# file3

VEG:
This common was only viewed from the southern boundary. It appears to be sheep-grazed semi-improved acid grassland with species such as {\it Agrostis capillaris, Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Anthoxanthum odoratum}. The Phase 1 survey refers to an area of B5 marshy grassland near the southern end with much {\it Juncus effuus, Juncus squarrosus}. There are many small outcrops of Millstone Grit.


VEG:
The East side of the common was viewed from the road only. Appears to be {\it Juncus effusus} marshy grassland with scattered patches of acidic grassland.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Robin, Yellowhammer.

VEG:
The canopy is dominated by mixed age {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, with occasional {\it Ulmus glabra, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Taxus baccata} (very old trees). Old coppiced {\it Corylus avellana} covers much of the lower half of the slope, where there is also 
occasional {\it Sambucus nigra}.

The ground under the canopy is littered with loose rocks (from the 
exposed limestone faces above) covered with bryophytes - dominantly 
{\it Thuidium tamariscinum}, with frequent {\it Isothecium myosuroides} and {\it Fissidens} sp. Other ground flora species noted include locally 
abundant {\it Convallaria majalis} (forms carpets below the rock faces), 
{\it Allium ursinum, Anemone nemorosa, Hyacinthoides non-scripta} and 
{\it Mercurialis perennis}, with frequent {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum, 
Deschampsia cespitosa, Circaea lutetiana, Geum urbanun, Silene dioica} 
and {\it Stachys sylvatica}, plus occasional {\it Carex sylvatica, C. panicea, Alliaria petiolata, Centaurea nigra, Geranium robertianum, Rubus 
fruticosus} agg. and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}. 

A few very stunted {\it Taxus baccata} trees grow out of the rock faces 
above the canopy, where there is also scattered {\it Thymus} sp., {\it Calluna vulgaris} and stunted {\it Crataegus monogyna}. 

At the bottom of the slope, there is a small area of wood pasture 
dominated by {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Poa} spp., with frequent {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Alchemilla} sp., {\it Cardamine pratensis,  Centaurea nigra, Galium cruciata, Leucanthemum vulgare} and {\it Prunella vulgaris}, plus occasional {\it Filipendula ulmaria,  Ranunculus ficaria, Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it Juncus effusus}.

MANAGE:
Probably used for occasional livestock grazing. Enclosed by a drystone wall along the road, but there are no fences/walls along the other boundaries. Most of the {\it Corylus avellana} appears to have been coppiced (not recently).


VEG:
Much of this common is marshy and acidic grassland with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea, Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta} and frequent {\it Festuca ovina, Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta}. Wetter areas support many carices including {\it Carex pulicaris?} and {\it Polygala vulgaris, Carex panicea, Polyrtrichum commune, Cirsium palustre, Briza media, Calluna vulgaris} (very short). {\it Campanula rotundifolia} is frequent especially in the wetter sward alongside streams. On higher ground the {\it Nardus stricta}-dominated sward gives way to {\it Molinia caerulea, Eriophorum vaginatum} with frequent {\it D. flexuosa, Polytrichum commune, Vaccinium myrtillus}. {\it Sphagnum auriculatum, S. palustre} and {\it S. capillosum} are present in small hummocks. The northern parts of the common were not surveyed.

Flushed areas around springs support much {\it Juncus effusus} with {\it Juncus articulatus} and {\it Cirsium palustre}, and occasional {\it Carex ovalis, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium repens, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Lysimachia} sp. {\it Achillea ptarmica, Carex panicea, Viola palustris, Sphagnum palustre}.


VEG:
Notes from brief field survey:

The lower slopes are of semi-improved acid grassland with species such as {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa, Potentilla erecta, Bellis perennis, Campanula rotundifolia, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosa, Trifolium repens, Agrostis capillaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Cirsium palustre} and {\it Carex panicea} in occasional wet areas and {\it Carex demissa}. Flushes include {\it Briza media, Thymus} sp. {\it Linum catharticum, Euphrasia} spp.  Higher ground has {\it Nardus stricta} sward with {\it Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Carex panicea} and is recorded as semi-improved acid grassland.


FAUNA:
Grouse. No other fauna information available.

VEG:
This common includes substantial wet modified bog to the north (with some bare peat). The bogs include quite a lot of shallow hagging with substantial {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} and (in parts) reasonable {\it Sphagnum} spp. cover. Lower slopes include acidic grassland and an area of calcareous grassland.


VEG:
Most of this common is marshy grassland and/or wet modified bog with species including {\it Molinia caerulea, Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta}. Lower slopes support more {\it Nardus stricta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Cynosurus cristatus, Trifolium repens}. 

Flushes along the course of streams towards the west boundary are dominated by {\it Juncus articulatus, Cirsium palustre, Cardamine} sp. {\it Briza media} (scattered), {\it Galium palustre, Trifolium repens, Crepis?}sp., {\it Carex panicea, Holcis lanatus, Viola chamaedrys, Cynosurus cristatus}. On stream banks are found {\it Linaria} sp.{\it Euphrasia} agg. {\it Calluna vulgaris} (v. short) {\it Pinguicula vulgaris, Lotus pedunculatus, Carex panicea, Prunella vulgaris, Carex viridula} ssp. {\it oedocarpa}.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Curlew, Lapwing, Pied Wagtail (near road close to NE boundary). Several rabbits were seen near the NE boundary.

VEG:
The common was surveyed from the first 1.4km of the public bridleway only (walking SW from SD905786), which runs roughly parallel to Hagg Beck. The survey information shown on the map is mostly reproduced from the YDNP Phase 1 habitat survey map.

Hagg Beck runs through a small limestone gorge. On the north side, 
there is scattered {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with occasional {\it Sambucus nigra} growing on short, closely grazed calcareous grassland which contains frequent {\it Alchemilla 
vulgaris, Conopodium majus, Primula vulgaris, Prunella vulgaris} and 
{\it Ranunculus repens}. Hollows and crevices in and around outcropping 
limestone contain one or more of the following species: {\it Allium 
ursinum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Calluna vulgaris, Carex panicea, 
Geranium robertianum, Thymus} sp., {\it Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, A. 
ruta-muraria, A. viride, Dryopteris filix-mas} and {\it Phyllitis 
scolopendrium}.                                                        

Elsewhere on the common, the lower slopes below the dry bog mostly 
appear to support {\it Nardus/Festuca/Agrostis} acid grassland with 
scattered, occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} (very small plants, less than 5cm high). There are frequent flushes 
dominated by {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Juncus effusus. Eriophorum vaginatum} appears to be dominant on higher ground, with frequent patches of heavily grazed {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. These areas were viewed through binoculars only. 

From English Nature Phase 1 Target Notes:

Raisgill Wood (above Hagg Beck):  Semi-natural broad-leaved woodland including trees such as {\it Sorbus aucuparia, C. monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior, Betula} spp. and ground flora that includes {\it Mycellis muralis, Anthriscus sylvestris, Geranium robertianum, Fragaria vesca, Galium mollugo, Mercurialis perennis, Campanula rotundifolia, Ajuga reptans, Galium sterneri, Sanicula europaea, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Prunus padus, Cystopteris fragilis, Asplenium trichomanes, Polystichum aculeatum, P. aquilinum, Luzula campestris, Carex flacca, Pottentilla sterilis, Conopodium majus, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Geum urbanum, Lathyrus montanus, Primula vulgaris, Succisa pratensis, Leontodon autumnalis, Adoxa moschatellina, Potentilla anserina, Dryopteris} spp. {\it Briza media, Bachypodium sylvaticum, Oreopteris limnosperma}. 

Limestone rock outcrops above Raisgill Wood support species such as: {\it Cardamine hirsuta, Cyctopteris gragilis, Dryopteris} spp. The associated grasslands support: {\it Thymus praecox, Alchemilla vulgaris} agg. {\it Potentilla sterilis, Cirsium palustre, Ranunculus ficaria, Viola riviniana, Primula vulgaris, Pilosella officinarum, Sanguisorba minor, L. autumnalis, Ajuga reptans, Campanula rotundifolia, Mercurialis perennis, Prunella vulgaris, Riber uva-crispa, Hypericum hirsutum, Leontodon hispidus, Linum catharticum, Dctylorhiza} spp. {\it Sesleria albicans, Carex caryophylla, Carex flacca, Crepis paludosa, Pinguicula vulgaris, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium}. 

The more neutral grasslands of the eastern sides of the common support: {\it Alchemilla vulgaris} agg., {\it Cochlearia officinalis, Cardamine pratensis, Potentilla sterilis, Oxalis acetosella, Montia fontana, Veronica beccabunga}. Some areas have {\it P. aquilinum} as dominant. 

Acidic grasslands within the wet bog areas support {\it Galium saxatile, Nardus stricta, Festuca ovina, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris, Juncus squarrosus, Juncus effusus}.

MANAGE:
Used for sheep grazing. No evidence of management for grouse was seen in the area surveyed. Spraying of the {\it P. aquilinum} in some areas has been undertaken.


VEG:
Studfold Moss is divided from CL 247 by a wire fence but is essentially  continuous with the northern parts of Swarth Moor (See CL 247), i.e. marshy grassland and raised bog with much {\it Molinia caerulea, Potentilla palustris, Carex rostrata, Erica tetralix}. There are patches of {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and areas of scrub with {\it Betula pendula, Salix cinerea, Alnus glutinosa} growing round open water and pools. Some {\it Salix pentandra} bushes grow on the western edge.

MANAGE:
Managed for sheep and cattle grazing. Refer to English Nature for management plan and records.


VEG:
The northern parts of this common are of improved grassland with {\it Lolium perenne, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Trifolium repens, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Agrostis} sp. which is heavily sheep-grazed. There are scattered patches of {\it Juncus effusus} which are more frequent towards the stream. This habitat grades into B6, poor semi-improved grassland in the middle of the site.  Towards the southern end of the site the B6 grades into B22, semi-improved neutral grassland of {\it Nardus stricta, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Molinia caerulea, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile}. There are outcrops of Millstone Grit at the south end surrounded by {\it Pteridium aquilinum} on the SW side.


FAUNA:
Grouse. No other fauna information obtained.

VEG:
This common was not surveyed on foot. From the English Nature Phase 1 survey and target notes (1985) there have been large areas of bare peat due to erosion and/or excess burning. The tarn on Middle Tongue in surrounded by much bare peat with some grit exposure and some {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}. There are also shallow pools at the northern end of the common dominated by {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}.

Near the highest point is found an extensive area of wet bog with much {\it E. vaginatum} and peat hagging. Channels in the peat are fringed with heath vegetation including {\it Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus}.

Small acidic flushes on the western side of this common support {\it Juncus effusus, Cardamine pratensis, Ranunculus flammula, Sphagnum} spp. Neutral grassland is recorded around basic cliffs in this area including {\it Cerastium fontanum, Trifolium repens, Prunella vulgaris, Veronica chamaedrys, Potentilla sterilis, Rumex acetosa, Thymus praecox, Achillea millefolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Pilosella officinarum, Rumex acetosa, Alchemilla vulgaris, Ranunculus} sp. {\it Plantago lanceolata, Lotus corniculatus, Carex carylphylla, Luzula} sp. {\it Briza media, Festuca ovina, Sesleria albicans, Cynosurus cristatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus}. A small basic outcrop 'above the main outcrop' has calcareous spp. including {\it Thymus praecox, Linum catharticum, Galium sterneri, Sesleria albicans, Pilosella officinarum, Minuartia verna, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Veronica serpyllifolia, Scabiosa columbaria, Carex flacca, Festuca ovina, Campanula rotundifolia, Garanium robertianum, Viola riviniana}.


VEG:
Most of this common is wet modified bog with substantial {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} with intervening acid grassland that includes much {\it Nardus stricta, Polytrichum commune, Molinia caerulea, Juncus squarrosus}. There are small flushes and areas of calcareous grassland. {\it Trichophorum cespitosum} occurs on Little Fell. {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. are common throughout the area.


FAUNA:
No fauna noted during brief field visit.

VEG:
Viewed from the eastern boundary only (No access). There are areas of {\it Juncus effusus} marsh but most appears to be acidic marshy grassland with {\it Molinia caerulea, Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta, Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa}. Where mining appears to have taken place there is much {\it Nardus stricta} grassland.


VEG:
Most of this common is improved or semi-improved acidic grassland. The southernmost fields support substantial {\it Lolium perenne} and have been improved from rough grassland or bogs. Western edges of this area include marshy grassland of 'rush and sedge-dominated areas in rough pasture' and include {\it Carex demissa, Carex panicea}. The central areas between Calton and Hanlith Moor support marshy grasslands with some standing water. Species present include {\it Potamogeton} spp. {\it Pedicularis palustris, Valeriana  dioica, Carex panicea, C. demissa, C. lepidocarpa, C. echinata, C. nigra}.
There area areas of substantial {\it Calluna vulgaris} and others of substantial {\it Molinia caerulea}.

Acidic flushes on the eastern side of this common support {\it Caltha palustris, Molinia caerulea, Carex rostrata, Juncus effusus, Sphagnum} spp. and the more basic flushes include {\it Sanguisorba officinalis, Succisa pratensis}.


FAUNA:
Seen at time of survey: Moles. Swallows. Grasshoppers. Frogs/tadpoles in lake. From Heslington Tillmire SSSI citation: Lapwing, Snipe, Curlew, Redshank, Teal, Shoveler and Pintail. 'The fact that the site is surrounded by intensively farmed arable and improved grassland makes it of particular importance for birds.

VEG:
The triangle of common west of Fir Tree Farm has scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rosa canina} in the SW corner which gives way to short grassland with {\it Ranunculus acris, Trifolium repens, Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Poa annua, Agrostis capillaris, Rumex acetosa, Cerastium fontanum, Cirsium arvense, Carex hirta}. 

These species continue into the northern areas of this common which include semi-improved neutral grassland and tall herb communities supporting species such as {\it Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Equisetum palustre, Stellaria palustris, Cirsium palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Cardamine pratensis,  Potentilla palustris}. The grass is very tussocky and damp but the eastern side is drier with frequent {\it Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta}. The northern side of the common is distinctly acidic in places with species such as {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, D. cespitosa} and also {\it Agrostis capillaris} and {\it Nardus stricta}. Ponds on the northern edge of the common have become filled with {\it Juncus effusus}. Other wetter patches support {\it Mentha aquatica, Oenanthe fistulosa, Ranunculus flammula, Carex paniculata, Galium palustre}.

Surveyor's notes refer to a recently dug pond about 50m. x 20m. with dense {\it Carex riparia} on the eastern side. The southern side supports much {\it Juncus inflexus, Ranunculus flammula, Juncus effusus, Eleocharis palustris}.

Part of the SSSI citation for Heslington Tillmire is reproduced below:

'Heslington Tillmire is situated on silt and clay drift deposits on low lying, flat land in the Vale of York. It is important for its tall herb fen plant community and for its marshy grassland and associated assemblage of breeding birds.

The tall herb fen plant community is the only one of its type known within the Vale of York. It is characterized by {\it Potentilla palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Eriophorum angustifolium} and a variety of sedges including {\it Carex rostrata, C. nigra, C. hostiana, C. lasiocarpa}. Herbs include {\it Lotus uliginosus, Oenanthe fistulosa, Filipendula ulmaria, Galium palustre}. Of particular note is the presence of the nationally scarce {\it Lycopodiella inundata}.

MANAGE:
The grasslands are moderately cattle-grazed. There is also sheep grazing in an enclosure. Occasional poaching. Ragwort is pulled and sprayed.


FAUNA:
Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon. Meadow Brown Butterfly.

VEG:
This common is used a s a golf course. Around the fairways there are peripheral areas of acidic grassland including {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Juncus squarrosus} with occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Luzula campestre}. The {\it Betula} spp. woodland areas have some {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. There is good {\it Sorbus aucuparia} regeneration. Ground flora species here include {\it Rubus fruticosus, Chamerion angustifolium, Lonicera periclymenum, Digitalis purpurea, Deschampsia flexuosa, Dryopteris dilitata, Molinia caerulea, Ulex europaeus}.  Standing dead wood has been left.

MANAGE:
Managed as golf course. There is much old {\it Betula} sp. coppice in evidence.


FAUNA:
No fauna recorded from brief field survey.

VEG:
There areas of {\it Betula} spp. some with planted {\it Pinus} sp. and {\it Picea} spp. interspersed among fairways and fringed with acid grassland.  Viewed from the northern boundary, trees of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Fagus sylvatica} are visible along a stream.

MANAGE:
Mostly managed as golf course with some tree planting and management.


VEG:
Much of this common is of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with frequent stands of {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Dactylis glomerata, Urtica dioica, Centaurea nigra}. There is occasional scattered {\it Agrostis} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus, Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Viola chamaedrys, Galium aparine, Sisymbrium officinale, Artemesia vulgaris, Phleum pratense, Stachys sylvaticum, Symphytum officinale}. The hedgerow on the SW side is of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} with locally frequent {\it Bryonia dioica, Rosa canina, Galium cruciata} and becomes wider at the southern end ( 6 to 8m.) There are trees of {\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur}.  There is {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Vicia cracca, Lathyrum pratensis} and {\it Juncus} spp. in drains.


VEG:
Access denied to site. Appears to be poor semi-improved grassland.

MANAGE:
Access denied to site. Managed as sheep grazing.


VEG:
Most of this small common is of developing scrub with {\it C. monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Salix} spp. and {\it Rosa canina}. There are standards of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur}. Ground flora species include {\it Urtica dioica, Filipendula ulmaria, Anthriscus sylvestris, Vicia cracca, Ranunculus acris, Rubus fruticosus, Stellaria holostea, Heracleum sphondylium, Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Galium cruciata, Galium aparine, Cirsium} spp. {\it Taraxacum officinale}. A ditch runs through the middle of the site with, at the time of survey, still water that supports {\it Lemna minor, Phragmites australis}. The banks include much {\it Urtica dioica, Arctium minus, Rumex acetosa}. There are areas of open tall grassland and there are some recently planted {\it Populus tremula} in tubes.

MANAGE:
No evident ongoing managment. Some material dumped and a bonfire site evident. The ditch that runs across the site looks recently dug out.


FAUNA:
Rabbits. Sparrowhawk. Swallows.  Meadow Brown Butterfly.

VEG:
The southern half of this common may have a history of disturbance but currently supports tall ruderal species. These include {\it Rubus fruticosus, Cytisus scoparius, Urtica dioica, Senecio jacobaea, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Silene dioica, Arctium minus,  Malva sylvestris, Ballota nigra, Pteridium aquilinum} with some bushes of {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Sambucus nigra}. The edge by the minor road supports much {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Rosa canina}. The northern half of this common appears to have been restored from earlier industrial use. The grassland supports {\it Centaurea nigra, Cirsium} spp. {\it Ononis repens, Leucanthemum vulgare, Geranium molle, Trifolium repens, Dactylis glomerata, Verbascum thapsus, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Senecio jacobaea}. There is substantial {\it Trifolium (arvense?) and {\it Vicia} sp. possibly from seed mixture.

MANAGE:
The southern side of the common is unmanaged except for some recent cutting of tall species. The northern side of the common has been restored to grasslands from industrial use. There is some dumping of garden waste and informal use for recreation. Were it possible to create some open water habitats with associated margins and allow scrub to develop the site may yield a good variety of habitats and diversity.


VEG:
This common is of a wide muddy track used by farm vehicles and horses. There are ditches and verge grasslands either side of the track which support tall grasses such as {\it Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Anthoxanthum odoratum} with {\it Aegopodium podograria, Rumex acetosa, Anthiscus sylvestris, Equisetum fluviatile, Plantago lanceolata, Myosotis} sp. {\it Galium cruciata, Ranunculus acris, Alliaria petiolata, Cirsium} spp. {\it Hedra helix}. The verges are backed by hedges of {\it C. monogyna, Fraxinus exclesior, Prunus spinosa, Salix} spp.

MANAGE:
In use frequently as a bridleway. Hedges may be trimmed. Evidence of garden waste dumping.


FAUNA:
Wood pigeons, Crows. Cuckoo, Spotted flycatcher.

VEG:
The verges along the northern section of this common support tall grasses, small patches of {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Plantago lanceolata, Cirsium} spp. {\it Trifolium} spp. Hedge/scrub of {\it C. monogyna backs most of the verge with some {\it Salix} sp. trees and also {\it Quercus robur}.

The bridleway that forms the western limb of this common is a very wide trackway sandwiched between a field of rape and a dense thicket of {\it Quercus} sp. planted saplings. The track is used by horses (bridleway) and walkers.

MANAGE:
Maintained by regular use as a brideways and access roads. Some verges are mown.


VEG:
The road to Batrudding Farm is narrow with only narrow verges overhung by thick scrub/wood of {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior}. There are a few {\it Picea sitchensis} near the road junction. Ground flora here includes {\it Arum maculatum, Hedera helix, Urtica dioica, Rubus fruticosus, Lonicera periclymenum, Lamium purpurea}.

East of China bridge the grassland verges open out into more marshy land that includes {\it Molinia caerulea, Vicia} spp. and {\it Equisetum fluviatile}.

Other sections of the common are road verges ( including Primula veris, Filipendula ulmaria, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Heracleum sphondylium, Centaurea nigra, Galium cruciata}) often backed by hedge/scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre, Sambucus nigra, Acer pseudoplatanus, Malus sylvestris, Rosa canina} in which there are standards of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur} and {\it Populus} sp.

MANAGE:
Some road verges mown. Bales located in scrub/wood sections along road to Batrudding Farm.


VEG:
The grasslands on the eastern section of this common support tall grasses such as {\it Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Plantago lanceolata, Taraxacum officinale, Anthriscus sylvestris, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus} spp. The grasslands are backed by hedges/scrub of {\it C. monogyna, Quercus robur, Prunus spinosa}.

MANAGE:
Part of this common is used for arable farming.


VEG:
This common was viewed only from a distance and the access availabilty was uncertain. It appears to the mostly {\it Betula} spp. woodland with an understorey of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Salix} spp. and substantial {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Magpie, Starling.

VEG:
This common contains dense scrub dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with frequent {\it Prunus spinosa, Rosa} sp., and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus occasional {\it Ulex europaeus}. It is fringed along the road with patches of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}-dominated grassland and {\it Urtica dioica}. 

There are a few mature {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees along the SW facing boundary.

The following was also surveyed which is not now common land, near Ganton Dale Cottage:
......It occupies a small, narrow valley (see contour lines on map). The southern half contains dense stands of {\it Chamerion angustifolium}, with frequent {\it Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica} and {\it Calystegia sepium}, plus occasional {\it Angelica sylvestris}. This is fringed with scattered scrub ({\it Crataegus monogyna, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Sambucus nigra}) and small patches of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}-dominated grassland, which also contain frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Elymus repens, Achillea millefolium} and {\it Silene dioica}, plus occasional{\it Symphytum x uplandicum}.


FAUNA:
Birds noted: Wood pigeon, Chaffinch, Blackbird.

VEG:
The northern section of this common includes two groups of tall {\it Pinus sylvestris} trees, two {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} trees, some clumps of {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub and a couple of {\it Crataegus monogyna} bushes. Otherwise this area is open neutral grassland some of which is mown. 

The southern section includes the old school, now a private house with garden, and areas of open tall and marshy grassland with species such as {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Plantago lanceolata, Dactylis glomerata, Heracleum sphondylium, Stellaria graminea, Achillea millefolium, Ranunculus} spp.{\it  Arrhenatherum elatius, Molinia caerulea, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Veronica chamaedrys, Trifolium} spp. {\it Galium cruciata, Vicia sp., Bellis perennis}. There is {\it C. monogyna} hedge to the east of this section. Some of the ground is raised and may have been disturbed in the past.

MANAGE:
This common appears to be kept open for informal public use. Some grassy areas are mown. Local resident concerned that 'the common is not developed'.


VEG:
The northern half of this common has scattered stands of {\it Betula} spp. and {\it Ulex europaeus} with some {\it Pinus sylvatica} trees. There are some clearings with {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, D. cespitosa, P. aquilinum} and patches of mature {\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus}. Some areas also support {\it Erica tetralix} and {\it Molinia caerulea}. The area may have been a bog which has become overgrown with scrub. 

The southern area of this common is much more open and is mostly wet heath with frequent rock outcrops. Species present include {\it Molinia caerulea, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Deschampsia flexuosa}. {\it Betula pubescens} and {\it Pinus sylvatica} once again become frequent towards the southern boundary where there is also dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

NVC communities present: M25a, H12a, W16b, U20b.

MANAGE:
Heath has burnt within 2 years. {\it Molinia caerulea} has become abundant in burnt areas. Some clearings in the scrub.  The {\it Calluna vulgaris} is fairly healthy.


VEG:
In addition to the the poor semi-improved grassland, there is a small area managed as amenity grassland outside the property known as Little Barugh. The pond in the northern half of the common has mostly been infilled; there are still a few small stands of {\it Sparganium erectum} around the edge, the remaining area is tall herb vegetation dominated by {\it Urtica dioica}, with frequent {\it Agrostis} sp., {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius}. Two {\it Aesculus hippocastanum} saplings have been planted on the common. A trimmed {\it Crataegus monogyna/Fraxinus excelsior} hedge (with a few young {\it F. excelsior} trees) runs along the eastern boundary.

MANAGE:
Partly used for grazing tethered goats, with a small area managed as amenity grassland. It is not clear if sheep grazing still takes place. 

It would be desirable to re-establish the pond in the northern half of the common. This could be visually attractive as well as being potentially attractive to wildlife. As the common is under the protection of the Local Authority, the project could be organised by the District/Parish Council, involving local people and voluntary labour.


VEG:
This common was not field surveyed but from the Phase 1 survey of the North York Moors National Park appears to be dry heath with upslope areas of dry modified bog. Acid flushes appear above Perch Cottage on the western side. Open water is found North of Clough Dike Head.

MANAGE:
There is moderate grazing of the common and there may be some burning of heather.


FAUNA:
No fauna recorded during brief field survey.

VEG:
This common appears to be all dry heath with {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. There are some burnt areas and some areas of scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Other species present include occasional clumps of {\it Juncus effusus, Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta, Polytrichum commune} and {\it locally frequent {\it Rumex acetosella}. {\it Erica cinerea} is locally frequent in the {\it C. vulgaris}. Flushes support {\it Oreopteris limnosperma, Cirsium palustre, Blechnum spicant, Erica tetralix, Viola palustris, Carex echinata, Sphagnum} spp. 

The {\it Calluna vulgaris} is mostly mature and burnt areas have carpets of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.

MANAGE:
Some burning of dry heath has taken place.


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

VEG:
The common was surveyed from the adjacent track only, using binoculars.

The scattered and dense scrub is mostly {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with occasional {\it Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. There is a small area of poor semi-improved grassland at the southern end of the common, which appears to be the only remaining area of use for grazing. A discontinuous, scrubby {\it Crataegus monogyna/Prunus spinosa} hedge, with young and mature standard {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees runs along the western boundary.

The woodland occupying the disused quarry at the northern end of the common is dominated by {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, with frequent {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. There is some regeneration of these species (occasional, scattered saplings) and some fallen deadwood has been left {\it in situ}. The understorey is composed of scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. The ground flora is dominated by {\it Hedera helix} (extensive carpets), with locally frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Glechoma hederacea, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Fragaria vesca, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Silene dioica} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}, plus occasional {\it Arum maculatum. Urtica dioica} is frequent along the track. A rockface, about 15m high is situated close to the western boundary. The woodland has developed on the quarry floor.

MANAGE:
The small area of grassland at the southern end of the common may still be used for grazing. It would be desirable to continue the practice of leaving some deadwood {\it in situ}.


FAUNA:
Birds: Heron, Cormorant, Wood Pigeon, Coot, Swallows, House Sparrow, Moorhen. Butterflies: Small Copper, Meadow Brown. Dragonflies: {\it Ischnura elegans}.

VEG:
The pond by the cricket pitch is mostly overgrown and there is much {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Glyceria fluitans} with frequent {\it Sparganium erectum}. Around the pond there is much {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense, Conopodium majus, Carex hirta, Carex obtrubae, Galium cruciata, Lathyrum pratensis, Rumex crispus, Veronica beccabunga, Veronica chamaedrys, Campanula rotundifolia, Stachys sylvatica, Lotus pedunculatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus flammula}. Banks support {\it Rubus fruticosus}, and young {\it Fraxinus excelsior}.

Rice Lane (north of Flaxton) has poor semi-improved grassland on the verges. Hedges on either side are of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Acer campestre} with {\it Ulmus glabra, Rosa canina, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Stachys sylvatica, Heracleum sphondylium, Holcus lanatus, Poa} spp. {\it Elymus} sp. {\it Tragopogon pratensis}. There are regular {\it Fraxinus excelsior} in the hedge with one or two {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}.

Oak Busk Lane has hedgerows of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior} with locally frequent {\it Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus, Prunus spinosa}. Ground flora species here include {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, Torillus japonica, Plantago lanceolata, Stachys sylvatica, Galium aparine, Geranium robertianum, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Lonicera periclymenum, Poa} spp.

A new pond near the junction of York Lane and The Green has abundant {\it Ranunculus aquatilis, Nymphae alba, Juncus effusus}. The north side there is much {\it Salix} spp. with {\it Crataegus monogyna}.

Another pond at the southern end of the common, N of Glebe Farm is surrounded by wooden fencing has an island with {\it Cirsium} spp., {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus effusus}. The main pond and its periphery supports {\it Menyanthes trifoliata, Sanguisorba minor, Glyceria fluitans, Galium palustre, Juncus inflexus}.  

Along York Lane lies rank {\it A. elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus, Lonicera periclymenum, Poa annua, Heracleum sphondylium, Anthriscus sylvestris, Trifolium repens, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus repens, Plantago lanceolata, Galium cruciata, Taraxacum} sp. There are hedges on both sides of {\it C. monogyna, Prunus spinosa}, occasional standards of {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. 

Cross lane is edged with poor semi-improved grassland. Occasional wet ditches support {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Juncus effusus}. The grassland is backed by hedges/scrub of {\it C. monogyna, P. spinosa, Rosa canina, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur, Populus tremula}.

MANAGE:
Some ponds in urgent need of management for conservation. Cricket ground and other small areas are mown for recreation and amenity. Some road verges are mown.


FAUNA:
Several rabbits were seen, and the following birds: Blackbird, Chiffchaff, House Sparrow.

VEG:
Very little semi-natural habitat was seen apart from narrow strips (too small to map) of rank grassland along hedgerows and ditches. These areas are dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, with locally frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Alliaria petiolata, Geranium robertianum, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Lamium album}, plus occasional {\it Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Torilis japonica}.

MANAGE:
Managed as improved grassland (used for cattle and sheep grazing) and arable land.


VEG:
The site was not visited by the present survey but the North York Moors Phase 1 survey indicates that it is mostly dry modified bog to the North with some acidic flushes and dry heathland to the south.

MANAGE:
Sheep grazing and occasional heather burning. There are old workings and evidence of shooting.


VEG:
Wombleton Household Waste Site now occupies the entrance to disused quarry. A lane leading the site has young {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} on each side. Ground flora present includes {\it Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Mercurialis perennis, Dactylis glomerata, Arctium} sp. {\it Holcus lanatus, Galium aparine, Anthriscus sylvestris, Calystegia sepium}. The disused quarry is surrounded by {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} hedge and appears to be poor semi-improved grassland (horse-grazed). Scattered {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} are found by exposed rocks. There is discontinuous {\it Crataegus monogyna/Sambucus nigra} on the SW boundary (3 to 5 m. high) with some mature {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. Some {\it S. aucuparia, Prunus spinosa} and {\it A. pseudoplatanus} saplings have been planted just inside hedge where there is also dense {\it Urtica dioica} and occasional {\it Arum maculatum}.

MANAGE:
Managed as domestic waste site. Old quarry filled in and is now horse-grazed poor semi-improved grassland.


VEG:
From N.Y.Moors Upland Vegetation Survey states that 'The vegetation condition of the heath is moderately poor over much of the moor due to high grazing pressure. Grazing pressure is particularly high along the roads, probably due to supplementary feeding of livestock producing localized congregations of stock. The principal areas where this occurs are north of High Cross Plain, south of Tranmire Bank, south of Loskey Bridge, along Lastingham Bank, on Spindle Thorn and to its east and north, along Loskey Beck, on the moor-edge SE and NW of Hobb Crag and along Sledge Shoe Bents. {\it Calluna vulgaris} growth has been suppressed in these areas and in some places {\it Calluna vulgaris} has been replaced by grasses.

Spraying of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} has resulted in its replacement by heath, grassland and in some areas bare soil and {\it P. aquilinum} litter.

Plant communities. The high moorland top is covered by dry heath (H12a {\it Calluna vulgaris-Vaccinium myrtillus} heath {\it Calluna} sub-community and H9c {\it Calluna vulgaris-Deschampsia flexuosa} heath. On the mid and lower slopes south of Spindle Thorn however wet heath (M16d {\it Erica tetralix- Sphagnum compactum} wet heath, {\it Juncus squarrosus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community) predominate. The lowest slopes along the southern edge of the moor and steep slopes along the eastern edge are dominated by stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} (U20b {\it P. aquilinum-Galium saxatile} community, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community), often with stands of dry or wet heath within them. Stream lines and areas of seepage support stands of rush flushes (M6c {\it Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum} mire, {\it Juncus effusus} sub-community). Where grazing intensity is particularly high stands of grassland (U4a {\it Festuca ovina- Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile} grassland, typical subcommunity, U5a {\it Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile} grassland, species-poor sub-community and U5d {\it Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile} grassland, {\it Calluna vulgaris-Danthonia decumbens} sub-community) are present. A small area of blanket mire (M19a {\it Calluna vulgaris-Eriophorum vaginatum} blanket bog {\it Erica tetralix} sub-community) is present on the western side of Shooting House Gill. Stands of {\it Alnus} woodland (W7 {\it Alnus glutinosa-Fraxinus excelsior-Lysimachia nemorum} woodland) are present along the river Seven on the eastern boundary of the moor and along Hutton Beck.'

From surveyor's notes: The Hutton Common area is regenerating woodland on an old quarry works. Tree species include {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus} with locally frequent {\it Ulex europaeus, Rosa canina, Crataegus monogyna}. There is {\it Thymus} sp. on rock faces. There are {\it Alnus glutinosa} found alongside the becks running south from the moor.

MANAGE:
'The moors are managed as a grouse shoot and as sheep pasture. There is an intensive programme of controlled burning, with small burns predominating. Grazing pressure is moderately heavy over much of the moor and locally this pressure becomes heavy. North of Thorgill Head and locally along the southern edge of the moor there has been {\it P. aquilinum} has been sprayed out. South of Thorgill Head stands have not generally been sprayed, although some hand spraying has occurred.

Most sheep grazing is moderate with small areas of high pressure. There is supplementary feeding of livestock. {\it Calluna vulgaris} is most often of lightly grazed and 'topiary' form with local places of 'drumstick' and dead heather. Most burns are small scale.'


VEG:
The section that is greater than 1 Ha. appears to be all {\it Betula} sp. woodland with dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. There are occasional {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and conifer trees within the wood. The small section (Two acre Quarry - map not included) has become scrub with some standard trees. Species present include {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus} sp. {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Corylus avellana}.

MANAGE:
No active management apparent on either site visited.


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

VEG:
There are frequent scattered hillocks on the floor of the pit, which is up to 3 to 4m below the level of the surrounding arable fields. The dense scrub which occupies most of its area is dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with frequent {\it Prunus spinosa, Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Sambucus nigra}, plus occasional {\it Corylus avellana}. Young trees are scattered throughout; mostly {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, with occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Quercus robur}. The ground flora is composed of frequent {\it Fragaria vesca, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Hedera helix} and {\it Stachys sylvatica}, with occasional {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.    

Rank calcareous grassland occurs along a path running N to S through the common, and in small clearings at each end. It contains frequent {\it Carex panicea, Centaurea nigra, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Galium cruciata, G. verum, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus corniculatus, Plantago lanceolata, Prunella vulgaris, Rhinanthus minor, Sanguisorba minor, Trifolium pratense, T. repens} and {\it Vicia cracca}, plus occasional {\it Agrimonia eupatoria, Chamerion angustifolium, Gentiana amarella, Knautia arvensis, Linaria vulgaris} and {\it Vicia sepium}.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent. The colonization by trees (which are now barely above the height of the scrub), suggests a gradual process of succession to broad-leaved woodland. The clearings and the path through the scrub are used for motorbike scrambling. In the absence of grazing, this is probably slowing down the encroachment of scrub on to the small areas of calcareous grassland.


VEG:
This common was not visited by this survey but , according to the English Nature Phase 1 survey is dry heath with a small area of dry modified bog. There are flushes on the western side of the common.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Chaffinch, Crows.

VEG:
The eastern section, due south of Mount Pleasant is a disused quarry which now supports broad-leaved woodland of {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. Understorey trees include frequent scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} which are concentrated along the edges of the wood. Ground flora species include: {\it Rubus fruticosus, Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium}. Parts are dense tangles of {\it R. fruticosus, Chamerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Calystegia sepium, Galium aparine}. The smaller eastern section was not surveyed.

The western section is also {\it Fraxinus excelsior/Acer pseudoplatanus} mature standards with {\it C. monogyna, Ilex aquifolium} and occasional {\it Ulmus glabra} as understorey. The ground flora includes carpets of {\it Molinia caerulea}, some scattered {\it P. aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Milium effusum, Geranium robertianum, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Galium cruciata, Stachys palustris, Ribes uva-crispa}. There is dense {\it C. monogyna, Prunus spinosa} along some of the boundaries.


FAUNA:
The following birds were seen: Blackbird, House Sparrow, Swallow, Starling.

VEG:
Almost all the common is mown, amenity grassland. There are a few small areas (too small to map) of less intensively managed grassland, dominated by  {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, with frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens} and {\it Aegopodium podagraria}.


VEG:
The common is road verge with species such as {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Holcus lanatus, Poa annua, Elymus repens, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Achillea millefolium, Knautia arvensis, Senecio jacobaea}. Some parts have hedge/scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Fraxinus excelsior} with occasional mature trees.


FAUNA:
Birds noted: Chaffinch, Blackbirds, Wren.

VEG:
The larger section of this common is mainly young woodland to 5m. high with {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} - some dense stands of saplings. Where older trees have been felled deadwood has been left {\it in situ}.  {\it Ulmus glabra} is present. Ground flora species include {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus, Geum urbanum, Galium odoratum, Mercurialis perennis, Geranium robertianum, Sanicula europaea}. Mature trees such as {\it Aesculus hippocastanum} are found along the road with scattered {\it Ulmus glabra} with ground flora species such as {\it Arctium minus, Galium aparine, Viola} sp.{\it Alliaria petiolata, Arum maculatum, Glechoma hederacea, Centaurea nigra}.

The northern sections of this common are also broad-leaved woodland with {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Fagus sylvatica}. There are understorey species such as {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rubus idaeus, Ligustrum vulgare, Ribes uva-crispa, Ilex aquifolium}. Ground flora species here are similar to the above. There is also some rank grassland in this northern section with {\it Phleum pratense, Arrhenatherum elatius, Poa annua, Odontites verna, Trifolium repens, Potentilla reptans, Holcus lanatus, Lathyrus pratensis, Tussilago farfara}.

MANAGE:
Evidence of some tree felling. The appears to be natural regeneration and not planted.


VEG:
This common appears to be all improved grassland (with {\it Lolium perenne} except for the western end which has scattered {\it Fraxinus excelsior/Acer pseudoplatanus} with rank grassland of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}. The edges support a more varied flora with ( along access road), {\it Artemesia vulgaris, Urtica dioica, Potentilla reptans, Achillea millefolium, Glechoma hederacea, Galium cruciata, Heracleum sphondylium, Galium verum, Rubus fruticosus, Arrhenatherum elatius, Galium aparine, Centaurea nigra, Elymus repens, Knautia arvensis}.


VEG:
Only the parts of this common that lie along Newsham Lane were surveyed. At Newsham itself there are areas of ruderal vegetation including {\it Urtica dioica, Cirsium} spp. {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Calystegia sepium, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra}. There is {\it Filipendula ulmaria} near a field boundary.

Further north verges are mostly semi-improved grassland and trimmed {\it C. monogyna, Prunus spinosa}  hedges. The wooded area supports {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus robur, Acer pseudoplatanus} with a dense {\it Prunus spinosa} understorey. Other parts have planted {\it Populus tremula} with understorey of {\it Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna} and a ground flora of dense {\it Urtica dioica}.

MANAGE:
Some hedges trimmed and some verges mown.


VEG:
Thi site was not surveyed but is part of the Bransdale West area:

From the N.York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey for Bransdale Moors West:

Site Description:
This site is the main ridge along the western flank of Bransdale.  This is a broad ridge with three spurs at the northern end, Nab End Moor, Hagg House Moor and Cockayne Ridge.  The ridge runs north-south and rises to 454m at the northem end at Round HW.  At the southern end the moor divides into three spurs: Laskill Pasture Moor/Helmsley Moor, Lund Ridge/East Moors and Pockley Moor/Hagg Common separated by Bogmire Gill and Bonfield GW
respectively.  The moors are gently rounded throughout in topography.
The moor is underlain by Middle and Lower Jurassic sandstones and shales.  At the northern end of the moor these are overlain by raw oligo-fibrous peats.  To the south of this cambic stagno-humic gleys are present along the ridge with typical non-calcareous pelosols on the steep valley sides.  Further south on Pockley Moor, Helmsley Moor and Coniser Howl there are areas of humo-ferric podzols, humus-ironpan stagnopodzols and cambic stagnohumic gleys.

Vegetation Condition:                                                
The vegetation condition is good throughout with the exception of three areas. At Bonfield Ghyll the unimproved enclosures are heavily stocked and there has been some loss of heather and conversion of heath to heathy grassland; on Hagg Common there is a steep bank with a rabbit warren where a combination of rabbit and sheep grazing has led to the presence of low
growing contorted heather plants over a small area; and to the south of Round HiII the peat has been eroded down to the bedrock over an area of half a kilometre squared, almost certainly as a result of a bad burn in the past.
Other than this the moor has a good varied age structure and still retains stands of over-mature heather.  The intensive repeated burning of the heath however appears to have led to the loss of species other than {\it Calluna} and the heath communities are impoverished throughout the moor.
Stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} have been greatly affected by a programme of control and/or eradication by spraying and many of the stands have been converted into mosaics of acid grassland and dry heath with occasional {\it P. aquilinum} and in a few cases areas of bare soil.

Plant Communities:

Dry heath in the form of the H12a forms the bulk of the vegetation cover on the moor.  The main exceptions being on Cockayne Head and Round Hill, Todd Intake Moor and Bransdale Ridge where there are extensive stands of M19a blanket bog and the valley sides where there are extensive stands of {\it P. aquilinum} (U20b) and derivatives from spraying; and, at the southern end, extensive stands of M16d wet heath on Hagg Common and Lund Ridge; and a large stand of H9c heath, on Laskill Pasture Moor.  Throughout the moor localised flushing is marked by the presence of M6c mire, {\it Juncus} flushes. Small stands of acid grassland are present around the periphery of the moor as a result of {\it P. aquilinum} spraying and localised heavy grazing.

MANAGE:
Managed for sheep grazing and grouse shooting.


VEG:
A series of cattle and sheep grazed fields. Poor semi-improved grassland. Species present include {\it Agrostis capillaris, Rumex acetosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile, Deschampsia cespitosa, Campanula rotundifolia, Veronica chamaedrys, Achillea millefolium,} and  {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} on lower ground. There is frequent {\it D. cespitosa} on lower ground near Saltergate with above species still frequent but including {\it Ranunculus repens, Cirsium palustre} and scattered {\it Juncus effusus}. Fields had been cut by the time of this survey but species present include: {\it Trifolium repens, Rumex acetosa, Veronica chamaedrys, Ranunculus repens, Festuca} sp., {\it Juncus effusus, Hypochoeris radicata, Phleum pratense}.


VEG:
The northern quarter of this common supports mature {\it Calluna vulgaris}-dominated heath with some {\it Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus} and scattered {\it Betula} spp. and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}.There are occasional patches of {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Agrostis capillaris} occasional {\it Juncus squarrosus, Potentilla erecta} and patches of {\it Deschampsia cespitosa} near the road and scattered patches of {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. 

The rest of the common is improved grassland enclosed by wire fences. Near the base of the slope there is scattered {\it Betula} sp. {\it Crataegus monogyna, Quercus} sp. {\it Sorbus aucuparia}.

MANAGE:
Most of this common is managed as farmland. There is a viewpoint to the north of the common.


FAUNA:
No information about fauna for northern sections. Birds noted for southern section: Woodpigeon. Wren. Blackbirds.  Also Red Admiral butterfly.

VEG:
The northern sections are scrub woodland continuous with CL52.

Southern section: The triangular area at the northern end of the common is secondary woodland with {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus} with scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia} and stands of {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Rosa} sp., {\it Cytisus scoparius} and {\it Prunus spinosa}.

Notes refer to 'first part of main area' being cattle-grazed and a dam has been constructed to create pools for cattle to drink. There is {\it Ulex europaeus} in this area. {\it Glyceria fluitans} evident in some wetter areas. 

The footpath is lined with {\it Betula pendula, Betula pubescens, Pteridium aquilinum, Salix} spp. and becomes less distinct further south. Ground flora species present include {\it Viola riviniana, Alchemilla vulgaris, Viola sepia, Euphrasia} spp. {\it Senecio jacobaea, Rumex acetosa, Calluna vulgaris}. There are a couple of patches of frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris}.

MANAGE:
The sections contiguous with Stony Moor appear to have no active management.

Southern section: Some artificial creation of pools for cattle. Cattle grazing in northernmost parts.


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

VEG:
The grassland is dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, with frequent {\it Achillea millefolium, Heracleum sphondylium, Leontodon autumnalis, Medicago lupulina, Plantago lanceolata, Senecio jacobaea} and {\it Trifolium pratense}, and scattered patches of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica}. Scattered scrub is spread across most of the common; this is mainly {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}, with occasional {\it Cytisus scoparius, Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Sambucus nigra}.  

Along the eastern boundary, there is a scrubby hedge dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna} with frequent {\it Prunus spinosa, Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Sambucus nigra}, plus coppiced (not recently) {\it Acer campestre} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent. Scrub will probably spread gradually over the common. The scrubby hedge provides a small area of cover for birds and small mammals in a predominatly open, arable landscape.


FAUNA:
Birds noted: Sparrow, Song Thrush, Wood Pigeon.

VEG:
Most of this common is broad-leaved semi-natural woodland with mature {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} and understorey of {\it Crataegus monogyna} with {\it Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Ulmus glabra}. Ground flora species include {\it Hedera helix, Mercurialis perennis, Viola riviniana, Geum urbanum, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Urtica dioica, Glechoma hederacea, Rosa} sp., {\it Ribes uva-crispa}. There is much regeneration of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. Northern parts of the common have old quarries with {\it Hedera helix} much in evidence.


FAUNA:
Birds noted: Dunnock, Song Thrush, Wrens.

VEG:
Grass areas: species present include: {\it Urtica dioica, Calystegia sepium, Anthiscus sylvestris, Geranium robertianum, Cirsium palustre, Trifolium repens, Dactylis glomerata, Plantago major, Potentilla anserina, Arrhenatherum elatius, Phleum pratense, Poa annua, Potentilla reptans, Agrimonia eupatoria, Plantago lanceolata, Galium cruciata, Rhinanthus minor, Ranunculus repens, Filipendula ulmaria, Stachys sylvatica, Viola canina, Silene dioica, Dryopteris dilitata, Alliaria petiolata, Angelica sylvestris, Ribes uva-crispa, Achillea millefolium,} and patches of {\it Rubus fruticosus}.

Hedges and scrub are largely of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Viburnum opulus, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Malus sylvestris}. There are a few coppiced and a few standard {\it Fraxinus excelsior}.


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

VEG:
The ground surrounding the storage area supports a mixture of ruderal species: {\it Artemisia vulgaris} agg.,  {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Cirsium} spp., {\it Rumex obtusifolius, Sisymbrium officinale} and {\it Urtica dioica}, with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Elymus repens}, plus occasional {\it Papaver rhoeas} and {\it Silene vulgaris}. The above are mostly growing on hillocks up to 1.5m high.

MANAGE:
The common is used primarily as a storage facility. A new building with a sheet metal roof is under construction at the western end, and there is also a Portakabin on site.


FAUNA:
Birds seen: Wood Pigeon. Butterflies: Meadow Brown.

VEG:
The wide southern parts of this common have semi-improved neutral grassland with {\it Lolium perenne, Alopecurus pratensis, Poa annua, Bromus} sp.,{\it Alopecurus geniculatus, Elymus repens, Phleum pratense}. There are scattered specimens of {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Rumex crispus}. The wetter area opposite Clifton Hospital supports abundant {\it Caltha palustris, Elymus} sp. {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Filipendula ulmaria, Phleum pratense} ssp. {\it bertolonii ? Centaurea nigra, Sanguisorba officinalis}. {\it Filipendula ulmaria} decreases towards the northern end of the site (past chapel) but {\it Sanguisorba minor, Caltha palustris} still frequent. Other species in the northern parts include {\it Lathyrus pratensis, Trifolium repens, Deschampsia cespitosa, Phalaris arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata, Tragopogon pratense, Heracleum sphondylium}.

Drain ditches support {\it Achillea ptarmica, Epilobium hirsutum, Alisma plantago-aquatica}. Along the stream at the N. end of the site lies {\it Salix fragilis, Salix viminalis, Salix alba, Acer pseudoplatanus, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} (mature bushes), Phalaris arundinacea, Filipendula ulmaria, Leucanthemum vulgare, Fallopia japonica, Symphytum officinale, Carex otrubae, Chamerion angustifolium}. {\it Rubus fruticosus} is dense on the opposite bank. 

The embankment on the western side supports the above species plus {\it Chrysanthemum vulgare, Vicia cracca, Rumex acetosa}. The riverbank includes dense {\it Urtica dioica, Cirsium} sp. {\it Phalaris arundinacea, Heracleum mantegazzianum, Alliaria petiolata, Aegopodium podograria}.  In drains {\it Alisma plantago-aquatica, Glyceria fluitans, Filipendula ulmaria, Eupatorium cannabinum, Juncus effusus, Typha latifolia, Chrysanthemum vulgare, Calystegia sepium, Myosotis scorpioides, Aquilegia vulgaris, Cyperus longus} (introduced?),{\it Mentha aquatica}. 

Other species noted from this site: {\it Scirpus sylvaticus} in central ditch, {\it Trifolium dubium, Poterium officinale} - frequent in sward, {\it Calamagrostis stricta} - in ditch.

MANAGE:
Flooding controlled by embankments. Grazing level not recorded by surveyor.


FAUNA:
Horses graze track alongside common. Deer seen across fields. Wood pigeons. Yellowhammers.

VEG:
This common was briefly surveyed although all of the 4 sections of the common are likely to be smaller than 1 hectare in size. It is not possible to locate the boundaries of the common that are not adjacent to the track.

The two very small sections of this common to the east of the A64 support planted broad-leaved trees such as {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Salix} sp.,{\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Quercus robur}. Boundaries are uncertain but in this area there is also {\it Crataegus monogyna} and other common scrub species. 

The two larger areas of this common on the western side of the A64 now appear to be included with farm land. The section to the north of the track is rough grazing. The southern section is arable. Horses graze the track between these two sections.

MANAGE:
The two main sections of this common appear to have been absorbed into farmland for grazing or arable. The sections to the west of the A64 have been planted with broad-leaved trees.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Curlew, Song Thrush. Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Common Blue.

VEG:
There are frequent dense stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with {\it Rosa} sp. and {\it Cirsium arvense}. There are also some dense stands of {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}. Grassy areas support {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Elymus} sp.,{\it Lonicera periclymenum, Arctium minus, Geranium robertianum}. The more acidic areas include {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Achillea millefolium, Lapsana communis, Plantago lanceolata, Viola sativa, Lathyrum pratensis, Viola chamaedrys, Lolium perenne, Rumex acetosa, Geranium robertianum, Trifolium repens, Potentilla erecta, Ranunculus repens, Heracleum sphondylium, Rumex crispus, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia flexuosa, Digitalis purpurea, Prunella vulgaris, Rubus fruticosus}. There are occasional bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra}.

Towards the eastern end of this long common the grass verges support {\it Sherardia arvensis, Stachys sylvatica} and {\it Filipendula ulmaria}. There is also dense {\it Rubus fruticosus}. At the start of Low Moor plantation the verges are of semi-improved acid grassland with {\it Agrostis capillaris, Juncus squarrosus, Prunella vulgaris, Carex panicea, Cirsium palustre, Juncus effusus}. There are clumps of {\it Ulex europaeus} and there is electric fencing to control grazing in this area. {\it Briza media} and {\it Galium cruciata}. Flushes on the South side of this eastern end have {\it Cirsium palustre, Lonicera periclymenum, Caltha palustris, Carex panicea, Briza media, Lotus pedunculatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Hieracium pilosella, Nardus stricta, Rumex acetosella}. {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} are locally frequent with some {\it Luzula multiflora} - it is suggested that this area would develop into wet heath if it were not cattle-grazed.

{\it Geum rivale, Juncus inflexus, Rubus idaeus} were noted on the north side of the eastern end of the common (surveyor not specific as to location.}.

MANAGE:
Managed for light cattle grazing and access to surrounding area and few buildings.


FAUNA:
The following birds were seen: Curlew, Jackdaw, Lapwing, Red grouse.

VEG:
Only the area visible from the road using binoculars was surveyed. This is mostly {\it Calluna vulgaris} dominated dry heath with locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. There are peripheral patches of acid grassland and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} in the vicinity of the road and the southern boundary walls.        

Scattered patches of {\it Calluna vulgaris} near the road have been burnt recently - this appears to be accidental rather than part of an ongoing management strategy. The heather visible from the road is mostly 15 to 30cm high; cover is the range 80 to 100 per cent. 


Survey information for the remaining area is from the YDNP Phase 1 habitat survey map; this shows a small area of calcareous grassland in the disused Longslack Quarry (SE067864) and extensive areas of acid grassland and {\it Pteridium aquilinum} on the gentle SE facing slope in the central area of the common. Wet modified bog (E18) dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris. Eriophorum vaginatum} occupies most of the higher ground in the western third of the common.

MANAGE:
The common is sheep-grazed and may be used for grouse shooting.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Lapwing, Snipe.

VEG:
Only the area south of Goodham Gill was surveyed. An internal fence just south of the Gill divides this area from the rest of the common (see map). Survey information for the rest of the common is reproduced from the YDNP Phase 1 habitat survey.  

The acid grassland is mostly dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Festuca ovina}, with locally abundant {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. There are several {\it Juncus effusus}-dominated flushes on the slope, with abundant {\it Sphagnum} spp., plus frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Molinia caerulea, Carex echinata} and {\it Carex} spp. 

Towards the top of the slope, as the gradient becomes more gentle, the acid grassland grades into blanket bog dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. This covers The Haggs (SD778944) and most of the plateau area situated along the SW facing boundary (this area was viewed through binoculars). Other species recorded include locally abundant {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Juncus squarrosus, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}, plus locally frequent {\it Carex curta, C. echinata, C. nigra} and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccus}. There is also occasional {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}. The small pools around The Haggs shown on the OS map are fringed with {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum} and {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. 

Occasional {\it Geranium robertianum, Oxalis acetosella, Asplenium trichomanes} and {\it Cystopteris fragilis} was found on outcropping limestone around the shake holes at SD783942.

MANAGE:
The common is used for sheep grazing; the intensity is too high to allow widespread regeneration of dwarf shrub species, such as {\it Calluna vulgaris}.


FAUNA:
Fauna seen during survey: Only rabbits noted.

VEG:
From survey notes: The lowest part of the common is cattle-grazed but with extensive tall herb such as {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Urtica dioica, Petasites hybridus}. There are frequent {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Vicia sativa, Filipendula ulmaria, Galium cruciata, Trifolium repens, Galium verum, Alchemilla} sp. There are {\it Salix} spp. bushes along the river. The surveyor refers to {\it Centaurea cyanus} ?? and {\it Vicia sativa, Filipendula ulmaria}.

Acid/neutral grasslands include {\it Holcus lanatus, Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis capillaris, Poa annua, Conopodium majus, Rhinanthus minor, Rumex acetosa, Potentilla erecta, Anthriscus sylvestris, Campanula rotundifolia, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Achillea millefolium, Galium cruciata, Lathyrum pratensis, Deschampsia cespitosa, Stachys officinalis}.

Other species mentioned in the surveyor's notes include {\it Briza media, Prunella vulgaris, Juncus inflexus, Lycopodium} sp. {\it Thymus} sp. Achillea ptarmica, Galium verum, Listera ovata, Euphrasia} agg. {\it Calluna vulgaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Potentilla erecta, Polygala} spp. {\it Linum catharticum, Pinguicula vulgaris, Ranunculus flammula, Carex otrubae, Carex pilufilera, Carex demissa, Selaginella selaginoides}. 


Description from citation for Marsett Rigg SSSI.(North-east corner of this common).

'Marsett Rigg comprises a diversity of grassland communities on the northeastern spur of an extensive area of common hill grazing.  From the plateau, the land falls gently to the south, but more steeply to the north where Marsett Beck forms the site boundary.  Both slopes show a characteristic ridge and runnel structure, related to natural drainage lines.

The grassland is largely neutral, although the effects of leaching on the one hand and enrichment by flushing on the other, provide a variety of conditions ranging from acidic to calcareous.  This has resulted in the development of a rich and diverse flora which is maintained by the traditional grazing regime.

Neutral grassland here is dominated by {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum}
and {\it Agrostis capillaris) with {\it Carex flacca} and {\it C. panicea}. It is herb-rich and many of the species present are those associated with old undisturbed pasture such as {\it Stachys officinalis, Geum rivale, Primula vulgaris, Trollius europaeus, Ranunculus auricomus). Orchids are well represented with substantial populations of {\it Listera ovata, Orchis mascula, Gymnadenia conopsea, Dactylorhiza purpurella}.

Towards the top of the north-facing slope, leaching has produced a more acidic community containing {\it Molinia caerulea, Nardus stricta, Succisa pratensis} and even {\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Salix repens, Juncus acutiflorus} is widespread.

Flushing is particularly associated with the runnels of the northern slopes.  Here, and on the unstable ground immediately above the Beck, there is a calcareous community containing {\it Primula farinosa, Parnassia palustris, Carex pulicaris, C. lepidocarpa, Pinguicula vulgaris, Briza media, Valeriana dioica}.'

From English Nature Target Notes:

Species noted in basic flushes within acid grassland N. of Hebden Fold: {\it Succisa pratensis, Potemtilla erecta, Valeriana dioica, Carex panicea, Carex flacca, Carex lepidocarpa, Juncus inflexus}. The rare species Primula farinosa} is noted. The acidic grasslands from this area include {\it Calluna vulgaris, V. myrtillus, J. squarrosus, Nardus stricta, Molinia caerulea, D. flexuosa, Carex nigra, Sphagnum} spp. {\it Polytrichum} spp.

Bog areas of Hebden Fold Hill includes a flat area of {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Polytrichum} spp. with non-tussocky {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. Other species present include: {\it Calluna vulgaris, V. myrtillus, M. caerulea, Carex nigra}. 

There is a small soligenous mire (891859) which is mostly a {\it Juncus acutiflorus} acidic flush with {\it Sphagnum} spp. {\it Polytrichum} spp. {\it Prunella vulgaris, Cardamine pratensis, Valeriana dioica}.

There are small areas of calcareous grassland above Rowantree Gill (880850) that includes {\it Thymus praecox, Prunella vulgaris, Galium sterneri, Briza media}.

Near Bardale Beck are found areas of basic rock, calcareous grassland and acidic grassland. The cliffs include species such as: {\it Mycelis muralis, Thymus praecox, Lotus corniculatus, Galium sterneri, Sorbus aucuparia, Asplenium trichomanes, Cystopteris fragilis, Polypodium vulgare} and bryophytes. 

By Raydale at Startling Fall are wooded areas that include {\it Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus excelsior, Corylus avellana, Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia}.

Flaight Moss has dominant {\it Erica tetralix} with {\it E. vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum, E. angustifolium, Deschampsia flexuosa, Carex} spp. {\it Sphagnum} spp. {\it Polytrichum} spp.

MANAGE:
Managed for traditional cattle/sheep grazing and conservation.


VEG:
The main part of the this common is of dry heaths, (mostly {\it Calluna vulgaris}), and wet modified bogs (with {\it Trichophorum cespitosum/Molinia caerulea}. There areas of basic rock exposure on Long Side and substantial {\it P. aquilinum} along western and southern edges of the common.

MANAGE:
Managed for sheep grazing. Grouse Butts cross the common but it is not known if the moor is still a grouse shoot.


FAUNA:
Birds seen: Curlew, Snipe, Meadow Pipit. Also numerous grasshoppers.

VEG:
{\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}-dominated grasslands which are sheep grazed. Other species present include: {\it Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Deschampsia flexuosa, Agrostis capillaris} with scattered patches of {\it Juncus effusus}.
There are more extensive areas of {\it J. effusus} and also scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} where slopes steepens. {\it Juncus effusus} flushes have {\it Sphagnum papillosum, S. capillaris, S.palustre, Carex nigra, Polytrichum alpestre, Polytrichum commune}. Acidic flushes are found on Bogs Dike and Sandy Dike.


FAUNA:
Birds seen: Coots, Mallards, Lapwing, Curlews, Oystercatcher, Crows, Red Grouse.

VEG:
The improved grasslands of Middleham Low Moor support {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Poa annua, Lolium perenne, Galium saxatile, Aira praecox, Festuca rubra}. The semi-improved acid grasslands support {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca rubra, Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Cirsium palustre, Lotus pedunculatus, Thymus} sp. {\it Achillea millefolium, Cynosurus cristatus, Trifolium dubium, Plantago lanceolata, Nardus stricta}, and occasional {\it Conopodium majus,  Veronica serpyllifolia}.

North of Cotescue Park there is frequently cut semi-improved acid grassland with {\it Festuca rubra, Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile} with poor semi-improved grassland to the south (with {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Poa annua, Cynosurus cristatus} and {\it Festuca rubra}.

The slope above Ever Bank is semi-improved calcareous grassland with {\it Thymus} sp., {\it Poterium sanguisorba, Pilosella officinarum, Dactylis glomerata, Galium verum, Conopodium majus, Carex nigra, Carex panicea, Poa} spp. {\it Briza media}.

The open water of Pinker's Pond has abundant {\it Ranunculus} spp.

Acidic grasslands on Low Moor support {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca rubra, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile,Nardis stricta} and occasional {\it Thymus} sp.,{\it Carex}sp.,{\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. Planted woodlands with young saplings in tubes include {\it Pinus} sp.,{\it Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna, Betula} sp.

Middleham High Moor is mostly even-aged {\it Calluna vulgaris} of maxiumum 20 cms. in height with some areas of {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} which also supports {\it Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta}. On the slopes there are scattered {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. 

Middleham Meadow (viewed from opposite bank of R. Ure only) appears to be sheep-grazed improved grassland with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Urtica dioica, Alliaria petiolata, Caltha palustris}.

The Busks, Middleham includes road verges and scrub. The verges include {\it Dactylis glomerata, Agrostis capillaris} with frequent {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Stellaria media} and abundant {\it Taraxacum} spp. There is also {\it Conopodium majus, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosa, Ranunculus ficaria, Achillea millefolium, Stellaria holostea, Hyacinthoides non-scripta}. The scrub 'hedge' is about 5 to 10 m. wide and includes {\it Rosa canina, Alliaria petiolata, Silene dioica, Ranunculus ficaria, Arum maculatum} (occasional), {\it Anthriscus sylvestris,  Glechoma hederacea}. There are planted {\it Narcissus}. {\it Tilia} sp. are found along the road.

MANAGE:
Managed for some sheep grazing, horse training and recreation. Further survey of the larger areas of this common would be advantageous.


FAUNA:
Birds seen: Golden Plover, Snipe, Red Grouse.

VEG:
From field notes:

When viewed from the minor road to the East ( at 541m. spot height) this common appears to be blanket peat upslope with some extensive areas of hagging.

On site calcareous grassland is evident on lower slopes below the track and for 20 - 80m above. This area has abundant {\it Thymus} sp. and is short and sheep-grazed. Higher up the slope this gives way to {\it Nardus stricta/ Juncus squarrosus} acid grassland with {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Galium saxatile, Vaccinium myrtillus, Polytrichum commune}. This habitat is 20 - 60 m. wide and gives way (passing upslope) to blanket bog dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} with locally frequent {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus squarrosus, Trichophorum cespitosum. Carex panicea} is locally abundant in depressions (shake holes).  {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. are also concentrated here. {\it Carex nigra} and {\it Carex echinata}.

{\it Vaccinium myrtillus} becomes more frequent further upslope but it is short with a cover of around 30 per cent. {\it Molinia caerulea} is locally frequent towards the top. 

Tongue Moss Peat Ground appears similar to the above but there are large areas dominated by {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} with frequent {\it E. vaginatum} - with an overall less tussocky appearance. {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is short but with a cover of up to 60 per cent. At the highest point {\it E. vaginatum} dominates again, and there are distinct patches of {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}.  In shake holes {\it Asplenium viride, Cryptogramma crispa, Geranium robertianum, Plagomnium undulatum} were noted. Fossilized shells clearly visible in limestone. 

The calcareous grassland areas downslope the following species were noted: {\it Thymes} sp., {\it Achillea millefolium, Viola} sp. {\it Galium saxatile, Prunella vulgaris, Cynosurus cristatus, Campanula rotundifolia, Euphrasia} spp. {\it Saxifraga} sp. {\it Luzula campestris, Rumex acetosa, Briza media,  Linum catharticum}.

MANAGE:
Past management has included peat cutting. Currently sheep-grazed.


FAUNA:
Several large white, Meadow Brown and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were seen, also several Rabbits and the following birds: Blackbird, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Magpie, Song Thrush.

VEG:
The small area of amenity grassland is located at the northern end of the common. The remaining area is a mixture of {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Chamerion angustifolium, Heracleum sphondylium} and {\it Urtica dioica}, with scattered scrub ({\it Crataegus monogyna, Ilex aquifolium, Prunus spinosa, Ribes} sp., {\it Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Sambucus nigra, Ulex europaeus}) and young {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees. There are also scattered patches of tall grass dominated {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, with frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Poa} spp., {\it Galium aparine, Geranium robertianum, Lathyrus pratensis} and {\it Plantago lanceolata}, plus occasional {\it Galium cruciata} and {\it G. verum}.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent, apart from maintenance of the small area of amenity grassland at the northern end. There are scattered hillocks across the area of the common, suggesting it was once used for small scale soil/mineral extraction.


FAUNA:
No record of birds or other fauna from brief field survey.

VEG:
Surveyor records most of this area as blanket bog with a cover of {\it Calluna vulgaris} -90 per cent, {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}-8 per cent and {\it Erica tetralix}-2 per cent. {\it Empetrum nigrum} is also present. {\it Sphagnum papillosum} and {\it S. capillaris} are seen under {\it C. vulgaris} with {\it Hypnum} sp. Surveyor records damage to (\it C. vulgaris) (about a third of the shoots are browned) - severe wind or moth damage? 

The Upland Vegetation survey records this area as M19a, M20a and M3.

MANAGE:
Managed for sheep grazing and grouse moor.


FAUNA:
Several rabbits were seen, also the following birds: Curlew, House Sparrow, Jackdaw, Meadow Pipit.

VEG:
Only Morpeth Scar (SE029877), and the track leading to it were surveyed on foot. These areas contain short, sheep grazed calcareous grassland dominated  by {\it Festuca ovina}, with locally frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Briza media, Cynosurus cristatus, Sesleria albicans, Achillea millefolium, Conopodium majus, Galium saxatile, Galium verum, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Helianthemum nummularium, Pilosella officinarum, Linum catharticum, Lotus corniculatus, Sanguisorba minor} and {\it Thymus} sp., plus occasional {\it Mecanopsis cambrica}. Crevices in exposed limestone faces at Morpeth Scar contain occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris}, {\it Asplenium ruta-muraria} and {\it Asplenium trichomanes}. 

The information for the remaining three sections is from the YDNP Phase 1 habitat survey. According to this, the section at SE030870 is a small enclosure containing unimproved acid and calcareous grassland. The section at SE027864 is also a small enclosure (about 2.5ha), which contains calcareous grassland. The largest section is Burton Outstray (SE035855); it is all recorded as wet modified bog (E17) on the YDNP Phase survey map.

MANAGE:
The section surveyed is used for sheep grazing; it is likely that the other sections are also used for this purpose.


FAUNA:
No specific records for Crackpot Moor were obtained, nor was the site visited by the present survey. The following extract from the SSSI citation for Lovely Seat and Stainton Moors gives an indication of the birds of the area.


From Lovely Seat-Stainton Moor SSSI citation:

'Bird records and sample surveys indicate a rich assemblage of moorland breeding birds, a nationally significant golden plover population in excess of 200 pairs, and a minimum of four pairs of merlin.  Birds like merlin and short-eared owl favour taller heather for nesting while species like red grouse, golden plover, dunlin and curlew take advantage of the varied structure provided by burning management of the moorland.  Snipe and redshank breed around the grassy and marshy edges of the moor, while species like ring ouzel tend to occur around rock outcrops with teal near the small areas of open water.  Peregrine and hen harrier are known to breed occasionally.'

VEG:
This common is substantially blanket bog with some dry heath and (to the south) areas of both acid and calcareous grassland.

The common was not surveyed on foot. It is a small part of the Lovely Seat-Stainton Moor SSSI, the citation for which is reproduced below:


'The moorlands of the North Pennines are of international importance for their blanket bog and heather moorland vegetation communities, as well as for their populations of merlin, golden plover, short-eared owl, peregrine and hen harrier.

The upland block between Lovely Seat and Stainton Moor on the watershed between Wensleydale and Swaledale is an outstanding example of North Pennines moorland, having the most extensive and complete west to east transition from blanket bog to dry heathland.  In addition, the land supports an important assemblage of moorland breeding birds.

On the flat plateau (c 500 m) between Abbotside Common and Greets Moss, towards the western end of the SSSI,{\it Calluna vulgaris - Eriophorum vaginatum} blanket mire is the dominant community with the heather reaching 40 cm in height in places.  On slightly drier, gently sloping ground where the heather canopy is more open {\it Empetrum nigrum} occurs, along with areas of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.  In the more heavily-grazed areas below the main plateau {\it E.vaginatum) increases, bryophytes decrease and the vegetation is generally more species-poor.  Dotted across the blanket bog are pools dominated by {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum}, with {\it S. recurvum} and {\it E. angustifolium} around the margins.  Where peat erosion has exposed the underlying sandstone the vegetation has become {\it C. vulgaris} dominated, the more wet-loving species becoming rare or absent.

Within the blanket bog on the western part of the SSSI, three small raised mires have been identified which between them support {\it Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Listera cordata}.  {\it Rubus chamaemorus} occurs locally in the central and western parts of the site.

On the slopes, and particularly on the eastern portion of the site, the vegetation is predominantly heathland.  The area between Greets Moss and Stainton Moor is characterised by a {\it C. vulgaris - Deschampsia flexuosa} community of variable species richness.  West of Stainton Moor and Preston Moor this dry heath forms a mosaic with the {\it C. vulgaris-E. vaginatum} blanket mire into which grades.

On the rockier, freely drained slopes of Grinton, Harkerside and Whitaside Moors, {\it V,. myrtillus} increases in abundance and the {\it Calluna-Vaccinium} community appears in mosaic with the {\it Calluna-Deschampsia} type.  {\it Vaccinium vitis-idaea} and {\it Empetrum nigrum} also occur and locally {\it Vaccinium} becomes dominant over {\it Calluna} as at Summer Lodge Tarn where {\it Galium saxatile, Festuca ovina) and {\it D. flexuosa} also characterise the heath community.  Adding to the mosaic on the edge of the heath bog interface are areas of {\it Juncus squarrosus - Festuca ovina} grassland and {\it Nardus stricta}-dominated swards occur on the lower and more heavily grazed areas.'

MANAGE:
The common is managed for grazing and conservation.


FAUNA:
Rabbits and domesticated ducks. Blackbirds.

VEG:
This common is almost entirely amenity grassland with species such as {\it Ranunculus} spp. {\it Taxacorum officinale, Geranium robertianum, Geranium molle, Lolium perenne, Poa annua, Trifolium repens, Bellis perennis}. Amenity trees have been planted such as {\it Prunus} sp. {\it Aesculus hippocastanum,  Crataegus monogyna,  Rosa canina, Acer pseudoplatanus, Tilia} sp. {\it Salix} spp. A stream passes through this common the sides of which have unfortunately been strimmed. Species present include {\it Urtica dioica,  Rumex acetosa, Mentha aquatilis, Phalaris arundinacea} and 'hollyhocks'. Some tall trees fringe the common to the western and northern sides including {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with {\it Prunus spinosa} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}.

MANAGE:
Managed for amenity. The stream sides would present an opportunity for added conservation value if strimming can be left till late in the season.


FAUNA:
The following were noted: Grasshoppers (numerous), Common Frog, Curlew, Lapwings, Pheasant.

VEG:
The wet heath is dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} with frequent {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} - both these dwarf shrub species occur in the form of a carpet within the {\it Molinia}, due to heavy grazing pressure; overall cover is in the range 40 to 60 per cent. In the northern half of the common, the wet heath grades into a small area of {\it Molinia}-dominated marshy grassland where dwarf shrub species are almost absent. Other species recorded in the wet heath include locally frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Festuca ovina, Eriophorum vaginatum, Juncus squarrosus, Trichophorum cespitosum, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Galium saxatile}, plus occasional {\it Juncus conglomeratus, Polygala} sp. and {\it Polytrichum commune}. 
Towards the line of shake holes (see map) and the SW corner of the common, the wet heath grades into acid grassland dominated {\it Nardus stricta}, with frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Festuca ovina, Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}, plus occasional {\it Polygala} sp. No exposed limestone was seen in the shake holes - they are mostly shallow-sided depressions occupied by {\it Nardus} dominated grassland. 

There are two small flushes in the western half of the common. They are dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. (including {\it S. capillifolium, S. palustre} and {\it S. papillosum}), with frequent {\it Carex echinata, C. hirta, C. nigra, C. panicea, Juncus conglomeratus, Galium saxatile} and {\it Rumex actosa}, plus occasional {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Viola palustris} and {\it Climacium dendroides}. 

Seata Quarry is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. At the time of survey there were superb displays of {\it Orchis mascula} (with occasional white form) and substantial {\it Primula veris, Galium cruciata, Thymus praecox, Sanguisorba minor, Geranium} sp. and {Sedum} sp. There are a few bushes of {\it Crataegus monogyna} with {\it Mercurialis perennis} underneath.

The section of the common at the end of Folly Lane is rough and marshy grassland with scattered/planted scrub/trees including {\it C. monogyna} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. The tall grasses include {\it Molinia caerulea}. 

The tiny section of common by Keld Spring appears to be of tall grasses with substantial {\it Anthriscus sylvestris} and a few planted trees in tubes.

MANAGE:
Flouta Moor is used for cattle and sheep grazing. Grazing pressure is suppressing dwarf shrub regeneration. Seata Quarry is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for conservation. The amenity grasslands in Aysgarth are mown. The section at the end of Folly Lane has had some trees planted but appears otherwise unmanaged as does the small section near the Keld spring.


VEG:
This linear common lies along the B 6270 and local tracks and includes some streamside. The roadside areas include trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Salix} spp. Ground flora species here include {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Silene dioica}. 

Along other tracks that make up this common there are the following species: {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Achillea millefolium, Viola} spp. {\it Dryopteris dilitata, Primula vulgaris, Galium saxatile, Digitalis purpurea, Filipendula ulmaria, Trifolium pratense, Galium palustre, Conopodium majus, Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis capillaris, Galium cruciata, Rumex acetosa, Deschampsia flexuosa, Hypericum tetrapterum, Oxalis acetosella, Vaccinium myrtillus}. In fields small flushes support {\it Sphagnum} spp. 

Hedges and scrub alongside the tracks include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Rosa canina, Sambucus nigra}.

MANAGE:
Used as trackways for access and recreation. No recorded active management other than use.


FAUNA:
The folllowing birds were noted: Carrion Crow, Curlew, Red grouse.

VEG:
Dry bog dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} with locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} occupies most of the southern three-quarters of the common. The slopes along Blackburn Beck and Low Gill Sike are mostly covered with mature {\it C. vulgaris} dry heath with occasional patches of acid grassland dominated by {\it Festuca ovina} and {\it Nardus stricta}, with frequent {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. 

Several acid flushes (E21) originate on the dry bog. Those in the southern half of the common are dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp., and appear to have developed along old drainage lines. Those in the northern half are generally dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Sphagnum} spp., with frequent {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}. 

In the northern quarter of the common, the slope becomes more convex. On this steeper ground, the dry bog grades into wet heath dominated by {\it Molinea caerulea} and {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with locally frequent {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca ovina, Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Potentilla erecta} and {\it Galium saxatile}. In contrast to the generally mature state of the heather on the dry bog (height up to 30cm, cover 60 to 80 per cent), the heather in the northern quarter of the common shows signs of much more intense grazing; maximum height is in the range 5 to 20cm, and cover declines towards the lowest part of the slope. Within 50 to 100m of the road, the wet heath grades into acid grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Festuca ovina}. Occasional hillocks in this area suggest that limited mineral extraction took place.

MANAGE:
Used for sheep grazing. No evidence of recent burning was seen. Some shallow drains were seen on the south side of Blackburn Beck, these are now mostly overgrown with {\it Calluna vulgaris}.


FAUNA:
Moles. Numerous grasshoppers. Meadow Brown butterfly.

VEG:
The Northern part is semi-improved acid grassland dominated by {\it Deschampsia flexuosa) with locally abundant {\it Nardus stricta, Agrostis capillaris, Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile, Dactylis glomerata}. There are scattered clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}, occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris} and locally frequent {\it Potentilla erecta, Molinia caerulea}. About half of this area is mown parallel with boundary walls, the other half has {\it Calluna vulgaris} and has not been cut for some time. Other species present here include {\it Cirsium palustre, Vicia cracca, Arrhenatherum elatius, Trifolium repens, Lathyrus pratensis}. A {\it J. effusus}-dominated flush near the footpath has scattered {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Chamerion angustifolium, Cirsium palustre}.

The Richmond Burbage Lands are mostly semi-improved acid grasslands and include species such as {\it Galium verum, Conopodium majus}. Most of this is mown but a strip which is less frequently mown has occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris}. Other species present include {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus, Trifolium repens, Galium saxatile, Hypochoeris radicata, Trifolium pratense, Campanula rotundifolia, Hieracium pilosella, Centaurea nigra}.

There are some areas of scrub at the western end of Low Moor and along its northern edge. Species present include {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Quercus robur, Ulex europaeus}.

MANAGE:
Some of the northern section is mown. Strychnine used to destroy moles. Not known if cattle grazing right is used.


FAUNA:
Freeholder's Wood:

Fauna seen or noted from on-site information: Roe Deer, Squirrel, Wood Mice, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Rabbit, Blackbird, Sparrow, Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Dipper, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Goldfinch, Robin. 

Butterflies: Orange-tip. 

Mammals: Rabbits, Roe Deer, Bank vole, Wood mouse, Shrews.

Lapwings on smaller sections of common.

VEG:
Ground flora observed during field survey:  {\it Mercurialis perennis, Primula vulgaris, Hypericum} sp. {\it Potentilla sterilis, Conopodium majus,  Paris quadrifolia, Eurynchium praelongum, Ranunculus ficaria, Lonicera periclymenum, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Iris pseudocorus, Hedera helix, Lathraea squamaria?, Alchemilla} sp. {\it Orchis mascula}. There is active coppicing of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Corylus avellana.  Sambucus nigra, Ulmus glabra} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} are also present. On the steeper slopes the trees are more mature, mostly {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} with many {\it Orchis mascula}. 

On the river floodplain species include {\it Allium ursinum, Mercurialis perennis, Paris quadrifolia, Circaea lutetiana, Filipendula ulmaria, Valeriana, Ajuga reptans?, Geum urbanum, Glechoma hederacea, Ribes} sp. and scattered {\it Caltha palustris}. There is {\it Salix} spp. along the river. 

SSSI description.

'Freeholders Wood, situated on the north bank of the River Ure at Aysgarth Falls is of special interest as one of very few examples of {\it Corylus avellana} coppice in the Yorkshire Dales. It has a rich ground flora, typical of calcareous woodland, which is enhanced by the active coppice management reinstated in 1983.  The woodland falls steeply to the river where there are limestone outcrops; localised flush communities occur where springs emerge.

The woodland comprises a mixture of mature and recently coppiced {\it Corylus avellana}. There are also thickets of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Betula pendula} and {\it Prunus spinosa} while standard trees include {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Prunus padus} and {\it Ilex aquifolium}. {\it Ulmus glabra) is frequent, but many trees are affected by Dutch elm disease, and dead and diseased trees are being removed.

There is a diverse ground flora throughout with an abundance of spring flowering plants such as {\it Primula vulgaris, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Mercurialis perennis, Arum maculatum, Petasites hybridus, Anemone nemorosa, Viola riviniana, V. reichenbachiana} and {\it V. hirta}.  The uncommon {\it Paris quadrifolia} is also frequent.  Those areas not recently coppiced tend to be dominated by one or two species such as {\it Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Anemone nemorosa}.
In contrast, recently coppiced plots, where light penetrates the canopy, support a greater variety of species including {\it Veronica officinalis, Geum urbanum, Prunella vulgaris, Alchemilla} sp. {\it Fragaria vesca, Potentilla sterilis}.

Towards the southern edge of the site, below footpaths between the Aysgarth Falls, is a steep wooded slope with rock outcrops and a flat limestone platform adjacent to the river.  This platform, which is widest at the eastern end of the wood, supports a number of plants typical of limestone areas, including {\it Carex flacca, Thymus praecox, Parnassia palustris, Sesleria albicans, Primula farinosa}.

There is a small basic flush, below the emergence of several springs, which supports a mixture of sedges including {\it Carex nigra, C. lepidocarpa} and {\it C. panicea, Juncus inflexus, Ranunculus flammula}, and {\it Hypericum tetrapterum}.'

120 species of flowering plants are recorded from this site.


The small section of common near Kendalacre Well is an old enclosure with broken down walls that is sheep-grazed rough grassland and old quarry. There has been excess stone abandoned here in the past, much of which has grown over with grass. There are clumps of {\it Urtica dioica} with {\it Hedera helix, Cerastium fontanum, Taraxacum officinale, Plantago lanceolata} and areas of {\it Rhacomitrum} moss.

The old quarries north of Ponderledge Scar and south of Great Wegber are grazed by sheep ( and rabbits) and include {\it Myosotis} spp. {\it Sedum} sp., {\it Bellis perennis, Danthonia decumbens, Achillea millefolium, Geranium molle, Linum catharticum, Galium verum, Helianthemum nummularium, Poa annua, Orchis mascula, Thymus praecox}.

A small section on the north bank of the River Ure is wooded but was not surveyed on foot.

MANAGE:
Freeholder's Wood:

Active coppicing in progress on an 18 year rotation. Site awarded a Forestry Authority Centre of Excellence award. Nature Trails enhanced by carved seats and signs. Some recent trees planted in tubes. Managed for conservation to conserve ancient {\it Corylus avellana} coppice. Deadwood left for invertebrates. A Management Plan is in operation. Adjacent ancient pasture area is grazed by sheep and cattle.

The small sections that are old quarries and grassland are sheep grazed but otherwise appear unmanaged.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Curlew, House Sparrow, Lapwing, Meadow Pipit.

VEG:
The section SW of Hawes (SD857892) contains heavily grazed poor 
semi-improved grassland, which is a mixture of {\it Alopecurus 
pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Bromus hordeaceus, Holcus lanatus, 
Lolium perenne} and {\it Poa} spp., with frequent {\it Bellis perennis, Ranauculus repens, R. acris} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg., plus occasional {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. There are occasional, scattered patches (too small to map) of semi-improved acid grassland dominated by {\it Festuca ovina}, with frequent {\it Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. Herbicide appears to have been used selectively as there are also scattered patches of dying {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Cirsium arvense}. Viewed from the adjacent track, using binoculars. 

The smallest section (SD853883) contains {\it Agrostis capillaris} and 
{\it Festuca ovina}-dominated acid grassland, with occasional patches (too 
small to map) of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. 

Most of the largest section (SD860882) appears to contain 
acid grassland dominated by {\it Festuca ovina}, with locally frequent 
{\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Nardus stricta, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. On the highest parts of the slope, there are scattered patches of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}; this area has been recorded as dry heath acid grassland mosaic. Very uneven ground in the eastern half suggests that small scale mineral extraction took place. This section was viewed from the adjacent public road only, using 
binoculars.

MANAGE:
All three sections are used for sheep grazing. The western-most section (SD857892) is undergoing a process of improvement. The other two sections are predominantly acid grassland; regeneration and spread of dwarf shrub species in these sections appears to be being suppressed by grazing pressure.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Curlew, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Snipe.

VEG:
Most of western most detached section (SD845870) is a narrow, hilltop 
plateau, with steep valley slopes on each side. Blanket bog has 
developed over the southern half of the plateau area; it is 
interspersed with scattered pools up to 50m wide. The name Ten End 
Peat Ground suggests that these were created by peat cutting. The bog 
is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}, with locally frequent {\it Juncus squarrosus} and {\it Aulacomnium palustre}, plus occasional {\it Polytrichum alpestre} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. The pools are fringed with occasional {\it Juncus effusus, Glyceria fluitans, Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Sphagnum capillifolium}. The blanket bog has been recorded as dry 
modified bog (E18) on the survey map because of the paucity of {\it Sphagnum} spp. (for explanation, see {\it Handbook for Phase 1 Habitat 
Survey}, Nature Conservancy Council, 1990)

To the north of Ten End Peat Ground, and on the valley slopes on each 
side of the plateau, the bog grades into acid grassland dominated by 
{\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Festuca ovina}, with frequent {\it Juncus squarrosus, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosella, Luzula 
campestre} and {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}, plus occasional {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Dicranum majus}. On the valley slope on each side of the Pennine Way, and around some of the shake holes, the underlying 
limestone exerts some influence on the composition of the vegetation. 
In these areas, there are scattered patches (too small to map) where 
acid grassland species remain dominant, but there is also locally 
frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Thymus} sp., {\it Saxifraga hypnoides, 
Achillea millefolium, Trifolium repens, Viola} sp. and {\it Potentilla 
sterilis}. 

Some of the shake holes contain exposed limestone faces. The following 
species were found in crevices: {\it Draba incana, Saxifraga hypnoides, 
Thymus} sp., {\it Adoxa moschatellina, Alchemilla} sp., {\it Oxalis 
acetosella, Viola} sp., {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Filipendula 
ulmaria, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Asplenium trichomanes, Asplenium 
viride, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Cystopteris fragilis}. The limestone faces support a variety of bryophytes including {\it Thuidium tamariscinum} (on sheltered parts), {\it Fissidens} sp. and {\it Rhacomitrium lanugunosum}. Stands of {\it Urtica dioica} were occasionally found in the bottom of the shake holes.

Wether Fell (SD875870) is mostly blanket bog and dry modified bog with 
peripheral areas of acid grassland. Most of the blanket bog is 
situated in the southern half; it is dominated by {\it Eriophorum 
vaginatum}, with locally frequent {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Calluna 
vulgaris, Juncus squarrosus, Vaccinium myrtillus, Trichophorum 
cespitosum, Aulacomnium palustre, Sphagnum capillifolium, S. 
papillosum, S. palustre, S. recurvum} and {\it S. subnitens} plus occasional 
{\it Empetrum nigrum} and {\it Vaccinium oxycoccus}. The {\it Calluna} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} are mature, but show signs of frequent grazing. Overall cover is in the range 40 to 60 per cent.                                


In the central area of this section, considerable erosion of the peat 
is taking place. There are extensive areas where haggs have formed 
(revealing the peat to be 2m deep in places), interspersed with areas 
of bare peat - in wetter areas, this new surface has been colonized by 
{\it Eriophorum vaginatum}, with frequent {\it Sphagnum papillosum, S. recurvum} and (in occasional pools), {\it S. cuspidatum}. Most of the bog in the northern half of the section is dry modified bog dominated by 
{\it Eriophorum vaginatum}, with frequent {\it Juncus squarrosus}. The peripheral areas of acid grassland have a similar composition to the acid 
grassland described for the western most section in paragraph two 
above. As at that site, underlying limestone has a localized influence 
on the composition of the sward and these areas contain {\it Saxifraga 
hypnoides} and {\it Thymus} sp. A small area of limestone pavement was 
found at SD880873. {\it Viola sp., Thymus} sp, {\it Asplenium viride} and 
{\it Fissidens} sp. were found in the grikes.

MANAGE:
Both of the largest sections described are used for sheep grazing, which is suppressing dwarf shrub regeneration. The condition of the heather on Wether Fell suggests a high grazing pressure which would be expected to cause a decline in the remaining dwarf shrub cover there. Both sections are enclosed by dry stone walls and there does not appear to be any access for livestock from surrounding land.


VEG:
Semi-improved and unimproved neutral grasslands. No ground survey was undertaken.

MANAGE:
This common has been quarried in the past. Present management includes sheep grazing.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Song Thrush.

VEG:
The tall herb vegetation which occupies much of the area of the common is a mixture of {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Urtica dioica} and {\it Petasites hybridus} (on lowset ground), interspersed with patches of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and occasional, scattered scrub - {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. and {\it Sambucus nigra}. These species make up the small area of dense scrub which extends 10 to 40m from the NW boundary; there are also scattered, young {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees.  A diverse ground flora is visible from the bridleway; species recorded include frequent {\it Dryopteris filix-mas, Galium cruciata, G. aparine, Geranium robertianum, Geum urbanum, Mercurialis perennis, Silene dioica, Ranunculus ficaria, Urtica dioica, Anemone nemorosa, Stachys sylvatica} and {\it Veronica chamaedrys}, plus occasional {\it Geranium pratense, Hyacinthoides non-scriptus, Potentilla sterilis} and {\it Viola} sp. There is substantial cover of bryophtytes in the woodland such as {\it Eurynchium praelongum, Mnium hornum}.

Downslope there is much broad-leaved woodland, substantially of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} with understorey of {\it C. monogyna}.

There is no formal access to the smaller section of common on the east side of Whashton but it appears to be mostly woodland of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent. Dumping evident by road and also in open areas upslope. The old quarry may have been used as a dumping area and grown over. A notice reads 'Private Shooting'.


FAUNA:
Brown Trout. Wren, Great tits, Wood pigeon. Grey wagtail on river shingle.

VEG:
The north-western section of this common includes a lay-by from the road with an area to the river of tall grasses and patches of {\it Urtica dioica, Alliaria petiolata, Rubus fruticosus, Anthriscus sylvestris, Lamium album, Rumex acetosa}. Woodlands at either end of this section include substantial {\it Salix} spp. {\it Aesculus hippocastanum, Ulmus glabra} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}. There are substantial patches of {\it Symphoricarpos albus}.

The larger, southern section of this common is of broad-leaved woodland, scrub and grassland along the river bank. The Village Farm end of this section supports substantial {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus procera, Salix} spp. {\it Sambucus nigra}. Ground flora includes {\it Symphytum officinale, Aegopodium podagraria, Silene dioica, Anthriscus sylvestris} and tall grasses. The eastern end has substantial {\it Allium ursinum} and {\it Petasites hybridus} and the scrub here is of {\it C. monogyna, Rosa canina, Fraxinus excelsior}. There is invasive {\it Symphoricarpos albus} and {\it Fallopia japonica}. The area of river shingle supports clumps of {\it Salix} sp.

MANAGE:
Footpath concreted along part of the river bank. There are informal paths in the woods at the western end of the common. Invasive species need control ({\it F. japonica, Symphoricarpos albus}). Bonfires are held on river shingle.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Robin. Several Large White, Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were seen near the river.

VEG:
The canopy is dominated by {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus 
excelsior}, with an understorey of scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, 
Prunus spinosa} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. On each side of the public 
footpath, there are areas of old {\it Corylus avellana} coppice. The 
woodland canopy extends right down to the riverbank, except where 
there is a small clearing opposite the footbridge. {\it Alnus glutinosa} 
trees are frequent along the riverbank.  

Extensive carpets of {\it Allium ursinum} dominate the ground flora on the 
lower half of the slope, elsewhere there are carpets of {\it Anenome 
nemorosa, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Ranunculus ficaria} and 
{\it Mercurialis perennis}, with occasional {\it Brachypodium sylvaticum, 
Deschampsia cespitosa, Arum maculatum, Arctium} sp., {\it Filipendula 
ulmaria, Fragaria vesca, Geum urbanum, Hypericum hirsutum, Stellaria 
holostea} and {\it Viola} sp. {\it Urtica dioica} becomes dominant in the western quarter of the common.

The small clearing opposite the footbridge contains neutral grassland 
dominated by {\it Holcus lanatus}, with abundant {\it Galium cruciata} and 
{\it Conopodium majus}, plus frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Alopecurus pratensis, Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Anemone nemorosa, Ranunculus ficaria, R. repens, Primula vulgaris} and {\it Stellaria holostea} plus occasional {\it Ajuga reptans, Alchemilla} sp.,  {\it Centaurea nigra, Stachys officinalis, Stachys sylvatica, Saxifraga granulata} and {\it Veronica chamaedrys}. Along the riverbank, there is occasional {\it Myosotis scorpioides} and {\it Petasites hybridus}.

MANAGE:
Some coppicing (not recent) of {\it Corylus avellana} has been carried out. The woodland may be used for occasional grazing.


VEG:
Standing water and pools ( e.g. Stake Pond) on Thoralby Common support {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Carex rostrata}. The surrounding areas of wet blanket bog include {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and mounds of {\it Leucobryum glaucum, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Rubus chamaemorus, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum papillosum}.

The lead spoil areas include calcareous and acidic grasslands which include areas of {\it Nardus stricta} intermixed with hummocky fine {\it Festuca} dominated calcareous turf. Other species present include {\it Lotus corniculatus, Thymus praecox, Galium saxatile, Carex caryophylla, Luzula campetris, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus}.


VEG:
Most of this common is blanket bog but there is an area of spoil from the Brownfield Lead Mine part of which is now acid grassland. The blanket bog supports much {\it Sphagnum} growth, abundant {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Empetrum nigrum, Eriophorum vaginatum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Trichophorum cespitosum}.

MANAGE:
Part of the site has been used as a spoil tip from the Brownfield Lead Mine.


VEG:
Most of this common is blanket bog with a fringe on the western side of acidic grassland. The bog supports abundant {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Rubus chamaemorus}. There a number of small pools present. Other species present include: {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, E. angustifolium, S. capillifolium, S. papillosum}.

MANAGE:
Past management has included peat cutting. Now sheep grazed.


VEG:
Standing water and pools ( e.g. Stake Pond) on Thoralby Common support {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Carex rostrata}. The surrounding areas of wet blanket bog include {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and mounds of {\it Leucobryum glaucum, Erica tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Rubus chamaemorus, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum papillosum}.


FAUNA:
3 rabbits were seen, and the following birds: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Pheasant.

VEG:
The grassland is mostly dominated by {\it Lolium perenne}, with locally frequent {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus cristatus, Phleum pratense, Poa} spp., {\it Bellis perennis, Ranunculus repens, Stellaria media, Taraxacum officinale} agg., and {\it Trifolium repens}. There are occasional scattered patches of {\it Cirsium arvense} and {\it Urtica dioica}. 

The discontinuous, trimmed boundary hedges are situated along all but the southern and eastern boundaries, where there is wire fence only (except for a small length of dry stone wall along the E. boundary). They are dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with locally frequent {\it Hedera helix} and occasional {\it Lonicera periclymenum}. There are occasional trees - mature standard {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, and 1 {\it Ulmus procera}, which appears to be dying of Dutch Elm disease.

MANAGE:
Used for cattle grazing. A distinct ridge and furrow pattern (running east to west) is visible in the central area of the common. The ridges are 3 to 4m wide. Arable land and improved pasture are predominant in the surrounding landscape.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Curlew, Lapwing.

VEG:
Most of the mire has a distinct hummock/pool surface, although this has been disturbed in places due to livestock grazing. The hummocks largely consist of {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}, with {\it Molinia caerulea, Sphagnum capillifolium, S. palustre, S. papillosum} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. On the wettest, less grazed areas, there is also {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and, occasionally, {\it Empetrum nigrum}. Between the hummocks, there are pools containing {\it S. recurvum} and {\it S. capillifolium}, and {\it Sphagnum} spp. lawns with frequent {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccus, Polytrichum alpestre} and {\it Aulacomnium palustre}.        

The mire is fringed with small, peripheral areas of acid grassland, 
and marshy grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with frequent 
{\it Juncus effusus, Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Carex panicea}.

MANAGE:
Used for sheep grazing. Livestock from surrounding land have access 
through gaps in the wall. Grazing is suppressing the regeneration of 
dwarf shrub species, except in the wetter, less accessible parts of 
the mire. A drainage ditch (about 1m. deep and wide) has recently been 
dug all around the edges of the mire, probably with the intention of 
making the mire drier and increasing accessibility to livestock. This 
would be expected to further decrease the cover of dwarf shrub species 
and lead to a further disturbance of the mire surface through 
frequent trampling. A gradual reduction in the abundance of {\it Sphagnum} would be expected as the mire becomes drier, causing a slowing or cessation of peat formation, although the ditch may not be deep enough to have a significant effect on the central area of the mire.


VEG:
This small common is of acidic grassland with species present such as {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Agrostis capillaris, Dactylis glomerata, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Poa annua, Cynosurus cristatus, Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense, Hypochoeris radicata, Lapsana communis}.

MANAGE:
Managed for grazing. Some grass cut by edges.


VEG:
This common was viewed from the northern boundary only, using binoculars. The common is situated in a valley bottom and enclosed by stockproof dry stone walls. It appears to be occupied by mire dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}, with locally abundant {\it Calluna vulgaris} and occasional {\it Salix} sp. The mire is fringed with peripheral areas of acid grassland and {\it Juncus effusus}-dominated marshy grassland. 
An on-site survey would be needed to record the presence and abundance 
of species such as {\it Vaccinium oxycoccus} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. which are not easily seen from a distance when {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} is dominant. 

Water from the mire drains into Worm Gill to the east. For the purposes of this survey, the mire has been recorded as valley mire (E31), although its location at the head of a valley suggests that it may have developed in a shallow basin created by glacial action. There is also a small section of this common to the east of Thornton Mire (less than 1 Ha.) which is not shown on the map and was not surveyed.
Further survey would be required to confirm this.

MANAGE:
Used for sheep grazing. Areas where {\it Calluna vulgaris} is abundant are 
enclosed by internal wire fencing, in which gaps have developed. Two 
large cages (possibly used for rearing game birds) were seen in the 
middle of the common.


VEG:
The lower slopes of West Scrafton Moor are {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} dominated grasslands which are sheep grazed. Other species present include: {\it Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Deschampsia flexuosa, Agrostis capillaris} with scattered patches of {\it Juncus effusus}.
There are more extensive areas of {\it J. effusus} and also scattered {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Molinia caerulea} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} where the slope steepens. {\it Juncus effusus} flushes have {\it Sphagnum papillosum, S. capillaris, S.palustre, Carex nigra, Polytrichum alpestre, Polytrichum commune}. Along Lead Up Gill there is short acid grassland with scattered {\it P. aquilinum} on the sides and occasional {\it Digitalis purpurea} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}.


FAUNA:
Seen during survey: Wood pigeon, Grey squirrel, Wrens, Song Thrush.

VEG:
The scrub opposite Brandy Slack includes {\it Crataegus monogyna}, scattered {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pubescens, Betula pendula}. Understorey species include {\it Ilex aquifolium, Ulex europaeus, Rubus fruticosus, Rosa} sp. Under the more mature {\it Betula} spp.  {\it Dryopteris dilitata, Galium cruciata, Glechoma hederacea, Stachys sylvatica, Heracleum sphondylium, Dactylis glomerata} are found. The western end of Park Gill supports much {\it C. monogyna, Sambucus migra, Populus tremula, Viburnum opulus, Ribes uva-crispa, Salix} spp. and occasional {\it Quercus robur} and {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}.  The main area of Park Gill is of {\it Betula} spp. and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} with dense {\it P. aquilinum} along the edges. This gives way about 10 to 30 metres downslope to {\it Q. robur} and frequent {\it Fraxinus excelsior} (mature standards), and scattered {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Understorey includes scattered {\it Ilex aquifolium, C. monogyna, Lonicera periclymenum, Rubus fruticosus} the latter becoming dense towards the top of the slope. There is occasional {\it Picea} sp. Some deadwood is left standing. Ground flora species include: {\it Luzula sylvatica, Oxalis acetosella, Dryopteris dilitata, Mnium hornum, Stellaria holostea, Circaea lutetiana, Sanicula europaea, Lysimachia} sp. {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium}. On steep slopes above bridleway - {\it Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilitata, Hyacinthoides non-scripta}.

The southernmost parts of the common are all broad-leaved semi-natural woodland. An area of tall spindly {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} (old plantation) gives way to dense young {\ir Betula} sp., {\it A. pseudoplatanus} and scattered, more mature {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Quercus robur}. There is also frequent {\it Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra} and some very tall {\it Rhododendron ponticum}. At a few points there ornamental {\it Picea} sp. Ground flora species includes a tangle of {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris dilitata, Carex sylvatica, Luzula} sp. (along stream), Caltha palustris, Primula vulgaris. Prunella vulgaris} and some stands of {\it Rubus idaeus}.

MANAGE:
No active management noted at time of survey.


VEG:
From N. York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey: The majority of the moor is covered by H12a heath except for the steep valley sides where {\it P. aquilinum} has been sprayed out. These valley sides support mosaics of H12a, U20b and where there is flushing, M6c mire/flushes. Along the watershed there are occasional areas of M19a blanket bog, but these tend to be limited in extent.

MANAGE:
From N York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey: The moor is managed as a grouse shoot and is grazed by sheep. Burning is intensive, with small burns predominating. Grazing is generally light, however there localised areas of heavy grazing on Castleton Rigg, Tor Hill Crags and south of Little Blakey Howe. This is likely to be due to winter foddering in these areas. 

There has been extensive bracken control on the valley sides throughout the moor so that bracken cover is no more than patchy on the majority of slopes.

In the past coal-bearing strata on High Blakey Moor were mined and this area is covered with regularly spaced partially re-vegetated spoil heaps as a result.


VEG:
From N York Moors Upland Vegetaion survey: 'The ridge top is dominated by dry heath (H9c {\it Calluna vulgaris-Deschampsia flexuosa} heath, species-poor sub-community), while the sides support stands of {\it P. aquilinum} (U20b {\it P. aquilinum-Galium saxatile} community, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community) and dry {\it Calluna} sub-community). On Hasty Bank and on the lower slopes of Cold Moor there are small areas of acid grassland (U5a {\it Nardus sctricta-Galium saxatile} grassland, species-poor sub-community and U4a {\it Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile} grassland, typical sub-community) and amongst both the heath and {\it P. aquilinum}. There {\it P. aquilinum} has been sprayed it has been replaced by stands of acid grassland and heath with occasional areas of bare soil and litter.'

MANAGE:
The moor is managed both as sheep pasture and as a grouse shoot. There is some moderately heavy grazing on the top of Hasty Bank. Controlled burning is moderately intensive, with small burns predominating. There has been extensive spraying of {\it P. aquilinum} along the western slopes and more localised spraying on the eastern side. Small areas of kale have been planted on lower slopes for pheasants.


FAUNA:
Several Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were seen, also the following birds: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Yellowhammer.

VEG:
The dense scrub in the western half of the common is dominated by {\it Crataegus mongyna}, with locally frequent {\it Prunus spinosa, Rosa} sp., {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Salix} spp., and {\it Sambucus nigra}, and scattered young trees ({\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum, Betula pendula, Populus alba, Quercus robur, Sorbus} sp., {\it Sorbus aucuparia}). {\it Populus nigra} var. {\it italica} (Lombardy poplar) has been planted near the western boundary of the common.

Young broad-leaved woodland predominates in the the eastern half of the common. It is dominated by {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Quercus robur}, with a dense understorey of {\it Crataegus mongyna, Prunus spinosa} and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg. 

Around the edges of the woodland and scrub (along the track and public road) there are small areas of tall herb vegetation (dominated by {\it Chamerion angustifolium} and {\it Urtica dioica}) and rank grassland. Other species recorded in these areas include frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Aegopodium podagraria, Epilobium hirsutum, Heracleum sphondylium, Potentilla reptans} and {\it Stachys sylvatica}, plus occasional {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Arum maculatum, Filipendula ulmaria, Galium cruciata} and {\it Geranium pratense}.

On the southern side of the common, there are scrubby boundary hedges which contain the species which compose the dense scrub described above, also {\it Acer campestre, Corylus avellana} and {\it Viburnum opulus}.

MANAGE:
A few of the younger trees around the edges of the scrub and woodland have been coppiced. A narrow strip of grassland along the track is mown. No other ongoing management apparent.

The scrub, woodland and scrubby hedges provide a small area of cover for birds and small mammals. The surrounding land is predominantly arable.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Magpie, Mallard (on river bank).

VEG:
The river bank supports rank grassland dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} and {\it Dactylis glomerata}, with scattered {\it Salix} sp., {\it Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus} agg. and patches of {\it Urtica dioica, Anthriscus sylvestris} and {\it Impatiens glandulifera}. Along the waters edge, there are frequent clumps of {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. At the top of the bank, there is a strip of amenity grassland.  

The section at Courby Hill is completely covered (except for a farm access track) with dense scrub which is a mixture of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Prunus spinosa, Salix} spp., {\it Rosa} sp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., with frequent {\it Hedera helix} and {\it Tamus communis}, plus occasional scattered young {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Sambucus nigra} trees. There are narrow strips of rank {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} dominated grassland around the edges of the dense scrub, which contain frequent {\it Bromus hordeaceus, Achillea millefolium, Centaurea nigra, Galium aparine, Geranium pratense, Heracleum sphondylium, Rumex obtusifolius, Urtica dioica} and {\it Stachys sylvatica}, plus occasional {\it Symphytum x uplandicum}.

MANAGE:
No ongoing management apparent, apart from mowing grass at the top of the river bank. The dense scrub at Courby Hill provides a small area of cover for birds and small mammals in a predominantly open, arable/improved pasture landscape.


FAUNA:
Birds noted: Dunnock, Kestrel, Blackbirds.

VEG:
At the western end of this common there is mature {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with occasional {\it Erica cinerea} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. The area is surrounded by {\it Betula} sp. with {\it Ulex europaeus} and {\it P. aquilinum}. A small area is car park surrounded by {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Pteridium aquilinum, Symphoricarpos albus, Salix} sp. At the turn-off to Aislaby the scrub is dominated by {\it Betula} spp., {\it Ulex europaeus, Salix} spp. ,{\it Ilex aquifolium} with ground flora species such as {\it Rubus fruticosus, Dryopteris dilitata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Pulicaria dysenterica, Lotus pedunculatus, Chamerion angustifolium, Filipendula ulmaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Angelica sylvestris}. Wetter areas support {\it Sphagnum} spp. Another patch of dry heath mostly of {\it Calluna vulgaris} is found near the Aislaby road junction.

From N York Moors Vegetation survey: 

The majority of the moor is covered by young {\it Betula} sp. woodland with {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Ulex europaeus} (W16b {\it Quercus} spp.-{\it Betula} spp. - {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} woodland {\it U20b {\it P. aquilinum-Galium saxatile} community, {\it V. myrtillus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community) and dry heath (H9c {\it Calluna vulgaris-D. flexuosa} heath, species-poor sub-community). North of the road {\it Ulex} scrub (W23 {\it Ulex europaeus-Rubus fruticosus} scrub) is more widespread. Galley Hill supports stands of {\it P. aquilinum}, dry heath, {\it Ulex} spp. scrub and acid grassland (U5d {\it Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile} grassland, {\it Calluna vulgaris-Danthonia decumbens} sub-community) form a mosaic of vegetation types.

MANAGE:
No active management. Scrub invasion of heath could be inhibited. Was used as a motorcycle scramble track in the past which caused some soil erosion. Lower banks of the moor have been quarried.


VEG:
From brief field survey of the Northern end of this common: The dry heath has a cover of (0 to 100 per cent of {\it Calluna vulgaris} with some {\it Empetrum nigrum, Vaccinium myrtillus, Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta}. There are small patches of {\it Betula} spp. regeneration.

From North York Moors Upland Vegetation survey:

Vegetation Condition

Vegetation condition is generally good on the moor top, though footpath repair work was being carried out on the Cleveland Way to counter erosion at the time of this survey was carried out.  The former mine workings however have resulted in extensive areas of bare ground.  Glider runways have also created areas of bare soil.


Plant Communities
{\it Pteridium aquilinum} (U20b {\it Pteridium aquilinum-Galium saxatile} community {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community predominates due to the preponderance of moor edge in this site.  On the moor top dry heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} H1 2a {\it Calluna vulgaris-Vaccinium myrtillus} heath {\it Calluna} sub-community forms the main vegetation cover.  Areas of acid grassland (U4a Festuca ovina - Agrostis capillaris - Galium saxatile grassland, typical
sub-community and U5a ({\it Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile} grassland, species-poor sub-community) are also present around the gliding club and on the quarry workings.  Small areas of {\it Juncus} flushes (M6e {\it Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum} mire, {\it Juncus effusus} sub-community) are present on lower slopes.

MANAGE:
Footpaths maintained for heavy public use.


VEG:
From N.York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey:

Glaisdale Moor and Danby High Moor:
 
Dry heath in the form of H12a heath forms the bulk of the vegetation cover on the moor. Small areas of M19a blanket bog and M16d wet heath are present locally on poorly-drained soils but stands are seldom extensive, other than on Glaisdale Low Moor, where there is a large area of wet heath. Stream heads and some valley sides support M6c mire. The periphery of the moor supports large stands of U20b {\it P. aquilinum}. In many places these stands have been sprayed with Asulam, resulting in mosaics of acid grassland (U2b) together with H12a dry heath. Small stands of woodland W16b are found on a few valley sides and on lower slopes there are occasional stands of W23, {\it Ulex} spp. scrub.

Danby Low Moors:

This moor extends from the southern flank of Brown Hill above Conunondale east to Stonegate covering all of the southern side of the eastern half of the Danby Low Moors moorland block.  The moor forms a sinuous ridge the height of which gradually falls as it extends east from 283m at Brown Hi11 to 220m on Lealholm Rigg.  In general the moor is rounded but on the southern side above Danby the smooth side of the moor is cut into by two
deep v-shaped valleys formed by Ewe Crag Beck and Black Beck.  Shallower valleys are formed by streams such as Water Dittons, Mellowdale Slack, Bella Dale Slack and Black Dike Slack which drain the north side of the moor.  The shallow but steep-sided Haredale Slack forms the north-east boundary of the moor. The moors are underlain by Upper and Middle Jurassic sandstones and shales.  These are covered by humus-ironpan stagnopodzols between Elm Ledge, Middle Rigg and Three Howes Rigg, and cambic stagnohumic gleyed soils elsewhere.

Plant Communities

The majority of the moor is covered by wet heath (M16d). Dry heath
(H9e)is largely confined to the well-drained ridge tops such as Siss Cross Hill, Elm Ledge and Beacon Hill, but also covers a more extensive area on Lealholm and Black Dike Moors.  Locally {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is frequent amongst the {\it Calluna} in the main moor and H12a heath.  This community is present where {\it P. aquilinum} has been sprayed out but here {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} dominates rather than {\it Calluna}.  On the margins of the moor along Eskdale and along stream valleys there are stands of {\it P. aquilinum} (U20b) sometimes as a mosaic with wet and dry heath communities.  Areas of flushing and stream courses support stands of {\it Juncus} flushes (M6c). Where overgrazing has led to loss of heather cover grassy heath communities such as H9c heath, U5d {\it Nardus} grassland, U4e grassland, and U4b.


Vegetation Condition

The condition of the vegetation over the moor as a whole is good, though there some areas where there have been extensive burns on wet heath, notably on the southern side of Three Howes Rigg.  These areas inevitably have extensive stands of even aged heather but over the moor as a whole the age structure is varied and all age classes are present.  Overgrazing is only
found in three localities, on Rosedale Intake, Thorn Hill and Lealholm Rigg, but in the latter two cases the areas concerned are large when compared to areas of overgrazing on other moors covered by this survey.  In all three cases there appears to have been loss of heather cover to grasses, the most extreme example being Lealholm Rigg.

Bracken spraying has led to extensive areas of former bracken stands being converted to a dry heath community dominated by {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.

MANAGE:
From N. York Moors Upland Management Survey: 

Glaisdale Moor and Egton High Moor:
The moor is managed as a grouse shoot and as a sheep pasture. The moor is intensively burnt, with small burns predominating. Grazing is light over most of the moor, however where sheep congregate in a number of locations on the ridges there is evidence of heavy grazing pressure. Many of the bracken stands on the valley sides have been sprayed to control or eradicate bracken. Some of these slopes now support grasslands.  South-east of Seavey Hill there has been large scale extraction of peat from an area of blanket mire.

The south-east part of Glaisdale Moor is in poor condition as it is recovering from a major fire dating from several decades ago. 

Danby Low Moor near Castleton is a small hill covered almost entirely with {\it P. aquilinum}.

Danby Low Moors:
Land-use and Management
The moor is managed as a grouse shoot, with an intensive programme of heather burning, concentrating small burns on the dry heath, with larger burns on wet heath.  The entire moor is common land and is grazed by sheep.  Most of the moor is lightly grazed but winter foddering on Thorn Hill and Lealholm Rigg has led to localised concentrations of grazing. There have been intensive programmes of bracken spraying along Ewe Crag Beck and Black
Beck which have led to a considerable reduction in cover of bracken here.  Elsewhere on the moor however bracken spraying has been limited in extent.
Small disused quarries are scattered over the moor the largest being on Pike Howe above Castleton. Four roads run over the moor.  Roads lead up from both Castleton and Commondale to Three Howes Rigg and thence to the A171 and a road from the A171 over Robin Hood's Butts runs south to Danby with a side road leading off east to Beacon Hill and down to the Danby - Lealholm road.  West of the Danby - A171 road only one public right of way crosses the moor
but east of this road numerous paths and bridleways traverse the moor, mainly in on a north-south axis.


VEG:
The higher areas of this common are dry heaths with extensive {\it Calluna vulgaris}. The north facing slopes support dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scattered scrub (C. monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia}. There are pockets of open acidic grassland on the eastern side of the common.


VEG:
From brief field notes (PD). This old quarry is overgrown with {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and scattered {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus robur} and occasional conifers with patches of dense {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra, Rubus fruticosus, Rosa canina}. There is possibly calcareous woodland ground flora but access was not possible at time of survey. Ground flora species seen include {\it Urtica dioica, Cirsium palustre, Hedera helix} (especially on cliff-face), {\it Calystegia sepium, Heracleum sphondylium,} and {\it Symphoricarpos albus}.

MANAGE:
No apparent management for conservation.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Black-headed Gulls, Oyster Catchers. Recorded: Short-eared owl, Hen harrier, Golden plover.

VEG:
Kirkby Malzeard Moor is similar to Grewelthorpe Moor in being dry heath but it has some acidic flushes, scattered patches of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and acid grassland. There are patches of {\it P. aquilinum} along streams. Boggy areas support {\it Sphagnum papillosum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Eriophorum vaginatum, Polytrichum commune, Empetrum nigrum, Carex echinata}. There is much {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} growing under {\it P. aquilinum}. 

Flushed areas (sometimes quaking} support {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Juncus} spp., {\it Aulacomnium palustre} and frequent {\it Erica tetralix}. There is much preserved wood in the bogs which infers previous woodland cover. 

The peat is more than 0.5m. deep in places along ditches. 

From N York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey:

'The area is predominantly heath consisting of a mosiac of 2 main communities, the H9b and H12a. {\it Calluna vulgaris} is dominant overall but the constancy and frequency of {\it V. myrtillus} is very variable...........{\it Juncus effusus} is abundant where the drainage is impeded by the underlying iron pan and there are large areas of M6c mire. In some of these areas, where sheep have concentrated, the localised disturbance has led to an abundance of {\it Polytrichum commune}. The poor drainage is also beneficial to {\it Erica tetralix}, in places it becomes abundant leading to the formation of species-poor examples of M16. On Haylands Bank {\it E. vaginatum} becomes prominent leading to the development of M19a mire.

MANAGE:
Managed for sheep grazing and grouse moor. {\it P. aquilinum} could be controlled if coverage expands.

{\it C. vulgaris} is burnt regularly.


FAUNA:
Recorded on SSSI citation: Woodland breeding birds: Redstart, Lesser Redpoll, Woodcock and Green Woodpecker. Open moorland birds include Red Grouse, Whinchat, Golden Plover.

VEG:
The Common includes Fylingdales Moor SSSI, the citation of which is reproduced below followed by other surveyor's notes.

'Fylingdales Moor is an extensive upland area containing representative examples of most of the characteristic North Yorkshire moorland vegetation types. The plateau is dissected by the valley of Jugger Howe Beck and its tributaries.

The plateau supports dwarf-shrub heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} with, particularly in the northern section, {\it Erica tetralix, Erica cinerea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Empetrum nigrum}. Of particular interest is the presence of {\it Genista anglica} in Rowan Gill on the southern boundary of the site. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} occurs on deeper soils and on the valley sides where {\it Vaccinium vitus-idaea} is often abundant. There are acidic flushes or 'slacks' containing bog mosses {\it Sphagnum} spp.,{\it Drosera rotundifolia, Eriophorum angustifolium, Vaccinium oxycoccus, Narthecium ossifragum} and various sedges including {\it Carex curta}. There is an area of deeper peat which has been cut in the past in Biller Howe Dale Slack resulting in a mosaic of wet {\it Sphagnum} with {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and dry heath communities.

Jugger Howe Beck is bordered by {\it Alnus glutinosa} beyond which the lower valley slopes are of interest for extensive wet heath communities with abundant {\it Myrica gale} and {\it Carex echinata, Carex dioica} and {\it Molinia caerulea}. There are many valley-side flushes with {\it Schoenus nigricans, Juncus subnodulosus} and species-rich communities with {\it Anagallis tenella, Pinguicula vulgaris, Pedicularis palustris, Carex demissa} and {\it Potamogeton polygonifolius}.

There are several areas of woodland showing evidence of regeneration. {\it Betula pubescens, Quercus petraea, Sorbus aucuparia} are the main tree species. The ground flora consists of {\it P. aquilinum} or {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Oxalis acetosella, Dryopteris dilitata, Trientalis europaea} and, in the flushes, {\it Equisetum telmateia}.'

Other brief field notes by PD of 1996 refer to the section of common that is not SSSI, NE of the A171. Lower slopes are wet and dry heath mosaic with locally frequent {\it Juncus squarrosus, Trichophorum cespitosum} within {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Molinia caerulea}. Upslope the {\it Calluna vulgaris} dominates and is near-monoculture with occasional {\it Erica tetralix, E.cinerea}. In some areas there are patches of {\it Ulex europaeus}. {\it Oreopteris limnosperma} is found along streams in this area with {\it Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris dilitata}. Banks are covered with {\it Calluna vulgaris, Pteridium aquilinum} and scattered {\it Erica tetralix, E. cinerea, Juncus effusus, Polytrichum} spp. Pools and stream-edges support {\it Sphagnum papillosum, S. palustre, Drosera rotundifolia, Carex panicea}. 

NVC vegetation communities present include: M16d, H9c, W16b, M25a, W7, M6c, M10a, W23, MG1.

MANAGE:
From N York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey: The Central moor is generally in good condition, with low grazing pressures, however, around the edges there are many areas where grazing pressure is high, leading to suppression of heather growth and in some areas, loss of heather. Grazing pressure is particularly high above and below John Cross on Shooting House Rigg, on Normanby Hill Top, on Biller Turf Howe and around Grey Heugh Slack. The moor is not burnt as intensively as the drier moors to the west and as a result the majority of heather is in middle to older age-classes. This however is not a cause for concern in nature conservation terms as most of the moor is wet heath, which does not require as frequent burning as the dry heath that predominates elsewhere in the N York Moors. The moor is managed as a grouse shoot and as sheep pasture. Bracken spraying is an uncommon practice on this moor, being largely confined to the eastern side of the northern arm of the moor, along Standing Stone Rigg, west of Fowlsike Farm and on Bracken Hill.


VEG:
From N. York Moors Upland Vegetation survey:

Dry heath in the form of the H12a heath forms the bulk of the vegetation cover on the moor, though in the eastern part of the moor, on Murk Mire Moor, Park Rigg and Brown Hill, there are extensive mosaics of dry H9c and M16d wet heath. Along stream courses and seepages on valley sides there are {\it Juncus} flushes (M6c). The steep and moderately steep slopes around the periphery of the moor are dominated by {\it P. aquilinum} (U20b), frequently  with areas of dry heath, acid grassland, {\it Juncus} flushes and scattered trees such as {\it Betula} spp. and {\it Crataegus monogyna}. On Butter Beck and around Castle Hill there are small stands of woodland (W16b). A stand of {\it Ulex europaeus} (W23) is present on the disused quarries on the northern edge of Murk Mire Moor.

From surveyor's notes: The Wintergill Plantation appears to be mostly {\it Pinus nigra} var. {\it maritima}. Pike Hill has almost total cover of dry heath/{\it Calluna vulgaris}. There are occasional small pools, fringed with {\it Juncus effusus}. The heath is at an average height of 15-25 cms. but occasionally up to 80cms. along the roads. 

The common is contiguous with the Scar Gill Wood SSSI (a relict upland {\it Quercus} woodland, along the southern common boundary.

MANAGE:
From N. York Moors Upland Vegetation survey; 'The moor is managed as a grouse shoot and as sheep pasture. Controlled burning for grouse is intensive, with small burns predominating. Grazing is generally light, although there are localised areas subject to heavy grazing pressure on the periphery of the moor. There has been little spraying of {\it P. aquilinum} on the moor. Generally vegetation condition is good. The SW corner of the moor however was badly burnt in a major accidental fire some decades ago and the vegetation has yet to recover. There is little grazing damage on the moor, with only small areas showing erosion evidence on the lower slopes of The Nab and on the northern edge of Murk Mire Moor.


VEG:
The higher ground supports stands of dry {\it Calluna}-dominated, heath (H12a {\it Calluna vulgaris-Vaccinium myrtillus} heath, {\it Calluna} sub-community), while the mid-slopes support stands of {\it P. aquilinum} (U20b {\it P. aquilinum-Galium saxatile} community, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community). This {\it P. aquilinum} has been mown along a tributary valley to Cod Beck, and here heathy acid grassland (U4e {\it Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile} grassland, {\it V.myrtillus-D. flexuosa} sub-community) is present. On the valley floor there are extensive areas of marshy ground with stands of sedge-dominated mire (M4 {\it Carex rostrata-S. recurvum} mire) and ruch-dominated mire (M23a {\it Juncus effusus/acutiflorus-Galium palustre} rush pasture, {\it J. acutiflorus} sub-community). Around the car park acid grassland predominates (U4a {\it Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile} grassland, typical sub-community).

NVC communities presnt H12a, M6c,M4,M23a, U4a, U4e, U20b.

MANAGE:
The moor is managed as a grouse shoot and as sheep pasture. There is limited controlled burning of {\it Calluna vulgaris}, together with mowing of fire breaks. {\it P. aquilinum} on the lower slopes has been mown. Grazing pressure in the bottom of the valley is heavy.  The common is well-used for public recreation.


VEG:
The dense {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is interspersed with patches (mostly too small to map) of acid grassland dominated by {\it Nardus stricta}, with frequent {\it Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile} and {\it Potentilla erecta}. One of the larger patches in the north central area of the common (see map) also contains occasional {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. There is also a narrow {\it Juncus effusus/Sphagnum} spp.-dominated flush, with frequent {\it Molinia caerulea} and occasional {\it Carex nigra} in this area.   

A small area of {\it Molinia caerulea} dominated marshy grassland was recorded near the southern end of the common.

MANAGE:
It is not clear if livestock grazing still occurs on the common; as dense, continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum} occupies most of its area, there is very little land available for livestock grazing. The presence of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and other dwarf shrubs suggests that there could once have been areas of heathland on the common. There has been some spraying of {\it P. aquilinum}.


FAUNA:
A few Meadow Brown and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies were seen, and 2 rabbits. The following birds were noted: House Sparrow, Great Tit, Swallow.

VEG:
At the eastern end of the common, between the road and the river, there is a small area of rank grassland dominated by {\it Holcus lanatus}, with frequent {\it Poa} spp., {\it Lolium perenne} and {\it Potentilla anserina}. Towards the central area of the common, this grades into tall herb vegetation dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}, with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Aegopodium podagraria}, and scattered trees ({\it Acer pseudoplatanus}). On the riverbank, there are overhanging, mature {\it Salix fragilis} trees, with scattered {\it Salix viminalis}, and dense stands of {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Epilobium hirsutum, Impatiens glandulifera, Iris pseudacorus} and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. The last three species extend up the bank from the waters edge.  

The narrow, southern part of the common contains a small area of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus/Fraxinus excelsior} woodland with peripheral areas of tall herb vegetation ({\it Urtica dioica}) along the road.

MANAGE:
The small area of grassland at the eastern end of the common may be cut occasionally, otherwise no ongoing management apparent.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during brief survey: Crows, Blackbird, Wrens. Grouse (Western section).

VEG:
The eastern section of the common supports substantial dry heath with {\it Calluna vulgaris}. The edge of the common has much {\it Betula} spp., {\it Ulex europaeus, Salix} spp.and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} which, together with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is encroaching on the heath. Moving south the dry heath has wetter areas that support {\it Erica tetralix, Molinea caerulea} and is also accompanied by scattered {\it Ulex} spp. and {\it P. aquilinum}. Roadside plants in the south of this section include {\it Juncus effusus, Chamerion angustifolium, Angelica sylvestris, Succisa pratensis, Filipendula ulmaria, Arrhenatherum elatius, Pulicaria dysenterica, Galium cruciata, Hypericum} sp., {\it Lathyrum pratensis, Blechnum spicant, Lotus pedunculatus, Dryopteris filix-mas, Euphrasia} sp., {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. The eastern edge has some conifer regeneration ({\it Pinus} sp.)

Much of the western section of CL109 is {\it Calluna vulgaris}-dominated dry heath with locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Erica cinerea, Erica tetralix}. From a distance large areas of {\it P. aquilinum} observed. Wetter areas support {\it Potentilla erecta, Juncus effusus, Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum} spp.

MANAGE:
Western section managed for grouse, and grazed by sheep. No active management of the eastern section.


FAUNA:
None recorded during brief field survey.

VEG:
The northeastern sections of the common are improved grassland. Scattered areas of {\it Ulex europaeus} are found as one moves west towards the A171 near which is found a large area of mixed heath with mature {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Erica cinerea, Carex panicea, Deschampsia cespitosa, Molinia caerulea}, substantial {\it Pteridium aquifolium}, scattered {\it Equisetum sylvaticum, Dryopteris dilitata, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Succisa pratensis} and, under {\it P. aquilinum} - {\it Viola palustris, Cirsium palustre}. 

Across the A171 lies wet heath with the above species and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum, Juncus squarrosus, Nardus stricta, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex panicea, Juncus effusus} with advancing {\it P. aquilinum}. In the triangle between the A171 and the small road to Ugthorpe lies extensive {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub with pockets of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Molinia caerulea} wet heath and semi-improved acid grassland.

South of the small road to Woodhill House from the A171 lie poor semi-improved grasslands, areas of {\it P. aquilinum}, wetter areas dominated by {\it Juncus effusus} and small acidic flushes. North and West of the road to Woodhill House lies extensive scrub ({\it Ulex europaeus}) and {\it P. aquilinum} with small streams and acidic flushes. 

The southern section of the common supports much dry heath fringed by {\it Ulex europaeus} scrub. There are small pockets of wet heath with {\it Deschampsia cespitosa, Lotus pedunculatus, Cirsium palustre, Carex panicea, Acer campestre}. 

From N Yorks Moors Upland Vegetation Survey:

'The northern part of the moor is dominated by wet heath (M16d {\it Erica tetralix-Sphagnum compactum} wet heath, {\it Juncus squarrosus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community) with stands of {\it Ulex} (W23 {\it Ulex europaeus-Rubus fruticosus} scrub) and {\it P. aquilinum} (U20b {\it P. aquilinum-Galium saxatile} community, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community). Where grazing pressure is high acid grassland communities tend to predominate (U4 {\it Festuca ovina-Agrostis capillaris-Galium saxatile} grassland and U5 {\it Nardus stricta-Galium saxatile} grassland).  To the south the moor is drier and dry heath (H9c {\it Calluna vulgaris-Deschampsia flexuosa} heath, species-poor sub-community) is abundant, though areas of wet heath are still present. Areas of {\it Betula} woodland (W16b {Quercus} spp.-{\it Betula} spp.-{\it Deschampsia flexuosa} woodland, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dryopteris dilitata} sub-community) some with frequent {\it Pinus} trees, are also found at the southern end.'

MANAGE:
Some northern areas of the heathlands (E. of A171) are grazed. Grazing is often high pressure with some heather loss. There has been some heather burning S. of The Hermitage and E. of Westonby Plantation. No recorded control of {\it Ulex europaeus} or {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.


FAUNA:
Several Small Tortoiseshell butterflies and rabbits were seen, also the following birds: Blackbird, Chaffinch, House Sparrow, Robin, Song Thrush.

VEG:
Dense scrub predominates in the eastern half of the common. It is dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with frequent {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Salix caprea} and {\it S. cinerea}, plus occasional {\it Rosa} sp., and {\it Ulex europaeus}, and is interpersed with patches of tall herb vegetation ({\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Chamerion angustifolium, Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica}) and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. In the central area of the common, there is a large area of bare ground, which appears to have created by vehicles turning into an access track to the adjacent field. The bare ground has partly been colonized by ephemeral vegetation (shown as J13 on the map). 

On the western side of the track, there is a small area of broad-leaved woodland dominated by {\it Fraxinus excelsior} (some coppiced), with occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Malus} sp. There is good regeneration of {\it F. excelsior}. Ground flora species recorded include frequent {\it Galium aparine, Glechoma hederacea, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus repens, Silene dioica, Stellaria media} and {\it Urtica dioica}, plus occasional {\it Digitalis purpurea, Galeopsis tetrahit} and {\it Geranium molle}. There are several tracks in this area which appear to have been created by motorbike scrambling.

MANAGE:
No management apparent, apart from very limited coppicing. The common is unsuitable for loose livestock as it is unfenced along the road.


FAUNA:
Birds seen: Curlews, Red Grouse, Black-headed Gull, Oyster Catcher.

VEG:
The cover of {\it Calluna vulgaris} is 95 to 100 per cent with {\it Erica tetralix} locally abundant. There are odd patches of {\it Sphagnum} spp. and {\it Carex panicea} with scattered clumps of {\it Juncus effusus} but only occasionally enough to be wet heath. There is occasional {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} amongst the {\it C. vulgaris}. 

From N York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey:

'The area is predominantly heath consisting of a mosiac of 2 main communities, the H9b and H12a. {\it Calluna vulgaris} is dominant overall but the constancy and frequency of {\it V. myrtillus} is very variable...........{\it Juncus effusus} is abundant where the drainage is impeded by the underlying iron pan and there are large areas of M6c mire. In some of these areas, where sheep have concentrated, the localised disturbance has led to an abundance of {\it Polytrichum commune}. The poor drainage is also beneficial to {\it Erica tetralix}, in places it becomes abundant leading to the formation of species-poor examples of M16. On Haylands Bank {\it E. vaginatum} becomes prominent leading to the development of M19a mire.

MANAGE:
Managed as grazing and grouse moor. Grouse butts are intact. Sheep grazing but only one cow seen at the time of survey.


VEG:
From N.Yorks Upland Vegetation Survey: 'Dry heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} (H9c {\it Calluna vulgaris-Deschampsia flexuosa} heath, species-poor sub-community) predominates on the moor, though at the northern end {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is frequent amongst the {\it Calluna} (H12a {\it Calluna vulgaris-Vaccinium myrtillus} heath, {\it Calluna} sub-community). At the southern end of the moor the drainage is slightly impeded and areas of wet heath are present (M16d {\it Erica tetralix-Sphagnum compactum} wet heath, {\it J. squarrosus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community). Along streams and seepage lines there are stands of {\it Juncus} dominated flushes (M6c {\it Carex echinata-Sphagnum recurvum/auriculatum} mire, {\it Juncus effusus} sub-community). The steeper north-eastern slopes from The Clough to Fangdale Beck are dominated by {\it P. aquilinum} (U20b {\it P. aquilinum-Galium saxatile} community, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community). On the flanks of Hawnby Hill there are areas of {\it Quercus} woodland (W16b {Quercus} spp.-Betula} spp.-{\it Deschampsia flexuosa} woodland, {\it V. myrtillus-Dryopteris dilitata} sub-community).

MANAGE:
From N. Yorks Upland Vegetation Survey: The moor is managed as both a grouse shoot and as sheep pasture. The moor is intensively burnt for grouse, with small burns predominating. On Wetherhouse Moor bracken has been sprayed and these stands have been replaced by mosaics of heath, acid grassland, patches of bracken and areas of bare soil and litter.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, House Sparrow, Robin, Magpie, Mallard.

VEG:
The canopy is dominated by mixed age {\it Quercus robur, Betula pendula} and {\it Alnus glutinosa} with occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer 
pseudoplatanus} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia. A. glutinosa} is most frequent 
in and around the scattered shallow hollows (some containing water) 
which occur throughout the wood. Most of these also contain scattered 
{\it Salix} spp. scrub and occasional {\it Juncus effusus}. The common does not appear to be used for livestock grazing and tree regeneration is good. Some standing dead wood has been left {\it in situ}. Birch polypore fungus ({\it Piptoporus betulinus}) was seen frequently on dead birch trees. 
  
The understorey is composed of scattered, occasional {\it Crataegus 
monogyna} and {\it Sambucus nigra}, with occasional {\it Lonicera periclymenum}.

Towards the edges of the canopy, the ground flora is dominated by dense 
stands of {\it Urtica dioica}. Elsewhere, the ground is covered with leaf 
litter, interspersed with scattered {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Alliaria petiolata, Galium aparine, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus mollis 
Dryopteris filix-mas} and {\it D. dilatata}. 

The small pond in the SE corner is shaded by overhanging {\it Salix 
fragilis}. The water is fringed with {\it Glyceria fluitans} and {\it Solanum dulcamara}, with occasional {\it Iris pseudacorus} and {\it Angelica sylvestris}. The banks support dense stands of {\it Urtica dioica}.

The large pond at the northern end contains abundant {\it Ranunculus aquatilis}, fringed with frequent {\it Solanum dulcamara, Glyceria fluitans, Myosotis scorpioides} and {\it Sparganium erectum}, plus occasional {\it Iris pseudacorus}. There are dense stands of {\it Urtica dioica} on the south bank. Just south of the pond, there is a narrow strip of wet rank grassland dominated by {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}, with frequent {\it Juncus effusus, Alopecurus pratensis, Anthriscus sylvestris, Aegopodium podagraria, Cardamine pratensis, Cirsium palustre, Heracleum sphondylium, Geranium pratense, Rumex acetosa} and {\it Rumex crispus}.

MANAGE:
The common is unfenced along the road. No evidence of recent livestock grazing was seen. Goats may once have grazed the common; it is not clear if occasional grazing still occurs.                                                

No evidence of recent coppicing or underplanting was seen. Some standing dead wood has been left {\it in situ}; it would be desirable for this practice to continue as dead wood is a valuable habitat resource for a variety of woodland fungi, invertebrates, small mammals and birds.


FAUNA:
Birds seen: Red grouse. Also Red Admiral, Peacock and Small Copper butterflies and numerous grasshoppers.

VEG:
From brief field notes: The common is mostly {\it Calluna vulgaris} dry heath of various ages due to active burning management. Some wetter areas around {\it Juncus effusus} flushes are dominated by {\it Erica tetralix} with frequent {\it Nardus stricta, Carex echinata, Empetrum nigrum, Carex panicea} and where wettest {\it Narthecium ossifragum} and frequent {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and brown {\it Sphagnum} spp. {\it Drosera rotundifolia} is frequent on {\it Sphagnum}, with {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. There are extensive {\it Pteridium aquilinum} on lower slopes. {\it Blechnum spicant} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} was noted from shallow drains along the track.

From N York Moors Upland Vegetation survey: The majority of the moor is covered by dry heath (H9c {\it Calluna vulgaris-Deschampsia flexuosa} heath, species-poor sub-community) with the fringing slopes dominated by {\it P. aquilinum} (U20b {\it Pteridium aquilinum-Galium saxtile} community, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community). On Great Ayton Moor there are also areas of wet heath (M16d {\it Erica tetralix-Sphagnum compactum} wet heath, {\it Juncus squarrosus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community) and occasional {\it Juncus} flushes (M6c {\it Carex echinata-Spahagnum recurvum/auriculatum} mire, {\it Juncus effusus} sub-community).

MANAGE:
Managed as grouse moor (some heather burning) and for sheep grazing. {\it P. aquilinum} is sprayed. Heavy grazing pressure at southern end of the Moor.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Black-headed Gull, Carrion Crow, Curlew, Grouse.

VEG:
Only the eastern end of this common was surveyed on foot (survey 
information for the remaining area is from an earlier Phase 1 
habitat survey (Date ?). This area appears to be mostly {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}-dominated heathland on thin peat. Scattered rock exposures suggest that the peat depth is less than 50cm. The heather is interspersed with scattered patches of {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, which are most frequent within 200m of the northeast boundary. The banks of Stock Beck, which runs along the northeast  
boundary, support scattered {\it Alnus glutinosa} trees. 

From N York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey:

'The area is predominantly heath consisting of a mosiac of 2 main communities, the H9b and H12a. {\it Calluna vulgaris} is dominant overall but the constancy and frequency of {\it V. myrtillus} is very variable...........{\it Juncus effusus} is abundant where the drainage is impeded by the underlying iron pan and there are large areas of M6c mire. In some of these areas, where sheep have concentrated, the localised disturbance has led to an abundance of {\it Polytrichum commune}. The poor drainage is also beneficial to {\it Erica tetralix}, in places it becomes abundant leading to the formation of species-poor examples of M16. On Haylands Bank {\it E. vaginatum} becomes prominent leading to the development of M19a mire.

To the East around Stock Beck Moor is an area which varies a great deal in slope angle, soil thickness and level of drainage and supports a mosaic of plant communities suited to the local conditions. Dryer areas are covered with H9 and H12 heaths with U20 {\it P. aquilinum} stands on slopes, wetter areas (particularly hollows) contain {\it J. effusus} M6c mires and {\it Erica tetralix} M16 wet heath.

MANAGE:
Used for sheep grazing, and possibly shooting. The {\it Calluna vulgaris} visible from the eastern end of the common is mature and mostly between 20 and 40cm high. Cover is in the range 80 to 100 per cent, but individual 
plants show some development of the drumstick form associated with
frequent grazing. 

No red grouse were seen on the common, however a female with chicks was 
seen on the verge of the public road at the eastern end, near Bagwith 
House.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, Pheasant, Robin, Woodpigeon.

VEG:
The canopy is composed mainly of young trees (trunk diameters less than 
15cm at chest height) with scattered, spindly saplings and occasional 
mature standard trees. {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} is dominant (some coppiced) with locally frequent {\it Fraxinus excelsior} (lower half of slope), plus occasional {\it Alnus glutinosa} (some are old coppice trees), {\it Betula} sp., {\it Fagus sylvatica, Malus} sp., {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Ulmus glabra, Larix decidua} and {\it Picea} sp. The understorey is composed of scattered {\it Sambucus nigra} and {\it Crataegus monogyna}, with occasional {\it Corylus avellana, Ilex aquifolium} and {\it Rosa} sp.    

Carpets of {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta} and {\it Mercurialis perennis} appear to dominate the ground flora on the lower half of the slope. 
Elsewhere, there is bare ground and leaf litter, interspersed with 
patches of {\it Circaea lutetiana, Deschampsia cespitosa, Hedera helix, 
Oxalis acetosella, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Ranunculus ficaria} and 
{\it Ranunculus repens, Dryopteris dilatata} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}, plus occasional {\it Arum maculatum, Carex sylvatica, Hypericum hirsutum, Primula veris, Veronica montana, Polystichum aculeatum} and {\it Mnium hornum}. 

A small cave (probably once the start of a mine adit) was found just 
below the public footpath. {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium} and {\it Polystichum lonchitis} were found just inside the entrance.

Some rotting, fallen branches of older trees have been left {\it in situ}. 
They are covered with {\it Thuidium tamariscinum} and other bryophytes.

MANAGE:
The common is enclosed by wire fencing and does not appear to be used for livestock grazing. Some coppicing (not recent) of {\it A. glutinosa} and {\it A. pseudoplatanus} has been carried out. The coniferous trees are all of a similar height, suggesting they were planted, rather than being the result of spread from nearby conifer plantations. It would be desirable to continue leaving standing and fallen dead wood {\it in situ} where possible.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Blue Tit, Chiffchaff, House Sparrow, Robin, Song Thrush.

VEG:
A row of {\it Fagus sylavatica} trees (now semi-mature) has been planted 
along the road. Between the trees and the road, there is a narrow 
strip of tall ruderal vegetation with rank grasses and occasional 
scrub, which forms a small area of woodland edge habitat. ({\it Chamerion 
angustifolium, Urtica dioica, Arrhenatherum elatius, Rosa} sp.)  The 
main area of the canopy is a mixture of mature standard {\it Acer 
pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}, with occasional {\it Betula pendula, Fagus sylvatica, Malus} sp. and {\it Taxus baccata} (less than 5m high). {\it Alnus glutinosa} is frequent along the River Ure. There is some regeneration of {\it A. pseudoplatanus} and {\it F. excelsior}. The understorey consists of scattered {\it Sambucus nigra}, with occasional {\it Ribes} sp. and {\it Rosa} sp.

Within 20 to 30m of the river, the ground flora is dominated by 
{\it Mercurialis perennis}. Elsewhere, there is bare ground and leaf litter 
interspersed with frequent scattered {\it Luzula sylvatica, Conopodium 
majus, Hedera helix, Rubus fruticosus} agg., {\it Dryopteris dilatata, D. 
filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina} and patches of {\it Mnium hornum}, plus 
occasional {\it Arum maculatum, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Silene dioica, 
Blechnum spicant, Phyllitis scolopendrium} and {\it Pteridium aquilinum}.

MANAGE:
Poor tree regeneration suggests occasional grazing (although poor regeneration can have other causes). Some standing and fallen dead wood has been left {\it in situ}. No evidence of recent coppicing or underplanting was seen.


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

VEG:
Most of the grassland on the western side of the road is dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius} with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Elymus repens, Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium} sp., {\it Heracleum sphondylium, Plantago major, Rumex obtusifolius} and {\it Trifolium repens}.  

The grassland on the eastern side of the road is dominated by {\it Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Lolium perenne}, and has been cut within the last two weeks. 

The common is bounded by scrubby hedgerows up to 4m high and wide dominated by {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa}, with coppiced (not recently) {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees.

MANAGE:
It is not clear if livestock grazing takes place on the common. A wooden hut, with {\it Cyperus} sp. trees in front of it has been constructed on the eastern side of the road.


VEG:
From N Yorks Upland Vegetation Survey: ' Dry heath dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} (H9c {\it Calluna vulgaris-Deschampsia flexuosa} heath, species-poor sub-community) predominates on the moor, though at the northern end {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is frequent amongst the {\it Calluna} (H12a {\it Calluna vulgaris-Vaccinium myrtillus} heath, {\it Calluna} sub-community). The eastern side of the common is dense {\it P. aquilinum}.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted in the vicinity of the adjacent woodland (CL250): House Sparrow, Magpie, Wood Pigeon.

VEG:
The whole area of the common is used for arable agriculture. Patches of {\it Urtica dioica, Lamium album, L. purpurea} and {\it Rumex obtusifolius} grow along the wire boundary fencing, with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata} and {\it Lolium perenne}.

MANAGE:
Used entirely for arable agriculture. No {\it P. aquilinum} was found; it appears that it would not be possible to exercise rights of estovers as defined in the Common Land Register.


FAUNA:
Several Meadow Brown and Large White butterflies were seen, also the following birds: Blackbird, Chaffinch, domestic Geese (2), Great Tit,  Swallow, Yellowhammer.

VEG:
The pond is situated in a large, shallow depression. It contains abundant {\it Ranunculus aquatilis}, fringed with extensive areas of {\it Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Glyceria fluitans}, with abundant {\it Potentilla anserina}, plus frequent {\it Eleocharis palustris, Myosotis scorpioides, Ranunculus repens, Rumex crispus} and {\it R. obtusifolius}. This vegetation is ringed with clumps of {\it Juncus effusus}, which roughly delineate the edges of the depression. The surrounding tall herb vegetation is dominated by {\it Urtica dioica} and {\it Anthriscus sylvestris}, with locally frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Epilobium hirsutum, Heracleum sphondylium, Ranunculus repens, Rumex crispus, R. obtusifolius} and {\it Taraxacum officinale} agg., plus occasional {\it Papaver rhoeas}.                 

An additional, much smaller depression near the eastern boundary contains dense stands of {\it Typha latifolia}; also in this area, there is dense and scattered scrub ({\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Sambucus nigra}) with occasional {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees.

MANAGE:
It is not clear if the right to graze livestock between March and October is still being exercised. The extent of the {\it Urtica dioica} dominated tall herb vegetation on the common means that there is very little useful grazing land. A small area of grassland at the southern end of the common is managed as amenity grassland.


FAUNA:
Birds noted: Jackdaws, Woodpecker, Wrens. Also Grey Squirrel, Peacock butterfly.

VEG:
The improved area of the southern end of this common is partly covered with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and scattered {\it Sambucus nigra, Crataegus monogyna, Ulex europaeus}. Occasional heath species such as {\it Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris} were noted from ridges, as was {\it Campanula rotundifolia}. Tree species on the western side of the road include {\it Aces pseudoplatanus, Sorbus aucuparia, Fraxinus excelsior, Fagus sylvatica}.

The westernmost part of the common has tree cover of {\it Fagus sylvatica, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} with understorey species of {\it Lonicera periclymenum, Salix} spp., {\it Viburnum opulus, Rosa} spp. Ground flora includes {\it Dryopteris dilitata, Ribes uva-crispa, Deschampsia flexosa, Primula vulgaris, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Viola riviniana, Oxalis acetosella, Geum urbanum, Geranium robertianum, Fragaria vesca, Circaea lutetiana, Stachys officinalis, Potentilla sterilis} and {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium} along roadside ditches. Dead wood left {\it in situ}.

A small flush by the road, due south of Hern Head House supports much {\it Juncus acutiflorus} with {\it Caltha palustris, Viola beccabunga, Angelica sylvestris, Cirsium palustris, Glyceria fluitans}. Orchids are present and {\it ? Parnassia palustris}. This area is poached by cattle.

MANAGE:
Recent tree felling. Evidence of past quarrying activities.


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

VEG:
The {\it Calluna vulgaris}-dominated dry heath contains locally frequent {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. The overall cover of dwarf shrub species is in the area mapped as D1 is in the range 95 to 100 per cent. Height is fairly uniform (30 to 40cm) and there are no signs of recent grazing. Other species recorded (mostly at the edge of the heath and along access tracks) include frequent {\it Agrostis capillaris, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Festuca ovina, Holcus lanatus} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}, plus occasional {\it Molinia caerulea, Chamerion angustifolium, Crocosmia} sp., {\it Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Myrrhis odorata, Pteridium aquilinum} and {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. Some straw and silage waste has been dumped in the northern half of the common, and this area is surrounded by {\it Urtica dioica}. Along the main farm access track (parallel with the E. boundary wall), there are also occasional {\it Salix} sp. and {\it Rosa} sp. bushes. At the S. end of the track, there are scattered {\it Sorbus aucuparia} trees.

A strip (3 to 10m wide) of rank {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}-dominated grassland runs along the minor road at the N. end of the common; it contains frequent {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia flexuosa, Holcus lanatus, Achillea millefolium, Alchemilla} sp., {\it Centaurea nigra, Lotus corniculatus, Mercurialis perennis, Plantago lanceolata} and {\it Viola} sp., plus occasional {\it Carex panicea, Briza media, Geranium robertianum} and {\it Linum catharticum}. There are occasional, young {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees in the western-most corner of the common.

MANAGE:
The common appears to be ungrazed. If any livestock are put on the common, their impact is so light as to have little or no effect on dwarf shrub cover / regeneration. The fairly even height of the heather suggests no recent localized cutting or burning. The dry heath does not appear to be under any immediate threat from scrub encroachment, but this could be a problem in the next decade if maintaining the open character of the common is a management priority.


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

VEG:
The verges are between 2 and 10m wide and support rank grassland with localized scattered scrub. Discontinuous, trimmed hedgerows ({\it Crataegus monogyna/Prunus spinosa}) up to 1.5m high and wide run along some sections of the boundary with adjacent fields.

The grassland is mostly dominated by {\it Arrhenatherum elatius}, with frequent {\it Dactylis glomerata, Elymus repens, Holcus lanatus, Poa} spp., {\it Achillea millefolium} agg., {\it Centaurea nigra, Heracleum sphondylium, Potentilla anserina, P. reptans, Senecio jacobaea, Trifolium pratense} and {\it Vicia cracca}, plus occasional {\it Tanacetum vulgare} and scattered patches of {\it Cirsium} sp. and {\it Urtica dioica}. Discontinuous ditches (up to 0.75m deep) contain occasional {\it Filipendula ulmaria} and {\it Achillea ptarmica}. 

On the wider sections of verge, there are localized areas of dense and scattered scrub, consisting mostly of {\it Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Prunus spinosa} with frequent {\it Rosa} sp. and {\it Rubus fruticosus} agg., plus occasional {\it Salix} sp.


FAUNA:
Birds noted during survey: Yellowhammer, Wood Pigeon, Blackbirds, Wren.

VEG:
The surveyors brief notes refer to substantial hedges of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rosa} sp. up to 5 metres high and wooded banks on several parts of this common at Stainsacre. Tree species present include {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus glabra, Quercus robur, Aesculus hippocastanum, Prunus spinosa}. {\it Rubus fruticosus} is frequent and ground flora species include {\it Tamus communis, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Stellaria holostea, Primula vulgaris, Arum maculatum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Silene dioica, Hedera helix, Geranium robertianum, Urtica dioica, Geum urbanum, Glechoma hederacea, Anthriscus sylvatica, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Fragaria vesca, Stachys sylvatica, Potentilla reptans, Aegopodium podograria, Plantago lanceolata, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium palustre, Mercurialis perennis, Heracleum sphondylium.} The section of the Stainsacre sections by Stainsacre Dale has a substantial occupation of sheds and outhouses. Above Stainsacre Bridge part of the common is rough grazing (with goats) and part appears to be cultivated. The southernmost section at Hawsker is grazed by horses and donkeys. The smallest sections are mostly road verge or amenity grassland.

MANAGE:
Road verges mown. Fields near Hawkser grazed. Cultivation and grazing by goats of part of the Stainsacre sections.


FAUNA:
Birds seen during survey: Jackdaw, Song Thrush, House Sparrow, Blue Tit.

VEG:
At the western end of the quarry there is {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}-dominated woodland (some coppiced) with occasional {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior}. Ground flora species include {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Dryopteris dilitata, Rubus fruticosus, Teucrium scorodonia, Viola riviniana, Silene dioica, Stellaria holostea, Mnium hornum, Oxalis acetosella}. The central area appears to be a series of hillocks arising from quarrying that are covered with {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with frequent scattered patches of {\it Ulex europaeus} and occasional trees ({\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Quercus robur, Betula pendula}). 

Viewed from the highest point on the northern boundary the site is mostly {\it Quercus robur}-dominated woodland with some extensive peripheral patches of {\it P. aquilinum} and scattered {\it Ulex europaeus, Crataegus monogyna}. There are also areas of dense scrub.


VEG:
The section of common to the south of the minor road has substantial {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina, Sambucus nigra}.

The northern side is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} but with frequent {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and locally frequent {\it Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus}. There is also occasional scattered {\it Rosa canina, C. monogyna, Rubus fruticosus}.

The central area of (?of the northern section) has some small hillocks, probably due to soil removal. Here, there is occasional {\it Filipendula ulmaria, Juncus effusus, Mercurialis perennis, Fragaria vesca, Galium cruciata}. Around the edges are found {\it Viola} spp. {\it Potentilla erecta, Dechampsia cespitosa, Carex nigra, Glechoma hederacea, Prunella vulgaris, Galium saxatile, Lotus pedunculatus, Symphytum} sp. {\it Arctium minus, Senecio jacobaea, Potentilla reptans, Cirsium palustre, Trifolium repens, Veronica chamaedrys, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Viola serpyllifolia, Trifolium dubium, Silene vulgaris}.

MANAGE:
No active management. Evidence of soil removal in the past.


VEG:
This common was not surveyed on foot but is of blanket bog ({\it Eriophorum vaginatun, J. squarrosus, Calluna vulgaris} and some dry heath on the eastern side.

MANAGE:
No active management. There may be some casual grazing.


VEG:
The common is part of the Ingleborough SSSI. The citation for this quoted below:

'Ingleborough is Britain's finest karst area, the characteristic limestone landforms have been produced largely under glacial conditions. It is particularly noted for extensive limestone pavements, dry valleys and gorges, shakeholes and sinkholes, including Gaping Gill which is 105m. deep and has within it the highest single-drop waterfall in Britain. Many of these features are classic teaching examples. More than 50kms. of cave passages have been mapped underground, interesting not only for their scale and diversity, but also for the evidence they provide on the evolution of the Pennine landscape since the beginning of the Ice Age. A spectacular unconformity is seen at Arcow Wood Quarry, where the Carboniferous limestone rests upon folded Silurian and Ordovician rocks.

Associated with the various acidic and basic strata, together with drift and peat which obscure the rocks over large areas, there is a wide range of vegetation types. Where limestone occurs at the surface, there is a calcareous grassland dominated by {\it Sesleria albicans} while elsewhere blanket-bog is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. Where flushing occurs the blanket bog becomes floristically richer with {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccus} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}.

There is a fine series of limestone pavements: at Colt Park the pavement is tree covered and dominated by {\it Fraxinus excelsior} while at Southerscales the lower wooded parts are characterized by {\it Coryllus avellana}, {\it Geranium sanguineum} gives way above to a more montane flora including {\it Dryopteris villarii, Gymnocarpium robertianum} and {\it Actaea spicata}. Scar Close demonstrates a unique combination of acidic and calcicolous species: islands of peat on the pavement support {\it Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum} together with {\it Convallaria majalis}. On the Moughton pavements, extensive {\it Juniperus communis} occurs.

The crags of the summit plateau support an arctic-alpine flora with {\it Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. aizoides, Sedum rosea, Poa alpina}. Within the site there are several localities for the endemic {\it Arenaria norvegica} spp. {\it anglica}.'

Also noted by the surveyor were the following species: 

Bryophytes on limestone outcrops {\it Tortuella tortuosa, Isothecium myosoroides}. In and around limestone pavement {\it Asplenium trichomanes, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Polystichum aculeatum, Dryopteris filix-mas, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Cystopteris fragilis}. Also {\it Sanicula europaea, Coryllus avellana} (grazed to the level of the pavement), {\it Crataegus monogyna} (grazed to the level of the pavement). {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Mercuralis perennis, Oxalis acetosella}. The dry calcareous grasslands support {\it Euphrasia} agg. {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Thymus} sp. {\it Carex paniculata, Linum catharticum, Polygala} sp. {\it Helianthemum chamaecistus}.

In wet heath below the escarpment there are species such as: {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Tricophorum cespitosum, Nardus stricta, Potentilla erecta, Carex panicea, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Pinguicula vulgaris} (occasional), {\it Carex demissa, Briza media,} (occasional) {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Schoenus nigricans, Linum catharticum}.


VEG:
The common is part of the Ingleborough SSSI. The citation for this quoted below:

'Ingleborough is Britain's finest karst area, the characteristic limestone landforms have been produced largely under glacial conditions. It is particularly noted for extensive limestone pavements, dry valleys and gorges, shakeholes and sinkholes, including Gaping Gill which is 105m. deep and has within it the highest single-drop waterfall in Britain. Many of these features are classic teaching examples. More than 50 kms. of cave passages have been mapped underground, interesting not only for their scale and diversity, but also for the evidence they provide on the evolution of the Pennine landscape since the beginning of the Ice Age. A spectacular unconformity is seen at Arcow Wood Quarry, where the Carboniferous limestone rests upon folded Silurian and Ordovician rocks.

Associated with the various acidic and basic strata, together with drift and peat which obscure the rocks over large areas, there is a wide range of vegetation types. Where limestone occurs at the surface, there is a calcareous grassland dominated by {\it Sesleria albicans} while elsewhere blanket-bog is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. Where flushing occurs the blanket bog becomes floristically richer with {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccus} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}.

There is a fine series of limestone pavements: at Colt Park the pavement is tree covered and dominated by {\it Fraxinus excelsior} while at Southerscales the lower wooded parts are characterized by {\it Coryllus avellana}, {\it Geranium sanguineum} gives way above to a more montane flora including {\it Dryopteris villarii, Gymnocarpium robertianum} and {\it Actaea spicata}. Scar Close demonstrates a unique combination of acidic and calcicolous species: islands of peat on the pavement support {\it Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum} together with {\it Convallaria majalis}. On the Moughton pavements, extensive {\it Juniperus communis} occurs.

The crags of the summit plateau support an arctic-alpine flora with {\it Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. aizoides, Sedum rosea, Poa alpina}. Within the site there are several localities for the endemic {\it Arenaria norvegica} spp. {\it anglica}.'

Much of the northern half of this common is grassland dominated by {\it Danthonia decumbens, Carex panicea, Festuca} sp.,{\it Thymus polytrichus, Euphrasia} agg.{\it Linum catharticum}. Other parts of the common are semi-grass covered limestone pavement 

Also noted by the surveyor were the following species: 

Bryophytes on limestone outcrops {\it Tortuella tortuosa, Isothecium myosoroides}. In and around limestone pavement {\it Asplenium trichomanes, Phyllitis scolopendrium, Polystichum aculeatum, Parnassia palustris, Selaginaella selaginoides, Listera ovata, Dryopteris filix-mas, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Cystopteris fragilis}. Also {\it Sanicula europaea, Coryllus avellana} (grazed to the level of the pavement), {\it Crataegus monogyna} (grazed to the level of the pavement). {\it Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Mercurialis perennis, Oxalis acetosella}. The dry calcareous grasslands support {\it Euphrasia} agg. {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Thymus} sp. {\it Carex paniculata, Linum catharticum, Polygala} sp. {\it Helianthemum chamaecistus}.


FAUNA:
Birds recorded: Pheasant, Red Grouse, Wrens, Snipe, Meadow Pipits, Redpolls, Blue Tits, Chaffinch, Curlew, Jackdaw.

'Also of note is the occurrence of the local Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) and Green Hairstreak {\it Callophrys rubi} butterflies.' - SSSI Citation.

VEG:
Surveyor found no species that are not mentioned in the SSSI Citation below but remarks that the {\it Betula} spp. dominated woodland (with scattered {\it Sorbus aucuparia}) appears to have spread over areas that were previously dry heath.


Description from SSSI Citation:

Brimham Rocks, near Pateley Bridge, consists of a series of Millstone Grit tors together with a mosaic of upland plant communities including dry and wet heath, birch woodland and acid bog.  The tors and the various associated rock weathering forms in Millstone Grit (Upper Carboniferous) make this a classic geomorphological site, significant for studies of past and present weathering processes and their contribution to landscape evolution.  The heath and bog habitats represent important examples of plant communities, formerly more widespread, which have been reduced by agricultural improvement, drainage and afforestation.

The areas of open heathland adjacent to the rocks consist primarily of {\it Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Deschampsia flexuosa} with scattered {\it Betula sp., Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Quercus robur. Pteridium aquilinum} occurs around the stacks and {\it Vaccinium vitis-idaea} is found on the eastern side of the site.  The presence of a population of the uncommon {\it Trientalis europaea} is of note. On the north-eastern edge {\it Betula} sp. is regenerating freely in the absence of fires and grazing pressures.

Pockets of wet heath comprise {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Trichophorum cespitosum, Molinia caerulea, Sphagnum} spp.,Erica tetralix} and occasionally, {\it Vaccinium oxycoccus. Narthecium ossifragum} and {\it Viola palustris}, together with {\it Montia fontana. Cirsium palustre) and {\it Equisetum sylvaticum} occur in a water-logged area associated with a small beck in the south of the site.

Also of note is the occurrence of the local Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus) and Green Hairstreak {\it Callophrys rubi} butterflies.

Other Information

1.      Part of the site is identified as being of national importance in the Geological Conservation Review.
2.      During the 1988 revision the boundary of this site has been amended to include land not previously notified.'

MANAGE:
The heath is of mixed age, managed by burning and cutting. There is heavy though managed, recreational use for everything from rock climbing to berry picking.


FAUNA:
No fauna noted. Peregrines are notified as breeding within the SSSI area.

VEG:
From surveyor's notes: The western side of this common includes substantial limestone pavement interspersed with {\it Danthonia decumbens}-rich grasslands with much {\it Thymus polytrichus, Euphrasia} agg. and {\it Nardus stricta, Deschampsia flexuosa, Juncus squarrosus, Vaccinium myrtillus}. In grykes of the limestone pavement are found {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium, Geranium robertianum, Oxalis acetosella, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Viola} sp.,{\it Mercurialis perennis, Asplenium ruta-muraria, Thuidium tamariscinum, Lapsana communis, Allium ursinum, Dryopteris} sp. 

On the slope up to the summit of Ingleborough there are areas of bog with {\it Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus, Erica vaginatum}, acidic grassland with locally abundant {\it Trichophorum cespitosum}. There are flushes ( e.g above Quaking Pot} with substantial {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Narthecium ossifragum, Carex echinata, Sphagnum cespitosum, Polytrichum commune, Vaccinium myrtillus}.


The common is part of the Ingleborough SSSI. The citation for this quoted below:

'Ingleborough is Britain's finest karst area, the characteristic limestone landforms have been produced largely under glacial conditions. It is particularly noted for extensive limestone pavements, dry valleys and gorges, shakeholes and sinkholes, including Gaping Gill which is 105m. deep and has within it the highest single-drop waterfall in Britain. Many of these features are classic teaching examples. More than 50kms. of cave passages have been mapped underground, interesting not only for their scale and diversity, but also for the evidence they provide on the evolution of the Pennine landscape since the beginning of the Ice Age. A spectacular unconformity is seen at Arcow Wood Quarry, where the Carboniferous limestone rests upon folded Silurian and Ordovician rocks.

Associated with the various acidic and basic strata, together with drift and peat which obscure the rocks over large areas, there is a wide range of vegetation types. Where limestone occurs at the surface, there is a calcareous grassland dominated by {\it Sesleria caerulea} while elsewhere blanket-bog is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. Where flushing occurs the blanket bog becomes floristically richer with {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccus} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}.

There is a fine series of limestone pavements: at Colt Park the pavement is tree covered and dominated by {\it Fraxinus excelsior} while at Southerscales the lower wooded parts are characterized by {\it Coryllus avellana}, {\it Geranium sanguineum} gives way above to a more montane flora including {\it Dryopteris villarii, Gymnocarpium robertianum} and {\it Actaea spicata}. Scar Close demonstrates a unique combination of acidic and calcicolous species: islands of peat on the pavement support {\it Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum} together with {\it Convallaria majalis}. On the Moughton pavements, extensive {\it Juniperus communis} occurs.

The crags of the summit plateau support an arctic-alpine flora with {\it Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. aizoides, Sedum rosea, Poa alpina}. Within the site there are several localities for the endemic {\it Arenaria norvegica} spp. {\it anglica}.'

MANAGE:
Managed for grazing, conservation and recreation.


VEG:
Description:
Bastow Wood comprises an area of {\it Fraxinus/Corylus} wood pasture, a habitat known from only one other site in the Yorkshire Dales.  It is situated on a bench of Carboniferous Limestone, on the eastern flank of Upper Wharfedale.  The site overlies a Celtic field system and the wood pasture habitat is maintained by grazing. In this it contrasts strongly with the ungrazed woodland flora of the adjacent Grass Wood SSSI.

There is a discontinuous canopy of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Betula pendula, Acer pseudoplatanus} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} with an abundance of {\it Corylus avellana} in the understorey. {\it Prunus padus, Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Viburnum opulus} are rather less frequent.

Under the canopy, and in clearings, thin limestone soils support a grazed sward of {\it Sesleria caerulea} and {\it Festuca rubra} which is rich in herb species such a {\it Helianthemum nummularium, Geranium sanguineum}                     and {\it Linum catharticum}.  Bare rock and fragmentary pavement crop out in places and there are shallow limestone scars. The presence of ant hills is indicative of old pasture.

There are more localised areas of deeper soil, neutral in character, but also rich in herbs such as {\it Alchemilla glabra} and {\it Prunella vulgaris}.

In a limited area at the southern end of the site, the community assumes a more heavily wooded character: the canopy becomes denser and the ground flora is dominated by {\it Mercurialis perennis).

Other Information

1.   This site forms part of'Conistone Old Pasture and Bastow Wood'listed in "A Nature Conservation Review", edited by D A Ratcliffe (1977). Cambridge University Press.  It was formerly notified as part of an SSSI under the same name, and is now renotified but with a reduced boundary to exclude Lea Green pasture to the east.

2. Adjacent to Grass Wood SSSI and Conistone Old Pasture SSSI.

3. See Oxenber Wood SSSI, where wood pasture also occurs.

MANAGE:
Managed for conservation by grazing as per the old wood pasture system.


VEG:
From surveyor's notes: The upper part is {\it Molinia caerulea}-dominated marshy grassland which gives way to a small area of basin mire with {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it M. caerulea}.

The main area of the common is a valley mire which is fenced. There are drifts of {\it Narthecium ossifragum} amongst tussocky {\it M. caerulea} and stands of {\it Carex} sp. There is scattered {\it Salix} spp. scrub in the central area which is dense along the northern boundary. The eastern end of the common is {\it Erica tetralix}-dominated mire with {\it M. caerulea, Eriophorum angustifolium, Narthecium ossifragum}.There are stands of {\it Juncus effusus} with {\it Potentilla palustris} by the bridge.

On the slope E of the fenced area there is {\it M. caerulea}-dominated marshy grassland with flushes of {\it Juncus effusus} with some {\it Agrostis capillaris, M. caerulea, Holcus lanatus, Viola palustris, Potentilla palustris, Potentilla sterilis, Myosotis scorpioides, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Polytrichum commune, Nardus stricta, Juncus squarrosus}.

Where the common narrows into a lane at the eastern end there are trees of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna, Salix} spp., with ground flora of {\it Holcus lanatus, Urtica dioica, Dryopteris filix-mas, Dryopteris dilitata, Ranunculus repens.}

The SSSI citation states that:

'Cocket Moss is the only notified example of a valley bog in the Yorkshire Dales, and is of importance for the species-rich communities of which it is comprised. 

The mire itself lies in a shallow basin running north-south through the centre of the site. On either side the ground rises in low gritstone hillocks which support grazed acidic grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, and blanket bog dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. In the western sector there are wetter pockets with {\it E. angustifolium} and these give rise to a stream which issues into the NW corner of the central basin.

It is the mire vegetation of this central basin which comprises the principal scientific interest of the site, though its water catchment and the surrounding grassland and blanket bog are also of importance. The mire is bissected by a west-east causeway through which a slow-flowing watercourse is culverted, running southwards from the site. To the north of the causeway is a swamp, dominated by {\it Carex rostrata} with {\it Sphagnum} spp.  The remainder of the mire is composed of {\it E. angustifolium} with a rich bog flora including {\it Andromeda polifolia} and {\it Utricularia minor}, while to the south of the causeway there is grassland dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}.


VEG:
From surveyors field notes:

West of Helwith Bridge Quarry lies acidic grassland with {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and in wetter areas {\it D. cespitosa, Viola palustris, Potentilla erecta, Carex panicea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Achillea ptarmica, Achillea millefolium}. This grades into marshy grassland of {\it Molinia caerulea, D. flexuosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca} spp.,{\it Potentilla erecta, Juncus squarrosus, Viola palustris, Rumex acetosella, Carex ovalis}. There is {\it Viola lutea} around some outcrops and occasional clumps of {\it Sphagnum papillosum}. {\it Campanula rotundifolia} is present throughout most of the common but is particularly seen adjacent to roads. 

Helwith Bridge Quarry contains a large pool used for fishing but, viewed froma  distance, seems to support little vegetation. Spoil heaps around this quarry site support or are overgrown with {\it D. flexuosa, D. cespitosa, Nardus stricta, Holcus lanatus, Filipendula ulmaria, Succisa pratense}.

The main area between the active Dry Rig quarry and the road is rank grassland with tussocky {\it Festuca} sp.,frequent scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna}, locally frequent {\it Campanula rotundifolia, Potentilla erecta, Linum catharticum, Taxacorum} spp.,{\it Briza media, Carex panicea, Anthoxanthum odoratum}. Hillocks indicate disturbed ground here. Closer to the East end of the active Dry Rig Quarry there is an area of wetland. A belt of {\it Juncus effusus, Cirsium palustre} gives way to wet grassland including {\it Caltha palustris, Viola palustris, Equisetum palustre, Carex nigra, Potentilla palustris}. There areas where {\it Carex nigra} is dominant. Standing water in some areas. Some pools have {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Potamogeton polygonifolius}. There are some hummocks of {\it Sphagnum squarrosum} with {\it Ranunculus flammula. Erica tetralix} and {\it Calluna vulgaris} are seen near the quarry boundary.

There are a series of bog pools at the eastern end of the quarry surrounded by {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Potentilla palustris} saplings of {\it Salix} sp. and dense stands of {\it Carex} spp. These pools have much {\it Typha latifolia} which develops into dense stands in lines towards Black Sike. There is {\it Triglochin palustre} by the pool edges.

To the North of the Dry Rig quarry lies lower ground which was flooded at the time of survey. There is abundant {\it Carex} sp., {\it Triglochin palustre, Narthecium ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Molinia caerulea, Erica tetralix}. This grades into {\it Molinia caerulea/Erica tetralix} marsh with {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccus, Polygala} sp. There are tubes (for gas sampling?) in this area. The surface of the marsh is frequently quaking. Species also present include {\it Trichophorum cespitosum, E. tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Sphagnum cuspidatum, Andromeda polifolia}.

Along the boundary with CL 528 there is a ditch (Combs Dike) with {\it Sparganium erectum, Filipendula ulmaria, Valerian} sp. {\it Myosotis scorpioides, Centaurea nigra, Vicia cracca, Lemna minor} (in standing water). There is occasional {\it Sorbus aucuparia} along the ditch with {\it Angelica sylvestris, Mimulus} sp.

From SSSI Swarth Moor Citation:

'Swarth Moor is a virtually intact raised bog which occupies a hollow formed by ice action. The bog surface has a visibly domed profile and grades to the north and south into fen grassland communities. The edges of the bog have been cut for peat in the past.

The vegetation comprises a mosaic of {\it Erica tetralix, Eriophorum vaginatum, Trichophorum cespitosum} and {\it Molinia caerulea}, with wetter hollows and runnels containing bog mosses {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Eriophorum angustifolium, Narthecium ossifragum, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex rostrata} occur occasionally throughout the bog. Of particular note is the abundance of {\it Vaccinium oxycoccus, Andromeda polifolia} and the presence of {\it Rhynchospora alba}.

Between the main bog and marginal fen communities, there are pools and developing carr woodland of {\it Salix} sp., {\it Typha angustifolia, Hippurus vulgaris, Potentilla palustris, Sparganium minimum} and, locally {\it Carex rostrata} occur in the less acidic conditions here. The adjoining fen is somewhat drier and characterised by {\it Carex nigra, Carex panicea, C. echinata, Juncus acutiflorus, Agrostis canina, Polytrichum/Sphagnum} spp. Herbs are more evident here and include {\it Valeriana dioica, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Viola palustris, Mentha aquatica, Cardamine pratensis}.'

MANAGE:
Surveyor records 'No livestock - ungrazed this year'. Management, with owners agreement directed towards secure hydrological integrity of this very good raised mire.


VEG:
The common is part of the Ingleborough SSSI. The citation for this quoted below:

'Ingleborough is Britain's finest karst area, the characteristic limestome lanforms have been produced largely under glacial conditions. It is particularly noted for extensive limestone pavements, dry valleys and gorges, shakeholes and sinkholes, including Gaping Gill which is 105m. deep and has within it the highest single-drop waterfall in Britain. Many of these features are classic teaching examples. More than 50 kms. of cave passages have been mapped underground, interesting not only for their scale and diversity, but also for the evidence they provide on the evolution of the Pennine landscape since the beginning of the Ice Age. A spectacular unconformity is seen at Arcow Wood Quarry, where the Carboniferous limestone rests upon folded Silurian and Ordovician rocks.

Associated with the various acidic and basic strata, together with drift and peat which obscure the rocks over large areas, there is a wide range of vegetation types. Where limestone occurs at the surface, there is a calcareous grassland dominated by {\it Sesleria caerulea} while elsewhere blanket-bog is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. Where flushing occurs the blanket bog becomes floristically richer with {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccus} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}.

There is a fine series of limestone pavements: at Colt Park the pavement is tree covered and dominated by {\it Fraxinus excelsior} while at Southerscales the lower wooded parts are characterized by {\it Coryllus avellana}, {\it Geranium sanguineum} gives way above to a more montane flora including {\it Dryopteris villarii, Gymnocarpium robertianum} and {\it Actaea spicata}. Scar Close demonstrates a unique combination of acidic and calcicolous species: islands of peat on the pavement support {\it Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum} together with {\it Convallaria majalis}. On the Moughton pavements, extensive {\it Juniperus communis} occurs.

The crags of the summit plateau support an arctic-alpine flora with {\it Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. aizoides, Sedum rosea, Poa alpina}. Within the site there are several localities for the endemic {\it Arenaria norvegica} spp. {\it anglica}.'

From surveyors' notes:

The western edge of the common is calcareous grassland around short, sheep-grazed limestone outcrops There is abundant {\it Thymus} sp.,{\it Euphrasia} agg. {\it Danthonia decumbens, Lotus pedunculatus, Trifolium repens, Linum catharticum, Campanula rotundifolia}. {\it Nardus stricta} is abundant in more acidic areas. 

Trow Gill is a very steep-sided limestone gorge. On the sides species such as {\it Isothecium} sp. {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Geranium robertianum, Lapsana communis, Urtica dioica, Polypodium vulgare, Fragaria vesca, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Geum urbanum, Oxalis acetosella, Fraxinus excelsior} (saplings), {\it Anthriscus sylvestris, Thuidium tamariscinum, Campanula rotundifolia}. There are {\it Larix decidua} and {\it Fraxinus excelsior} trees above the Gill and {\it Knautia arvensis, Valeriana} sp. {\it Saxifraga} sp. {\it Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Rumex acetosella, Viola} sp. {\it Cirsium palustre, Briza media, Thuidium tamariscinum, Pimpinella saxifraga}.


VEG:
The common is part of the Ingleborough SSSI. The citation for this quoted below:

'Ingleborough is Britain's finest karst area, the characteristic limestone landforms have been produced largely under glacial conditions. It is particularly noted for extensive limestone pavements, dry valleys and gorges, shakeholes and sinkholes, including Gaping Gill which is 105m. deep and has within it the highest single-drop waterfall in Britain. Many of these features are classic teaching examples. More than 50kms. of cave passages have been mapped underground, interesting not only for their scale and diversity, but also for the evidence they provide on the evolution of the Pennine landscape since the beginning of the Ice Age. A spectacular unconformity is seen at Arcow Wood Quarry, where the Carboniferous limestone rests upon folded Silurian and Ordovician rocks.

Associated with the various acidic and basic strata, together with drift and peat which obscure the rocks over large areas, there is a wide range of vegetation types. Where limestone occurs at the surface, there is a calcareous grassland dominated by {\it Sesleria albicans} while elsewhere blanket-bog is dominated by {\it Eriophorum vaginatum}. Where flushing occurs the blanket bog becomes floristically richer with {\it Drosera rotundifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccus} and {\it Narthecium ossifragum}.
There is a fine series of limestone pavements: at Colt Park the pavement is tree covered and dominated by {\it Fraxinus excelsior} while at Southerscales the lower wooded parts are characterized by {\it Coryllus avellana}, {\it Geranium sanguineum} gives way above to a more montane flora including {\it Dryopteris villarii, Gymnocarpium robertianum} and {\it Actaea spicata}. Scar Close demonstrates a unique combination of acidic and calcicolous species: islands of peat on the pavement support {\it Calluna vulgaris, Empetrum nigrum} together with {\it Convallaria majalis}. On the Moughton pavements, extensive {\it Juniperus communis} occurs.

The crags of the summit plateau support an arctic-alpine flora with {\it Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. aizoides, Sedum rosea, Poa alpina}. Within the site there are several localities for the endemic {\it Arenaria norvegica} spp. {\it anglica}.'

From surveyor's notes this particular part of the SSSI appears to be acidic grassland with {\it Nardus stricta} and {\it Juncus squarrosus} abundant.


FAUNA:
A valuable site for breeding waders including Snipe, Redshanks, Lapwings and Reed Buntings. The site is well known as an important locality for rare and local species of insects and spiders, notably the small pearl-bordered fritillary.

VEG:
From SSSI citation: ' Austwick Moss is a raised mire in which peat cutting has reduced the depth of peat to 1-2 m., in places exposing the underlying shell marl. The resulting combination of acid bog and more calcareous hollows provides a mixture of ombrotrophic and poor fen communities in close proximity. Acidic pools and wet hollows are dominated by bog mosses {\it Sphagnum cuspidatum} and {\it S. recurvum} with {\it Vaccinium oxycoccus} and, more locally, {\it Andromeda polifolia, Drosera rotundifolia} and the bog moss {\it S. magellanicum}. The drier surface of the bog has become colonized by {\it Betula pubescens, Myrica gale, Molinia caerulea} and a heathland of {\it Calluna vulgaris/V. myrtillus}. At the margin, {\it Betula} carr gives way to poor fen in which the effect of the underlying shell marl is evident in a richer community containing {\it Potentilla palustris, Sanguisorba officinalis, Dactylorhiza purpurella}. To the north and west of the Moss, there is an area of calcareous flush vegettion containing {\it Juncus subnodulosus, Schoenus nigricans, Primula farinosa}.

This site and Lawkland Moss are joined by a corridor of sedge-rich pastures valuable for breeding waders.

MANAGE:
The site has been radically affected by peat-cutting in the past and is now managed for conservation. {\it Sphagnum} spp. has been removed from peat diggings and {\it Betula} spp. cleared locally.


FAUNA:
The following birds were noted: Blackbird, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, 
Curlew, Jackdaw, Robin. 
Several Large White, Meadow Brown and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies, 
and 2 rabbits were also seen. 

From SSSI citation: The mires (Austwick and Lawkland) are joined by a corridor of sedge-rich pastures which are valuable for breeding waders including snipe, redshank, lapwings and reed buntings. The site is an important locality for rare and local insects, notably the small pearl-bordered fritillary.

VEG:
Under the {\it Salix} spp. scrub and {\it Betula pendula} trees, the ground is covered with a layer of leaf litter, interspersed with patches of 
{\it Molinia caerulea} (mostly towards the edges of the canopy) and 
scattered {\it Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dryopteris dilatata, Lonicera 
periclymenum, Mnium hornum, Poa nemoralis, Polytrichum commune, 
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Sphagnum palustre} and {\it Thuidium 
tamariscinum}. Ditches under the canopy in the southern half contain 
occasional {\it Glyceria fluitans, Sparganium erectum} and {\it Veronica 
beccabunga}, with patches of {\it Climacium dendroides, Sphagnum palustre} 
and {\it S. squarrosum} on the surrounding ground. 

At the northern end of Lawkland Moss (SD769666), there is a small area 
of bog surface which is largely clear of trees and scrub. It is 
dominated by {\it Molinia caerulea}, with frequent {\it Aulacomnium palustre} plus occasional {\it Sphagnum palustre, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Potentilla erecta, P. palustre, Viola palustris, Juncus effusus, 
Deschampsia cespitosa} and {\it Dryopteris carthusiana}. This area was 
recorded as wet modified bog (E17).
    
The more open areas of the common contain species rich marshy and 
neutral grassland. The small enclosure at SD768664, and part of the 
adjacent enclosure (which are crossed by a public footpath) are 
dominated by {\it Filipendula ulmaria} with frequent {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Carex hirta, C. panicea, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Ajuga reptans, Angelica sylvestris, Caltha palustris, Centaurea nigra, 
Cirsium palustre, Equisetum palustre,  Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus 
pendunculatus, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Mentha aquatica, Ranunculus 
flammula, R. repens, Valeriana dioica} and {\it Vicia sativa}, plus 
occasional {\it Alopecurus geniculatus, Carex ovalis, Juncus effusus, 
Achillea ptarmica, Alliaria petiolata, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, 
Dactylorhiza} sp., {\it Galium cruciata} and {\it Dryopteris carthusiana}. This area was recorded as marshy grassland (B5).    
 
The remaining open area not recorded as marshy grassland contains a 
mixed sward of {\it Alopecurus pratensis, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Cynosurus 
cristatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus, Lolium perenne} and 
{\it Poa} spp. No single species appears to be dominant. Herb species 
recorded include locally abundant {\it Plantago lanceolata, Rumex acetosa} 
and {\it Trifolium repens}, plus locally frequent {\it Achillea millefolium, Bellis perennis, Centaurea nigra, Conopodium majus, Lathyrus 
pratensis, Leucanthemum vulgare, Medicago lupulina} and {\it Trifolium 
pratense}, plus occasional {\it Alopecurus geniculatus} and {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi}. the sward was generally short (less than 10cm), suggesting 
recent grazing. This area was recorded as semi-improved neutral 
grassland (B22). 

From the Austwick Moss and Lawkland Moss SSSI citation: '.....a varied range of habitats occurs on Lawkland Moss, including raised mire and {\it Betula} woodland. Herb-rich grassland in the north and west of the site contains {\it Serratula tinctoria, Stachys officinalis, Ophioglossum vulgare, Genista tinctoria, Colchicum autumnale}. To the SE are 2 large fields which in their eastern halves are managed as meadows and are dominated by rushes {\it J. acutiflorus, J. conglomeratus} and sedges {\it Carex nigra, C. echinata, C. disticha} with an abundance of flowering plant species such as {\it Lychnis flos-cuculi, Valeriana dioica, Galium palustre} but in their western halves give way to rough grazing land which is more acidic with {\it Myrica gale, Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex rostrata} and {\it Salix repens}.

MANAGE:
Only the enclosures at SD766662 and SD767664 (mostly recorded as 
semi-improved neutral grassland) appear to be grazed. Internal fencing 
prevents livestock access to the remaining area. 

Lawkland Moss is a raised bog which has been colonized by {\it Betula} sp. and {\it Salix} sp., perhaps due to gradual drying of the peat surface. The trees do not appear to have been planted. Some management of {\it Salix} sp. scrub will be needed at the northern end (SD769666) to control encroachment on to the remaining open area of bog surface. This now appears to be too dry to maintain the {\it Sphagnum} spp. growth which would be expected on a typical raised bog surface.   

Some standing and fallen dead wood has been left {\it in situ} on the wooded 
areas of the common to provide habitat for invertebrates.


VEG:
The grasslands supprot {\it Holcus lanatus, Poa annua, Cynosurus cristatus, Alopecurus pratense, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Plantago lanceolata}. There is abundant {\it Rhinanthus minor} and {\it Sanguisorba officinalis} with {\it Centaurea nigra, Vicia sativa, Lathyrus pratensis}. The river banks (uncut for hay) support much {\it Cynosurus cristatus, Geranium pratense, Chrysanthemum vulgare, Urtica dioica, Arrhenatherum elatius, Petasites hybridus}.

Along the riverbank are occasional coppiced mature {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}, frequent {\it Salix fragilis, Bromus sterilis, Holcus lanatus, Heracleum sphondylium, Polygonum bistorta, Galium verum, Dactylis glomerata, Bromus hordeaceus}.

MANAGE:
There is low level cattle grazing in the autumn. The fields are cut for hay in early July. Some coppicing of {\it Acer pseudoplatanus}.


VEG:
From the track in the south of the common most of this common appears to be fairly uniform {\it Molinia caerulea}-dominated habitat with locally abundant {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} and {\it Juncus squarrosus}. The northern parts have frequent scattered patches of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}. There is occasional {\it Carex panicea, Potentilla sterilis}. 

In wet lower ground around shake holes species present include {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, Calluna vulgaris, Deschampsia flexuosa, Sphagnum capillifolium, S. palustre, S. recurvum, S. cuspidatum} (in pools), {\it Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Vaccinium oxycoccus, Trichophorum cespitosum}.

On higher ground there is some dry bog with {\it Eriophorum vaginatum, Deschampsia flexuosa, Nardus stricta, Calluna vulgaris, Vaccinium myrtillus, Juncus squarrosus, Galium saxatile, Carex nigra}. 

This common is within the Pen-y-Ghent SSSI the citation of which is reproduced below:

The Pen-y-Ghent massif, comprising a ridge of alternating bands of limestone, shale and gritstone, is of significance for a wide variety of vegetation types ranging from limestone pavement and cliffs to sub-montane acidic grassland, blanket bog, dwarf-shrub heath, valley bog and herb-rich meadows. It also supports a number of nationally uncommon plant species including {\it Alchemilla glaucescens}. The southern and western flanks of the hill form part of the catchment of the Brants Gill Cave System, a site of national physiographic significance, while the rocks exposed in the headstreams of Pen-y-Ghent Gill yield a rich assemblage of fossils for dating and correlation purposes.

Blanket bog occurs extensively on the broad lower slopes, and on the eastern side of the hill where the management is primarily as a grouse moor, {\it Calluna vulgaris} is dominant with {\it Rubus chamaemorus} and {\it Empetrum nigrum}. By contrast, in areas of increased grazing pressure, {\it Eriophorum vaginatum} predominated. Near Churn Milk Hole, there is a valley bog system which supports {\it Carex rostrata, Carex curta} and {\it Sphagnum recurvum}. In steeper, or better drained situations on acid soils, bog is replaced by grassland dominated either by {\it Nardus stricta} or {\it Molinia caerulea} and at higher altitudes this contains {\it Carex bigelowii}.

Pen-y-Ghent is noted for the occurrence of arctic-alpine plants on the limestone crags below the summit, including {\it Saxifraga oppositifolia, S. aizoides, Draba incana} and {\it Sedum rosea}. On the lower slopes the Great Scar Limestone is exposed as pavement, notably at Dale Head, where the flora includes {\it Asplenium viride, Convallaria majalis, Thalictrum minus, Chrysosplenium alternifolium}. On parts of the pavement from which grazing is excluded there is a greater diversity of flowering plants, including {\it Phalaris arundinacea} and {\it Rubus saxatilis}. Nearby, a group of traditionally-managed hay meadows are of particular interest for their herb-rich plant communities, which include an abundance of {\it Saxifraga granulata, Caltha palustris, Geum rivale, Trollius europaeus} and {\it Geranium sylvaticum}.

MANAGE:
Moderate grazing of much of the common, though grazing excluded in some areas.


VEG:
From the N.York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey:  The majority of the moor is covered by dry heath, H9c {\it Calluna vulgaris-Deschampsia flexuosa} heath, species-poor sub-community with U20b {\it P. aquilinum-Galium saxatile} community, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dicranum scoparium} sub-community and dry heath H12a {\it Calluna vulgaris-Vaccinium myrtillus} heath {\it Calluna} sub-community on the steep banks. The steep sides of the tributary valleys of Levisham Beck support stands of W16b {\it Quercus} spp. {\it Betula} spp. {\it Deschampsia flexuosa} woodland, {\it Vaccinium myrtillus-Dryopteris dilitata} sub-community with narrow stands of {\it Alnus glutinosa} woodland along the stream banks W7 {\it Alnus glutinosa-Fraxinus excelsior-Lysimachia nemorum} woodland. South of Skelton Tower there is an extensive stand of wet heath M25a {\it Molinia caerulea-Potentilla erecta} mire, {\it Erica tetralix} sub-community. 

From the citation for the former Hole of Horcum SSSI part of which is in the common. 

The Hole of Horcum is a steep-sided bowl-shaped valley head containing the source of Levisham Beck. The bottom of the Hole is primarily pasture land, whilst the slopes support woodland and moorland communities. The greater part of the site is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} moorland in which {\it Pteridium aquilinum} is abundant. Associated species include {\it Erica cinerea, Vaccinium myrtillus, V. vitus-idaea, Empetrum nigrum) and, locally, {\it Salix repens}. Of note is the presence of {\it Arctostaphylos uva-ursi} on the rim of the Hole; colonies of {\it Cornus suecica} on two north-west facing slopes and the {\it Myosotis stolonifera}: There are small areas of wet heath dominated by {\it Erica tetralix} and {\it Molinia caerulea} with {\it Nardus stricta, Sphagnum spp.}. Flushes emanate from the latter community and are associated with streams which drain the bowl.	Bryophytes
{\it Carex panicea, C. nigra, Juncus articulatus, Hydrocotyle vulgaris} are typical components. Species-rich acid-neutral grassland occupies unimproved slopes in the pasture fields by High Horcum and those in the southwest of the site. {\it Agrostis capillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Festuca rubra, M. caerulea} predominate with a range of herbs including {\it Conopodium majus, Anemone nemorosa, Stachys officinalis, Primula veris, Galium saxatile, Lathyrus pratensis}. There are numerous {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii}, a colony of {\it Gymnadenia conopsea} and {\it Pseudorchis albida} also occurs. Small patches of grassland within the heathland are notable for {\it 0phioglossum vulgatum} and {\it Botrychium lunaria).

Woodland is present in several places on the slopes of the Hole of Horcum. This is dominated by {\it Quercus robur} with {\it Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pendula}, occasional {\it Fraxinus excelsior} and {\it Corylus avellana}.	The ground flora is acidic with {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} and {\it Deschampsia flexuosa}.

Part of the valley slopes above Levisham station are in the Newtondale SSSI.

MANAGE:
In the past the moor was managed as a grouse shoot however it is no longer shot. The heath is managed by cutting in strips and some burning. There is an intensive programme of bracken spraying, particularly in the Hole of Horcum. Low intensity sheep grazing overall but some patches of heavy grazing at the bottom of the Hole of Horcum and at the head of Dundale Griff.


VEG:
From the N York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey for Bransdale Moors West:

Site Description:
This site is the main ridge along the western flank of Bransdale.  This is a broad ridge with three spurs at the northern end, Nab End Moor, Hagg House Moor and Cockayne Ridge.  The ridge runs north-south and rises to 454m at the northem end at Round HW.  At the southern end the moor divides into three spurs: Laskill Pasture Moor/Helmsley Moor, Lund Ridge/East Moors and Pockley Moor/Hagg Common separated by Bogmire Gill and Bonfield GW
respectively.  The moors are gently rounded throughout in topography.
The moor is underlain by Middle and Lower Jurassic sandstones and shales.  At the northern end of the moor these are overlain by raw oligo-fibrous peats.  To the south of this cambic stagno-humic gleys are present along the ridge with typical non-calcareous pelosols on the steep valley sides.  Further south on Pockley Moor, Helmsley Moor and Coniser Howl there are areas of humo-ferric podzols, humus-ironpan stagnopodzols and cambic stagnohumic gleys.

This site incorporates the Tripsdale Site of Special Scientific Interest (for SSSI citation see below).
There is no physical, ownership or management separation between Bransdale Moors West and Bransdale Moors East.

Merlins were seen on this moor during the survey.


Vegetation Condition:                                                
The vegetation condition is good throughout with the exception of three areas. At Bonfield Ghyll the unimproved enclosures are heavily stocked and there has been some loss of heather and conversion of heath to heathy grassland; on Hagg Common there is a steep bank with a rabbit warren where a combination of rabbit and sheep grazing has led to the presence of low
growing contorted heather plants over a small area; and to the south of Round HiII the peat has been eroded down to the bedrock over an area of half a kilometre squared, almost certainly as a result of a bad burn in the past.
Other than this the moor has a good varied age structure and still retains stands of over-mature heather.  The intensive repeated burning of the heath however appears to have led to the loss of species other than {\it Calluna} and the heath communities are impoverished throughout the moor.
Bracken stands have been greatly effected by a programme of control and/or eradication by spraying and many of the stands have been converted into mosaics of acid grassland and dry heath with occasional {\it P. aquilinum} and in a few cases areas of bare soil.

Plant Communities:

Dry heath in the form of the H12a forms the bulk of the vegetation cover on the moor.  The main exceptions being on Cockayne Head and Round Hill, Todd Intake Moor and Bransdale Ridge where there are extensive stands of M19a blanket bog and the valley sides where there are extensive stands of {\it P. aquilinum} (U20b) and derivatives from spraying; and, at the southern end, extensive stands of M16d wet heath on Hagg Common and Lund Ridge; and a large stand of H9c heath, on Laskill Pasture Moor.  Throughout the moor localised flushing is marked by the presence of M6c mire, {\it Juncus} flushes. Small stands of acid grassland are present around the periphery of the moor as a result of {\it P. aquilinum} spraying and localised heavy grazing.

A single small area of base-rich flushing is present at the head of Tripsdale where a M10a mire, and flushed acid grassland (U5b) is present.


From Tripsdale SSSI citation:

'The moorland above Tripsdale Beck and its tributaries provides characteristic examples of the vegetation communities of the North York Moors.  The level moorland is burnt on a rotational basis in the interests of grouse management and all of the site is grazed by sheep to a greater or lesser extent.

This moorland is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris}, with some {\it Empetrum nigrum} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}, but few other species.
On the steep slopes above Tripsdale and Tarn Hole Becks, {\it Pteridium
aquilinum} largely replaces these heathland plants.  However, where grazing is restricted by the gradient or fallen boulders, remnants of woodland are
present; predominantly of {\it Quercus petraea}, with {\it Betula pubescens}, {\it Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Ilex aquifolium. V. myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris, P. aquilinum, Blechnum spicant, Dryopteris
filix-mas, Athyrium filix-femina}, and {\it Oreopteris limbosperma} are present under the open canopy.

The east side of Bilsdale forms the western edge of the site.  The intake fields there support acid grassland in which the principal species include {\it Festuca ovina, Juncus effusus, Potentilla erecta, Galium saxatile}.     in most of the fields scattered {\it P. aquilinum} occurs but in some it forms dense stands. Colonies of {\it Trientalis europaea} are commonly associated with the {\it P. aquilinum}, although they are also found in the more open grassland.'

MANAGE:
Land-use and Management: From N York Moors Upland Management Survey:

The moor is managed as a grouse shoot and is grazed by sheep.  Burning is intensive and well managed, with small burns overwhelmingly predominating (7 to 10 year cycle). Grazing is light throughout other than in unimproved enclosures at Bonfield Ghyll and on a bank on Hagg Common where rabbits are at least partially responsible for the overgrazing present.

Control/eradication of {\it P. aquilinum} by spraying is carried out throughout the moor and the majority of the {\it P. aquilinum} stands on the outer slopes have been sprayed at some time.

A number of public footpaths and bridleways traverse the moor and these are well used.  The Cleveland Way long distance path crosses the northern end of the moor from west to east along Carr Ridge, Round Ifill and Cockayne Head.

Site Management Statements are in operation.


FAUNA:
No birds noted during brief field survey.

VEG:
There are extensive areas of {\it Salix} spp. and {\it Crataegus monogyna} with frequent {\it Sorbus aucuparia} below cliffs and also areas of continuous {\it Pteridium aquilinum}. Lower parts have {\it Quercus robur, Fraxinus excelsior} woodland.

From 'Beast Cliff-Miller's Nab' SSSI Citation:

Much of Beast Cliff is covered by scrub and woodland. {\it Fraxinus excelsior} dominates the canopy with {\it Betula} spp. {\it Corylus avellana} and {\it Acer campestre}, although in more acidic situations {\it Quercus robur, Sorbus aucuparia} and {\it Ilex aquifolium} are frequent. {\it Luzula sylvatica} is abundant on the steep flushed slopes, whilst {\it Mercurialis perennis} and {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium} are plentiful in the ground flora of the terrace. Sandstone boulders support a luxuriant growth of mosses and ferns including {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium, Polystichum setiferum}. Pools on the cliff shelf have been colonized by {\it Schoenoplectus lacustris} and are fringed by {\ity Alnus glutinosa, Salix} spp. and {\it Carex paniculata}.

MANAGE:
Managed for conservation. Much of the site is inaccessible due to angle of slope.


FAUNA:
Only Red Admiral butterflies recorded during brief field survey.

VEG:
The cliffs are covered with {\it Salix} spp. where there is more shelter and there are wind-pruned {\it Prunus spinosa}. Other species present include {\it Luzula sylvatica, Teucrium scorodonia, Succisa pratensis, Plantago maritima, Cytisus scoparius, Elymus} sp., {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Arrhenatherum elatius, Ranunculus flammula, Campanula rotundifolia, Tussilago farfara, Solidago virgaurea}. Patches of {\it Calluna vulgaris} often include {\it Erica tetralix} and {\it Vaccinium myrtillus}.

From the citation for Beast Cliff - Millers Nab SSSI:

'North of Beast Cliff the vegetation is more open and reflects alternating strata of rich and poor base status. Typical of more calcareous clays are {\it Briza media, Carex flacca, Anthyllis vulneraria, Parnassia palustris} whereas {\it Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea, Empetrum nigrum, Solidago virgaurea, Deschampsia flexuosa} characterise more acidic sandstone outcrops. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} and various scrub species such as {\it Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius, Salix caprea} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia} are present in varying densities over much of the site.'

MANAGE:
Managed by the National Trust for conservation.


FAUNA:
From SSSI citation: 'The Cayton and Cornelian area is believed to have the richest invertebrate fauna of ground beetles and soldier flies associated with soft-rock cliffs in the whole of Northern England. Assemblages include those associated with cliff seepages and wet grassland, and also species associated with the bare earth and seasonal accumulation of dislodged boulder clay blocks at the foot of the unstable cliffs. Naturally disturbed, open wetland habitats of this type are generally scarce in lowland areas. Significant species include the nationally scarce shore ground beetle, {\it Nebria livida} and a high diversity of ground beetles of the genus {\it Bombidion}, including the nationally scarce {\it Bombidion saxatile} and the local species {\it Petrostichus macer} at its second most northern location in Britain. Seepages on the cliff grasslands support populations of local soldier flies {\it Stratiomyidae} as well as the nationally scarce weevil {\it Grypidius equistei}.

During the winter months the intertidal areas support Purple Sandpipers and Turnstones in nationally significant numbers.

VEG:
From Cayton, Cornelian and South Bays SSSI Citation:

'The cliffs of Cayton and Cornelian Bays support areas of species-rich grassland and semi-natural woodland in association with frequent springs and open pools. The bare and eroding boulder clay on the more unstable ares of the cliff also support a rich invertebrate fauna. Cornelian Bay and the northern half of Cayton Bay were planted with {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Ulmus glabra, Fraxinus excelsior} in the last century but tree species thought to be native on the site such as {\it Alnus glutinosa} and {\it Salix alba} are still abundant by streams and damp hollows in the woods. Around the edge of the woodland and in the southern portion of the site semi-natural grassland and scrub are prominent. On the plateau at Tenants' Cliff there are open pools in which the locally scarce tubular {\it Oenanthe fistulosa} grows, and in damp areas {\it Parnassis palustris} and {\it Triglochin palustris} occur.  Here the grassland is rank and contains abundant scrub of {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra} and {\it Ulex europaeus}. The most species-rich grassland has {\it Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Listera ovata, Carex flacca, Primula veris, Conopodium majus} and occurs on the steep slopes extending down to the beach. {\it Anthyllis vulneraria} is abundant on the sea-cliff. The woodland flora includes {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Polypodium vulgare} and {\it Phyllitis scolopendrium}.

Added brief survey notes:

Southern section:
The collapsing boulder clay cliffs support much {\it Festuca} sp. and some {\it Tussilago farfara, Trifolium repens, Trifolium pratense, Plantago major, Plantago lanceolata, Agrostis stolonifera, Ononis repens, Malva sylvestris, Dactylis glomerata, Heracleum sphondylium}. 

Northern section:
Cliffs steeper so less vegetation evident. Some {\it Festuca} sp. and {\it Tussilago farfara}. A few stunted {\it Prunus spinosa} visible at top of cliffs. 

Area above cliffs: Patches of {\it Rubus fruticosus, Rosa} sp. and scattered wind-stunted{\it Crataegus monogyna}. Other species present: {\it Achillea millefolium, Trifolium repens, Viola riviniana, Leontodon autumnalis, Silene maritima, Galium verum, Plantago maritima, Plantago major, Daucus carota, Sanguisorba minor, Heracleum sphondylium}. Wetter areas support {\it Juncus inflexus, Polytrichum} spp. and {\it Deschampsia cespitosa}. The pond shown on 1:10000 map is now full of {\it Phalaris arundinacea}.


FAUNA:
Butterflies seen during survey: Red Admiral. Peacock. Also many grasshoppers. The SSSI citation for Hayburn Wyke states that 'the site is also noted for its avifauna and beetles'.

VEG:
From field survey (PD):

At the N. end the cliff is covered with {\it Salix} spp. {\it Crataegus monogyna} scrub, wind-stunted {\it Quercus} sp., scattered {\it Sorbus aucuparia} saplings. Understorey species include {\it Lonicera periclymenum, Rhododendron ponticum, Ilex aquifolium, Corylus avellana}. Ground flora species include abundant {\it Luzula sylvatica, Digitalis purpurea, Dryopteris dilitata, Geum urbanum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Hedera helix, Oxalis acetosella, Stellaria holostea, Prunella vulgaris, Primula vulgaris}. Southern parts of the common appear to be more open with grasslands of {\it Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca} spp. {\it Chamerion angustifolium, Tussilago farfara, Angelica sylvestris, Solidago virgaurea, Centaurea nigra.}

Most of the site is within Hayburn Wyke SSSI. The brief citation staes that: 

'The site comprises coastal deciduous woodland which covers the slopes above the cliff shelf and extends some way up Hayburn Wyke Beck, merging into a mixed broad-leaved and conifer woodland. The canopy is dominated by {\it Quercus} sp. with {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula} sp. {\it Ulmus glabra} with an understorey of woodland shrubs including {\it Corylus avellana}. The rich ground flora includes {\it Sanicula europaea, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Luzula sylvatica} and a fine selection of ferns including {\it Athyrium filix-femina} and {\it Dryopteris filix-mas}. Of note is the presence of {\it Inula helenium, Parnassia palustris} and native {\it Tilia platyphyllos}. {\it Pteridium aquilinum} with {\it Salix} spp. scrub extends north of Hayburn Beck along the lower cliff shelf and {\it Equisetum telmateia} and {\it Eupatorium cannabinum} occur in this locality. The site is also noted for its avifauna and beetles.

MANAGE:
Managed for conservation by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.


FAUNA:
Birds noted during survey: Wood Pigeon, Wren, Crows.

VEG:
This common is mostly broad-leaved semi-natural woodland on an ENE-facing bank. It is dominated by {\it Fraxinus excelsior} with frequent {\it Acer pseudoplatanus} and scattered {\it Ulmus glabra} and {\it Sorbus aucuparia}. Understorey includes scattered {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra}.
Ground flora species include carpets of {\it Hedera helix}, and {\it Stachys sylvatica, Urtica dioica, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Galium aparine, Rubus fruticosus, Dryopteris filix-mas, Geum urbanum, Viola riviniana, Galium odoratum, Deschampsia cespitosa, Anemone nemorosa, Dryopteris dilitata}.

There is strong {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior} regeneration down slope (including an old quarry) with many scattered young saplings.


VEG:
From N Yorks Upland Vegetation survey:

For Goatland Moors West (N of Eller Beck and up to Sleights Moor): The majority of the moor is covered by M16d wet heath except on the fringes of the moor and on well-drained high points. On these high points: High Bride Stones, Flat Howe and around the Whinstone Ridge ar park, dry heath in the form of H9c is present.{\it P. aquilinum} tends to dominate the deeper soils on the moorland edge and covers most of Cass Hill. Many of these stands also contain small stands of dry heath H12a, wet heath M6c, M25a mire and U5a acid grassland.

Where grazing is intense the {\it Calluna vulgaris} heath has been replaced locally by stands of grassy heath (U5d) or in more extreme cases semi-improved acid grassland (U4b). The presence of the grassy sub-community of the M25b mire in the enclosed land at Partridge Hill is also likely to be resultant from heavy grazing. The disturbed soils of the Whinstone Ridge quarries support stands of H10a grassland.

For Goatland Moors East:

The main vegetation community on this moor is M16d which forms extensive stands on the sloping ground that makes up most of the moor. To the south of the Whinstone Ridge this wet heath community is present both as extensive stands and also as a mosaic with dry heath communities (H9c, H12a) marking out the poorer draining soils on the slopes. The ridge tops are more free draining than the sloping ground and along Foster Howes Rigg, Widow Howe Rigg and where the Whinstone Ridge crosses the A169 H9c dry heath is present. Along the Whinstone Ridge to the east however {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} is present amongst the {\it C. vulgaris} and H12a dry heath is present. This community is also present on the lower lying slopes along the edge of the moor north of Sheep House Rigg.

These lower slopes support a wider range of communities than is present over the higher moorland and there are stands of {\it Pteridium aquilinum} (U20b) and {\it J. effusus} flushes (M6c) amongst the stands of wet and dry heath. Where the {\it P. aquilinum} has been sprayed out it is being replaced by stands of {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} which belong to the H12a dry heath community though {\it C. vulgaris} tends to be scarce.

A surprising presence is that of a small area of M19a blanket mire on Foster Howes Rigg, surrounded by H9c heath.  

A small part of this common is at Beck Hole and is thus part of an SSSI - the citation for which is reproduced below:

'Woodlands at Beck Hole occupy ravines cut by the West Beck and Eller Beck.  In addition to mixed deciduous and {\it Alnus} woodland there are also neutral grassland, flush and mire habitats within the site.
Deciduous woodland is more or less confined to the steeper slopes and is predominantly of {\it Quercus spp.,Betula spp.} and {\it Corylus avellana} with {\it Ulmus glabra, Tilia cordata, Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa} occurring locally. {\it Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia and {\it Ilex aquifolium} are frequent associates. {\it P. aquilinum} is locally abundant.  The ground flora of the acidic woodland is dominated by {\it Vaccinium myrtillus} with {\it Luzula sylvatica} and {\it Oxalis acetosella. Chrysosplenium oppositifolium} and {\it Crepis paludosa} occur in flushed situations.  Ferns and bryophytes are abundant in damp rocky situations and there is a colony of {\it Festuca altissima} by the river to the east of Beck Hole.

Mixed woodland occurs in the north of the site in Jenny Bank and Blue Ber Wood, where a richer ground flora includes {\it Mercurialis perennis, Geum rivale, Sanicula europaea} and, in places, {\it Narcissus pseudonarcissus}.  There are also areas of flushed alderwood with both {\it Chrysosplenium oppositifolium} and {\it C. alternifolium}.

The steep ravines of Bradley Wood and the valley occupied by Tom Keld Hole exhibit a further range of habitats.  The latter valley is wooded only locally, but is notable for the flushes which occur along the western slopes.  These contain bog mosses {\it Sphagnum} spp., {\it Anagallis tenella, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Myrica gale} and {\it Erica tetralix}.  An acid mire dominated by {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} with {\it Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia} occurs at the head of the valley, and {\it Listera cordata} is recorded.  The more base-rich flushes are characterised by abundant bryophytes and sedges including {\it Carex panicea).
Neutral grassland rich in herbs occurs adjacent to the woodland in places.  {\it Succisa pratensis, Betonica officinalis, Centaurea nigra, Dactylorhiza fuchsii, Conopodium majus} and {\it Primula vulgaris} are present.'

MANAGE:
From N York Moors Upland Vegetation Survey: 

For Goatland Moors West: The moor is managed for grouse shooting and sheep grazing. The heather is managed by both burning and cutting. On the wet heath burns tend to be large, while on the dry heath they are smaller. Sheep grazing is extensive but stock congregate around fothering areas by Greenlands Farm, between Arundel Hill and Allan Toft, east of Hawthorn Hill Farm, east of Partridge Farm and along the classified road over Sleights Moor from the A169 to Grosmont.  Bracken spraying is uncommon on this moor, the main area that has been sprayed being the slope heighbouring Greenlands Farm.

For Goatland Moors East: The majority of this part of the moor is managed as a grouse shoot, with associated heather burning and is grazed by sheep. The exception being the broad strip of moor adjacent to Newton House Plantation which is fenced off from the rest of the moor and is ungrazed. The heather in this section is mown rather than burnt. The burning of the main moor is intensive except for the section north of the track to High Quebec Farm where it is patchy and confined to the few stands of dry heath that are present. South of this the size of burns is very variable, this being largely related to the dampness of the substrate, with smaller burns on areas of dry heath and moer extensive burns on areas of wet heath. There is little {\it P. aquilinum} on the moor but the larger stands south of High Qubec Farm have been partially sprayed to remove it.


FAUNA:
From SSSI citation: ' The Common is extremely rich entomologically, reflecting the overall habitat diversity. Approximately one third of the Macrolepidoptera (moths) species of the British Isles have been recorded. These include the very rare Scarce Vapourer ({\it Orygia recens} and nationally uncommon species such as Silky Wainscot {\it Chilodes maritima}, Silver Hook {\it Eustrotia uncula} and Fen Square Spot {\it Diarsia florida}, the last three of which are primarily restricted to fenland areas in SE England. Ten species of dragonfly have been recorded and the spider fauna is exceptionally diverse, including uncommon species such as {\it Philodromus histrio, Pirata latitans} and {\it Hyposinga albovittata}.'

Butterflies recorded: Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Red Admiral, Large White, Green-veined White, Peacock, Meadow Brown, Wall Brown, Gatekeeper.

From Invertebrate Site Register:

RDB2	{\it Orygia recens, Hercostomus angustifrons, Phaonia jaroschewskii}

pRDB2	{\it Myopa vicaria}.

RDB3	{\it Corticeus unicolor, Hydrochus brevis}.

pRDB3	{\it Lampronia fuscatella, Dolerus bimaculatus}.

Notable/Na	{\it Ceutorhynchus pumilio, Philonthus atratus, Rhizophagus picipes, Synanthedon culiciformis, Pityohypanthes phyrygianus}.

Notable Nb	{\it Acilius canaliculatus, Acrotrichis silvatica, Acupalpus exiguus, Agabus chalconatus, Anaglyptus mysticus, Kromia moschata}.

Bird Records for Skipwith Common. (Appended to Management Plan - date?). 119 species.

Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Pintail, Garganey, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Goldeneye, Honey Buzzard, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin, Hobby, Red-legged Partridge, Grey Partridge, Pheasant, Water Rail, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Tree Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Redstart, Black Redstart, Whinchat, Wheatear, Blackbird, Fieldfare, Song Thrush, Grasshopper Warbler, Reed Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Snipe, Woodcock, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Common Tern, Black Tern, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Cuckoo, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Nightjar, Swift, Kingfisher, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Chaffinch, Brambling, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Redpoll, Crossbill, Bullfinch, Hawfinch, Yellow Hammer, Reed Bunting, Corn Bunting, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Wood Warbler, Goldcrest, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Bearded Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Great Tit, Great Grey Shrike, Magpie, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Willow Tit, Blue Tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Jackdaw.

Also recorded: Fallow Deer and rabbits.  

Spiders in wooded areas: {\it Crustulina guttata, Araneus gibbosus, A. marmoreus, Hyposinga alborittata}. In marshy grassland: A number of common species of spider and beetle are found in marshy grassland as well as in the wetter bog areas frequenting both the ground vegetation and detritus. In addition there some uncommon wolf spiders e.g. {\it Pirata clanitans, P. piscatorius, P. uliginosus} occur in these wet areas. Woodland supports loacl species of moth such as {\it Enargia paleacea} and {\it Catocala nupta}, which is on the northern edge of its range. The {\it Calluna vulgaris} on this site supports the moth {\it Hadena bombycina} (near the southern end of its range) and {\it Cybosia mesomella} which is local in the North.


A number of local species of beetle such as {\it Stomis pumicatus} occur in dense {\it P. aquilinum} on this site. Both types of heath communities support a diversity of Arachnids which forage on ground vegetation. In addition the uncommon wet heathland species {\it Graphosa leporina} also occurs.

Both types of heath communities support a diversity of Arachnids which forage on ground vegetation. In addition the uncommon wet heathland species {\it Graphosa leporina} also occurs.Both types of heath communities support a diversity of Arachnids which forage on ground vegetation. In addition the uncommon wet heathland species {\it Graphosa leporina} also occurs.


Marshy areas support several uncommon species of Lepidoptera including Dark Green Fritillary, Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and the Fen Square spot.

The swamp habitat is important for Macrolepidoptera generally found only on the fens of SE England. Silky Wainscot, Southern Wainscot, Obscure Wainscot, and the Brown-veined Wainscot have been recorded at Skipwith Common. 

A small pond dug in the runway at 648375 is less acid and character and supports both Smooth and Great Crested newts.

VEG:
From SSSI Citation:  Skipwith Common is an extensive tract of heathland on a spur of glacial sands which forms the watershed between the lower Derwent and Ouse valleys in the Vale of York. The vegetation is extremely varied and includes areas of both dry and wet heath, poor fen, {\it Phragmites australis} swamp, {\it Pteridium aquilinum}, open water and {\it Betula} spp. woodland. In many places {\it Betula} spp. and {\it Pinus sylvestris} have colonized the open heath.

The wet heath represents the largest single tract of its type in the north of England. {\it Erica tetralix} is the dominant species with abundant {\it Molinia caerulea}. A small population of {\it Gentiana pneumonanthe} occurs locally in this habitat. The dry heath is dominated by {\it Calluna vulgaris} together with {\it M. caerulea}, the latter occurring particularly where dry heath grades into wet heath.

Poor fen communities have developed in areas which probably originated as peat cuttings in a former valley mire. These consist of {\it Juncus effusus, Juncus articulatus, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum squarrosum, Sphagnum recurvum} with {\it Potentilla palustris, Anagallis tenella, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Galium palustre, Dryopteris carthusiana}. Locally there are areas of base enrichment where {\it Lotus uliginosus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Scutellaria minor, Triglochin palustris, Stellaria palustris} occur.'

Notes from Habitat List that accompanies NVC habitat map:

' SEMI-NATURAL BROAD-LEAVED WOODLAND - Mature {\it Betula-Quercus} woodland occur along the southern boundary and probably represents the type of vegetation which would cover the drier parts of the common in the absence of clearing. {\it Q. robur} is regenerating well, but the {\it Betula} stands tend to be approximately even-aged with regeneration occurring only in the open or under the pine. {\it Betula pendula} occurs on the drier sandy areas, whereas {\it Betula pubescens} is the predominant coloniser of the wet heath. The shrub layer is sparse being represented only by {\it Rhamnus catharticus} in places. In dry areas the field layer generally consists either of {\it Rubus fruticosus} or {\it Pteridium aquilinum. Dryopteris dilitata} occurs under {\it Q. robur.  Molinia caerulea} or {\it Phragmites australis} is found in wetter areas. The woodland along the western boundary is relatively young and modified by human activities connected with the airfield. A number of buildings and concrete bunkers still stand in the wood. {\it Betula} spp. has invaded all the dry heath of the common and even some wet {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Juncus acutiflorus}-dominated areas are now covered with {\it Betula} spp. although in these cases as in the gravelly areas adjacent to the runway, the trees are still small and scrubby in stature. {\it Salix caprea} and {\it S. cinerea} occur in the damp hollows within the woodland. They are usually associated with {\it Juncus effusus} or with open inundation areas. The runways and tracks have influenced the adjacent ground flora through base enrichment. The following species are restricted to these areas: {\it Corydalis claviculata, Dactylorhiza fuchsia, Epipactis helleborine}. 

{\it Pinus sylvestris} was planted in 3 areas on the common during the latter half of the 19th. century. One area is north of the main track, another at Plantation Swang, and the third is an extensive area in the SE part of the common. Many of the mature pine in the latter area were felled during WWII and replaced naturally by {\it Betula} spp. resulting in a mixed wood. Some windthrow has occurred in the remaining plantations allowing regeneration of {\it Pinus sylvestris} and {\it Betula pendula} and thus a diversification of age and class sizes. There is no shrub layer and the ground flora is sparse. Dense stands of non-planted {\it Pinus sylvestris} with less than 30 per cent deciduous cover occur to the SE of the main track. These trees are generally less than 50 years old and have regenerated naturally on former heath. Around the edges of the stands a ground flora of {\it Calluna vulgaris} and in places {\it Erica tetralix} occurs being replaced towards the centre by {\it Molinia caerulea. Betula pendula} has also regenerated in this area but is concentrated mainly at the edges of the wetter areas. {\it Osmunda regalis} occurs at 675313. 

In contrast the woodland in the SE and NW corners of the site is dominated by {\it Betula pendula} with less than 30 per cent cover of {\it Pinus sylvestris}. Small glades with a wet heath vegetation occur round damp hollows. {\it Ulex europaeus} has apparently declined on the common since 1889 and is now largely restricted to the edges of the tracks. It has however colonised the areas between the runways on the airfield.

WET NEUTRAL GRASSLAND is restricted to two small clearing in the wood adjacent to the eastern boundary. {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Holcus mollis} are here associated with {\it Angelica sylvestris} and {\it Chamerion angustifolium}.

MARSHY GRASSLAND	This vegetation type occurs on shallow peat, usually
adjacent to wetter bog. {\it Juncus effusus} or {\it Juncus acutiflorus} is usually dominant but occurs with grass species such as {\it Molinia caerulea} and {\it Holcus lanatus} rather than {\it Sphagnum} spp. At 665381 however, {\it Filipendula ulmaria} is the main species. {\it Eriophorum angustifolium}} is locally abundant. The grassland in the SE corner of the common is more species-rich with {\it Rubus fruticosus, Scrophularia nodosa} and {\it Dactylorhiza} orchids present. 

CONTINUOUS {\it P. aquilinum}: {\it P. aquilinum} is present on the dry areas particularly along the NE boundary and in the SE corner. It occurs as the major component of the ground flora in some {\it Betula} spp. woodland. 

RUDERAL EPHEMERAL TALL HERB. {\it Chamerion angustifolium} is abundant on disturbed ground particularly near the runways. {\it Urtica dioica} is present in locally enriched areas. The community at 666384 has been planted with {\it Symphoricarpos albus} and {\it Rhododendron } spp. 

ACID DRY-DWARF SHRUB HEATH	with scattered trees and scrub:  {\it Calluna 
vulgaris} is the dominant species and covers extensive areas. {\it Molinia caerulea} becomes increasingly important on the transitional margins to wet heath. There is considerable colonization by {\it Betula pendula} and to a lesser extent {\it Pinus sylvestris}. Patch burning and scrub clearance has been undertaken to control this. In addition a grazing experiment has been run since 1983 in the western part of the common to the north and south of the main track. The proportion of mosses and lichens increase after burning. A mosaic of wet and dry heath occurs where there are hollows. 

WET DWARF SHRUB HEATH -with scattered trees and scrub: This habitat type occurs extensively to the NW and S of the main track and also in transition areas at the wetter margins of the dry heath {\it Erica tetralix} is generally the most abundant species with {\it Molinia caerulea} varying in form and abundance. In wetter areas for instance, it assumes a high tussocky structure. In areas which have been burnt, {\it Polytrichum} spp. is abundant but {\it Molinia caerulea} is the dominant species. In many places the wet heath merges with no distinct junction into bog marked by an increase in the abundance of such species as {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} and {\it Sphagnum} spp. which are also abundant in the wetter hollows. {\it Tricophorum cespitosum} and {\it J. squarrosus} are present but never form a major component of the vegetation. Although floristically less rich than southern wet heath, {\it Gentiana pneumonanthe} is found locally. Like the dry heath, this habitat is being colonized by {\it Betula} scrub and to a lesser extent by {\it Pinus sylvestris}. 

VALLEY BOG: {\it Juncus effusus} is the dominant species at the pond margins where the water table is high and provides an important habitat for wildfowl. Poor fen communities have also developed apparently in areas which originated in peat cuttings in former valley mire. {\it Juncus effusus, J. acutiflorus} and {\it J. articulatus} and {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} are the predominant species with {\it Sphagnum} spp. {\it Potentilla palustris, Deschampsia flexuosa, Hydrocotyle vulgaris,} and {\it Galium palustre}. {\it Anagallis tenella, Dryopteris carthusiana, Carex echinata} and {\it Carex nigra} are also recorded in these areas of slight base enrichment where {\it Lotus pedunculatus, Lysimachia vulgaris, Scutellaria minor,} and {\it Stellaria palustris} occur. Elsewhere a less species rich community is found dominated by {\it Eriophorum angustifolium} with {\it Sphagnum} spp. {\it Molinia caerulea, Agrostis canina}. A mosaic of these vegetation types occur where there is variation in the surface topography. 

SINGLE SPECIES DOMINANT SWAMP - {\it Phragmites australis} forms extensive reed beds in the southern part of the common, and has spread considerably during the last century. Continued expansion is evidenced by its growth in the woodland and by the number of dead trees at the margins of the large beds. This is consistent with the theory that the common is becoming wetter. {\it Juncus effusus} and {\it Agrostis canina} grow at the edge of the reed beds but only {\it Sphagnum} spp. are found in the centre.

TALL FEN VEGETATION - This habitat is restricted to a section of runway where concrete removal has taken place. Its greater species richness is probably due to the base-rich influence of the runways. {\it Typha} spp. is dominant, particularly around the small pond dug in the runway. {\it J. effusus, J. inflexus} and {\it J. bulbosus} ar also abundant, together with {\it Agrostis stolonifera} and {\it Eleocharis palustris}. Herbs such as {\it Prunella vulgaris} and {\it Cardamine pratensis} are found, and {\it Pilularia globulifera} is recorded at this location.

INUNDATION COMMUNITIES - Small hollows which are periodically inundated with water occur in the boggy areas and woodland. There is little vegetation but {\it Polygonum hydropiper, Juncus bulbosus, Agrostis stolonifera, Triglochin palustris} occurs.

STANDING WATER - There are 12 oligotrophic ponds south of the main track running through the common, and a number of small areas of standing water in the boggy areas. These are important feeding and roosting areas for a large number of wildfowl. A small pond in the runway at 648375 supports {\it Potamogeton} spp. and {\it Hippuris vulgaris}.

DITCH - Most of the main track running through the common is bounded by a ditch, and the eastern boundary is formed by an overgrown ditch. A deep ditch with standing water encircles the disused airfield in the centre of the common, the eastern end of which (657373) is of particular importance for dragonflies. {\it Potamogeton} spp. comprises the dominant vegetation, with {\it Equisetum palustre} along some of the banks. 	

NVC communities present: W1, W6 a to d, W2b, W4a, W4c, W10d, W16a, M4, M16a, M23b, M25c, M27c, M29, M16a, H9c, MG1, U20c, S4a, S8b.

MANAGE:
From Management Plan:

Skipwith Common Nature Reserve is bounded by roads on two sides and by intensive farming to the north and south. These physical constraints limit its extension......Since the development of coal mining within the area in the early 1980's, the water table levels have been monitored by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and the National Coal Board. Mine subsidence will either lower the water table or extend the areas of open water. Pond formation on the reserve has occurred where the drainage is impeded. There has been no natural erosion on the Common. Wayleaves are retained by the Yorkshire Electricity Board, but there are no overhead electirc cables. 

If left unmanaged, the natural transition would be from heathland to {\it Betula/Pinus sylvestris} woodland and, in suitable areas, mature {\it Quercus} sp. woodland. The {\it Pinus sylvestris} originated from a plantation.

In the past, with a readily available labour force, the Common was managed and paid for by the Escrick Estates. Since the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust acquired the reserve in 1968 the management has depended entirely on voluntary help, although the estate workers will remove obstacles such as fallen trees.' 

In practice the scrub invasion of the heathland is restricted by cutting back of {\it Betula} spp. Some controlled burning of {\it Calluna vulgaris} is undertaken. There is light sheep grazing implemented after fencing of parts of the common by permission from the Secretary of State in 1985. Ponds were dug on one of the runways and need annual maintainance for their sustained invertebrate interest. A thesis has been written on the monitoring of the effects of the re-introduction of sheep grazing - Dr M J A Thompson


FAUNA:
From the SSSI citation:

"The lake is moderately eutrophic with phytoplankton characteristic of 
rich waters. An outstanding feature is the large number of mayfly 
species present, amongst which are several stream species including 
{\it Baetis rhodani}, and {\it Habrophlebia fusca}. Crayfish ({\it Austropotambius pallipes}) occurs in considerable numbers with the large cladoceran {\it Leptodora kinditi}, which is rare in Yorkshire, is present. Wintering birds include a flock of up to 30 Whooper Swans."

VEG:
The following is an extract from the SSSI citation:

"Semerwater is one of only two natural lakes in the Yorkshire Dales, 
the other being Malham Tarn. Its glacial origins are indicated by the 
broad and deeply excavated lakehead, the terminal moraine which 
retains the lake, and the presence of erratic boulders - notably the 
block of Carboniferous limestone known as Carlow Stone. It is fed by 
precipitous streams and is subject to dramatic changes in water level 
following flash floods. At mean summer levels, the lake is only about 
30-90cm deep along a 10-50m wide zone which follows the eastern, 
western and northern shores. In the centre, the lake was 
overdeepened by a glacier to a depth of about 10m. The lake level was 
lowered in 1937 by 55cm. This exposed a large area to the west which 
is now dominated by fen vegetation.

The vegetation associated with the lake and the surrounding land 
demonstrates the stages in hydroseral development from open water to 
dry land communities. The eastern shoreline and western shore support 
stands of {\it Equisetum fluviatile, Nuphar lutea, Schoenoplectus lacustris} and {\it Carex rostrata} on accreting silt. {\it Salix} spp. carr has developed along the northwest shore with many hybrid trees present. There are areas of sedge fen ({\it Carex rostrata, C. vesicaria}), a small bed of {\it Phragmites australis}, and {\it Phalaris arundinacea}. Land-based wetland communities include localised {\it Menyanthes trifoliata} swamp, extensive pasture dominated by rushes ({\it Juncus effusus} and marsh meadowland containing herbs such as {\it Caltha palustris, Lychnis flos-cuculi} and {\it Myosotis scorpioides}. The wetland vegetation fringes the inflow river, Crooks Beck, for some distance upstream with further areas of tall fen vegetation and a wet area of {\it Alnus/Salix} carr within which {\it Carex paniculata} occurs."

MANAGE:
The lake is used for recreation, boats are launched from the foreshore on the northern side of the lake. Power boating is restricted to 18 Oct to 31 March. (Semerwater Sports Association). There is licensed fishing.


FAUNA:
Birds noted during survey: Jackdaw, Wood Pigeon, Wrens, Blackbird.

VEG:
The smaller section of the common is of poor semi-improved grassland backed by scrub species such as {\it Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa, Fraxinus excelsior} and ruderal species such as {\it Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Chamerion angustifolium}. Planted {\it Acer pseudoplatanus, Betula} sp. saplings are found along the edge of adjacent track.

The larger section of the common is mostly woodland of {\it Fraxinus excelsior, Acer pseudoplatanus}. There are areas of dense{\it Prunus spinosa, Crataegus monogyna} and {\it Sambucus nigra}. There are dense stands of {\it Rubus idaeus} along the bridleway. Other species present include {\it Filipendula ulmaria} (sometimes in dense stands), {\it Pteridium aquilinum, Prunella vulgaris, Plantago lanceolata, Caltha palustris, Angelica sylvestris, Malus sylvestris, Arctium minus, Silene dioica, Dryopteris dilitata, Glechoma hederacea, Oxalis acetosella, Stachys sylvatica, Galium aparine}.


FAUNA:
The dense hedgerow along part of the western boundary supports a good population of small birds, including Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Starling, Blackbird, Woodpigeon. Skylark, Lapwing and Pheasant were seen on the common, and Common Tern was seen flying over it by the river.
Mammals:- Hare.
Invertebrates:- Common blue butterfly. Calopteryx splendens and Ischnura elegans were frequent by the drain on the western boundary.

VEG:
The common is of very limited interest for wildlife, being mainly cultivated land. The dense hedge and drain on the western boundary are the only features of interest. 
(1) J1. Cultivated land. Areas (1a) and (1b) were planted up with spinach at the time of the survey. A rough track runs along the southern edge of (1b). (1c) was a wheat field.
(2) J23. Hedgerow with trees. One of the few features of interest on the common is the dense hedge boundary of (1b), composed of Elder, Hawthorn, Willow, with Ash standards. The vegetation at its base is uncut, with Conium maculatum, Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Arctium minus and mixed grasses, Arrhenatherum elatius and Bromus sterilis being dominant.
(3) J22. Defunct hedgerows. (3a) has a small piece of Hawthorn hedge at the northwest corner; otherwise only standard Oaks remain. (3b) consists of patchy Hawthorn with Willow pollards at the SW corner.
(4) G25. Ditches. Species-poor, the steep sides support coarse grasses, Arctium minus, Anthriscus sylvestris, Heracleum sphondylium, etc. The drains have Callitriche stagnalis, Apium nodiflorum, Veronica beccabunga and some Filipendula ulmaria, Angelica sylvestris.

MANAGE:
The common is intensively cropped and is of little interest for wildlife. The boundary of (1a) no longer exists, this part of the common is now part of a large field. The drainage ditches are mostly steep-sided; they are almost certainly affected by fertiliser enrichment and spray drift. Suggested management would be to retain the dense hedge, and replant the gaps on the other boundaries. Leaving a strip of taller vegetation along the boundaries would increase the diversity and structure of the vegetation. Care should be taken to avoid drift of herbicides. Private ownership makes conservation management of this common unlikely.


FAUNA:
Birds recorded on the site visit included Swift, Sedge, Warbler, Carrion Crow, Mallard, but these were mainly on the habitats along the boundary or flying overhead. The poor bird fauna reflects the lack of diversity of habitats on the common.

VEG:
The common is primarily a large area of reseeded pasture, and is of very little interest for wildlife.
(1) B4. Improved, reseeded pasture. Dominated by Lolium perenne, with Bromus mollis, Cynosurus cristatus, Poa annua. Herbs present include  Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens and occasional Heracleum sphondylium, Cirsium arvense. Stands of Urtica dioica and Dactylis glomerata are common by the river.
(2) An area of Blackthorn and Hawthorn scrub. The only area of tall vegetation on the common, as the hedges are generally patchy and frequently trimmed.
(3) Small slow-flowing stream. The stream is probably not within the common, as it forms the boundary, but has been included here as its vegetation forms a welcome contrast to the species-poor grassland. The heavily poached banks have much Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense and  Dactylis glomerata, but the margins have Phragmites australis and Senecio aquaticus, and aquatic species present include Sparganium erectum, Scirpus lacustris, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Potamogeton sp., Nuphar lutea. The main river from Clifton Bridge to the edge of the common is of interest, having, in addition to the species listed above, Rumex hydrolapatham, Lythrum salicaria, Butomus umbellatus, Glyceria maxima. Salix fragilis and tall herbs occur on the bank, including Impatiens capensis.

MANAGE:
The common is reseeded pasture. It is grazed by cattle and is cut for hay. The stream and river support a rich and varied flora, but lie outside the common boundary. However, care should be taken to avoid damage to these watercourses by contaminating them with sprays or fertilisers, or cutting the marginal vegetation. Gaps in the hedges could be filled by Hawthorn whips, and Willows planted by the river to increase cover.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey: Flock of Swallows. Black-headed Gull (overhead). 
Singing: Meadow Pipit, Wheatear.

VEG:
The common occupies the site of a former gritstone quarry. The old workings run in an east-west direction, but only small exposures are now showing. The steeper sides have a mosaic of dry dwarf shrub heath and acidic grassland mosaic (NVC U4 ). The vegetation has abundant Vaccinium myrtillus, Festuca ovina, Deschampsia flexuosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Galium saxatile,  with Nardus stricta and Juncus squarrosus frequent in places. There is occasional Potentilla erecta, Rumex acetosa, Luzula campestris, Carex nigra and Calluna vulgaris. Within the more rocky areas, innaccessible to stock,  occasional Blechnum spicant and Empetrum nigrum were found. At (1), between the two exposures of gritstone  was dampish semi-improved grassland. In addition to smaller numbers of the above species were locally frequent Poa annua, P. trivialis, Cirsium arvense, C.vulgaris, Urtica dioica, Cerastium fontanum, Veronica chamaedrys, Bellis perennis and Trifolium repens. This area had dense clumps of Juncus effusus with the intervening areas grazed by cattle. Occasional individuals of Cardamine pratensis were found in some slightly wetter parts. The northern part of the common had a further area of drier semi-improved grassland but without the Juncus effusus infestation.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed by cattle. These have concentrated on the more level areas of the site and have led to some eutrophication of the grassland. The damp strip between the gritstone outcrops has become infested in places with Juncus effusus, possibly due to the effect of grazing. Elsewhere, grazing pressure is not as high. However, the scattered individuals of Calluna vulgaris were all grazed into a carpet and were only to about 5cm. tall.


FAUNA:
No fauna were recorded during the site visit due to the bad weather at the time.

VEG:
The common occupies a disused limestone quarry. At (1) the main body of the quarry is mainly poor semi-improved, neutral grassland. However, about 25% of the area on the steeper slopes and outcrops, which are less accessible to grazing livestock, has calcareous grassland which has a reasonable species diversity. The topography of the quarry is one of undulating hollows and mounds with occasional limestone outcrops. The dominant grasses are Cynosurus cristatus and Festuca ovina. In the hollows these are accompanied by Dactylis glomerata, Poa annua and Holcus lanatus, with locally frequent Urtica dioica, Cirsium arvense, Cardamine pratensis, Conopodium majus, Cerastium fontanum, Ranunculus acris, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Luzula campestris. The calcicolous areas have frequent Trisetum flavescens,  Plantago lanceolata, Lotus corniculatus, Hieracium pilosella, Sanguisorba minor, Achillea millefolium, and Trifolium repens, with locally frequent Thymus praecox, Ranunculus bulbosus, Bellis perennis, Hypochoeris radicata  Lathyrus pratensis, Briza media, Galium verum, Campanula rotundifolia,  Medicago lupulina and Fragaria vesca. At (2), is an area which has scattered scrub with bushes of Ulex europaeus, some of which have recently been burned. This covers about 10% of this area. The grassland to the edge of the quarry has semi-improved calcareous and neutral grassland  with a similar distribution (though a lower species diversity) to the main quarry. At (3), the grassland lies outside the quarry and is semi-improved. In places, especially around the field entrance from the road, is abundant Urtica dioica.

MANAGE:
The common is extensively grazed by sheep and cattle. These have concentrated in the hollows within the old quarry and around the field entrance and caused localised eutrophication. Steeper slopes have to some extent been avoided. Recent burning of some of the Ulex europaeus scrub has occured.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  

Singing: Yellowhammer, Willow Warbler, Chaffinch. 

Kestrel (overhead). 
Rabbits (burrows). 
Molehills (to east).

VEG:
The common is a strip of fairly rank grassland between pasture land to the north and a golf course to the south. To the eastern extremity at (1), is an area which appears to be semi-improved, acidic grassland. The dominant grasses are Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris, Poa annua, Alopecurus pratensis, Holcus lanatus, H. mollis and Anthoxanthum odoratum. The Calcifugous species Galium saxatile and Potentilla erecta are abundant in places. Lolium perenne is locally frequent. Although patchy, there is a wide range of other forbs with occasional Conopodium majus, Stellaria graminea,  Rumex acetosa, R. obtusifolius, Achillea millefolium, Cirsium arvense, Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Trifolium repens, Cerastium fontanum, Veronica chamaedrys, Juncus effusus, Lotus corniculatus and Hypochoeris radicata. A patch of scattered scrub with Crataegus monogyna, Rosa sp. and Ulex europaeus bushes covers about 10% of this area. A further 10% has recently planted Populus tremula seedlings. Intact hedges (2)  are present along much of the boundary of the common. These do not appear to have been managed recently. Species present include Crataegus monogyna, Fraxinus excelsior,  Sambucus nigra, Ilex aquifolium and Salix fragilis. Some individuals have developed into mature trees. The grassland on the remainder of the site appears neutral in character and is semi-improved in places. At (3)  some of the grassland is marshy, with locally frequent Juncus effusus, Polygonum amphibium, Alopecurus geniculatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Deschampsia cespitosa, Potentilla anserina, Cardamine pratensis, Caltha palustris,  Eleocharis palustris and Urtica dioica. Elsewhere at (4), the grassland has locally abundant Arrhenatherum elatius, Deschampsia cespitosa, Poa pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Agropyron repens, Ranunculus repens, Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense. At (5)  silage has been heaped-up and there is a bare area in front of this. Here there is abundant Matricaria matricarioides, Stellaria media, Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense.

MANAGE:
The vegetation appears fairly rank, although there is evidence of slight grazing by sheep. The 1978 survey recorded grazing by geese and possibly horses. There was no evidence of this at the time of the site visit. The common only has one right of pasture and this is specified for sheep. Part of the bridleway has been widened by regular use by farm vehicles. There is an area where sileage has been deposited and in front of this is an area of bare ground created by vehicles.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  Flock of Swallows.   

Singing: Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer, Chaffinch, Skylark, Reed Bunting. 

Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Small Skipper, Common Blue. 

Other Fauna: Red Squirrel (reported sighting by landowner).

VEG:
The common lies on a north-facing slope and has species-rich and varied vegetation. At the bottom of the slope the common is crossed by a stream which at (1)  has formed a large pool surrounded by marshy grassland. Around the pool the vegetation is dominated by Juncus effusus with abundant Deschampsia cespitosa. There is locally frequent Filipendula ulmaria, Geum rivale, Holcus lanatus and Lychnis flos-cuculi. In the pool there is emergent vegetation with frequent Epilobium hirsutum, Eleocharis palustris,  Glyceria fluitans, Galium palustre, Mentha aquatica, Lotus uliginosus,  Cardamine pratensis and Iris pseudacorus. Elsewhere (2), the stream is narrower and runs through grassland, part of which is a grassy track. This is dominated by Cynosurus cristatus and is semi-improved in places  with Urtica dioica and Cirsium arvense. Locally there is frequent Dactylis glomerata, Trifolium repens, with occasional Galium verum, Lotus corniculatus, Achillea millefolium, Hypochoeris radicata, Thymus praecox,  Prunella vulgaris, Briza media and Hieracium pilosella. Above here at (3)  is a band of woodland dominated by Corylus avellana and Betula pendula,  with occasional Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina, Lonicera periclymenum and Prunus spinosa. The ground flora has locally frequent Geum urbanum,  Geranium robertianum,  Lysimachia nemorum, Primula vulgaris, Oxalis acetosella, Viola riviniana and Veronica serpyllifolia. Surrounded by the woodland is an area of marshy grassland which has diffuse base-rich flushes issuing from seepage-lines up-slope (about 20% of the area). The grassy areas have dominant Juncus inflexus. The flushes have frequent Pinguicula vulgaris, Pedicularis sylvatica, Carex nigra, C. panicea, C. lepidocarpa, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Juncus articulatus and Lychnis flos-cuculi. Locally there is frequent Eriophorum latifolium and orchids Dactylorhiza Fuchsii and another species, probably D. purpurella. At this point, the eastern boundary of the common is marked by a long collapsed dry stone wall and constitutes a dry habitat, in contrast to the adjacent wet area. This has grassy vegetation which appears calcicolous in character. There is abundant Festuca ovina with frequent Briza media, Helicotrichon pratense, Cynosurus cristatus, Thymus praecox, Plantago media, P. lanceolata, Linum catharticum, Galium verum, Leontodon hispidus, Prunella vulgaris, Achillea millefolium, Lotus corniculatus and Polygala vulgaris. The top section of the slope (6) has acidic grassland with scattered bushes of Crataegus monogyna. The dominant grasses are Festuca ovina, with Nardus stricta, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Deschampsia flexuosa in places. Within this are frequent Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta and locally, Luzula multiflora, L. sylvatica, Vaccinium myrtillus, Lotus corniculatus, Veronica officinalis and Conopodium majus.

MANAGE:
The eastern boundary of the common is now defunct and grazing stock from adjoining pasture have free access to the common. Sheep were observed congregating on the grassland at (2), and this area is well-grazed in places. Small numbers of sheep were also seen grazing the flushed area at (4). Modest grazing in this area may be beneficial in controlling vegetation height and maintaining species diversity (the landowner was planning to exclude stock from the site). Any increase in stocking rates would probably have an adverse effect on the vegetation. The woodland appears as though it may have been coppiced at some time. The good list of fauna reflects the varied range of habitats present. This is also in part due to adjoining favourable habitat (particularly hedgerows and scrub). The common has a high conservation value on account of the wide range of habitats and species present.

N.B. Next to the track, in the woodland, a cottage  has been constructed and an exclosure made around it marked by post and wire fences. This seems to have appeared since the 1978 survey.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  

Singing: Yellowhammer, Sedge Warbler, Chaffinch, Willow Warbler, Skylark.  

Flock of fledgling Blackbirds (in Hawthorn bush). Flock of Swallows.  

Rook, Carrion Crow, Robin, Wren, Magpie.  

Mammals: Rabbits.

VEG:
The common has a complex mosaic of vegetation types. The central area at (1)  has dry heath/acidic grassland mosaic with scattered scrub of Betula pendula and Ulex europaeus (10%). The grassland component accounts for about 70%  with heath the remaining 20%. The dominant species are Deschampsia flexuosa,  Festuca ovina, Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile. There is occasional Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia cespitosa, Luzula multiflora and Lotus corniculatus; with, in the heathy parts, Vaccinium myrtillus and Calluna vulgaris. There are occasional wet patches with abundant Molinia caerulea and Carex nigra. Just to the south of here at (2) is a narrow strip of marshy grassland with abundant Juncus articulatus, Geum rivale and Deschampsia flexuosa; with occasional Lotus uliginosus, Molinia caerulea,  Angelica sylvestris, Juncus effusus and Cirsium palustre. A large proportion of the southern section (3)  has dense Pteridium aquilinum (50%) and Chamaenerion angustifolium (50%). In places there is Arrhenatherum elatius,  Dactylis glomerata, Alopecurus pratensis, Hyacinthoides non-scripta and Silene dioica. There is within this (4), a further area of grass/heath mosaic and an area of semi-improved grassland used as a football pitch. This has large areas of bare ground. Alongside the road is a wide strip of neutral grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius and Dactylis glomerata. Much of the area to the north and east is invaded by scrub (50%).The main species are Crataegus monogyna and Betula pendula with occasional mature Sorbus aucuparia and Acer pseudoplatanus. The most common grasses are Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius and Poa pratensis, with forbs including Stellaria holostea, Potentilla anserina, Vicia sepium, Conopodium majus, Ranunculus repens and Veronica chamaedrys. In places there are areas of tall-ruderal vegetation dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium. In the east the scrub passes into secondary woodland at (5). The canopy is dominated by Betula pendula, Acer pseudoplatanus and rarely, Quercus sp. and Ilex aquifolium. In the shrub layer there is Corylus avellana, Sambucus nigra, Salix aurita, Rubus fruticosus agg., Lonicera periclymenum, Crataegus monogyna and Prunus spinosa. The ground flora has frequent Dryopteris dilatata, D. filix-mas, Holcus mollis, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Silene dioica, Deschampsia cespitosa, Geum rivale, G. urbanum and Oxalis acetosella, with occasional Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Juncus effusus, Ajuga reptans and Luzula sylvatica.

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged at present. There may be a slight grazing effect in places by Rabbits. The diverse mosaic of vegetation types appears to be a good habitat for birds, and also probably for invertebrates. It may be beneficial to undertake scrub clearance work in the future, to maintain habitat diversity and prevent the whole site from being eventually overtaken by scrub. Part of the site is used as a football pitch and this has led to erosion of the turf in places. At (6), there is a motorcycle track with consequent soil erosion.
Some of the Hazel in the woodland at (5) appears to have been coppiced in the past.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  

Singing: Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Chaffinch, Skylark, Robin.  

Flock of Swallows.  

Butterflies: Small Tortoiseshell, Orange Tip, Red Admiral.

VEG:
The common is a series of interconnecting roadside verges varying in width from between 3m. to 10m. The grassland is dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius  with locally abundant Dactylis glomerata and Holcus lanatus. There is a good species diversity in places. At (1) there is frequent Alopecurus pratensis,  Poa pratensis, Veronica chamaedrys, Cruciata laevipes, Vicia sepium,  Trifolium repens and Heracleum sphondylium, with a wide range of other species occuring occasionally including, Bromus mollis, Festuca rubra,  Stellaria graminea, S. holostea, Vicia sepium, Potentilla anserina,  Ranunculus repens, Taraxacum officinale, Rumex obtusifolius, R. acetosa,  Lamium album, Urtica dioica, Senecio jacobaea, Achillea millefolium, Galium aparine, Galium verum, Centaurea nigra, Geranium pratense, Cirsium arvense,  Agrostis stolonifera, Potentilla reptans, Lathyrus pratensis and Silene alba. The grassland appeared to be mainly of NVC type MG1e. At (2), a small stream runs under the road and there is an area of slightly damper vegetation, where the dominants are joined by locally frequent Geum rivale and Filipendula ulmaria. On the opposite side of the road at (8)  there are extensive areas dominated by Urtica dioica and also a patch of Rubus idaeus. At (3)  there is a closely mown area of verge which has abundant Anthoxanthum odoratum. At (4)  there is a large patch of Petasites hybridus and also a species of Fumaria. The arm of the common at (6)  has large patches dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium and Urtica dioica and scattered scrub of Crataegus monogyna and Rubus fruticosus agg. There has been dumping of stone rubble here and there are bonfire sites. At (6)  there is a colony of Ornithogalum umbellatum. In most places  the verges have closely clipped hedges along their boundaries  mainly of Crataegus monogyna. In some parts  they are less intensively maintained and have occasional Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus agg. and Sambucus nigra. At (7)  in the grazed area there were scattered individuals of Ulex europaeus.

MANAGE:
Despite the name, the common appears as though it has generally not been grazed for some time (this was also observed in the 1978 survey). However, two small areas at (7) and (5), were enclosed within electric fences and had been recently grazed by sheep. Along most sections of the verges a one metre wide strip is mown regularly by the highway authority. In a small part of  area (5), a few individuals of an ornamental Prunus sp. have been planted. Elsewhere the grassland is fairly rank and unmanaged. Much of the surrounding land is now devoted to intensive arable agriculture. The common has a good species diversity in places and appears to be an important local "wildlife corridor".


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey:  

Singing: Yellowhammer, Skylark.

VEG:
The common is an improved sward almost entirely dominated by Lolium perenne. There is occasional Trifolium repens, Stellaria media,  Poa annua  and isolated Cirsium vulgare.

MANAGE:
The common is intensively sheep grazed. The site has declined in species diversity since the 1978 survey. At this time the grassland was described as  Species-poor neutral grassland dominated by Cynosurus cristatus, Trisetum flavescens, Cirsium arvense and locally Poa annua; Alopecurus pratensis, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne,  Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens and Agrostis canina frequent. Possibly the site has been ploughed and re-seeded at some time since 1978.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  Flock of Swallows. 

Singing: Skylark, Meadow Pitpit. 

Common Blue Butterfly.

VEG:
The common occupies the site of an abandoned limestone quarry. The old workings are at (1)  are shallow and grass covered are without outcropping rock, and have several spoil heaps. The most diverse grassland occurs on the spoil and has dominant Festuca rubra and Cynosurus cristatus, with frequent Trisetum flavescens, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Briza media, Agrostis capillaris, Lotus corniculatus, Galium verum, Achillea millefolium and occasional Carex flacca, Plantago lanceolata, Veronica chamaedrys and Luzula campestris. In one or two small areas on the top of the spoil there is abundant Thymus praecox, Hieracium pilosella, Linum catharticum and Carex flacca. On the slope above at (2), there is a mixture of neutral grassland dominated by Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus, Cynosurus cristatus and Deschampsia cespitosa, and acidic grassland dominated by Deschampsia flexuosa and Festuca ovina, with frequent Galium saxatile and occasional Potentilla erecta, Vaccinium myrtillus and Veronica officinalis.  N.B. The common lies within the Roman Wall SSSI  which was scheduled for geological features.

MANAGE:
The common is divided in two by a wall next to the track. Both parts lie within larger grazing units from which they are unfenced. The common is moderately grazed by sheep and cattle.


VEG:
The common occupies the site of an old limestone quarry. The main face is an interrupted exposure of carboniferous limestone at (1). At its highest, the cliff reaches only 4m. tall and about 75% of the area is neutral grassland. This is dominated by Cynosurus cristatus, Festuca rubra, Agrostis capillaris and Trisetum flavescens. Locally  particularly on the thinnest soils there is frequent Briza media, Thymus drucei, Achillea millefolium, Linum catharticum, Bellis perennis, Lotus corniculatus, Hieracium pilosella,  Trifolium repens and occasional Galium verum, Vicia sepium, Lathyrus pratensis, Veronica officinalis and Viola riviniana. Elsewhere the grassland is less interesting. At (2) there has been eutrophication and the grassland is a mixture of Dactylis glomerata, Poa annua, Festuca rubra, Deschampsia cespitosa, Alopecurus pratensis, with locally abundant Cirsium vulgare, C. arvense, Ranunculus repens, R. bulbosus and Urtica dioica.

MANAGE:
The common forms part of a larger grazing unit  from which it is not fenced. The area at the base of the quarry is heavily grazed by cattle. A cattle feeding station was present at the time of the survey. Much of the area around this is badly poached by cattle and there are extensive ruts of tractor wheels along this section of the common. The rest of the common appears unmanaged.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  

Flock of Swallows.   

Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Songthrush, Yellowhammer.

VEG:
The common comprises a series of narrow verges which run alongside a minor road. At (1) is rank neutral grassland with scattered mature trees of Acer pseudoplatanus, Tilia sp., and a planted variety of Acer sp.  The dominant grasses are Arrhenatherum elatius, and Dactylis glomerata with frequent Bromus sterilis and Poa pratensis. Most of the verge has frequent Anthriscus sylvestris, Galium aparine and Urtica dioica. In places there is abundant Lunaria annua, which has escaped from dumped garden rubbish. This area is backed by an overgrown Crataegus monogyna hedge. At (2) is a further area of rank grassland dominated by Dactylis glomerata, Poa pratensis, Festuca rubra and Alopecurus pratensis, with frequent Lolium perenne, Holcus mollis, H. lanatus and Agropyron repens. It is reasonably diverse in places with occasional Centaurea nigra, Galium cruciata, Vicia sativa, Lamium album,  Ranunculus bulbosus, Veronica chamaedrys and Anthriscus sylvestris. At (3)  the verge becomes considerably narrower and is away from the housing estate. Here  about 25% of the verge is overgrown with Chamaenerion angustifolium and Urtica dioica. Scattered individuals of Cytisus scoparius occur. At (4)  there is about 15% scattered scrub  where the above species is accompanied by Ulex europaeus. The grassland at (3) and (4) is dominated by Dactylis glomerata and Festuca rubra with frequent Trisetum flavescens, Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis capillaris. Forbs include Lotus corniculatus, Achillea millefolium, Erophila verna, Leontodon hispidus, Hieracium pilosella,  Galium verum and Cerastium fontanum.

MANAGE:
Part of the common is mown intensively as amenity grassland. Householders have mown further areas in the verge at (1). Garden refuse has been piled in places here  and parking of cars has led to areas of bare ground developing. At (1),  infrequent mowing has led to localised eutrophication of the grassland.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit:  

Singing: Willow Warbler, Chaffinch, Blackbird, Robin.

VEG:
The common has a stand of woodland dominated by Sorbus aucuparia, with abundant Betula pubescens and B. pendula. The common has adjacent mature coniferous plantation to the southern and western boundaries. Several mature and seedling Pinus sylvestris are present in these areas. The ground flora at (1) is acidophilous in character with dominant Deschampsia flexuosa and frequent Galium saxatile, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Dryopteris dilatata and Luzula pilosa. In places there is abundant Holcus lanatus, Oxalis acetosella and Rhytiadelphus squarrosus, with occasional Molinia caerulea, Digitalis purpurea, Potentilla erecta and Pteridium aquilinum. Rubus fruticosus, Sambucus nigra and Lonicera periclymenum were present in the shrub layer. At (2)  the ground flora becomes more heathy  with extensive patches of Vaccinium myrtillus. The south-western corner at (3)  has a flushed ground flora with dense carpets of Sphagnum spp. and occasional Calluna vulgaris,  Erica tetralix, Vaccinium myrtillus, Carex nigra, Polytricum sp. and Cladonia sp. Tussocks of Molinia caerulea were dominant in some areas. This woodland appears to fall within NVC W17d.

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged at present.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  

Singing: Meadow Pipit, Willow Warbler.

VEG:
The common lies on a fairly steep slope on the side of a narrow wooded valley. The site was formerly a limestone quarry although there is no evidence of this on the surface. The vegetation is a complex mosaic of different communities and the site has a good species diversity. At the top of the slope (1)  is acidic grassland of NVC type U4a. The dominant species are Festuca ovina, Agrostis capillaris, Deschampsia flexuosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile and Potentilla erecta. Locally there is occasional Luzula multiflora, Conopodium majus, Hypochoeris radicata, Juncus effusus, Nardus stricta, Vaccinium myrtillus and Calluna vulgaris. Where the grassland merges into the scrub, there are occasional Luzula pilosa, Blechnum spicant and Oreopteris limbosperma. Down the slope at (2) there are areas of marshy grassland along seepage lines (about 25%). These have, in addition to many of the above, frequent Juncus effusus and occasional Cardamine pratensis, Lotus uliginosus and Filipendula ulmaria. Below the path at (3), the grassland becomes mainly neutral in character, although 25% of it is also marshy. The dominant species are Festuca rubra and Cynosurus cristatus, with abundant Briza media and Anthoxanthum odoratum, with frequent Lotus corniculatus, Hieracium pilosella, Plantago lanceolata,  Trifolium pratense, Ranunculus bulbosus, Potentilla erecta and Conopodium majus. Locally there are Succisa pratensis, orchids (Dactylorhiza sp.),  Carex panicea, C. flacca and C. dioica. At the bottom of the slope there is dense scrub at (4). This is dominated by Crataegus monogyna, but with some Cytisus scoparius, Fraxinus excelsior, Sorbus aucuparia, Betula pendula,  Acer pseudoplatanus and Alnus glutinosa (some of which are mature trees). The understorey has abundant Holcus lanatus, Poa trivialis and locally frequent Ranunculus repens, Viola riviniana, Geranium robertianum, Oxalis acetosella, Stellaria holostea and Oreopteris limbosperma. In some damper areas there is Stellaria alsine, Lysimachia nemorum, Valeriana dioica,  Caltha palustris and Equisetum sylvaticum.

MANAGE:
The common is apparently moderately grazed by sheep and cattle. Although no stock were present at the time of the survey, the occurence of grazing was confirmed upon discussion with the landowner. There appears to be no other management of the site. Despite its small size, this common is botanically quite interesting. It would be worth a more detailed survey to determine the grassland NVC communities present.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  

Singing: Willow Warbler, Skylark, Meadow Pipit, Swallows.  

Overhead: Black headed Gull, Herring Gull, Oystercatcher, Fulmar.

VEG:
The common occupies a narrow coastal strip to the south of Holy Island Village. Part of the site lies within the Lindisfarne SSSI (see map on rear of site card)  and also within a Northumberland Wildlife Trust Site of Nature Conservation Importance. The SSSI as a whole has extensive areas of intertidal sand and mudflats and dune systems. However  the area on the common is important mainly for geological reasons. A dyke associated with the Whin Sill runs from St Cuthbert's Head, passing eastwards through part of the common (The Heugh), giving rise to a rocky ridge with sea cliffs. A habitat map was available from the SSSI file for this area. A full survey was performed of the remaining parts of the common, in conjunction with the 1978 Northumberland Common Land Survey. The eastern section of the common (1)  is a grassy strip used by The National Trust as a car park for the adjoining property of Lindisfarne Castle. A narrow metalled road runs along the common to this. Towards the beach, the grassland becomes maritime in character, with Festuca rubra, Plantago maritima, Lotus corniculatus,  Silybum marianum, Fumaria muralis and occasional clumps of Elymus arenarius. The boundary of the common runs along the landward edge of the beach and has strandline vegetation (2). This includes frequent Tripleurospermum maritimum, Chenopodium rubrum, Cochleria officinalis and Tussilago farfara,  with locally, Plantago coronopus, Silene maritima, Rumex crispus, Matricaria matricarioides and Honkenya peploides. At (3)  there is maritime grassland dominated by Festuca rubra. Many up-turned boats used as fishermens stores and some sheds are present here. The strandline continues in front of this area, where there is abundant Elymus arenarius, Honkenya peploides, Ammophila arenaria and Carex arenaria. In this area are two individuals of Lavatera arborea, a nationally scarce plant, probably an introduced species in  Northumberland. The top of Heugh Hill (4), is the outcrop of the Whin Sill. This has fairly rank neutral grassland which is dominated locally by Arrhenatherum elatius and Holcus lanatus. Elsewhere there is abundant Agrostis capillaris, Trisetum flavescens and Alopecurus pratensis. There is frequent Conopodium majus, Centaurea nigra, Cirsium arvense, Campanula rotundifolia, Dactylis glomerata, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus bulbosus, Bellis perennis and Cerastium fontanum. Locally there is Saxifraga granulata, a fairly uncommon plant in Northumberland, together with Astragalus danicus, Aphanes arvensis, Geranium molle and Erodium cicutarium. Next to the path are small semi-improved areas with abundant Poa annua and Lolium perenne. The cliff (5), is up to 15m. tall. About 75% is bare rock, with 25% grassy ledges. At the top the vegetation is diverse and merges into that of the plateau. Here there is abundant Festuca rubra, Galium verum, Allium oleraceum, Bromus mollis, Aira praecox, Plantago maritima and P. coronopus. On the grassy ledges of the cliff itself, the above species are joined by Armeria maritima, Thymus praexox, Helianthemum nummularium, Sedum acre, Potentilla reptans, Sonchus arvensis and Silene maritima. Occasional plants of Polypodium vulgare are found on the cliff. Towards the base there are Agrimonia eupatoria, Fumaria officinalis and Cherianthus cheiri (wallflower). Bare rock on the cliff face has the lichens Verrucaria maura, Caloplaca thallinicola and Ramalina siliquosa.

MANAGE:
Part of the common is used by The National Trust as a car park for the adjoining Lindisfarne Castle. This area is also grazed by sheep and part of the grassland has become eutrophicated as a result. Visitors' dogs may also have contributed to this process. The grassland at (3), has many up-turned boats and wooden sheds used as stores by local fishermen. Vehicles are driven onto this part of the common and there are many footpaths across the grass. On top of the Heugh, there is a well worn path made by visitors and there is local trampling by people and sheep. Where the cliff is less steep, sections have become eroded by people climbing up them.

N.B. The site is all within the Northumberland Coast A.O.N.B.
	The Countryside Commission North Northumberland Heritage Coast surrounds Holy Island, but does not include any land on the Island itself, and appears to exclude any of the common.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  

Singing: Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Lapwing.  

Overhead: Fulmar.  

Pied Wagtail.  

6 Spot Burnet Moth.  

Other fauna: Rabbits.

VEG:
The common lies within both the Lindisfarne SSSI and the Lindisfarne NNR. However no vegetation maps were available in the files for this site. Therefore, a full field survey was undertaken using the 1978 survey as a reference point. The common occupies the site of an abandoned limestone quarry which was once a source of stone for some of the buildings on Holy Island. The quarry is at the top of low cliffs, and these run along the northern boundary of the common. Inland (1), there is a band of maritime grassland dominated by Festuca rubra, with frequent Plantago maritima,  P.lanceolata, Lotus corniculatus, Carex flacca, Bellis perennis and occasional Senecio jacoabea, Myosotis ramosissima and Viola riviniana. In places there are sandy patches with abundant Ammophila arenaria. Within the area of the quarry (2), there is a series of parallel ridges of limestone spoil. About 50% is bare limestone, 25% of the area constitutes the wetter hollows in between  and the remaining 25% is sparse maritime grassland on the ridges. The latter is calcicolous in character and has frequent Festuca rubra, Bellis perennis, Lotus corniculatus, Armeria maritima, Thymus praecox, Hieracium pilosella and Plantago lanceolata, with occasional Carlina vulgaris, Galium verum and Senecio jacobaea. At (3), is a limestone cliff, about 2m. tall at the base of the quarry (20%), with a slope of calcareous grassland above this (80% ). Here, in rocky areas at the base of the cliff, there is abundant Festuca rubra and Carex flacca, with occasional Agrimonia eupatoria, Linum catharticum, Holcus lanatus, Viola riviniana,  Sanguisorba officinalis, Anthoxanthum odoratum and several individuals of Dacylorhiza purpurella. Between the ridges are two sandy, marshy areas which have features of dune slack vegetation with frequent Carex nigra, Holcus lanatus, Agrostis stolonifera, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Parnassia palustris,  Hypochoeris radicata and Glaux maritima, with occasional Dactylorhiza purpurella and D. fuchsii. At (4), is a small pool which contains around its margins, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Ranunculus tricohpyllus, Carex nigra, Samolus valerandi and Eleocharis palustris.

MANAGE:
The turf is extremely short, probably due to rabbit grazing and there are numerous burrows on adjoining sandy ground. The common is not fenced from the surrounding area, which as mentioned is within the Lindisfarne SSSI and is important for a wide variety of botanical and geological features. There appears to be no current active management of the common.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were: 

Breeding birds: Curlew, Meadow Pipit, Golden Plover, Snipe, Lapwing, Redshank, Wheatear, Whinchat, Wren, Short-eared owl, Red Grouse, Black Grouse.
Also recorded on site:
Kestrel, Cuckoo, Black Headed Gull, Starling, Swallow, Swift, Greater Black-backed Gull, Carrion Crow, Mallard, Dipper, Housemartin.
Invertebrates:
Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Large White, Green-veined White, Small Tortoiseshell butterflies. Large red Damselfly.
Other fauna:
Rabbit, Common Frog.
Additional information contained in Invertebrate Site Register.

VEG:
The common has three distinct sections.  The first is situated on a long, narrow plateau which runs to the east of the river Allen, between Stublick Moor in the north and Byerhope Moss in the south.  The three sections of CL2 adjoin the eastern edge of this part of the common.  The second part occupies a plateau between the rivers East and West Allen.  This runs from Acton Moor in the north to Middlehope moor in the south.  A small strip of land links these two parts in the vicinity of Allenheads Village.  The third section runs North-westwards, from Coalcleugh Moor, where it joins the second part, and proceeds as far as Mohope Moor, a plateau to the east of Alston.  The whole common has been recently surveyed by Scottish Natural Heritage, as part of the survey of Upland Habitats in The North Pennines.  This survey has been carried out to Phase 2 level using the National Vegetation Classification. The area to the east of the river, East Allen was surveyed during 1991. For several reasons, this area was re-visited for the purposes of the present survey. In the first place, it was necessary to check how NVC vegetation types could be translated into Phase 1 habitat categories.  For example, Phase 1 features such as valley mire, basin mire and blanket bog, which are topographically defined, could contain several NVC vegetation types.  A visit would provide information on species which would not be obvious at this time of year. Further, it was part of our contract brief to make an assesment of heather condition and the management of the site, information was not specifically gathered during the Phase 2 survey.  The vegetation description from this part of the site has been written with reference to the completed Phase 2 report for this area, and the present survey should be regarded as an adjunct to that document.

The remainder of the common, to the west of the river East Allen, was due to be surveyed by Scottish Natural Heritage during the summer of 1992. Arrangements were made with the surveyors for the common land survey to be done at the same time. This avoided difficulties of access which would have otherwise occurred. At the time of writing,  the Phase 2 report for this area has not yet been published, but draft copies of the vegetation maps have been made available to us. This has been combined with notes made in the field to produce the Phase 1 maps and reports. As before, the Phase 2 report will form the definitive document as it is not our intention to duplicate recent surveys.

The scale of mapping in both surveys has been 1:25,000. It was considered undesirable to reduce the maps to a scale below this. Therefore, to fit them onto A4 pages, the survey maps have been presented as a series of overlapping sections. This avoids the problem of interpretation across joins. A key at the beginning shows how the sections relate to each other. For simplicity, the vegetation description has also been split to discuss each section separately. 

It has been a convention on the maps produced for the Common Land Survey that dominant species codes are not shown. Instead they are discussed under the target notes. However because of the particular interest in "ericoid" species in the uplands, dominant species codes for these species have been shown on the maps.

MAP 1 . This covers the area from Stublick Moor to Stobb Cross and is adjoined by CL 2 along its eastern edge. The area is part of a narrow plateau which has a northern boundary along the B6304 and which runs southwards, with the river East Allen to the west. The northern part of the plateau (Stublick Moor) is dissected by several steep-sided valleys or "cleughs" which run in an east-west direction. Unfortunately, these features are bisected by the boundary between CL 1 and CL 2. Much of the common has dry heath dominated by Calluna vulgaris (predominantly NVC H9c, but also some areas of the bryophyte-rich NVC H9a Hypnum cupressiforme sub-community), where this species and Pohlia nutans are locally abundant. Erica tetralix, Carex nigra, Deschampsia flexuosa and Empetrum nigrum are of occasional occurrence in a few areas. In peripheral parts of the common, there is an  acidic grassland/dry heath mosaic, where between 30-60% of the area is occupied by grassland. This is generally dominated by Nardus stricta, with locally abundant Festuca ovina and Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC U5), or is dominated by Juncus squarrosus (NVC U6). The extreme margins have acidic grassland dominated by Nardus stricta, with locally frequent Juncus effusus and J. squarrosus (NVC U5). Occasionally, as at (9), the Juncus effusus is dominant, giving rise to marshy grassland (NVC M23). Species of frequent occurrence in the grassland are Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta and the moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. The cleughs for the most part occur within CL 2. However in some cases, their upper sections open-out into valley mire/flush complexes, or give rise to small areas of blanket bog where they reach the plateau. Examples of this can be found at the head of Anchey Cleugh (1), Lawsley Sike (2) and areas (3) and (4). These areas are generally dominated by Calluna vulgaris and Eriophorum vaginatum. Some areas have abundant Sphagnum spp. (up to 50% cover, NVC M19) and in other parts the bog is dry with little or no Sphagnum (NVC M20). Also frequent in some parts are Erica tetralix, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Eriophorum angustifolium, Empetrum nigrum, Drosera rotundifolia and Narthecium ossifragum. A large area of Catton Moss (8), has dominant Erica tetralix (NVC M19b). Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum dominate the flushed areas (NVC M6c). In places there are discrete acidic flushes away from the valley mire complexes. These are generally species-poor, but at (5), (6) and (7) there are species-rich examples which contain locally frequent Holcus lanatus, Agrostis canina, Carex echinata, C. curta, C. demissa, C. nigra, C. dioica, C. panicea, Viola palustris, Galium saxatile, G. palustre, G. uliginosum, Ranunculus flammula, Triglochin palustris, Narthecium ossifragum, Menyanthes trifoliata, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Juncus articulatus, Prunella vulgaris and Eriophorum angustifolium. The south of the map has undulating terrain with a mosaic of dry Calluna vulgaris heath (NVC H9) and dry modified bog (NVC M19/20) dominated by Calluna vulgaris and Eriophorum vaginatum, having frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and Juncus squarrosus but with little or no Sphagnum.		   

MAP 2 runs from Stobb Cross in the north to Tedham Moss in the south and is adjoined by CL 2 along its eastern boundary. Between Stobb Cross and Harwood there are extensive areas of dry heath. This is mainly of NVC type H9/H9a dominated by Calluna vulgaris with occasional Empetrum nigrum, Juncus squarrosus, Erica tetralix and Nardus stricta. In the area around Sinderhope (12) there is an area of heath with about 70% Calluna vulgaris and 30% Vaccinium myrtillus (NVC H12) and often there is a mosaic of these two types. Erica cinerea is locally abundant around Knightscleugh Head. At Stobb Cross (17) there is a large, recently burned area with 50% bare sand and peat. On sandy areas there is abundant Aira praecox (NVC U1). In several areas, particularly in the west at Sipton Law, the heath forms a mosaic with acidic grassland. Mostly this is dominated by Juncus squarrosus and Nardus srticta with occasional Deschampsia flexuosa (NVC U5/U6). However, along Sipton Side and Sipton Burn (11), acidic grassland is dominated by Festuca ovina and Agrostis capillaris (NVC U4). On the rocky sides of Sipton Burn itself there are isolated individuals of a species of sallow, possibly Salix phylicifolia. Along the western boundary of the common are occasional thin strips of marshy grassland dominated by Juncus effusus (NVC M23). The steep hillside at Sipton Side, above the B6295, also has scattered Pteridium aquilinum throughout.

The southern section around Harwood (13) has areas of bog. In places there is dry-modified bog which forms a mosaic with dry heath. These areas have dominant Calluna vulgaris with locally frequent Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Juncus squarrosus, Carex nigra and Vaccinium myrtillus and occasional Erica tetralix (NVC M19/20). Sphagnum is generally scarce in these areas. On Tedham Moss (14), however, there is blanket bog (NVC M19a) where Sphagnum cover reaches up to 50%. The species composition is similar to the above but accompanied by occasional Drosera rotundifolia, Tricophorum cespitosum and several species of Cladonia. The area has many small acidic flushes dominated by Juncus effusus, Sphagnum recurvum and Polytrichum commune (NVC M6c). A complex of flushes around Sipton Burn (15) has locally abundant Carex curta and C. rostrata. Knight's Cleugh (16) contains a species-rich flush which has Potamogeton polygonifolius, Ranunculus flammula, Stellaria alsine, Lysimachia nemorum, Carex nigra, C. curta, C. dioica, C. panicea, Cardamine pratensis and Equisetum palustre. The sides of the Cleugh have grass/heath mosaic and up to 60% dense Pteridium aquilinum.

MAP 3 covers the plateau of Byerhope Moss and Quickcleugh Moss. Along the western edge there is a steep slope which leads from Green Hill, down into East Allen Dale. This slope has a concentration of acidic grasslands and in the vicinity of Coalpit Sike and Marl Spring (18) there are numerous acidic flushes which cover about 20% of the area. These have dominant Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c). These flushes are quite species-rich in places and have locally frequent Carex panicea, C. echinata, C. nigra, Myosotis scorpioides, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Lysimachia nemorum, and Stellaria alsine. There is also a discrete area of Carex rostrata-dominated flush (NVC M4). The surrounding grassland is mostly dominated by Nardus stricta (NVC U5), although there are areas with dominant Juncus squarrosus (NVC U6) and co-dominant Festuca ovina/Agrostis capillaris (NVC U4). Frequent species in these areas include Potentilla erecta, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Galium saxatile. Where the common meets the river East Allen, there is a narrow corridor of vegetation which was not surveyed as part of the Phase 2 survey. This area has metalled roads passing through it and is fenced from the rest of the common. It is, as a consequence, largely un-grazed. This strip of land has a very complex mosaic of vegetation types present. The eastern side (19) has patches of dry heath/acidic grassland mosaic, interspersed with small areas of mesotrophic grassland. The most widespread species are Calluna vulgaris and Deschampsia flexuosa. Frequent species include Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Luzula multiflora, Conopodium majus and Hypochoeris radicata. Locally there are patches of Thymus praecox and there are occasional individuals of Viola lutea throughout.   

There are patches of mesotrophic grassland with Dactylis glomerata, Briza media, Hieracium pilosella, Avenula pratensis, Carex flacca and C. pilulifera. Some of these species may be reflecting a calcicolous element. The area adjacent to the river (20) has an even more complex mosaic of vegetation types. This includes marshy grassland next to the river with Filipendula ulmaria, Caltha palustris, Cirsium palustre, Mimulus guttatus, Angelica sylvestris, Equisetum fluviatile, Glyceria sp. (vegetative), Mentha aquatica and Dactylorhiza maculata (NVC type M27). Away from the river there is mesotrophic grassland dominated by  Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata and Anthoxanthum odoratum, with locally frequent Geranium sylvaticum, Cynosurus cristatus, Rhinanthus minor, Avenula pubescens, Myrrhis odorata, Cruciata laevipes and Briza media. A further important feature in this area is an elongated shallow mound of lead-mining spoil, left behind from a smelt mill which once stood on the common near this point. This has large populations of the metalliferous species Minuartia verna and Viola lutea. The spoil must also have a high base content as there is abundant Hieracium pilosella, Linum catharticum and Thymus praecox. On the western bank of the river, not far from the road, is a flushed area with abundant Juncus effusus and Sphagnum palustre with frequent Angelica sylvestris, Cirsium palustre, Pedicularis sylvatica, Carex panicea, Equisetum sylvaticum and Lychnis flos-cuculi. Above here, on the western slope (21) is acidic grassland/dry heath mosaic (80%) with 20% of the area occupied by marshy grassland, the dominant species of which are Molinia caerulea, Juncus effusus, Carex nigra and Deschampsia cespitosa.   

The high ground is covered by blanket mire, this being the single largest un-interrupted area on the common. The surface of the plateau is relatively level, the only major feature to interrupt this being a series of drainage channels which flow into Quick Cleugh Burn, which in turn flows from the plateau in a north-easterly direction. The bog is on deep peat and to the north is mainly of NVC type M19a. Calluna vulgaris is usually co-dominant with Erica tetralix, with frequent Eriophorum vaginatum and locally frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Tricophorum cespitosum and Drosera rotundifolia. Further south Calluna vulgaris becomes dominant over Erica tetralix (NVC M19). Sphagnum cover is generally high, particularly in the area around Knoutberry Rigg where there are large tussocks of Sphagnum papillosum (22). In the area around Quick Moss (23) there are large populations of Rubus chamaemorus. Most of this area has been extensively gripped and burnt, with the ericoid species being present mostly as young, even-aged plants. In a few areas, as at (24), there is dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum and Calluna vulgaris, with only a little Sphagnum (NVC M20).  To the north of Quick Cleugh the peat thins, giving rise to dry heath dominated by Calluna vulgaris (NVC H9c).  There are several Juncus effusus/Sphagnum recurvum flushes in the area.

The largest of these is in Quick Cleugh Burn. This has many species of Carex, including C. echinata, C.panicea C. nigra and C. demissa along with Viola palustris, Equisetum palustre and Lotus uliginosus. At (25) small base-rich flushes occur on the valley-sides and are fed by seepage-lines. These have abundant cover of vegetative carices and pleurocarpous brown mosses with occasional Pinguicula vulgaris.

MAP 4 This shows the area of Dryburn Moor and Kevelin Moor which lie on a plateau in between the rivers East and West Allen. In the north-west the terrain slopes down into the West Allen Valley. The majority of the plateau (26), particularly from Acton Moor southwards, has blanket mire corresponding to NVC type M19a. This has Calluna vulgaris with locally co-dominant Erica tetralix, abundant Eriophorum angustifolium and occasional Tricophorum cespitosum. Sphagnum mosses are generally abundant throughout, principally these are Sphagnum papillosum and S. capillifolium var. rubellum. Around Longwell Moor (27) Rubus chamaemorus is locally frequent. Several acidic flushes cross this area, occupying cleughs draining to the east. These are dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum palustre (NVC M6c) and have locally frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Agrostis canina, Carex demissa, C. echinata, C.panicea, Potamogeton polygonifolius and Epilobium palustre. The area from Dryburn Moor northwards has bog occurring within a mosaic of acidic grassland and dry heath. This  is generally dry-modified bog (NVC M20) with dominant Eriophorum vaginatum, frequent Calluna vulgaris and occasional Erica tetralix and Empetrum nigrum. The peripheral parts of the plateau have mostly acidic grassland or heath/grass mosaic. Juncus squarrosus is generally dominant in the grassland (NVC U6) and is accompanied by abundant Nardus stricta with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa. However Nardus stricta is locally dominant (NVC U5). Locally frequent throughout the grassland are Potentilla erecta and Galium saxatile. Occasionally there is Molinia caerulea. Some areas have patches of dry heath within grassland (NVC H9). Calluna vulgaris is usually dominant here, with locally frequent Empetrum nigrum and locally occasional Erica tetralix and Erica cinerea. Adjacent to an old smelt mill chimney (28) there is heath with about 25% bare ground. This appears to have arisen during the laying of a pipeline several years ago. On the grass slopes around Dry Burn Cleugh about 30% of the area has Juncus effusus/Sphagnum recurvum flushes (NVC M6c). Locally frequent species include Juncus articulatus, J. conglomeratus, Holcus lanatus, Stellaria alsine, Polytrichum commune and Ranunculus flammula. The Meres (29) has a similar acidic flush with, in addition, Carex nigra, C. echinata and Viola palustris. A narrow flush at (30) has abundant Carex rostrata. A disused quarry at Marl Sike (31) has an area of closely grazed neutral grassland on abandoned spoil. This has dominant Festuca ovina and Agrostis capillaris with occasional Cynosurus cristatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Luzula campestris, Prunella vulgaris, Linum catharticum and locally frequent Euphrasia officinalis, Leontodon autumnalis and Bellis perennis. The adjacent flush has frequent Triglochin palustris, Lysimachia nemorum, equisetum palustre and Sagina nodosa.

MAP 5 This shows the area from Kevelin Moor and Longwell Moor in the north, southwards to Knockshield Moor.  Blanket mire is again prominent over much of the plateau (NVC M19a), having abundant Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix and Eriophorum angustifolium, with locally frequent Empetrum nigrum and Tricophorum cespitosum. Sphagnum cover is generally above 25%, including Sphagnum papillosum and S. capillifolium var. rubellum. Again there are numerous Juncus effusus/Sphagnum recurvum flushes (NVC M6c). Hartley Mere (32) has locally frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, Triglochin palustris, Carex nigra, C. echinata, Juncus articulatus, Equisetum fluviatile, Ranunculus flammula, Galium palustre, Cirsium palustre and Epilobium palustre. In the deeper cleughs, such as Knockshield Burn, the sides have dense Pteridium aquilinum. Marginal areas again tend to have acidic grassland (NVC U5/U6) or a mosaic of this with Calluna vulgaris heath (NVC H9). The western edge of the plateau is marked at Whiteleyshield Carrs (33) by a fairly pronounced break in slope with dry heath and about 10% outcropping sandstone. The heath is a mixture of Calluna-dominated areas (NVC H9a) and areas with abundant Vaccinium myrtillus, occasional V. vitis-idaea and rarely, Rubus chamaemorus (NVC H12a).   

MAP 6 This shows the most southerly section of the common. The southern boundary lies at the top of a ridge which follows the boundary with County Durham. Killhope Law lies on the border and, at 673 metres, is the highest point of the entire common. Southwards from here is a slope with extensive areas of blanket bog (NVC M19a), dominated by Calluna vulgaris, similar in species composition to that described for maps 4 and 5. In the area at Round Hill (34) there is an obvious edge, where the bog grades into acidic grassland and heath and is generally drier than that above. Numerous tiny streams or "Sikes" issue from the slope and these have associated small Juncus effusus/Sphagnum recurvum flushes (NVC M6c). A broad col between Killhope Law and Blackway Head is crossed by the Nenthead to Allendale road and still has a good cover of blanket bog. Immediately next to the road however, there are patches of acidic grassland (NVC U5/U6). Adjacent to a small excluded area on the common at Coalcleugh (35), there are numerous "hushes" on the hillside, produced by early lead-mining. These are channels cut into the hillside when water collected in a temporary dam was allowed to cascade down the hillside. This washed away the topsoil and exposed lead ore near the surface. Next to the road at this point are several mounds of lead-mining spoil with large populations of Minuartia verna.

Smallburns Moor (36) has a steep slope with Juncus squarrosus grassland (NVC U6) with small areas which have Nardus stricta (NVC U5). Small remnants of dry bog also occur (NVC M20).The valley of Swinhope Burn flows north-eastwards from the area. Here the slopes have acidic grassland/Calluna heath mosaic with numerous tiny acidic flushes (NVC U6/M6c/H9a). Part of the valley sides have dense Pteridium aquilinum (NVC U20b). Within the valley bottom are further old lead-mining workings.

MAP 7 Shows the most westerly section of the common; this is the plateau of Mohope Moor, Middle Rigg and Wellhope Moor. The area is effectively divided into two arms by the valley of Wellhope Burn and much of this valley is excluded from the common. This part of the common has fairly large areas of blanket mire but, in contrast to many other parts of the common, its composition is generally quite varied within relatively small areas. This may be due in part to the fact that quite a bit of erosion of the bog is apparent in this area. The western edge, along Hesleywell Moor (37) has blanket bog predominantly of NVC type M19a. Eriophorum vaginatum and Sphagnum spp. are abundant. Cover of Calluna vulgaris is variable, from being only occasional at around 25% cover to abundant at 75% cover. Locally frequent are Empetrum nigrum, Tricophorum cespitosum and Drosera rotundifolia. Around Hearty Cleugh Head (38) there has been some erosion of the bog and there are a number of bog pools with Eriophorum angustifolium and Sphagnum cuspidatum (NVC M2). The bog in this area also has locally frequent Vaccinium myrtillus, Deschampsia flexuosa, Erica tetralix, Vaccinium oxycoccos and Cladonia spp. The blanket bog in the area of Wellhope Moor (39) shows many erosion edges and has patches of dry-modified bog where Sphagnum is scarce. In places the bog has been completely eroded giving rise to patches of acidic grassland, NVC types U4,U5 and U6 all being present. In the bog Eriophorum vaginatum typically dominates, with Calluna vulgaris being only locally frequent (cover in the region of only 10-20%). Associated species are generally those described above. A similar mosaic of vegetation types occurs on Mohope Moor in the north-west, with acidic grassland becoming prominent on the lower slopes. At Halley Moor (40) some of the grassland is marshy, with abundant Molinia caerulea and frequent Juncus effusus, J. articulatus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Potentilla erecta and Holcus lanatus (NVC M25b). There are further areas of marshy grassland on the eastern edge of the common. These form part of a complex mosaic of flushes and grassland on the slope to the east of Middle Rigg. The flushes have dominant Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum (NVC M6c), with locally frequent Eriophorum vaginatum, E. angustifolium, Narthecium ossifragum, Carex panicea, C. nigra, C. rostrata, Vaccinium oxycoccos and Viola palustris. The grassland is mainly NVC type U6, dominated by Juncus squarrosus, with frequent Deschampsia flexuosa and locally abundant Nardus stricta. Locally the grassland is drier and Nardus stricta dominates (NVC U5).

Middle Rigg itself (41) has dry-modified bog dominated by Eriophorum vaginatum, with abundant Deschampsia flexuosa and only a small amount of Calluna vulgaris (10-15% cover). There are further areas of acidic grassland to the south on Smallburns Moor (42). This is mainly of NVC type U6 but with small amounts of NVC type U5 and Patches of dry-modified bog (NVC M20) dominated by Calluna vulgaris and Eriophorum vaginatum. The valley bottom of Well Hope Burn has an acidic flush (NVC M6c), while the sides have extensive areas of Pteridium aquilinum. There are further patches dominated by bracken on the slope below Hesleywell Moor.

MANAGE:
MANAGEMENT/HEATHER CONDITION

N.B. In the discussion of "heather" condition the term is taken to include Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix and Erica cinerea.
 
The common is extensively managed for grouse-shooting through rotational burning of the heather. Grazing of the common by sheep also occurs over most of the area. There are 95 rights of pasture, all held in stints. A similar number of grazing rights for cattle and horses/ponies also exist, but there was no evidence of these being exercised. The areas of heath and bog are burned on a fifteen year cycle. The heather on most of the common is managed by a single estate, although the area shown on map 1 is managed separately. The areas where burning has occurred were generally prominent, and tended to be in large blocks, although it was not possible to plot their precise size and position. Calluna vulgaris was the most abundant ericoid species, with scattered amounts of Erica tetralix, although on much of the blanket bog this species was co-dominant. Small, but limited areas of heath had good quantities of Erica cinerea. Approximately 80% of the entire area of the common had heather cover at greater than 25%. A number of overall observations can be made about heather condition on the site......

1. Areas of heath, which cover a high proportion of the site, (20%) especially on maps 1 to 3, have heather cover at between 85-95%. In the NVC H12 areas (map 2) this falls to around 65% (the remaining  35% being accounted for by Vaccinium myrtillus). The stands are generally even-aged as a result of burning. The heather was mostly between 20-40 cm. tall. Most plants were healthy, with evidence of a high proportion flowering in the previous year, and showed little sign of being grazed. In the oldest areas up to 10% appeared to be dead or dying, probably due to old age but the effect of wind exposure or heather beetle damage are other possible causes. There were limited areas where the heather had signs of modest grazing by sheep, the plants adopting a topiary appearance. This phenomenon was encountered mainly at peripheral areas of the heath, where it adjoined areas of acidic grassland.

On the western part of the common (maps 4 to 7) heath occupies only a small area, tending to occur in places peripheral to blanket bog. Often it is in close association with acidic grassland, which is preferred by sheep, and it therefore tends to be influenced to a greater degree by sheep grazing (see section 3, below).

2. In the extensive areas of blanket bog (35% ofthe area of the common) heather cover is generally between 50-85% cover. The height is usually around 20 cm, although it is often shorter on areas where the bog has been burned and recovery of the plants has been slow (the plateau on map 3, Byerhope Moss, is an example of this). Generally the plants are healthy, with evidence of a high proportion flowering in the previous year. Again there is a small proportion of dead and mature plants. This is particularly so in the area to the south of Killhope Law (Map 6) where plants were between 20-50 cm. tall, and somewhat "leggy" with up to 10% dead heather. Locally on the blanket bog there are areas showing the effect of modest sheep-grazing. This is more noticeable on the bog on the western part of the common (maps 4 to 7), particularly where the bog adjoins peripheral acidic grassland. Heather cover on the blanket mire in the Mohope Moor area (map 7) is much more variable than that elsewhere and ranges from between 10% and 75%. This area is also different in that up to half of the heather has been grazed into topiary forms and locally a carpet sward has developed. Notably Erica tetralix does not appear to have been touched at all by the sheep. The reason for the higher intensity of sheep grazing in this area is not apparent.

3. Heath occurs as a mosaic with acidic grassland in many peripheral parts of the common (10% of the total area). Generally the cover of heather is around 30%, but it can range from anything between 5 and 50%. These are areas favoured by sheep which preferentially graze grasses, particularly in spring. Hence the heather in these areas generally shows some signs of grazing effect. In the most severe forms the heather is reduced to a dense carpet only a few cm. deep. Where grazing intensity is less marked, rounded topiary bushes of heather occur, where plants have a densely cropped and intertwined surface layer. Occasionally taller plants have been grazed, producing "drumstick" forms.

4. Areas of heath and bog, where the effects of management by burning are obvious features, which occupy approximately 20% of these two areas. Often it is difficult to assess how recently an area has been burnt as several factors influence the rate of re-colonisation. Recovery of the heather is facilitated by two means, namely adventitious shooting from the bases of burnt plants and the germination of buried seed. If the burn is not properly controlled the temperature can be too hot and recovery by both processes is slowed.

In areas where grasses are present within the sward, the area may appear re-vegetated within a single season. In other situations, on bog, for example, the damp conditions lead to slow re-establishment of heather seedlings, and such areas may show the effects of burning for several years. This was particularly the case on the Byerhope Moss Plateau (map 3). Most of the heather which had been burnt on areas of heath was showing good re-colonisation by seedling plants within the season after burning.  

5. Many of the numerous acidic flushes have locally abundant Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix. Calluna in these situations is usually very "leggy" and to about 50 cm. tall. A high proportion (50%) of the plants  are dead, probably due to the wet substrate. Erica tetralix however, is usually healthy in these situations.

Drainage of blanket mire has been widely undertaken in certain parts of the common. Most of the plateau of Byerhope Moss (map 3) has been extensively "gripped". This process involves excavating a series of parallel drainage channels over the surface of the bog, usually about 20 metres apart. Research by the Game Conservancy Council has shown that this activity has a negligible effect on the water table and vegetation because the peat acts like a sponge and retains the water. However, there is evidence that peat particles are eroded within the drainage channels. This can instigate a more serious peat erosion problem and depostion of peat further downstream can lead to problems such as reduction of the breeding success of trout and salmon in upland waters. There is no evidence of a peat erosion problem from this cause, as yet, on gripped areas of the common.

Other management on the common is associated with the maintenance of the many rows of grouse butts and the tracks which lead to them. At the time of the survey, the Broadway, a track along the top of Green Hill (map 3), was being re-made with crushed stone rubble. This was obtained by re-working the waste of a disused sandstone quarry at Middle Rigg, just east of Allenheads village (map 3).

The effect of sheep-grazing on heather condition has already been discussed. The sheep tend to be concentrated on peripheral, grassy areas of the common. Supplementary feeding stations are situated at the edge of the common and this has resulted in patches of especially concentrated grazing and localised poaching of the turf.

There is much evidence of the history of lead-mining on parts of the common. Features include hushings, old shafts, spoil-heaps, a smelt mill and a flue which leads to a smelt mill chimney. This has given rise to isolated populations of metal-tolerant species, as discussed under the vegetation section.

In the vicinity of the old smelt mill at Allenheads (now demolished), there is an area of bare ground used for vehicle parking and adjacent to this is a water authority installation. Several minor roads cross the common. These carry a moderate amount of traffic and as a consequence have been fenced from the common. The stretch of road between Middle Hope and the large exclosure at Coalcleugh (map 6) remains unfenced, having cattle grids at either side of the common.


FAUNA:
Recorded during sirte survey were...

Breeding birds: Curlew, Meadow Pipit, Golden Plover, Snipe, Lapwing, Redshank, Skylark, Wheatear, Whinchat, Wren, Short Eared Owl, Red Grouse, Black Grouse.

Also recorded on site: Kestrel, Cuckoo, Black-headed Gull, Starling, Swallow, Swift, Greater Black-backed Gull. 

Invertebrates: Meadow Brown and Small Heath Butterflies. Large Red Damselfly. 

Other fauna... Rabbits, Common Frog. 

Additional information is available in from the Invertebrate Site Register.

VEG:
The common occure in three sections, adjoining the eastern edge of CL 1. The first two sections shown in maps 1 and 2, were surveyed by Scottish Natural Heritage in 1991, as part of the survey of Upland Habitats in the North Pennines. This was a survey carried out to Phase 2 level, using the National Vegetation Classification. For several reasons these areas were revisited during the present survey. Firstly it was necessary to check how the NVC communities translated into Phase 1 habitat categories. The translation is not straightforward in some cases, particularly for NVC mire communities. For example Phase 1 features such as valley mire, and blanket bog which are topographically defined, could contain one of several NVC habitat types. This problem was addressed by studyiong the NVC map in the field. A further point was that much of the SNH survey was conducted in the autumn/winter. There was therefore the opportunity to gather even more species information during the present survey. Secondly, the SNH survey was not required to make detailed notes about heather condition, which was part of our contract brief, as well as making observations about heather and other management. However, the following notes should be regarded as an adjunct to the Phase 2 Survey. The vegetation description from the report has been summarised, but with additional species information added from the present survey, discussed under the relevant target notes. It is unfortunate that the boundary between CL1 and CL2 crosses the surveyed area and disects many landscape features. The small part of this common shown in map 3 was not covered by the Phase 2 survey and this has therefore been done during the present survey.
The three sections of CL 2 are situated along the eastern edge of an elongated plateau which has the river East Allen running along its western edge. The northern boundary is bordered by the B6305 Hexham to Allendale road, while to the south the plateau merges into moorland in County Durham.
MAP 1 shows the northern part of the plateau, which is dissected by several narrow, steep sided valleys or "cleughs" which run in a west-east direction. Unfortunately, for the purposes of mapping, these features are bisected by the boundary between CL 1 and 2. Much of the area covered by map 1 is dry heath dominated by Calluna vulgaris (predominantly NVC H9c, but also some areas of the bryophyte-rich H9a, Hypnum cupressiforme sub-community). Locally frequent species include Deschampsia flexuosa, Carex nigra, and Juncus squarrosus. Occasionally there are Erica tetralix and Tricophorum cespitosum. In the area around Lambsrigg Sike (1), the plataeu is deeply dissected by cleughs, the south facing slopes of which, have heath which is dominated by Erica cinerea (NVC H10a). There are also extensive areas dominated by Pteridium aquilinum higher-up cleughs in this area. The far north, aroung Anchey Rigg (2), has grass-heath mosaic, with Festuca ovina, Deschampsia flexuosa and Nardus stricta being locally abundant, with locally frequent Juncus effusus and occasional Juncus conglomeratus (NVC U5). In addition there are areas with abundant Juncus squarrosus (NVC U6). Many parts of area 1, including the bases of the cleughs, are poorly drained, and these often have acidic flushes, generally dominated by Sphagnum recurvum and Juncus effusus (NVC M6c). Generally the flushes are species-poor, but some have a diverse flora, particularly those in the cleughs. Notable flushes include Greenridge Burn (3), Anchey Sike (4), and the area around the confluence of Lawsley Sike and Lambsrigg Sike (5). Locally abundant species include Holcus lanatus, Agrostis canina, Carex echinata, C. curta, C. demissa, C. nigra, C. panicea, C. dioica, Juncus articulatus, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Ranunculus flammula, Galium saxatile, G. palustre, G. uliginosum, Viola palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata, Hydrocotyle vulgaris, Eriophorum angustifolium, Triglochin palustris and Epilobium palustre. At (6), are two areas of valley mire and flush with locally abundant Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Juncus effusus and Sphagnum palustre. Of more localised occurence among the flushes on this site are Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum and Vaccinium oxycoccos. At the east of Whapweasel Burn (7), is a small patch of wet heath (NVC M16), with dominant Erica tetralix.  


Map 2 shows part of the common which occupies  Lilswold Moor, an isolated hill to the east of the main plateau, the summit being Watson's Pike. The trough between the two is occupied by Rowantree Cleugh. The western edge of this portion adjoins CL 1 at the edge of the main plateau. The majority of the area has dry heath dominated by Calluna vulgaris (NVC H9). Locally there is occasional Erica cinerea and Erica tetralix. At (8), there is a small pocket of bog on the flank of Watson's Pike (NVC M19a), which is very rich in Sphagnum spp.

The heath adjoining CL 1, is predominantly NVC H9c, dominated by Calluna vulgaris, with abundant Hypnum cupressiforme and occasional Vaccinium myrtillus. Around the Cross Cleugh area (9), however, the heath is of NVC type H12, which has co-dominant Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. There are small areas of dry modified bog (NVC M19) which straddle the boundary with CL 1. These have abundant Eriophorum vaginatum and Calluna vulgaris, with frequent Vaccinium myrtillus, Juncus squarrosus and Carex nigra. At (10) there is an isolated patch of dry modified bog with about 50% of the area present as bare peat patches. The head of Rowantree Cleugh leads to a small valley mire at (11). The vegetation here is dominated by Juncus effusus and Sphagnum recurvum and there is  also Juncus articulatus and Erica tetralix. There is a well-developed hummock-hollow structure. This leads at (12) to an acidic/neutral flush which then passes along the length of Rowantree Cleugh. Along the central part is an extensive dense carpet of Eleocharis quinqueflora, possibly reflecting a base-rich component leaching from nearby rocks on the Cleugh-side. This is bordered by species-rich Juncus effusus Sphagnum recurvum flush (NVC M6c) with Equisetum palustre, Viola palustris, Vaccinium oxycoccos, Myosotis scorpioides, Carex panicea, C. curta, C. echinata, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Luzula multiflora, Menyanthes trifoliata and Drosera rotundifolia. Small tributary flushes join from the northern slope of Rowantree Cleugh and these contain Pedicularis sylvatica. The sides of the Cleugh support heath and patches of dense bracken. There are further patches of bracken among rocky outcrops at (13), on the flanks of Lilswold Moor and elsewhere. The eastern periphery has grass/heath mosaic and at (14) there are also diffuse acidic flushes, mainly species-poor NVC M6c, Juncus effusus/Sphagnum recurvum, but with some Hydrocotyle vulgaris in places.

Map 3 shows the final part of CL 2, which occupies the northern flank of Nookton Fell and adjoins CL 1 along its western boundary. The southern edge (15) has a mosaic of Sphagnum bog (NVC M19) and dry modified bog (NVC M20). In some places there is good cover of Sphagnum spp. (up to 50% in some places), while elsewhere it is very sparse. Calluna vulgaris and Eriophorum vaginatum are locally abundant throughout. There are also occasional areas with frequent Erica tetralix, Drosera rotundifolia and Eriophorum angustifolium. This area is contiguous with, and of similar composition to, the bog on the adjacent CL 1. The area around Heathery Burn (16), has diffuse Juncus effusus/Sphagnum palustre flushes (NVC M6c) within grass/heath mosaic (60% of the area) and small pockets of dry bog (20% of the area). Within the flushed area are locally abundant Menyanthes trifoliata, Equisetum palustre and Carex rostrata. Calluna vulgaris is locally abundant within this area with, in the patches of bog, Eriophorum vaginatum, and locally frequent Tricophorum cespitosum.

MANAGE:
The common is extensively managed for grouse shooting and sheep-grazing also takes place. There are 13 registered rights of pasture, held in stints, allowing grazing by sheep, cattle and ponies/horses. The areas of heath and bog are burned on a fifteen year cycle, the area coming under the management of the gamekeepers of three individual estates. The areas where burning had taken place were prominent and numerous, although it was not possible to plot their size and position exactly. As already discussed, Calluna vulgaris was the most prominent ericoid species, with smaller amounts of Erica cinerea and Erica tetralix. Detailed notes were made in the field regarding the heather condition in each of the discrete areas mapped in the Phase 2 survey. A number of observations can be made about heather condition on the site.

1. Areas of heath, which cover a high proportion of the site, have heather cover at between 85-95%. In the NVC H12 areas (area 2) this falls to around 65% (the remaining 35% being accounted for by Vaccinium myrtillus). The stands are generally even-aged as a result of management by burning. The heather was mostly around 25-40cm tall. Most plants were healthy and showed little sign of the effect of being grazed. In a few places however, there were a proportion of bushes with a rounded "topiary" appearance induced by modest sheep-grazing. These areas were mainly to the north of area 1, around Anchey Slke, where the heath adjoins areas of acidic grassland.

2. In areas of grass/heath mosaic, such as occur to the north of area 1 and area 3, the overall cover of heather falls to around 50%. These areas appear to be favoured by sheep, who preferentially graze the grasses, particularly in spring. Hence the heather in these areas generally shows some degree of grazing effect. In the most severe forms the heather is reduced to a dense carpet only a few cm. deep. Where grazing intensity is not as high rounded "topiary" forms occur, where the bushes have a densely cropped and intertwined surface layer. Occasionally, taller plants have been grazed producing "drumstick" forms.

3. Patches of heath where the effects of management by burning are obvious occupy approximately 20% of the heath. Often it is difficult to assess how recently an area has been burnt. Obviously this is dependent on how quickly the heather re-colonises a burnt area. In areas where there are grasses present within the heather, such areas may appear re-vegetated within a single season. In other situations, on bog for example, re-establishment of heather seedlings can be slow and such areas may show the effects of burning for several years. On CL 2, the heather which had been burned on the heath, appeared to be showing good regeneration, with numerous tiny seedlings present.             

Other management on the common is associated with the maintenance of the many rows of grouse butts and the tracks which lead to them. The effect of sheep-grazing on heather condition has already been discussed. The sheep tend to congregate on peripheral grassy areas. Supplementary feeding stations are situated at the edge of the common and this has resulted in patches of especially concentrated grazing and localised poaching.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit  

Singing: Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Blackcap.

VEG:
The common occupies the site of a long-abandoned quarry and is overgrown with a complex mosaic of vegetation types which were impossible to map individually. Approximately 45% of the area is occupied by dense scrub of Crataegus monogyna, Salix cinerea, Rubus fruticosus agg., Sorbus aucuparia,  Ulex europaeus, Cytisus scoparius and rarely, Ilex aquifolium. A further 45% of the site is covered by dense bracken, although within this there are small diverse grassy areas dominated by Holcus lanatus and Deschampsia flexuosa, with occasional Galium saxatile, Luzula multiflora, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Potentilla erecta, Deschampsia cespitosa, Dryopteris dilatata,  Oxalis acetosella, Conopodium majus, Teucrium scorodonia, Cruciata laevipes, Galium mollugo, G. aparine, Stellaria holostea, Chamaenerion angustifolium and Myosotis sylvatica. Juncus effusus and Galium palustre occurs in a few damper areas. About 10% of the common has dry dwarf shrub heath with abundant Vaccinium myrtillus and occasional Calluna vulgaris.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  Mallard (male),   Curlew, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Lapwing.

VEG:
The northern section of the common coincides largely with the Hummel Knowe Moss SSSI (1). This is an area of raised and blanket mire  part of the internationally important series of Irthinghead Mires. The surface is quite even and has a carpet of bog-mosses Sphagnum papillosum and S. magellanicum  with little differentiation into hummock and hollows. Interspersed within this are frequent Eriophorum angustifolium, E. vaginatum, Tricophorum cespitosum, Erica tetralix, Empetrum nigrum and Calluna vulgaris. There is also locally frequent Narthecium ossifragum, Andromeda polifolia, Vaccinium oxycoccus and Drosera rotundifolia. In peripheral areas there are small isolated patches of Carex rostrata. There are records for the site for Rhyncopsora alba, Drosera anglica and Carex paupercula. From the plateau occupied by the SSSI, the ground slopes away southwards (2). Here is an expanse of marshy grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). In places, Eriophorum angustifolium is abundant with frequent Potentilla erecta, Festuca ovina, Carex nigra, Tricophorum cespitosum and Anthoxanthum odoratum. The slope has variations in gradient, giving rise to alternating wetter and drier areas. In the wetter parts, the vegetation becomes acidic flush (10%) where the above species are accompanied by locally frequent Sphagnum spp., Juncus effusus, Polytricum commune and occasional Erica tetralix (NVC M6c). At (3) there are larger flushed areas, with equal proportions of marshy grassland and acidic flush. At (4), there is a narrow linear acidic flush which may be following an old drainage grip. This is dominated by Sphagnum spp. and Juncus effusus, with frequent Carex curta,  C. nigra, Stellaria alsine, Galium palustre, Potentilla erecta and Cardamine pratensis (NVC M6c). At the bottom of the hill (5), there is a drier area with a mosaic of marshy grassland and semi-improved acidic grassland. The latter part is dominated by Festuca ovina, with frequent Anthoxanthum odoratum, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta and Luzula campestris. In places there is abundant Poa annua and Juncus effusus. Within the adjacent stream are locally occasional Caltha palustris, Eleocharis palustris, Lychnis flos-cuculi, Potamogeton polygonifolius, Ranunculus flammula, Equisetum fluviatile and Glyceria fluitans.

MANAGE:
The common is grazed to a small degree by sheep, cattle and horses. The stock were mainly to the south of the common at the time of the site visit and the SSSI area at (1) appears to be largely avoided. There are signs of localised eutrophication, for example at the sheepfold within area (5). The common has no registered right to graze horses. The northern section of the SSSI is managed as a nature reserve by Northumberland Wildlife Trust. There is a small amount of Calluna vulgaris within the SSSI portion (only about 5% cover). This is all small and stunted, presumably due to waterlogging. There is the possibility of the SSSI being affected, should the present stocking rates be increased, increased grazing pressure and consequent nutrient enrichment.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  

Singing: Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Yellowhammer, Meadow Pipit.  

Overhead: Black headed Gull, Swifts, Swallows, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw. 

Butterflies: Meadow Brown, Common Blue, Large White.  

Other fauna: Common Shrew

VEG:
The common occupies a narrow strip of coastal land backed by a steep slope. Much of the slope is dominated by Pteridium aquilinum, as at (1)  with rank grassland making up about 25% of the total area. This is dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata and Holcus mollis, with occasional Conopodium majus, Bromus sterilis and Equisetum arvense. The lower section of the slope at (2) has about 45% neutral grassland, with 45% dense Pteridium aquilinum and 10% scattered scrub (mostly Crataegus monogyna and Rubus fruticosus agg.). On the top of the slope at (3)  about 25% is dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium, 45% dense Pteridium aquilinum and 30% scattered scrub. On the edge of the slope is a small area of dense scrub next to an old gun implacement. This has abundant Ligustrum vulgare and Symphoricarpos albus, with an understorey of Urtica dioica and Hedera helix. Area (4), is an area of enclosed pasture, grazed by horses at the top of the slope. The turf is short and is semi-improved and dominated by Anthoxanthum odoratum and Festuca rubra  with locally frequent Lolium perenne, Poa annua, Trisetum flavescens, Holcus mollis, Senecio jacobaea, Cirsium vulgare, Bellis perennis, Ranunculus repens, Trifolium repens and Cerastium fontanum. In a few places there are occasional Conopodium majus, Plantago major,  Achillea millefolium and Veronica chamaedrys. There are also two areas of scattered Crataegus monogyna scrub. On the other side of the fence  within area (1), is a small patch of dense Ulex europaeus scrub. At the base of the slope is a level area occupied by the golf course. The greens are amenity grassland dominated by Poa annua and Festuca rubra. The peripheral areas of longer grass are more diverse and have frequent Festuca rubra, Holcus lanatus and Anthoxanthum odoratum, with occasional Dactylis glomerata,  Plantago lanceolata, Galium verum, Achillea millefolium, Ranunculus bulbosus, Lotus corniculatus, Veronica chamaedrys and Conopodium majus. To the rear of the golf course, at (6), is an area of neglected marshy grassland, surrounded by a strip of dense Salix scrub. The grassland is quite varied and has many large tussocks of Carex nigra (to 1.0m tall) and, to the edge, tussocks of Deschampsia cespitosa. Within this there is locally frequent Filipendula ulmaria, Carex otrubae, Cardamine pratensis, Equisetum palustre, Potentilla anserina, Alopecurus pratensis, Juncus effusus, J. inflexus, Eleocharis palustris, Agrostis stolonifera, Glyceria fluitans and Solanum dulcamara. A few individuals of Carex hirta and Dactylorhiza purpurella were found. The scrub has occasional individuals of Fraxinus excelsior, Crataegus monogyna and Acer pseudoplatanus. Along the seaward side of the golf course to the north at (7), is a narrow bank of maritime grassland, above the beach. This is dominated by Festuca rubra, with frequent Trisetum flavescens, Cirsium arvense, Ononis repens, Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Senecio jacobaea and Plantago lanceolata. Locally there is frequent Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Hypochoeris radicata, Heracleum sphondylium, Galium verum, Tragopogon pratensis, Achillea millefolium and Vicia sativa. In the area around the old lifeboat station, the grassland becomes patchy and has Cardaria draba, Sisymbrium officinale, Erodium circutarium, Papaver rhoeas, P. dubium, Artemisia vulgaris, Matricaria matricarioides, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Carduus nutans, Leucanthemum vulgare, Allium porrum, Plantago maritima and a few plants of Cytisus scoparius. To the south of the old lifeboat station there is a strip of disturbed sand-dune and dune grassland running southwards along the edge of the common. This area was surveyed by Jenny Loring in 1982. At (8), there is abundant Ammophila arenaria, frequent Agropyron junceiforme, and occasional Cruciata laevipes, Senecio jacobaea, Hypochoeris radicata, Ononis repens, Taraxacum officinale and Carex arenaria. ( A few individuals of the latter species are also present at the top of the ridge in area (1)). Seaward of the dune is a shallow bank built-up from dumped hardcore, acting as a sea defence. Below this  are strand-line species, including Chenopodium rubrum and Rumex crispus, with on the hardcore, Tussilago farfara, Fumaria officinalis, Sonchus oleraceus and Cymbalaria muralis. Some of the plants found in the dune system are garden escapes which may have arrived in the dumped hardcore. Further along at (9), the dune is much eroded by footpaths and has abundant Ammophila arenaria. Within this area are scattered individuals of Thalictrum minus,  Linaria purpurea, L. vulgaris, Ononsis repens, Silene alba, Fumaria muralis, Honckenya peploides, Mentha spicata, Phleum arenarium, and Allium porrum. To the seaward side (13), there is no artificial barrier and there is a narrow strip of foredune being colonised by Elymus farctus. Also recorded for the dunes as a whole, in 1982, were Fallopia aubertii (Russian-vine), Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Solidago altissima, Rosa rugosa, Malva neglecta, Cerastium tormentosum and Rubus idaeus. At (10), is an area of bare and disturbed ground with the club house and car park. In places there is abundant Allium porrum and Sedum album. The steep bank to the extreme south at (11), is dominated by Equisetum arvense, Lamium purpureum, Bromus sterilis and Urtica dioica. The grassy bank at (12), has a fine display of Pentaglottis sempervirens.

MANAGE:
The common has a management committee, the Burgage Holders Committee. This has produced an interesting leaflet about the common and its management which is handed out to motorists at the entrance to the car park. The location is particularly scenic, with the attraction of the dunes, beach and excellent views from the top of the ridge. Alnmouth itself is an attractive seaside resort, and consequently the common has a high pressure of visitors. The leaflet highlights the management work co-ordinated by the committee. This includes the provision of fencing, signs and seats, construction and repair of footpaths, resurfacing of roads, litter and "weed" control, vegetation management and dune stabilisation. The leaflet welcomes visitors to the common and asks for visitors to respect the site by following the country code. A particular management problem appears to be sand dune erosion by the numerous visitors who make extensive recreational use of this area. Recent repair work by re-turfing and cordoning-off sensitive areas has taken place. Elsewhere, there do not appear to be any acute management problems. The species-rich marshy area at (6), is not accessible to the public because of the steep slope behind and the golf course on the seaward side. The golf course is managed by the Alnmouth Village Golf Club under an agreement with the Burgage Holders. The village football club also uses an area for a pitch. The area of pasture land at the top of the slope is fenced from the main common and is heavily grazed by cattle and horses. Part of the seaward side of the common has coastal defences made by a ridge of dumped concrete rubble. 

N.B. Part of the common lies within the Northumberland Coast A.O.N.B. (see map). To the seaward side, the common is adjoined by the Countryside Commission designated North Northumberland Heritage Coast. The same situation applies for the Northumberland Shore SSSI, which is due to be scheduled in December 1992. Part of the site is within a Northumberland Wildlife Trust S.N.C.I., although no survey information was available.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were: Curlew, passing over. Willow Warbler singing from adjacent conifer plantation.

VEG:
The common is situated on a moderate north-facing slope. The grassland is mainly of NVC type M23b  with abundant Juncus effusus, Holcus lanatus,  Festuca rubra and Anthoxanthum odoratum. There is also occasional Carex nigra, Potentilla erecta, Conopodium majus, Luzula multiflora, Galium saxatile, Rumex acetosa, Agrostis capillaris, Juncus squarrosus, Deschampsia cespitosa, Ranunculus repens, Cardamine pratensis, Nardus stricta and Molinia caerulea. The moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus was locally frequent. The eastern portion of the slope was even wetter and flushed in places (NVC M6c) with  in addition to the above species  frequent Sphagnum spp. and Polytricum spp. There was in addition  a modest patch dominated by Molinia caerulea (NVC M25). The eastern boundary  adjacent to a conifer plantation had a few scattered individuals of Vaccinium myrtillus.

MANAGE:
The 1978 survey noted that the common was cattle grazed. At the time of the current survey  there was evidence of there having been some grazing in the recent past  but there were no stock present at the time of the survey.


VEG:
The common has a stand of dry heath dominated by Calluna Vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. Within this are tiny pockets of acidic grassland with Deschampsia flexuosa, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus lanatus, Luzula multiflora, Galium saxatile, Potentilla erecta and Conopodium majus (accounting for about 5% of the area). Over the heath is scattered scrub (about 20%) of Sorbus aucuparia and Betula pendula. There are also two patches of tall ruderal vegetation dominated by Chamaenerion angustifolium (one of these is within the disused quarry, which also has some individuals of Luzula sylvatica).

MANAGE:
The common is unfenced from the adjoining road and appears to have been unmanaged for a considerable time. This was also the case at the time of the 1978 survey. Consequently the Calluna is becoming quite tall (to 60cm) and degenerate  although a wide selection of younger plants are also present. The disused quarry was used for dumping in 1978  and still is. The dense stands of Chamaenerion angustifolium may be the result of fires. The common is less than the one hectare size limit. It was surveyed because of the good stand of Calluna, and because it was adjacent to CL 45 which was being mapped anyway.


FAUNA:
Recorded during the site visit were:  Common Blue Butterfly. Rabbits.

VEG:
The common occupies an abandoned limestone quarry. The main face (1)  runs the length of the site, is mostly near vertical, and to about 10m. tall in places. However, part of the cliff and the top  has species-rich calcareous grassland (probably NVC CG2c). The dominant species are Festuca rubra,  Anthoxanthum odoratum, Helicotrichon pratense, Cynosurus cristatus and Linum catharticum, with frequent Briza media, Trisetum flavescens, Taraxacum officinale agg., Campanula rotundifolia, Hieracium pilosella, Leontodon hispidus, Carex flacca and Galium verum. In addition there is occasional Thymus praecox. In cracks and narrow ledges there were occasional individuals of Sambucus nigra, Salix caprea, Dryopteris filix-mas and Hieracium sp. Below the cliff at (2)  there are mounds of unimproved neutral grassland (NVC MG5b) covering about 50% of the area. These have abundant Cynosurus cristatus and Lotus corniculatus, frequent Thymus praecox, Bellis perennis and Galium verum, with occasional Hieracium pilosella, Linum catharticum, Luzula campestris, Plantago lanceolata, Briza media, Dactylis glomerata, Trisetum flavescens, Ranunculus bulbosus, Prunella vulgaris and Euphrasia officinalis. Between these mounds the grassland becomes semi-improved, with locally abundant Lolium perenne, Poa annua, Trifolium repens, Cirsium arvense, C. vulgaris and Urtica dioica, and occasional patches of Deschampsia cespitosa, Alopecurus pratensis and Holcus lanatus. The top of the quarry at (3), is inaccessible to grazing animals and has rank neutral grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius, Holcus lanatus and Dactylis glomerata.

MANAGE:
The common forms part of a larger grazing unit from which it is unfenced. Grazing by sheep is heavy in area (1). The sheep particularly like the hollows and base of the cliff (which offers shade). The remainder of the site appears to be un-affected by grazing pressure and has no other management.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit: Singing Yellowhammer.

VEG:
Immediately adjacent to the B6318 is a narrow verge, part of which is mown intensively next to the roadside. This has dominant Arrhenatherum elatius,  frequent Dactylis glomerata, Alopecurus pratensis, Festuca rubra and Poa pratensis, with occasional Heracleum sphondylium, Allaria petiolata and Urtica dioica. Locally there is also occasional Stellaria holostea,  Geranium pratense, Silene dioica, Lathyrus pratensis, Carex nigra, Vicia sepium and Potentilla reptans. The verge is about 5m wide to the west, but narrows down to only 1.0m to the east. Behind is a closely trimmed, intact hedge of Crataegus monogyna, with occasional Sambucus nigra, Ulmus glabra and Betula pendula. Behind the hedge at (1) the common is un-fenced from an area of semi-improved pasture, and at (3) there are also scattered mature trees of Acer pseudoplatanus. At (2), behind the hedge, the common is fenced-off from adjacent fields and has somewhat rank grassland dominated by Arrhenatherum elatius, generally similar to the roadside section. This area also has the line of a second, now defunct hedge, again mostly of Crataegus monogyna bushes, but with occasional mature Fraxinus excelsior trees.

MANAGE:
A strip of the verge next to the road is regularly mown by the highway authority. The parts of the common at (1) and (3) are un-fenced from adjacent pasture and are fairly heavily grazed by cattle. The section at (2) is fully enclosed and appears unmanaged.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  Flock of Swallows. Mistle thrush.

Singing: Greenfinch, Yellowhammer, Linnet, Chaffinch, Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler.  

Butterflies: Red admiral.  

Mammals: Hare.

VEG:
The common follows a pleasant green lane. At (1)  there are sections of grassland adjacent to metalled roads. The main area is a triangle of rank, fairly damp grassland. The dominant species are Dactylis glomerata and Arrhenatherum elatius, with frequent Anthriscus sylvestris, Urtica dioica  Geranium pratense, Veronica chamaedrys, Galium cruciata, Cirsium arvense,  Galium aparine, Ranunculus repens and Potentilla anserina. Occasional individuals of Cardamine pratensis were also present. The other verges in this area were also overgrown and had locally abundant Trisetum flavescens,  Bromus sterilis and B. mollis, and occasional Geranium lucidum. The remainder of the common which follows the green lane  has a complex mosaic of habitat types. At (2), there is a mixture of 70% unimproved acidic grassland, 20% dry dwarf shrub heath and 10% scattered bracken. The dominant grasses are Deschampsia flexuosa and Agrostis capillaris. Galium saxatile and Potentilla erecta occur occasionally. The heathy areas have Vaccinium myrtillus, Calluna vulgaris, Ulex europaeus and Cytisus scoparius. Further along at (3), the grassland becomes mainly neutral in character, with dominant Holcus lanatus and Festuca rubra, frequent Anthoxanthum odoratum and Agrostis capillaris, and occasional Conopodium majus, Achillea millefolium, Veronica chamaedrys, Rumex acetosa, Poa pratensis, Leontodon hispidus and Campanula rotundifolia. Locally there is a good population of Narcissus poeticus. The calcifuges Galium saxatile and Deschampsia flexuosa are present in places. The area at (4), is similar, but also has scattered scrub of Crataegus monogyna bushes (about 10% of the area). Several individuals of Ornithogalum umbellatum were found at (5).

MANAGE:
The common appears unmanaged. A small area of grassland has been eutrophicated in places where stock have been herded along the lane between fields. The good diversity of birds is due in part to the wide range of habitat types on the common and also due to large areas of favourable adjoining habitat.


FAUNA:
Recorded during brief site visit were: Curlew, Red Deer.                       

THORNGRAFTON PEAT MOSS AND WAY - INVERTEBRATE SITE REGISTER

Bembidon mannerheimi 
(Sahlberg)				COL:Carabidae	 1985
Bradycellus ruficolus 
(Stephens)				COL:Carabidae	 1985
Harpalus latus (L)		COL:Carabidae	 1985
Hydroporus obscurus 
(Sturm)	  				COL:Dytiscidae	 1970-
Notiophilus aquaticus	COL:Carabidae	 1986
Notiophilus germinyi	COL:Carabidae	 1985
Notiophilus palustris 
(Dufts.)  				COL:Carabidae	 1985
Pterostichus diligens 
(Sturm)   				COL:Carabidae	 1985
Stenus brevipennis		COL:Staphylinidae  1981
Synuchus nivalis 
(Panzer)	  			COL:Carabidae	 1985
Parasemia plantaginis	LEP:Arctiidae	 1984
    Wood Tiger Moth
Saturnia pavonia		LEP:Saturniidae	 1970
    Emperor Moth
Thera firmata			LEP:Geometridae	 1964
    Pine Carpet Moth

VEG:
The common is a small plot of mire, within the Muckle Moss SSSI. It was impossible to locate the precise location of the common, whose boundaries were not marked in any way. The SSSI as a whole is a valley mire which has a species rich core area. Peripheral to this are fen areas which are not as diverse  but which are essential to maintaining the high water table of the site. The area occupied by the common appeared to lie just at the edge of the species rich area and was dominated by bog mosses (Sphagnum magellanicum, S. papillosum, S. recurvum and S. cuspidatum), with frequent Eriophorum vaginatum, Tricophorum cespitosum, Eriophorum angustifolium,  Vaccinium oxycoccus, Potentilla erecta, Polytrichum commune, Erica tetralix,  Calluna vulgaris, Drosera rotundifolia, Juncus effusus, Narthecium ossifragum and Carex curta. There were scattered individuals of Dactylorhiza maculata, Andromeda polifolia and occasional small bushes of Salix spp. The SSSI is a site for three rare species of Sphagnum, S. riparium, S. balticum and S. dusenii, the latter at its only known British locality.

MANAGE:
The surrounding peripheral areas have been improved agriculturally to provide grazing for stock. On the core area of the mire,  and on the common itself, there was no evidence of any significant grazing pressure, although there may be modest grazing; by deer, for example. The Calluna covers about 30% of the common. This is generally mature and to about 40cm. tall. A small amount of the Calluna has been burned.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site survey were:  

Singing: Whinchat, Willow Warbler, Yellowhammer, Wood Warbler, Skylark, Bullfinch.  

Overhead: Carrion Crow, Kestrel.  

Butterflies: Small Heath.  

INVERTEBRATE SITE REGISTER
This common lies within an area which is identified as a Grade B site on the Invertebrate Site Register (Muckle Moss). There are a large number of invertebrate records for this site. In summary the site is a well known site for Green Hairstreak and Large Heath. The site is good for dragonflies, with a well established population of Sympetrum danae and Orthetrum coerulescens reported in 1982. An extensive water beetle list includes the rare peatland species Llybius aenescens. 

The full list is as follows:

Notable/Nb

Orthetrum coerulescens,	ODO:Libellulidae  1982
    Keeled Skimmer
Enochrus affinis 
(Thunberg)	  			COL:Hydrophilidae 1970-
Llybius aenescens		COL:Dytiscidae	1970-
Patrobus septentrionis	COL:Carabidae	1960
Carsia sororiata		LEP:Geometridae	1984
    Manchester Treble-bar
Coenonympha tullia 
(Muller)	  			LEP:Satyridae	1984
    Large Heath
Crambus pratella		LEP:Pyralidae	1977
Dyscia fagaria			LEP:Geometridae	1930
    Grey Scalloped Bar


Sympetrum danae			ODO:Libellulidae  1983
    Black darter
Hesperocorixa castanea	HEM:Corixidae	1981
Carabus arvensis 
(Herbst)	  			COL:Carabidae	1985
Dysticus semisculatus 
(Muller)				COL:Dytiscidae	1929
Enochrus 
quadripunctatus	  		COL:Hydrophilidae 1970-
Pterosticus vernalis 
(Panzer) 				COL:Carabidae	1985
Bena prasinana			LEP:Notuidae		1964
    Scarce Silver-lines
Callophrys rubi			LEP:Lycenidae    -1981
    Green Hairstreak
Scopula immutata		LEP:Geometridae	1977
    Lesser Cream Wave
Vespula austriaca		HYM:Vespidae		1980
    Cuckoo Wasp

Local

Cordulegaster bolton	ODO:Cordulegasteri 1979
    Golden-ringed Dragonfly
Callicorixa wollastoni	HEM:Corixidae	 1981
Zicrona caerulea		HEM:Pentatomidae   1977
Agabus affinis 
(Paykull)		  		COL:Dytiscidae	 1970-
Agabus congener 
(Thunb.)		  		COL:Dytiscidae	 1970-


ADDITIONAL NOTE ON FAUNA FOR CL 113 FROM THE INVERTEBRATE SITE REGISTER

An extensive moth list is available for this common. Some information is also provided for beetles and bugs. Red data book and notable species recorded were:

Notable
Lygus punctatus	  		HEM:Miridae		 1983
Trechus secalis	  		COL:Carabidae	 1976
Clostera pigra		  	LEP:Notodontidae   1970
Dicallomera fascelina 	LEP:Lymantriidae   1974
Hydriomena ruberata   	LEP:Geometridae	 1969

Local
Bembidion mannerheimi 	COL:Carabidae	 1976
Pterostichus diligens 	COL:Carabidae	 1976
















Invertebrate Site 
Register: see extra 
notes at end.

Invertebrate Site
Register: see additional
notes ate end.

Invertebrate Site 
Register: additional 
notes at end.

Invertebrate Site
Register: additional 
notes at end.

Invertebrate Site 
Register: additional
notes at end.

VEG:
Most of the Longhorsley Moor SSSI lies within the boundary of the common, and most of the common in turn is situated within a Northumberland Wildlife Trust Site of Nature Conservation Importance. The north-eastern section is the SSSI  which was designated because it is the best example of lowland sub-atlantic heath remaining in Northumberland. Much of the remaining part of the common has lost its heath due to agricultural improvement. The vegetation map has been prepared using that in the SSSI file, in combination with information from the site survey. The heath is generally wet in character (area (3)  for example),  and is dominated by Calluna vulgaris and Molinia caerulea, with locally frequent Erica tetralix,  Tricophorum cespitosum,  Carex nigra and Vaccinium myrtillus. In places the heath is somewhat drier and has frequent Deschampsia flexuosa,  Nardus stricta, and Juncus squarrosus,  with occasional Galium saxatile and Potentilla erecta. There is heath/grassland mosaic to the east of Horsley High Barns, where part of the common has been enclosed and is being grazed. The eastern edge of the SSSI (2)  has dense and invading scrub. The dominant species are Betula pendula, B. pubescens, Salix caprea, and S. repens. In places there are individuals of Ulex europaeus, and at (1)  there is an impenetrable stand of this species to 3m. tall. In places the Betula scrub has developed into secondary woodland, with a field layer of damp acid grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea and Holcus lanatus with Succisa pratensis and Deschampsia cespitosa. The drier areas have Teucrium scorodonia, Oxalis acetosella, and Deschampsia flexuosa. Along Whemley Burn at (11)  there is secondary scrub woodland with Betula pubescens, Alnus glutinosa, Salix caprea and S. aurita. Next to the stream there is Poa nemoralis,  Athyrium filix-femina,  Urtica dioica, Stachys sylvatica, and Galium aparine. To the south of the SSSI at (10), is a narrow strip of flushed grassland along a small path. This area is species rich and includes Festuca rubra, F. ovina, Carex flacca, Lotus uliginosus, Centaurea nigra, Succisa pratensis, Euphrasia sp., Prunella vulgaris, Dacylorhiza fuchsii, Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix and Molinia caerulea. Platanthera bifolia was recorded here in 1971, but has not been seen recently. Much of the area to the north of the SSSI is dominated by dense Pteridium aquilinum. The extreme north of the common is outside the SSSI boundary. Where Whemley Burn crosses the road at (4), there is a small area of marshy grassland with frequent Filipendula ulmaria, Valeriana officinalis and Deschampsia cespitosa, with occasional Rumex obtusifolius, Geum rivale, Juncus effusus, Stellaria alsine, Potentilla anserina and Galium palustre. The western edge of the SSSI is marked by a fence. Area (5), has a mosaic of marshy and acidic grassland. The wetter areas are dominated by Molinia caerulea with some Trichophorum cespitosum. The drier parts have Deschampsia flexuosa and Festuca ovina. There are scattered patches (10%) of wet heath with Calluna vulgaris and Erica tetralix. Patches of scattered scrub have Betula pendula and Ulex europaeus. Further west, the grassland becomes drier and semi-improved (6). Cynosurus cristatus and Holcus lanatus are abundant in places, with occasional Deschampsia cespitosa. About 20% of the area has pockets of wet heath/acidic grassland, with Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, Molinia caerulea, Carex nigra, Juncus squarrosus, Deschampsia flexuosa and occasionally, Carex panicea and Juncus effusus. There is a diffuse patch of scattered scrub with individuals of Ulex europaeus. At (7), the grassland becomes clearly mesotrophic in character, with abundant Cynosurus cristatus and frequent Holcus lanatus, Anthoxanthum odoratum, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Lolium perenne and Cirsium arvense, with occasional Trifolium repens, Cerastium fontanum and Ranunculus repens. Occasionally there are dense clumps of Juncus effusus and J. conglomeratus with occasional Deschampsia cespitosa. Part of the area has scattered scrub of Betula pendula and Ulex europaeus. A road runs through the far south-western corner of the common. This area is fenced from the adjoining grassland and is mainly wooded (8). About 80% is scrub and secondary woodland dominated by Betula pendula, and locally Sorbus aucuparia, with occasional Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica, Crataegus monogyna, Salix cinerea and Alnus glutinosa. The field layer is acidic in character and has frequent Rubus fruticosus agg., Holcus lanatus, Deschampsia flexuosa, Festuca rubra and Dryopteris dilatata, with occasional Lonicera pericylmenum, Chamaenerion angustifolium, Vaccinium myrtillus and Deschampsia cespitosa. Within this area are small patches of remnant dry heath with Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus. There are also patches of tussocky Molinia caerulea in a few places. On the other side of the road at (9), is similar woodland, with patches of dense Pteridium aquilinum and also of Chamaenerion angustifolium.

MANAGE:
Much of the common, particularly the western section, beyond the SSSI boundary, is heavily grazed by cattle and sheep. About 5% of this area has remnant Calluna vulgaris which is all in a closely-cropped "carpet" form. Within the SSSI, the area to the west has been enclosed to some extent by internal fencing. The areas at (12), opposite Horsley High Barns, seem to be grazed the most intensively and electric fences are in use. Here much of the heath has disappeared, or is present only as heath/grassland mosaic (13). In the latter area the cover of Calluna vulgaris is about 50%, all showing the effects of grazing, with "drumstick" and "carpet" forms. The remaining heath on the SSSI does not appear to be significantly damaged by grazing. The more open areas of heath; (3) and (14), for example, have heather cover at between 75-90% and between 25-40 cm. tall, ("heather" in this case meaning Calluna vulgaris and/or Erica tetralix). A small proportion of dead and senescent heather is present. In areas which have scrub present; (1) and (2), for example, heather is much less prevalent at around 20% cover and is generally mature and "leggy", and up to 50 cm. tall. Further small amounts of heather are present in clearings in the wooded strip at the western edge of the common. Much of the SSSI is being invaded by birch scrub. In places there has been recent management work to thin out areas of scrub by the removal of Betula pendula seedlings. Next to the metalled track running across the SSSI there are a number of bee hives.

That part of the common which forms the SSSI is currently regulated by a section 15 management agreement. However, large parts of the common, including parts of the SSSI, are heavily grazed by cattle and sheep. At the time of going to press, discussions are currently taking place into the possibility of replacing Section 15 agreement with a 5 year management plan for the whole common, either under a Countryside Stewardship Agreement or a lowland heathland grant.


FAUNA:
Recorded during site visit were:  Oystercatcher, Black headed Gull, Willow Warbler, Wren, Swallow, Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Curlew (overhead), Carrion Crow.  

Butterflies: Large White, Meadow Brown.

VEG:
The common lies in the valley of the River Coquet and is almost all within a Northumberland Wildlife Trust Site of Nature Conservation Interest. The main interest of this site is in adjoining woodland which is not actually on the common. However at (1)  is an area of dense Salix scrub and gravel ridges which was surveyed by the Trust in 1978. This has abundant Salix purpurea,  S. cinerea, S. caprea and Alnus glutinosa, and occasional Crataegus monogyna. Underneath the scrub there is frequent Stachys sylvatica,  Mercurialis perennis and Silene dioica, with occasional Myosotis scorpioides, Allium ursinum, Ribes rubrum, Galium aparine, Lapsana communis and a few individuals of Aconitum napellus. There are also records for this location for Polemonium caeruleum, Anthyllis vulneraria, Vicia lathyroides, Trifolium arvense, Viola lutea, Agrimonia procera and Mentha spicata. Immediately to the east  bordering the river is a shingle bank which appears to have been eroded somewhat since 1978. This had scattered plants of Festuca arundinacea, Mimulus luteus, Verbascum thapsus, Digitalis purpurea and Reseda luteola. In the south west, the scrub is crossed by a narrow stream which flows into the river. In the vicinity of this there are occasional Valeriana officinalis, Caltha palustris, Filipendula ulmaria,  Veronica beccabunga, Juncus articulatus and J. effusus. Within the stream itself there is a species of water crowfoot, possibly Ranunculus aquatilis. Within the area of scrub at (2), is an open area with grassland and scattered scrub. The dominant species are Cynosurus cristatus and Dactylis glomerata with frequent Geranium pratense and Cruciata laevipes, plus occasional Stellaria graminea and Galium verum. The scrub includes occasional bushes of Crataegus monogyna, Rosa canina and Berberis vulgaris. To the south of here, along the bank of the river is a row of scattered scrub including Alnus glutinosa, Cytisus scoparius, Salix sp. and Ulex europaeus. The rest of the common to the south of here, and also to the north-east of the river, is largely semi-improved neutral grassland. This area has been much sub-divided by fences. There is scattered Crataegus monogyna scrub in places. The dominant grasses are Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca rubra, Phleum pratense and Poa pratensis. In places, Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca rubra Trisetum flavescens, Poa annua and Lolium perenne are abundant, as are Cirsium arvense, C. vulgaris, Trifolium repens and Rumex obtusifolius. There are narrow verges at the side of the road along the western edge of the common. These have more diverse grassland, with forbs including Galium verum, Achillea millefolium, Equisetum arvense and Stellaria graminea. At (4), there is a wet ditch surrounded by a strip of dense scrub (mainly Alnus glutinosa and Salix caprea). In the ditch are Glyceria fluitans, Filipendula ulmaria, Juncus effusus, Epilobium hirsutum, Iris pseudacorus, Equisetum fluviatile, Caltha palustris, Galium palustre, Eleocharis palustris and Mentha aquatica. On the wall there is Sedum album. In the north-east at (5), there is marshy grassland dominated by Juncus effusus with occasional Valeriana officinalis. At the western edge of here is a wet ditch, also with Juncus effusus, and also Iris pseudacorus and Eleocharis palustris. This part of the common was surveyed with binoculars from high ground to the east. At (8), there is a shingle bank, with some inundation vegetation (50% of the area), with 25% neutral grassland and 25% scattered scrub. The eastern boundary has a slope with woodland and scrub at (7). The dominant trees are Fraxinus excelsior, with abundant Crataegus monogyna bushes. At the lower edge of the slope are numerous Alnus glutinosa, and there are scattered Sambucus nigra over the whole slope. At (8), along the top of the slope is a small open area with an outcrop of limestone. This has pockets of calcareous grassland. The total area of the clearing is about 20m. long by about 10m. downslope. This has abundant Festuca ovina, frequent Helictotrichon pratense, Trisetum flavescens, Briza media, Hieracium pilosella, Thymus praecox, Lotus corniculatus, Leontodon hispidus, Plantago media, Galium verum, Prunella vulgaris and Linum catharticum, and occasional Euphrasia officinalis,  Cynosurus cristatus and Carex flacca.

MANAGE:
Much of the common has been sub-divided by fencing and is fairly heavily grazed by sheep and cattle. Small parts may be cut for hay. The remainder of the common appears unmanaged.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Goldfinch, Swallow, Yellow Wagtail (Family Party), Starling, Kestrel, Meadow Pipit, Lapwing, Canada Geese.  The site is probably a good feeding area for waders and wildfowl in winter.  Common Tern feeding along river.  
Hare.  
Peacock, Gatekeeper, Small Tortoishell.  Sympetrum striolatum and Ischnura elegans around pond and ditch.

VEG:
The common is predominantly B22 semi-improved coarse grassland with MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus pasture grading into MG9 Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa grassland (1) in wetter lower-lying areas. Species present include Trifolium repens, Ranunculus repens, Cirsium arvense, C.vulgare, Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Agrostis stolonifera, Festuca rubra and Alopecurus geniculatus. The flood embankments (2) support Carduus nutans. A pond (3) and associated ditch is cattle-poached and supports Apium nodiflorum, Ranunculus sceleratus, Glyceria maxima, Cardamine pratensis, Oenanthe fistulosa, Typha latifolia, Alisma plantago-aquatica and Scirpus lacustris. The ditch forms the boundary with CL3 and holds much Lemna sp.. Another boundary ditch (4) has Phalaris arundinacea, Filipendula ulmaria and Epilobium hirsutum. A boundary hedge (5) has hawthorn, ash and elder.

MANAGE:
The scarcity of dicotyledons suggests that the grassland has been treated with herbicides in the past. At present, the common is grazed by sheep and cattle, at moderate grazing pressure, and thistles are cut. It is managed as part of a complex of CL units. Present management should continue, with no further pasture improvement. Willows could be planted along the ditch, and small ponds created in areas of species-poor grassland.


FAUNA:
On visit Goldfinch, Swift, Woodpigeon and Magpie noted.

VEG:
An area of B22 semi-improved neutral grassland bordering the river Trent. Area (1) is close-grazed Lolium perenne grassland with Agrostis stolonifera, abundant Trifolium repens, clumps of Cirsium arvense, especially by the river, and occasional Ranunculus repens. Area (2) appears to have reverted from earlier improvement. Large tussocks of Deschampsia cespitosa dominate the grassland and C.arvense is abundant. Area (3) is generally bare ground (J4) colonised by Phleum pratense, Potentilla reptans, Cirsium arvense and L.perenne. The embankment (4) is improved (B4) and has been reseeded with L.perenne and T.repens. The northern boundary of the common is a ditch which is steep-sided and wide with Apium nodiflorum, Sparganium erectum and stands of Phalaris arundinacea. Urtica dioica and C.arvense are abundant on the banks.

MANAGE:
The common is cattle grazed, probably for all of the year. There were signs of horses, but these may not have been grazing animals on the site. The common has probably been reseeded in the past and has reverted in wetter, less heavily grazed parts. The west and south boundaries have dense hawthorn hedges which should be retained in their present state. The ditch is the most diverse area, and care should be taken to avoid pollution or damage here. Otherwise, present management should continue.


FAUNA:
The site supports a range of common open grassland species and probably holds similar species to CL1 adjacent.

VEG:
The common is dominated by semi-improved B22 grassland, principally MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus pasture with Trifolium repens, Ranunculus acris, Cirsium arvense, Taraxacum officinale, Achillea millefolium, Dactylis glomerata, Deschampsia cespitosa, Phleum pratense, Agrostis stolonifera, Holcus lanatus and Festuca rubra. The boundary ditch holds Lemna sp., and the common is crossed by flood embankments.

MANAGE:
The sward is generally species-poor, possibly due to past treatment with herbicides. At present, the area is cattle-grazed, and thistles are topped; management occurs as part of a complex of CL units. Continuation of present management is recommended, with no further pasture improvement.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Skylark, Starling, Swallow, Blackbird, Carrion Crow, Turtle Dove, Crow, Heron, Great Crested Grebe and 3 Common Terns on river.  
Moles present.

VEG:
A large area of improved, but reverting, grassland, with some old hedgerows and standard trees. (1) Improved grassland; mostly dominated by Lolium perenne with Trifolium repens, Bromus hordaceus, Cynosurus cristatus, Holcus lanatus, Dactylis glomerata. Some areas are reverting, especially in wetter parts and Deschampsia cespitosa is abundant, especially over uneven ground to south of site. Other species present include Cirsium arvense, Urtica dioica. Areas 1b and 1c are more disturbed with ranker grassland and more thistles. The embankment has very short-grazed grassland. 1a is a small enclosure dominated by L.perenne with Rumex spp. and thistles, separated by a hedge and fence. (2) Hedgerows. The small northern section of the common has numerous hedges. 2a is a dense line of Salix fragilis along an old dried-up channel. 2b has large hawthorns and S.fragilis. 2c is a line of old hawthorns and standard ash trees. 2d has hawthorn elder and willow. The western boundary (2e) is formed by a line of hawthorns and willows with clumps of hawthorn scrub over nettles and brambles at the extreme south end. (3) Marginal vegetation. The banks of the river are generally very steep and have slumped in places. The southern part has Phalaris arundinacea, nettles, thistles, and Artemisia vulgaris. Typha latifolia and Sparganium erectum occur along the river edge, with Apium nodiflorum and Polygonum amphibium in shallow water.

MANAGE:
The common is cattle-grazed; c.20 were counted at time of visit. Grazing is very uneven, with highest grazing pressure on the embankment. The area 1c shows signs of bonfires. The site has several fences and hedges, and several of the latter should be managed sympathetically, with some planting up of gaps. Otherwise, management should continue as at present, with no further pasture improvement.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were recorded: Skylark, Starling, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Moorhen, 15 Canada Geese and 1 Common Tern feeding on river.

VEG:
The common is a large area of B22 semi-improved neutral grassland. (1) the centre of the site is dominated by coarse, tussocky MG9 Holcus lanatus-Deschampsia cespitosa grassland. Other species present include Agrostis stolonifera, Cynosurus cristatus, Lolium perenne, Cirsium vulgare. The vegetation is c.75cm tall and very dense The site margins (2 and 3) are MG6 L.perenne-C.cristatus grassland quite tussocky in (2) with H.lanatus, Phleum pratense and some D. cespitosa. The embankments (3) are heavily grazed with patches of Cirsium arvense (3a). Herbs are infrequent. The drainage channel (4) was dry at time of visit but has D.cespitosa. There are other old dry channels on the site. The northern boundary (5a) is a largely dry watercourse with Glyceria fluitans and Phalaris arundinacea. Banks have abundant Urtica dioica, rank grasses and occasional scrub. 5b is a completely dry ditch with dense nettles, and scrub on western bank.

MANAGE:
The common is enclosed pasture, grazed by c.50 cattle and 30 sheep at the time of survey. It is likely that the pasture used to flood, and Deschampsia cespitosa has become locally dominant. The embankments have been reseeded and are preferentially grazed by stock. The central area, dominated by D.cespitosa, is hardly grazed. The hedgerows on the north and west sides of the common are valuable features and should be retained. The south boundary is a more diverse ditch - see CL2. Point (6) is the foundations of a building. Present management should continue, with no further attempts to improve the pasture.


FAUNA:
No information for the site. Moles noted on visit.

VEG:
The largest section of the site is rank, disturbed acidic grassland (B12) becoming more mesotrophic. Agrostis capillaris is dominant with much Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, Holcus lanatus and Plantago lanceolata. There is scattered Ulex europaeus, Senecio jacobaea, Chamenerion angustifolium and Salix cinerea scrub. Campanula rotundifolia, Hypochaeris radicata, Achillea millefolium and Rumex obtusifolius also present. Area (A) is a 10m wide strip of scrub (blackthorn, gorse and Rosa sp.) with C31 tall herb, mainly Artemisia vulgaris, C.angustifolium and rank MG1 A.elatius grassland. A small area of A21 dense hawthorn scrub occurs in the NW corner. The southern part is J4 bare ground with much earth dumping and containing Polygonum aviculare, P. hydropiper, Tripleurospermum maritimum, Urtica dioica, Artemisia, C.angustifolium, Ranunculus repens, Elymus repens, Matricaria matricarioides, Chenopodium album and garden escapes.

MANAGE:
The common is mostly unmanaged, except for some very thin verge cutting in places. There is some dumping of earth along the east side, and much litter and rubbish dumping. The area has been burnt in the past. Children have worn numerous tracks through the grassland. The site has some interest, and sympathetic management could allow the sward to become more diverse. The area should be mown, at least once annually, with removal of cuttings using a forage harvester. Some scrub should be allowed to remain.


VEG:
The northern side is mown amenity grassland with numerous young planted trees including oak, sycamore and whitebeam. The northern edge has unmown MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland with Urtica dioica, Heracleum sphondylium, Cirsium arvense, Achillea millefolium, Armoracia rusticana and Calystegia sepium.  The south- eastern corner is dense hawthorn and blackthorn scrub.

MANAGE:
The grassland closest to the road is mown, and the trees are maintained. Present management should continue, as the combination of mown grassland, rough grassland and planted trees makes the site as diverse as is realistically possible on such a small area of land.


FAUNA:
The combination of scrub and riverside provides diverse habitat. Long-tailed Tit, Linnet and Rabbits noted on visit.

VEG:
The common is predominantly covered with Ulex europaeus, with scattered bracken and Chamenerion angustifolium. More open areas hold MG1 Arrhenatherum elatius grassland with Dactylis glomerata and Artemisia vulgaris. Scrophularia nodosa and Conium maculatum occur next to the river, with alders and willows.

MANAGE:
The common is a valuable area of scrub and grassy clearings, and non-intervention for the next few years is recommended. Small-scale tree planting has occurred.


FAUNA:
On visit the following species were noted: Kestrel, Great Tit, Greenfinch, Robin, House Sparrow, Linnet, Yellowhammer, Blue Tit, Magpie, Starling.  Green-veined White.  Anthills present.

VEG:
Much of the site is B12 semi-improved acidic grassland with areas of A21 dense and A22 scattered scrub (mainly Ulex europaeus, Rosa sp., Quercus sp., Crataegus monogyna, Prunus spinosa). The acidic grassland is dominated by Agrostis capillaris with Festuca sp., Plantago lanceolata, Hypochaeris radicata, Dactylis glomerata, Urtica dioica, Hypericum perforatum, H.pulchrum and Polytrichum sp.. There is some Trifolium repens, Stellaria media and areas of B22 Arrhenatherum elatius-dominated grassland. Senecio jacobaea is abundant across the whole site. There is rank MG1 Arrhenatherum grassland by the stream bank and in the SE corner where Chamenerion angustifolium is found. The stream bank itself has Salix fragilis, Alnus glutinosa, P.spinosa, areas of nettles, Phalaris arundinacea and a fence. There is a thick hedge and a bank of Scrub and MG1 by the main road. Rubus fruticosus is scattered over parts of the site.

MANAGE:
The common appears to be grazed by horses periodically, though none were present at the time of the visit, and by rabbits constantly. Grazing pressure is high. There has been some dumping of rubbish in places. The present management should continue, with small amounts of scrub clearance. The area is a valuable area of open acidic grassland, albeit rather disturbed.


FAUNA:
The common is locally important for high populations of warblers (Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Whitethroat), and in winter holds thrush and finch roosts. Grasshopper Warbler recorded in 1980.  
The common is an ISR site, ungraded, and species lists exist in NCC files. Survey work in 1987 recorded several local or uncommon Diptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera.

VEG:
The common is now largely scrub dominated, principally by Crataegus monogyna, Rosa sp. and Sambucus nigra. The grassland is a good example of species-rich neutral grassland characteristic of rough pasture on clay soils. It is dominated by Deschampsia cespitosa, Holcus lanatus and Festuca rubra; other species include Galium verum, Stachys officinalis, Genista tinctoria, Lotus corniculatus, Centaurea nigra, Moehringia trinervia, Achillea ptarmica, Alchemilla glabra, Pimpinella major, Potentilla erecta, Ranunculus flammula, Sanguisorba officinalis, Silaum silaus and Succisa pratensis. Quadrats were taken for NVC in 1987 but no community allocated. 84 species of vascular plant recorded in 1987. Luzula multiflora (rare in Nottinghamshire) occurs on the site. There is a thin strip of A111 broad-leaved woodland along The Dumble - Fraxinus excelsior and Ulmus glabra present.

MANAGE:
The area appears to be unmanaged at present. Scrub invasion is a problem, and the grassland, especially the Deschampsia cespitosa, is becoming very rank. There is an urgent need for scrub clearance and cutting or grazing.


FAUNA:
On visit Swallow, Collared Dove and Moles noted.

VEG:
The common is dominated by B22 semi-improved neutral grassland: a MG6 Lolium perenne-Cynosurus cristatus community, with Holcus lanatus, Phleum pratense, Ranunculus repens but little Trifolium repens. Other species include much Cirsium arvense, some C. vulgare, Urtica dioica, Dactylis glomerata, Arrhenatherum elatius, Juncus inflexus. The sward has few other species but is quite rough. Hedges are mainly hawthorn with standard ash and willow trees. A ditch runs along the southern hedge - it is deep, shady and overhung with Hedera helix. Another ditch runs along the track which forms the north-east boundary; this has Glyceria fluitans, Alopecurus geniculatus and some scattered,low grazed hawthorn scrub.

MANAGE:
The common appears to be cut for hay, though some cuttings are left. The aftermath is grazed by cattle. Present management should continue, with no further pasture improvement.


FAUNA:
No information available; Swallow and House Martin were feeding under the oak tree.

VEG:
Most of the site is rank grassland now almost mesotrophic, but with some remnant patches of Agrostis capillaris, indicating that it was probably once acidic grassland. Arrhenatherum elatius (MG1) grassland is dominant, with much Heracleum sphondylium Cirsium arvense, Achillea millefolium and Armoracia rusticana, Urtica dioica, Ulex europaeus. There is some Trifolium repens, Potentilla reptans, Festuca rubra, Cerastium fontanum, Plantago lanceolata, Symphytum officinale, Trifolium dubium, Rumex obtusifolius, Chamenerion angustifolium and Conium maculatum. A boundary hedge along the southern edge is largely hawthorn and elder, and there is one standard oak tree. The west end of the site (A) has been levelled and possibly reseeded with Lolium perenne, Holcus lanatus, Festuca sp. and many weeds such as Tripleurospermum maritimum and Papaver rhoeas. There is gravelled bare ground here.

MANAGE:
Most of the common is unmanaged. However, the western end has been reseeded, and there has been some tree planting. Bollards have been erected to prevent car parking. The grassland needs either grazing, perhaps most realistically by horses, or cutting at least annually with removal of cuttings.


VEG:
The common is close-mown, amenity grassland - MG7 Lolium perenne community. It includes the old embankment, with the road now on top of it. The Trent banks are piled with railings.

MANAGE:
The grassland is close-mown. Anglers fish from the banks. Areas of longer grass should be left to form a more diverse structure to the grassland. Otherwise, little can be recommended, except for continuation of present management and no further grassland improvement.


