sward. It is close-mown and there are 3 carparks, provision of litter bins and a board giving information about the Wirral Coastal Park. W of Leasowe Lighthouse the common is managed for nature conservation, and the lighthouse itself contains an interpretive centre. Pond excavation and tree planting have taken place. In the dunes at the far W sand trap, fencing has been erected to try and control quite large amounts of sand blow. Single plants of Rosa rugosa and Lupinus arboreus should be removed. There should be a general presumption against interference in the dune areas, where tall dune swards provide a valuable hunting ground for kestrel and possible nesting site for skylark, and rabbits will maintain species diversity in the shorter swards. The stand of Juncus subnodulosus should be retained and the depression deepened.


VEG:
Not surveyed, appeared to be less than 1 ha on the ground.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, house sparrow, woodpigeon.

VEG:
The common was viewed from the NW boundary (along the A143) only. The woodland is dominated by mature standard {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Quercus robur}. There is good regeneration of {\it A. pseudoplatanus}. There is an understorey of scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa} - these two species form a discontinuous hedgerow along the roadside, with occasional {\it Lonicera periclymenum} and {\it Ulex europaeus}.

The ground flora within 20m of the road is dominated by {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with frequent {\it Galium aparine, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix} and {\it Urtica dioica} and scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management observed. It would be desirable to leave any standing or fallen deadwood that is not a danger to road users {\it in situ}.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted from Crostwight Heath (CLs 4 and 131): chiffchaff, house sparrow, robin, woodpigeon, yellowhammer. Several rabbits were seen in the northern half of the common.

VEG:
The dense scrub is dominated by {\it Ulex europaeus} (up to 4m high), with locally frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and scattered {\it Betula} sp. Some extensive burning of this scrub has been undertaken recently in the central area of the common, leaving areas of bare ground. Around the edges of the scrub, there is occasional {\it Teucrium scorodonia} and {\it Ceratocapnos claviculata}. Also in this area (TG345301), there are areas of unimproved acid grassland ({\it Agrostis} sp., {\it Festuca} sp., {\it Rumex acetosella}, sward height less than 3cm), heavily grazed dry heath ({\it  Calluna vulgaris}, height less than 3cm) and dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered trees and scrub. A similar, more extensive area of dense {\it P. aquilinum} is situated in the southern half of the common. Under the canopy, there is occasional {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. 

The woodland is mostly situated along the boundaries of the common and is dominated by {\it Betula} sp.; {\it Quercus robur} is locally co-dominant. A few {\it Q. robur} trees in the southern half of the common are very old, with trunk diameters of about 1m at chest height. There is also occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. The understorey is composed of scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Ulex europaeus} with occasional {\it Lonicera periclymenum}. The ground flora is mostly dominated by dense {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with locally frequent {\it Holcus mollis, Ceratocapnos claviculata, Glechoma hederacea, Silene dioica, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, plus occasional {\it Juncus effusus, Arum maculatum, Chamerion angustifolium, Hyacinthoides non-scripta} and {\it Stellaria holostea}.

MANAGE:
No evidence of recent livestock grazing was seen. The extent of dense {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and intensive rabbit grazing on the dry heath and acid grassland means that there is very little useable grazing area available on the common.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, chaffinch, house sparrow. Several small copper butterflies were seen and (in the northern half) 2 rabbits.

VEG:
CL8 lies on the northern side of the A47 (T) at Etling Green. The grassland is dominated by {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} with locally frequent {\it Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Rumex acetosa}; the area recorded as semi-improved neutral grassland also contains locally frequent {\it Centaurea nigra} and {\it Hypochaeris radicata}. 

The pond at TG014138 contains dense stands of {\it Typha latifolia} with occasional {\it Phalaris arundinacea} var. {\it picta}, fringed with clumps of {\it Juncus inflexus}. The bank supports dense stands of {\it Urtica dioica} with frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Cirsium arvense, Lamium album, Potentilla anserina} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}, plus occasional {\it Kniphofia} sp. 

The pond to the SW at TG014137 also contains dense stands of {\it Typha latifolia} but is fringed with clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}. The bank supports a mixture of {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Holcus lanatus} with frequent {\it Cardamine pratensis, Centaurea nigra} and {\it Ranunculus acris}.

There is scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa} scrub along the boundary with the road. There are also scattered young {\it Acer campestre} and {\it Aesculus hippocastanum} trees. {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} has been planted along the access track.

MANAGE:
The grass may be cut for hay during the late summer. No livestock were seen, but there was evidence of grazing (light poaching and generally shorter sward) around the ponds.


FAUNA:
The following information is reproduced from the SSSI citation:

"The site is also of ornithological interest and breeding birds include Snipe".

VEG:
The following information is reproduced from the SSSI citation within which the common lies:

"The site consists of a large area of spring-fed valley fen and grassland situated in the valley of the River Tud. Chalk springs emerge from the valley side and are marked by clearly developed tufa formations where deposition of calcium carbonate has created a series of flushed hummocks. These structures are probably the finest tufa formations in Britain and an exceptionally rich calcareous fen community with a bryophyte (moss) carpet occurs on the flushed slopes. This community has remained undisturbed and is an excellent example of a very locallised habitat and includes many uncommon plants.

The rich, short-sward fen communities are of the type that is dominated by {\it Schoenus nigricans} and {\it Juncus subnodulosus}. Many uncommon species are present in abundance and include {\it Pinguicula vulgaris, Drosera anglica, Epipactis palustris, Parnassia palustris} and {\it Anagallis tenella}. These basic flushes grade into a zone of taller mixed fen vegetation dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Phragmites australis} with frequent {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Menyanthes trifoliata, Dactylorhiza praetermissa} and {\it Pedicularis palustris}. Further down the valley slope this mixed fen grades into a small reed bed.

Marshy grassland on poorly-drained soils is dominated by either {\it Juncus subnodulosus} or {\it J. acutiflorus} with abundant {\it Caltha palustris, Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris}. Small areas of a drier, low-growing grassland also occur and are characterised by {\it Carex flacca, Briza media} and {\it Rhinanthus minor}.

A large part of the site consists of rather species-poor damp neutral grassland maintained by occasional grazing. Much of this area is included because changes in the water levels through drainage would affect the sensitive fen communities. Although the grassland is generally dominated {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} some scarce species are present including {\it Primula veris, Orchis morio} and {\it Listera ovata}. A large population of {\it Ophioglossum vulgatum} occurs on part of the site.

Several overgrown dykes are present on the valley-floor with a flora that includes {\it Berula erecta} and {\it Oenanthe fistulosa}."

The tufa mound lies outside the common to the west. The area of common land was described at the time of the Norfolk Valley Fen survey (1993) as supporting coarse grassy vegetation with locally consolidated {\it Cirsium arvense} to the south of the shallow ditch which divides it. To the north extensive M22a {\it Juncus subnodulosus-Cirsium palustre} fen meadow, typical sub-community (B5 marshy grassland) surrounds a core area of M13 {\it Schoenus nigricans-Juncus subnodulosus} mire (E31 valley mire). Fringing this latter area to the north and west is an area of semi-improved grassland and MG10b {\it Holcus lanatus-Juncus effusus} rush pasture, {\it Juncus inflexus} sub-community. At least 50 plants of {\it Blysmus compressus} were recorded at TG014118. 

To the east of the area of M22a, this community exists as scattered fragments within a grassy fairly species-poor sward. In places {\it Juncus subnodulosus} and {\it J. inflexus} are present as only rare to occasional tussocks in vegetation locally well dominated by {\it Cirsium arvense}. Species such as {\it Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Valeriana dioica} and {\it Carex panicea} are locally present at low cover. Otherwise the vegetation includes the following: abundant {\it Festuca rubra} and {\it Poa trivialis}, frequent to abundant {\it Agrostis stolonifera}, frequent {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Ranunculus repens} and {\it Angelica sylvestris}, occasional to frequent {\it Urtica dioica}, occasional {\it Pulicaria dysenterica, Centaurea nigra, Carex hirta, Potentilla anserina, Veronica chamaedrys, Mentha aquatica, Cerastium fontanum} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. In places this stand was fairly open. This was presumed to be linked to past overgrowth of dominant species now ameliorated by mowing and grazing. There were local stands of {\it Iris pseudacorus} at the far eastern end. Vegetation to the south of the shallow ditch was similar but {\it Cirsium arvense} was locally dominant with nettle patches and occasional to frequent {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. Small patches of {\it J. subnodulosus} start to appear moving west. 

Consolidated scrub was present along much of the northern site boundary comprising {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. Along the southern boundary there is a stream channel with c. 20-30cm depth of water vegetated largely with {\it Sparganium erectum} and floating rafts of {\it Callitriche} sp. Also present are {\it Juncus inflexus, J. effusus, Epilobium hirsutum} and locally abundant {\it Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum} agg. The shallow ditch crossing the common supports the following communities: M22a and S22a {\it Glyceria fluitans} water margin vegetation, {\it G. fluitans} sub-community. Scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Salix cinerea} and rarely {\it Cornus sanguinea} is present throughout the site.

MANAGE:
The 1993 NVC survey refers to mowing and grazing taking place on the common. A few very small poached areas were noted in the east. There is some scrub encroachment along the northern and south-western boundaries of the common and scattered scrub present throughout. 

In 1985 it was noted that the coarse grassland adjoining the tufa area might benefit from a slightly greater grazing intensity. The main 'moor' had about 60 sheep and 20 cattle grazing in 1990, was well grazed and in better condition than hitherto (E. Anglian Valley fen dossier).


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, chiffchaff, house sparrow. About 40 mallard, several white domestic geese and one common gull were seen around the pond at TF997135.

VEG:
Areas of rank, poor semi-improved grassland in the western half of the common are mostly dominated by {\it Alopecurus pratensis} and {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}, with locally abundant {\it Poa} spp., {\it Holcus lanatus, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Ranunculus repens}. Those areas recorded as semi-improved neutral grassland also contain frequent {\it Centaurea nigra} and occasional {\it Cardamine pratensis}.  

The drains which cross the western half of the common contain locally frequent {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica, Juncus effusus} and {\it Veronica beccabunga}. The banks support stands of {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Epilobium hirsutum} and {\it Urtica dioica} with locally abundant {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata} and other grass species occurring in the adjoining sward. {\it Quercus robur} trees have been planted along the drains, there is also occasional {\it Crataegus monogyna}. 

At the eastern end of the common (TG003134), there is small area of mature {\it Quercus robur} dominated woodland with scattered, old coppiced {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and occasional {\it Acer campestre}. Ground flora species include frequent {\it Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Alliaria petiolata, Chamerion angustifolium, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Hedera helix} and {\it Urtica dioica}, plus occasional {\it Arum maculatum, Lysimachia vulgaris, Narcissus} sp. (cultivated) and {\it Vinca} sp. The woodland grades into {\it Crataegus monogyna/Prunus spinosa} scrub with scattered {\it Populus tremula} and areas of tall herb vegetation dominated by {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Urtica dioica} with frequent {\it Reynoutria japonica}.

There is a further small area of similar {\it Quercus robur} dominated woodland at the northern end of the common (TF998140). Additional species recorded include {\it Bryonia dioica} and {\it Galium aparine}. The 2 ponds in this area are fringed with {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and surrounded by tall herb vegetation ({\it Urtica dioica}).

The largest pond on the common (TF997135) is fringed with dense stands of {\it Iris pseudacorus} and occasional clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}. There is overhanging {\it Salix} spp. on the north side.    

Most of the amenity grassland is situated in the central belt of the common on either side of gridline TG000. There is a strip of dense {\it Crataegus monogyna/Prunus spinosa} scrub with scattered {\it Quercus robur} along the southern boundary here.

MANAGE:
No evidence of livestock grazing was seen. Areas of rank poor semi-improved and semi-improved neutral grassland may look as if they are cut at least once a year, probably in late summer.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, carrion crow, house sparrow, magpie, skylark, swallow, yellowhammer.

VEG:
The grass had been cut within the last three weeks at the time of survey. It appears to be dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} with locally frequent {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus, Bellis perennis, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Trifolium repens}. In the northern half, there are occasional, scattered patches of {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. 

The drains shown on the OS map are generally less than 1.5m deep and contain occasional {\it Glyceria fluitans, Juncus inflexus} and {\it Ranunculus sceleratus}, usually with little or no standing water. The banks support a sward similar to the surrounding grassland but with occasional {\it Alopecurus geniculatus}.

The large pond at TM184906 is fringed with occasional {\it Glyceria fluitans, Juncus inflexus} and {\it Ranunculus sceleratus}. On the NE side, there are overhanging mature {\it Salix alba} trees. The gently sloping bank supports a sward similar to the surounding grassland but with locally frequent {\it Alopecurus geniculatus}.

The pond opposite Pigeons Farm (TM181904) contains abundant {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica}; it is fringed with occasional {\it Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, Iris pseudacorus} and {\it Typha latifolia}. The bank supports dense stands of {\it Epilobium hirsutum}. The pond is partially shaded by surrounding scrub ({\it Crataegus monogyna, Rosa} sp. and {\it Salix} sp.). 

The pond opposite Wacton Hall Cottages (TM180903) is heavily shaded by overhanging scrub ({\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Salix cinerea}), except at the eastern end where it contains occasional {\it Callitriche} sp. and is fringed with frequent {\it Glyceria fluitans}. The bank in this more open area supports {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it J. inflexus} with frequent {\it Galium palustre}.

The hedgerows which bound the common are generally trimmed (1.5 to 2m high and wide) and dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna} with occasional standard {\it Fraxinus exelsior} and {\it Quercus robur}. Along part of the eastern boundary, the hedgerow is untrimmed and up to 4m high and 3m wide. Between Pigeons Farm and Wacton Hall, there is a scrubby hedgerow (up to 3m high and wide) which is a mixture of {\it C. monogyna, Rosa} sp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.

MANAGE:
Used for cattle grazing. The verges along Common Road (to the NW of the common) contain the nationally scarce* {\it Trifolium ochroleucon}, suggesting a calcareous soil. It is possible that the common once contained grazed calcareous grassland.

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


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, house sparrow. Several molehills were seen along the NW boundary.

VEG:
{\it Acer pseudoplatanus} saplings have been planted at the northern end of the common. Along the NW boundary, there is a fenced stream which contains dense stands of {\it Glyceria maxima} and {\it Phragmites australis}. The banks support dense stands of {\it Urtica dioica} with frequent {\it Aegopodium podagraria} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}.

MANAGE:
Managed as amenity grassland and used as a public park.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, house sparrow, magpie, swallow, woodpigeon. There is evidence of rabbit grazing in the northern most section.

VEG:
Only a very limited field survey was carried out, from the public footpath (first 200m from road) and the roads, using binoculars. Marshy grassland dominated by {\it Juncus} spp. occupies the valley floor with drier semi-improved neutral grassland and poor semi-improved grassland on the valley sides. Dense stands of {\it Sparganium erectum} were found in the drain at TM240999 with frequent {\it Juncus inflexus, Apium nodiflorum} and {\it Mentha aquatica}. Scattered {\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa} flower spikes were visible in the adjoining {\it Juncus} spp. dominated marshy grassland. 

The section south of Hollow Lane was being grazed by cattle at the time of survey; the southern half of this section also contains scattered {\it Salix} sp. scrub. 

No further survey was carried out. The following information is reproduced from the SSSI citation:

"The areas of marshy grassland are dominated by {\it Juncus subnodulosus, J. acutiflorus} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria} with frequent {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Caltha palustris, Lychnis flos-cuculi} and {\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa}. More uncommon species present include {\it Pedicularis palustris, Epipactis palustris} and {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}.

Wet neutral grassland is present on less waterlogged soils. Grasses are dominant in the sward and the more frequent species are {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Agrostis stolonifera}. Herb species are well represented and include {\it Primula veris, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Listera ovata} and {\it Ophioglossum vulgatum}. Small areas of dry, neutral grassland on hummocky ground are dominated by {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Holcus lanatus} with {\it Saxifraga granulata, Galium verum} and {\it Briza media}.

The small flush has a bryophyte-dominated carpet with a short-sward vegetation that includes {\it Triglochin palustris, Briza media} and {\it Cardamine pratensis}.

The site also includes small areas of semi-improved and improved grassland."

Stubb's Green contains semi-improved neutral grassland; the most abundant species are {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Poa} spp. with frequent {\it Leucanthemum vulgare}.

MANAGE:
The 2 northern most sections (which constitute Shotesham Common SSSI) are used for cattle grazing. Stubb's Green was uncut and ungrazed at the time of survey. A management agreement is in operation with each of the 3 owners. The general intention is for positive managment, extensive grazing and artificial water level management. Ground water abstraction from outside the site is a possible problem for water management.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, chaffinch, chiffchaff, house sparrow.

VEG:
The common supports {\it Betula pendula} dominated woodland with locally frequent {\it B. pubescens}. There are clearings of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Ulex europaeus} with very occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Teucrium scorodonia}. There is scattered {\it Salix cinerea} amongst the {\it Betula} spp. and occasional {\it Castanea sativa}. {\it Quercus robur} becomes more frequent towards the north-eastern corner and there is also occasional mature standard {\it Pinus sylvestris} towards the northern boundary. There is standing and fallen deadwood {\it in situ}. 

The understorey comprises occasional {\it Ilex aquifolium, Sambucus nigra, Cytisus scoparius} with {\it Crataegus monogyna} towards the edge of the canopy. {\it Rhododendron ponticum} is occasional towards the northern boundary. There is much leaf litter on the ground. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is dominant in the ground flora with locally frequent {\it Teucrium scorodonia, Lonicera periclymenum, Galium aparine, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and occasional {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} and {\it Ribes rubrum}. There is some {\it Calluna vulgaris} along the paths. Also recorded: {\it Hedera helix, Viola riviniana, Geum urbanum, Stellaria holostea} and locally frequent {\it Glechoma hederacea} (mostly towards the edge of the canopy). {\it Tamus communis} is occasional along the road. The mosses {\it Pseudoscleropodium purum} and {\it Mnium hornum} were recorded from the eastern side.

MANAGE:
There is good regeneration in the northern half of the common with several spindly {\it Salix cinerea} and {\it Betula} spp. saplings. There is scrub suppression where electricity transmission lines cross the common near the northern boundary. There are a few introduced species on the common: {\it Castanea sativa, Pinus sylvestris} and {\it Rhododendron ponticum}. The common is partly fenced.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, coot, house sparrow, mallard, pheasant, woodpigeon.

VEG:
Improved grassland occupies over 80 percent of the common. The most ecologically interesting features of the common are the ponds. 

The largest, at the southern end of the common contains dense stands of {\it Iris pseudacorus} which occupy most of the southern two thirds. There are also scattered clumps of {\it Glyceria maxima} and {\it Juncus effusus}. The remaining northern third is open water. On the SW bank, there are {\it Alnus glutinosa, Fagus sylvatica} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees with frequent {\it Salix} sp., where the pond adjoins an area of broadleaved woodland. On the opposite bank, there is a short sward of {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum} and {\it Holcus lanatus} with frequent {\it Alopecurus geniculatus, Juncus articulatus} and {\it Cirsium palustre} and a line of {\it Alnus glutinosa} trees. 

The pond immediately to the NE contains frequent {\it Ranunculus} sp., (water crowfoot) and {\it Callitriche stagnalis} plus occasional {\it Polygonum amphibium}. It is fringed with discontinuous stands of {\it Glyceria maxima} with frequent {\it Mentha aquatica} and {\it Veronica beccabunga}, plus occasional {\it Cirsium palustre} and {\it Ranunculus flammula}. 

The northern most pond surveyed (TG199356) is fringed with occasional {\it Juncus inflexus} and is partly shaded by overhanging mature {\it Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Quercus robur}. The pond immediately to the SW (TG198355) contains occasional {\it Callitriche} sp., and is fringed with frequent {\it Veronica beccabunga} plus occasional {\it Callitriche} sp. It is partly shaded by mature {\it Fraxinus excelsior} on its SE side and overhanging {\it Crataegus monogyna}. There are mature standard {\it Quercus robur} trees along the access track just to the SW of this pond.

In the northern half of the common, there are small areas of grazed {\it Alnus glutinosa} dominated woodland with an {\it Urtica dioica} dominated groundflora; also scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg.

MANAGE:
Managed as improved grassland, used for cattle grazing.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: chaffinch, house sparrow. Areas of long grass contain numerous grasshoppers. Much of the {\it Senecio jacobaea} had been devoured by the distinctive orange and black caterpillars of the cinnabar moth ({\it Tyria jacobaea}). There is evidence of rabbit grazing at the southern end of the common.

VEG:
{\it Betula pubescens} and {\it Populus tremula} dominated woodland with locally frequent {\it Quercus robur} occupies the central area of the common. There is a varied age stucture and good regeneration (there are numerous saplings). This is bordered by areas of dense scrub, and tall ruderal vegetation and rank grassland with scattered scrub.

The dense scrub is dominated by {\it Prunus spinosa} with locally frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Salix cinerea}, plus occasional {\it Rosa} sp. and {\it Ulex europaeus}. The tall ruderal vegetation is dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} or {\it Chamerion angustifolium} with frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}. This grades into areas of rank {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} dominated grassland, with frequent {\it Anisantha sterilis, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Poa} spp., {\it Achillea millefolium, Rumex acetosa, Senecio jacobaea, Stellaria graminea, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Trifolium dubium}, plus occasional {\it Galium verum, Silene alba, S. vulgaris} and {\it Vicia cracca}.   

At the southern end of the common, there is a small area of short, rabbit grazed semi-improved acid grassland dominated by {\it Agrostis capillaris} with frequent {\it Lotus corniculatus} and {\it Rumex acetosella}.

On the western side of the common, the dense scrub continues along the south side of an access track (TL696992 to TL692995), where it forms a scrubby, discontinuous hedgerow (up to 5m high and wide) containing frequent {\it Ulmus procera} and young {\it Quercus robur}. The wide verge supports rank {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} dominated grassland of a similar composition to that described above.

MANAGE:
Does not appear to be subject to livestock grazing. No evidence of any recent management activities was seen.

The mosaic of woodland, dense/scattered scrub, tall ruderal vegetation and rank grassland provides a valuable area of habitat for birds and small mammals in a predominantly open, arable landscape.


VEG:
CL28 lies on the southern side of the A47(T) at Etling Green. The grassland is dominated by {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Phleum pratense}, with locally frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Poa} spp., {\it Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Heracleum sphondylium, Ranunculus acris, R. repens} and {\it Veronica chamaedrys}. The pond contains dense stands of {\it Typha latifolia}, fringed with abundant {\it Glyceria fluitans} plus locally frequent {\it Carex hirta, Galium palustre} and {\it Juncus inflexus}. There is scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} in the eastern half of the common and a stand of {\it Anthriscus sylvestris} in the south-eastern corner. A mature {\it C. monogyna} hedge runs along the eastern boundary.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: pheasant, starling, yellowhammer. According to the SSSI citation, "Hawthorn scrub is locally well developed and provides a habitat for nesting birds including Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and Linnet."

There is evidence of rabbit grazing in the section south of the B1113.

VEG:
A limited field survey (of the non SSSI parts of the common) was carried out. 

North of the SSSI, there is a strip of dense scrub along the road, dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}, with patches of tall ruderal vegetation dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Epilobium hirsutum}.

The section adjoining the village at TM089906 is amenity grassland which is used frequently by local people. Of the 2 ponds along the boundary here, the western most contains dense {\it Juncus effusus} with frequent {\it Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it Urtica dioica} with no standing water; the other contains shallow water with dense {\it Typha latifolia}.

The section south of the B1113 (outside the SSSI) is mostly cattle grazed poor semi-improved grassland; the most abundant species appear to be {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne} and {\it Poa} spp., with locally frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Festuca} sp., {\it Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Rumex acetosa, Taraxacum officinale} agg. and {\it Trifolium repens}. There are patches of sward (recorded as B22) which also contain frequent {\it Carex hirta, Cardamine pratensis} and {\it Veronica chamaedrys} plus occasional {\it Alopecurus geniculatus, Briza media, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}.  

No further survey was carried out. The following information is reproduced from the SSSI citation:

"...A number of uncommon plant species occur including the Green winged orchid ({\it Orchis morio}) which is present in some abundance.

Neutral grassland covers the majority of the site with Sheep's Fescue ({\it Festuca ovina}) and Common bent grass ({\it Agrostis capillaris}) the principal species on the drier soils. Associated species include Cowslip ({\it Primula veris}), Meadow saxifrage ({\it Saxifraga granulata}), Bird's foot trefoil ({\it Lotus corniculatus}), Adder's tongue ({\it Ophioglossum vulgatum}) and the largest colony of Green-winged orchids now remaining in Norfolk.

Poorly drained soils, in the area of a small stream that bisects the site, are dominated by Marsh foxtail ({\it Alopecurus geniculatus}) and Tufted hair grass ({\it Deschampsia cespitosa}) with frequent Common quaking grass ({\it Briza media}), Cuckoo flower ({\it Cardamine pratensis}), Hard rush ({\it Juncus inflexus}) and Meadowsweet ({\it Filipendula ulmaria}).

Small areas of calcareous grassland with abundant Sheep's fescue and Crested hair grass ({\it Koeleria macrantha}) occur on hummocks in an area of undulating ground. A number of calcicoles are present including Large thyme ({\it Thymus pulegioides}), Dwarf thistle ({\it Cirsium acaule}), Hoary plantain ({\it Plantago media}) and Lady's bedstraw ({\it Galium verum}).

Acidic grassland has developed on free-draining soils in an area of old sand pits. Sheep's fescue is dominant with frequent Sheep's sorrel ({\it Rumex acetosella}), Common mouse-ear ({\it Cerastium fontanum}), Harebell ({\it Campanula rotundifolia}) and scattered bushes of Gorse ({\it Ulex europaeus}).

A sizeable pool is present on the site and contains a number of water plants including Common water crowfoot ({\it Ranunculus aquatilis}), Water starwort ({\it Callitriche stagnalis} agg.) and Lesser spearwort ({\it Ranunculus flammula}). Small seasonal ponds with abundant Tubular water dropwort ({\it Oenanthe fistulosa}) occur in undulating ground. These wetland features provide additional interest to the site."

MANAGE:
The SSSI area of the common is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, grant aided by English Nature. The SSSI is lightly grazed by cattle according to the SSSI citation; none were seen at the time of survey. 10 cattle were seen in the area south of the B1113.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, blue tit, chaffinch, house sparrow, yellowhammer. Several common blue, small copper and small tortoiseshell butterflies were seen. 

The following information is reproduced from the SSSI citation:

"...This wide range of wet and dry habitats supports several reptiles and amphibians such as Adder, Common lizard, Slow worm, Great crested newt and Smooth newt. Among the more interesting species of breeding bird are Snipe, Grasshopper warbler, Garden warbler, Lesser whitethroat and Redpoll."

VEG:
Sections 1, 2 and 3 (TG164430, 164429, 165428) contain semi-improved neutral grassland. The composition is variable, but {\it Holcus lanatus} and {\it Lolium perenne} are generally dominant with locally frequent {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Carex hirta, Dactylis glomerata, Poa} spp., {\it Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Leucanthemum vulgare, Potentilla anserina, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Rumex acetosa, Taraxacum officinale} agg., {\it Trifolium repens} and {\it Vicia sativa}, plus occasional {\it Bromus hordeaceus, Hordeum murinum, Aquilegia} sp., {\it Geranium dissectum, Linaria purpurea, Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it Silene dioica}. There is frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris} along the roadsides. There is scattered {\it Iris pseudacorus} in the sward on wet ground in the northern half of section 3, with frequent {\it Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Pulicaria dysenterica} plus occasional {\it Cardamine pratensis}. The drain in this area contains frequent {\it Apium nodiflorum} plus occasional {\it Carex pendula}. A scrubby {\it Crataegus monogyna/Prunus spinosa} hedgerow (up to 4m high and 8m wide) runs along the eastern boundary of this section. Sections 2 and 3 were being grazed by tethered horses at the time of survey.   

The remainder of the common, south of the A149, is part of Sheringham and Beeston Regis Commons SSSI. No detailed survey was carried out. The following information is reproduced from the SSSI citation:

"Calcareous mire communities have developed along the drainage lines of springs that emerge from underlying chalk. Here Blunt-flowered rush ({\it Juncus subnodulosus}) and Bog-rush ({\it Schoenus nigricans}) are dominant but a variety of other sedges including Long-stalked yellow sedge ({\it Carex lepidocarpa}), Flea sedge ({\it Carex pulicaris}) and Glaucous sedge ({\it Carex flacca}) also occur. These diverse areas of low-growing vegetation on a moss carpet are notable for many uncommon species such as butterwort ({\it Pinguicula vulgaris}), Bog pimpernel ({\it Anagallis tenella}), Great sundew ({\it Drosera anglica}), Grass of Parnassus ({\it Parnassia palustris}), Southern marsh orchid ({\it Dactylorhiza praetermissa}), Marsh helleborine ({\it Epipactis palustris}) and Fragrant orchid ({\it Gymnadenia conopsea}).

Wet acidic heathland surrounds the calcareous mires and is characterised by Soft Rush ({\it Juncus effusus}), Jointed rush ({\it J. articulatus}), Purple moor-grass ({\it Molinia caerulea}), Quaking grass ({\it Briza media}) and Bog mosses ({\it Sphagnum} spp.). Also present are areas of tall fen vegetation on very wet ground with impeded drainage where Common reed ({\it Phragmites australis}) is dominant but Common sallow ({\it Salix cinerea}) is invasive in many places.

The dry heathland is now dominated by Bracken ({\it Pteridium aquilinum}) and Gorse ({\it Ulex europaeus}) but small pockets of Heather ({\it Calluna vulgaris}), Bell heather ({\it Erica cinerea}) and Cross-leaved heath ({\it Erica tetralix}) still survive. Acidic grassland also occurs locally and is characterised by Wavy hair grass ({\it Deschampsia flexuosa}), Sweet vernal grass ({\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}) and Sheep's sorrel ({\it Rumex acetosella}). Bushes of Hawthorn ({\it Crataegus monogyna}) and Blackthorn ({\it Prunus spinosa}) on many open areas of heath." 

The nationally rare* species {\it Dryopteris cristata} and the nationally scarce** {\it Gentiana pneumonanthe} and {\it Thelypteris palustris} have been recorded in the area of the SSSI. 

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

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

MANAGE:
The Beeston Common Management Group are  mainly responsible for the management of the site on behlf of the owners, Sheringham Town Council. The common is managed primarily for nature conservation and is the subject of a Countryside Stewardship agreement which expires in 2002.

The 1992 Management Plan lists 8 objectives:

1) To maintain the mosaic of acid and calcareous habitats and associated plant and animal communities.

2) To control the spread of invasive species such as bracken, gorse, bramble, willow and birch.

3) To extend and maintain areas of open heath, bog and grassland.

4) To maintain areas of fen and carr.

5) To maintain existing areas of semi "mature" woodland and selected stands of primary wood and scrub. 

6) To maintain open water courses and ponds, regulating water levels as appropriate.

7) To promote public access for quiet recreational purposes and for study.

8) To encourage the use of the common for environmental education.

The management plan sets out how the above objectives are to be achieved in practice. Management work includes mowing of bog, fen, wet/dry heath and grassland habitats at set frequencies and times of the year and the cutting of invasive scrub and bracken.


FAUNA:
2 small tortoiseshell butterflies were seen.

VEG:
The rank grassland is dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne, Phleum pratense, Achillea millefolium, Convolvulus arvensis} and {\it Vicia sativa}, plus occasional {\it Urtica dioica}. A {\it Crataegus monogyna} dominated hedgerow runs along the NW and NE facing boundaries.

MANAGE:
No evidence of recent management activity was seen. The lack of scrub encroachment onto the grassland suggests that it may have been cut at least once in the last 2 years.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, blue tit, house sparrow, song thrush.

VEG:
The southern section (TG333273) was viewed from the tracks along the southern and western boundaries only. It contains dense {\it Salix} spp. scrub with frequent {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and scattered {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Quercus robur}. There are peripheral areas of woodland at the northern and southern ends, dominated by {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Quercus robur} with scattered {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. Trunk diameters rarely exceed 30cm at chest height. Regeneration is good, especially of {\it A. pseudoplatanus}. The pond at the northern end of this section is shaded by surrounding {\it F. excelsior} and {\it Q. robur}. It is fringed with occasional {\it Iris pseudacorus} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. There are discontinuous stands of {\it Epilobium hirsutum} on the bank.

The northern section (TG334280) contains {\it Quercus robur} dominated woodland fringed with {\it Salix cinerea} dominated scrub. The pond site at the western end is dry and contains dense {\it Juncus effusus} fringed with dense {\it Urtica dioica}.

MANAGE:
No evidence of recent management activity was seen.


FAUNA:
Birds seen: Pheasant, Swallows. Also blue damselflies and moles seen during brief field survey.

VEG:
Passing through the gate from the B1135 there is some ground where cattle feed is put and occasional vehicular use. Most of the common is cattle-grazed marsh and marshy grassland. The large pond recently dug near the northern end does not yet sustain much aquatic plant growth. Scrub with  trees is found at the edges of the common and includes {\it Alnus glutinosa, Salix} spp. {\it Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna. Mercurialis perennis is present in shaded areas near scrub and trees. 

Species present include much {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Pulicaria dysenterica, Ranunculus} spp. {\it Phragmites australis, Equisetum fluviatile, Caltha palustris, Eupatorium cannabinum, Myosotis scorpioides, Mentha aquatica, Rumex acetosa, Urtica dioica, Vicia cracca, Veronica beccabunga, Chamerion angustifolium, Glechoma hederacea, Oenanthe crocata, Sonchus asper, Cardamine pratensis, Iris pseudocorus, Cardamine flexuosa, Helianthemum nummularium, Rubus fruticosus, Rhinanthus minor, Galium palustre, Potentilla anserina, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Lamium album, Convolvulus} sp. {\it Silene dioica, Juncus} spp.{\it Alliaria petiolata}. There are areas of swamp vegetation near the fringe of the common with {\it Carex rostrata, Carex paniculata, Mentha aquatica}.  Central to the common is an area that includes marsh orchids.

MANAGE:
The common is managed for cattle grazing. There is public access to the common encouraged by Council waymarking and bridges over streams. A large pond has recently been dug out near the northern end of the common.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, chaffinch, house sparrow, yellowhammer. 2 rabbits were seen.

VEG:
In the northern half of the common (to the south of the road), the sward is a mixture of {\it Agrostis} sp., {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne} and {\it Poa} spp., with locally abundant {\it Achillea millefolium} and {\it Trifolium repens}, plus locally frequent {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Bellis perennis, Potentilla reptans, Prunella vulgaris, Ranunculus acris, R. repens} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg. and occasional {\it Phleum pratense}. The sward is generally less than 8cm high. The southern half of the common was viewed through binoculars only, but appears to be similar. 

North of the road (TM373971), there is a small area of enclosed amenity grassland surrounded by improved grassland, which is fringed along the boundaries of the common with tall herb vegetation dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} with occasional {\it Carduus nutans} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. 

The scattered scrub is mostly {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with occasional {\it Rosa} sp. The southern two thirds of the common is bounded on the E. and W. sides by discontinuous, untrimmed hedgerows of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Ulmus} sp., with locally frequent {\it Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Sambucus nigra}. 

A series of five ponds is situated along the CL boundary. These are all partly surrounded by scrub. Only the northern most pond (TM374968) was surveyed. This contains abundant {\it Rumex} sp. and is fringed with frequent {\it Mentha aquatica, Ranunculus sceleratus} and {\it Veronica beccabunga}, plus occasional {\it Juncus inflexus}. The banks are heavily cattle poached.

MANAGE:
Used for cattle grazing. The intensity of grazing will stop the further spread of scattered scrub on the common.


FAUNA:
The long grass contains numerous grasshoppers. Several meadow brown butterflies were seen, and shells which appear to be those of the terrestrial snail {\it Cepea nemoralis}.

VEG:
The rank grassland on the embankment is dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with locally abundant {\it Elytrigia repens} plus locally frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Daucus carrota, Galium aparine, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla reptans, Senecio jacobaea} and {\it Trifolium dubium} and occasional {\it Carex otrubae, Phleum pratense, Armoracia rusticana, Convolvulus arvensis, Galium verum, Ononis spinosa, Papaver rhoeas, Picris echoides} and {\it Vicia sativa}. There are scattered patches of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica}.

On an almost level area below the embankment but above the riverbank, there is a strip of saltmarsh dominated by rank {\it Elytrigia atherica} with occasional {\it Glaux maritima}. A thin deposit of fine grey sediment on this vegetation suggests that it is subject to periodic flooding. On the slope of the riverbank, there are dense stands of {\it Phragmites australis}.

MANAGE:
Although there is 1 right to graze cattle, no evidence of recent grazing was seen.


FAUNA:
Rabbits. Moles. Lapwings. Heron. Distant bird of prey.

VEG:
This common was not surveyed in detail due to uncertainty if access. Near the gate at the SE corner of the common is poor semi-improved grassland with patches of {\it Juncus inflexus}. Wet ditches are present with tall sedges, {\it Phragmites australis, Glyceria maxima, Urtica dioica}. Small areas of open water support {\it Callitriche} spp. The land is wetter marsh further north. There are occasional trees of {\it Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Salix} sp. The southern edge of the common is fringed with {\it Salix} sp.{\it Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna} with substantial {\it Rubus fruticosus, Urtica dioica}.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, canada goose, coot, greylag goose, house sparrow, kestrel, mallard, swallow, woodpigeon.

VEG:
The level of the River Bure is between 2 and 3m higher than the level of the common. Along the waters edge (just outside the CL boundary) there are dense stands of {\it Glyceria maxima}, up to 4m wide, with locally frequent {\it Apium nodiflorum}. The embankment along the river supports dense stands of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica} with locally frequent {\it Epilobium hirsutum, Galium aparine} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium}, plus occasional {\it Alliaria petiolata} and {\it Conium maculatum}. Below this, there is a belt of swamp vegetation up to 40m wide dominated by {\it Carex} sp. with locally frequent {\it Carex hirta, Holcus lanatus, Cardamine pratensis, Glechoma hederacea} and occasional {\it Urtica dioica}. The semi-improved neutral grassland to the west of this is dominated by {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Poa} spp., with locally abundant {\it Carex hirta}, plus locally frequent {\it Cardamine pratensis, Equisetum palustre, Potentilla anserina, Rumex acetosa} and {\it Stellaria alsine}, plus occasional {\it Cirsium palustre, Juncus effusus} and {\it Ranunculus flammula}. Land to the west of this is sheep grazed poor semi-improved neutral grassland.

MANAGE:
Partly used for sheep grazing (on B6). The semi-improved neutral grassland looked ungrazed at the time of survey (sward height 15 to 25cm). It may be cut in late summer and used for grazing during the autumn.


VEG:
The rank grassland is dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata} with frequent {\it Anisantha sterilis, Elytrigia repens, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Lolium perenne}; it is interspersed with scattered {\it Conium maculatum} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius} and patches of {\it Cirsium arvense, Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Urtica dioica}. Along the path, there is frequent {\it Matricaria} sp. plus occasional {\it Papaver rhoeas} and {\it Senecio jacobaea}.

The remaining arable area was being used to grow sugar beet at the time of survey.

MANAGE:
Part used for arable agriculture; the remaining area appears to be unmanaged at present.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: blackbird, blue tit, carrion crow, house sparrow, robin, yellowhammer. Several gatekeeper, meadow brown and small tortoiseshell butterflies were seen, also 2 rabbits. Azure damselflies ({\it Coenagrion puella}) and common blue damselflies ({\it Enallagma cyathigerum}) were seen around ponds 2, 3, 4 and 6. The ponds will be attractive to amphibians; further survey to determine if smooth and/or great crested newts are present would be worth while.

VEG:
The southern area of the common appears to be the most frequently used for recreation. The sward height is generally under 15cm due to regular mowing; most of it is dominated by {\it Lolium perenne} and has been recorded as amenity grassland. The area around the playing field in the central part of the common is less intensively managed, but contains few herb species and has been recorded as poor semi-improved. There are peripheral areas of amenity grassland in front of residential properties adjoining the common.

The semi-improved neutral grassland is mostly situated in the eastern half of the common and was uncut at the time of survey. Sward composition varies; the most abundant species over the whole area appear to be {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Lolium perenne}. There is also locally abundant {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Trifolium repens} with locally frequent {\it Agrostis} sp., {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca} sp., {\it Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Lathyrus pratensis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Plantago lanceolata, Potentilla anserina, P. reptans, Ranunculus repens, Silaum silaus} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg., plus occasional {\it Carex hirta, Primula veris} and {\it Tragopogon pratensis}. 

A limited survey was made of 6 of the 7 ponds shown on the map. No standing water was seen in pond 1 (TG193011); it contains dense {\it Epilobium hirsutum} with abundant {\it Holcus lanatus}. The bank supports dense stands of {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Urtica dioica}, with frequent {\it Armoracia rusticana} and {\it Heracleum sphondylium} and scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna}.

Pond 2 (TG192009) is the most interesting botanically. It contains abundant {\it Stratiotes aloides} (nationally scarce*) and {\it Potamogeton natans} fringed with dense stands of {\it Sparganium erectum} with frequent {\it Eleocharis palustris, Galium palustre, Lycopus europaeus, Mentha aquatica} and {\it Myosotis scorpioides}, plus occasional {\it Baldellia ranunculoides, Oenanthe fistulosa} and {\it Typha latifolia}. It is surrounded by {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Quercus robur}.

Pond 3 (TG194010) contains abundant {\it Glyceria fluitans} and {\it Ranunculus} sp. (water crowfoot), fringed with frequent {\it Galium palustre} and {\it Lycopus europaeus}. There are dense stands of {\it Typha latifolia} on the southern side.

Pond 4 (TG193007) contains abundant {\it Potamogeton natans} with frequent {\it Elodea} sp. and {\it Glyceria fluitans} and 2 clusters (each about 3m wide) of the nationally scarce* {\it Stratiotes aloides}. It is fringed with dense stands of {\it Sparganium erectum} plus occasional {\it Iris pseudacorus, Phalaris arundinacea} var. {\it picta} and {\it Typha latifolia} and surrounded by mature {\it Quercus robur}, which overhangs the water on the western side.

No standing water was seen in Pond 5 (TG190007). It contains abundant {\it Ranunculus repens} with frequent {\it Alopecurus geniculatus, Galium palustre, Potentilla anserina} and {\it Urtica dioica}. It is surrounded by dense {\it U. dioica}. Just to the west of this pond, there is a small area of {\it Crataegus monogyna} dominated dense scrub with frequent {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus occasional {\it Bryonia dioica} and {\it Rosa} sp.

Pond 6 (situated just outside Old Hall Farm at TG194010) contains abundant blanket weed, {\it Potamogeton crispus} and {\it Ranunculus} sp. (water crowfoot) with frequent {\it Eleocharis palustris} and {\it Glyceria fluitans}, plus occasional {\it Persicaria amphibia} and {\it Typha latifolia}. The bank supports dense stands of {\it Epilobium hirsutum} with abundant {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Holcus lanatus}. The 3 grass species dominate the surrounding rank grassland, where there are also scattered {\it Quercus robur} saplings. On the opposite side of the road (TG194009), there is a depression (possibly a former pond) which contains dense {\it Typha latifolia} (recorded as F1); it is surrounded by scattered {\it Quercus robur}.

There is a small area of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} dominated woodland with occasional {\it Aesculus hippocastanum} along the southern boundary (TG193006).

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

MANAGE:
The parts of the common used most frequently for recreation and areas adjoining surrounding residential property are managed as amenity grassland. The remaining area was uncut and ungrazed; it is probably cut once a year in the late summer. It would be desirable to retain the botanical diversity in this remaining area by avioding the use of herbicides and fertilizer. 
No evidence of recent management activity was seen at the ponds or in the small areas of woodland.


